The Cobram Courier
A daring rescue
It came like a train, intense and hot, an inferno of destruction engulfing everything in its path, but in the crucible of the fire came a daring rescue. Kimberlee (Kim) Giblin was not deterred by the encroaching fire, rescuing seven horses, including...
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Yarroweyah fire destroys homes
It was a nervous few days for residents of Cobram and nearby townships as fire raged nearby over the weekend. With CFA crews stretched to near capacity as fires spread across Victoria, emer‑ gency service volunteers risked their lives to keep...
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Barrels of fun
Plenty of action-packed entertainment, charging bulls and rocking tunes drew large crowds to the Katamatite Rodeo on the weekend. The Katamatite Lions Club had been preparing for the rodeo for six months, and all its members’ hard work paid off at the...
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Christmas miracles
Tocumwal couple Pat and Trish DeLuca met in Melbourne more than 20 years ago and their story is one of strength and resilience. In June 2020, Pat was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and as a result of the cancer he developed Richter’s...
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Stars shine bright
“Having a disability is your sparkle, your shine. I don’t want people with a disability to lose their sparkle.” Georgie Tomlin is speaking as one of the 5.5 million people living with disability in Australia. On International Day of People with...
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Vital funds raised
Year 11 students from Cobram Secondary College have raised more than $600 for the local men’s shed with a dunk tank and barbecue. The students went to the Cobram Men’s Shed at 9.30am on Tuesday, November 18 to deliver the donation of $620.50 and have...
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Going out with a bang
From a dinner table idea to a local sensation, Jim’s burger night at Cactus Country has been a resident favourite for many years. But now it’s time to say goodbye. Some 130 people attended the last ever Jim’s burger night at Cactus Country on...
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Music to their ears
Two budding young musicians at Cobram Secondary College have been accepted into the weeklong Melbourne Youth Orchestra summer school held in January. Year 9 student Paige Riedell was accepted into the Ellenburg Symphonic Band, joining other advanced...
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Incredible students
The pressure is now on for local school-leavers, but only after a wacky celebration. Just a week before they began their exams, Cobram Secondary College Year 12 students dressed up to the nines for their final day of school. Characters from...
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What a scream!
Tocumwal friends Maya Daggett, 12, Tess Groutsch, 12, and Lily Baldwin, 12, were holding on for dear life at the weekend’s Cobram Agricultural Show.
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Future leader
A Cobram Secondary College student’s first ever flight took her to a five-day camp in Adelaide for a CSIRO program, for which she was one of 26 in the country to be accepted. Year 9 Abbie Milne was astonished when she found out she had been selected...
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Speaking success
A Barooga Primary School student has talked her way to the top. On Sunday, September 21, Year 5 student Harper Paroissien secured the title of state champion at the Lions’ junior public speaking final, held at Kialla West Primary School in...
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Melbourne Cup delights Cobram
On a cloudy morning at Thompsons Beach, the 2025 18-carat gold Lexus Melbourne Cup dazzled more than 120 excited people. Many had come along to have their photo taken with the majestic cup and to hear from two well-known racing ambassadors about their...
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Out of darkness
More than $11,000 has been raised for Lifeline support services, after the community rallied together to raise awareness of Australia’s mental health crisis. Members of the community turned out on Friday, September 19 to the Barooga Hotel to join a...
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Support needed
The future of a critical service for elderly residents has been plunged into uncertainty unless support can be secured to keep it afloat. The Nathalia Community House is calling for financial help to continue its community car program, after NCN...
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Duo a class act
Inspiring the next generation, building relationships and igniting their students’ curiosity come naturally to Anthony Corso and Matteo Allen. On Friday, September 5, Anthony — affectionately known as ‘Mr Corso’ by his students — finished his...
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Tigers’ Picasso
Another home-andaway footy season has drawn to an end, with all four Cobram FNC football teams in finals contention for the first time in at least two years. But without Rocky Raco, who has reached the milestone of 25 years of painting the lines every...
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TAYLAR AND ADITHI’S ADVENTURE
After returning from the trip of a lifetime, Taylar Knight and Adithi Gurunathan are more inspired to pursue their passions for science than ever before. The Year 12 students at Cobram Secondary College recently visited the UK to take part in the...
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Remembering fallen
They answered the call, leaving behind loved ones, careers and their own dreams to serve their nation. But when they returned home, Australia’s Vietnam veterans too often found turned backs and cold shoulders. In a sign of the growing awareness of...
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Sick of the mess
Known for her compassion and generous nature, Debbie Johns has dedicated her life to helping those less fortunate than her. But one issue has her fired up. As Victoria grapples with a social housing shortage, Mrs Johns is part of a group of residents...
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Sparking convos
Connection and mindfulness were front and centre at Cobram Primary School’s recent Mental Health Awareness Day. Beanies, track pants and jumpers constituted the wardrobe of the winter’s day as families, staff and students assembled to enjoy a free...
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STAGING A RETURN
They say there’s a first time for everything — and for Marissa Daly, this year has brought a bagful of novelty. After a 15-year hiatus, Marissa has made her return to the world of the dramatic arts, stepping into the leading role of Morticia Addams in...
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GETTING CRAFTY
This NAIDOC Week, the Cobram Library became a hub of activities and exciting events paying homage to the rich traditions of First Nations. From sessions on crafting collage echidnas and scratch boomerangs, to rhyme and story time, the range of events...
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50 YEARS OF SERVICE
During five decades of service, local volunteer Peter Hueston has amassed a collection of accolades. In August of 1974, he became a volunteer for the Cobram SES Unit, a decision which led him to becoming a well-known and much-loved figure in local...
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WELL DELIVERED
Leonard James McDonald, otherwise known as Geordie, loves his job. Since he began delivering mail across the Cobram-Barooga district three decades ago, Geordie has tallied over 2.4 million deliveries and travelled an impressive 1,875,000km. His...
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HOMEWARD BOUND
Since returning to the region that raised her, Constable Tayla Dempster has hardly had a chance to put her feet up. But you won’t catch her complaining about it. “I’ve loved it,” Tayla said. “Knowing the area, you know the people you come across while...
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TOP FRIENDSHIP
‘Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think.’ So wrote the late great L.M. Montgomery, whose words still ring true today. The briny coastline of Anne Shirley’s Prince Edward Island might be oceans away from the Cobram district, but Madeline...
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Six locals honoured
Cobram-Barooga and district had six King’s Birthday honours recipients this year. Clockwise from top left are the late Joan Jordan, Anna Creighton, Peter Sutton, Murray Haynes, Glennis Pohlner and Les Harrison.
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BAKING FOR A CAUSE
There was something rising in the kitchens at one of Cobram’s beloved bakeries last week, and it was not what you might expect. Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery owners Lina Galati and Damien Gow threw their support behind Baking for Brain Cancer, a...
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FIRIES FIGHTING
A handful of Cobram’s own volunteer firefighters have taken to the streets of Melbourne alongside thousands protesting the government’s new emergency services tax. David Beard, Adrian Hilder and David Barr travelled to Melbourne on Tuesday, May 20, to...
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FAITH RESTORED
Michael Burton never expected to get his golf clubs back. Because when he arrived home from a day at the Cobram-Barooga Golf Club on Tuesday, May 6, he couldn’t find his bag of clubs anywhere. He remembered placing it, as he always did, in the back...
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LOCAL LEGEND
Morning and afternoon, five days a week, Marilyn Barrs escorts students to safety. Come rain, hail or shine, she takes to her post outside Cobram Anglican Grammar School on Campbell Rd, where she has served as crossing supervisor for the better part...
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TWO ARRESTED
Two people face multiple charges over alleged drug trafficking after police searched a home in Strathmerton. As part of operation Strike Force Bodallin, officers from the Cobram Criminal Investigations Unit and Viper Taskforce executed a search...
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FLYING HIGH
You hear it before you see them: the resounding hum of aircraft motors, growing louder and louder as they approach. A moment later, they appear from behind the tops of trees in the air, arranged in a tight triangle, or perhaps a diamond. If you’ve...
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Local heroes honoured
The Cobram SES Unit with unit controller Luke Herezo (centre), Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson and CEO Matthew Morgan.
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House fire in Cobram’s east
A fire that broke out in Cobram’s east late last week has left a property in ruins. Over half a dozen CFA crews from across the district responded to reports of an electric scooter fire at the corner of Cedar Crt and Blackwood Cres around 2.15pm on...
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New recruits, all new skills
They might be a long way from home, but that hasn’t stopped three Solomon Islanders putting their best foot forward for emergency service. Nathaniel Tutugu, 26, Peter Bulubali, 29, and Philemon Roroi, 34, are the latest recruits to sign up with the...
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CREATING LINKS
Around 2am one morning during winter in the 1980s, Archie Ellis found himself messaging a missionary who had been working with First Nations communities in the icy lands of far North America. It was summer where Archie’s friend was messaging from -...
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TERRY’S FOUR DECADES WITH CLUB
For this Barooga identity, the grass is always greener on his side of the fence. On March 18, greenkeeper Terry Vogel marked 40 years’ with the Cobram Barooga Golf Club. Since 1985, he’s worked for the club as an apprentice, a superintendent, a...
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JESSIE JOINS THE BAND
One of Cobram’s up-and-coming stars of the classical music world has taken the next big step towards achieving her dreams. On Saturday, February 22, Year 11 student Jessie Ashcroft auditioned at the University of Melbourne’s South Bank campus for a...
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Roger needs a new home
Roger has always wanted nothing more than a family to hear his roar. He might be small enough to hold in the palm of your hand, and his voice currently might be more a plaintive peep than a roar. But the sixweek-old kitten has the spirit of the...
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WOMEN’S DAY
Celebrate the women around you this International Women’s Day with a special event in March. The CWA — Cobram Nocturnals Branch will host an afternoon tea function at the Cobram Community House to mark the occasion. Branch Secretary Helen Christie...
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ON A MISSION
Once upon a time, Stacey Dick was the last person to put herself before a crowd. “You would never have caught me standing in front of a group of people delivering a speech,” she said. But after graduating from Moira Shire Council’s Community...
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RISING UP RANKS
When Cobram SES Unit Deputy Controller Kate Goldsmith took over the Grand Central Hotel in 2008, she became Victoria’s youngest female publican. Little did she know at the time that she would go onto take leading roles in emergency services in Cobram...
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KATUNGA FRESH IN LIMBO
The detection of a rare disease in a large crop of tomatoes at Katunga Fresh has plagued more than just the fruit. Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), found in seedlings recently moved from South Australia to a glasshouse at the facility on...
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WINNING PATHWAYS
A local business has taken out a prestigious award for providing an unmatched school-to-work pathway. Saputo Dairy Australia’s Cobram site has proudly received the 2024 Business of the Year award from Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment...
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TOP CITIZENS AWARDED
Under the glow of lights on the stage of the Cobram Civic Centre, Gavin Davey found himself before a crowd of beaming faces. With one hand he shook the outstretched hand of Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson. With the other, he...
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POPULAR TEACHER FAREWELLED
There was not a dry eye in the house when on Friday, December 13, on his final day of a magnificent and brilliant career, Dr Kevin Quin was farewelled by his colleagues at Cobram Anglican Grammar School. Kevin’s illustrious career spans over five...
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HEALTHY HELP
The Cobram Community House has received critical state government funding to continue its mission of supporting the community. The $16,800 grant, announced on Tuesday, January 7, would go towards a range of programs at the house, manager Christine...
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SKILLS ON SHOW
Jackie Priestley showed off some impressive skills in the barrel racing at the 2025 Katamatite Rodeo.
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TOP EXPERIENCE
A cohort of Cobram Secondary College student leaders had the experience of a lifetime in recently. They were taking part in a three-day leadership camp in Melbourne. A CSC spokesperson said the first day was an exciting blend of learning and...
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IN FULL VOICE
Inside the Cobram Civic Centre, a buzz of excitement hovered over the assembled crowd. In the front few rows of seating, performers in their razzle-dazzle finery whispered to one another in muted voices. Moira Shire Council chair administrator Graeme...
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COBRAM RALLIES AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
At least 150 community members and dignitaries assembled on the lawns of Federation Park at the weekend to rally against family violence. Moira Shire Council community services officer Danni Whinray said the aim of the event was to open up a critical...
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COMMUNITY HOUSE TURNS 40
The past and present embraced with open arms on Thursday, November 21, as one Cobram institution marked a special milestone. Celebrating four decades with an intimate gathering on the night, attendees noted the Cobram Community House had been many...
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MURALS PROVE AN INSPIRATION
Two larger-than-life murals have been unveiled at Cobram Primary School and Cobram Secondary College. Spearheaded by community group Arts for All, the project was a collaboration with visiting artist Lukas Kasper. Arts for All president June Wood...
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LIFE OF SERVICE
Nola Pieper was a brighteyed 20-year-old when she first approached Philip Pullar in November, 1972. Fast forward to one day in October this year, when Nola closed her Excel spreadsheet, logged off from her computer and pushed in her office chair at...
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LEST WE FORGET
Remembrance Day was marked on Monday across the region. Members of the Army School of Health (main photo) were present in Cobram with their catafalque party, while students from various local schools were involved in laying wreaths and speaking on the...
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COBRAM HOSPITAL TURNS 75
Over 120 community members along with former and current staff assembled on the lawns of NCN Health’s Cobram campus on Wednesday, October 30, to mark the 75th year of the local hospital. It was an occasion not to be missed. Celebrating both the...
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MEMORIAL UNVEILED
It took four years to set the scene. Now, a piece of local history is officially set in stone. A new memorial at the Yarroweyah Memorial Hall was unveiled on the morning of Thursday, October 24. The memorial immortalises the lives of at least 60...
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TALENT SHOW RETURNS
Moira Shire Council is pleased to announce the return of the All Abilities Talent Show this year. After the stellar success of last year’s event, the show will highlight the importance of understanding the experiences of those living with...
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STUDENTS’ TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Three Cobram Anglican Grammar School students and their year-level coordinator have returned from a trip far beyond the canola and wheat fields of Moira shire. Year 10 students Evalee Royston, Matilda Waser and Savannah Kernaghan, alongside their year...
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Out and about in Cobram
The Courier’s Owen Sinclair recently spoke to local people about how they are spending the last few days of the school holidays in Cobram. Pictured are Shannon McRitchie and Tristan Mears with their week-old son Harvey.
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ERIN’S BATTLE
When Erin Higgins took a call while on shift at Cobram Regional Care one day in 2019, the last thing she expected was to be told a stage three melanoma was lodged in her neck. But as often happens, reality did not meet with expectation. “You need to...
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LEADING THE WAY
Cobram has once again found itself in the national spotlight after a science teacher from Cobram Secondary College received a prestigious teaching award and scholarship. George Allen, 30, is one of only 10 early career teachers around the nation to...
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