non-fictionThe Sydney to Hobart yacht race is one of the world's major sporting events. In 1998, it became one of the world's major sporting disasters. Six sailors tragically perished, countless others suffered injuries, and numerous yachts sank or were badly damaged. The subsequent search and rescue operation was one of the most phenomenally accomplished peacetime efforts the world has ever seen. Telling this story of challenge and survival, Rob Mundle details the history of the race, the excitement of the start and the thrill of competition. It contains extensive interviews with officials, crews, survivors and rescue service personnel, and relates like no other the calamity and tragedy of this classic offshore disaster.james hardy, robert mundle, yachting, race, sydney, hobart, survivors, survival story

The document highlights the challenges faced by Mandurang South, a small rural school, in the face of government education reforms and potential closure. Mandurang South was considered an easy target for closure under new government 'quality provision' guidelines. Despite demonstrating a strong curriculum and experienced leadership, the school faced severe staffing reductions: from two teachers plus specialist support to just 1.4 teachers for 32 students. This would require one teacher to manage 31 children across seven grades in a single classroom, raising concerns about educational quality. Parents and teachers collaborated intensively to prepare a submission proving the school's quality, hoping to meet government criteria for survival. Some parents, including former students, expressed willingness to close or merge the school if educational standards could not be maintained, while others wanted to keep it open. The school community was holding a referendum to decide its stance for an upcoming taskforce meeting. Mandurang South and its neighboring school, Mandurang Primary, originated from a split in 1875 due to the distances children had to travel. The school has a rich history, with its original weatherboard building and a notable stand of century-old trees, making it a model for rural education and a point of local pride. The most likely option discussed was merging with Mandurang Primary, which would be ironic given their historical split over a century ago.Mandurang South's situation serves as a test case for the broader impact of educational 'rationalisation' policies on small rural schools. Mr. Balmer was Head Teacher in 1875. Heintervened to stop residents from cutting timber on school grounds, preserving a notable stand of eucalypts and conifers.The school grounds are recognized for their natural beauty, attracting visitors and providing students with daily exposure to native wildlife and nature-based activities. The school offers standard facilities (oval, courts, shelter) and unique curriculum elements like "bush cooking," making learning relevant to its rural setting. Mandurang South School is valued at $50,000–$70,000, but faces closure due to economic constraints and potential staff reductions.There is concern that closure could lead to further school consolidations in the Mandurang valley, as part of a broader government education reform. The possible closure is seen as a loss to the community’s heritage and educational landscape, with uncertainty about the future of other local schools.Schools searching for a Future. Series of photos and information about Mandurang Primary School No. 1628. Pictures by Lisa Honeychurch. Written by Owen Davies. This item contains the following documents: 8091.602a Part of Page 11, the Bendigo Advertiser Friday August 13 1993 8091.602b Part of Page 11, the Bendigo Advertiser Friday August 13 1993 8091.602c Black and White Photo of four kids playing cricket on the oval besides the school - Contact BHS for Details 8091.602d Black and White Photo of Grade Four student Gary Wilkins sitting under a pine tree, possibly reading - Contact BHS for Details 8091.602e Black and White Photo of Grade Four students "Bush Cooking" around a camp fire Left to Right: Travis Singe, Tristian Gillies, Gary Wilkins, Bill Riddell - Contact BHS for Details 8091.602f Black and White Photo Front of Mandurang South School - Contact the BHS for Details 8091.602g Black and White Photo Front of Mandurang South School - Contact the BHS for Details 8091.602h Black and White Photo Two men and three kids in front of the school sign. Left to Right: Brian Murdoch, Brian's daughter Ebony, John's son and daughter, Roger and Erin, and John Murdoch - Contact the BHS for Details 8091.602i Black and White Photo of Mrs Bess Coghill, the former Post Mistress at Mandurang South - Contact the BHS for Details 8091.602j Black and White Photo of the school sign - Contact the BHS for Detailsnewspaper, bendigo advertiser, mandurang south, primary school

Raywood is portrayed as a close-knit, self-reliant rural community where local businesses and residents play a central role in sustaining town life. Residents take initiative, such as managing the swimming pool access themselves and seeking new financial services after the local bank agency closed. Local businesses adapt to challenges, like the butcher expanding to home deliveries to stay afloat. The butcher's shop, pub, general store, and newsagency are central to daily life and social interaction.Business owners, such as Ron the butcher and Stewie the shopkeeper, are deeply invested in the town's survival and continuity. The closure of the Commonwealth Bank agency was met with community resolve to prove their independence. Young people increasingly spend money outside town, posing a challenge to local commerce. Government costs and changing economic conditions have impacted local employment and services. Residents participate in school councils, volunteer firefighting, and community organizations. The town school remains a focal point, with about 80 pupils and hopes to avoid closure or change. Despite hardships, such as floods and fires, residents like Dennis and Jill O'Gorman (publicans) and the Neate family remain committed to Raywood.Long-term residents, like Stewie, emphasize the importance of keeping both their businesses and the town alive. Raywood's story highlights the importance of local initiative, adaptability, and strong community ties in maintaining rural town life. Northern United Football Club won four consecutive premierships, but some locals feel these victories were tainted because the club paid high prices to attract top players from Bendigo.When the financial support ended, these players left, leaving the club without a strong foundation or new local talent. The club struggled after the departure of paid players, lacking reliable and affordable local players. A drought period followed, with Northern United going two years without a win. The club recently celebrated a rare victory, only its second in two-and-a-half years, which brought great joy to the community. The town now values these hard-earned wins more than the earlier, expensive premierships.Small Towns With Big Hearts Ravenswood. Series of photos and information about Raywood. Pictures by Peter Hyett. Written by Wayne Gregson. This item contains the following documents newspaper articles and black and white photos: 8091.606a Part of Page 22, the Bendigo Advertiser Weds Nov 03 1993 8091.606b Part of Page 22, the Bendigo Advertiser Wednesday Nov 03 1993 8091.606c Black and White Photo of Ron the Butcher - Contact BHS for Details 8091.606d Black and White Photo of Beverley Neale, the Post Mistriss - Contact BHS for Details 8091.606e Black and White Elevated view of Raywood and countryside - Contact BHS for Details 8091.606f Black and White General Store and Town Hall - Contact BHS for Details 8091.606g Black and White Photo of Sign Posts - Contact BHS for Details 8091.606h Black and White Photo of Stewie McGregor Store-keeper - Contact BHS for Details 8091.606i Black and White Photo of Dennis and Jill O'Gorman Publicans of the Raywood Hotel - Contact BHS for Details 8091.606j Black and White Photo of an old cart behind a fence - Contact BHS for Detailsnewspaper, bendigo advertiser, raywood