FARMERS and emergency services are waiting to learn if a proposal to improve the Wimmera's real-time weather data will be successful.
The Wimmera is currently in a weather data "black hole", with farmers using the Mt Gambier and Mildura radars to guess weather patterns.
Victoria Farmers Federation Wimmera branch president Ross Johns said a meeting on Monday had thrown support behind the plan and lobbying for improved real-time data would continue.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman said the submission was being looked at and a decision would be made within weeks.
Flood of help
FARMERS and other property owners can still get help to repair boundary fences washed away by last year's floods.
Rochester Rotary Club has spent the past year helping residents and is still volunteering to help those in need.
Campaspe Mayor Kevin Simpson said property owners needed only to supply fencing materials.
At your leisure
COMMUNITY sessions outlining options for the Warragul Leisure Centre redevelopment are planned.
They will offer a chance to discuss the options with Baw Baw Shire Council staff and architects.
Dates are: this Saturday at Warragul Leisure Centre (9am-1pm); February 13 at West Gippsland Arts Centre (5-7pm), and; February 15 at Warragul Leisure Centre (1-6pm).
Service awards
THREE Department of Sustainability and Environment staff have received national recognition for service during Black Saturday's fires.
Tony Lovick, who is based at Benalla, Leith McKenzie, who works at Beechworth, and John Steer, who is based at Alexandra, received the National Emergency Medals at a ceremony in Flowerdale recently.
Festival drawcard
DORA the Explorer is the headline act for Bendigo's Easter Festival's Kidzone.
Bendigo Bank and the Bendigo Easter Festival advisory board say Dora will appear in a live stage show on Easter Saturday.
Cousin Diego will join her.
"We expect thousands of kids will be excited to learn Dora will be part of this year's Bendigo Easter Festival and Bendigo Bank Kidzone," chairman Rod Fyffe said.
