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Lancaster veterinarian Judith Mulholland said a huge autumn break had created conditions ripe for the disease laminitis - the second-biggest killer of horses after colic.

Although some breeds can be more prone to the disease, any horse can be susceptible to laminitis, if the conditions are right.

“The pasture is high in water and sugar content and in layman’s terms it winds up in the guy and ferments where it meets all the bacteria and acidifies and virtually poisons them,” Dr Mulholland said.

Dr Mulholland said 90 per cent of laminitis cases could be prevented by horse’s fodder, feet, lifestyle and environment.

“Everything from the time you’re born tells you that green feed is beautiful and horses should be on it eating it, but that is not what horses evolved to eat,” she said.

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Cultural event proves inspiring

Emotional and inspiring were the words used to describe the second annual NAIDOC event held at the Kyabram Bocce Club last Wednesday.

More than 50 people ate, laughed, listened and acknowledged the indigenous cultures and heritage of the Kyabram district during an informal lunch, which ran an hour overtime.

Special guest speaker Alf “Uncle Boydie” Turn stole the show as he spoke about the exploits of his grandfather, William Cooper.

Aglow international member and event organiser Pam Eliason said she was rapt with the turnout, especially from the local indigenous population.

“Normally, maybe 10 indigenous residents turn up, but we had 22,” she said.

1994

McGrath launches Institute upgrade

Almost 10 years of uncertainty amongst Kyabram Research Insitute staff was finally put to rest on Wednesday morning when the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Bill McGrath, officially launched the construction phase of new buildings at the complex.

The $2 million upgrade at the Institute of Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture (ISIA) will ensure the future of the facility, which has long had a cloud hanging over its long-term outlook.

Mr McGrath said the upgrade was an indication of the Coalition Government’s show of confidence in the dairy industry, rural Victoiran and particularly the Kyabram Institute and its staff.

“The new complex will provide a world-class facility which will attract international experts and enhance the endeavours of staff in partnership with the industry,” he said.

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Councillors’ experience to be lost in mergers

What happens to all the councillors when municipalities in the West Goulburn area are merged?

In the Kyabram district, there could be a merger of three municipalities with 30 councillors - and only nine of 12 to replace them when council elections eventually take place.

Or it could be up to five councils if an option out Echuca-Rochester way gets up.

Another possibility is Kyabram being thrown in with Shepparton City, Shepparton Shire and Rodney - termed the SKYROD option.

Some new blood may be elected, but for continuity, experience and regional knowledge it’s hoped a reasonable proportion of experienced councillors will be voted back.

The loss of capable people from councils is to be regretted.

1974

Fifty years with Post Office

A man who commenced his career with the Australian Post Office at Kyabram nearly fifty years ago returned to the district on Friday afternoon.

Mr Jack Wheatland joined the staff of the Kyabram Post Office as a telegraph messenger in October 1924 and since that time he has “come up through the ranks” to be Assistant Superintendant of Postal Services.

Mr Wheatland retires at the end of July and last week he visited many post offices throughout the state to say farewell to some of the postal offices with whom he has come in contact with during his long association with the Post Office.

Mr Wheatland said after he had left Kyabram he had gradually worked his way up through the inspection branch of the Post Office.

He said his family had lived in Kyabram for some years, but he knew only a few present residents of the town.

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Genevieve seeks Miss Footy title

Attractive Genevieve Ryan, 17, is the latest entrant in the ‘Miss Kyabram Football’ quest.

Genevieve, a sixth form student at the Kyabram High School, lists trotting and records among her favourite past times.

(Genevieve’s father, Pat, owns star pacer Cliona Chief which no doubt has intensified her interest in the light harness sport).

The heat win now enables Genevieve to compete in the final of the ‘Miss Kyabram Football’ quest which carried valuable prizes generously donated by Kyabram business houses.

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