Loddon Herald 4 July 2024

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CONNECTING water and sewerage at Newbridge could help ease Victoria’s affordable housing crisis.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett has told State Parliament that hundreds of homes could be built in the Loddon River town.

Connection of services was on Loddon Shire’s advocacy wish list for the last federal and state elec-

By CHRIS EARL

tions. A group of residents has been spent a decade calling for water and sewerage infrastructure to open residential zoned blocks for housing development.

The State Government last month set Loddon Shire a draft target of 500 new homes in the next 30 years.

“In Newbridge and Talbot we could build hundreds more affordable homes if we had the enabling infrastructure, including sewerage,” Ms Haylett told Parliament two days after the target was announced.

“The need for more affordable housing (in Ripon) is raised with me by constituents, community groups and stakeholders every single da,” she said.

“Currently there are 58,459 applications for social housing across Victoria, including 432 families in Maryborough, 261 in Ararat, 182 in Creswick, 85 in Beaufort, 51 in Avoca and 33 in Wedderburn, and the list goes on.

“We have limited homelessness outreach services across Ripon and next to no transitional housing or crisis accommodation.

“Communities are calling out

for more housing, with many trying to advance local solutions.”

Ms Haylett said solutions included the Wedderburn Lions Club wanting to build housing for older residents, “They just need investment and an interested service provider,” she said of the club’s push over more than a decade for an aged care facility.

CONTINUED PAGE 4

One of Inglewood’s original old homes, with massive development ability. On a grand, 1 Acre of land, with 3 Street frontages, the savvy investor has the potential of a 6-block subdivision with the old cottage, still front and centre. The original home has 2 living areas with a solid fuel heater, 3 bedrooms (all original), and a remodelled bathroom for easy access of any elderly or disabled persons, Galley style Kitchenette. Being early 1900’s the home also offers an external Laundry along with a detached bungalow. A unique parcel of land suiting that savvy investor.

to $615,000

THERE was a temporary bar to traffic in Brooke Street Inglewood on Saturday afternoon. With volunteers holding stop signs and police helping direct vehicles, the Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary Op-shop moved its historic counter to its new outlet in the former Royal Hotel. The counter, once a third of the bar at the long-closed Charlie Napier Hotel, was shifted 100 metres in a slick five-minute operation. LH PHOTO

Free every Thursday

in the communities and districts of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Laanecoorie, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn. Also available in Dunolly, Charlton, Wycheproof, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.

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YEAR 7 Boort District School students have launched an exhibition of their latest artworks at Boort District Health. Students joined residents and staff on the last day of the school term last Friday to unveil their colourful and imaginative works. Said art teacher Nathan Sims: “The school and the hospital have teamed up again to create an awesome display and there has been great excitement among students preparing for the exhibition”.

Floods and the art of NAIDOC

LOCAL partnerships and $55,000 funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria flood recovery hub will see NAIDOC Week celebrated from Sunday with an art exhibition, cultural tours and library storytelling sessions.

Loddon Shire, Goldfields Library Agencies and Djaara’s cultural arm DUMAWUL will start the week at Inglewood Town Hall with ceremonies and official opening of an exhibition by artist Stephanie Taylor.

Shire wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said: ““One of the re-

covery pillars to be delivered as part of this funded recovery program through ERV, includes engagement with Traditional Owners and delivery of activities that support connection to country.

“An overall budget of $55,000 has been identified in the flood recovery plan to support the delivery of these activities. This has been fully funded by the Flood Recovery Hub program.

“This funding has provided Loddon residents with an exciting opportunity to have a renowned art exhibition available

locally, as well as free entry to the Kooyoora State Park cultural tours, basket weaving classes, and activities provided through our library agencies.

“The funding has also provided the opportunity to offer cultural competency training to Inglewood business operators and local health and wellbeing agencies.

“The event has been staged in Inglewood as the gateway to the culturally-significant Kooyoora State Park, with children’s activities available at the library agencies throughout the shire.”

Gaining experience

STUDENTS in Years 10 and 11 at Loddon secondary schools last week were part of work experience programs. Employeers across the region, Bendigo and Melbourne hosted students exploring career pathways.

Lethlean candidate

THE Nationals have endorsed former Bendigo publican Andrew Lethlean as their candidate for the seat of Bendigo at the next federal election.

Cattle on show

DINGEE’S Ben Govett is among dairy farmers exhibiting at the annual Victorian Winter Fair in Bendigo this week, the 10th time the industry event has been held.

State inquiry

A VICTORIAN Parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and services is now underway has started. Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad will be attending and participating in the hearings as they are held across the region in the coming weeks.

Safety reminder

TRANSPORT Accident Commission has urged Victorians to be vigilant on the roads, slow down and drive to the conditions during the school holidays.

10m litres from harvest

COBRAM Estate Olives has produced 10 million litres of oil in its “off year” harvest that wrapped up at the weekend.

The largest grove spread across more than 3500 hectares is at Boort where the company’s new production mill was used for a second season extracting oil.

More 55,000 tons of olives were picked this year at Boort, Boundary Bend and Wemen.

Production from its own groves was 9.4 million litres and another 700,000 litres of third-party olive oil will also be marketed by the company.

Joint CEOs Leandro Ravetti and Sam Beaton said: “Due to the natural biennial cycle of olive oil yields, 2024 was, as expected,

Hairdressers cut to champagne

TRANSFORMATION of Bridgewater’s former grocery store into a contemporary hairdressing salon was celebrated on Sunday.

Ergo and Mane owner Amanda Goodman popped the champagne with family and friends before the salon officially opened to customers the next day.

Amanda has overseen restoration and renovations at the historic corner shop over the past three months.

Local tradesman had been among crews working to have the salon ready for its opening. Amanda said she was excited to share to opening and bring a new experience to her home town.

a lower-crop year ‘off year’ in our Australian olive groves. The colder and shorter than average growing season in the 2023 financial year ended up having a widespread negative impact for the Australian olive industry 2024 harvest, particularly in the Eastern seaboard where this year’s production, excluding CBO, is expected to be approximately 54 per cent lower than last year and 43 per cent lower than in 2022.

“Despite this, our total production was three per cent higher than our last ‘off-year’ harvest in 2022.

“This was also pleasing given the short-term reduction of yields associated with the completion of

our replanting program removing nearly 100,000 adult trees and replacing them with more productive varieties.”

Mr Ravetti and Mr Beaton said the olive oil quality was very good and the company would have sufficient supply to meet its packaged goods sales plan through to the 2025 harvest.

“After this year’s favourable season, the company’s Australian olive trees are in good condition, noting 2025 is an ‘on-year’ for our Australian olive groves, with the crop expecting to be significantly higher than in 2024 subject to the normal risks associated with agricultural production,” they said.

Cobram Estate is also expecting good yields from its ‘off-year’

season at groves in the United State. “Flowering for the 2024 crop commenced early in May on most Californian groves, with full bloom at our groves occurring during the second and third week of that month,” the company said.

“Winter and spring weather conditions were favourable for flower induction and fruit set and pleasingly we now expect our 2024 crop, an ‘off year’, to be similar to or above our 2023 harvest ‘on year’ (3.2 million litres of olive oil).“

Cobram Estate is predicting $60 million earnings before tax for the financial year, up almost $20 million. Results will be announced to the Australian Stock Exchange in August

Slow down please

BOORT District Health has asked motorists to slow down when travelling near the hospital precinct. Drivers have been reminded that the precinct is used by children and elderly people and also by ambulances and delivery trucks.

Centenary reunion

FORMER Wedderburn residents are preparing plans for the centenary year reunion of an event that started in Melbourne as a gathering of Old Boys and Girls of Wedderburn in 1925. Next year’s activities include a Melbourne gathering with the main reunion to be held in Bendigo in February.

Town flushed

COLIBAN Watyer is today flushing Mitiamo’s water supply network following completion of a storage tank project.

Hunting regulations

REGIONAL Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting inc said this week’s release of a new hunting regulations draft was a “disgrace” and “another example of a taxpayer funded hunting promos”.

CEO change

CENTRAL Goldfields Shire

CEO Lucy Roffey has resigned after six years in the position to take up a local government appointment in Melbourne.

Amanda Goodman pops the champagne to celebrate this week’s opening of Ergo and Mane. LH PHOTO

Hospital beds made with growing care

RESIDENTS, volunteers and staff were on deck at Inglewood and Districts Health Service last Friday preparing beds for the new community garden.

Soil and mulch were shovelled into more than six beds outside the Hospital Street campus ahead of planting seedlings and vegetables.

The working bee brought volunteers together from Inglewood and Wedderburn, joined by Loddon Shire and Loddon Plains Landcare Network staff and St Mary’s school students.

Inglewood and Districts Health Service CEO Dallas Coghill said the community garden project was already bring benefit-

ed for the wellbeing of residents. “Some of our residents are already active in the Inglewood-Bridgewater Men’s Shed and it was great to see them again sharing skills helping to create our community garden,” he said.

“It is our residents and the community who are a great part of the inspiration and drive for the garden. Our staff are also enthusiastic. The partnerships with local groups and people who want to be involved in support Inglewood and Districts Health Service are another positive from the project.”

IDHS has more community working bees planned.

MP pushes social housing solution

FROM PAGE 1

Ms Haylett recently met with Newbridge, Arnold and Llanelly Community Planning Group where sewerage in Newbridge was raised as a key issue and she said she was having “ongoing discussion with (Loddon Shire) Council about sewerage for Newbridge”.

Previous Liberal member for Ripon Louise Staley announced before the 2020 Victorian election that the Coalition would sewer Newbridge and Talbot through $40 million small towns water and sewerage fund. Ms Haylett and Labor won the election.

Loddon Shire councillors and executive are expected to finalise the new election wish list before going into to caretaker mode in September.

A federal election is due by next May but could be held before November. An earlier federal election would fall during the local government poll period when councils would be unable to adopt a list of projects to put to government and candidates.

The purchase of 613 acres of farmland on the Wimmera Highway, 4.5km from Newbridge, by Coliban Water for a biosolids facility has raised speculation among some district residents that the land could also house a treatment plant if sewerage was installed for the town.

Loddon Shire towns have been identified as potential growth areas for a decade and the council last year commission a report on unlocking land for residential development.

The State Governments 2014 Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan said:

“Although they are only small rural towns at present, Bridgewater and Inglewood in Loddon Shire have the potential to develop as complementary and alternative lifestyle townships in the hinterland of Bendigo.

“Current trends show limited demand for growth, however future directions of this plan, combined with proactive planning, liveability marketing and incentives could promote growth. The growth of these towns would support the sustainability of outlying agricultural areas and provide additional services to the broader community.

“With its charming riverside location, Bridgewater is an attractive village. The town has existing physical infrastructure that can support population growth. Comprehensive planning for growth needs to be undertaken to address flood and environmental impacts, and the interface with agricultural activities. Limited expansion of the town centre or commercial land would be required due to the proximity to Inglewood, which has more extensive services. “Inglewood provides a range of retail, community and social services including a hospital, aged care facilities and schools. Communities serviced in this area include the townships of Bridgewater, Korong Vale, Serpentine, Wedderburn, Newbridge, Tarnagulla and surrounding townships. Inglewood has good physical infrastructure combined with limited growth constraints.”

SInce that plan was released, housing demand has grown in Bridgewater and Inglewood, including the shire’s first subdivision development.

The working bee crew on Friday afternoon. LH PHOTO

Brigade ‘cheapest form of insurance’

LONG-time Fentons Creek Fire Brigade member Peter Coombes has praised the district community’s spirit at a medal presentation on Sunday.

Peter was among members to be recognised for their servicefrom recent members notching up five years in the brigade to former captain Edwin Holt and retired secretary Eric Walker who have been in the brigade for more than 70 years,

He said every “little bit” of time given by members had given the brigade strength.

“And it’s the cheapest form of insurance we have,” he said after being presented with a 45-year service medal by the CFA’s Darren Crawford.

Mr Holt and Mr Walker unveiled an honour board that recognises exceptional service of members.

Mr Walker said the brigade

had been formed 82 years ago, receiving its first tanker, a 1938 Dodge, in the 1950s. During the ceremony at Wedderburn Bowling Club, Tony Coombes unveiled a photographic tribute late member Lindsay Burge.

Current captain Brett Collins praised the service of long-time members. “They are great for guidance to our younger members.”

Five-year: Oscar Holt, Chris Hargreaves, Danny Fowles, Rachel Coombes, Louis Holt, Zoe Coombes. 10-year: Lachy McLean, Jacob Vanrenen, Sam Carroll, Jessica Higgins, Wal Sadler. 15-year: Alan Whitfield, Hellen Waltham, Brett Collins. 25-year: Irene Budge. 30-year: Christine Coombes, Stephen Finch, Leigh Passalick. 35-year: Hans Relecker, Chris Holt, Tony Coombes, . 40-year: Kerry Walker, David Glen, Alan Goullet. 45-year: Ralph Stephenson, Colleen Walker, Richard Stephenson, Neale Holt, Dale Stephenson, Tony Holt, Leigh Sutton, Peter Coombes,. 50-year: Geoff Collins. 55-year: William Rodger. 60-year: Barry Finch. 70-year: Eric Walker, Edwin Holt.

Get ready to say goodbye to 3G.

Our 3G network will be switched off on 31 August. So if you’re currently using a device that relies on the 3G network, like a phone, watch, medical device, or EFTPOS machine, you’ll need to upgrade as soon as possible to ensure ongoing service.

Unsure if your mobile phone will be affected?

Just SMS the number 3 to 3498 and we’ll text you back to let you know if you need to take action.

We’re always here to help. If you need more information or any help with the change, drop into your nearest Telstra store, visit: telstra.com/3Gclosure, or call us on 13 22 00.

70-year brigade members Edwin Holt and Eric Walker. LH PHOTOS

Fentons Creek members recognised for their service at Sunday’s certificate and medal presentations

Pig probe a ‘bias clash’

TWO Northern Victorian Region MPs have clashed over an inquiry into the state’s pig industry.

Gaelle Broad, one of three Coalition members of the committee to release a dissenting report, claimed the inquiry was biased and instigated by animal activists intent on ending livestock farming in Victoria, and primary producers had been unfairly attacked in the process.

But Animal Justice Party MP and inquiry chair Georgie Purcell says the inquiry was not aimed at shutting down the pig industry.

“We heard from a range of farmers, from local outdoor farms to large factory farms that already have many of these recommendations as common practice across their farms. They shared with the committee the greater consumer trust and demand for their products due to the higher welfare pigs experience on their farms – particularly for free range and outdoor piggeries, it is a huge marketing selling point.

“What was abundantly clear from the 10,000 submissions and survey responses that the inquiry received, a record-breaking amount, is that pork eaters and non-pork eaters share the sentiment that they want to see improved welfare for pigs.”

But the Nationals’ Ms Broad said: “Further regulation and re-

striction of farming practices threatens to close Victoria’s pig industry, making it harder for people to work in the industry, driving up costs and leading to a greater dependence on imported products where there is no oversight of farming practices and welfare standards.

“Pork is the second most consumed meat in Australia and the Victorian pork industry is a vital part of Australia’s food supply chain.

“The Victorian pork industry has clearly demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare standards and deserves our support.”

Ms Purcell claimed she knew her “constituents and I was very pleased to have their support and engagement throughout the Inquiry and in the publication of the report”.

Her committee’s report proposes slapping the pork industry with new guidelines and random on-the-spot compliance checks from animal welfare inspectors.

It also found “the cultivated meat industry (distinct from plant-based products) offers a viable, ethical and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional pork with the exact molecular composition and taste of traditional pork,” Mr Purcell said.

The Government is yet to respond to recommendations.

Tom picks up supermarket

NEW manager Tom Ryan has continued tradition at Inglewood IGA with a visit by Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh to the store.

Tom welcomed Mr Walsh, who is also Nationals leaders in Victoria to the Brooke Street supermarket last week.

Mr Walsh opened the supermarket building in 2008 after a major investment by owners Peter and Sue Moore and the Champions group.

The Moores officially retired on Sunday, selling

reins

the business they bought 40 years ago when the grocery and hardware store was on the opposite side of Brooke Street.

Mr Walsh said: “Sue and Peter showed tremendous faith when they built the new supermarket and have built the Inglewood IGA into a major employer and a Loddon success.

“It was great to call, wish Peter and Sue a wonderful retirement and also meet Tom who has been well trained by the Moores for his new role.”

New Inglewood IGA manager Tom Ryan with Peter Walsh. LH PHOTO

Local voices part of VNI West study

TRANSMISSION Company Victoria has confirmed membership of its technical reference group for the environmental effects study of the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line.

VICTORIA HOTEL

The line stretching from Stawell to Kerang will pass through the northern tip of Loddon Shire. Loddon is one of four councils that will have a representative on the group.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Horsham-based Barengi Gadjin Land Council will have members and as will the First Peoples - State Relations section of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Country Fire Authority, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Murray Water and five government departments and agencies will also make up the group that TCV says will “provide oversight and advice throughout the environment effects statement” process over the next 18 months.

The group will advise the Department of Transport and Planning “on matters that should be studied as part of the EES and the adequacy of the studies once complete”.

Membership of the group was decided by the department.

The EES will assess the potential impact of the project and the

department given feedback on the draft scoping requirements, “providing landholders and community members the opportunity to have their say via a formal consultation process in coming months”.

Meanwhile, the TCV community reference group has met for a fourth time in Charlton amid continued concern from volunteers about their capacity and ability to fight fires in the transmission line corridor and some brigades in the St Arnaud district staging a protest strike.

CFA West Region Deputy Chief Fire Officer Brett Boatman spoke with reference group members about firefighting operations around transmission lines.

“Throughout the meeting, members conveyed various concerns and provided advice relevant to VNI West,” according to the meeting report released this week.

members and groups who have not previously engaged.

„ Explain why it is important that people engage.

„ Facilitate access to subject matter experts during engagement, eg ecologists.

TCV said the it would have the current 2km wide draft corridor refined to 100 metres within three months.

“As part of this process, we are conducting field surveys in the area to build our understanding of environmental considerations, local flora and fauna and geological features. We will apply these findings and feedback from landholders and the community along with engineering and technical studies to help identify a refined route for transmission that minimises impacts to people, farming and the environment.”

PYRAMID HILL

VICTORIA HOTEL

Members also provided advice about how to better engage the community during the scoping phase of the project’s EES to maximise community participation.

Key suggestions included:

TCV said it had negotiated access to private land for surveys with some landholders, performing ecology surveys on select properties.

EST. 1874

PYRAMID HILL

„ Government to consider delivering engagement activities independent of TCV.

„ Use simple language that everyone can understand.

„ Use local councils as an avenue to connect with community

Meanwhile, TCV’s move to be granted an electricity transmission licence by the Essential Services Commission is still to be lodged.

VICTORIA HOTEL

TCV was challenged last year about its authority to advance the project without a licence. Throughout 2024, TCV has told the Loddon Herald the application is being prepared.

EST. 1874

Love

A SOUTH Australian-registered 4WD hit trees on the Boort-Kerang Road, about 3km north of Boort, last Friday morning. Cohuna police was called to the accident. No further details have been released.

Crossing site yet to be selected

FINAL DESIGNS for Wedderburn’s $2.5 million pedestrian crossing will determine its location on the busy Calder Highway. Department of Transport and Planning executive director Loddon Mallee and Hume Anthony Judd said designs for the crossing were being completed. The department said instal-

lation times for the new crossing would be known once designs were finalised and “we’ll consider a range of sites for the new lights, including the existing school site”.

More than 3800 vehicles travel through Wedderburn daily and the crossing was promised in this year’s state Budget after a community campaign for better safety.

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Love our local!

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm  Dinner from 6.00pm

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Trading hours

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Dinner from 6.00pm

Thursday – Open Midday

Social Darts Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Lunch from 12.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Thursday – Open Midday

Saturday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu

Close 11.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm  Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Praise from past for the future

WEDDERBURN College has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a day of unveilings and announcements.

Former principals, teachers, school council leaders and parents joined students to mark the formation of the college from the merger of Wedderburn Primary and Elementary Schools and Korong Vale Primary School.

The first school council president, John Murnane, spoke of the vision of the district for a full P12 college and the successful creation of the new school. He joined current president Carolyn Stephenson in cutting the silver jubilee cake.

Mike Hanrahan was among the former principals to return. Mr Hanrahan recalled the strong working relationship with Mr Murnane and other community leaders 25 years ago.

Mr Hanrahan, whose grand-daughter Sarah Turnbull is now a member of the school council and with greatgrandchildren becoming the fourth generation of the family to be associated with Wedderburn College, presented a commemorative plate from the former elementary school to the college’s memorabilia collection.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett and Education Department regional director Anne Cunniff congratulated the college on its achievements. Plaques recognising Wedderburn receiving gold accreditation under the school-wide positive behaviour support program were unveiled along. The Aboriginal mural designed by Tobie Cameron, welcome to country and school motto plaques were unveiled during celebrations.

Principal Danny Forrest also announced plans to celebration 160 years of education in Wedderburn in 2025.

Former principals Kelvin Baird, Mike Hanrahan, Margaret-Anne Wright and Tom Blake joined current principal Danny Forrest during the celebrations on Friday.

LH PHOTO

School council president Carolyn Stephenson and John Murnane cut the cake

Long-serving teachers Deirdre McKenzie (left) and Sue Prevos with member for Ripon Martha Haylett

Meg Lowry, Stacey Keller and Maddi Postle reunited with their prep teacher Claire Brittan

Above:: Kerry Hamond, regional director Anne Cunniff, principal Danny Forrest and assistant principal Dean Lockhart after unveiling the school-wide positive behaviour support program gold award status for the college.

Right: Student Ariah Dehon was recognised for her contribution to the college’s the program.

Shire’s bad roads belong to government, says Mayor

THE low mark given by residents for roads in the Loddon Shire could be meant for the State Government.

Mayor Gavan Holt said some responses in the latest community satisfaction survey had incorrectly put responsibility for maintaining key arterial roads with council.

“A number of surveyed community members, when asked which roads in particular they were not satisfied with, identified arterial roads in the shire. Arterial roads are the responsibility of the Department of Transport, not council,” Cr Holt said this week.

He said scoring of sealed road and road management responsibilities was “another factor that Loddon contends with”.

The annual survey last week rated Loddon Shire harshly for sealed local roads, scoring 38 compared with 43 last year while unsealed roads dropped five points to 32.

Both areas are below the state average and the comparison average scores for small rural councils.

Loddon Shire last December walked away from its contract with the Department of Transport and Planning to maintain government roads in the shire.

Cr Holt said a number of factors might have contributed to the community’s lower satisfaction with the road network, includ-

ing extensive flooding during the past two years across significant parts of the state.

“We have seen this higherthan-average rainfall have impacts on road networks across the state, including in Loddon Shire,” he said.

“This higher rainfall has also contributed to larger harvest seasons, which increases heavy vehicle traffic on these already damaged roads.

“Delays in access to disaster recovery infrastructure funding has also subsequently delayed repairs to flood-affected roads due to lengthy assessment timelines.

“We appreciate and thank the community for their patience while Council continues to pursue disaster recovery funding arrangements and subsequently undertake flood repair works to our local road network.”

The survey collected responses

from 400 residents in Loddon Shire across four quarters (surveying 100 residents each quarter). Council said its score of 68 for customer service was above the state average of 67 and the small rural council average of 66.

Council’s score of 70 for waste management rated higher than both the state-wide and small rural council average of 67.

With a score of 71, the appearance of public areas rated above the state-wide average (score of 68) and was on par with the small rural council average.

Unsealed roads, planning and building permits and sealed local roads were Council’s lowest performing areas – a trend that has continued for the previous four years of survey data. Emergency and disaster management, and elderly and family support services also rated low.

Cr Holt said; “It is positive to see council’s customer service, waste management and appearance of public areas continue to rate well among our residents,” Cr Holt said.

“Having said that, as highlighted in the survey results, there are areas of concern for our community, including unsealed roads.

“This is consistent with a downward trend across the state for community satisfaction with unsealed and sealed roads generally,” Cr Holt said in council’s response to the survey.

Fee hold a ‘help to ease living costs’

FREEZING waste charges and limiting rate increases demonstrates a commitment to keeping the cost of living in Loddon Shire manageable for residents, according to Mayor Gavan Holt.

Council last week adopted a budget that included a 2.75 per cent rate rise but kept waste charges the same as last year.

“We understand our community is experiencing cost-of-living demands,” he said.

“The 2.75 per cent rate cap is a balanced approach that allows us to meet our financial obligations while being mindful of the economic challenges our residents are facing.

“It is a measure of responsibility, ensuring that we do not overburden our ratepayers while still providing essential services.

“It’s important to note that there is an ongoing need for council to continue to revisit services and infrastructure and ensure their efficiency. We need to get the best value for money in how we deliver on community expectations, and external funding opportunities are a critical part of how we do that.”

Council’s budget expects to raise $13.1 million in rates and charges or 26 per cent of the shire’s income for the year with 70 per cent of anticipated revenue coming from government grants. “Ongoing financial support from other levels of government is vitally important,” he said.

Loddon Shire hands back the government road maintenance contract last December

Anglers will cast first forum hook in region

A SERIES of 12 Victorian Fisheries Authority forums will start in Boort next week.

The authority says topics will be tailored to each region and include its efforts to recover native fish including Macquarie perch, wild trout populations, Gippsland’s embayment fisheries, and Port Phillip Bay’s diverse and productive net-free future.

VFA acting CEO Luke O’Sullivan said he looked forward to sharing lots of great news with forum audiences and listening to suggestions about how the authority could further improve facilities and everyone’s time on the water.

“These forums are the perfect place to ask that burning question that’s long been debated amongst family, friends and mates,” he said

“We’re really keen to hear what matters

to fishers in their neck of the woods because locals know their patch better than anyone.”

Mr O’Sullivan said the Boort forum on Tuesday night would feature presentations from authority staff on the latest in fishing, including updates on projects being delivered through the Victorian Government’s $96 million Fishing and Boating Plan.

“The forums ... will feature a comprehensive presentation before the audience gets the chance to talk with speakers directly, ask questions and exchange ideas,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Forums will also be held in July and August at Maryborough, Melton, Glen Waverley, Dartmouth, Seaholme, Geelong West, Horsham, Ouyen, Sale, Omeo and Inverloch.

FILIPINO DIPLOMACY PHILIPPINES Consul-General Maria Lourdes Salcedo brought diplomatic services to Pyramid Hill on Saturday and met with Loddon Mayore Gavan Holt community leader Marilyn Fernandez and United Filipino and Australian Association president Trevor McIntosh. It was the first time the Melbourne-based consulate had visited as regional area to help expats renew their Philippine passport, and arrange voting registration and dual citizenship. Marilyn said Pyramid Hill’s Filipino community was joined by expats from Swan Hill and Shepparton for the day along with local Lions club leaders Tania and Bill Quinn.

Most travelling within main street limit

REDUCED speed limits in the main streets of Inglewood and Wedderburn were being observed by most drivers.

Wedderburn’s Sgt Ben Huisman said the 40kmh zones were being monitored by local police and highway patrol teams.

“There’s only a few who have ignored the 40kmh zones since they were introduced,” he said. Community campaigns saw the 40kmh zone in Wedderburn reduced last November while new limit has been in place at Inglewood since January.

Chills and cheers greet the Big Freeze stars

WET and wild weather on Saturday conditioned footballers and netballers for their dip in an ice-cold tank raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease at Serpentine.

Players from the Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Inglewood clubs took the tank drop in support of Bears’ reserves coach Pat Russell who was diagnosed with MND a year ago.

Footballers with caked-on mud from their match were among the first into tank as the fundraising tally went over $8000.

You will play a pivotal role in providing stakeholder and community engagement, assistance with events and administrative support to

WestWind Energy is looking for a Community Liaison with a proven ability to build rapport and long-term relationships with local communities. www.w-wind.com.au

They were joined by Loddon Valley Football Netball League chairman Simon Tuohey as players and supported cheered when Pat and helpers added more bags of ice to the tank to cheers from players and supporters.

Bears’ president Greg Gadsden said the post-match dunk had been a show of great spirit and support.

Newbridge club made a $1000 donation while Bridgewater had a special donation tin at its home-ground canteen.

Irrigation water share opens at 69%

THE Loddon irrigation system will open the 2024-2025 season with a with 69 per cent high reliability water share.

Northern Victoria Resource Manager Mark Bailey said the opening seasonal determinations reflected reserve availability across the systems.

“Reserves secured during 2023-2024 have underwritten the opening seasonal

determinations in the Murray, Goulburn, Campaspe and Loddon systems,” he said.

“The storages in these systems are holding large volumes despite recent months of below-average rainfall.”

Campaspe will open with a 100 per cent allocation, Goulburn 69 per cent, Murray 53 per cent and the Broken system five per cent.

The

We

Justin Laird made a splash on the field and in the tank on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Serpentine’s Nathan Twigg, Zac Stone and Inglewood’s Daniel Polack

Simon Tuohey, Danielle O’Toole and Ryan Prendergast

Jayden Gladman, Georgia Harrison and Paige Allison

WOOL REPORT

The Australian wool market has closed out the 2023/24 wool selling season softly, with an overall loss, driven again by falls in the merino fleece sector. Fremantle returned to the program, bolstering the national offering. There were 37,147 bales on offer, 9,657 bales more than the previous week. There were 1,826,909 bales put through the auction system for the season. This was 49,725 fewer bales than the previous season, a reduction of 2.6%. Buyer sentiment was best described as cautious from the outset, and prices generally deteriorated as the series progressed. By the end of the week the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece dropped by between 11 and 49 cents. Worth noting the West had a solid finish on the final day, where all MPGs recorded small increases. The benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) lost 18 cents for the series, closing at 1,142 cents. The EMI opened the 2023/24 selling season at 1,126 cents, gaining 16 cents across the season, this equated to a 1.4% increase. When viewed in USD terms, the EMI movement was similar. The EMI opened the season at 748 US cents and closed the season at 763 US cents, a rise of 15 US cents, a 2.0% gain. The total dollar amount of wool sold for the season was $2,228 billion. This was $179 million or 7.4% less than the previous season, due mainly to the smaller volume offered. This week the 2024/25 wool selling season commences. Normally there would be two sales in July, then the annual three-week mid-year recess. This year there will be four sales in July, then the recess. The opening sale of the season is not as large as it has been in the past, due in part to the extra selling opportunities later in the month.

There are currently 36,653 bales on offer nationally.

Source: AWEX BENDIGO

Branch Manager & Senior Agronomist

Craig Sharam 0408 188 351

Wool - Adam Millard 0400 499 064

Livestock - Nigel Starick 0408 528 322

Wade Broadstock 0427 337 231

Lachie McAlister 0428 717 403

Chris Anderson 0408 921 540

Merchandise - Glenn Jackson 0429 076 459

Agronomy - Anton Mannes 0499 708 044

Josh Mcleod 0447 678 609

SHEEP AND LAMBS

WINTER hit at Bendigo this week with lamb numbers back to just 6830 head and the yarding showing a noticeable drop in quality and condition.

Results varied alongside quality but the sale did gain a lot of momentum, particularly late in the auction.

Price gains of $15 to $25/hd were recorded across the better slaughter lambs offering buyers some weight and condition, while the plainer lambs with less weight and fat cover improved $5 to $10/hd.

The sheep sale was also considerably dearer with good mutton costing processors either side of 400c/kg cwt.

Auctioneers asked and got $295 for the best pen off heavy export lambs estimated at 38-40kg cwt. After this the price spread for most 30kg cwt plus lambs was $230 to $265/head. The heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs from $185 to $244; and the best heavy trades $184 to $220/head.

On a carcass basis these heavier lambs were mostly in a range of 720c to 820c, but there was bounces out to 880c and the main categories averaged between 780c and 800c/kg cwt.

Once under 24kg cwt the lamb offering was very wintery with a lot of plainer conditioned lambs which fluctuated from $135 to $175/head. Decent penlots of light lambs mostly $80 to $135/head.

While it was a stronger sale there was a wide price spread over a lot of domestic and lighter lambs which stretched from the mid 600c to 800c/kg plus. There was very little to suit restockers. It was a much dearer sheep sale across a yarding of 4900 head, good mutton tracking either side of 400c/kg cwt.

Some outstanding extra heavy Dohne style ewes, shorn and in prime condition, topped at $168/hd. Crossbred ewes $112 to

$148; heavy Merino wethers $110 to $127; and the balance of the sheep mostly $70 to $100.

It was only prices for very light ewes in score 1 condition, and rams, which showed little improvement on recent rates.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (100) $295. GF & CM Rathjen Colbinabbin (65) $280. Fairfields @ Mysia P/L Mysia (42) $ 267. C McGillivray Mangalore (23) $265. WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (30) $264. Nutfield P/Ship Molesworth (11) $253. Pyalong Park Pyalong (41) $249. GJ & DA Turnbull Dumosa (31) $247. HA & ER Westblade Kerang (67) $244. D & M McKinnon Marong (31) $244. K & B Clark Lockwood 17 $244. O Toose Boort (48) $240. BJ& SJ Griffiths Malmsbury (15) $236. Nutbyrne P/L Knowsley (74) $220. Slater Farming Corack East (26) $215. T Carmody Elmore (96) $212. G & R

Hayden Piangil (59) $125. R McEvoy (11) $124. P Gooch Pipers Creek (60) $123. Stoke Family Woomelang (30) $120. Order of sales next Monday: Nutrien, Nuttall, McKean McGregor, Elders, Nevins. SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

As we ticked over into July, we saw a plain winter yarding but a good jump in prices across all types.

Monday, July 1st 2024 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 7,000 | Sheep - 5,000

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 Broadbent - 0447 002 844

Will

- 0417 686 814

Hooke lands agri climate council role

LUKE Hooke is one of seven appointments to Victorian Agriculture Climate Change Council announced this week.

The manager of sustainability standards and regulations with Nutrien Ag Solutions. Mr Hooke has been appointed for his knowledge of Victorian farming systems, their linkages to global markets and supply networks.

The former Serpentine man, whose family owns Willera Merinos, will be part of the a ministerial advisory committee that provides independent and strategic advice to Victoria’s Minister for Agriculture on how the agriculture sector can prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change and inform the government’s broader climate action agenda as it relates to the agriculture sector.

Other appointments are:

„ Fiona Conroy – Sheep and cattle producer with experience carbon-neutral farming practices.

„ Professor Richard EckardGlobally recognised climate scientist focusing on emissions reduction in the agriculture sector.

„ Gillian Hayman – Dairy industry leader with experience in natural resource management, agriculture extension, and facilitation and engagement activities

„ Jack Holden – Sustainability and dairy supply chain professional with extensive networks across industry in Australia and New Zealand

„ Catherine Jenkins – Farmer, consultant and regional leader experienced in working with farm businesses to manage risks and mitigate impacts of climate change; and

„ Professor Lauren Rickards – Inter-disciplinary academic focusing on climate adaptation and the social complexities of managing climate change in agriculture and rural communities.

Alexandra Gartmann continues as council chair.

“Victoria’s agricultural sector

continues to grow its engagement with the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents,” she said.

“I look forward to working with the council to advise on how we can further strengthen the agricultural sector’s capability and capacity to mitigate the risks and

Luke Hooke

Pitch to work on water flow

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation says the government must work with farmers and seek their agreement to flood farmland to achieve environmental watering objectives under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the release of the Victorian Government’s report into constraints relaxation showed hundreds of farm properties would be subject to inundation.

“Constraint relaxation is one of the 36 SDLAM projects part of the Basin Plan and was projected to deliver a 70 to 80GL offset benefit to the environment,” Mr Leahy said,

“Pushing extra water on floodplains will mean the flooding of some farms. We need to ensure the impacts on farmers are considered.”

Mr Leahy was part of the committee that reviewed options for increasing river flows over the past 16 months.

execute on the opportunities,” Ms Gartmann said.

Mr Hooke has previously been employed as general manager policy with the Victorian Farmers’ Federation and an adviser to Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh and spent a decade working at Willera.

Mr Leahy said it was important that the impact of relaxing constraints on Victorian communities and the environment was recognised.

“The majority of the committee has recommended the development of a detailed business case that includes a full assessment of the costs and benefits and detailed engagement with property owners,” he said.

FEATURES

Perils of social media block on local news

By ANDREW SCHREYER

COUNTRY Press Australi – the largest representative association of newspaper publishers in Australia, has appeared before a joint hearing in Canberra into social media and its impacts on Australian society.

The hearing last month was convened out of concerns about the negative impacts social media platforms have upon our community, including the recent decision by Meta to no longer pay news publishers for content posted to the company’s platforms.

That announcement has been met with anger, frustration, disappointment, worry and concern among news publishers, and the news industry shares the concerns of the broader community over Meta’s outrageous behaviour that has had such a damaging impact on so many sections of the community.

Facebook particularly has evolved into an antisocial entity that has provided a haven for toxicity, fake news, scams, blackmail, cyberbullying, doxing, revenge porn, trolling, deep fakes, political interference, surveillance capitalism and the spread of mis and disinformation that has caused so much damage within our communities.

The live streaming of massacres, images of unrealistic socalled beautiful people and conspiracies are also part and parcel of social media today.

In the case of the news industry, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has said Meta’s decision to no longer pay for news content in a number of jurisdictions “represents a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media,” a comment CPA endorses wholeheartedly.

Meta has shown complete disdain for Australian media outlets, the News Media Bargaining Code and the Australian Government by announcing its intention not to renew agreements with publishers.

Meta has been deemed an unavoidable trading partner, and as such, is expected to conform to the same standards and expectations as the rest of us.

In short, we believe Meta fails to meet those standards, and that the company long ago ceased to be just a provider of social media

INDUStRY PERSPECtIvE

platforms. Just last month, the US Surgeon General called for social media to have warnings attached to it over mental health concerns for users.

It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitat for such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continually adjusting its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.

The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, a mechanism established to ensure social media platforms can be held to account and that media organisations are treated fairly in their dealings with the social media giants.

Should the government designate Meta under the Code, the company is likely to block news sites from its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country, it’s been regional and rural publishers who have been negatively impacted the most.

In this instance we encourage the government to insert a ‘must carry news’ clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a 20 per cent tax on Meta’s Australian revenue.

Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and a component distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta’s use of their content.

If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia. Meta is a publisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court, editorial standards and regulatory frameworks.

If they were, I would not need to write this opinion piece and there would be a lot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today.

Meta’s Facebook has little, if any, checking mechanism prior to content and comments being published. Its algorithms serve up content based on popularity

regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and isn’t required to respond to complaints.

It’s one thing to rip billions of dollars out of our economy, but the social, mental and physical damage caused by what is allowed to prosper on Meta’s platforms takes things to another level.

We believe that as a corporate citizen, Meta has a responsibility to do what is right, just as we as publishers do. Meta’s commercialisation of the negativity it allows to fester on its platforms is a scourge upon that company and has created significant hardship and misery for many Australians.

To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don’t go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in four rely on it as their main source of news – our trusted, independent and professionally written news Meta no longer wants to pay for.

The digital news report shows this year, there was actually a surge among young people turning to social media to get news.

Sixty per cent of Gen Z say social media is their main source of news, a 17-percentage point increase on last year.

In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has skyrocketed to 75 per cent. This is an increase of 11 percentage points in the past two years and echoes an increase in the global rise of six percentage points over the same period.

It suits Meta to claim Australians don’t use the company’s platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to ride roughshod over our communities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account.

*AndrewSchreyerispresidentofCountryPressAustralia, representinglocalnewspapers includingyourLoddonHerald.

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. Which Disney Princess has the least amount of screen time?

2. Vegemite was invented in which year?

3. And in which city was it invented in?

4. How many bones are in an elephant’s trunk?

5. The numbers on opposite sides of a standard six-sided dice add up to what number?

6. James Earl Jones voiced both Darth Vader, and which animated animal character?

7. What is the name of Channel 7’s breakfast show?

8. The Nile River is found on which continent?

9. What colour is the gemstone sapphire?

10. In which American state is

Hollywood?

11. Chalk is a form of what time of rock?

12. How many pairs of wings do bees have?

13. All of whose horses and men couldn’t put Humpty together again?

14. What colour are Smurfs?

15. What is the national dish of Scotland?

16. An anthrozoologist is someone who studies what?

17. In sport, what does MVP stand for?

18. What is the response to “see you later alligator”?

19. Acorns come from which kind of tree?

20. The Flintstones live in which fictional town?

ANSWERS

SNEAKING off to the kitchen in the middle of the night? In this weather you certainly need those thick bed socks to keep the twinkle toes warm, even tucked into a pair of the old Grosby slippers (okay very 20th century, so let’s say the moccies). And Bradley of Boort is also urging foam insoles. According to his latest Treemendous Sign, the insoles help with memory retention. Could be a booming market over the US after recent debate between White House aspirants.

WHY would you want to head into the kitchen during the middle of the night? A snack of course and one of the country dinner table sweet nibbles in making a comeback. Big lolly maker Allens told us last week that the spearmint leaves are back in production. You know, those

green and sugar-sprinkled that nanna would have in a bowl for when guests or neighbours dropped in. The spearmint tree was knocked down a decade ago but fans have been told to see that back on shelves next month.

N OT universal praise for the return of an Aussie favourite though. “So they’re bringing back spearmint leaves but got rid of Fantales?” one fan, clearly with a bent for chewing on silver screen trivia, opined.

A DDING to the old is new again theme, the same company is bringing back the chewy orange Sherbies.

O NE thing is for certain. These old-time sweet favourites will come in plastic bags. No ducking down to the nearest milkbar with money from your container returns for a 10-centre bag of mixed lollies.

Haggis

Interactions between humans and animals

17. Most valuable player

“In a while crocodile” 19. Oak 20. Bedrock

BUSHY tAlES BY IAN jONES

Ginger Beer Joe

WHITTAKERS became a welcome and favourite supplier of carbonated drinks on the goldfields.

The family spawned branches in Tarnagulla, Dunolly and eventually had the main factory in Maryborough.

Joseph was one of the agents for bringing fizzy drinks to Tarnagulla, he stayed and was known around town as Ginger Beer Joe.

The family’s arrival to Australia started with Robert Robert Whittaker, born March 29, 1818, who married Elizabeth Darbyshire, aged 25 during 1835.

They had children Thomas, May 28, 1837, Joseph, August 6, 1839, William, April 20, 1842-April 30, 1923, Mary Ann, 1844-1871 and Frances Alice, 18471853.

Robert Whittaker worked in a button factory before learning brick laying from his father.

As he found work scarce the family emigrated from their York Street, Lane End, Staffordshire, in the district of Stoke on Trent, England, home on the Palenstine, they arriving at Swan River, Western Australia on April 28, 1853.

It was not long before both John, 1854 - November 6, 1874, a boot maker, and Elizabeth Sophia, died as an infant, were born.

The family moved to Adelaide and then onto Melbourne prior to prospecting at Alma, Ararat and Inglewood where William Whittaker also had a restaurant, however he was declared insolvent.

The family next moved to Burnt Creek (now Dunolly) settling in Short Street by 1862.

Robert Whittaker continued to follow his trade at Dunolly whilst his sons, Thomas, Joseph and William built a long low slab shed in which they established a brewery and an aerated water and cordial business, they trading as Whittaker Brothers.

Close by to the bridge Robert Whittaker built a red and cream brick house which was demolished several years ago, however the underground brick lined tanks are still visible to this day.

A hurricane passed through Dunolly in late March 1868, it completely flattening the Whittaker (& Co) Brewer

By KEN ARNOld

As Robert Rumsey, who had been manufacturing soda water, lemonade, ginger beer and cordials in Commercial road, Tarnagulla, from at least 1862, was declared insolent in December 1870, it is thought that Whittaker Brothers either purchased the business or saw an opportunity to establish a branch in the township as Joseph Whittaker was known to be in the area at that time.

It was not until around 1878 that Thomas Whittaker established a branch in Argyle Street, Maryborough whilst William continuing to conduct the Dunolly branch.

By 1882 the Tarnagulla branch was trading as J. Whittaker & Co. At that time Whittaker was a councillor for the Tarnagulla Borough Council.

The Tarnagulla factory was unroofed in a wind storm on December 3, 1886.

As Joseph Whittaker was wanting to retire he sold his business to Wm. Whittaker & Sons, in June 1898, however the factory on site on allotment 7, section 14a and shop on allotment 4, section 14 were not offered for lease until February 18, 1905, later on for auction in June 1911

Joseph “Ginger Beer Joe” Whittaker married Lydia Curry during 1870, but there were no children.

It is recorded that Whittaker had been a highly esteemed resident of Tarnagulla for 41 years, he being active around town. This suggests that Whittaker may have either worked for Robert Rumsey, leased or had purchased his aerated waters business in Commercial Road much earlier than 1870.

Joseph Whittaker was very active around the township he being a councillor for the Borough of Tarnagulla, president of the fire brigade, involved in the football club, rifle club, Mechanics’’ Institute whilst also being a very good billiard player.

He died on October 27, 1905, aged 66 years, he being survived by his widow.

Whittaker glass drink bottles remains popular with collectors more than a century later.

Finding a way to net-zero

By ANNE WEBSTER

I ALWAYS enjoy visiting the Loddon Shire as I did with mobile offices in Pyramid Hill and Boort. All over the electorate of Mallee, Victoria’s largest electorate at 83,500 km2 covering north-west Victoria, my constituents are raising similar issues, though the concern about the reckless rollout of renewables and transmission lines in Loddon Shire looms large. I will come back to that in a moment.

Cost of living is an overwhelming concern for Loddon residents and let me give you a report card on Australia after just two years of an Albanese Labor government.

The price of electricity is up 20 per cent, gas up 25 per cent, food costs are up 11 per cent, housing and rent costs up 13 per cent, health and education costs up 11 per cent and insurance costs up 16 per cent.

The real disposable income of households has fallen 7.8 per cent, while household savings have plummeted to 0.9 percentage points, compared with 9.9 when the Coalition Government left office. Australians are paying 20 per cent more tax under Labor, so the tax cuts coming from 1 July – which the Coalition supported – make little difference without reforming the income tax brackets. ‘Bracket creep’ (as salaries rise) will take $60 billion from household budgets over forward estimates, giving the Albanese government plenty of revenue to pretend it is charitably giving you money – it is your money, handed back to you, all while Labor fails to rein in government debt. Additional government spending alone is running to $315 billion, or $30,000

per household. For every dollar of revenue, Labor is spending $4.

Interest payments on mortgages have risen 30.8 per cent in the last reporting year alone, and have almost tripled since the last election. Under Labor, interest rates have risen 12 times compared with once, just before the May election, under the Coalition. In fact, the Reserve Bank cut rates nine times while the Coalition was in government.

Responsible economic management is at the core of LiberalNational Coalition, but we are paying the price for inflationary spending behaviour by the Albanese Labor government. In just two years, our Gross Domestic Product has seen its weakest annual growth rate since 1991 outside of the pandemic years. We have seen five consecutive

quarters of a per capita recession, that is, our output per person has been going backwards since early 2023. Productivity has collapsed, down 5.2 per cent under Labor and their paybacks to their union masters in the form of radical industrial relations changes will only send productivity further backwards.

Little wonder that, tragically, insolvencies in manufacturing are up threefold in this country over the last two years. As I said earlier, energy costs are up 20 per cent and Labor’s one-off $300 across four quarterly payments for households, and $325 for small businesses, are not the permanent $275 energy bill reduction Labor promised at the May 2022 election. In fact, power prices are up about $1,000 for households and far more for the struggling small businesses in Mallee.

In Loddon and adjacent shires the outrage over the mishandling

and behaviour of the Victorian government VNI West transmission line proponents is a dominant topic. Farmers and community members are working with me on making their voice heard, because that is my number one priority as your federal member for Mallee.

Federal and Victorian Labor Governments are accelerating their railroading of communities, setting aside community or even environmental concerns to foist energy transmission line and generation projects on Loddon residents.

The Coalition have been calling out Labor’s false narrative on renewables and clear failure to reach their targets, and we will take a sensible approach to a net zero energy grid by 2050 that does not add to the cost-of-living pain of hard-working Australians.

*DrWebsteristhefederal memberforMallee

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variable charges 2024/25*

Axedale, Barkers Creek, Bealiba, Bendigo, Boort, Bridgewater, Campbells Creek, Castlemaine, Chewton, Cohuna, Dunolly, Echuca, Elmore, Elphinstone, Fryerstown, Gannawarra, Goornong, Guildford, Gunbower, Harcourt, Heathcote, Huntly, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Kyneton, Laanecoorie, Leitchville, Lockington, Maiden Gully, Maldon, Maldon-Newstead Pipeline, Malmsbury, Mandurang, Marong, Mead, Newstead, Pyramid Hill, Raywood, Rochester, Sebastian, Serpentine, Strathfieldsaye, Taradale, Tarnagulla, Tooborac, Trentham, Tylden, Wedderburn, Yapeen.

Untreated district Borung, Dingee, Elmore (untreated), Goornong (untreated), Jarklin, Kyneton (untreated), Macorna, Mitiamo, Mysia, Wychitella.

DEATH NOTICE

Reynolds (nee: Wood)

Margaret Isabel

31-8-1927 – 25-6-2024

Loved wife of Lawrence (dec).

Loving mother of John and Wilma, David, Peter and Terry.

Loving Nan to 4 grandchildren and great Nan of 2 great grandchildren.

PUBLIC NOTICES

90 Years of blood, sweat and friendships

Open Invitation

Come join us and celebrate the 90th birthdays of John Carroll and Don Farrar

At the Pyramid Hill Football Clubrooms

On Sunday 14th July 1.30pm to 4.30pm for afternoon tea and drinks.

NO PRESENTS BY REQUEST

We would love to see you there and hear memories of the good old days.

Please let us know if you are attending for catering purposes.

Jean Mann 0427 030002 Jeanette Carroll 0427 171934

Loddon Herald classifieds connect

m EETIN g

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Scrumptious

SOFT FOOD WORTH SHARING

The Kooyoora Women’s Network invites you to the next dinner on Wednesday 10th July at the Bridgewater Hotel 6-6:15 pm Guest speaker-

Anna Deacon at 6:30

pm

Anna Deacon is a passionate home cook who believes that good food shared with love is a joy forever. She is the professional ringleader to two jolly children and wife of an even jollier Scottish librarian, and lives in Bendigo. Anna’s love of shared meals with family and friends has inspired Easy Eating Solutions and the easyeatingsolutions.com website.

Scrumptious: Soft Food Worth Sharing is Anna’s first book. Delicious, inclusive meals with those you love can feel like a big ask when eating is difficult. But for those who need or prefer a soft food diet, Anna Deacon, founder of Easy Eating Solutions, has published a beautiful cookbook to support a lifetime of eating well with friends and family. Easily modified for any texture, the recipes are designed so that everyone can sit down to enjoy the same meal together, which is always a boost to well-being, social inclusion and mental health.

RSVP: 7/ 7/ 24 to Sue Brown at 0409 198 974

Kane, Hellsten honours after final washout

WET weather finally caught up with weekend golf as persistent rain from mid-morning through to tee off time discouraged anyone from venturing out for the final round of the Boort club championships.

As a result, scores from those who had completed three rounds were used to decide the winners in this year’s championships. This meant that Andrew Kane and David Hellsten were comfortable winners in A Grade and B Grade respectively, while Damien Lanyon claimed victory in the Weaver Cup by four shots from Scott Rollinson.

A stableford event will be played on the Saturday with a few players expected to be away as the tournament season begins.

Last Friday, the annual Farmer’s Fourball, graciously sponsored by Nutrien Ag, was held with a record field of 58 players enjoying beautiful, sunny conditions.

Taking out the A Grade with 45 points were locals Craig Allison and Kelvin Mayberry, with Ray Thompson and Gary Lake, from Barham, runners up on 41. In B Grade,

Gary Hayward and Peter Delbridge, from Rich River, also won with 45 points, while Rob Sim and grandson, Luke Boyd, were runners up on 41.

In the ladies’ competition, Di Johnston and Kate Perryman finished two clear of Dot Beattie and Gaye Sim. Nearest the pin prizes went to Peter Delbridge, Doug Couper, Rob Johnston and Craig Allison.

MITIAMO

Winner of A grade last Sunday was was Noah Condliffe 87-69 from Matt Miles 7870. B grade winner was Phil Hamley 94-68, from Ray Boyd 91-69. The club’s annual tournament starts today.

TARNAGULLA

An ambrose pairs was played last Saturday. Winners were Julie Wall and Tim Mortlock from the grandfather-grandson combination of Ron and Jason Sanderson., Nearest the pin: Tim Mortlock. Longest drive: Mary McNamee,

Quartet leads early attack

WEDDERBURN fired from the start with attack against Sea Lake Nandaly in North Central women’s hockey on Saturday.

With under three minutes in the first quarter Britany Faduk scored the first goal much to the amazement of the crowd. There were lots of good passages of play from Johanna Meagher, Chelsea Hargreaves and Neve Nisbet working well with Brittany.

The Wedderburn team came out pumped for the second quarter and in the first two minutes with the combo attack lineup again of Johanna, Chelsea and Brittany leading the way, it was Neve who hit the back of the nets.

In the second half Sea Lake seemed to pick up the attacking pace with Kathy Durie scoring their first goal from one of her strong hits straight into the net. The goals seem to keep on coming with another scored from Sea Lake within the next three minutes making the scores level.

Carlie Turnbull was ever realisable in defence with Jade Cramp showing some great deflection work.

The final quarter Wedderburn lost their legs and Sea Lake were determined not to walk away with a draw scoring two more

goals to clinch the win. Final score 2-4 loss. Best on ground – Neve Nisbet, Johanna Meagher, Chelsea Hargreaves and Brittany Faduk

Underage struggled with only a hand full of players and the wet heavy ground. Welcome to new player, Zane Polkinghorne, an up and rising new Minkey player having a trial in Underage. Score 0-10 loss. Best on ground Sully Steel, Zane Polkinghorne and Ava Rose who padded up for the first time in goals.

„ Boort is sitting on top of the men’s ladder after a comprehensive win over Charlton.

Luke Boyd, Zac Poxon and Josh Smith each scored two goals while singles were hit by Ben Lee and Harry Malone.

Boort A Grade champion Andrew Kane

seniors

Bridgewater 8.2 11.5 15.6 18.8 (116)

Maiden Gully 1.2 4.3 7.4 8.9 (57)

GOALS - Bridgewater: J. Martyn 6, L. Sharp 5, J. Neylon

3, H. McKinley, A. Collins, T. Estrada 1, H. Conway. Maiden Gully: J. Farrer 2, D. Phyland, J. Worsley, J. Doolan, A. Monfries, R. Strauch, A. Pollock.

BEST - Bridgewater: Seniors: J. Symons, L. Coghlan, J. Coghlan, J. Martyn, J. Neylon, O. Watt. Maiden Gully: J. Farrer, M. Crooks, M. Whitham, T. Pridgeon, J. Magnusson, D. Phyland.

BL Serpentine 4.4 6.8 12.9 13.9 (87)

Inglewood 2.3 2.4 3.4 4.6 (30)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: A. Gladman 4, N. Twigg 2, J. Bailey, C. Gadsden, R. Turner, F. Priest, C. Draper, J. Murley, B. Roy-Clements. Inglewood: M. Conlan 2, T. Kilcullen, A. Lister.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: T. Miles, F. Priest, J. Laird, C. Draper, J. Bailey, B. Harrison. Inglewood: C. Stobaus, T. Kennedy, L. Matheson, D. Polack, L. Marciano, M. Conlan.

Calivil 2.3 4.5 5.8 7.8 (50)

Pyramid Hill 4.2 12.4 18.6 21.8 (134)

GOALS - Calivil: C. Thompson 2, D. Masson, H. Wall, K. Shelton, L. Stephens, D. Thompson. Pyramid Hill: J. Sheahan 9, H. Goodes, T. McGregor 2, M. Gunther, D. Hemphill, T. Brennan, S. Relouw, J. Burns, B. Morison, Z. Alford, J. Cowling.

BEST - Calivil: C. Thompson, H. Wall, R. Sheehan, S. Maher, E. Mulqueen, L. Fisher. Pyramid Hill: B. Knight, J. Sheahan, L. Sidebottom, B. Ladson, Z. Alford, S. Gunther.

Marong 6.3 9.5 13.7 16.9 (105)

Newbridge 4.0 5.1 5.1 7.4 (46)

GOALS - Marong: N. McCaig 4, J. McCaig 3, R. Taylor, R. Wellington 2, L. Lee, N. Devanny, K. Robins, B. Gregg, D. Johnstone. Newbridge: B. McKinley 3, B. Butler, T. Constable, B. Etherington, A. Padbury.

BEST - Marong: J. McCaig, L. Lee, L. Frankel, J. Gretgrix, C. Gregg, D. Johnstone. Newbridge: T. Hobson, B. McKinley, M. McArthur, K. Friswell, J. Teasdale, B. Harris.

40

UnDer 18

Loddon

Marong

GOALS - East Loddon: L. Stephens, J. Ketterer, F. Clymo. Marong: L. Bowen 4, J. Curnow 3, L. Henson 2, R. Doorty, J. Bird, W. Thomson, R. Kerr.

BEST - East Loddon: M. Gray, B. Wagner, M. Hocking, C. Tuohey, K. Maxted. Marong: K. Thomson, L. Bowen, W. Thomson, J. Curnow, H. Roberts, J. Hutton.

Inglewood

Pyramid

(77)

GOALS - St Arnaud: J. Hicks, J. Kell 4, T. Ward, F. Donald, S. Male. Wycheproof Narraport: B. Brennan 2. BEST - St Arnaud: J. Kell, F. Donald, S. Male, J. Hicks, C. Zander, B. Knight. Wycheproof Narraport; H. Senior, T. Martin, W. Allan, K. Butcher, Z. Cruse, W. Ringin, Wedderburn

(41)

(87)

GOALS - Inglewood: R. Smith 3, J. Luckman 2, W. Schepers. Pyramid Hill: C. McCoy, H. Goodes 4, L. Stubbs 3, O. Emmerson.

BEST - Inglewood: H. Noble, R. Smith, T. Lovett, E. McCoy, J. Penrose, R. Aggenbach. Pyramid Hill: C. McCoy, H. Goodes, L. Stubbs, B. Gibson, X. Emmerson.

Marong U18:

seniors

Donald

GOALS - Donald: B. Grant, N. Berry 2, A. Browne, R. Bath. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 4, J. Reid, D. Bell 3, S. Hogan.

BEST - Donald: J. Wallin, J. Potter, R. Hards, T. Heuston, D. Pearce, J. Papalia. Birchip Watchem: C. Frank, J. Reid, N. Rippon, B. Hogan, T. Colbert, D. Bell.

St Arnaud

Wycheproof N

GOALS - St Arnaud: T. Petrie 3, K. Torney 2, M. Egan, B. Nicholas. Wycheproof Narraport: M. Murgov, C. Green, J. Grabowski 2, S. Kennedy, R. Allan, N. Grabowski. BEST - St Arnaud: D. Gifford, M. Goode, S. Driscoll, K. Torney, M. Egan, R. Lempa. Wycheproof Narraport: K. Hommelhoff, G. Turner, J. Marlais, T. Rumbold, M. Murgov, R. Allan.

Wedderburn

Sea Lake Nandaly

(27)

(86)

(1)

(165) Maiden Gully 0.0 0.0

GOALS - Bridgewater: B. Irvine 7, J. Naughton, A. Woodman 4, M. Hogan 3, E. Pavlich 2, M. Brooks, T. Hywood, S. Dewar, O. Muggleton.

BEST - Bridgewater: S. Dewar, O. Muggleton, E. Pavlich, B. Irvine, T. Hywood, M. Brooks. Maiden Gully: H. Devanny, M. Clark, K. Kerrison, J. Brown, A. Alcock, J. Pickering.

BL Serpentine 2.0

Inglewood

(36)

(37)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: T. Niezen 2, M. Niezen, D. Tineo, C. Anstee. Inglewood: S. Erharter 2, D. Hogan, J. Barnett, J. Rouse.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: L. Murley, Z. Stone, J. Gladman, M. Frecker, B. Epworth, M. Niezen. Inglewood: K. Wicks, S. Gorrie, J. Lovett, S. Erharter, D. Gorrie, J. Leach.

Marong 5.4 6.7 8.10 8.10 (58)

Newbridge 0.1 1.3

(17)

GOALS - Marong: T. Grant 4, K. McCaig, D. Blume, Z. Turnbull, M. Grant. Newbridge: L. Hoskin, T. Wilson.

BEST - Marong: Z. Turnbull, S. Taylor, M. Grant, T. Grant, L. Rielley, K. McCaig. Newbridge: R. Hipworth, A. Moore, O. Friswell, N. Dempster, M. Adams, N. Davis.

Calivil 2.0 3.1

Pyramid Hill 3.3

(20)

(96)

GOALS - Calivil: C. Hinds, T. Goodman, E. Ritchie. Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall, D. Reid 4, A. Holland 2, D. Mann, J. Douch, N. Moon, T. Walker.

BEST - Calivil: J. Hinds, T. Goodman, C. Hinds, B. Coates, T. Harcourt, S. Fawcett. Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall, T. Walker, M. Smith, A. Holland, N. Moon, D. Reid. Marong 10 9 1

GOALS - Wedderburn: T. Metherell 2, O. Holt , T. Campbell. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 5, B. Weir, J. McMahon, W. Donnan, T. Cox, L. Mc Clelland, T. McKenzie, A. Pattison. BEST - Wedderburn: J. Lockhart, J. Jones, M. McEwen, D. Benaim, C. Lowry, T. Metherell. Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Donnan, B. Delmenico, T. Cox, A. Pattison, W. Simpson, J. Jenkins.

Charlton

(24) Boort

(75)

GOALS - Charlton: M. Collins, B. Dixon, B. Sexton. Boort: W. Perryman, K. Jaksic, E. Coleman 2, M. Coleman, J. Keeble, A. Chamberlain, R. McGhie, A. Cockerell. BEST: Charlton Seniors: M. Collins, S. Woods, R. Woods, E. Fitzpatrick, B. Lanyon, B. Dixon, BEST: Boort Seniors: J. Baddeley-Kelly, T. Potter, M. Austin, A. Chamberlain, J. Dick, W. Perryman.

Birchip Watchem

GOALS - Donald: G. Morgan 3, C. Anderson, E. Landwehr. Birchip Watchem: M. Berry 3, C. Goode 2, D. Ferrier. BEST - Donald: B. Griffiths, D. Gowlett, G. Beckham, J. Adams, K. Green, J. Foott. Birchip Watchem: C. Chase, M. Rickard, C. Wilson, M. Berry, E. Rickard.

(3) Sea Lake Nandaly

13.15 (93)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: Z. Wemyss 3, F. Warne, F. McGarry, J. Clohesy 2, J. Bath, C. Allan, T. Considine, C. Tait. BEST - Wedderburn: M. Punguika, A. Younghusband, R. Tonkin, B. Jones, T. Hewitt, M. Matthews. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Michael, J. Bath, J. Humphrey, C. Tait, C. Allan, T. Considine.

(37)

(64)

- Charlton: J. McGrath 3, K. Clifford, A. Nisbet. Boort: F. Holland 5, H. Weaver 2, M. Beattie, P. O’Rourke. BEST - Charlton: K. Clifford, T. Hill, R. Welch, M. Campbell, J. Durie, M. Thompson. Boort: T. Flick, D. Hatcher, B. Whykes, M. O’Donoghue, F. Holland, H. Weaver.

UnDer 17

- Donald: S. Hancock, B. Hollis, J. Lydom, C. Burke. Birchip Watchem: R. Hogan, J. Daniel, A Dean, N Dean.

- Wedderburn: J. Dingfelder, S. McMahon, C. Ward, W. Cunningham, A. Thomas, E. Clarke. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Stacey, T. Griffiths, C. Goldman, C. O’Sullivan, B. Allan, A. Alday.

(87)

- Charlton: J. Roberts, L. Coles, E. Soulsby, M. Fitzpatrick, J. Chamberlain, S. Zagame, Boort: J. Bird, S. Toose, L. Boyd, R. Wagner, D .Hird.

UnDer 14

- Donald: O. Brennan, N. Michael, M. Hollis, N. Clapham. Birchip Watchem: B. Kemp, D. Coffey, J. Hinds, S. Ferrier.

BEST - St Arnaud: A. Reyne, N. Saludes, C. Kirk, A. Reyne, C. Baldwin, S. Greenaway. Wycheproof Narraport: Not supplied.

- Sea Lake Nandaly: O. Conlan, F. Austerberry, Z. Wight, R. Newick, H. Warne, H. Cox. Wedderburn: C. Gault, B. Cramp, B. Cunningham, Z. Polkinghorne, J. Dierickx.

BEST - Charlton: F. Zagame, M. Fitzpatrick, S. Good, J. Nisbet, D. Hill, C. Phillips. Boort: C. Gould, L. King, N. Howe, C. Hird, A. Lee.

norTH CenTrAL

LoDDon VALLeY

Shire chief takes place at new region council table

Fitzgerald’s AFL game plan

By ANDREW MOLE

HE ABSOLUTELY would, if he even remotely could.

But, finally, after an insanely ambitious comeback at age 40, Lincoln Fitzgerald’s brain caught up with his body and got the message.

And the decision took just two games.

Although the newly-appointed AFL Central Victoria regional councillor was saved the ignominy of a public admission he was past his due-by date – by the end of the 2023 season – allowing him to slip off quietly into the anonymity of the off season.

Even he admits (with a wry grin) he was glad his comeback started two weeks before that season end, rather than the other end of the year.

“I played all my junior footy at Harcourt before moving to Castlemaine for my senior years and have always maintained a strong interest in the game there,” Fitzgerald says.

“And like a lot of clubs, I knew they were struggling for numbers, especially in the reserves, so I thought I was still in pretty good shape, and I should lend a hand,” he added.

“Not the smartest decision I ever made. I spent the first game running around watching the ball go backwards and forwards over my head. I got a few more touches in the second game but thank heavens it was the last.”

Asked how he coped with the post-game ice bath Fitgerald groaned at the memory.

“Ice bath? If there had been one, and if I had got in it, I know I would never have got out again,” he laughed.

But with the painful memories fading into oblivion, Fitzgerald is

Pair of evergreens monthly winners

THE latest monthly winners of the Loddon Herald Sports Star of the Year award have been announced.

Bridgewater A Grade netball veteran and coach Caz Wood is the May sports star following her courageous performance in the Anzac weekend clash.

The Mean Machine netballers are this year one of the Loddon Valley association’s top sides.

Wedderburn footballer Adam Postle is the June sports star.

Postle last month played his 300th senior game with the Redbacks in a career that has included five North Central League premierships. The veteran defender remains a key player for the Redbacks.

Other monthly winners so far have been October John Coffey (woodchopping), November Judd Chislett (motorcross racing), December Allira James (cricket), January Carly Isaac (marathon), February Harry Malone (cricket) and March Heath Lock (cricket), and April Ian Potter (croquet).

ance, strategy, finance, and consultation.

A skillset he believes can benefit the game, and he had been looking at something in this area, so when the new positions came up he put in an application.

Inducted three weeks ago, Fitzgerald says he and the other three inaugural councillors replacing what was the regional commission are about to set off on a very fast-track tour of the leagues and clubs with which they will be working.

“Overall our group is a subcommittee of the AFL Victoria board, responsible for one of the nine regions which make up the state,” Fitzgerald explains.

“We can have as many as seven members and we are always looking to recruit a diversity of knowledge so we can all help make our patch as effective, efficient and expanding as possible.

clubs and the leagues, we want to come up with solutions, not our opinions and decisions, and you get solutions by getting everyone to work together,” he added.

“My take is in the 150-plus years of football there has always been change and at any given moment a lot of clubs and leagues have different priorities.

“Right now that includes some clubs growing very fast, maybe too fast, some wanting to maintain the status quo and some barely hanging on – and you could probably find those same challenges at any point in the game’s history.

“So I am pretty sure everyone recognises change will be needed to keep the game growing.”

ready to refocus his football passion on administration.

Bringing a pretty impressive pedigree with him as Loddon Shire chief executive and, before that, as the person in charge of all sport and recreation facilities for the Greater City of Bendigo, gives him a great handle on govern-

“In too many parts of this region the Millennium Drought kicked off almost 20 years of decline for country clubs but today I reckon we have a pretty good footy story to tell as many towns and areas are growing again, with a lot of employers looking for more staff.”

Fitzgerald says primary roles for the new councillors will be areas such as player points, salary caps, clubs looking to swap leagues or even merge.

The last thing he says he wants to be is a bloke with a big stick.

“We all want to work with the

Fitzgerald says the other value of the new councillors is their understanding of regional football. He says in metro leagues it is just football, but out here it’s football, it’s netball and, in several cases, hockey too.

Then there are challenges such as Newbridge playing the first half of a season on the road after its home ground was flooded. Things metropolitan administrators probably would not realise.

Oh, yes, about those two comeback games. Fitzgerald’s team got belted both times.

“But you are a long time retired, and I really had wondered,” he sighs. “But not anymore. Never got a flag, but did play in a grand final, which is a shame, but yes, I’m done.”

Summer season of change

A MIX of game formats, scheduling flexibility and a new leadership have won the backing of Upper Loddon Cricket Association clubs for the 2024-2025 season.

Delegates on Monday night voted to introduce a T20 competition.

The short-format will be played in December and January with a grand final likely on the Australia Day weekend with clubs playing for the Loddon Herald Cup.

The season, including one-day and two-day matches, is expected to start on October 12.

The association’s senior competition will return to five teams with a combined Bridgewater and Inglewood joining premiers Arnold, Boort Yando, Kingower and Wedderburn.

Delegates at Monday’s annual general meeting elected Bridgewater’s John Daldy president.

He defeated Wendy Murphy in a ballot of club delegates.

Michael Rose also stood down as secretary after 39 years. He also previously served four years as association president. He is succeeded in the position by Bridgewater’s Claire Harrison.

Arnold’s Ryan Metelmann is vice-president.

Clubs voted to give clubs flexibility in finals when affected by hot weather with time changes now able to be made.

There had been criticism last season that no heat rule was in place for the finals after one

Retiring association secretary Michael Rose is thanked for decades of service by new president John Daldy. LH PHOTO

match was played in stifling conditions, the same day other sporting codes started finals earlier in the day.

The likely return of two-day matches next season will see clubs able to name 14-player squads for successive weekends of play.

Delegates spent more than two hours amending by-laws. Clubs had submitted proposed changes after two crisis meetings within weeks of last season ‘s finish to discuss the association’s future.

Both the senior and junior competitions had reduced to four teams and Arnold investigated

moving to one of two neighbouring associations.

However, with the decision of Inglewood and Bridgewater to return as a combined team - Inglewood last played in 2019 and Bridgewater two seasons ago - the 125-year-old Arnold club committed to staying in Upper Loddon.

The crisis meetings also saw clubs bring forward the annual meeting to give confidence in a new season, Following his election, Daldy thanked Murphy and Rose for their contributions to the association over many years.

Lincoln Fitzgerald

Empty nest tumbles

DEPLETED Boort has suffered a shock 13goal loss in North Central A Grade netball.

Without key players Amy Dridan (goal shooter) and Emma Darker (goal keeper) fin Saturday’s clash against Charlton, the Pies were missing the edge that had seen them sitting on top of the ladder.

Charlton jumped to a solid five-goal lead at the first break, held the Pies as they swooped back within three goals at halftime before extending its lead.

Driving the Royals, sitting a game outside the four and poised to challenge for a shot of finals action, were Chloe Walsh and goal defence Kate Burton.

The pair did not take the court when Boort and Charlton clashed early in the season.

Player shortages also hit Boort in B Grade and saw Bella Hosking, Georgia Haw and Georgia Sheahan back up for full games in A and B Grades.

Haw was named the Pies’ best with Jo Isaac also figuring in play.

While Darker is expected to be back on court for the Loddon Derby against Wedderburn in a fortnight, the Pies will be missing Dridan for a month while on an European trip.

Boort played out an exciting draw in the under 17 clash where Laci Streader and Bella Quinn were named the best.

Charlton has another shot at disrupting the upper echelon when the Royals meet Wedderburn this Saturday.

The Redbacks had gone into last Saturday’s clash against Sea Lake Nandaly with some trepidation, lowering colours when they last met in a surprise result.

However, the inclusion of Maddi Postle and a more settled game plan blocked the Tigers at Donaldson Park on Saturday.

Sea Lake was within reach at quarter time, trailing by three goals, before Wed-

Mean Machine victory ends Eagles’ chances

THE top five in Loddon Valley A Grade netball is taking shape as teams head into their return encounters of the season.

Bridgewater’s 11-goal victory over Maiden Gully on Saturday kept it in touch with ladder leaders Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill but also made chances of the Eagles defending their title more than slim.

Maiden Gully, while still pushing top sides, has only notched up three wins this season.

Newbridge bounced back from its disastrous showing against Bridgewater the previous week to salvage a draw against a faster finishing Marong.

The Maroons were down a goal at quarter time before edging ahead in the middle terms.

Marong came back better to outscore Newbridge in the final term and lock scores.

The draw means Marong has retained an outside chance of making finals.

However, Bears Lagoon Serpentine with victory number six for the season is now within distance of leapfrogging Newbridge.

Just one team remains undefeated in the Loddon Valley season - Calivil’s 13 and under side.

Calivil is also leading the table in the 15 and under competition this season.

derburn powered away through the work of Meg Lowry and Holly Lockhart.

The win puts Wedderburn and Boort level on points, the Redbacks with the better percentage.

Wedderburn has also all but ended Sea Lake’s hope of a chance to play finals with the Tigers’ percentage inferior to Donald, also on four wins for the season.

Charlton is best placed to dislodge last season’s premiers Nullawil on the A Grade ladder.

Wedderburn continued to show its superiority in B Grade where Anna Mead and Ingrid were the Redbacks’ best in a solid win that has the side an effective two games clear on top of the ladder and boasting a strong percentage.

In C Grade, however, the Redbacks were forced into a draw as the sides went goal for goal all match, ending on 35 goals at the siren.

LODDON VALLEY

A Grade

Bridgewater 14, 19, 33, 45, (45) d Maiden Gully 8, 19, 23, 34, (34). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 13, 24, 36, 49, (49) d Inglewood 9, 15, 23, 31, (31). Marong 13, 24, 35, 48, (48) drew Newbridge 12, 27, 39, 48, (48). Calivil 7, 13, 20, 29, (29) lost to Pyramid Hill 16, 38, 55, 74, (74).

wood 7, 11, 16, 25, (25). Calivil 13, 26, 35, 51, (51) d Pyramid Hill 8, 23, 31, 39, (39). Bridgewater 189.72 36

185.54 36

Gully 116.27 28 Calivil 123.03 24

Hill 113.23 24

Serpentine 83.72 16

54.59 8

33.51 4 15 & Under

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 6, 16, 24, 30, (30) d Inglewood 8, 11, 13, 20, (20). Calivil 11, 23, 35, 46, (46) d Pyramid Hill 6, 9, 13, 14, (14).

Bridgewater 10, 28, 39, 47, (47) d Maiden Gully 9, 21, 27, 42, (42).

Calivil 237.37 36

Bridgewater 136.82 32

Marong 134.07 32

Maiden Gully 120.83 20

B

Grade

Marong 16, 27, 40, 52, (52) d Newbridge 11, 22, 29, 36, (36). Bridgewater 11, 22, 33, 48, (48) d Maiden Gully 9, 21, 34, 46, (46). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 9, 21, 30, 44, (44) d Inglewood 6, 15, 20, 29, (29). Calivil 13, 16, 22, 29, (29) lost to Pyramid Hill 15, 29, 43, 59, (59). Newbridge

C Grade

Marong 18, 29, 38, 55, (55) d Newbridge 6, 20, 36, 44, (44). Bridgewater 13, 21, 28, 37, (37) lost to Maiden Gully 9, 19, 31, 38, (38). Bears Lagoon 12, 23, 31, 45, (45) d Inglewood 4, 10, 17, 22, (22). Calivil 8, 14, 20, 28, (28) lost to Pyramid Hill 14, 30, 39, 50, (50).

Pyramid Hill 144.37 38

Bridgewater 128.05 28

Newbridge 125.71 28

Maiden Gully 105.50 26 Marong 114.39 24 BL Serpentine 109.47 20 Mitiamo 89.24 8 Calivil 62.60 4 Inglewood 47.32

C Reserve

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 7, 20, 28, 43, (43) d Inglewood 14, 26, 37, 41, (41). Marong 6, 20, 30, 39, (39) d Newbridge 5, 13, 21, 28, (28). Bridgewater 8, 16, 24, 30, (30) lost to Maiden Gully 7, 16, 24, 35, (35). Calivil 7, 14, 20, 25, (25) lost to Pyramid Hill 16, 33, 53, 68, (68). Marong 186.57 36

BL Serpentine 79.78 20

Mitiamo 65.06 12

Pyramid Hill 49.43 12

Inglewood 56.90 8 13 and under

Calivil 16, 30, 42, 52, (52) d Pyramid Hill 2, 3, 4, 5, (5). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 4, 4, 6, 10, (10) lost to Inglewood 10, 14, 20, 25, (25).

Bridgewater 8, 12, 16, 20, (20) lost to Maiden Gully 7, 11, 18, 22, (22).

Calivil 350.55 40

Marong 419.75 36

Inglewood 212.90 28

BL Serpentine 64.92 24

Bridgewater 57.07 16

Pyramid 45.16 16

Maiden Gully 51.60 8

Mitiamo 36.07 8

NORTH CENTRAL

A Grade

Charlton 11, 18, 29, 41, (41) d Boort 6, 15, 20, 27, (27). Sea Lake Nandaly 11, 19, 28, 34, (34) lost to Wedderburn 14, 23, 36, 46, (46).

St Arnaud 15, 28, 43, 56, (56) d Wycheproof Narraport 5, 13, 20, 32, (32). Donald 10, 17, 29, 40, (40) lost to Birchip Watchem 11, 20, 35, 50, (50).

Wedderburn 149.18 30

Boort 132.44 30

Birchip Watchem 120.61 28

Nullawil 102.63 24

Charlton 113.08 20

Donald 105.78 16

Sea Lake Nandaly 87.76 16

Wycheproof N 55.51 8

St Arnaud 64.22 4

B Grade

St Arnaud 9, 21, 30, 37, (37) d Wycheproof Narraport 9, 14, 19, 22, (22). Charlton 2, 6, 10, 19, (19) lost to Boort 8, 20, 33, 45, (45).

Sea Lake Nandaly 13, 22, 28, 37, (37) lost to Wedderburn 10, 25, 38, 52, (52). Donald 13, 22, 29, 42, (42) lost to Birchip Watchem 10, 24, 39, 48, (48).

Wedderburn 216.56 40

Birchip Watchem 153.75 34

Boort 122.31 24

Donald 128.20 22

St Arnaud 51.03 8

Wycheproof

(52). Charlton 8, 11, 21, 24, (24) lost to Boort 14, 31, 47, 67, (67). St Arnaud 11, 15, 26, 31, (31) d Wycheproof Narraport 2, 5, 10, 13, (13). Sea Lake Nandaly 13, 21, 30, 35, (35) drew Wedderburn 13, 20, 30,

Marong 22, 42, 56, 72, (72) d Newbridge 6, 10, 14, 21, (21). Bridgewater 19, 29, 37, 43, (43) d Maiden Gully 8, 17, 25, 31, (31). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 4, 13, 27, 31, (31) d Ingle-

Nullawil 134.68 20

Sea Lake Nandaly 109.62 20 Charlton 59.05 8

Wedderburn’s B Grade captain Anna Mead

Emma Lockhart controls the centre in B Grade. LH PHOTOS

GOALKICKING

Tearway Tigers dash opening term hopes

A LUCKY mark to Josh Jenkins metres from goal started the Sea Lake Nandaly engine in Saturday’s North Central league clash against Wedderburn at Donald Park.

The Redbacks had left Sea Lake staggering and struggling to get a rhythm for the opening 20 minutes.

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

NORTH CENTRAL

Wedderburn v Charlton Wycheproof Narraport v Sea Lake Birchip Watchem v St Arnaud Nullawil v Donald Boort bye

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

Coach Tom Metherell had two early goals on the board, defender Danny Benaim was more than a headache when the Tigers tried to push play deep and Jordy Hargreaves was making a real fist at the bounces.

Wedderburn’s tackling was ferocious and the wet conditions looked to be suiting Metherell’s troops.

Then came the masterclass from Jenkins, pushing Jake Hayes away from incoming play and then turning back for the mark.

It passed the umpire’s test and Jenkins had Sea Lake within a kick of lead.

Sea Lake followed up with immediate success - Matt Elliott chipped to Adam Pattison and the Tigers were ahead by two points at the break

The second quarter started with both teams “soccerooing” to get the ball into their forward 50 Wade Donnan showed Sea Lake supporters what was to come

with a massive punt from halfforward through goals in the first of three Tiger majors for the term.

A more dominant performance came after the main break. Sea Lake put on 5.3 in the third quarter while pickings were more than slim for Wedderburn with a single behind.

Joe Lockhart, Jayden Jones and Mitchell McEwen were named as Wedderburn’s best with the experienced Lowry, Benaim and Metherell also making the cut.

Wedderburn has the chance of rede1mption against Charlton this Saturday.

It will also be important for a solid victory if the Redbacks are to keep their hopes of a top four finish alive.

Charlton has yet to win a game this season but has shown the hunger to challenge and test higher placed sides. Wedderburn will need to bring its A game on Saturday.

Late recruit’s two on debut

KIEREN Jaksic has kicked two goals on debut for Boort in Saturday’s North Central league clash with Charlton.

Jaksic lined up at full-forward after a late signing by Boort of the former North Heidelberg star. Pies coach Dale Cameron said: “Known for his remarkable athleticism, exceptional hands, goal kicking ability and impressive leap, Kieren will be a key forward for us and will also contribute in the ruck.”

Boort’s lapse in the clash came in the third term when the home ground Royals got the upper hand through Mitchell Collins, Sam Woods and Rhyen Woods who punished the Pies’ inaccuracy in front of goal.

Jhye Baddeley-Kelly and Tom Potter were again consistent contributors across the midfield as Boort notched up its fourth win of the season.

Boort’s defence held Charlton to a behind in both the second and fourth terms.

Along with Wedderburn, Boort is just half a game outside the top four with either side ready to pounce on a slip by Wycheproof Narraport.

Matthews among action in first of year

WINTER day, the cold and the wet reminded us that It will happen at this time every year.

A very undermanned Redbacks lineup found the going very tough against a talented Tigers combination which handled the slippery conditions competently.

A reasonably even first term saw the Tigers three goals up at quarter time. Three points to three goals four behinds.

A rapid deterioration thereafter saw the Redbacks fail to add to their score for the remainder of the match.

The Redback defence had plenty of work to do, being under the pump throughout. Maikia Punguika in a back pocket has been showing improved form every game and Saturday was his best by far. Must enjoy the slippery conditions.

He received plenty of support from a half backline in Brody Jones and Tom Hewitt, both playing their first games for the Redbacks and

the consistent Robbie Tonkin who has been in the best players each week.

Coach Ash Younghusband on ball put in his usual efficient performance and Mack Matthews in his first game for the year found plenty of action.

Sea Lake’s best were Connor Michael, Jordan Bath, Jordan Humphrey, Chase Tait, Cooper Allan and Tom Considine in an even side.

In the under 17s, despite the score differential this was a very watchable game in way less than ideal conditions.

The short staffed Redbacks received a helping hand from the Tigers and two reasonably matched teams fought for supremacy.

The Tigers reigned supreme throughout but the Redbacks had solid contributors. Jye Dingfelder on a wing, Sam McMahon in the midfield along with Cree Ward on ball all performed solidly and found plenty of ball.

Will Cunningham at centre half back was in plenty of action while Aaron Thomas and Ely Clarke were the better performed forwards. Both enjoying the heavier conditions.

Sea Lake was well served by Jack Stacey, Tye Griffiths, Charlie Goldman, Cruz O’Sullivan, Brayden Allan and Archie Alday.

- BOB STEEL

Hayes will play 200th

THREE-TIME Wedderburn premiership player Jake Hayes will play his 200th senior game for the Redbacks on Saturday.

Hayes’ milestone match comes on the day Wedderburn will host a reunion of its 2014 flag side.

Saturday’s clash against Charlton will also see the teams contest the Woosang Cup at Donaldson Park.

Corey Lowry leaps into action for Wedderburn last Saturday. LH PHOTO

Goal options keep top sides ticking

PREMIERSHIP aspirants Bridgewater and Bears Lagoon Serpentine have shown they are not one-man goal kicking shows.

Saturday’s atrocious weather and tagging by Maiden Gully defenders at times reduced the impact of Bridgewater’s Lachlan Sharp.

He still finished the day with five goals but it was skipper Josh Martyn who stepped up with six impressive goals capping off determined play around the ground.

Bridgewater had blown Maiden Gully away with an eight-goal opening term.

Josiah Farrer, Mathew Crooks, Mitch Whitham led the Eagles’ fightback in the second when the two sides went goal for goal. Maiden Gully also kept finding avenues into its forward 50 in the third quarter.

The Mean Machine defenders rose to the challenge. Jack Symons put in a best-on-ground performance and Lee and Jonathon Coghlan were vital cogs in the turnovers.

Bridgewater had seven goalkickers for the day. Jack Neylon, in another top performance, kicked three.

Club confirms exit plans

MARYBOROUGH has officially become the second Bendigo league club in a year to announce plans to join a new league.

The embattled Magpies, borrowing opposition players for a senior side and unable to field reserves, have announced a bid to join the Maryborough Castlemaine league next season.

AFL Victoria has also kept the transfer window open for Maryborough as it struggles to field a team this season.

Last year, Kyneton started its transfer to the Riddell league ready this season.

While the past two years have seen the football world focus attention on the Loddon Valley league when Marong and Maiden Gully launched bids to switch to the Heathcote league, 2024 has eyes on Bendigo.

The current eight-team league has also been battling to quell speculation that Kangaroo Flat is looking to join the exodus. The Flat has rejected the claims.

„ At Janiember Park, Bears Lagoon Serpentine was playing without Josh Mellington for the first time this season.

Andrew Gladman was posted up forward and topped the list with four goals.

The veteran defender known for wandering into the forward 50 was able to help fill the gap left by an injured Mellington.

Nathan Twigg with his two goals and leaps that defied the ground bog was part of a cohesive Bears team that withstood constant pressure from Inglewood.

The Blues again had flashes of brilliance, only to be caught out deep in the 50 by more agile and physical opponents.

The lights came on at Janiemeber Park for the last quarter when goals, and behinds, became even harder to score.

„ Calivil again showed it’s competitive for a quarter in the clash with Pyramid Hill

Up by nine points at the first break, Pyramid Hill then powered away with an eight-goal second term.

Jesse Sheahan booted nine goals for the day and Sidebottom was at his best in the ruck.

Blues hold on for crucial success

INGLEWOOD reserves pulled off one of its most important wins in the reserves with straight kicking in the final quarter against Bears Lagoon Serpentine.

The Blues have dropped only three games this season in a show of depth being developed at Inglewood. Saturday’s win came against a

THIS WEEK’S LODDON VALLEY PREDICTIONS

more fancied and stronger Bears outfit who stayed with the challengers for three quarters and made a desperate lunge in the mud in the final quarter.

But the Bears, with five scoring shots to one in the quarter, fell one point short.

Defender Keiran Wicks and midfielder Sam Gorrie were

HATS off to Loddon Valley league chief head honcho Simon Tuohey for taking the dip in the ice tank on Saturday. It would seem my telepathic links from the crystal ball to one-time goal guru and now Serpentine ringleader Gaddo worked well.

Although, I must say that back in his playing days Simon was reputed to the last out of an ice bath after a gruelling encounter.

Weekend wet weather produced a few of those and, compounded by the injury to Josh Mellington, it’s time for a return gaze into the crystal ball that was showing two players would kick 150 goals this season.

Lachlan Sharp in still a chance and I would back him to break through the century early in the third quarter against Inglewood this Saturday.

Yes, it’s the battle of old foes with Bridgewater travelling up the Calder Highway and over the Bul-a-Bul Creek.

The Mean Machine should get the job done in reasonably good fashion.

The big interest will be on the clash of heavyweights Pyramid Hill and Marong.

It’s been a long time since the Panther juggernaut has dropped a game, ironically to Pyramid Hill back in early 2022.

best for Inglewood with Seb Erharter’s two goals earning the forward a spot in the Blues’ top players.

Jayden Gladman was among the Bears’ best in his 150th game with the club.

Lachlan Murley and Zachary Stone were also among the better contributors.

I’m saying that

at Mitchell Park.

If anyone can, Pyramid Hill can. Only last year’s grand final by 16 points and fell short by eight earlier this season after having had chances.

The betting may be Marong but this is the best chance of an upset.

Newbridge hosts the grizzly Bears and the only donuts finding favour at Riverside Park this week will be those topped with purple and gold icing.

The Maroons will be competitive until mid-wat through the second quarter.

At the other end of the ladder Maiden Gully meets Mitiamo. This match could be a toss of the join at start and finish inb what’s been a tough year for both clubs.

Maiden Gully was an improvement last weekend but come Saturday. it could Miti’s turn to sing.

- GLENN CATTO

Pyramid Hill’s top will be plotting the Panthers’ demise

Bridgewater’s Oliver Watt was among the Mean Machine’s top players. LH PHOTO

Jack Neylon was again in Bridgewater’s best players

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday JULY 4, 2024

MUD AND GUTS

LODDON Valley football’s dominant sides of 2024 slogged in the mud to post commanding victories on Saturday.

More than 10mm of rain fell at local grounds throughout the day, turning centre circles and goal squares into mud pits.

The first wet day of the season highlighted the greater skills of Marong, Bridgewater, Pyramid Hill and Bears Lagoon Serpentine as they slogged to big wins.

Conditions worked against Bridgewater’s Lachlan Sharp bringing up his century of goals.

Sharp finished the day with

Classic winter weekend for footy slips and slogs

five majors and as many behinds on a day when opponent after Maiden Gully put in its most spirited and gritty three quarters for the season after a poor start.

cruited from Benalla in the Goulburn Valley league.

State team selection for Wilson

GEOFF Wilson will be part of the Victorian bowling arm champion team defending its national title in September.

The Inglewood club bowler has been called up following trials at Warrnambool.

Wilson has been a member of the victorious state team for the past four years.

Fellow club member Bruce McClymont has again been selected as an emergency for the national event in Maitland. McClymont had a late call-up into the team that won the title in Devonport last year.

Wilson said a larger 18-member team would make the trip to Maitland.

“We have five new members in the team this year - four have been selected previously. The selectors are keeping us on our toes and leaving no room for complacency,” said Wilson.

“There’s a couple of other states are showing real improvement the last couple of years and that means will need to all play well to keep the title.”

The Maitland tournament will be the 10th running of the national bowl arm championships.

The Bears had the lowest winning margin last Saturday - 57 points over Inglewood. The Blues saw the return of Gabe Nevins from injury for his first game in two months.

Needing nine goals for the milestone, Sharp is likely to kick his century in the return clash with Inglewood this weekend. His haul last time against the Blues was 15 goals.

The Mean Machine co-coach will probably be the league’s only

century goalkicker in 2024 after weekend confirmation that Bears Lagoon Serpentine goal gun Josh Mellington will have tendon surgery. Mellington with 97 goals from nine games, was injured in the clash against Pyramid Hill a fortnight ago. The former Fremantle Docker is rated at outside chance of lining up for the Bears in the finals series.

Mellington is in his first season at Janiember Park after being re-

Saturday’s conditions helped sides currently on the lower ladder positions. Newbridge had the toughest assignment against reigning premiers Marong, putting in a gritty opening term.

Pyramid Hill had the biggest win - 84 points - over Calivil in a straight-kicking display by the Bulldogs who this week face Marong.

Ross Turner sends the ball through rain and across a muddy Janiember Park on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Geoff Wilson