Media Releases

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty in Parliament today took part in a minute's silence to remember the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

“This was an opportunity for all members of all parties to pause to remember and reflect on those who lost lives or who have been affected by the tragedy of Black Saturday,” Mr Delahunty said.

“It was also a time to give thanks for all those involved in fighting the fires on that dreadful time in Victoria’s history.”

“Here in western Victoria thankfully there was no loss of life, but Mr John Smeets suffered extensive burns in the Coleraine fires.  We did, however, sustain losses of houses, property, livestock, machinery, sheds and many kilometres of fencing.”

“As part of the observance of the Black Saturday bushfires, I wore a yellow tie and all MP’s wore a yellow ribbon,” Mr Delahunty said.

“We are in a dry period and the fire danger is extremely high.  I ask everyone to be vigilant during the hot weather and in light of this I am supporting the CFA Volunteers’ Fire Safety Starts With You Campaign,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty played host at Parliament House to Lowan centenarians Mrs Lily Briggs and Mrs Belle Baker at the recent Centenary Club afternoon tea held last Monday.

“The afternoon tea was part of the launch of Seniors Week and I was delighted that Lily and Belle could be part of this event,” Mr Delahunty said.

“I was privileged to be able to attend the function and to hear many stories from these people who have lived through so many significant events which are part of our history and the recalled many momentous happenings.”

“As the Minister for Sport and Recreation I want to see more people more active more often and it was pleasing that the main message from the centenarians who attended Monday’s function was “keep busy and active”,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the close-knit community of Willaura will receive funding support from the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate its racing history, rediscovered in an old bookies’ bag.

“The Willaura Cup is a new race day launched last year, after an old bookies bag full of memorabilia was given to the Ararat Turf Club (ATC), revealing the history of the long-disbanded Willaura Racing Club,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said the Coalition Government is providing $24,250 to help local residents celebrate that history and attract spectators from Ararat and the Grampians region.

“The Willaura Cup is a sensational racing initiative to celebrate all those involved in the Willaura Racing Club, which ran its last race in November 1957, but was rediscovered just recently,” Mr Delahunty said.

“With funding from the Coalition Government’s Raceday Attraction Program, the Ararat Turf Club is keen to attract as many Willaura locals, past and present, to come and celebrate.

“There will be a special Willaura marquee enclosure, free race books, commemorative stubby holders and pens, and free food and drink vouchers for the first 1,000 ticket holders from Willaura and the surrounding districts.

“The Willaura Cup Day will also have important benefits to the local community, with a food and wine festival featuring local producers and a $1,000 foot race for the fastest footballers and netballers in the district,” Mr Delahunty said.

Ararat Turf Club Manager Adam Atchison said the Club would like to thank the Minister for Racing Denis Napthine and the Victorian Coalition Government for making it possible to have a dedicated Willaura residents’ enclosure on Willaura Cup Day.

“Willaura Cup Day is about remembering the Willaura Racing Club that disbanded in 1964 and the families and friends of the committee persons, trainers, jockeys and race horse owners that were involved with the club,” Mr Atchison said.

“Willaura Cup Day will be an annual event held on the last Sunday in April and we ask all Willaura and District residents as well as those that once called Willaura home to come along and enjoy a great day out.”

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine Dr Napthine said a total of $36,300 has been invested in this first ever staging of the Willaura Cup at Ararat.  This includes $7,050 from Ararat Turf Club, $4,000 from Country Racing Victoria and $1,000 from the Ararat Council Events Team.

“The Coalition Government's Raceday Attraction Program is made up of all on-course wagering taxes that are put back to the racing industry to support initiatives aimed at increasing on-course attendance at Victorian race meetings,” he said.

“The Raceday Attraction Program aims to attract people back to the state’s racetracks and target new audiences through partnering with the local community,” Dr Napthine said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty encourages local community organisations to apply for funding from the latest round of the Local History Grant Program.

“The program provides grants of up to $12,000 to community organisations to support the cost of any project that preserve, records or publishes Victorian local history.  Western Victoria has a rich history as well as important Aboriginal heritage that needs to be recorded so that it is not forgotten,” Mr Delahunty said.

“These histories have influenced the way rural communities have evolved and developed.”

Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate the sharing of local history information across multiple local communities, have ongoing community benefits and demonstrate innovative engagement with a community.

Previous activities funded through the program include local history books, recording oral histories, exhibitions, conservation and cataloguing, web projects and training.

Other projects that preserve and share local historical information will also be considered.

“It is pleasing to see that the 2009 recipients included the Cavendish Townscape Association to transcribe and publish diaries of John Mackersey; Friends of the Hamilton Botanic Gardens to erect interpretive and information signs; jeparit Heritage Walk committee to produce and erect plaques; Nhill and District Historical society to digitise copies of the Nhill Free Press newspapers; and the Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum to upgrade the cataloguing system.”

“I encourage local organisations in the Lowan electorate to apply for grants under this popular program,” Mr Delahunty said.

Applications close on Friday 19 November 2010 and can be submitted by email to grants@prov.vic.gov.au or mailed to Local History Grants Program, Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), PO Box 2100, North Melbourne, 3051.

For further information call PROV on 9348 5688.