Loddon Herald 1 August 2024

UNITY PLEA ON WATER

By CHRIS EARL

VETERAN agripolitics

campaigner Ken Pattison has called on two Loddon Shire councillors to back the fight against more water buybacks.

The Fernihurst farmer and former Goulburn Murray Water board member has told the Loddon Herald a united front is needed in the battle for future rural security.

Mr Pattison said there was disappointment in the Loddon irrigation community that two councillors abstained from last week’s vote to endorse continued campaigning by the Murray River Group of Councils.

He was among key Boort and Pyramid Hill stakeholders who attended a crisis meeting in Boort last month ahead of the start to the latest buybacks.

“I would strongly encourage Cr (Linda) Jungwirth and Cr (Wendy) Murphy to follow the informed and knowledgeable lead of other councillors in continuing to stand up for our rural communities,” he said.

“I was inspired by the depth of knowledge and the grasp of (Mayor) Gavan Holt and the CEO (Lincoln Fitzgerald) when they met with us in Boort.

“I am pleased the council voted last week to be side by side with us but we need a united front from all councillors to show commitment to the fight and to help secure the future of irrigated agriculture in the shire.

“There must be unity for there to be strength.”

Mr Pattison was critical of Crs Jungwirth and Murphy for abstaining, citing the need for fur-

ther information on the Murray Darling Basin buybacks and the council group’s campaign.

“The report of the CEO clearly reflected the situation. It wasn’t complicated, confusing or hard to understand,” said Mr Pattison.

“That representatives closest to the community could not grasp the gravity of the situation the rural sector faces sent a shiver down my spine.

“I just hope that green agendas do not override duties and responsibilities to our communities ... agriculture is so important to the big picture of the Loddon Shire and its economic viability.”

Mr Pattison, an unsuccessful candidate at the 2020 Loddon Shire elections, said he would not be standing in October.

He said declared Boort Ward candidate David Weaver would offer a good knowledge and experience of agriculture to match that of retiring councillor Neil Beattie. “I hope council quickly resumes a united position on water ... it’s imperative.”

Jungwirth’s questions - Page 5

Letters to the editor - Page 14

How did he do that?

CONJURING trickster Duck

Cameron had his audience spellbound on Friday night.

The Melbourne magician pulled flowers from hats, swallowed fire sticks and had glitter falling on the Inglewood Town Hall floor.

Fixated amazement was on the faces of mums, dads and children. Astrid, Hayden and

The show also brought back memories among more than 80 people watching Duck

action. “I can remember coming to magic shows as a child,” said Howard Rochester as his grandchildren were being entertained by Duck

Jericho Steel (inset) were left asking how the award-winning magician did his tricks.

in

Cameron.

LH PHOTOS

Ken Pattison

Loddon HERALD

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Joe’s distinguished RCH efforts are recognised

JOE Watts has been presented with one of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal’s highest honours.

The Inglewood Fire Brigade volunteer who first started rattling tins more than 50 years ago was last week presented with the distinguished service award.

Joe, who this Easter shared co-ordination duties after being the Inglewood organiser for more than a decade, said he was surprised to receive the award at an appeal thank you function in Kyneton.

“I was sitting there with fellow brigade members Elissa Wilson, David Patterson and Kim Doherty,” said Joe.

“Earlier when sister Helen (Ward) and her son Christopher arrived, I didn’t think anything of it ... they said they just were there to look after me.

“And then, my name was called out to receive the award. It was a real surprise.”

Elissa stepped up this year to become joint co-ordinator of appeal efforts in Inglewood.

The brigade has raised more than $188,000 for the hospital over the years with tin collections and wood raffles. This year’s Inglewood total was $6405

“I am still around to help Elissa and it won’t be long now before out total surpasses $200,000. That will be something special,”

Joe said.

He said: “The Royal Children’s

Hospital appeal is a good cause and everyone wants to support it.

“The appeal is a special time for everyone in the community to help raise funds for a very special hospital.”

Joe’s distinguished service award came the same day his

aunt Dot Poxon celebrated her 99th birthday with fellow residents and families at Boort District Health.

“Last Thursday really turned out to be a very special day for members of the family everywhere,” Joe said.

Defib courses

LODDON organisations with defibrillators donated by Inglewood and District Ambulance Auxiliary will have a special training session this month on the use of the potentially lifesaving equipment. Ambulance Victoria will provide training at Inglewood fire station on August 13.

Road survey

POTHOLES and poor road conditions were the top issues identified in a survey report released by RACV this week. The survey found 64 per cent of participants identified these as the primary safety issue; up from 46 per cent in 2021.

Cooking up party

WEDDERBURN College has started preparations for its celebration of 160 years of education in the town next year with a call to the community to submit recipies for a special coffee table history and recipe book.

Ram sale season starts LODDON Merino studs are preparing for the annual onproperty ram sales. The first will be at Terrick West stud on August 8 and today’s Loddon Herald begins a series throughout August looking at our top local studs and their importance to the Australian agricultural sector.

See Page 11.

Joe Watts proudly shows his RCH Good Friday Appeal award. LH PHOTO

Big overhauls needed

COUNCILS had been left with a government flood recovery funding model that did not rebuild infrastructure to withstand future disasters.

And Parliament’s environment and planning committee report on the October 2022 flood emergency released Tuesday afternoon called for funding models to prioritise “betterment initiatives”.

The report also found Victoria’s flood response and warning systems had been inadequate.

Overhauls giving communities more on-the-ground freedom to respond to flood emergencies are among 73 recommendations.

The 10-member committee found the process for funding under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements posed “a significant administrative challenge for local governments who bare the evidentiary burden”.

In March, funding for just 10 per cent of projects totalling $30 million to fix almost 1000 damaged roads, culverts and bridges in Loddon Shire had been approved.

Four layers of red tape had seen no new approvals since last October and Loddon Shire said it would not be able to complete all work by the June 2025 deadline.

Tuesday’s Parliamentary report said it had heard the message from councils across Vic-

toria struggling with recovery from the 2022 emergency. “The feedback from councils to the committee clearly called for a more streamlined, efficient, and transparent disaster recovery funding process. The process should enable local councils to focus on recovery and mitigation without being unduly burdened with administrative hurdles,” it said, acknowledging a “significant administrative challenge for local governments who bare the evidentiary burden”.

The report quoted Loddon Shire CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald’s evidnce to the inquiry.

“(He) highlighted the futility of like-for-like rebuilding in 2011, 2018 and again in 2022. Mr Fitzgerald further stated that: because betterment was not a part of the package, we are using our own funds and putting off the library upgrades and things like that.

“Instead of that we are putting culverts in.,” Mr Fiztgerald said.

“So there is an issue with betterment. The other part of this is that there was actually a small betterment package announced last week of up to $1 million for the most heavily impacted councils. Now, we have got about $1.2 million worth of betterment projects identified.

“However, because of the funding guidelines, they are pushing more things into that betterment program, so it is going to be drastically underfunded,” the report quoted Mr Fitzgerald.

Inquiry members said there was a clear pattern of infrastructure failing to withstand successive flood events, resulting in repeated damage and economic losses.

Mr Fitzgerald had told the inquiry of issues with the federalstate disaster recovery fund.

“The problem with this fund is that there is a dual audit. The state government do all the work in terms of assessing the applications we put forward, and usually they would bankroll the work.

“Then the second stage is the state have to recoup their share of the funding from the federal government. If they do not have sufficient evidence, the federal government will not reimburse the state.

“So of course the logical thing from a state government per-

Warning failures are identified

EXPERIENCES from the October 2022 flood emergency should help the State Government adopt best practice for community warning frequency.

The inquiry report said warnings to affected communities during the emergency had been inconsistent.

“Some areas received excessive warnings from competing sources whilst others received incorrect, limited or delayed warnings,” the inquiry found.

“In both circumstances communities experienced a degree of confusion which limited people’s capacity to make informed decisions.

“Given the growing reliance on digital forms of communication, this is a significant challenge to address to ensure effective communication during natural disasters or other crisis events,” according to the report released on Tuesday afternoon.

The inquiry also found that telecom-

munications access was an issue and local residents reported delays in restoration of digital connectivity.

It has recommended that State and Federal governments address connectivity limitations, focusing on rural and remote areas and options:

„ enhanced infrastructure investment; „ geographically based coverage; and „ rapid deployment of temporary satellite vans.

“While technology is relied upon for communication by authorities, digital connectivity is a barrier to access reliable and up-to-date information in rural communities. In Gannawarra, more than 30 per cent of dwellings do not have access to the internet (2021 Census). There are also ‘blackspot’ areas where internet and mobile phone coverage is not available or lacking,” Gannawarra Shire told the inquiry.

spective is to put all that burden of evidence onto local government to say, ‘Give us more and more evidence because we’re worried we’re not going to get reimbursed by the federal government.’

“Now, what that means is we are fumbling around trying to get so many records ... But it is just a bureaucratic nonsense, quite honestly, when we are just trying to do our job: rebuild roads that are clearly damaged by floods, connect our communities back in and get that stock to port or wherever it needs to be.”

The inquiry has recommended the Victorian Government works with the Federal Government to ensure the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements are not unduly burdensome.

The inquiry started receiving submissions last year and held a series of public hearings on the state’s preparedness for the October 2022 floods and its response.

A raging Loddon River put Newbridge recreation reserve under water for a second time in a decade overnight on October 1314 before reaching Bridgewater and later Serpentine. The peak at Bridgewater on the Friday night about 7.30pm was only metres below the 2011 record level.

Northern communities, of Dingee, Mitiamo, Boort and Pyramid Hill were also cut as floodwaters closed roads until late October.

October brought ‘community devastation’

OCTOBER 2022 was Victoria’s wettest month on record that had devastating consequences for many communities, said inquiry chair Ryan Batchelor.

Mr Batchelor said the inquiry had been an important way to give a voice to those who had “lost so much because of these floods, and to help recommend ways that communities and government could better prepare for, respond to, and recover from, future flood disasters”.

“The stories from communities across the state were deeply impactful, as was the expert evidence received from emergency responders, local authorities, climate scientists, hydrologists, and urban planners,” Mr Batchelor said.

“From that evidence it is undeniable that climate change is intensifying weather events and increasing the risks we face living in this country ‘of droughts and flooding rains’.

“It is also clear that in the maelstrom of this disaster a community spirit shone through.

“Many stories were told of people going above and beyond to help their neighbours, of mobilising all resources to protect towns, and of reaching out and ensuring that no one was left alone or abandoned in a time of crisis.”

Webster pops up hearing local issues

FOUR towns in one day - Mallee MP Anne Webster visited Inglewood, Wedderburn, Dunolly and Charlton last Thursday as part of her week of mobile office visits across the electorate.

Dr Webster met with residents in the towns wanting to discuss local issues.

She said there was a strong mood of annoyance with the actions of both the Federal and State Governments.

Issues raised in Wedderburn included transmission lines and nuclear energy, roads, Centrelink and immigration while in Inglewood she heard concerns about health services, disability pensions and challenges faced by small businesses.

Street advisers will be revealed

MEMBERS of an advisory committee to link community and Loddon Shire on Inglewood’s proposed streetscape project have had their first meeting.

Ward councillor Wendy Murphy told last week’s shire meeting of the meeting.

Council has told the Loddon Herald it is “waiting on confirmation of members and adoption of terms of reference from the chair of the community advisory group”.

Cr Murphy as ward councillor

is chair of the group. When asked about selection of members and who will sit on the group, Cr Murphy provided the same answer as council.

Tourism and economic development manager David Stretch said: “We expect to receive this confirmation – including permission to announce the members of the group - very soon.”

Loddon Shire last month announced Aboriginal corporation enterprise DJANDAK was the only business considered for the pro-

ject that will need government funds to became reality.

The shire says Brooke Street will have prominent representation of Djaara cultural values and expression.

Council said the design would “recognise and balance the unique heritage of Inglewood, including its history with gold and eucalyptus, as well as the significance of first nations, and proximity of the town to Kooyoora State Park”.

Mr Stretch said: “The project team received a procurement ex-

emption to appoint DJANDAK as a sole supplier with unique intellectual property and expertise to appropriately represent and integrate local first nations design elements into the urban design of the project.”

The community group is to have representatives from Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee and Brooke Street retailers, health, education and transport, Inglewood Town Hall Community Hub and Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House.

Governance Rules – Addressing the meeting

At its July Council meeting, Council resolved to receive a report to the August Council meeting to consider amending the Governance Rules, following a period of community engagement.

Members of the community are invited to consider and provide feedback on the proposed amendment.

Feedback must be received by 9am on Tuesday 13 August 2024 and can be submitted by email to loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au, by post to PO Box 21 Wedderburn 3518, or delivered in person to Council’s Wedderburn o ce, 41 High Street.

Council’s Governance Rules are available on our website or by scanning the QR code.

Council will review feedback at its August Forum, before further considering the amendment at its August Council meeting.

Donor Week opportunity to register

MALLEE MP Anne Webster wants more local residents to register with DonateLife to be an organ donor during DonateLife week.

Her request comes five years after highlighting organ donors in her first speech to Federal Parliament five years ago.

“My first speech on August 1 2019 coincided with DonateLife week, where I spoke about our first granddaughter Emmeline who received a liver transplant at the tender age of 14 months,” Dr Webster said.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne was her home for months, and the care she received was exceptional.

“I am proud of her and we are so grateful to her donor and their family for their gift of life.”

Dr Webster’s renewed call for improved organ donation comes as recent data highlights a lower-than-average donor registration in parts of the Mallee electorate.

Dr Webster is co-chair with Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander of the Parliamentary Friends of Organ Donation, and is preparing another event to promote the Australian Transplant Games in October.

Nominate today for the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. These important awards celebrate the contributions and achievements of older Victorians who share their skills, experiences, time, and energy with our community.

People in Victoria who are 60 years or over, and First Nations people who are 50 years or over, are eligible to be nominated for these awards.

Nominations close Sunday 11 August 2024. Recognise an older Victorian in your life by nominating them for an award today at: www. seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards

Zelma Downing, Anne Webster and Malcolm Christensen chat in Inglewood. LH PHOTO

Cr’s big water questions

TARNAGULLA Ward councillor

Linda Jungwirth wants a “solid expert briefing” before agreeing to back a campaign against the latest Federal Government water buybacks.

Cr Jungwirth was one of two councillors to abstain from a vote at last week’s Loddon Shire meeting to endorse Murray River Group of Council’s stance for the Federal Government to abandon the latest water buyback push.

“Basically I need a solid expert briefing including historic issues before I can responsibly make a decision on the best way forward,” Cr Jungwirth said.

“As a councillor, I depend on information regarding all relevant impacts before I can make a considered decision.”

Cr Jungwirth last week said more information was needed on buybacks.

She later told the Loddon Herald that wanted detail included:

„ The benefits to the environment of extra water in the system;

„ The detriment to farmers if the current proposal for water buy backs achieve recovery of the 450GL;

„ The efficiency measures that had previously been proposed to recover the extra water;

„ The stance of other organisations eg Victorian Farmers’ Federation, Farmers for Climate and other stakeholders; and

„ The state and federal stances.

Cr Wendy Muphy also abstained from the Loddon Shire vote citing the need for more information.

However, when asked what information she required, Cr Murphy replied with a copy of the motion that was carried when Mayor Gavan Holt voted with Cr Neil Beattie and Cr Dan Straub.

The motion saw a majority of councillors endorse the Murray

River Group of Councils in maintaining strong opposition to open tender voluntary water buybacks in the southern connected basin due to the long-term social and economic damage the programs do to local communities;.

The council group believes the Federal Government has “grossly underestimated the detrimental socio-economic realities of open market water buybacks”.

Loddon councillors also noted the Victorian Government’s draft response to the Federal Government’s ‘Restoring Our Rivers’ Act, titled “Planning Our Basin Future Together: A prospectus to safeguard Victoria’s environments and communities in the MurrayDarling Basin”.

A majority of Loddon councillors endorsed the principles for water recovery contained within the prospectus as a better option for delivering the amended Basin Plan targets as opposed to

open market water buybacks:

„ Demonstrated environmental benefits in and for Victoria;

„ Minimised impact on water availability for towns, industries and agricultural production;

„ Proactive structural change to support a sustainable future for irrigators and communities; and

„ Support progress towards traditional owner self-determination in water access and management;

Murray River Group also supports completion of the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Projects to deliver environmental outcomes to critical wetlands in the region.

Councils see the need to mitigate the socio-economic impacts on communities as a result of further water recovery through identification of strategic local economic investments in areas from where water is recovered.

Mayor, Murphy yet to make re-election bid call

MAYOR Gavan Holt and Inglewood Ward councillor Wendy Murphy are to to decide whether to contest October’s Loddon Shire elections.

Cr Holt, the Wedderburn Ward representative for more than 20 years, said he would make a decision closer to the opening of nominations on September 9.

Cr Murphy, elected in 2020, on Monday said: “I will make an announcement on my intentions in the coming weeks.”

David Weaver last month announced he would stand in Boort Ward to succeed Cr Neil Beattie and Cr Linda Jungwirth (Tarnagulla

Ward) and former mayor Dan Straub (Terrick Ward) announced earlier this year that they would seek second terms on council.

The next Loddon mayor will also be chair of the Murray River Group of Councils under the rotation of the group’s leadership, acting as spokesperson on key local government issues across the region.

Cr Jungwirth, who last November nominated Cr Murphy to be Loddon mayor, has already ruled herself out of contesting the mayor’s position.

She said: “It is not my intention to seek nomination as mayor. While I would relish

the opportunity, I have family constraints at present. I believe I have a lot to offer in my current position as ward councillor. I would, however, consider the position of deputy mayor if council decided to make use of a deputy in line with most other councils.”

Victoria’s Remuneration Tribunal last month increased the annual mayoral allowance in tier one councils, including Loddon, to $84,498.

Loddon councillors have previously rejected a deputy’s position that has an annual allowance of $42,248. Councillors now receive $27,291.

Daniel steps down from health board

BOORT pharmacist Daniel Snyder has retired from the town’s district health service board after five years. Elizabeth Trevanion, who joined the board in 2021, also did not seek a further term when new appointments started last month. There have been no other changes to the Boort District Health board chaired by Wendy Gladman.

Other board members are Laurie Maxted. Brett Yates, Amy Fay, Renee Harrison, John White, Jerri Nelson and Greg Currie.

Meanwhile, retiring Inglewood and District Health Services board members Ann-Maree Davis, Kerrie Hicks, Shan Welham, and Greg Westbrook have been re-appointed. “Their extended commitment ensures the continued excellence and strategic direction of Inglewood and Districts Health Service,” said chairman Robert Chamberlain.

Daniel Snyder

Aboriginal ‘voice’ on board

THE first Aboriginal delegate has been appointed to sit on Coliban Water’s board.

Trent Nelson’s 12-month appointment was announced last week.

Coliban Water chair Bob Cameron said Trent had impressive experience, a deep understanding of environmental management in regional Victoria “and now as board delegate will provide greater perspective in the board’s strategic discussions.

“Trent’s background as former chairperson of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and reserved seat representative on the inaugural commencement of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, coupled with more than 11 years’ experience in land management with Parks Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, means he will offer unique insights that will enrich our decision-making.

“Not only will this appointment broaden our perspective, but it will also continue to strengthen our relationship with First Nations communities in our region,” Mr Cameron said.

Mr Nelson said he was looking forward to taking on the role of Independent Aboriginal Delegate, adding his skills in community engagement and land management to the expertise delivered by Coliban Water.

“I believe Aboriginal people and communities should have a say in all matters that affect them. This position provides a great opportunity for an Aboriginal voice at Coliban Water.

“It will also allow me to advocate for culturally sensitive and sustainable water practices and support the delivery of traditional owner aspirations back onto country via a true partnership approach,” he said.

Financial abuse action a water first

COLIBAN Water has become the first water corporation to sign up to the Respect & Protect initiative to enhance the safeguards for customers and team members experiencing family violence.

Executive general manager customer and stakeholder experience Lauren McLean, said Coliban Water was committed to supporting the elimination of financial abuse as a form of violence.

“In signing up to Respect & Protect, Coliban Water has updated its terms and conditions to make it clear the provision of water and sewerage, an essential service for

everyone, is no place for financial abuse,” she said. “We know there are occasions where perpetrators of family violence can use services like ours to threaten victimsurvivors, maintain a system of coercive control, or even accrue debts in their name leaving them financially worse off.

“This makes it difficult for victims or survivors to seek help, or to leave.

“By updating our terms and conditions and ensuring our team is skilled and ready to help, we are discouraging perpetrators from using us and our services to continue the cycle of abuse.”

Abby Wilson, Finley Hodge and Jordy Pickering were among St Mary’s Primary School Inglewood students taking part in National Tree Day for youngsters last Friday. Students put their messages on tree covers before placing them around newly-planted trees for protection. LH PHOTO

First time in a century: home gets new cover

By CHRIS EARL

TILES on a historic Inglewood home have been replaced for the first time since it was built more the a century ago.

The Anchorage was last week surrounded by scaffolding as tradesmen scaled the roof to place more than 6500 tiles and check original chimney pots.

The roof of the historic home built for businessman and town mayor George Porter in the Edwardian era was damaged by storms in early October 2022 and copped another battering 14 months later in the summer storms.

Current owners Stewart and Rebecca Luckman had spent two years restoring the grand Verdon Street home before the first storm damage.

“We had to match the colour and profile of the tiles as The Anchorage has a heritage overlay,“ Stewart said last week as workers put new tiles in place.

“There were tiles of the same profile in Italy but not the colour. The new tiles are in line with heritage guidelines - unglazed terracotta tile, with same or similar profile.

“The roof restoration required two builders, a plumber and six roof tilers taking almost four days from start to finish.

“They also removed hardwood timber battens and replaced the rotten hardwood timber trusses as well as the pointing of the ridge caps after they had been bedded.”

The Anchorage’s heritage overlay says the original Marseilles tiles were considered “to be the original part of the development and contribute significantly to the appearance of the building much like the Dutch gable”.

The Verdon Street property was owned by publican Thomas Tatchell in the 19th century before selling to the Porters who replaced the original weatherboard cottage with the brick and tiled roof home.

According to heritage studies, The Anchorage was one of the only Inglewood homes to have a tiled roof until the 1950s.

“The architecture of the house

is not common in Inglewood and perhaps suggests the work of an outside architect.

“The residence reflects the social prestige of the Porter family and contributes to the prosperous character of this part of Inglewood.”

George Porter took over his father’s draper business that had been trading in Brooke Street since the 1880s and served on the borough council for 25 years, with nine terms as mayor.

The Porters were known to

entertain family and visitors to town at The Anchorage. In the 1940s, George Porter was a leading advocate of decentralisation and boosting housing in country Victoria.

“We have five pubs, three grocers. three drapers, two butchers. and all the other businesses; and we have the best borough In the! world.” he said as mayor in 1942.

One of his initiatives as mayor was to form the Inglewood Health and Publicity Bureau to attract new residents to the

town that had a population of 1100. Metropolitan newspapers reported that his idea attracted “nearly 200 applications for houses, mostly from families of soldiers overseas and they are still coming”.

Stewart said The Anchorage retained original features including a bath made in 1916 and tap fitting. The original servant’s kitchen, detached from the house, has also been restored by Stewart and Rebecca who plan to hold an open day in November.

Credit level health care

BOORT District Health has passed a short notice assessment with flying colours.

CEO Donna Doyle last week received confirmation the service has been awarded a full threeyear accreditation extension.

“We had our National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards Short Notice Assessment in May 2024 and we received a ‘MET rating’ for all eight standards with no recommendations and our acute, community and dental services were awarded the full three years accreditation,” she said.

Short notice assessment of health services meeting national standards were introduced 12 months ago, replacing announced and voluntary short notice assessments.

Road cash decline ‘shows in region’

A DECLINE in State Government road maintenance funding highlighted neglect in the region, said Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad.

“Road surfaces are cracked, edges are crumbling, and potholes are forming. In many areas they are a patch up job, and instead of fixing the problem the state government is just putting signs up to reduce the speed limit,” Ms Broad said.

“The government’s own survey showed 91 per cent of roads are in poor or very poor condition, and I’ve raised these issues ... in Parliament because there’s roads right across Northern Victoria that desperately need repairs.”

Tree clearing probe still unresolved

INVESTIGATIONS of alleged illegal native vegetation clearing at a Newbridge farm continue.

Loddon Shire in January confirmed it had started a probe into the removal of trees at Avicenna Farm.

A spokesperson said: “This matter is still ongoing. There is no further progress to report as yet.”

The Wimmera Highway property is being investigated by Agriculture Victoria after allegations of poor animal management when a large number of dead sheep were reported.

Part of the farm was later bought by Coliban Water after auction. It is proposed to use the site as a biosolids base.

Stewart Luckman at The Anchorage. Below: An early photograph of the home and afternoon sun makes the tiler a rooftop silhoette. LH PHOTO

Cubby craft showing care for homeless

STUDENTS at Boort, East Loddon and Wedderburn schools have helped put together seven colourful cubby houses for Homelessness Awareness Week.

It’s the second year Loddon students have been part of the collaboration with Northern District Community Health and North Central LLEN.

Building on last year’s success, this year’s project features even more art installations.

The initiative has seen students painting seven cubby houses for display across the region.

Melbourne artist Lukas Kasper worked with students from East Loddon School to design and create two cubby houses, while Tobie Cameron from Mystic Park collaborated with students from Wedderburn College to create another.

Young people from Kerang, Cohuna, and Boort have been responsible for creating the remaining four cubby houses.

These cubbies are set to go on display in prominent areas across the Loddon, Buloke, Gannawarra and Swan Hill shires including cafes, services and other public spaces.

The cubby houses will later be auctioned with the proceeds supporting local homelessness services or donated to child care centres and libraries.

NDCH youth programs co-ordinator Matt Allan said: “So many young people are affected by homelessness across the country, but youth know little about how it happens and what we can do to help.

“There are amazing services in our local community that help out, but unless you need their services, you’re likely to not know they exist. This project teaches new skills, showcases young artists’ work, and delivers a strong message about homelessness.”

NDCH offers a specialist homelessness program and works closely with other services such as Mallee Family Care and MDAS.

The service’s Penny Wilkinson

said: “The reasons behind homelessness are complex, and mostly a result of gaps within society’s systems, such as employment options, access to education and cost of living, as opposed to an individual failing.

“Reducing homelessness across the region benefits everybody” she said.

North Central LLEN CEO Jane Hosking said: “Addressing homelessness requires a whole of community response, and the North Central LLEN is proud to partner with Northern District Community Health as well as other schools and organisations to raise community awareness of this important issue”.

LYSTER Opera’s anticipated return to Inglewood with Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers has been relocated to The Rex Theatre.

The change of venue for this month’s show comes as Loddon Shire contractors prepare to start work to replace the heritage town hall roof.

Lyster Opera Company director Jamie Moffat said: “We were very excited to be returning to Inglewood after our very successful performance of Flotow’s Martha in February. Unfortunately, we were informed after the performance on August 31 had been announced that the building will be undergoing renovations.

“However, the Rex Theatre in Charlton proved to be available, and Lyster opera is thrilled to be giving its first performance there.”

The latest opera to be toured by Lyster tells the story of the Sultan Mustafa who is obsessed with all things Italian, and yearns for an Italian wife. He gets more than he bargained for when Isabella, the Italian girl of the title, is shipwrecked and proceeds to take over his court – with an eye on her lover Lindoro, whom the Sultan has enslaved.

Jamie says this early work by Rossini is rarely performed because it is technically difficult.

“The music was written for very, very accomplished singers,” he says.

“We are so lucky to have as-

sembled a cast who can really do the score justice.”

Among these singers is tenor Joshua Morton-Galea, who is making a name for himself in opera circles.

“Joshua first came to Lyster opera as a chorus performer, and he has come forward in leaps and bounds with his study. He made a splash as Lucano in our production of Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea and it has been exciting to watch his career develop.”

After singing roles such as Tamino in The Magic Flute and Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Joshua returns to Lyster as Lindoro, one of Rossini’s most challenging roles.

Joining Joshua is rising mezzo soprano Angelique Tot, who takes on the great role of Isabella.

Angelique has done outstanding work in Lyster’s productions of La Cenerentola and Poppea and has won acclaim internationally, according to Jamie.

Coronavirus.

Peter

Joshua Morton-Galea

Lukas Kasper puts finishing touches to a cubby house

Great corella exodus: trees off the menu

THOUSANDS of pesky corellas have deserted the Loddon River at Bridgewater in the past week.

Days after the river town’s development committee launched a petition calling on the State Government to act on a decade-long problem, corellas took flight.

They left behind river gums stripped of leaves and bark and standing as a bare sentinel at both banks of the river.

Graham Morse, a long-time advocate for reducing bird numbers, told Northern Victoria Region MP Gaelle Broad last month that corellas were damaging trees and continued to be a blight on the popular town.

“There has been significant damage to trees and corellas are having an impact on tourism and the mental health of residents,” Ms Broad said.

Mr Morse has spent more than a decade campaigning for action with residents saying each time corellas returned, they were in larger numbers.

They believe the recent run of morning frosts and cold days have sent the corellas scurrying to warmer climates.

“They just disappeared all of a sudden. But they’ll be back,” one Bridgewater resident told the

Where have they gone? Jenny Sanderson gathers signatures on the petition. lh photo

Loddon Herald this week. The State Government had been due to announce last month funding under its Corella Management Grant Program, an initiative it says will “support community, industry, and local councils who are being adversely impacted by long-billed corella and little corella populations. No details have been released. Bridgewater’s petition has already had hundreds of signatures. Forms are available at the post office, Bridgewater Bakehouse and other businesses.

Businesses share their stories of confidence

BUSINESS owners and tourism operators from across the shire shared the confidence for the future at Loddon Shire’s winter networking event in Pyramid Hill last Wednesday.

Pyramid Hill Progress Association president Drew Chislett spoke of the town’s optimism and desire to create opportunities to grow the local economy.

New supermarket owner Mandeep Singh and Alex Miller, who recently returned to live and work in the town, spoke of their experiences.

Guest speaker at the dinner held at the Victoria Hotel was Rose Vincent, co-CEO Neighbourhood Collective Australia.

Loddon Shire runs regular networking functions for tourism operators.

Liz Scott, Drew Chislett and Hamish Chirnside at last Wednesday’s networking dinner. LH PHOTO

PYRAMID HILL

VICTORIA

HOTEL

EST. 1874

PYRAMID HILL

VICTORIA

HOTEL

EST. 1874

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AEMO wants project partner as new owner

LANDOWNERS with farms that could be threatened by the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project should make submissions to the State Government’s 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan consultations.

Mallee MP Anne Webster has written to landowners as speculation mounts that Transmission Company Victoria will announce the refined VNI West corridor between Stawell and Kerang within five weeks.

TCV parent company Australian Energy Market Operator last week said it started a process to select a partner to work with TCV to continue to develop VNI West, , assist with the completion of the early works, and to eventually build, own and operate VNI West

Dr Webster said: “I’ve just seen the map and despite earlier indications of six Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, clearly Mallee is the prime target in Labor’s sights,” Dr Webster said.

“Just last week visiting Charlton, Donald and St Arnaud I met with one justifiably upset lady whose farm is in the VNI-West pathway and she’s been driven to tears by Transmission Company Victoria’s behaviour. Farmers have had to pursue legal advice or become experts in their nonexistent spare time on energy, planning, property and other laws and regulations to know their rights.”

The Victorian Government’s consultation map shows the Tier 1 focus of Victoria’s REZ plans are largely in the east of the Mallee electorate. The Victorian Govern-

ment says: “We will prioritise these areas to investigate for future renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure, based on the combination of high opportunities and low constraints for wind and solar.”

Dr Webster said: “Wind prospect mapping has consistently shown that coastal areas and those with high elevations have the best prospects for wind energy, not the River Murray tributaries and floodplains that are Tier 1 according to the Allan Labor Government.

“Remember that Victoria’s wind strategy previously stated – until they hid it – that 70 per cent of Victoria’s prime agricultural land would be needed for energy generation and transmission projects if offshore wind can not proceed.

“We are seeing offshore wind hitting serious community and environmental objections, yet somehow the views of coastal Australians matter more than my constituents? Our food security and GDP are at stake here and it is high time Labor listened to and governed for all Australians.”

“Furthermore, what are Tier 1’s ‘low constraints’? Labor have misconstrued and failed to pay attention to the pushback, the lack of social licence and the destruction of agricultural confidence caused by their blatant arrogance. I won’t have Mallee residents, their legitimate concerns and their rights called ‘low constraints’! Little wonder TCV are using heavy-handed tactics and big dollars on offer to landholders just for transmission and generation proponents to get access to their land.”

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VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation says it has serious concerns over planning guidelines for transmission infrastructure with the State Government ignoring critical farmer advice on planned transmission projects.

President Emma Germano said that while the area targeted for infrastructure development would be further refined, the current approach is problematic.

ment produce a report saying up to 70 per cent of Victorian farmland could be subject to infrastructure development. Despite the Government removing these references, these guidelines indicate that number could be accurate.”

Ms Germano says food security must be at the heart of any plan.

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“Since 2018, the VFF has called for a state-wide plan for renewables and transmission. We warned the government that releasing these guidelines in their current form would only stoke confusion and fear in regional communities,” she said.

“The VFF is seeking a balanced approach so we can protect strategic agricultural land while maintaining energy security. We shouldn’t have to choose between eating and keeping the lights on. A statewide plan for renewables and transmission must look in-depth at the impact on agricultural production,” she said.

Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu

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“We don’t want to see half-baked solutions. The key to having acceptance of this infrastructure in our backyard is to treat farmers with fairness and respect. So far, we have seen the complete opposite from the government and energy companies.”

Ms Germano said vast swathes of Victorian farmland could be subject to development.

“We have previously seen the Govern-

“It is not appropriate to host this type of infrastructure on our best soils and irrigated country. Including these districts as part of ‘areas of investigation’ in the government’s plan is unacceptable.”

“We’ve seen how fragile supply chains are recently. Poorly planned and inappropriate energy infrastructure that’s in the wrong place will have an ongoing impact on our ability to produce and supply food.”

Balanced genetics and consistent returns

TERRICK West Poll Merinos is constantly developing sheep genetics that consistently transfer breed value from the stud to the paddock.

The Loddon genetics from the McGauchie family’s poll Merino stud are in demand across Australia and across the local region.

And astute buyers will be looking for good genetics when the Loddon’s stud ram sale season offering 84 rams kicks off at Terrick West this month.

Says studmaster Ross McGauchie:

“Our priority is high-volume, high-quality and soft-handling 18 to19 micron wool on large fertile dual-purpose animals – delivering consistent returns in all soil, feed and climate conditions.”

“Our Prairie West stud takes a measured approach to stud breeding, using experience and data to sustainably introduce profitable

traits without upsetting the genetic balance of the flock.”

And the award-winning stud is continuing to improve data collection of sale rams.

“We will once again be including ASBVs on all sale rams. Full genomics testing of these animals, including poll tests will be available.”

Ross said Terrick West’s large-framed and plain-bodied sires were also critical for many of the stud’s clients joining ewes to Border Leicesters and other terminal sires.

“Terrick West’s consistently bulky and deep-crimping wool ensures ongoing wool clip value in addition to profitable meat production,” he said. “Our sires consistently produce high volumes of soft handling, deep-crimping wool in the 17 to 19 micron range with high comfort factors – on frames weighing over 100kg still with their lambs teeth.”

Terrick West Stud was founded by Edgar McGauchie and his sons Cyril and Eric in 1932. Today Eric’s son, Ross together with his wife Robyn and daughter Claire manage Terrick West Poll Merinos. Claire is the fourth generation of McGauchies to help set the vision and direction of Terrick West Poll Merinos.

“We take a balanced approach to innovations that sustainably improve our stud, our flock, our industry and our home,” Ross said.

Terrick West Poll Merino Stud is part of the acclaimed Loddon Valley

Merino region which Ross says stands tall against studs from across Australia.

This has been borne out when Terrick West was awarded Australian Champion and Reserve Champion March-shorn Pairs at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in 2022 and 2023 - the first time a stud had

ever claimed first and second for consecutive years - as the stud has been again recognised with major titles at major sheep shows.

Terrick West has continued its strong showing into 2024 claiming the

Tom Smith with a stalk from an industrial hemp crop. LH PHOTO

Ready for another ‘dinkum dip’

TOM Smith is preparing to have another “fair dinkum dip” at growing an industrial hemp crop this season.

The Pyramid Hill agribusinessman plans to again sow Ruby and MS77 varieties of the crop.

“I put in 200 hectares last season and it was going well until we received 200mm of rain in eight days,” Tom said.

“As an industry, industrial hemp is still at an exploratory

stage and we’re working through compliance matters to be able to process at the old pet food factory.

“There are trials also happening in Western Australia but they are dryland. Around Pyramid Hill were looking to keep using irrigated land for crops.”

Tom gave an update on his plans at a Loddon Shire networking function in Pyramid Hill last week.

SHEEP AND LAMBS

LAMB numbers declined and so did quality at Bendigo on Monday which fed into a sale that performed around lamb presentation and finish.

The best trade or supermarket style lambs held their value but plainer types were cheaper which dragged back average price results.

Most lamb categories were $5 to $10/hd off the pace of a week ago, the plainest light lambs showing bigger declines at times.

Not all buyers operated fully, particularly in the export lamb run. In contrast there was still some robust support from key domestic buyers if the lambs fit specifications.

Overall the market continued to break-up in carcass price terms, showing a wide spread at times.

As an example the heavy trade lambs went from 750c/kg cwt to hit on 900c/kg cwt at the top end.

The first pen of new season lambs, estimated around 25-26kg cwt and off irrigation from Boort, sold for $235 to also be costing around 900c/kg cwt.

But there was a lot of plainer wintery old lambs which sold in the sub 800c/kg cwt range.

The end result was averages of 770c/kg cwt to 830c/kg over the main categories of processing lambs.

Export lambs over 30kg cwt were limited and mostly in small pen lots at $239 to a top of $266/

Bendigo

Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Sheep prices dropped by $10-20. Prices for better finished lambs remained steady. Secondary lambs saw a decrease of $5-10.

Monday, July 29th, 2024 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 16,000 | Sheep - 7,000

hd. The heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs $204 to $240; trade crossbred lambs with a bit of style mostly $174 to $215/hd with just a few sales higher.

Heavy Merino lambs in a skin topped at $233, with the better heavy trades at $168 to $189/hd. But any Merino lambs lacking fat cover and weight were much cheaper in this sale.

There was a couple of big lines of light Dorper lambs, including a consignment from Broken HIll in NSW, which sold at cheaper rates.

Most of the reasonable quality light MK style processing lambs $80 to $125/hd. Little change to sheep supply at 7400 head, but also with a lot of winter clean-up lots of less than 20 in a pen.

The mutton market was cheaper by $10 to $20/hd tracking 40c either side of a baseline cost of 400c/kg to processors. Heavy ewes $110 to $141; general run of ewes $70 to $110; lightest ewes $10 to $40/hd.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

Ian Angove Echuca (11) $266. GJ & GM Bremner P/L Quambatook (22) $263. AB & KB Broom Neereman (35) $255. Nelson Farms Boort (33) $248. R & E Verley Jarklin (25) $242. R Caldwell Bunnaloo (80) $242. G Montgomery Tallygaroopna (24) $240. Donnellon Family Trust Donald (51) $234. P Baker Baringhup (3) $232. O Toose Boort (55) $228. GR & H Nankivell Raywood (14) $228. DT Leahy Tullarook (24) $227. AJ Falla Litchfield (38) $227. PS & LJ Whitehead Bealiba (57) $226. Ian Whatley Goornong (12) $225. AD Weston & SK Fletcher-Wells Rushworth (57) $222. Forest Creek P/L Mitiamo (64) $215. JR & RJ Lendon Walmer (20) $208. Mirnee P/Ship Hunter (45) $204. GJ & DA Turnbull Dumosa (20) $188.

MERINO LAMBS

A & L Hiscock High Camp (54) $223. AJ Falla Litchfield (34) $168. Alan Harris Costerfield (15) $164. DW & MJ McKinnon Marong (44) $150. Bear & Twigg Loddon Valley (55) $135.

MERINO WETHERS KM,JM & AJ Wright Yeungroon (163) $138.

GRAIN

To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.

Alex Collins - 0408 314 768

Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371 Zeb

Crunching way to productivity

ROCKY paddocks at Berrimal have become more productive for the Polkinghornes since putting a giant rock crusher to work.

Greg Polkinghorne last week had the Reefinator in action before more than 70 farmers from across the Loddon while inventor Tim Pannell gave tips on its use.

“As machinery became larger, rocky outcrops in paddocks limited where he could go. We started to look for alternatives that could make for more productive farming of the land,” Greg said.

“The machine can cover about three hectares an hour travelling at 10kmh, or 2.1 hectares if heavier going and doing 7kmh. We’ve spent something like 250 hours putting the Reefinator over our paddocks.

“And so far, that’s helped us cover about 1000 hectares last spring and summer.”

Greg said there was now more land that could be sown with canola and potentially wheat and barley.

“And we will be able to sow perrenial pastures, too, probably lucerne,” he said.

Son Shaun said more land was able to be used as an A-B line with GPS settings, also increasing farm efficiency for sowing and use of boom sprays.

“We had done everything we could to work around the rocks and reefs or removing rocks and putting them in piles. The Reefinator became a logical next step,” Shaun said.

Greg and Shaun said better access and efficiency in their Berrimal paddocks would lift yield potential.

Tim, from Western Australia, spoke with farmers about his revolutionary invention at the on-site field day organised by Driscoll AG.

WOOL REPORT

The Australian wool market has recorded an overall increase this series, the first time this has occurred for the 2024/25 season and the first weekly rise since Week 50 (13th of June). The price increases were heavily influenced by currency movement. Fremantle returned to the selling program, bolstering the national offering, there was a total of 31,960 bales available to the trade. With this being the last selling series for a month, buyer activity was robust. On the first selling day the benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose by 4 cents. The second selling day saw some large rises, particularly in the finer merino fleece types, due in part to buyers taking this final opportunity to finish orders before the break. The individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece added between 5 and 75 cents for the day. The EMI gained 13 cents for the day; this was the largest daily rise in the EMI since April. The EMI closed the week at 1,124 cents, a weekly increase of 17 cents, this was the largest weekly rise in the EMI since Week 50. After not recording a rise for ten consecutive selling days, the EMI has now risen for the last three. The 84-cent rise in the Northern 17-micron MPG was the largest weekly rise in any published MPG since December, when there was multiple three figure increases recorded. Currency movement played a large role in this week’s market movements, so much so that when viewed in US dollar terms the market lost ground. The EMI closed the week at 742 US cents, a fall of 4 US cents. Sales now head into the annual three-week mid-year recess, which has been moved this year from Weeks 3,4 and 5 to Weeks 5,6 and 7. Sales will resume in Week 8, which is the week beginning Monday the 19th of August.

Source: AWEX

TOP: Brian Dickson, Leon Holt and Brett Douglas.

ABOVE: Lindsay Soulsby, Andrew Wardlaw, Ben Coughlan and Tony Soulsby.

LEFT: Shaun Polkinghorne, Greg Polkinghorne, Cam Morrison and Tim Pannell at last Wednesday’s Reefinator field day.

Understanding how rocks can be crushed ... farmer’s at the Berrimal field day

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Simply put, agri vital to our shire

SirHumphreyAppleby:It’sallpartofacomplex economicstructure.

AgnesMoorhouse:Good,we’llsimplifyit.

THE Murray Darling Basin Plan has been murkier than Melbourne’s Yarra River for more than a decade. A dangerous game of agripolitics that has pitted state against state and put agribusinesses into combat with environmental warriors.

Victoria has done heavy lifting on water savings and efficiencies when compared with New South Wales and South Australia. The latest “voluntary” water buybacks put Victoria once more into the firing line and potentially further strain on agricultural productivity and contributions to the economy.

Murray River Group of Councils, of which the Loddon Shire is a member, has been at the forefront of advocacy - strident, informed, rational and realistic.

Agriculture represents 70 per cent of this shire’s economy. As the majority of councillors agreed last week, it is worth fighting for.

The Loddon Herald is, and always has been, a strong believer that local enterprises are the backbone of our shire’s economy, the heartbeat that keeps communities together in a vibrant manner.

Any threat to stability of our community economies must be met head-on with conviction and strength.

And, so too, does that apply to this latest round of water buybacks. It has been contended they are part

lEttERS tO thE EDItOR

Please consider giving support to water, constituents

Sir, After reading the article ‘Council pair refuse to back water fight’ (Loddon Herald July 25), I am not only very concerned but extremely disappointed to think our two councillors would not support council and the Murray River Group of Councils.

It definitely appears that they have no feelings for at least 70 per cent of ratepayers in the Loddon Shire.

There has been $2.6 billion spent on irrigation infrastructure which in turn has delivered water savings for the environmment. This amount of water is more than the river systems can handle.

It amazes me to think what the additional water buyback of 106gl or irrigators’ water will achieve.

I believe this is all politically motivated and not at all environmentally possible.

If this unviable buyback goes ahead and water leaves our district, it could result in the demise of several irrigator farming families that have farmed in the district for generations.

Is this what Crs Jungwirth and Murphy want for their constituents?

For the future of our communities, I genuinely believe Crs Murphy and Jungwirth should consider their positions and who they represent.

It is senseless to have a pristine environment and nobody left to appreciate it.

TrevorMcIntosh

PyramidHill

Less means higher prices and a poorer shire

Sir, Last week’s headline ‘Council pair refuse to back water fight’ (Loddon Herald July 25) must be responded to.

The view taken by Cr Murphy and Cr Jungwirth

of a complex situation requiring balance between agriculture and the environment.

To borrow from the script of the British TV comedy Yes, Prime Minister, let’s simplify that landscape to put the future of our great agricultural sector at top billing in carving out the future.

Agripolitics veteran Ken Pattison is quoted in today’s edition of your local newspaper saying he hopes two Loddon councillors who abstained from last week’s council vote on the water buyback fight, citing the need for further information, will quickly rejoin their colleagues and resume the stance of unity. We agree with Mr Pattison.

Advocates of a continuing irrigation sector in Loddon Shire and indeed Victoria have already flagged the dangers in dry years if less water sits in the consumptive pool. Less water equals higher tariffs that lead to increased agricultural production inputs ... ending up with inflation-driven rises in prices at the supermarket checkout.

Proponents in the industry have also suggested that the river system cannot handle more water. If true, continued buybacks in Victoria will surely lead to a growing list of losers.

Agriculture is too important for all Loddon Shire communities to be put at risk at the whim of ideology. We trust a united and firm front returns to Loddon Shire’s stance on the buyback issue.

suggests that they do not understand basic economics when they are prepared to throw away an industry that creates wealth and prosperity for the shire and country when it is so badly needed.

When the Government started buying water for the environment they said they wouldn’t mimmick nature (sounds good). But now it has more than it can use, river banks being eroded and water going out to sea with the remaining water poorly distributed.

Less water means higher prices for what remains and the flow-on effect means a poorer shire.

Commonsense must play a role and councillors should represent the people that put them there, not an idealology.

AlanMann MinchaWest

Happy to explain how important system is for people

Sir, On behalf of the irrigators in the Loddon Shire

I would like to thank the Mayor Cr Holt and Cr Neil Beattie who recently went to Canberra to put the case against the Federal Government “buyback Scheme”, taking more water from our area.

It was then extremely disappointing to read in the Loddon Herald that this did not get 100 per cent support from two councilors.

Water is very important in the Loddon Shire as we have the largest olive set up in the Southern Hemisphere, dairying, corn crops, tomatoes, chicken farm plus other irrigated crops. This means many jobs are created in this area.

If these two councillors do not understand the importance of water to this area I would be happy to show them around and explain the water system and how important it is to the people in the Loddon Shire.

JohnNelsonOAM, Boort EDItORIAl

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. The film ‘The Prince of Egypt’ is an adaption of the life of which major Biblical figure?

2. What is globophobia a fear of?

3. Richmond AFLW player Monique Conti plays which other sport at a professional level?

4. What is the first month of the year that has exactly 30 days?

5. Which country’s name is the only one to end in the letter ‘K’?

6. The second closest star to Earth after the sun is called Proxima (what)?

7. The German word ‘luft’ means what in English?

8. Mouse-tailed, pygmy fruit, and roudleaf are types of what mammal?

9. What is the perimeter of a circle called?

10. Where in the human

body would you find the rotator cuff?

11. True or false: Victoria’s population is smaller than that of New Zealand.

12. What is Japan’s most popular sport?

13. In a rainbow, what colour would you find between yellow and blue?

14. The artist Salvador Dali was which nationality?

15. What would you do with a fez?

16. What is the largest rodent in North America?

17. Which gas is lighter: hydrogen or helium?

18. How did the Greek philosopher Socrates die?

19. Which Caribbean country is the only one to have the bible on its national flag?

20. What does a tachometer measure?

OUR very own pumpkin paddling sports star Bradley of Boort has embraced the Olympic spirit with this week’s Treemendous Sign. Even if annoyed that paddling down the Seine River in Paris is not alongside breakdancing at the Games of the XXXIII OIympiad, Bradley could try his hand at surfing that is also an official sport this year.

BETTER still, maybe sitting in the comfort of home munching on croissants. Did you know the modern version The modern croissant was developed in the early 20th century, when French bakers replaced the brioche

dough of the kipferl with a yeast-leavened laminated dough. The kipferl, an Austrian crescent-shaped pastry, can be dated back to at least the 13th century in Austria.

HE’S known for Donuts, so not sure how The Oracle likes his croissants. Word has filtered down the Calder Highway that the learned one has picked up his umpiring whistle again these last couple of weeks. Is he planning a record attempt like Bradley of Boort?

OTF has a couple of great Olympic memoriestopping the list is James Bond meeting Queen Elizabeth and the great parachute jump in London. All class that was.

bUShy tAlES by IAN jONES

When the circus came to town

LONG before internet stream and social media fads like Tik-Tok, entertainment was live and real in Loddon communities.

The treats came from visiting entertainers - roving minstrel musicians and music hall revues, even magicians like the modern-day spellbinding trickster Duck Cameron who popped up at Inglewood Town Hall last Friday.

And then there was the circus. Exotic entertainers whose stages were only confined by stops along a railway line.

Colonial entertainers like Matthew Mitchell who died at Inglewood Hospital, aged 86, in 1937.

Newspaper reports said he was a native of Victoria, and spent some of his early years with the coaching firm of Cobb and Co., mostly in Echuca distric before joining the first circus that toured Victoria, and came with it to Wedderburn. He liked the town so much, he stayed and became an employee of the old Korong Shire Council.

Whether it was the touring troupe with Matthew is unknow, but the Inglewood Advertiser reported on a circus in town in 1860.

“The arrival of Worrell and Gardiner’s circus, which considering it is the first circus that has visited Inglewood, must naturally act very prejudicial to the interests of the Royal (Hotel). On Wednesday and Thursday, the two first nights of representation, the place was crowded, but on the two suceeding evenings there was a great falling off,” it was said. “On Sundaythe establishment was pulled down and removed to Kingower.”

The next decade had the training pulling into town at 2am and greeted by ”a large crowd of people assembled at the railway station to witness the arrival of the three trains carrying Cooper and Bailey’s great circus and menagerie”.

Come the new century, it was Wirth’s Circus that made regular visits to Inglewood.

Wirth’s started with the children of brass musician and German-born Johannes ‘John’ (1834–10 July 1880) and his English-born wife Sarah Seeking fortune on the goldfields, German brothers and musicians Johannes, Ja-

cob, Peter and Philip arrived in Melbourne in 1855 and performed as a German brass band as they travelled through the eastern colonies.

Wirth’s was performing under canvas in 1880. The children and descendants ran the circus until its closure in 1963.

Historians say they had built a brightly painted show wagon in 1882 and, two years later on a layover in Ballarat, purchased their first performing horses.

The circus switched from horse-drawn carts to the railway to tour Australia in 1888 and attracted crowds just to watch its trains being unloaded.

According to researchers: “With the Australian banking crisis of 1893, the Wirths went on a seven-year overseas tour. While giving a performance in October 1895 at Mount Video, Uruguay, the Politeama Theatre burnt down and was completely destroyed. Returning to South Africa, they found the Second Boer War in progress, but made their neutrality clear; but on one occasion, the circus train narrowly missed

demolition as the Boers were about to blow a bridge over the Modder River.

“While Philip Wirth was a ringmaster standing 6 feet tall and weighing 14 stone, he was also an expert horse trainer. In 1893 in South Africa, he trained a gnu to ride on the back of a horse, and broke and trained six zebras, which according to Wirth, The Bible allegedly said to be the only animal that could not be trained. When in South America in 1895, he trained two wild mustangs to waltz together. In another instance, a pony would enter the ring dressed as a woman, undress, put on a nightgown, blow out a candle and get into bed; teaching all done without cruelty, but patience and some sugar.”

Back in Autralia in the early 20th century, tours to country areas became greater.

A visit to Inglewood in 1917 was billed as a great event where “nothing has been left undone which might detract from its distinctive qualities”.

“Artists and performers who have been brought from the four corners of the globe

will perform just exactly as they. were shown in London, Paris, New York,.and other world centres.

They said the travelling menagerie boasted “every denizon of the jungles”African lions, Russian bears.

It must have been a rollicking time for a later newspaper article said: “A mild sensation was caused on Sunday; night by a disturbance among the employes of Wirth’s cirous at the railway station. The circus which showed on Saturday night, remained in the town all Sunday, and in the evening a difference arose between some of the men and the proprietor of the Railway Hotel.

“The men became so violent that the police had to be sent for and shots were fired before the disturbance was under control Three of the circus employees received injuries from the batons of the police, but there are no reports of any damage to property. It was not till the early hours of the morning that order was restored.”

In 1931, Wirth’s Circus was again in Inglewood and made state news when two tiger cubs were born.

They will be reared on a baby’s bottle as the mother frequently kills her cubs through trying to hide them from view, an on-the-spot reporter wrote.

Wirth’s Circus had its rivals. One, Fitzgeralds had been a regular on the Loddon goldfields until taken over by the bigger family outfit.

The family also had more permanent locations, including where the Melbourne Arts Centre now stands, but continued touring to country towns likes like Inglewood until World War Two.

The demise of Wirth’s also came as television took hold in meeting the entertainment desires of people across Australia.

Like the magic shows and vaudeville actors who once graced the stage of Tarnagulla’s Victoria Theatre or in other towns, slowly replaced by silent movies and then the talkies, the circus is pretty much a part of history.

Unless performers like Duck Cameron have a couple more tricks up the sleeve.

OLYMPICS 2024

1. Prior to 2024, which year did Paris previously host the Olympic Games?

2. How many Olympic medals has swimmer Emma McKeon won?

3. Which medal did the Australian Boomers basketball team win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

4. The ancient Olympic event known as pankration was a combination of boxing and what other combat sport?

5. Which dance sport will debut as an Olympic event in 2024?

6. The French Polynesian island of Tahiti will host some rounds of which 2024 Paris Olympics event?

8. Naomi Osaka lit the cauldron at which Olympics?

9. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 2020 Tokyo Games?

10. The two official mascots of the 2024 Olympics are anthropomorphic versions of what item of clothing?

11. Australian Anna Meares won a total of two gold medals in which sport?

7. Which country won the most medals overall at the 1956 Melbourne Games?

12. How many years were there between the last ancient games and the first modern Olympics?

13. At which Olympic Games was an Olympic Village first built, which became customary at every subsequent Games?

14. Which Asian nation is the most populous country to never win an Olympic medal?

15. Which Australian equestrian made eight Olympic appearances between 1984–2020?

16. Since 1936, which is the only Games in which Australia has not won a gold medal?

17. The Olympic torch relay debuted at which Games?

18. The beach volleyball competition at this year’s Olympics will be held at what famous landmark?

19. Which famous athlete was awarded a new gold medal in 1996 to replace the one he won and then threw away after the 1960 Rome Olympics?

20. At what Olympics did swimmer Eric ‘The Eel’ Moussambani gain worldwide fame?

21. Grant Hackett won the men’s 1500m freestyle at which two Olympics?

22. What Olympic event will men be allowed to compete in for the first time at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

23. The Sharks and the Stingers

24. Australian swimmer Shane Gould won three gold medals at which Olympic Games?

25. True or false: the 2032 Brisbane Games is to be held during the summer?

26. What were the names of the three official mascots of the Sydney 2000 Games?

27. How many events made their Olympic debuts at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

28. And how many will debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

29. How many medals in total did Australia win at the 1936 Berlin Games?

30. True or false: the US has won over 1000 gold medals in

Emma McKeon

Grant Hackett

Naomi Osaka

DEATH NOTICEs PUBLIC NOTICEs

SCHOLES Anthony

The Chairman, Board, Management, members of CFA North West Region and District 20 regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

PUBLIC NOTICEs

To Let

Pyramid Hill Elderly Persons Unit

Council currently has a vacancy in the Elderly Persons Units located in Victoria Street, Pyramid Hill.

The unit comprises:

 open plan kitchen and living area

 two separate bedrooms with built in robes

 large storage cupboard

 separate laundry and bathroom

 reverse cycle heating/cooling

 oor and window coverings throughout

 single car parking

Rental: $192.00 per fortnight

Applications close: Friday 9 August, 2024

Application forms:

Please contact Council on (03) 5494 1200 or via email at communityservices@loddon.vic.gov.au to request an application form or download one from Council’s website: www.loddon.vic.gov.au and go to Housing for Seniors.

For further information, or to arrange an inspection, please contact Council’s Aged Care & Inclusive Communities Coordinator, Nicole Taylor on (03) 5494 1200.

Leach Family Reunion

Sunday 20th October 2024

1pm-4pm Rheola Public Hall

For further information please contact Julie 0408 403 018 julpine@hotmail.com

Intention to sell Council properties

Loddon Shire Council gives notice under section 114 (2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2020 and in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy, that it intends to sell land located at:

 Lot 1 TP407668 Little Albert Street Pyramid Hill.

 Allot. 38 Sec. 5 Parish of Wedderburne, Gregsons Road Wedderburn.

 Lot 1 TP951905 Newbridge Road Woodstock on Loddon.

 Lot 1 TP587250 and Lot 1 TP20444, Parish of Kurraca, Logan-Wedderburn Road, Kurraca West, as one lot.

This land has no council or community purpose and as such, is recognised as surplus to Council needs.

A person may make a submission on Council’s intention. Submissions must be received by the close of business on Thursday 22 August 2024 and should be addressed to the Chief Executive O cer, Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn 3518 or via email to executive@ loddon.vic.gov.au .

Any person who has made a written submission to Council may request in writing to be heard in person in support of the written submission or by a person acting on their behalf before Council at a time and date to be advised.

Any queries can be directed to Christine Coombes, Executive Services O cer, on 5494 1200 or via email executive@loddon. vic.gov.au

MOVIES AT THE BRIDGE

10am, Tuesday 6th August, $10 - Morning tea served.

The Bridge is held at Holy Trinity, Bridgewater, 44 Calder Hwy, 10am-12pm.

Save the Date

Charlton Art & Photography Exhibition

October Friday 11th to Monday 14th.

10 Sections to enter

Co-ordinator: Julie Jenkins 0400080925

Change of date for September Council Meeting

The Loddon Shire Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 24 September 2024, has been brought forward due to the 2024 local government election period.

The meeting will now be held on Monday 16 September 2024 at 3pm in the Wedderburn Council Chambers.

If you have any queries regarding this meeting, please contact Loddon Shire Council on 03 5494 1200 or email governance@loddon.vic.gov.au

CAREERS AT LODDON SHIRE

Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.

J/283- Emergency Management Coordinator

 Permanent, part-time position

 Working 4 days per week

 Band 7 salary- $97,998.75 pro-rata per annum plus employer superannuation.

J/282- Community Compliance Coordinator

 Permanent, full-time position

 Band 7 salary- $97,998.75 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Based at our Wedderburn o ce

J/270- Asset and GIS O cer

 Permanent, full-time position

 Band 5 salary- $73,079.16 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Based at our Wedderburn o ce Applications for the positions above will close Tuesday 6 August 2024 at 5pm.

J/124- Casual Early Childhood Teacher

 Casual position with exibility to choose your own days

 Early Childhood Teacher 1.1- $42.10 per hour (inclusive of casual loading)

 Positions available at all of our services

J/266- Casual Ranger

 Casual position

 Band 1 salary- $34.54 per hour plus applicable allowances

 Based at our Wedderburn o ce Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received.

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

The film tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue an infant girl adri� at sea and raise her as their own. Years later, the couple discover the child’s true parentage and are faced with the consequences of their ac�ons.

(46)

seniors

Mitiamo 0.2 1.7 3.9 5.10 (40)

Inglewood 4.4 9.4 14.8 16.11 (107)

GOALS - Mitiamo: L. Shiell 2, R. Duncan, K. Galvin, B. Baines. Inglewood: J. Rouse 5, M. Rowe 3, S. Erharter, F. Payne 2, D. Polack, J. Lea, L. Harris, W. Allen. BEST - Mitiamo: L. Lougoon, R. Duncan, Z. Morrison, L. Shiell, J. Falls, J. Diss. Inglewood: J. Rouse, L. Ford, T. Kennedy, C. Love, S. Erharter, F. Payne.

Bridgewater 1.3 2.8 5.10 5.11 (41) Marong 2.2 4.7 11.9 16.13 (109)

GOALS - Bridgewater: L. Sharp 2, J. Coghlan, C. Hindle, B. Irvine. Marong: R. Wellington, R. Taylor 3, K. Robins 2, K. Manley, N. McCaig, C. Gregg, B. Gregg, M. Bradbury, L. Lee, N. Devanny, T. Davies. BEST - Bridgewater: J. Neylon, H. Conway, B. Alexander, H. McKinley, B. Derrick, J. Coghlan. Marong: M. Bradbury, N. Devanny, L. Lee, J. Davis, J. Gretgrix, B. Hartland. Maiden Gully 2.3 4.4 6.5 6.6 (42) Newbridge 4.1 8.4 11.11 15.19 (109)

GOALS - Maiden Gully: J. Farrer, D. Phyland 2, R. Crothers, T. Delahey. Newbridge: C. Dixon 6, B. Dimech, T. McLeod, B. McKinley 2, T. Constable, A. Padbury, C. Sanders. BEST - Maiden Gully: J. Farrer, M. Whitham, J. Worsley, D. Phyland, L. Deslandes, J. McHutchison. Newbridge: C. Dixon, T. McLeod, B. McKinley, B. Dimech, R. Cathie, B. Butler. Calivil 2.1 4.1 4.2 6.4 (40)

BL Serpentine 3.4 6.9 12.11 16.13 (109)

GOALS - Calivi:l B. Baker 3, M. Stephens, C. Thompson, H. McGregor. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: F. Priest 4, J. Rippingale, J. Laird 3, N. Kemp, C. Gadsden 2, J. Podosky, L. Mott.

BEST - Calivil: S. Green, S. Maher, L. Fisher, R. Lourie, J. Hynes, C. Thompson. Bears Lagoon Serpentine Seniors: C. Gadsden, T. Miles, N. Twigg, N. Kemp, D. McKay, J. Laird. Marong 14 13 1 0 1 318.40 52

BL Serpentine 14 11 3 0 1 183.99 44 Pyramid Hill 13 10 3 0 2 268.97 40 Bridgewater 14 9 5 0 1 152.81 36

13 5 8 0 2 74.56 20 Inglewood 13 4 9 0 2 59.93 16

UnDer 18

Inglewood

GOALS - East Loddon: F. Clymo, M. Hocking 3, J. Ketterer, O. Balic, B. Wagner 2, M. Green, L. James, M. Hancock. Inglewood: T. Murphy 2.

- Boort: F. Holland 5, N. Scott, D. Hatcher 2, K. Streader, P. O’Rourke. Birchip Watchem: C. Goode 3, T. Wiantara, N. Ryan, C. Lee.

BEST - Boort: F. Holland, J. Hird, O. Toose, D. Hatcher, C. Ross, A. Cockerell. Birchip Watchem: E. Rickard, M. Rickard, J. Ryan, N. Ryan, P. Hogan.

Sea Lake Nandaly

(146)

(1)

Bridgewater 1.0 1.1 1.2

Marong 2.2 5.3

(14)

(61)

GOALS - Bridgewater: J. Campbell 2. Marong: T. Grant 4, B. Matthews 2, C. Hale, M. Grant.

BEST - Bridgewater: O. Horan, J. Naughton, S. Dewar, J. McKinley, J. Green, A. Gauci. Marong: C. Hale, T. Grant, H. Baker, M. Grant, B. Matthews, B. Stewart.

Maiden Gully 0.0 0.1 1.2 2.3 (15)

Newbridge 4.4 9.7 12.7 15.10 (100)

GOALS - Maiden Gully: H. Minnis, J. Doolan. Newbridge: S. Brynhildsen 5, L. Hoskin 3, B. Carr 2, B. Harris, J. Dawkins, B. Pearce, O. Friswell, D. Whan.

BEST - Maiden Gully: N. Hadden, C. Sungalis, K. Griffin, C. Geary, T. Baker, H. Clark. Newbridge: S. Brynhildsen, J. Dawkins, B. Carr, D. Whan, O. Friswell, A. Moore. Calivil 0.0 3.6 6.7 6.8 (44) BL Serpentine 4.3 6.3 9.4 10.11 (71)

GOALS - Calivil: K. Newton 2, E. Ritchie, D. Ryan, T. Wakefield, D. Dennis. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: S. Gladman 4, O. Amy, J. Gladman, T. Clarke, C. Anstee, C. O’Shannessy, J. Ketterer.

BEST - Calivil: B. Jenkin, D. Masson, K. Newton, B. Coates, J. Manderson, C. Dickins. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: D. Boulton, S. Gladman, C. Davies, C. O’Shannessy, J. Ketterer, J. Draper.

Mitiamo 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.3 (15) Inglewood 3.3 7.5 10.7 13.12 (90)

GOALS - Mitiamo: D. Cini 2. Inglewood: J. Stokes, T. Murphy, D. Gorrie 2, D. Hogan, J. Rutter, J. Purdy, T. Kendal, J. Mills, C. Martin, A. Lister.

BEST - Mitiamo: N. Hicks, M. Hocking, D. Mitchell, A. McKean, D. Cini, L. Shiell. Inglewood: J. Mills, A. Lister, T. Murphy, J. Barnett, J. Collins, J. Purdy.

Marong : 14 13 1 0 1 394.66 52

Bridgewater 14 12 2 0 1 236.16 48

Pyramid Hill 13 9 4 0 2 212.93 36

Inglewood 13 9 4 0 2 138.28 36

BL Serpentine 14 6 8

BEST - East Loddon: M. Hancock, B. Wagner, A. Roulston, C. Tuohey, A. Addlem. Inglewood: D. Gilbee, T. Murphy, H. Noble, C. Hancock, J. Penrose, R. Aggenbach. Bridgewater

Marong

(19)

(97)

GOALS - Bridgewater: M. Brown, C. Poyser. Marong: C. Murphy 4, J. McMurray 3, K. Harris 2, R. Doorty, R. Hayden, R. Kerr, W. Thomson.

BEST - Bridgewater: C. Poyser, S. McMahon, L. Lonsdale, F. Ferguson, M. Brown, T. Woodhatch. Marong: R. Doorty, C. Murphy, K. Harris, J. McMurray, R. Kerr, J. Bird. Marong

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Harcourt 7, N. Wight 5, Z. Wemyss, C. Noonan 3, T. Griffiths, B. Poulton, I. Durie, R. McGarry.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: T. Donnan, H. Harcourt, J. Clohesy, C. Michael, T. Considine, Z. Wemyss. Donald: E. Landwehr, D. Gowlett, S. Pearse, E. Clapham, S. Downes, J. Funcke.

(83)

GOALS - Charlton: J. Roberts. Nullawil: S. Goldsmith 4, N. Grigg 3, G. Forrester 2, S. Nicholls, T. Bickley.

BEST - Charlton: B. Sexton, R. Welch, P. Sait, O. Wyrzykowski, B. Roberts, C. Boyle. Nullawil: D. Kelly, J. Barry, S. Goldsmith, S. Barker, T. Fawcett, S. Nicholls.

seniors

Wedderburn

Wycheproof N

GOALS - Wedderburn: O. Holt 6, T. Campbell 3, J. Miller, H. Lockhart. Wycheproof Narraport: N. Grabowski, K. Hommelhoff 2, M. Murgov, J. Grabowski, W. Mitrovic.

BEST - Wedderburn: D. Benaim, A. Postle, O. Holt, M. Mcewen, H. Lockhart, J. McEwen. Wycheproof Narraport: K. Hommelhoff, B. Bish, J. Grabowski, R. Fawcett, J. Marlais, R. Jones.

Sea Lake Nandaly 0.4 2.8 5.10 7.15 (57)

Donald 2.3

(58)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: T. McKenzie 3, M. Cahoon, J. Poulton, W. Simpson, L. McClelland. Donald: N. Berry 3, J. Wallin, H. Forrest, H. Geddes, R. Bath, B. Grant, R. Young. BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Poulton, W. Donnan, T. McKenzie, T. Cox, L. Martin, K. Donnan. Donald: R. Barrack, A. Browne, L. Geddes, H. Geddes, D. Bell-Warren, T. Heuston.

Charlton 1.3 2.4 3.5 3.7 (25)

Nullawil 9.4 13.5 21.9 26.12 (168) GOALS - Charlton: R. Woods, H. Taylor, B. Lanyon. Nullawil: A. Thomson 6, A. Oberdorfer, Z. Caccaviello, A. Casey 3, R. Smith, D. Watts, M. Wade, M. Farmer 2, Z. Kelly, L. Caccaviello.

BEST - Charlton: K. Blow, P. Soulsby, M. Collins, B. Lanyon, S. Woods, R. Woods. Nullawil: A. Thomson, B. Brennan, A. Casey, S. Kelly, M. Wade, A. Oberdorfer.

Boort

Birchip Watchem 2.4

(43)

(81)

GOALS - Boort: K. Jaksic, E. Coleman, N. McLaren, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Baddeley-Kelly, C. Hatcher. Birchip Watchem: P. Veszpremi 4, C. Frank, B. Edwards 2, J. Lee, D. Bell, L. Foott.

BEST - Boort: J. Wilson, J. Fitzpatrick, M. Austin, J. Keeble, J. Baddeley-Kelly, K. Wilson. Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, P. Veszpremi, H. Hosking, D. Bell, D. Reid, J. Lee.

Birchip

GOALS - Wedderburn: I. Holden, M. Chapman, M. Lockhart, C. Hargreaves. Wycheproof Narraport: H. Senior 4, H. Connolly, B. Brennan 2, T. Rumbold, K. Kennedy. BEST - Wedderburn: M. Chapman, M. Lockhart, L. Sims, A. Younghusband, W. Cunningham, C. Cunningham. Wycheproof Narraport: H. Connolly, W. Rodda, K. McNicol, W. Ringin, K. Butcher, H. Senior.

UnDer 17

BEST - Charlton: M. McGeown, M. Fitzpatrick, J. Roberts, T. Bourke, C. Phillips, B. Johnstone. Nullawil Under 17’s: T. Vearing, M. Fawcett, T. Perry, A. Cowell, L. Coles, L. Cooper.

- Boort: J. Potter, B. Arnold, H. Malone, J. O’Flaherty. J. Vernon. Birchip Watchem: J. Daniel, C. Daniel, A. Dean, R. Hogan.

Nandaly

(8) BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Stacey,

Ellis, J. Tait, C. O’Sullivan, B. Allan, J. Durie. Donald: L. Rice, G. Pearse, E. Clapham, H. Clark.

UnDer 14

- Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Warne,

McClelland, G. Durie, M. Bailey, R. Bailey, J. O’Sullivan. Donald: H. Funcke, J. Reilly, N. Michael, M. Reilly.

BEST = Charlton: T. Bourke, H. McGrath, M. Fitzpatrick, M. Boyle, I. Roberts. Nullawil Under 14’s: S. Morrison, L. Pollington, C. Kelly, C. Smith, J. Poyner.

BEST - Boort: J. Morcombe, F. Arnold, H. Clapp, M. Soumelidis, B. McPherson. Birchip Watchem: A. Tyler, W. Ryan, T. Atkinson, E. Dean,

- Wedderburn: B. Cunningham, C. Gault, B. Cramp, Z. Polkinghorne, B. Turnbull, T. Clarke. Wycheproof Narraport: M. Beattie, A. McNaughton, R. Harrison, D. Polzin. Sea Lake Nandaly

norTH CenTrAL

LoDDon VALLeY

Tournament biggest field in six years

WEDDERBURN’S 103rd annual tournament attracted more than 100 golfers from around Victoria, with Boort champion Andrew Kane taking out the A Grade 27-hole scratch prize with a score of 103.

The handicap winner was Liam McNeil with 101.5, while Brian Bird won the B Grade scratch event with 119 and Archer Ward won the handicap title.

Brad Duke won the A Grade 18-hole scratch event on a countback from three other players. Mick Smith won the B Grade scratch award.

The 18-hole handicap title went to Bill Roger in A Grade, while Rob Tonkin took out B Grade. Dan Hendy triumphed in the nine-hole A Grade handicap event, and Ron Weston won B Grade.

The three-person ambrose A Grade winners were Neville Vicary, Todd Louttit and Francy Lee with a 63, while in B Grade Robby Tonkin, Rex Drinkwater

and Neil Sawyer’s 66 won them the title on a countback.

Fifteen teams competed in the ambrose format, with the A Grade handicap victory going to Sam Barnes, Tom Metherell and Chris Hargreaves with 57.5. B Grade was again a countback win, this time to Andrew Bainbridge, Anthony Walsh and Frank Budge.

Men’s 4BBB was taken out by John Goode and Scott Wright (46) in A Grade. Graeme Smith and David Southcombe won the B Grade title with 49 points – yet another countback was needed.

The ladies 4BBB was contested by 35 players and was won by Glenda Bird and Carolyn McHugh in Division 1 with 44 points. Runners up were Jenny Lanyon and Brenda Proctor on 40 points.

Division 2 was taken out by Carmel Fitzpatrick and Wendy Hargreaves with 49 points, ahead of Bev Cameron and Karyn Jenvey (Belvoir Park) on 44.

Demons exploit corners in forging early dominance

UNDER the pump from the start, Wedderburn hockey women fought hard but had to settle for a 3-1 loss to Wycheproof Narraport last Saturday.

Wyche was on the attack immediately and scored early in the first quarter, but a shot from Johanna Meagher two minutes from time saw the Redbacks level at the first change.

A string of short corners in the second quarter led to Wyche’s second goal as Wedderburn’s defence was tested time and time again.

Wyche was unrelenting in the third term, attacking in waves. The Redbacks’ defence held firm until late in the quarter when the Demons scored their third goal.

The last term was a stalemate, but in the end Wyche’s 15 short corners to two told the tale. Awards went to the Redbacks’ defenders: Best on ground was Carlie Turnbull,

while the encouragement award went to Kelsea Nisbet. Chanelle Badenhorst won the coaches’ award, while Gen Plozza also won an award.

Underage did well to score again in a 6-2 loss. Best was Sullivan Steel; encouragement awards went to Dakota Martin and Jade Cramp, while Jake Ward and Aiden Wingfield also were awarded. The Minkey award went to Lara Polkinghorne.

RESULTS

Under 12: Boort 0 lost to Birchip Watchem 9. Sea Lake Nandaly 5 d Donald 0.

Underage: Boort 0 drew Birchip Watchem 0. Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Donald 1. Wedderburn 2 lost to Wycheproof-Narraport 6.

Women: Boort 6 d Birchip Watchem 0. Sea Lake Nandaly 6 d Donald 0. Wedderburn 1 lost to Wycheproof Narraport 3.

Men: Boort 11 d Birchip Watchem 1. Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Donald 6.

Club officials said the men’s stableford entry of 104 players was the largest since 2018.

Mitiamo

The course was in fine fettle for the final round of the club championships last Sunday.

The A Grade winner was Jamie Lister with 86-65. Runner up was Dale Anderson with 87-70. The B Grade winner was Phillip Harrison with 97-69, and second was Bruce Lawry with 91-69.

Nearest the pin on No. 2 was Phill Hamley, and on No. 15 was Terry Dzufer, while Matty Miles won the count the putts contest with 22. Miles also took out the overall club championship with 78/79/78 – 235. A Grade nett winner was Noah Condliffe with 207.

B Grade scratch was Ray Boyd on 273, while nett winner was Phil Hamley with 203. C Grade scratch was Phillip Harrison who scored 285 and nett winner was Pete Meighan with 224.

EIGHT pairs of ladies hit off on Tuesday in perfect conditions on the first day of Inglewood Golf Club’s annual tournament. As she waited to hit off from the first hole, Allie Serafini, who plays at Bendigo’s Neangar Park, said it was important for players from all over the region to support local clubs and tournaments.

Then, with a mob of kangaroos watching intently, and with distinctive Inglewood challenges to face, including having to hit over the railway line and negotiate a deep culvert, it was play on. Results: J Penny and K McNaughton (Neangar Park) 42, A Broadbent and T Gadsden-Brown (Neangar Park) 37, P Humbert (Axedale) and Phyll McFarlane Lockington) 36 points.

Tim Lockhart and Brock Pinner

Pyramid Hill’s Col Cullen, Ted Carmody and Tony Mullins

Joel Williams and Byron Bird

Charlton’s Jamie Soulsby lines up his putt in Friday. LH PHOTO

Allie Serafini, Pauline Humbert (Lockington), Phyll Macfarlane (Lockington) and Maureen Fleiner (Neangar Park). LH PHOTO

IN THE words of Boort A Grade netball coach Georgia Haw, the Magpies came onto the court against Birchip Watchem last Saturday with “a point to prove”.

A week earlier, Boort’s clash with Wycheproof Narraport had been abandoned because of the poor state of Wyche’s home court.

In a compromise decision, the North Central Netball League later announced a forfeit for all senior teams, while junior squads will have a catch-up game at a date yet to be decided.

This meant Boort’s A Grade team got the four points but missed out on the chance to boost its percentage. The Magpies sit second on the ladder, a game behind local rivals Wedderburn.

Haw said getting the win by

forfeit was “a bit annoying”, given that it meant Boort had an extra unforeseen “bye” and would have played only one weekend in three. She had cautioned earlier in the season that the Magpies often struggled after a week off the court.

In this case, though, Boort came out full of energy and intent, toppling fifth-placed Birchip by 23 goals. Goal shooter Amy Driden was back from an overseas holiday and slotted in seamlessly to the lineup.

Haw was optimistic Boort would finish the home and away season second and have the crucial double chance in the finals, but said Charlton, now in fourth and in stellar form, loomed as a threat.

“After this week we will defi-

SLIPS and slides, thrills and spills

– a slick, wet court at Maiden Gully made netball tough, but Newbridge came away with a narrow win that keeps the Maroons in third place, just ahead of the chasing pack.

Maiden Gully, seventh on the ladder with just four wins, trailed all day and despite 15 goals to 11 in the final quarter fell short of a shock victory 44-48.

Conditions were extremely tricky – many players hit the deck after losing their feet, for-

LODDON VALLEY

A Grade

Calivil 6, 17, 23, 33, (33) lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 18, 28, 48, 69, (69). Bridgewater 10, 24, 40, 50, (50) d Marong 13, 24, 33, 44, (44). Maiden Gully 9, 19, 29, 44, (44) lost to Newbridge 11, 26, 37, 48, (48). Mitiamo 16, 35, 56, 70, (70) d Inglewood 1, 9, 12, 23, (23).

Mitiamo 182.22 48

Pyramid Hill 147.65 40

Newbridge 113.62 38

BL Serpentine 122.89 36

Bridgewater 120.84 36

Marong 94.71 22

Maiden Gully 96.48 16

Calivil 51.40 4

Inglewood 40.57 0

B Grade

Calivil 4, 13, 17, 26, (26) lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 14, 23, 36, 47, (47). Mitiamo 9, 18, 27, 36, (36) d Inglewood 4, 9, 15, 22, (22). Maiden Gully 10, 23, 40, 48, (48) d Newbridge 10, 20, 33, 45, (45). Bridgewater 8, 19, 33, 46, (46) lost to Marong 11, 21, 35, 49, (49).

Marong 140.95 48

Newbridge 162.09 44

Pyramid Hill 141.37 44

Bridgewater 116.26 30

Maiden Gully 110.73 28

Mitiamo 93.66 22

BL Serpentine 74.64 16

Calivil 61.85 8

Inglewood 45.34 0

C Grade

Bridgewater 12, 23, 34, 40, (40) d Marong 7, 13, 21, 33, (33). Calivil 9, 16, 25, 33, (33) lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 14, 32, 45, 51, (51). Mitiamo 14, 21, 31, 36, (36) d Inglewood 7, 15, 20, 32, (32). Maiden Gully 8, 19, 24, 33, (33) lost to Newbridge 7, 17, 24, 34, (34).

Pyramid Hill 136.02 46

Newbridge 127.02 40

Bridgewater 119.18 36

nitely know,” she said. The Magpies face third-placed Nullawil, which sits just two points behind Boort.

The Magpies thrashed Nullawil 64-32 in round seven, so enter the clash with confidence.

Boort finishes off its season with matches against Donald (seventh) and last-placed St Arnaud.

Wedderburn coach Emma Lockhart said that despite sitting on top of the ladder “there are no easy games from here on in. We need to play our best every week”.

She expected a strong challenge from Birchip this Saturday, with the Bulls still a chance to make the finals. The Redbacks then face Nullawil and Donald in the final two rounds.

Point proven as Pies aim for vital top two finish Eagles let comeback victory slip

tunately without major injury –and skills were at a premium.

In the end, the Maroons’ experience and the strength of their defence proved the difference. Goal keeper Meg Jennings and wing defence Sarah McClusky were outstanding for the winners.

Paige Barry, who split her time between centre and wing defence, and goal shooter Emily Barbour were best for the Eagles.

The result leaves Newbridge two points ahead of Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Bridgewa-

ter. Both have better percentages than the Maroons but have byes over the final three weeks of the season. Serp kept the pressure on Newbridge with a 36-goal win over CalIvil, while Bridgewater held on for a 10-goal victory over Marong. Top side Mitiamo thrashed bottom placed Inglewood 70-23.

This weekend sees the top four teams playing each other: Serp is home to Mitiamo, while Newbridge hosts Pyramid Hill, who are coming off a bye.

NETBALL SCOREBOARDS

Marong 114.58 36

Maiden Gully 100.60 26

BL Serpentine 104.17 24

Mitiamo 94.88 20

Inglewood 60.63 8

Calivil 64.44 4

C Reserve

Calivil 5, 12, 22, 33, (33) lost to Bears Lagoon

Serpentine 15, 23, 32, 38, (38)Maiden Gully 10, 24, 29, 38, (38) d Newbridge 5, 14, 25, 36, (36). Bridgewater 8, 14, 22, 29, (29) lost to Marong 9, 15, 25, 30, (30). Mitiamo 6, 13, 18, 26, (26) lost to Inglewood 13, 19, 25, 39, (39)

Marong 176.06 52

Maiden Gully 144.77 48

Newbridge 129.85 36

Pyramid Hill 122.62 32

Bridgewater 120.77 28

BL Serpentine 78.93 20

Inglewood 76.24 12

Mitiamo 62.65 12

Calivil 49.31 0 17 & Under

Maiden Gully 18, 39, 55, 77, (77) d Newbridge 6, 11, 16, 22, (22).Bridgewater 13, 24, 34, 44, (44) d Marong 7, 11, 22, 38, (38). Calivil United 14, 28, 46, 61, (61) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 14, 22, 26, 29, (29).

Bridgewater 179.68 52

Marong 158.75 44

Maiden Gully 136.94 40

Calivil 128.26 36

Pyramid Hill 104.60 28

BL Serpentine 83.75 20

Inglewood 53.08 12

Newbridge 37.35 8

15 & Under

Calivil United 14, 30, 42, 49, (49) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 4, 10, 13, 18, (18).

Bridgewater 12, 25, 36, 45, (45) d Marong 11, 18, 29, 39, (39). Mitiamo 11, 16, 26, 42, (42) lost to Inglewood 12, 23, 36, 45, (45). Calivil 238.13 52

Bridgewater 144.11 48

Marong 120.28 40

Maiden Gully 130.19 32

BL Serpentine 72.59 24

Inglewood 59.88 16

Pyramid Hill 50.68 16

Mitiamo 64.41 12 13 & Under

Calivil 13, 26, 33, 44, (44) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 5, 5, 6, 7, (7). Bridgewater 4, 6, 9, 10, (10) lost to Marong 14, 21, 30, 37, (37). Mitiamo 0, 0, 5, 6, (6) lost to Inglewood 7, 17, 25, 37, (37).

Marong 394.35 52

Calivil 338.28 48

Inglewood 198.90 40

BL Serpentine 53.28 28

Pyramid Hill 53.23 24

Maiden Gully 61.81 20

Bridgewater 59.69 20 Mitiamo 32.41 8

NORTH CENTRAL

A Grade

Charlton 5, 18, 28, 40, (40) d Nullawil 11, 18, 25, 34, (34). Boort 8, 23, 42, 53, (53) d Birchip Watchem 9, 18, 26, 30, (30). Wedderburn16, 31, 45, 60, (60) d Wycheproof Narraport 3, 6, 17, 22, (22). Sea Lake Nandaly 7, 19, 28, 36, (36) d Donald 9, 14, 23, 27, (27).

Wedderburn 154.42 42

Boort 128.32 38

Nullawil 108.22 36

Charlton 122.81 32

Birchip Watchem 114.39 32

Sea Lake Nandaly 96.90 28

Donald 102.03 20

Wycheproof N 48.39 8

St Arnaud 65.26 4

B Grade

Sea Lake Nandaly 10, 15, 28, 37, (37) lost to Donald 11, 26, 34, 48, (48). Charlton 4, 11, 13, 19, (19) lost to Nullawil 10, 19, 26, 39,

(39). Boort 9, 11, 20, 28, (28) lost to Birchip Watchem 8, 21, 37, 48, (48). Wedderburn 24, 41, 59, 75, (75) d Wycheproof Narraport 3, 9, 14, 20, (20).

Wedderburn 210.49 52

Birchip Watchem 170.46 50

Nullawil 151.41 36

Donald 129.82 30

Boort 113.82 28

Sea Lake Nandaly 109.36 24

Charlton 60.45 12

St Arnaud 44.94 8

Wycheproof N 30.60 0

C Grade

Sea Lake Nandaly 17, 28, 39, 52, (52) d Donald 2, 6, 9, 13, (13). Charlton 5, 7, 10, 16, (16) lost to Nullawil 16, 36, 52, 69, (69). Boort 12, 20, 33, 44, (44) d Birchip Watchem 8, 15, 22, 32, (32). Wedderburn 13, 32, 46, 56, (56) d Wycheproof Narraport 4, 5, 10, 13, (13).

Nullawil 216.89 44

Boort 169.04 40

Birchip Watchem 149.61 40

Wedderburn 143.72 38

Sea Lake Nandaly 147.76 34

St Arnaud 73.67 20

Donald 49.10 8

Wycheproof N 40.80 8

Charlton 42.19 4

C Reserve

Wedderburn Redbacks (24) lost to Wycheproof Narraport (44).

Sea Lake Nandaly 170.00 30

Nullawil 238.15 28

Wycheproof N 108.40 18

Birchip Watchem 69.43 16

Wedderburn 76.15 8

St Arnaud 49.56 0

17 & Under

3, 7, 11, 12, (12) lost to

Narraport 8, 19, 26, 40, (40). Boort 6, 10, 12, 15, (15) lost to Birchip Watchem 12, 23, 33, 40, (40). Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 19, 27, 36, (36) d Donald 5, 8, 12, 18, (18). Charlton 6, 12, 12, 16, (16) lost to Nullawil13, 30, 39, 48, (48).

14 & Under A

14 & Under B

Amy Drian (above) and Grace Hocking (right) were among Boort A Grade netballers proving a point on Saturday.

LH PHOTOS

GOALKICKING

LODDON VALLEY SENIORS

106 - (2) - Lachlan Sharp - Bridgewater

93 - (0) - Josh Mellington - BL Serpentine

47 - (2) - Kain Robins - Marong

43 - (0) - Zach Alford - Pyramid Hill

38 - (3) - Ryan Wellington - Marong

37 - (0) - Jesse Sheahan - Pyramid Hill

35 - (3) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

29 - (6) - Christopher Dixon - Newbridge

29 - (4) - Farran Priest - BL Serpentine

26 - (3) - Ben Baker - Calivil

24 - (1) - Noah McCaig - Marong

23 - (0) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater RESERVES

Bulls rock through Pie shop

FLASHES of dash from Nat McLaren and Chris Hatcher helped Boort to a scoreboard improvement against North Central league ladder leader Birchip Watchem at Boort Park on Saturday,

The Bulls owned most of the first quarter but were unable to shrug off the Pies. The difference was that Birchip adapted to the slippery conditions first and better.

Shots for goal were offline early and the Bulls first major only came when Daniel Bell soccered the ball across the slippery Durham Ox end goal square.

Early signs were a repeat of 188-point blowout earlier in the season. Then up bobbed Hatcher with a dash from the wing and Boort was on the board.

83

Wedderburn

38 - (2) - Mitch Farmer - Nullawil

38 - (0) - Joshua Jenkins - Sea Lake Nandaly

30 - (0) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem

27 - (6) - Oscar Holt - Wedderburn

25 - (0) - Trent Grant - Donald

24 - (0) - Joseph Reid - Birchip Watchem

24 - (0) - James Keeble - Boort

22 - (0) - Billy Mcinnes - Sea Lake Nandaly

21 - (6) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil

21 - (2) - Nicholas Grabowski - Wycheproof N

21 - (0) - Jack Exell - Nullawil RESERVES

35 - (1) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly

35 - (4) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil

33 - (0) - Chris ORourke - Boort

31 - (7) - Harry Harcourt - Sea Lake Nandaly

22 - (0) - Andrew Oberdorfer - Nullawil

21 - (0) - Anthony Judd - Charlton

21 - (0) - Matthew Berry - Birchip Watchem

20 - (5) - Frasier Holland - Boort

19 - (3) - Zachary Wemyss - Sea Lake Nandaly

19 - (1) - Chris Hargreaves - Wedderburn

19 - (0) - Joseph McGrath - Charlton

THIS WEEK

Marong v Maiden Gully

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Mitiamo Newbridge v Pyramid Hill Inglewood v Calivil Bridgewater bye

NORTH CENTRAL

Donald v Charlton

St Arnaud v Sea Lake Nandaly Nullawil v Boort

Birchip Watchem v Wedderburn Wycheproof Narraport bye

League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au

Nine points down at the first break, Hatcher tried a second take early in the next quarter only to be thwarted by the Birchip defence that turned over play and eventually saw Patrick Veszpremi kick one of his four goals for the day.

McLaren roosted from 40 metres out soon after, followed by a Baddelly-Kelly goal and Boort had bridged the margin to four points late in the second term.

That’s when Nicholas Rippon and Jack Lee locked in the grit of the Bulls and kept the edge for the remainder of the game.

The Wilsons, Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Matt Austin and James Keeble were persistent all day while Potter and McLaren had moments of brilliance as the Pies went down by 38 points.

Stirring first and third terms when Wedderburn had greater control have seen the Redbacks see off one side that had harboured finals aspirations.

The Redbacks were certainly challenged by Wycheproof Narraport, winning by only 27 points.

Club veterans Danny Benaim and Adam Postle were on top of the game in defence

while up forward, it was another stellar performance from Oscar Holt with six goals. With 10 majors in his last two games, Holt has given an extra avenue to the sticks as opponents seek to stifle full-forward Tommy Campbell who finished the day with three.

Onballers Mitchell and Jackson McEwen continued their good form and Hamish Lockhart was handy across the half-forward line.

In their final match at Donaldson Park be-

fore next season’s merger with Nullawil, the Demons fought out to the end with Koby Hommelhoff, Boe Bish among the best players.

The Demons had more individual goal scorers - Hommellhoff finished with two - than the Redbacks.

Holt’s six-pack for Wedderburn and the wise experience of Benaim and Postle the real difference

Flight success after first quarter

BOORT has powered to another handy win in the North Central under 17 competition.

With eyes of going back-toback in September, the young Pies got their footing established after a slippery opening term. Neither Boort or Birchip Watchem scored a goal in the first 20 minutes.

Boort kicked seven for the next three quarters, the Bulls only able to find accuracy in the final term.

The Pies sit a game clear on the ladder while Birchip hangs on to fourth spot with Nullawil poised to jump in with a slip by the Bulls.

„ It was another tough day on the park for the Redback reserves who started well with early ball movement good.

But the visiting the Demons steadied, gained control with an early lead and from then on were never headed.

A five-goal lead at half-time and the Demons should have put the game away in the third term but 11 points straight did not do it for them. a four goal final term saw tne Demons run out 55 point winners in a game where the Redbacks had good contributors but could not maintain consistent good touch to be a real threat to the victors.

Max Chapman kicked not only goal of the year for the Redbacks

but goal of a lifetime for himself.

Matt Lockhart in the ruck offered real presence around the ground and found the goals as he usually manages to do.

Chris Hargreaves kicked a goal, should have kicked more but could not mark the footy.

Levi Sims in the centre with his usual hard attack on the footy continues a consistent streak of form and coach Ash Younghusband led from the front as usual.

Even more so this week as he led

with his nose as there was some red flowing at games end.

The Cunningham brothers, Will up from the 17s and Cobi both stood firm in defence offering defiance to a number of Demon forward thrusts.

Best for the Demons in a solid all round effort where they had many contributors were Hunter Connolly, Will Rodda, Kristian McNicol, Will Ringin, Kane Butcher and Heath Senior.

„ In the under 14s it was a very

watchable contest between two evenly matched and enthusiastic teams who gave their all for four quarters.

Nothing in the game on the scoreboard and at three quarter time scores were level at four goals three points apiece. It wasn’t until the last five minutes that the Redbacks got a run on with a couple of instances of good ball movement through the centre that they were able to convert two opportunities into goals and go on to win a great battle by 14 points.

Trai Clarke put in a strong performance all day. Centre half back early then a move to centre half forward where his strength was valuable in a tight finish. Caleb Gault, Blaz Cramp and Ben Cunningham have all been in good form for a number of weeks and they continued their good work.

Zane Polkinghorne and Brodie Turnbull on the younger end of the age scale showed out with plenty of enthusiasm, good in tent to secure possession of the footy and finish off their work with positive disposal.

The Demons were well served by Morgan Beattie, Adele McNaughton, Ryder Harrison and Desmond Polzin in a team where every one contributed.

- WITH BOB STEEL

Boort’s Nat McLaren

Boort’s Luke Boyd looks for an escape option. LH PHOTO

Boort’s James Keeble was again the Pies’ best on Saturday.

LH PHOTO

Maroons glow in the dark

By GARY WALSH

AS THE dark descended on Maiden Gully’s oval in the last quarter on Saturday, and hail began to pelt players and umpires, the one shining light was the electronic scoreboard.

And on it was a score that most likely sealed Newbridge a spot in the Loddon Valley finals.

The Maroons surged after a tight first quarter to beat the Eagles by 67 points, with 7.15 to 2.2 in the second half franking a win that should have been greater. With 34 scoring shots to 12, Newbridge missed a chance to pile on percentage.

The victory sees Newbridge a game and 14 per cent ahead of Inglewood in the fight for fifth place. Calivil remains in the mix, sitting on 16 points alongside the Blues but with a slightly inferior percentage.

Inglewood and Calivil meet in round 16, while the Maroons face Pyramid Hill, which means one of the Blues or Demons is likely to end the round with Newbridge on five wins.

Newbridge’s beefy full-forward Chris Dixon controlled the 50-metre arc all afternoon to finish with six goals, proving too strong for Maiden Gully defenders Jaydon Magnusson and Ed Crisp.

Brandon Dimech, in only his second game for the season, was also potent in attack and in the air for the Maroons, while midfielder Tyler McLeod was in-andunder throughout and finished with two goals.

Onballer Josiah Farrer, back in the side on Saturday, worked tirelessly for the Eagles, who bad-

ly missed injured co-coach Angus Monfries, and Mitch Whitham and skipper fought hard in the tough conditions. After the excitement of Lachlan Sharp bringing up his century for the season in round 12, Bridgewater has hit the skids with three heavy losses in a row, with the key goalkicker playing injured and managing just six goals in defeats to Pyramid Hill, Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Marong.

The Mean Machine is safe in fourth spot but faces a massive struggle to secure a double chance. A bye this week is followed by matches again Mitia-

mo and Calivil to round out the home-and-away season.

Marong thumped Bridgewater by 68 points, with Sharp scoring two goals against close-checking Brodie Hartland. Best for the Panthers were Michael Bradbury, Nathan Devanny, Lachlan Lee and the returning Jonty Davis, while Jack Neylon, Bo Alexander and Harry Conway continued their consistent seasons for the Mean Machine. It was a round for statistical wonders: the four winning teams kicked 109, 109, 109 and 107 points, while the losers managed 40, 42, 41 and 40 points.

Jed’s Rouse-ing shots at goal

JED Rouse punted five stirring goals towards cementing a regular place in Inglewood’s senior lineup when the Blues downed Mitiamo by 67 points on Saturday.

Rouse had the call-up when regular full-forward Keelan Payne was unavailable.

In only his second senior match for the season, Rouse was named best-on-ground as the Blues snapped a seven-game losing streak to keep alive hopes of playing finals in 2024.

Two of his goals came in the third term, possibly the Blues’ best quarter of football in two months.

Rouse commanded the ball up forward and did not disappoint team mates and fans as Inglewood added 5.4 to the scoreboard.

Inglewood avenged the previous week’s poor start against Maiden Gully by showing little mercy for Mitiamo, booting 4.4 in the opening term and com-

manding most of the play despite persistent endeavours of skipper Luke Lougoon, Ryan Duncan and Zachary Morrison. It could have been match on at half time but for inaccurate kicking from the Superoos in the second quarter - a very inaccurate 1.5 to Inglewood’s five straight goals told the tale. Both sides battled an increas-

ingly slippery field in the third quarter when Will Allen and Jack Lovett helped set up two Rouse goals, separated only by Shiell’s accuracy from a tight angle on the boundary for Mitiamo.

Allen added his name to the goalkicking list as the midfield and on-ballers continued superiority over Mitiamo.

The final term was far from a spectacle. Kicks dropping short and picked up by opponents, wayward balls around goal and players not picking up opponents.

Inglewood coach Fergus Payne, ruckman Kennedy and Lachlan Ford sent the Blues on a more direct path into the forward 50. Campbell Love was key around half-back to turnovers.

Scoreboard honours for the final quarter were almost event. Shiell again bobbing up for Mitiamo while Erharter marked seconds before the siren and kicked truly for Inglewood.

A vital win for the Blues and one where Rouse made his mark.

Blues ‘constitutional’ hunt starts Nevins expected back for crucial match

INGLEWOOD has advertised for “dynamic senior football coaches” for 2025 and beyond even with the Loddon Valley season still having three matches remaining.

Under first-year coach Fergus Payne, the Blues are languishing in seventh place on the ladder with just four wins, and with matches to come against powerhouses Marong and Pyramid Hill, won’t be playing finals. The Inglewood Football Club constitution calls for the coaching positions to be advertised annually.

INGLEWOOD is expected to regain Gabe Nevins for Saturday vital clash with Calivil.

The star youngsters has been sidelined under the concussion rule since the round 13 match against Newbridge that saw the Maroons’ co-coach Sam Gale take an early plea two-week suspension. Nevins has spent the last two matches as one of Inglewood’s “water boys” and is scheduled to have a doctor’s checkup this week. His return will bolster Inglewood across the midfield.

THIS WEEK’S LODDON VALLEY PREDICTIONS

Gary

Maiden Gully midfielder Luke Deslandes looks for options upfield after taking a mark against Newbridge before darkness descended on the ground late in the day. LH PHOTOS

IT’S the game of the roundInglewood out to string two wins, Calivil still sniffing and niggling, both refusing to give up hopes of claiming fifth spot.

The game of trying to shape destiny without relying on other teams falling over or pulling a surprise boilover.

Inglewood certainly lifted last week against Mitiamo to blast my very brave prediction all the way across the Prairie Plains.

The Blues, down a cog or two on last season, will find things a lot tougher against Calivil who took the chocolates in convincing fashion back in round seven.

Whether it’s the same tablets as last week or not, I was angling for another draw but when pressed, reckon it will be the Demons again this Saturday in a toss of the coin. Why? Well they pushed Bears Lagoon Serpentine for part of the game last weekend, are grittier and living on hope.

Newbridge is certainly in the box seat to claim fifth spot. However, percentage could start taking a hit and that begins this round up against Pyramid Hill.

Even the salubrious and comfortable surroundings of their home ground Donut Oval will be outweighed by the might and bite of Pyramid Hill.

The Bulldogs are coming back from the bye, have simply too much depth and are chug-

ging along nicely towards the business end of the season.

Maroons’ evergreen Chris Dixon has been in the goals of late. Against the strong defence of Pyramid Hill he could be held to just one or two.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine, that other part of the league’s mighty three this season, will show little mercy for Mitiamo. Even my doctor reckons I’m safe with this tip.

In the final match of the round, Panther Park will host a game displaying the extremities of skill in the league this season.

The only interest will be whether Marong can win by 200 points against Maiden Gully.

The Panthers are just too good for the struggling Eagles who, despite hanging on for a one-point win over Inglewood a fortnight ago, were no match for Newbridge.

Marong has the minor premiership sown up for a third year and will not falter.

- GLENN CATTO

Glenn Catto

Marong

Bears Lagoon Serpentine

Pyramid Hill

Calivil

Chris Earl Marong

Bears Lagoon Serpentine Pyramid Hill Inglewood

Walsh Marong Bears Lagoon Serpentine Pyramid Hill

Jed Rouse

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday AUGUST 1, 2024

COACH TOM TELLS HIS TROOPS

Donuts get bite of 500

BOORT netball legend Kristen Gooding had it all on Saturday when she played game No 500 for the Pies.

There was a commanding victory over Birchip Watchem, flowers, champagne and a box of donuts.

C Grade coach Brooke Arnold whipped out the post-win donuts in celebration of a win by the reigning premiers and Kristen’s milestone game.

Netball secretary Kath Lanyon, Kristen and Brooke are pictured in “500” donut mode as the team salutes their game record holder.

WE CAN DO THIS

WEDDERBURN enters Saturday’s crunch game against North Central league leaders Birchip Watchem full of confidence.

The clash will go a long way towards deciding whether the Redbacks play finals in 2024.

Newly re-appointed coach Tom Metherell was bullish this week on Wedderburn’s prospects, despite a tough run that sees them face teams currently in first, fifth and third spots on the ladder in the last three rounds

By GARY WALSH

The Redbacks are fourth, half a game ahead of Nullawil, which faces Boort this week and then has a season-defining match against Wedderburn.

“There’s no better way than finding your best form against the better sides,” Metherell said on Tuesday.

was a draw. This week the Redbacks will have only one senior player unavailable, with Mackenzie Smith sidelined by concussion protocols.

“It’s a headache in terms of selection, but it’s a good headache,” Metherell said.

Sea Lake Nandaly’s one-point loss to Donald last week saw the Tigers lose first place to Birchip, but Metherell believed Sea Lake was still the team to beat.

other results and what you have got coming up, but you can’t really look further than the next match.”

The top two places on the ladder will go to Birchip Watchem and Sea Lake Nandaly – but in what order?

“You have got to go in every week with confidence. If not, expectations are not where they should be.”

The last time Wedderburn and Birchip met in round seven, it

As a first-time coach, he said he had never had to face such selection dilemmas but he had confidence in his coaching group to make the right decisions.

“As a group we meet throughout the week and watch footage of our games, and we also watch a lot of opposition footage,” Metherell said.

He expected former Adelaide and Geelong forward Josh Jenkins to play most weeks for the rest of the season, and last season’s league best-and-fairest Trent Donnan is set to return to the seniors from a broken leg sustained over the summer.

While finals football was on the horizon, Metherell said his team was focused on the immediate future.

“Obviously you look at the

Both have a bye in the last three rounds, with the Tigers set for a percentage boost on Saturday against winless Charlton. Donald, sitting third, has notionally an easier draw than either Wedderburn or Nullawil, facing Charlton, then Boort and the Redbacks in what shapes as an epic final round.