Community
2 November, 2025
50 YEARS AGO: Wettest month in St Arnaud, sad losses and more
Here's what was happening in St Arnaud 50 years ago
50 Years Ago
October 1975
October was the wettest recorded month in St Arnaud since 1881, with 1038 points falling at the end of the month.
The St Arnaud and District Intellectually Handicapped Persons Welfare Association [Murdoch House] have received a building grant of $241,000 on the basis of $4 to $1 for each dollar spent by the Association. President Mr D Beasy said the Committee has been raising money and this grant will enable construction to begin. A major raffle for a four-cylinder Toyota Corolla SE four-door sedan; with 2nd prize an 18 ins colour TV are planned for the near future.
Former St Arnaud residents Hec [73] and Jean Young [59] passed away within two days of each other, leaving three children Barry, Beverly and Glenda. Hec was born in Dunolly and moved to Charlton where he married Jean Gane. He ran a milk bar in St Arnaud for many years. Hec was known in the Wimmera and Mallee districts as a member of the Young Orchestra, then with his son Barry at the piano played with the Rocketeers in St Arnaud. Hec and his saxophone will be remembered by many who had the pleasure of dancing to his music.
Graham [Pud] Shepherd of Inglewood Road died age 36 years.
The death occurred of Mr Charles Smart [late 1st A I F], who for many years conducted the UFS Dispensary in Napier st, St Arnaud.
A list of names and phone numbers was published in the Mercury of the district Fire Brigades – Group Officer Barry Proctor of Kooreh, and Captains – St Arnaud Alan McGee, Beazleys Bridge Kevin Arbuckle, Carapooee Vic Scilini, Gooroc Leon Lynch, Kooreh Maurice Wright, Coonooer Bridge L Watts, Gre Gre Village Owen Baldwin, Traynors Lagoon R Jesse, Slaty Creek R Pole, Stuart Mill J Douglas.
Trophies were presented at the end of golf season - ‘A’ Grade champion Elizabeth Von Horn, ‘B’ Grade Peg McDonald and ‘C’ Grade Carol McLean.
Sixty riflemen from all over Victoria competed in the North Western District No 2 Rifle Union annual shoot at the St Arnaud Rifle Club range. It was shot over the range 10 shots at 300, 500, and 1,000 yards.
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