Merrigum resident Joe Chant says the Merrigum church’s closure is a sign of the times.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Merrigum’s last church closes doors
With fewer than five regular attendees at just one service a month, St Sebastian’s Catholic Church, with a 122-year history in Merrigum, is closing its doors.
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Joe Chant has been part of the congregation for more than 40 years, attending every Mass he could with his late wife before becoming a commentator and reader.
According to Mr Chant, Merrigum’s ageing population, a decrease in farming in the area and a lack of interest in religion are the main drivers in the dwindling congregation.
“After COVID-19, people realised if you don’t go to church every Sunday, they don’t die — everything goes on — and a lot of (people) take that attitude,” he said.
So, with rising insurance fees, bills and constant maintenance and upkeep, Mr Chant said it was time to close the book on Merrigum’s final church.
The community will mark the end of the church’s history during the official decommissioning of the building on Sunday, February 2.
NFF names new chief executive
New NFF chief executive Troy Williams.
The National Farmers’ Federation has appointed Troy Williams as its new chief executive, effective March 3.
His leadership will focus on delivering measurable outcomes for the agricultural sector and NFF’s member organisations, ensuring farmers remain at the forefront of national policy and reform.
“Troy is recognised for his exceptional ability to bring stakeholders together, negotiating with senior government officials, politicians and industry leaders,” NFF president David Jochinke said.
He said with the NFF Roadmap setting out an ambitious target for farm gate output to exceed $100 billion by 2030, Mr Williams’ proven expertise in policy advocacy and navigating complex regulatory environments positions him to deliver results.
“It’s an honour to be appointed as the NFF chief executive. I’m looking forward to strengthening the NFF’s connection with its members to ensure their priorities are at the heart of our advocacy,” Mr Williams said.
Mr Williams takes over from Tony Mahar, who was NFF chief executive officer from 2016 to late 2024, and is now Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Grants to support mental health
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal is inviting applications for grants up to $20,000 for community-driven projects that strengthen the mental, social and/or emotional health and wellbeing of people living in regional and farming communities.
This round of the FRRR’s In a Good Place (IAGP) program has $290,000 to support initiatives or activities that prevent or respond to mental wellbeing concerns.
Priorities include increasing mental health education and understanding to reduce stigma; supporting people to build connections and reduce social isolation; and encouraging, supporting and enabling people to seek help for their mental health.
Community groups and not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) can apply for grants through two streams of funding: community wellbeing; and farmers and farming communities.
Groups seeking support must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), which is due February 14. Final applications from those shortlisted are due March 11.
Vodafone has doubled its mobile coverage across the country, going from 400,000 square kilometres of coverage to more than one million square kilometres of coverage.
In Victoria, the Vodafone mobile network has more than doubled its geographical coverage, gaining access to an additional 602 mobile sites and lifting its population coverage from 97 per cent to 99.6 per cent.
The expansion includes 11 additional towers for Shepparton and five more towers in Echuca.
“Vodafone is coming to thousands of towns and regional areas we have never been before,” Vodaphone’s Kieren Cooney said.
In Victoria, customers will now get additional coverage on the network along key inland travel routes such as the Calder and Murray Valley highways.
The expansion has been made possible through an innovative network sharing deal between Vodafone and Optus. Under this arrangement, Vodafone will access more than 2400 Optus mobile sites in regional Australia to expand its network reach.
Men convicted for spotlighting
Two men from Werribee and Tarneit pleaded guilty and have been convicted in the Werribee Magistrates’ Court for illegal spotlighting offences in Big River State Forest near Lake Eildon.
The men received convictions for illegal spotlighting, had a vehicle seized and were ordered to pay court costs. The men also had a firearm, spotlight and ammunition forfeited and destroyed, and a Game Licence cancelled.
The Werribee Magistrates’ Court found that on the night of August 4, 2023, the men travelled to the Big River State Forest in a four-wheel drive where they hunted and destroyed a Sambar deer at night under spotlight, near where people were camping.
Game Management Authority’s Zac Powell said illegally spotlighting deer at night was dangerous and could put communities, properties and livestock at risk.
“Those who break the law face significant fines and penalties including prosecution, having equipment confiscated and Game and Firearms Licences cancelled. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms,” Mr Powell said.
