2009
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A grass fire burned 15 ha and came perilously close to neighbouring properties east of Benalla racecourse last Thursday.
Sheds on a Dennis Rd property were burnt, but the fire crews prevented the fire from moving to nearby homes.
Region 23 CFA operations officer David Harris said crews did an exceptional job of containing the fire, which started from a cigarette butt.
“There was some good work in the field putting out the fire,” Mr Harris said.
“We received the call at 2.08 pm and the fire was contained within half an hour.”
Mr Harris said 10 trucks attended the fire, including eight from Wangarrata.
The crews remained at the scene for some time, blacking out around the fence line and continuing to monitor the smouldering sheds.
CFA warned people to dispose of cigarette butts correctly and to use extreme care when using slashers and other mechanical equipment.
The CFA also stressed it was not too late to implement a summer fire plan.
Daryl Horsburgh honoured by CFA
Also in The Ensign this week in 2009:
● Tatong Tavern raised $22 000 for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, taking out eighth place in Victoria for its efforts.
● Benalla's VCE students celebrated the end of exams and school life.
● Benalla Breakers’ Under-16 boys team beat Wodonga in the final of the Wangaratta Basketball tournament.
1994
Former Benalla and Murray Bushrangers footballer Richard Bull will line up with North Melbourne next year after being picked up on their supplementary list.
Richard, one of the Bushrangers most consistent performers last year, said he did not expect to be picked up in the draft of on the supplementary list.
“I wasn't disappointed when I missed out, because I didn't expect to be picked up,” Richard said.
“It would have been nice, but it's pretty hard when you consider all the good players.”
He said when he was informed about his selection, he was shocked.
Benalla artists exhibit in Violet Town
“I couldn't believe it at first,” he said.
“The fact that I barrack for North Melbourne makes it even better.”
The supplementary list allows aspiring AFL players to get a taste of league football in the reserves grade competition.
Richard will start training with the Roos shortly and if he can impress coach Dennis Pagan and the recruitment officers over summer, he may be picked up in the March draft.
“I want to just give it my best shot and really make the most of my opportunities.”
“It will be a great experience playing reserves football and getting a taste of what it's all about and hopefully doing enough to get on the senior list,” he said.
But AFL football isn't new to Richard, he played one reserve game for St Kilda last season.
Mike Kyvel is Benalla's latest Lion
Also in The Ensign this week in 1994:
● Benalla was blasted by a violent wind storm, damaging about 80 homes.
● Benalla lost its bid for a new 600-bed medium-security jail.
● Beth Sherriff was crowned Benalla's Rose Festival Queen for 1994.
1969
This bright quartet are all former Benalla Students who entered Convent FCJ Order and came from Melbourne to Benalla Convent to spend part of the school vacation.
During their stay Sister O'Dea, accompanied by three other attractive looking nuns, attended a private screening at the Regal Cinema, where Sister O'Dea saw the first trailer of the Ned Kelly film in which her sister Molly, now Mrs Stan Gardiner, of Melbourne, acted as "Kate" Kelly, with Benalla's coach, Bob Chitty as Ned.
This was the first attempt after 1939-45 war of producing a Ned Kelly film. A venture undertaken by two families, the O'Deas and the O'Sheas.
With Rupert Kathner as producer, the trailer, of 10 minutes, was shot in the beautiful wattle country at the top of Ryan’s Creek, not far from the home of the O’Deas.
It was a great thrill for Sister O’Dea to watch her sister Molly in the role of Kate, who added colour to the picture with the great horsemanship she displayed.
The three other nuns present thoroughly enjoyed the screening as on of their memorable outings during their short stay in Benalla.
Also in The Ensign this week in 1969:
* The Euroa sheep sale featured 14 000 top quality animals.
* Ms E Haebich won the ladies prize at the Euchre players presentation evening.
* Local car dealerships began selling the new Torana six-cylinder compact.
* Olivers Mensland was selling towelling shirts for only $4.50.
Sports journalist