As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to take a look back at the year with The Telegraph.
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In this edition, we’ll be covering the biggest stories from January to June.
Don’t miss the second half of the year covering July to December on January 3.
January 4
The community rallied behind the family of the five-year-old girl who tragically drowned in Lake Nagambie on December 27. A GoFundMe for the family raised nearly $8000 in three days.
The Goulburn Valley League’s 2023 season fixture was announced, featuring an Easter weekend kick-off with Shepparton and Shepparton United facing off.
January 11
A Seymour teen returned from his holiday on the NSW south coast with an impressive catch. Sam Brown, 14, managed to snag an 87cm flathead on a 6lb line, the second largest flathead caught in the estuary.
The Seymour District Cricket Association’s under-13B team claimed victory in the Junior Country Week carnival’s grand final against Bendigo District Cricket Association.
January 18
Rachel Findeis invited kids to the Wayapa Wuurrk workshop, teaching ancient First Nations environmental wisdom and movement sequences.
Former Seymour A-grade netball coach Elle McDonald achieved a career milestone by making her international netball debut for England against Jamaica, securing a 63-59 win in the Vitality Netball International Series’ final.
January 25
Victorian Governor Linda Dessau and Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp visited Seymour on Friday, January 20, to witness the ongoing flood recovery efforts in the town.
Ben Rigoni secured a VFL contract with Coburg after impressing at Seymour. Another Seymour talent, Nick Quigg, also joined Coburg, which valued its connections with Goulburn Valley clubs.
February 1
Brian Moffatt, recognised as Mitchell Shire Citizen of the Year, was celebrated for his exceptional contributions as a paramedic, emergency responder and CFA volunteer.
Nagambie started its late-season Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield push strongly by crushing Euroa, led by Brock Boddington’s bowling and Mark Nolan’s captaincy, boosting their confidence for the finals race.
February 8
Claire Jameson celebrated her 100th birthday at Karingal Aged Care in Seymour on Sunday, February 5, surrounded by friends and family who travelled from across the country.
The Seymour Blasters secured a spot in the Country Basketball League north-east grand final with an 87-68 win over Wallan Panthers.
February 15
Sophie Locke became an ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia after dedicating her first AFLW goal to her late mother. She raised funds and awareness by taking part in Carmen’s Fun Run, raising $5000 for the cause.
Seymour Blasters secured a 71-53 win over Benalla Breakers, claiming a third straight Country Basketball League title.
February 22
Elizabeth Johnstone’s ordination at Seymour Baptist Church on February 25 was the final chapter of a 12-year journey filled with health struggles due to a pelvic mesh implant. Overcoming the ordeal and legal battles, combined with her husband’s return to ministry, made it a big celebration for everyone involved.
Budding Seymour runners Lucy Zotti, Olivia Attard and Cooper Lubeck gained recognition in the Victorian athletics scene after recent success on the Victorian Athletics League circuit.
March 1
District icon John (Len) Knight, known for his adventurous spirit and passion for animals, passed away, leaving a legacy as a larger-than-life figure in the community and the broader animal industry.
Seymour’s Angus Murray and Oliver Munro secured spots in the Murray Bushrangers’ squad for the coming season.
March 8
Gary Brown retired after serving as the Seymour Football Netball Club secretary for more than three decades, concluding an era where he played a crucial role in club administration and was a beloved part of the Goulburn Valley Football Netball League.
Eastern Hill clinched the first spot in the Seymour District Cricket Association A-grade final, earning it after topping the season’s table, with captain Seamus Feery expressing excitement about the club’s triple finals representation.
March 15
During a ceremony in Wangaratta, 57 recipients, including four from Seymour SES, were honoured with the National Emergency Medal by Governor-General David Hurley for their substantial service during the 2019-2020 bushfires.
The Murray Bushrangers under-16 boys’ squad for 2023 included Seymour’s Melvic Pambai and Hugh Traynor-Murphy among its 26 players, showcasing a significant representation from Goulburn Valley clubs.
March 22
The Seymour Club hosted an event in March to honour flood clean-up volunteers and life members.
Tallarook secured victory in the Seymour District Cricket Association A-grade final, led by captain Lachlan Watts in a seven-wicket win over Eastern Hill.
March 29
A 74-year-old woman lost control of her vehicle, crashing into an ALDI shopfront in Seymour on March 26. A 67-year-old woman and her 37-year-old son were injured and were airlifted to a hospital in Melbourne to be assessed.
Former AFL player Brad Lynch joined Seymour Football Netball Club ahead of the Goulburn Valley League season, bringing his experience and skills to the Lions as he continued his VFL career with Essendon.
April 5
The debate around reopening Kirwans Bridge continued after the bridge was closed due to the 2022 flooding event. While the Kirwans Bridge Action Group continued to call for the bridge to be reopened, the Strathbogie Shire Council remained firm that it would be closed until further notice.
Goulburn Valley League appointed Mark Lambourn and Di Hanslow to coach the senior football and netball interleague teams, respectively, for a clash against Ovens and Murray.
April 12
Seymour managed to raise $48,775 for the 2023 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Seymour dominated in a netball match against Benalla, securing a 29-goal victory in its premiership defence.
April 19
Six months after the floods in Seymour, State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland urged flood-affected individuals and businesses to share their experiences in the flood inquiry.
Seymour coach Ben Davey emphasised the marathon-like nature of the season after the team secured a comfortable 30-point victory over Rochester, praising his team’s progress despite a stronger finish from its opponents in the second half.
April 26
Coles Seymour finally reopened after being closed for six months due to flood damage.
Seymour netball star Sarah Brown celebrated her 250th game. Since beginning her career in 1995, she has contributed significantly across B-grade, A-grade and B-reserve teams.
May 3
More than 2500 people headed to Seymour’s Station St for live music, cooking demonstrations and numerous tasting opportunities at Tastes of the Goulburn.
Seymour clinched a commanding 45-point victory against Mooroopna in the Goulburn Valley League, propelled by a remarkable nine-goal opening term.
May 10
Eighteen local firefighters began training for the 10th Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb. The Mitchell team, led by Seymour CFA member Kylie Comte, hoped to surpass its previous fundraising efforts in 2022.
Seymour managed to secure a win against Mansfield, navigating through a game of fluctuating dominance and a man-down situation, ultimately winning 13.11 (89) to 9.8 (62).
May 17
The federal budget provided relief amid a cost-of-living crisis, while regional Victoria missed out on dedicated funding, sparking concerns and disappointment among local leaders.
Avenel emerged victorious in a seven-point thriller against Longwood, propelled by Braydon Avola’s standout performance.
May 24
Max Pollard, renowned for his extensive career spanning more than 55 years of transporting various goods, was honoured posthumously for his contributions to the Australian truck driving industry.
Sports journalist Bransen Gibson fulfilled a lost bet by mowing the Kings Park oval after Seymour won its GVL clash against Mooroopna, witnessed by Seymour’s new sports reporter Hamish Donaldson.
May 31
A cat lost during last year’s floods in the Seymour district was reunited with its owners in Townsville, Queensland, thanks to the efforts of Seymour Veterinary Clinic.
Seymour faced its first defeat in the Goulburn Valley League after a thrilling 12.11 (83) to 12.10 (82) loss to Kyabram.
June 7
The 50th anniversary of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport was celebrated with a parade at Puckapunyal Military Base, led by Governor-General David Hurley.
Seymour dominated Shepparton with a resounding 90-point victory in round eight of the GVL season, showcasing an unprecedented hunger and determination under coach Ben Davey’s guidance.
June 14
Nagambie resident Patrick McNamara was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant contributions to rowing, parliament and the community.
Seymour showcased its dominance in a win against Tatura, overcoming injuries and suspensions with a 25-point triumph, largely driven by the efforts of Huw Jones and Jack O’Sullivan in the middle.
June 21
Seymour Community House occasional care kids had a session with Seymour CFA members, exploring the fire truck, holding the hose and learning about first responders.
Seymour clinched a significant 12-point win against reigning champion Echuca, exhibiting resilience and strategy in a hard-fought contest.
June 28
Coles Seymour held its annual ice bucket challenge, gathering community members to support the FightMND Foundation and raise funds, with more than $20,000 collected at the time of the challenge.
Seymour dominated Shepparton United in the A-grade netball grand final rematch, securing a nine-goal victory, while Kyabram and Euroa also claimed wins in round 11 of the GVL.
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