General News
18 January, 2026
Warracknabeal Herald's 2025 In Review: January–March
From fire recovery and housing setbacks to first days of school and community milestones — here’s a snapshot of the stories that shaped Warracknabeal in the first months of the year.
JANUARY
[SUBHEAD]Locals help after fire
Her Warracknabeal neighbours pitch in to help Dawn Clarke, 70, when she is forced to enter the new year without a home.
Fire ripped through Ms Clarke’s historic property ‘Cardinia’ at 4 Kelsall Street just before Christmas, most likely caused by the charging system or battery on a mobility scooter on her verandah.
[SUBHEAD]Residence back in Woodbine hands
Woodbine welcomes 1 Warunda Avenue, Warracknabeal, back into its community.
From 1982 EW Tipping owned the property where Woodbine ran its family group home.
However, after regaining the property, Woodbine says that it now houses four women.
[SUBHEAD]Housing call ‘disappoints’ council
The federal government announces the outcome of its Housing Support Program, $35.8 million being allocated to five projects to fast-track housing in regional and metropolitan growth areas, but there’s no good news for Warracknabeal.
Yarriambiack Shire Council says it’s disappointed that all four of the projects it submitted were overlooked.
“Our council’s working tirelessly on funding applications, spending money on consultants to assist with submitting applications to ensure they’re of the highest quality, leaving no stone unturned,” mayor Kylie Zanker says.
[SUBHEAD]Not for the weightloss faint-hearted
The travelling Candy Van with Imber’s Donuts serves up hundreds of flip-top packs of donuts smothered in sweet, gooey sauces during a stopover in Warracknabeal.
Based in Adelaide and Geelong, it arrives stocked large sweet-treat packs and ice cream as well, drawing eager crowds as temperatures reach 40°C.
[SUBHEAD]First-day smiles
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School’s new Prep students are all smiles as they begin their first year of classes.
The primary school has 18 new Prep students in the care of two classroom teachers and a learning support officer.
[SUBHEAD]Maternal child health transition endorsed
After extensive community consultation, council endorses West Wimmera Health Service taking over Yarriambiack’s maternal child health services, including immunisations.
Formal discussions with the health service began in 2024 after council recognised that the shire could not offer support services to complement the services.
FEBRUARY
[SUBHEAD]Woodbine capacity grows
Woodbine celebrates the official opening of its new-build in Craig Avenue, Senator Jana Stewart attending the proceedings.
The spacious new six-bedroom home awaits five residents, leaving one sleepover room available for staff.
The project cost $2.7 million in total and was made possible by $1.2m in funding from the federal government, a co-contribution of $1.5m from Woodbine Inc and community donations.
[SUBHEAD]New year, new principal
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School introduces new principal Julie Leonard to its community as she takes over the role from Nerrida Holland.
After moving from Torquay, Ms Leonard has been settling into life in Warracknabeal since the middle of January and has nothing but positive words to say.
“I grew up in Ballarat so it's not a culture shock as I came from country and farm life,” she says.
[SUBHEAD]Leisure centre repairs set
Yarriambiack Shire Council and facility user groups agree to replace the entire timber floor across both basketball courts in Warracknabeal Leisure Centre, pushing the project’s completion to early June.
The decision follows concerns raised by the building contractor in December 2024 about level disparities between the existing court and the planned new surface.
[SUBHEAD]Cruisin’ into town
Wimmera Mallee Historical Vehicle Society members are spotted at Werrigar Roadhouse while on their monthly cruise.
The society is open to all historical vehicles and has members from across the region who cruise twice a month, changing location each time.
[SUBHEAD]Town loses Jono and Johno store
Grant Jonasson and Charlie Johnson announce the impending closure of their Jono and Johno store.
Just as the store is going into its 10th year of trading, Mr Jonasson and Mr Johnson express their sadness through a social media statement.
Jono and Johno has been in town since 2008, having been established originally at 140 Scott Street in the former Elliade gas shop.
[SUBHEAD]Elegant night for good cause
Warracknabeal Town Hall is filled with mystery and elegance on Valentine’s Day as Rural Northwest Health hosts its Romeo and Juliet Masquerade Ball as a fundraiser.
The black-and-red themed event sees 75 guests dance the night away in dashing suits and gowns, raising $458.50 for the organisation’s cancer support group.
[SUBHEAD]Historic quilt returns home
A hand-painted 255-panel patchwork quilt showcasing the names of many Warracknabeal families is returned to Rural Northwest Health after almost two decades in storage.
Created by Nita Phillips (née Rosslyn) in 1943, the quilt hung in the old hospital until the new campus was built in 2008 and it was entrusted to the care of Warracknabeal Historical Society.
[SUBHEAD]Tourism leaders drive recovery
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism and six of the region’s local governments, including Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh shires, join forces at the Victorian Caravan and Camping Supershow.
The event draws 43,000 attendees, creating a vital platform to connect industry leaders and encourage travel to the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee regions.
MARCH
[SUBHEAD]Restroom supporters recognised
The Ladies Restrooms committee inducts two life members, recognising their dedication and contribution to the Warracknabeal icon.
Sue Russell and Marie Klemm are long-serving supporters, Ms Russell having dedicated 18 years to the committee and Ms Klemm now in her 20th year.
[SUBHEAD]Fire Services levy replaced
The state government announced that an Emergency Services Volunteer Fund will replace the Fire Services Property Levy from July 1.
An outline of potential impacts presented to Yarriambiack Shire Council prompts councillors to commit to advocating against the additional financial burden this will place on rate-payers.
[SUBHEAD]Newest man in blue introduced
Warracknabeal Police welcome a new face to their team when Constable Max Richards starts his first shift.
Fresh out of the academy after graduating only a month ago, Const Richards has made the move from Geelong to Horsham to look after the wider Warracknabeal community.
[SUBHEAD]Kinder facility officially open
The new Warracknabeal Memorial Kindergarten building is officially opened by Yarriambiack mayor Kylie Zanker, marking the completion of a vital project to increase infrastructure capacity for kindergarten programs for three- and four-year-old children.
Parents and families of past and present kindergarten students, councillors, council staff and Emerge Early Years Services CEO Elicia Napoli attend the opening.
[SUBHEAD]Students celebrate Harmony Day
Warracknabeal Primary School, Warracknabeal Special Development School and Warracknabeal Secondary College unite to celebrate Harmony Day.
Promoting cultural diversity, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging, Harmony Day is an opportunity for staff and students to wear orange ribbons and participate in lunchtime activities.
[SUBHEAD]Competitors turn teammates
Friendly rivals from the Wimmera team up to make their mark at the CFA/VFBV Firefighting State Championships in Mooroopna.
Isabella Orszulak from Warracknabeal and Claire Longstaff from Horsham have competed against each other for years at local demonstrations but are thrilled that the introduction of female events at the Victorian titles enables them to combine their strengths.