Last week Jamieson resident Wendy Blackledge organised a 4-day reunion with her three sisters.

They met and stayed with Jill in Mansfield.

It was a very happy time as they enjoyed walks, dining at the Mansfield Golf Club, chatting, and revisiting the shops and cafes.

It is a couple of years since they were together, and all have returned home with lovely memories and a photo of the girls rugged up on the Bonnie Doon Bridge.

Local residents Karen Alderson and husband Peter Horan have returned from a 2-month camping and exploring holiday through Western Australia.

They left Jamieson heading for Karijini National Park in northern Western Australia.

Crossing the Nullarbor through the Pilbara and onward to Karijini, they spent 5 days enjoying the local terrain, having made it to their destination.

They then drove to Darwin and down through Alice Springs and home to Jamieson to a very different terrain and weather conditions.

Jamieson CFA firefighters have received a new tanker.

Three members—Steve Garito, CFA Captain; Jason Hicks, 3rd Lieutenant; and Peter Horan, former treasurer and secretary—drove to Wangaratta last week and attended the training course required for the new tanker.

It is an extraordinary firefighting tanker with the latest bells and whistles and buttons to press.

A larger cab carries six firefighters.

CFA members and firefighters are required to be trained in using the new radios that the Jamieson Brigade has been issued with.

The training has been constant, and as a result, a very large percentage of the members are now qualified.

These volunteers have sacrificed their leisure time to be trained with the latest equipment to protect the local community and answer calls out to areas where they are needed.

Jamieson Primary School students are back at school following the school holiday break.

The skiing classes have commenced on Mt Buller on Fridays.

The students have five skiing lessons through the season.

They are all proficient at the end of the season, all with new confidence and ability.

The MARK van came last week with some new and exciting books for the students to enjoy as part of their reading program.

Fr George Feliciouz, local Mansfield parish priest, was a celebrant at the State Funeral last Friday at St Patrick’s Cathedral for the late Hon. Brian James Dixon.

It was a beautiful service, with the Dixon family all taking part in the service with readings and reflections on father and grandfather.

Many political members spoke of Brian’s outstanding 18-year career as MP with the Liberal Party.

Star football players also contributed to the occasion, with reminiscences of Brian’s football success.

Five premiership cups he won were on display at the service.

It was a very fitting farewell for a man who contributed to a better world.

The burial service was conducted at the Jamieson Lawn Cemetery on Monday, with local residents and visitors driving from Melbourne to attend.

Following the interment, the attendees repaired to the Courthouse Hotel for refreshment and reunion.

In God’s care.

Rest in peace.