Two months between issues goes quickly. Bit of a scramble this one but here we are looking forward to the 121st Chop & Carnival and celebrating a number of special events.
The launch of the Barry’s Reef Avenue of Honour was a significant event with several dignitaries in attendance. The presentation by Pippa Morris was a highlight of the proceedings. Our fantastic CERT team chalked up 20 years; Historical Society a magnificent 50th and the Gold Panners’ a 30th, with their tradition in Blackwood going back 169 years!
These events and activities happen because behind the scenes are locals who are proud of our heritage and prepared to put in over many years. This issue also acknowledges change. Our township now numbers a tad over 300 and the demography is changing. Many young families
have moved in and 2 full school buses morning and evening attest to that. So we have indulged ourselves with a 2 page ‘photo essay’ as a center spread of contemporary celebrities, old and young. And of course the brilliant Wombie, coloured in by the youth and madly in love on Valentines Day.
Next issue we should be able to provide an update on the campaign for a child-care facility in Blackwood.
Storm recovery deserves a special mention with community pulling together to help each other. Moorabool Council has run a terrific program and a taster of a documentary is further testament to our creative talent. How the land is restored remains a contentious issue covered in this and future issues.
Enjoy the Carnival!

~ John Kemp (April – May Editor)

Download the AprMay2023WEB version of the Blackwood Times (.pdf 10.2mb) of the Blackwood Times


Link to the form


Did you know that every issue of The Blackwood Times is in the National edeposit (NED) library, which is a collaboration between Australia’s 9 national, state & territory libraries, responding to the major challenge of capturing & preserving the digital documentary history of Australia for the future. We also have copies of most issues, so if you want a backcopy these are available by donation.

Please remember we rely on your content. If you would like deadline reminders, simply sign-up to our list to the right of this article.


Download the AprMay2023WEB version of the Blackwood Times (.pdf 10.2mb) or  Pick up a hard copy from any of our usual venues, we will get them distributed as soon as we can.

BLACKWOOD:

  • Jindarup PO (when it re-opens)
  • Blackwood Hotel
  • Garden of St Erth cafe
  • Caravan Park

TRENTHAM:

  • Petrol & Stuff
  • Red Beard
  • Chaplin’s

GREENDALE PUB


Download the AprMay2023WEB version of the Blackwood Times (.pdf 10.2mb)