It’s time to look back on the second half of the year as part of The Telegraph’s Year in Review for 2023.
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This edition, we highlight the biggest news and sport stories from July to December, as we celebrate the end of another year.
July 5
Seymour FM celebrates its revival with a new station, with significant community contributions and support.
Seymour Racing Club appointed Chris Martin as chief executive after Brett Shambrook’s interim tenure, with plans for facility improvements and a focus on rebuilding community trust.
July 12
Taungurung Elder Aunty Jo Honeysett emphasised the importance of NAIDOC Week in celebrating culture and community as a large gathering in Seymour paid respects to Indigenous heritage.
Under Jordan Formosa’s leadership, Longwood secured an impressive two-point win over Dookie United, marking its first consecutive victories in over five years.
July 19
The Seymour and District Art Society, previously housed in the historic Old Court House, faced disruptions after the October 2022 floods. Repairs had finally commenced 10 months after the floods.
Seymour A-grade dominated the match against Benalla in the Goulburn Valley League, securing an 81-21 victory.
July 26
Hephner the alpaca, known for his outings to pubs, salons, nursing homes and even radio shows, joined owner Robert Fletcher on a two-week journey through Seymour to raise awareness and funds for Lifeline.
Rhonda Richards, a pivotal figure at the Nagambie Golf Club for almost 50 years, oversaw the creation of the new course almost entirely through volunteer efforts. She earned an OAM for her service.
August 2
Go Seymour and dedicated community members hosted a fundraising event on September 29.
Nagambie unexpectedly dominated Shepparton East in a pivotal Kyabram District League top-of-the-table clash, securing a commanding 90-point win and moving into first place on the ladder.
August 9
Sadie, a beloved black working Labrador belonging to the Duff family, tragically passed away after an unidentified driver took her on July 8.
Avenel Recreation Reserve witnessed a celebratory atmosphere as the crowd gathered to honour Paul ‘Subba’ Arandt’s 300th senior game.
August 16
Lilly Fanning, a Year 6 student, has taken on community service as part of the Rotary Junior Community Award, dedicating her time to cleaning headstones at Avenel Cemetery.
Nagambie coach Tyrone Muir reflected on a grand final loss to Lancaster, acknowledging the opponent’s superior performance while highlighting his team’s youth as a potential asset for future success.
August 23
A documentary titled Let The Light Shine, focusing on war, sacrifice and commemoration, notably featuring stained glass, commenced filming during the Vietnam Veterans’ Day service in Seymour. The film is expected to be screened in 2024.
The Seymour Lions’ annual Breast Cancer Network Australia afternoon tea, held in memory of Sarah Locke, raised over $13,000 for breast cancer research.
August 30
Students in Seymour and nearby schools celebrated Book Week by dressing up as their favourite book characters.
Nagambie’s A-grade netball team faced Girgarre in a thrilling, high-paced, do-or-die final match where, despite an impressive comeback effort in the last quarter, Nagambie fell short.
September 6
AFL legend Michael Long retraced his historic walk from Melbourne to Canberra, advocating for First Nations voices to be heard in the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.
Defending premier Seymour was eliminated from the GVL A-grade finals series after a loss to Tatura.
September 13
Ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer has embarked on a 14,000km run across Australia, advocating for a Yes vote in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.
Seymour, a top contender in the Goulburn Valley League finals, was bundled out in straight sets with a loss against Euroa.
September 20
The Mitchell Shire Group CFA Stair Climb team successfully raised over $30,000 for charity by conquering 28 flights of stairs at the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
In a thrilling B-grade grand final, Nagambie secured a 49-40 victory over Dookie.
September 27
Lori Perry, a resilient Nagambie resident who battled kidney cancer at an early age, faced a relapse but received vital support from My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.
In a thrilling GVL reserves grand final, Seymour and Shepparton United battled fiercely, but a late surge by the Demons led to an impressive comeback victory.
October 4
Leigh and Paul, owners of Seymour’s Royal Hotel since 2015, experienced unexplained happenings like footsteps. Geoff Painter, a medium, led a ghost tour revealing tales of spirits, including the notorious bushranger Dan Morgan and a little girl named Isabella, leaving participants with eerie yet enlightening experiences.
Avenel midfielder Braydon Avola clinched the McNamara Medal at the Kyabram District League presentation night.
October 11
After almost being cancelled due to heavy rain, the Seymour Show took over Kings Park, with the whole community coming down to enjoy the fireworks, rides, games and animals.
It was announced that the Seymour Cup would return to the Seymour Racing Club after two years, sparking huge interest.
October 18
Peter Comte, a lifelong resident of Seymour, fulfilled his dream of serving as a police officer for 35 years. He plans to continue contributing post-retirement through volunteer work and personal projects.
Seymour Blasters faced a setback in the North-East CBL as they lost to Wallan Panthers, missing key players, while their women’s team secured a dominant 42-point win against the Panthers.
October 25
Beyond Housing’s Seymour branch has reopened on Tallarook St following a $90,000 renovation after floods forced its closure a year ago. Chief executive Celia Adams commended the team’s resilience and dedication amid personal adversity, emphasising the importance of service and adaptability.
The Seymour Cup took place on October 22, drawing a huge crowd dressed to the nines. In the big race, Junipal emerged with a surprise 1.25-length victory.
November 1
Seymour became the first regional Victorian town to have a fully electric fleet of buses.
Seymour’s Sam Heron, awarded the Peta Searle Female Coach of the Year at the 2023 AFL Victoria Community Awards, led the under-16s to an undefeated season and a triumphant grand final victory.
November 8
Jayden Sheridan was announced as a finalist for the Victorian Young Australian of the Year after founding Gnarly Neighbours to teach skateboarding to kids.
Seymour faced challenges in the North-East Country Basketball League, losing to Myrtleford but staging a remarkable comeback against Benalla in a grand final rematch.
November 15
The Royal Hotel in Seymour hosted the emotional reunion of the 21 Construction Squadron veterans.
Seymour’s star on-baller Jack O’Sullivan, fresh from winning his second Morrison Medal, departed for the Wodonga Bulldogs in the Ovens and Murray league.
November 22
The Seymour Masonic Centre celebrated its 140th anniversary.
Tallarook dominated Alexandra, Seymour secured a win against Pyalong, and Avenel secured its first victory against Yea in the weekend’s cricket matches.
November 29
Mitchell Shire’s outdoor pools, including Broadford, Seymour and Tallarook, are reopening for the season with upgrades and renovations following the closure of the Seymour pool due to flood damage last year.
Seymour’s basketball teams faced critical matches, with the men’s team securing a finals spot in a stunning victory against Albury, while the women’s team dominated its last games to top the league and advance to the next round against Shepparton.
December 6
Volunteer Carly Eldredge and a group in Seymour adorned Tallarook St with festive red ribbons to bring more Christmas cheer to the town.
Seymour’s dominant regular season carried into the CBL North East women’s division semi-final against Shepparton, securing a decisive 32-point victory. Meanwhile, in a heated rivalry, Benalla defeated Seymour in the men’s semi-final, ending Seymour’s dynasty as Benalla progressed to its first grand final against Myrtleford.
December 13
The Lions Club of Seymour Goulburn hosted Carols in the Park at Goulburn Park, featuring performances, food vendors, a Santa appearance and a charity raffle.
The Seymour women fell short in the grand final, facing Albury in a tough battle at the Shepparton Sports Stadium.
December 20
Mitchell Shire is advancing its sustainability through solar projects, including a solar farm and panels at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, led by Mitchell Community Energy, collaborating with local initiatives and welcoming new members to promote renewable energy adoption.
Mardi Jarvis, a senior leader at the Department of Defence, has made history as Seymour Racing Club’s first female chairperson following Steve Clifton’s decade-long tenure.
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