The Vale Podcast

THIS PODCAST WAS RECORDED ON TUESDAY 6TH DECEMBER - BEFORE FURTHER ROAD CLOSURES OCCURRED ON WEDNESDAY.A further update will occur in the coming days.

It's been a while between podcasts, but given there's potentially a flood emergency on our hands and this is a community service, it seemed like a good idea to get Senior Sarge Longy in for a chat about floods and common sense.

Just a quick debrief and catch up with Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Liam Wood.These chat's are always pretty relaxed and casual which I think is important so we can inform people on Council processes, opportunities and issues without the obstacle of formal language. I know being approachable is as important to Mayor Wood as it is to me and these chats are exactly that.Easy, approachable real time conversations.

It's all about the Jesse's and the sport this week... still.Jesse Medina was a main event fight at the Demolition event a few weeks ago and things didn't go his way but in this episode we really get into the sports psychology and figure out why.He's also looking for another fight before the end of the year before he goes looking for a rematch so watch this space.The other Jesse this week is Jesse Zaffina who has my full admiration. This young man is becoming an Ambulance Community Officer so we chat about that and why he didn't end up in the Army like he'd planned after year 12.Then we get to Seamus who has escaped the first round of delisting's before trade period despite only playing less than half the season. We're hoping for the best for your Seamo.

With the SFNL Grand Final tomorrow we thought it only proper to have Donny in to talk about Under 16's and Tina Zappia in to talk about the under 13's.Jane & Pete Aikman called in to talk about B grade netball, tennis and the crops.

It's grand final week and Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club have three teams in the big dance.Under 13's div 2 netball - Under 16's football - and with an average age of 37 years, 1 month and 4 days, our B grade netball team.During the week Sarah McMonnies who is arguably the best shooter in the league was runner up in the league B & F, whilst Jane Aikman came third and Carmen McMonnies also fell in the top ten, so with a team that has polled so highly through the mid-court, we should be in a much better position than the last time we met Irymple in the regular season.We dissect the game with Coach Steve Bowden and Team Manager Sarah Lamattina and get Phil in because of course he needs to be involved in these conversations.We shall have another edition on Friday with Tina Zappia who is coach of the under 13's.

Two weeks in a row, not only to have a weekly episode for the first time in months, but to have the same team back in the studio!What a treat and it allowed us to discuss everything that's happened this week including the footy and Ethan Gill getting off his charge at the tribunal, B Grade netball of course, the Mallee Almond Blossom Festival and all manner of other topics. We also send our condolences to the Chirchiglia and Albanese families on the passing of Betty and our thoughts are with The Vale's own Charlie Albanese at this time.

We all have a dream. You have a dream, I have a dream. Where would we be if we didn't have dreams and ambitions.Some of us realise those dreams, some go unrequited.Louie Bulzomi has never given up on his dreams. He's thought about it, but he's persisted and persisted and a few weeks ago, he got to realise part of that dream and call an AFL match between Collingwood & Essendon.We talk to him about it all and about a few other things, Connie Chirchiglia is on to talk about the Almond Blossom Festival that is happening Sunday 21st August too. She tells us about the stalls, the entertainment, the childrens entertainment and more.

This is a community podcast so it's open for anyone who wishes to utilise it. We like facts, don't like rumour and innuendo and like to get things out in the open. We're adults here.Granted, at times, someone's truth, is slightly different to someone else's truth and that's ok we're human.My point is, we're a community podcast available for the entire community so when Phil or Sgt. Long or anyone contacts me asking to come on, the doors are open and mic is open and we're ready to go.So here we go with Phil this week, whom we haven't spoken to on the pod for a long time. Certainly not since his last race in Darwin where the championship slipped away from his grasp, so we talk about that, we talk about Sarah's calf injury from last week's match again Sth Mildura, we talk about Ross's race in Alice last weekend and what exactly is going on with the bench at the footy club.

TRIGGER WARNING This episode deals with some heavy issues such as domestic and family violence. If any of this is triggering for you or you need help, please hit the White Ribbon website for a list of resources, or call 1800RESPECTThis woman is a force. She's an incredible advocate, she's a survivor.She is Kim O'Reilly and she's spreading the message that's it's never ok! Domestic and family violence is never ok.In 2019 Kim O'Reilly's life was changed forever when she was violently assaulted by her then partner. In the years since, she's taken the first steps to recovery and despite her trauma, Kim empathetically rejects the label ‘victim'. She is a survivor. This is her story….If any of this is triggering for you, please contact 1800respect 1800 737 732Or services such as lifeline on 13 11 14.

It's been awhile! Apologies for the lengthy hiatus, but we're all busy. Especially Charlie.But we all managed to get into the newly fitted out Network House Community Studio thanks to FRRR and talk about Donny's footy come back.

This year we've got four riders hitting the red centre for the Tatts Finke Desert Race and I, for one, and gutted I can't be there to witness it.Nathan Falvo, Phil & Broden Connell, Nicholas Boyd are all being supported by their mechanic Joey Heeps in their quest to finish the unforgiving two day race through all sorts of challenging terrain from Alice Spring to Apatula (Finke).Nathan has done the race multiple times on a quad, but has never done it on two wheels and in fact, didn't even own his KTM 350 at the time of entry.He leaves for Alice on Monday and has even promised to take the Big Brass Mug for me and get Toby to sign it!! AMAZING! I can't even tell you how excited that makes me!Before we get to all this though, Donny and Jimmy come in to have a yarn about all sorts of things; mainly footy.

It really is a full dance card this week! It had to be with so many things happening. First is obviously Phil Lamattina after a win at Heathcote last weekend putting him just 10 points shy of the top of the table in the Top Fuel Championships, it would be remise of us not to have him in.We also chat to Rebecca Wells from Mallee Regional Innovation Centre about the $150million in partnership funding from the One Basin CRC and the work MRIC are currently doing.Dr Anne Webster joins us on the phone quickly to chat about her run for Deputy Leader of the National Party and finally Joe Colombo, a MICA paramedic (much higher up than Charlie). joins us for a chat about the Ambulance Service and becoming a first aider.

It's been a while, but things have been hectic so we do episodes when we can get them out these days.There were some important topics to discuss with Senior Sergeant Dale Long of Robinvale Police regarding the local spate of farm burglaries and some arrests that have been made.We also discuss the new Neighbourhood Policing Model that he's pushing out.Link to the VicPol survey: https://engage.vic.gov.au/annual-vicpol-community-sentiment-survey-2022We also chat with Jessie and Justin from Elders Insurance Mildura on insurance and on MMA!

There's a bit of moisture around so Donny was able to make it into the studio this week to have a chat about the Don Falvo B & F medal which was an honour bestowed upon him last week.Charlie is still too cool to come in but hopefully next week at some point, after he's come back to earth following Cochella.

There's so much going on over Easter we thought we needed an extra episode to cover it all.Dale Long who is our senior sergeant at Robinvale Police is in for a chat about all sorts of things including the Manangatang homicide and other things keeping the unit busy.Al and Vicki are in to talk about the Easter tournament which now has a total pool of $3,500 in cash prizes to be won!Al and Vicki normally play together but there was a little incident at country week and the dream team became a nightmare so they've broken up and established new teams, We talk about it during the episode so you'll just have to listen.Lt. Emma Wright is also in to talk about becoming a volunteer for the CFA. Robinvale CFA is 100% volunteer based, so no volunteers, no one to fight your fires! We talk to Emma about how that all happens and what happens when the volunteer base gets low like it is at the moment. There are only a few families who are volunteers, fewer still who are able to leave work, family etc to go fight fires at all hours of the day and night. Emma is really looking for new people to join and you can find out everything you need to know here: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa

Trav Bussell, long time friend of the show, is now working at MVAC as the Men's Time Out Services Co-ordinator. What exactly does this mean? Well, essentially it means he gets to keep making a difference where he wants to and he's also working with Calvin Henry who is now a regular on the show.We also talk footy and basketball too because why wouldn't we?Sharon Peart was a long time Mildura Rural City Councillor and is now the chair of Lower Murray Water and a board member of Mallee CMA. She's also dedicated her life to women's breast health and well-being in her own business, All About Me - for lifestyle, wellbeing and fun.We talk about it all.We also catch up with Anne Webster and it was before the election date was confirmed and before Minister Littleproud had made his announcements but it's always a chat worth having with Dr Webster.

It's a bit of a random one this week. We'v had a lot going on and with a long list of people waiting to make an appearance on this podcast, we're falling behind a couple of weeks in terms of appearances.RDHS has a new mental health clinician which is terrific and the walk in clinic is still running every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am til 1pm.No referral or appointment needed, no medicare required either, you can just walk in and be see by one of the mental health team at Robinvale District Health Services!Bec is back too with a new listing in Robinvale and more of her story to tell which is awesome and we love hearing that.If you'd like to help keep this podcast going, please consider becoming a VIP (Very Important Patron). via our Patreon page: patreon.com/thevalepodcast

It's a bit of a random one this week. We'v had a lot going on and with a long list of people waiting to make an appearance on this podcast, we're falling behind a couple of weeks in terms of appearances.RDHS has a new mental health clinician which is terrific and the walk in clinic is still running every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am til 1pm.No referral or appointment needed, no medicare required either, you can just walk in and be see by one of the mental health team at Robinvale District Health Services!Bec is back too with a new listing in Robinvale and more of her story to tell which is awesome and we love hearing that.If you'd like to help keep this podcast going, please consider becoming a VIP (Very Important Patron). via our Patreon page: patreon.com/thevalepodcast

The March Long Weekend in this part of the world has always been a big one. We welcome a LOT of people to the area for the Robinvale Euston 80 Ski Race!This week, Mitch came in to have a chat about pulling the event together after a two year hiatus because of covid, and you may not hear it in his voice, but he's clearly a bit excited about it.We've also got a community basketball match between the Mildura Heat V Robinvale Basketball Association Men from 2pm on Saturday.Coach Calvin came in for a chat about that and about his role at MVAC heading up the men's and youth services which is awesome and it means he'll be a lot more involved now within our community.Phil is obviously in to talk about the Top Fuel Championship round at Mildura's Sunset Strip this weekend and to be reminded that he's been beaten by Jade TWICE on that very track.Jack also checks the Dong for the first time in a while and fills us in on the market this weekend and some future events coming up!Read more on our website and sign up to become a VIP here.

We have two very special guests this week, one of which we've been trying to get on the pod for a long time, and that is Triple M Junior Player Of The Week, Ignatius Jukes.The kid is the oldest 10 year old I've ever met and is swiftly becoming my junior Council as far as planning for the future for young people.We also have Bec Marciano in who plenty of you would know, but how much to do you actually know? Did you know she ran away and joined the navy at 16 years old or that she thought Robinvale was going to be like Wolf Creek?We're going to chat to Bec more regularly now and hope to give other women in positions of leadership a voice.Get extra episodes and even our regular episodes early by becoming a VIP. Sign up for a one off donation or regular monthly donations here: patreon.com/thevalepodcast

We get two of the coaches together to have a bit of banter on air before the big day - Steve wasn't interested in banter, but Matthew came to play.We shall see what happens on Saturday.Watch the game live streamed on YouTube and Facebook with guest commentators Clavin Henry and Andre McDonald

Apparently some of you enjoy when it's just the three of us sitting around the table chewing the fat.It's probably not as candid as when the mics are off but you get the idea.Remember, if you'd like to support this podcast financially sign up to become a VIP at patreon.com/thevalepodcast

Donny needs to remember to treat every microphone as if it's hot. Right after he signed off on this week's episode he made a little remark with I think, he thinks, I didn't record.... but I did. And I left it in.We chat hail storms & cricket with Donny, we touch on Interleague which is not going ahead this year, we get into all sorts of things as we tend to do and I must say, this is the most positive I think I've ever seen D Falvo on the eve of picking so things must certainly be looking optimistic out on the block.We also check in with Dr Anne Webster and touch on the Tongan tsumani crisis and the levels of aid that Australia is offering.

Kato Holani who you might know as Kato from the pharmacy was in ICU for weeks after contracting Covid-19.Kato was unvaccinated. Past tense. Kato didn't believe in coronavirus or the vaccine and thus had even ended her employment because it required her to be fully vaccinated.Kato has changed her mind.Kato has also recently lost her mother after she contracted Covid-19 leaving her major organs unable to recover.Kato has an important message for her Tongan community and the wider community and as always, it great to sit down and have a chat with her.

People are everywhere and no where at the same time. There are those that are crazy busy preparing for the upcoming grape and nut harvest, those that have gone MIA for the first weeks of the year, and those in isolation because they either have Covid or could possibly have covid and are awaiting test results. It's a really odd time, but we will solider on as we always do.Next week we hope to have our Federal MP Dr Anne Webster back on the podcast for a chat and you better believe she'll have a lot to say, and we do love a good discussion with her. We always learn something new.For now though it's just Jade and Ethan having a post festive chat.

We cover all manner of topics this week from the Albanese Christmas Board of Directors to the Euston Micro-Grid to the Robinvale Euston Rangers Cricket Club's farewell to Daryl McClure.If you'd like to support this podcast, please become a Patron patreon.com/thevalepodcast

We made our way to The Workshop this week for the launch of the new summer issue of Mildura Living Magazine and who do we find? Robinvale's own Ash Falvo!We find out how life has been for her and what she's doing now.Charlie also enlightens us on the state of ESTA and what happens when you actually call 000.We also chat about the Mildura Living tea towels which are now available at The Jack and how everyone is getting one from me for Christmas, because, why not!

There's so much going on this week with the Christmas carnival coming up, the festival of golf and almond classic on this weekend and of course cricket is back in a big way in the Vale so we're trying to celebrate it all.Jess Smythe is in for kick us off to tell us all about the Christmas carnival, I caught up with Liam Wood at The Workshop as part of our Mildura Living feature for this week and we got some gold from our commentary team from last week's cricket match at Len Arnott oval.

After 16 years the Robinvale Euston Rangers Cricket Club are playing their first home game this weekend at Len Arnott oval in Robinvale.Luke comes in to chat about it all because everyone else voted that it was his turn, and it was actually a good excuse for us to catch up and have a conversation without the distraction of the kids screaming "Mum... I'm hungry!" "Dad I'm finished doing poos!" "Mum, Parker's being annoying!" So it was actually quite nice.We also have the second part of our chat with Solunar's Brad Fyfe who had some really positive feedback from his first part and even had some new customers who mentioned they'd heard the podcast and were in to try the vegan dumplings!I know they wouldn't have been disappointed!I also discovered the gift of the vegan chocolate chip cookies in my Solunar bag this afternoon and needless to say they didn't make it back to Robinvale! I love those things!Toni is talking tea towels too which will be available to by just in time for Christmas! Watch this space!

Everyone wanted to have a say, and for someone who used to be quite hesitant to come in for a chat in front of a microphone, Ben Rogers from Pioneer Ford certainly doesn't take much convincing now.As soon as he found out we were in the studio on Wednesday this week he was straight over the road from the dealership to for a quick spot to send a shout out.Don't get me wrong, we love having Ben on, especially when Charlie is here because I have a team mate. It's just funny how quickly one develops confidence in front of the microphone with a bit of practise.Brad Fyfe from Solunar is our Mildura Living Weekly feature this week and I'm so thrilled he is. I LOVE his food. Now if you you haven't heard of Solunar, don't worry, I hadn't either, until Toni brought dumplings and the Yunnan salad in for a lunch a few weeks ago. So when Toni mentioned that Brad was coming in I was obviously excited for the research that had to be conducted! I like to go into these conversations well prepared and nothing says "prep" with a chef than eating lots of his food!Since this conversation I have been into Solunar the man who owns the show is running the show. Today Brad was behind the counter so I got the full tour of the facility and met the staff.When meeting all of their smiling happy faces I asked if he was struggling to find staff, and pleasantly he said not really. Rather than advertise actual positions, he advertises for good people and hence, he has the team he has now.The food was also incredible. I rate my food by level of profanity that comes out of my mouth after the first bite, and let me tell you that this was not suitable for a family show such as this and I am lucky I was alone at the time.If you'd like to support this podcast you can sign up to become a VIP at patreon.com/thevalepodcast

There's rumours of a ghostly presence around Euston Station although Bobby has never seen him, but with such history in the place how could Edmund Morey not have some sort of attachment to the place he founded.We hear more from Bobby in this week's Mildura Living feature and talk to Toni & Sharyn about the new Robinvale Euston tea towels and Mildura Hamper Co which uses all local ingredients and a perfect way to showcase our region to people this Christmas.Tom Lister is first cab off the rank though as there are nerves aplenty approaching the first home game of the Robinvale Euston Cricket Club. Not because they're concerned about the result, but just because with all of this rain, the carefully renovated and curated pitch may be too wet to play on.Patience boys, it's a virtue.If you'd like to support this podcast, become a VIP at patreon.com/thevalepodcast

Robinvale Basketball Association has been working tirelessly to get the season going and the Robinvale Euston Rangers Cricket Club have resurrected the club after approximately 16 years of dormancy so we're speaking to Leon and Trav next, followed by a Mildura Living feature at Euston Station Homestead with Bobby Hammet.Euston Station Run… this is the stire that Edmund Morey pegged out in 1846.1.2 million acres of harsh Mallee land what would eventually become Euston Station and then the township of Euston in 1885.Euston was sold multiple times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries mainly due to drought and the harsh conditions we still deal with today, but imagine doing that 170 years ago…Around 1968 Euston Station was sold to the Tyack Family and Euston came to life with the new era of irrigated horticulture.In 2017 Brett and Bobby Hammet purchased the property and the original log cabin homestead that Morey built in 1848. It was still standing at the time of purchase and since then, but been restored and brought back to life through sheer passion, dedication and good old fashion Mallee grit.The homestead sits on a private billabong just off the Murray River exactly 5 kilometers from Euston town and is a beautiful B & B & homewares store.When Bobby tells the story of acquiring and restoring the homestead, you can't help but at admire her conviction, her dedication and the drive it's taken to bring it back to the beautiful homestead you see today.The original claw bath is still in the outdoor bathroom, the tools and artefacts that have been recovered from the ground hang on the wall in the workshop which sparks a visual montage in the minds eye of just want it must have taken to settle and build on this very spot, using the primitive tools we now use as decoration.And is that Morey's pipe sitting in his bedroom?Being at Bobby's place is instantly relaxing allowing the mind to wander back to 1848 and think about everything that has unfolded through the past 170 years, sitting in the air conditioned & styled comfort of the 21st century.You may recall see stunning images of it on the front cover of Mildura Living Magazine's 2020 summer issue and the beautiful feature on the property. This week, Bobby hosted the ladies of Mildura Living whilst I just came along for the ride, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.Help support this podcast by becoming at VIP: patreon.com/thevalepodcast

Use the good china, drink champagne from your special glasses, use your wedding knife to cut cake for afternoon tea - just celebrate every little thing you can, because you never know what is around the corner.It's some of the best advice we could hope for after twenty months of never knowing what we can do tomorrow, let alone in a month's time. Jan Goodieson is a celebrant who speaks of such celebrations in the Spring issue of Mildura Living magazine. She's also one of these humble people who are befuddled when someone wants to "interview" them with claims of no real story to tell.Rubbish. Everyone has a story, and whence we add a glass of champagne, the stories will flow as well as the bubbles.Jan talks about her Scottish heritage, her parents blended marriage, meaning Protestant & Catholic, her sister (Sister Phillipa - Anne McMillian) teaching at St. Mary's in Robinvale, and the importance of celebrating every day.Brad Fyfe of Solunar in Mildura supplied lunch for us at The Workshop Creative which was delicious and we'll be talking to him in a couple of weeks time, but not before the team come to Robinvale / Euston for a tour!Watch out for women on tour next Friday and Saturday in The Vale.

Kirsten Lloyd is a name you've no doubt seen on many a written piece in Mildura Living Magazine, and you've undoubtably read her work, possibly without even knowing it.'Twas a joy to sit down and chat to Kirsten at The Workshop Creative about her background, her love for the written word, the creative process and why storytelling is so vitally important for our society as a whole. Deep I know, but it's a real joy to listen too so trust me.A couple of weeks ago, pre-freedom day announcements, we had a sit down with Seamus Mitchell in the studio at Network House.Those of us that know Seamo, know that he's generally been a young man of very few words, but he'd have you thinking anything but with this willingness to come in and chat about the year that was.Mildura Living are the new sponsors of our humble podcast and we could not be happier or more grateful. We're so thrilled to hopefully reach a wider audience up in to Mildura with their partnership and hopefully really lift the profile of Robinvale as a place to visit, live and invest.If you'd like to help support this podcast you can sign up to become a VIP through aur Patreon channel. You'll sometimes get access to single interviews before everyone else, or exclusive conversations that are never released to the public.patreon.com/thevalepodcast

The resurgence of the Robinvale Euston Rangers Cricket Club has brought a few former local cricketers, a few very handy cricketers, and the odd international cricketers out of the woodwork willing to chip in whatever it takes to get things happening.Jamie Siddons is arguably one of Robinvale's most famous modern day exports having had a stellar first class cricket career and going on to coach Bangladesh and also being assistant coach to one of the best Australian sides ever.We've been talking about tracking him down for a couple of years now, but the search ended when he contacted recently elected club president Tom Lister offering a hand with anything he needed, so this week, Jade, Donny & Tom got to sit down and have a chat with the great man about his memories playing in Robinvale with his Dad, the Manangatang pub and setting Blue Hills on fire.Our Patron's get to hear it all first because you're our VIP and this edition is without the guff at the start and the end. You just get the good stuff.

The last two years has been the hardest retailers and our hospitality operators will hopefully ever have to deal with, but with our vaccination rates now getting up there, we may be through the worst of it.We had Al Mitchell in to talk about how the Robinvale Bridge Motel is going, the Jack and whats in store for the summer and something new and exciting in the way of a new accommodation offering for Robinvale.We also have Katein who is the woman in the know as far as the Mildura Dragon Boat Club, Robinvale Chapter goes.They're always looking for new members, but remember before you get in a boat you need a Dragon Pass with Dragon Boat Victoria and you can do that right here: https://www.dragonboatvictoria.com.au/home/We also talk about some exciting things that are in the works with Mildura Living, some of the articles in this seasons edition and also the Robinvale Golf Club of course.

We all love one of Charlie's stories that have little to zero relevance to the conversation taking place at that particular time and he doesn't let us down again this week with a little anecdote about koalas!Just a little warning, there is some colourful language throughout this episode. Nothing terrible, just colourful.Support this podcast and sign up as a VIP patreon.com/thevalepodcast

There is some language and adult themes in this podcast. We do also actually use the term "wet dream" just FYI.We're a little late with this one but there has been school holidays, long weekends and camping trips to be had, so I apologise.But it was time for something a little different, so I called in a favour from a former colleague.Matthew Hardy, author, comedian, radio personality & podcast host, and I used to work together at Melbourne's Nova 100.He and Lawrence Mooney now host a podcast called Saturday afternoon fever, which is Matthew reading the book he wrote of the same title, and the Moon Man butting in with his own stories.It's a great premise for a podcast but I came to learn that Matt actually lived in Robinvale for a time during his mis-spent youth. His policeman Father sent him up here to live with his Policeman brother and pick grapes in about 1990, so there's a loose local connection, but it was a good excuse for a bit of cross promotion to be honest.This was recorded a few weeks back when we were possibly still in lockdown and the book was still available to buy, it has since sold out but you can listen to Matt and the Moon man's podcast Saturday Afternoon Fever, wherever you're listening to this.The video will be available for our VIP's only at Patreon: patreon.com/thevalepodcast

Driving around the district right now is glorious! The crops looks wonderful, the bud burst is happening on the vines, the trees are budding and the canola is spectacular.We thought it was time to check up on rainfall and how the season is looking for our broadacre brethren, so Pete came in for an update and whilst he was here we thought it fitting to find out what's happening at the tennis club too seeing Pete is now the Tennis Club president and a possible contender to put on some pads and play cricket this year as well. Where on earth he's going to find time behind a boat is beyond me, but I'm sure he will and we might get an update on the water from Pete in a few weeks time.

Donny's finally made it back and I think you know as well as I do now that when Donny is here, we don't need guests because we talk between ourselves for 45 minutes.We discuss all of the important topics too like R U OK? Day, like how good it would be to be playing in a grand final this weekend, how much we're missing sport, the 57% water allocation that Donny and other irrigators are faced with and all sorts of other things that come to mind.Donny is a starter for the Robinvale Rangers Cricket Club this weekend at training so watch this space. This will be the summer of cricket on The Vale Podcast.

Imagine having your final two years of secondary school taken away from you, by no choice of your own.. Nick Zappia is the school captain at Robinvale College and because of Covid-19 lockdowns, this is what has happened to him, and he's not ok.... and that's ok. It's to be expected.This week we talk to Nick & Claudio Gallo who is in year 11 but always doing a year 12 subject on her way to pursuing a career in the health sector.We also talk about things that are off, things that are on, things that you can watch on Netflix, things that you can listen too and all sorts of things.I didn't think there was much to talk about, and maybe that's because talking to people face to face is almost a thing of the past, but when you do get together the conversation is quite robust and there's actually a lot to talk about.

The last thing we really want to talk about is case numbers, lockdowns, Covid responses and vaccines, so we don't, at least until the very end. Being a local news media service, we do have to report the relevant news of the day. We can't avoid it, but we can dilute it with some positive news first.Emily Zappia is the woman responsible for Z & Zee and she's up for several Ausmumpreneur awards and needs your help!Vote for here in the customer service category here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/victas21

Everyone has a story. Some are long, some are short. Some are interesting, some have twists and turns, and a thickening plot at every chapter, but everyone has a story. I think that's what I love about having a platform like a podcast. I love learning about people's stories.Since my early 20's I have lived my life by the motto "It's all about the book". That's a long story and there's a whole presentation on it and everything.So when you get talking to others that also have a similar motto, there are some great stories to tell. Like Dominic's.Now, I've been a big fan of Dom's since I met the kid probably about ten years ago and knew he would spread his wings, but also hoped he would always find a path home, and that he has, at least for now.We had such fun chatting on last week's episode, I invited him back to discuss some topics further, such as the moment he found himself and realised that you are who you are and you don't need to apologise for that, and also about his time in the ARMY!It's a very interesting chat, and we also cover off on some of the weekly housekeeping things, check in with Kelsey from the Euston Pub and talk about the Rotary Park playground!Oh and it's our 100th episode - YAY!

It's official, we're collaborating with the Euston Club and The Great Murray River Salami Festival (which has been postponed this year). to bring you The Great Murray River Salami Competition!The judging format is the same, however, entrants are restricted to postcodes; only the 3549 or 2737 can enter. No one else.The judges are yet to be announced, but they will be soon. James Mele who is the king judge has committed to being here on the day if covid allows for it.We also have prize money, kindly donated by the Euston Club!$500 first prize$300 second prize$200 third prizeBut the bragging rights that come with winning this competition will be priceless.You can bring your entries in to either the Euston Club or Network House with your entry form filled in, then either come along to the Euston Club on Friday 24th September 2021 or tune into our YouTube channel on the day to watch the live judging and crowning of salami royalty in Robinvale & Euston.We're also talking basketball with newly elected President of Robinvale Basketball Association Leon Johnson and talking Ballet Guild with Dominic Mezzatesta.

THIS PODCAST WAS RECORDED BETWEEN 1 & 3PM on THURSDAY 5TH AUGUST.Circumstances have changed since that time so please take that into consideration.

Before we start, can I just say, DO NOT TRY THIS ON PUBLIC ROADS or any road for that matter. This entire race was done under the supervision of several professionals and highly controlled conditions. Don't try this at home.Over the last couple of months, you might be aware that Charlie has been taunting Phil Lammattina about being a less than adequate driver, “Phil Schmill…” “I feel like your a bit chicken Phil” “First loser…”So after much planning, Phil booked Mildura's Sunset Strip for a Thursday afternoon, to which Charlie immediately withdrew from the race…To find out exactly what happened, you'll have to listen.Thanks to Charlie for being too chicken to put his money where his mouth is and letting me race, thanks to Phil for being a good sport and organising the track, thanks to Ben and Pioneer Ford for letting us race and supporting the silly ideas we keep having, thanks to Kingsley and Lauren from the Mildura Drag Racing Club and their children for facilitating the day, and thanks to the stand-in Stig, fully kitted out in Nonno's race suit, genuinely purchased in Italy in the 90's!A reminder: don't do any of the things you heard on this podcast at home or on the road, it was a highly controlled environment supervised by professionalsIf you've listened to and like this podcast, please give it a 5 star review, or even better, help us keep it going by making a small financial donation each month.

Yes, I know it's a few days late, I apologise, but these podcast things take a lot of time and energy to produce, something I've been lacking in both areas the last couple of weeks. Add to that, the lack of sleep we're all going through with the Euro's, Wimbledon, the US motocross (that Australian Hunter Lawrence won btw!) and ANOTHER win for the Robinvale Euston Eagles B grade netball team and needless to say there's been a bit on!We have a date for the Charlootz challenge so we get Phil on the phone to discuss the schedule with Charlie and it doesn't go to plan at all.If you're aware of a boxer called Michael Zafara, you'll know why I'm now calling Charlootz, Mick!We also talk to Norsiyah Mokak about the Census which is coming up on the August 10th 2021 so make sure everyone is counted!As you'll hear in this podcast, I'm taking a couple of weeks off to have a QLD holiday on the GC with the family so no episode next week, but I'm hoping I will have the audio of all of the Charlootz chicken out challenge to come for you the week after that.This podcast thing is costly in both time and finances so if you'd like to support it by way of a one off donation, or regular membership head to patreon.com/thevalepodcast

We can finally announce that through the State Government's Active Together program, the Robinvale Leisure Centre will be refurbished with $2.95 million in funding!Mark Gepp, Member for Northern Victoria was in Robinvale for the announcement on Thursday and he even decided to come into Network House to have a chat about it all, and about all of his travels around Northern Victoria this week.We also have a chat about Generations Early Learning in Merbein which is just the most insanely good model of mixing early learning and aged care!Then Donny took a break from doing whatever he was doing to talk about our salami competition, footy, netball, rates and water... you know, all of that important stuff.Become a Patron and support this podcast :patreon.com/thevalepodcast

NAIDOC week will be a big one in Robinvale this year with an art exhibition and competition at the Community Centre.Dave Lovell (Robinvale Corner Store) is the custodian of two works of Clifford Possum and will have them on display for only the second time, and there are plenty more things in the works but local Aboriginal artists are invited to enter their own works to be displayed alongside and potentially win one of three prizes from the Marawarpina Local Aboriginal Network.$500 for first prize, $300 for second and $20o for third.

It's been talked about since I've been in local government, and it was there before Dr Webster was elected to Federal Parliament, but we've finally had a win with the 'AG VISA' from ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries.More details on the website and more will follow over the coming weeks, as Dr Webster has indicated that this will be up and running for this years harvest!Over the weekend, Phil raced at the Winternationals in Ipswich for the 400 Thunder Championship (Australian Championship).He lost. And Charlie let him know about it.