THOMAS the Tank Engine is returning to the Puffing Billy Railway during March.
Puffing Billy Railway marketing manager Nadine Hutchins said there would be a series of shows at Emerald station featuring a working steam engine Thomas and The Fat Controller and people could go on a train ride and enjoy face painting.
Thomas has been a regular visitor to Emerald for more than 10 years.
To book, call (03) 9757 0700
Cruelty charges
AN Albury man has been charged with aggravated cruelty for allegedly dragging a kangaroo with a joey in its pouch behind a car.
The 19-year-old was charged on summons for two counts of aggravated cruelty, one count for each animal, and driving offences.
There was public outrage last week when police discovered a kangaroo with rope around its neck and shoulder dead in the middle of Wodonga's High St.
The man is set to appear in court next month.
Tips on living sustainably
RISING food prices, the planned carbon tax and wanting to reduce waste are all reasons for people to embrace sustainability, Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival co-ordinator Rob Brunton says.
The festival, at the Woodend Neighborhood House and garden on February 11, will share ways to reduce waste, reduce fire risks and use renewable energy.
The CFA will talk about making fire plans while Hepburn Wind will outline its project to generate power to 2300 homes.
"The permaculture garden will be open and there will be garden tours to show what you too can achieve," Mr Brunton said.
"We have displays and information on solar panels, solar hot water and wind. Community associations such as Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions and Mount Alexander Sustainability Group will be there to explain how to use these technologies at home and make a positive contribution to the environment."
Admission is $5, and free for members of the Macedon Ranges Sustainablity Group, under-18s and V\Line ticket holders.
Sauce plans are on the boil
THE Goulburn Valley Food Action Committee is preparing to make a second offer for the Heinz Girgarre factory early next month.
Heinz shut its factory and axed 146 jobs earlier this month, but the community is optimistic a plan to create a co-op will be successful.
Committee chairman Les Cameron said Heinz had promised documents detailing boundaries and equipment to be left at the site would be delivered by the end of January.
The co-op plans to make an offer on February 3.
Mr Cameron believed people would pay a $50 co-op membership because "enough people care about food security".
He said tomato growers had shown the most interest, but the factory would be capable of processing fruit as well.
Regional and Rural Development Opposition spokeswoman Jacinta Allan blasted the Government for not helping the co-op negotiate with Heinz.
If successful the co-op hopes to be in the factory by May 1 and producing small product runs by the end of the year and be in full production in March next year.
