Stranded in flood water

TWO rescue operations to save trapped individuals surrounded by floodwater were undertaken around Euroa recently.

Both situations resulted from the moderate flooding of Sevens Creek, which led to flooding of flood–prone locations throughout the Strathbogie Shire and peaked at 4.3 metres before subsiding.

Leading Senior Constable Lucas Paul of Euroa police confirmed a man in his 60s and his dog had been marooned on a paddock in Sevens Creek Park on Friday as floodwater surrounded them.

Two members of Shepparton Search and Rescue rescued the man and his dog using an inflatable boat, while a Victoria Police helicopter monitored the scene overhead (on standby) and Euroa SES members were in attendance.

Shepparton Search and Rescue vice president Michael D'Elia said the man, camping on a high piece of land, was surrounded by flowing water just over waist–deep.

Mr D'Elia said Victoria Police had requested assistance from SES, who then contacted Shepparton Search and Rescue as their crew is in possession of an inflatable rescue boat suitable for the operation.

After the rescue crew brought the man and his dog to dry land, Shepparton Search and Rescue transported the man in their vehicle to Ambulance Victoria.

The following night another recue, also undertaken by Shepparton Search and Rescue using their inflatable boat, was a higher risk situation as two men sat trapped atop their car which was mostly submerged in deep, flowing floodwater.

Footage of one man in his seventies and his son in his forties trapped atop their car was aired on national TV news, while national print news outlets also covered the rescue.

7 Eleven kicks off in North East

A 7-ELEVEN convenience store and 8-pump fuel station is proposed for a site on the corner of Ryley and Perry streets in Wangaratta.

The application proposes a new service station of modern design covering the site of 2415m2.

The proposal is for:

• 8 fuel pumps;

• 7-Eleven pay station and convenience store with a floor area of 203m2;

• 11 parking bays including a disabled space;

• one loading bay; and

• signage, some of which will be illuminated.

It is proposed to operate the service station 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Access is proposed from Ryley Street and Perry Street.

This comes after news earlier in the year that 7 Eleven planned on opening several new locations in the North East, with Wangaratta and Benalla to be the first.

The idea is part of the company's ‘regional growth strategy’.

Gold mine becomes military test site

NAGAMBIE is now home to the Underwater Explosive Test Facility (UETF), a unique facility for testing explosives, the Department of Defence has confirmed.

Defence Science and Technology Group's Stu Cannon recently spoke about the facility at an Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) conference.

In a recording of his talk available on YouTube, Mr Cannon said the facility is an open cut, former gold mine.

Little public information regarding the UETF was available until mid–May this year, when Mr Cannon's talk was published on YouTube and the Department of Defence published an online factsheet regarding the facility.

A Defence spokesperson said the facility was commissioned in April 2021.

At the recent ATSE conference, Mr Cannon spoke about different uses for the facility, including commercial testing of equipment that goes aboard ships and submarines.

He said defence, security and police are also considering using the facility for diver training.

Opening weekend remains busy despite lack of snow

DESPITE the lack of snow keeping ski lifts closed, opening weekend at Hotham and Fall Creek resorts saw the usual crowds enjoying what was on offer.

General manager of operations at Hotham, Len Dobell, said the weekend was exciting with many things to do.

"There wasn't quite enough snow for skiing but we had some fresh snow on the Friday night and the snow guns were running so there was lots of snow play," he said.

"I think it was the usual number of people we'd see on opening weekend, even without the lifts, there were probably more day trip visitation from alpine towns but the rest of the resort looked very busy as well.

General manager of Falls Creek's Frueauf Village, Brett Williams, said everyone had a great time at the resort.

"Considering we had no ski lifts open everyone seemed to have a really good time and there was enough snow for kids to play on," he said.

"The bars and restaurants seemed to be full as well, I think visitation was a little lower than the last couple of years but it was reasonably good and is looking healthy for the season.”

Search for bank teller accused of stealing $121,000

POLICE are looking for Shepparton man Kuol Mawien Kuol.

The 25-year-old is wanted on warrant for failure to appear in court in relation to fraud and drug matters.

The fraud matters relate to allegations he stole $121,000 from bank accounts while he worked as a bank teller in Shepparton and Kyabram.

Mr Kuol is described as 180cm tall with a slim build and dark hair.

He is known to frequent the Melbourne and Shepparton areas, as well as travelling interstate to NSW, including to the Pyrmont and Merrylands areas

Anyone who sees Mr Kuol or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au