Explore Buloke trip 2

As part of their ‘Explore Buloke’ initiative, the Charlton Neighbourhood House, supported by CASI funding from the Buloke Shire, hosted its second bus trip on Thursday November 25 around the Charlton district. With knowledgeable local Carolyn Olive giving an informative commentary during the day, many interesting venues were visited.
The groups first stop was the Learner Driver Centre where the group took a lap around the track in the bus, while observing students behind the wheel gaining valuable experience towards obtaining their licence.
A warm welcome awaited the group at the North Central Trade School where a tour of the impressive facilities was accompanied by an informative video presentation and a delicious morning tea. The visitors all walked away impressed by this terrific asset for the areas students, many having no idea of this part of Charlton Colleges operation.
The weather continued to be fine for the trip out to Teys Charlton Feedlot, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. An array of new buildings have been, or are under construction, and landscaping works have made significant improvements to the site.  The group heard about the scale and day to day operations of the site.
Yeungroon was the next stop, with the historic Yuengroon Hall a popular photography backdrop. Details were given about the planned reinvigoration and memorial due to be commencing in the not to distant future.  A short ride later the wind farm was seen from close up, and the scale of these giants was revealed. With a stiff breeze blowing, the power generating turbines were a highlight for many, and the 360 degree panoramic views across the district was stunning.
The bus then made its way to its final destination, Coonooer Bridge to see the historic Church, canon and community hall. Sadly the rain shortened the stay, but not before the church and canons history was detailed.
It was agreed by all on the bus that this had been a great opportunity to see many parts of Charlton and surrounds that are not readily accessible, and that more trips would be appreciated in the future. A huge thankyou goes to all who helped made this a wonderful excursion, specially Brett at the Driver Ed Centre, Jamie and Barry at the Charlton College, Terri from Teys, Peter for his assistance at the Windfarm and Coonooer Bridge, and Carolyn for the work putting the trip together.