Loddon Herald 4 May 2023

DAD jokes - OTF loves them and so does Bradley of Boort. Only problem according to his latest Treemendous sign, his dad doesn‘t laugh at them. We reckon every dad joke deserves a laugh - concocted, confected or au la naturale.

THE Good Doc is in fine form again this winter season blowing the whistle at football grounds around the Loddon - when not on the field he picks up interesting snippets, some, occasionally, making their way to the desk of OTF. Like this one just received: “My Bridgewater informant has pointed out that your excellent coverage of Inglewood’s victory over Bridgewater has omitted one vital detail. It’s the first time that veteran Inglewood scoreboard attendant, the infamously barefooted Michael Rose, has had the pleasure of posting a winning score for his home team over The Mean Machine. Several (questionable) witnesses have reported that the normally laconic Rose was so overcome and trembling with excitement at the final siren that he had to be assisted down the stairs from his lookout.”

LACONIC Michael is a rare breed at the football where there can be more animation than the bare-footed Fred and Barney getting up to mischief over in Bedrock. We came across a few of the spirited variety up on Boort on Saturday who were among a big crowd to see one-time Western

Bulldoggie Shane Biggs step out in black and white. Three quite vocal visitors to town - presumably from the more northern terroir around Wycheproof - put Lou Richards, Jack Dyer and Bobby Davis to shame with their play-by-play analysis of the new Magpie in town.

A ND speaking of commentary, OTF reckons Editor and The Oracle may have to be expanded when it returns later in the year come Loddon Valley finals time. Saw a great audition from one of the brainiest (VCE credentialled) youngsters. Mitch was certainly making a pitch with his analysis and encouraging of the young Bulldogs back on the park after a few years away from the game. Oraclereckon the young pup might give us old dogs a run.

TO give some guidance to our budding commentators, here’s inspiration from Dennis Cometti

On Melbourne midfielder Adam Yze: Remember the name: Y-Z-E – terrific young player, bad Scrabble hand. On the work of Bulldogs star Tony Liberatore as he burrowed into a pack: Liberatore went into that last pack optimistically and came out misty optically. On a Carlton champion: There’s Koutoufides – more vowels than possessions today. Closely assessing the team list in his Football Record: Barlow to Bateman...The Hawks are attacking alphabetically. On St Kilda’s premiership drought: The Saints have had more five-year plans than Fidel Castro. And finally! On a former Adelaide and Geelong livewire’s unpredictable moves: I swear if Ronnie Burns were building a house he’d start with the roof.

Long live Coronation quiche

IT’S a big weekend for expat Pom and Bridgewater’s renowned caterer and raffle table organiser Jany Clutton.

Jany’s 66th birthday on Saturday comes with a special recognition from the British Government of new monarch King Charles on the day of his coronation.

More than 40 years after arriving in Australia from Britain, Jany will qualify for a few pounds in pension under the reign of the Commonwealth’s new king.

And between getting organised for Sunday’s Run for Resilience in Bridgewater, Jany has set aside time to try out the dish decreed by the new king to be consumed

in celebrations following the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and the procession back to Buckingham Palace - the Coronation Quiche.

Janey used the prescribed 125ml milk, 175ml double cream, two medium eggs, a tablespoon of chopped fresh tarragon, 100g cheddar, grated, 180g of cooked spinach and 60g of cooked broad beans or soya beans in the royal dish.

Jany says she’ll be munching on the quiche when the coronation is beamed on TV on Saturday night. “A nice birthday dish to celebrate the crowning of our new king ... and a bit of a pension,” she said.

Pension, coronation and quiche ... Jany’s big day on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Quick pump action

A SUNDAY morning disaster in Inglewood has been averted with quick thinking by service station staff shutting off fuel pump lines.

The town was without fuel supplies after a car entered the Inglewood Roadhouse apron, drove through a diesel pump, wiped out a verandah support and stopped on a plate glass window.

Witnesses said they saw the crash about 7.30am, while paying for a fuel purchase.

“I looked out the window and saw this car turning in from the (Calder) highway,” one said.

Staff member Michelle Stanic was serving the customer when she heard the car entering and quickly shut off fuel pump lines.

“I was watching from the window and shut down the pumps immediately,” she said. “It could have lit the whole place up.”

Police said the driver, a 23-year-old Nepalese national, travelling from Mildura was uninjured in the crash.

Sen. Constable Andrew Gibbs said inquiries were continuing.

Inglewood CFA assisted with clearing fuel spills and the service re-opened late Sunday afternoon.

Councillors back volunteer group community support policy

VOLUNTEER community groups across the Loddon Shire will see their funding administered under a new policy.

Councillors adopted the community support policy at their meeting last week.

The new policy says: “Loddon Shire Council respects the significant volunteer con-

tribution provided by various community groups operating throughout the shire and acknowledges that without our volunteers those activities would not happen, or would be provided directly by council at additional cost to our ratepayers.”

Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said

the policy would apply to budget allocations including community planning, halls and recreation reserves allocation and newsletters.

The policy will also be used in accessing competitive grant applications and in-kind support for events and clubs.

Eight citizens

EIGHT Loddon residents last week became Australian citizens in a ceremony conducted by Mayor Dan Straub. They were Grazyna Dominowska who is formerly from France, Colleen Houghton, Ivee, Ivan and Ize Pantig, Rose Pavo, Shamica Castro who are all from the Philippines and Yan Jiang who is formerly from China.

Interviews start

STATE Emergency Service was this week conducting interviews for the vacant controller’s position with its Wedderburn unit. SES had advertised the volunteer role and had several applications.

Seven cases

SEVEN cases of COVID-19 cases were added to Loddon Shire statistics last week. There have now been a total of 2173 cases in local communities during the pandemic.

Highway ready

WORKS have been completed on realignment of the Wimmera Highway at Newbridge with a T-intersection now open. The $1.466 million project started in January, almost five years after first promised. More than 2000 vehicles use this section of the highway each day, including more than 240 heavy vehicles.

The cleanup at Inglewood after a pump is wiped out by a car (inset) stopping within centimetres of the shop window.

LH PHOTO

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Social Darts Night

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm  Pot’n’Parma Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Saturday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm

Graeme pipped by point for top award

LAANECOORIE’S Graeme Cain collected a swag of awards at the weekend’s Central Victorian Chrysanthemum Championship.

But the big award this year eluded Graeme as hundreds of blooms went on display in the town’s mechanics’ institute hall. He was pipped by a point in the aggregate by Ballarat’s Chris Smith.

Visitors from across the region viewed the horticulture and floral art show that organisers, including Sue Brown, described as another great success Rodney Clarke, from Shepparton, won he

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Good Samaritans help hurt stranger

LOCALS jumped to action in Newbridge last Thursday when a visitor to town tripped crossing the Wimmera Highway.

Enzo Scafati had just finished his weekly delivery run dropping off copies of the Loddon Herald when the accident happened.

“The lady, who told us her name was Marilyn, was in pain and could not be moved,” Enzo said.

The second Sunday of each month from May – August

“Everyone came out from the store and hotel to comfort Marilyn and also direct traffic until police and an ambulance arrived.

“We all wanted to keep her safe and support her until able to be treated by an ambulance crew and taken to hospital to attend to the injury.”

Enzo said Marilyn thanked town residents for their initial care and police later commended the efforts to direct traffic.

Ron Mudford Challenge plus the intermediate championship. He took up growing chrysanthemums 10 years ago and now has 30 varieties in 500 pots.

““I picked out the best that I thought were fit for the show,” he said.

Christina Forbes from Castlemaine won first prize and Sandra Davies from Bendigo was second in the floral art championship.

Tarnagulla Fire Brigade raised funds during the show by catering for the popular event presented by Bendigo Goldfields Chrysanthemum club.

Residents help injured pedestrian in Newbridge

Rodney Clarke

Lorraine Milburn and Margaret Griffiths of Wycheproof admire winning blooms at the weekend’s chrysanthemum show. LH PHOTO

Care service contract talks yet to finish

FEDERAL Government contracts for in-home aged care service delivery in the Loddon Shire are still to be finalised, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care.

A spokesperson on Monday confirmed talks with “incoming providers to continue Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) delivery in the area” continued.

“However, as contract negotiations have not yet been finalised, the department is not in a position to provide details,” the spokesperson said.

“This information will be made available as soon as possible.”

Selection of new providers for in-home care services follows Loddon Shire’s decision last November to withdraw from the sector after Federal Government reforms.

Council made the decision after consultation with staff and clients.

Loddon is one of many councils that made a similar decision.

The department spokesperson said: “The department was formally notified that Loddon Shire Council is relinquishing its

CHSP services from July 1, 2023. As part of its relinquishment processes, the department has completed a rigorous direct selection and has selected existing CHSP providers based on their geographical footprint, service delivery performance and capability to continue CHSP delivery in the area.

“As the relinquishing organisation, Loddon Shire Council is expected to continue supporting clients until a new provider/s commences.

“The relinquishment process includes the development of a transition out plan aimed at ensuring effective communication with staff and the department and continuity of service delivery for clients.”

Loddon Shire late last year had 20 permanent and two casual service delivering in-home aged care services.

The department spokesperson said this week: “As part of this transition period, it is a matter for both the outgoing and incoming providers to manage the organisational and staffing requirements involved in the transition process.”

Show progresses towards second year

PYRAMID Hill Progress Association will stage a second edition of its art show and exhibition in 2024.

The announcement was made last week by one of the organisers, Terry Wood, following a review of the inaugural event in February.

“Our first show brought many visitors to town and received very positive feedbacks from them and the artists who took part in our Major’s Vision exhibition,” he said.

Mr Wood said the committee was considering refinements and improvements for the show when it opened on February 16 next year.

The progress association expects to open entries on January 1 and attract artists from across Victoria for the show.

“There were so many comments about the quality of works on display and for sale this year and we hope to further establish Pyramid Hill as a key show on the calendar,” Mr Wood said.

DEBRIS swept down the Loddon River in last October’s flood emergency continues rise from murky depths of the near-record deluge. An excavator last week lifted battered remains of a shipping container from the river at Salisbury West.

Sack AEMO! Farmers want project pause

ANGRY farmers have claimed disrespectful planning of the VNI West line to run through the Loddon should see Australian Energy Market Operator sacked from the project.

Victorian Farmers Federation on Tuesday called on the State Government to take over planning of the transmission network following the consultation on the proposed VNI West project.

President Emma Germano said AEMO had failed to take the impact on agricultural production into account in planning for transmission on behalf of the Government.

She said the Government needed to take back control.

“Farmers have had a gutful over the disrespectful way in which these projects are being planned,” Ms Germano said.

“AEMO is not up to the task of taking into account the impact of

these projects on Victoria’s food and fibre production. It is an unelected agency which seems to answer to no-one.”

“Ultimately, the Victorian Government is responsible for delivering this public infrastructure.

“The Government should take full control of planning the shift to renewable energy across the state to ensure the impacts on agriculture and regional communities is understood and mitigated.”

As part of the VFF submission to AEMO’s consultation on the VNI West project, Ms Germano said planning for the VNI West and Western Renewables Link (WRL) projects should be paused, with the Government needing to undertake a state-wide plan.

“The VFF believes that an immediate halt to all planning for the VNI West and WRL projects must be undertaken. The powers for all transmission network

planning must be vested in and executed directly by the Victorian Government. In addition, there must be a state-wide plan for renewable energy and transmission, that accounts for issues of agricultural production.”

Ms Germano said farmers were being forced to bear the cost of transmission infrastructure because AEMO was only considering the cost of powerlines in terms of the cost to consumers’ electricity bills.

“It is clear that AEMO’s view on transmission planning is completely blinkered by the requirements it has to place energy consumers at the centre of investment decisions. This view has no regard for the interests of communities, landholders, businesses and families that are directly impacted by the construction and operation of transmission towers, and who bear

Ministers too busy for local forum

SENIOR State Government ministers have refused to attend a Loddon forum tomorrow discussing plans to send transmission lines through the Loddon Shire.

costs that are not accounted for under the existing cost benefit arrangements.”

“Most concerning to the VFF, our members and all Victorians who value food and fibre production, AEMO’s actions to date take no account of agricultural production and its importance to Victoria’s economy.”

Ms Germano said the Government needed to look at the submission by Professors Bruce Mountain and Simon Bartlett and seriously consider its conclusions.

“Their submission highlights the reasons why AEMO is not suitable to be planning Victoria’s transmission network and that it seems to be motivated by wanting to build a transmission link along the eastern coast of Australia. These are grave concerns that the Minister for Energy has a duty to investigate immediately.”

Energy Minister Lily d’Ambrosio and Agricultural Minister Gayle Tierney, who is also a member of Parliament for Western Victoria Region that includes Wedderburn, on Friday formally declined invitations for the forum in Wedderburn at 2pm.

Their response only come on Friday after forum organisers, the Loddon Herald, contacted the minister’s offices when no response had been received to the invitation.

Both offices replied that the ministers have other commitments.

AEMO on Tuesday confirmed it would be sending two representatives - Victorian planning group manager Nicola Falcon and executive general manager system design Merryn York - to the forum in Loddon Shire Council chambers.

Also speaking on the panel will be Professor Bruce Mountain, Energy Grid Alliance director Darren Edwards, farmer Kathryn Myers and Nationals state leader and member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.

The forum will discuss the project’s impacts and benefits, options and alternatives to current AEMO proposals.

COMMUNITIES would be ripped apart without a proper planning process for VNI West, federal Nationals leader David Littleproud said on Monday.

Mr Littleproud spoke with more than 100 farmers from the Loddon and other areas expected to be impacted by the project.

But Mr Littleproud said in Charlton that there were potentially other alternatives and called for a Senate inquiry.

“The Nationals believe a Senate enquiry into the transmission lines the Labor Government intends to build is essential, to make sure that renewable projects have the social licence they need to operate in rural communities and that all alternatives are explored.”

Mr Littleproud said the $3.3 billion Victoria to New South Wales interconnector linking to the

Western Renewables Link, would be the biggest expense in the Victorian transmission system in more than 50 years.

“Farmers in the region are understandably outraged and worried about pristine farmland as well as the future of their communities without a proper planning process,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Their decision to rewire the nation and fast-track the project has been done with little consul-

tation and it will rip communities apart when there are potentially other alternatives.”

Mallee MP Anne Webster said the project would force new renewable generation where the AEMO previously predicted congestion and wastage through spills.

“The AEMO Victorian Planner’s consultation has been tokenistic at best and has raised many questions that are yet to be answered,” Dr Webster said.

Gate visits could be ‘within weeks’

A GROUP of Loddon farmers claims AEMO could start seeking access to local properties this month.

“I am deeply concerned for the region and fear Labor is irreversibly ripping up thousands of kilometres of prime farmland and irrigation districts for a project that will have an enormous cost blow-out and detrimental consequences with dubious benefit, according to the views of other experts.

“The Nationals firmly believe Labor is making a huge mistake,” Dr Webster told local farmers in Charlton.

The group has been preparing their “fact sheets” for distribution around the district.

One document seen by the Loddon Herald said: “The VNI West project is being fast tracked for completion by 2028. Landholders will be contacted as soon as May, 2023 from AEMO representatives who will be seeking permission to access your land.

“Every landholder has the right to not sign any documents with AEMO ... as all landholders have the right to seek legal advice first.”

Bad process rips at communities, says Littleproud

David Littleproud addresses a meeting of farmers in Charlton on Monday.

Cheer squad at ready

POM POMS will be fluttering in the morning air at Bridgewater on Sunday and cow bells and clappers clanging as hundreds of people take part in the second Run for Resilience.

Organisers of the rural community and wellbeing initiative have been recruiting “official encouragers” to line the routes from 8am.

Claire Harrison said more ambitious participants would run a 21km course from Inglewood to Bridgewater.

But it will be Fitty’s Five that is again expected to attract the most runners, joggers, walkers and strollers on a course along the Loddon River.

Dedicated to Lesley Morrison who tragically lost her life in 2021, Fitty’s Five course starts and finishes at Bridgewater recreation reserve.

“Lesley found a way around any obstacle and never quitresilient and an inspiration always,” said Claire.

She said Run for Resilience was for all fitness levels.

“We encourage everyone to have a go. And for those who want to be active spectators, come along with your pom poms, cow bells and clappers to show support and encouragement.”

Sunday’s celebration of rural resilience will also feature healthy living displays and live entertainment as participants complete the course.

Flood funding flow needs speed: Mayor

FLOOD recovery funding for the Loddon Shire needed to increase from a trickle, Mayor Dan Straub said.

Cr Straub said he was anxious that the State Budget on May 23 would assist with accelerating the rebuild from October’s flood emergency.

“There’s been a trickle of some funding - three initial projects in Loddon - but only a small portion of the ask,” he said.

“Some municipalities have received larger sums but were less affected.”

“I am looking for a decent and fair allocation in the State Budget to help rebuild our roads and other essential infrastructure.”

Loddon Shire has announced $1.37 million of flood recovery road works, a fraction of the estimated $60 million damage across the shire last October.

Northern Victoria Region MP Gaelle Broad said the Government must prioritise regional road funding in the Budget.

“After years of underfunding, our regional and rural roads are in disrepair, and the Victorian floods last year made bad roads even worse,” she said.

“When it comes to road maintenance, we need to ensure the job is done properly the first time, instead of temporary Band-aid solutions that only last weeks or months until the next heavy rain causes more potholes and rough surfaces.”

Tracey Webb and Jany Clutton lead practice for the Run for Resilience cheer squad. LH PHOTO

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Hunting war words fire after duck stance call

ANTI-DUCK hunting activists have taken aim at Loddon Mayor Dan Straub after council last week backed the recreational activity and agreed to make a submission to a Victorian Parliament inquiry.

Cr Straub had the support of Crs Neil Beattie and Gavan Holt in his bid for council to tell the Legislative Council probe that duck hunting had a positive economic and mental health impact on the shire.

The council call came on opening day of the shortened 2023 hunting season and quickly saw activists criticise council.

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Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting spokesman Tim Haddad has claimed a conflict of interest for Cr Straub as a former president Victorian Duck Hunters’ Association and a candidate in the 2019 federal election for the Shooters and Fishers Party.

“To say we’re concerned with Loddon council’s recent vote to support native bird shooting would be an understatement,” he says in an opinion piece published in to-

day’s edition of the Loddon Herald. Social media also came alive with comments on council’s decision.

Cr Beattie seconded Cr Straub’s motion at last week’s meeting saying: “The economic benefit (of duck hunting season) I have seen over the years is enormous.”

“It’s a great social occasion ... not all about shooting ducks. These occasions provide balance we cannot afford to lose.”

Cr Beattie said there was no difference between shooting rabbits and ducks.

Cr Linda Jungwirth said: “I am not certain what is the role of council to advocate for duck hunting.

“I am not outright opposed to duck hunting but I don’t know enough about it,” she said. “Duck hunting is complex. I don’t know the difference between the economic value of duck hunting season and nature -based tourism.”

Cr Straub said there was support in local communities and among residents for duck hunting to continue, quoting a Lod-

don Herald reader poll early this year showing 85 per cent backed a hunt season.

“I believe that the collaboration of many different types of nature-based ecotourism, including duck hunting, can exist within in Loddon,” he said.

“That’s how we in the duck hunting community look at it,” Cr Straub said.

“It’s not just something we go and do here and there - it’s a way of life.”

Cr Straub remained in the mayor’s chair while moving and debating the motion.

“Earlier today I asked the council for a discussion around the appropriateness of me vacating the chair to deliver this motion,” Cr Straub said.

“There was a general consensus that there was no requirement for me to vacate. I just wanted to make sure there was an understanding of proceedings with me delivering this notice of motion.”

Cr Wendy Murphy did not speak during debate and no vote was given to the motion.

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Shooters back ‘way of life’ season start

ONE veteran duck hunter has said the number of birds along the Loddon River this season was among the most he had seen.

Marco Pagliaro joined brother Gus and friends Mario Messina and Dino Tomaselli for their annual season opening trip to the Salisbury West area.

The quartet was one of three duck hunting groups camping within a 2km stretch of the river at the weekend.

Marco’s party had arrived last Tuesday and set up ready for the official season start the next morning.

“We make a point of spending our money at local businesses - the bakery, the supermarket, buying wine for the farmers whose properties we camp on,” he said.

“We even buy the dog food here instead of bringing it from home,” said Mario who travelled from Ballarat while others in the party came from Benalla and Melbourne.

Mario said last year’s rains had aided the return of ducks to the region.

“When’s it’s dry, they head north but after getting the rain they come back. In Europe, they go to another country, in Australia it’s over the border to another state.”

Gus, the former Inglewood tradesman who returns regularly and runs hunt dog training sessions, said there had been a good variety of birds shot in the sea-

son’s opening days. “The numbers have been good and there have been teal, wood ducks, mountain, black and pink-eared ducks,” he said.

Mario said Loddon people “are nice and genuine and accepting” of duck hunters.

Local highways were busy over the weekend with hunters travelling to and from local rivers and private properties to shoot.

The shortened 2023 season will end 30 minutes after sunset on May 30.

Dino Tomaselli, Marco Pagliaro, Gus Pagliaro and Mario Messina hunting on the Loddon River at the weekend. LH PHOTO

Your chance to help protect our birdlife, the environment and your right to enjoy our natural outdoors in peace is NOW.

The Victorian government is giving you until 8th May to tell them to follow the lead of other states and ban "recreational" shooting of our native birds.

Each "recreational" duck and quail shooting season typically brings ...

- unmonitored shooting at countless public locations, often close to homes

- thousands of native birds left wounded and suffering

- tonnes of toxic lead and millions of plastic shells / wads strewn around the environment

- protected species illegally shot

... ALL SUPPORTED BY YOUR TAXES!

PLEASE SPEAK UP TO STOP THE SHOOTING!

GO TO: https://www.regionalvictoriansotds.com/parliamentary-inquiry-2023

Australian pelican found shot at Lake Murphy near Kerang, during duck shooting. Photo: Kim Wormald.

What is a mother?

A mother is someone who keeps everyone and everything in line!

A mother is comforting when you are sick, helpful when you need advice and excited when you achieve something.

A mother is there for us when we begin a new journey in life.

Mum, thanks for all the little laughs we shared along the way to Geelong.

Tyler, age 11

A mother is someone who looks after you and keeps you safe from danger. A mother can be grateful when we share items with her.

A mother is cheering us on from the sidelines when we play our netball games.

Mum, I appreciated your laughter when we went to Disneyland and saw a crazy driver named Uby … we were laughing for days!

Abby, age 10

A mother is someone who looks after their children. A mother is comforting when others are stressed.

A mother is there for us and has ‘the talk’ when we make mistakes

My mother has been through it all with me, from my first day of kindergarten to my last day of Graduation.

James, age 11

A mother is someone who looks after you. A mother can be loving, especially when you give them presents. A mother takes you places.

My mother has always been there for me, especially at Pony Club.

Ryan, aged 10

Students from St Patrick’s Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School share love and thanks for their mums

Big towns snap up power saving cash

INGLEWOOD and Wedderburn residents are leading the way in Loddon as they compare energy prices and get a $250 State Government bonus.

Data released by the Government last week showed there had been 177 claims in Wedderburn and 158 in Inglewood for the fourth round of the Power Saving Bonus.

They are among more than one million Victorians taking up the Government initiative to help ease cost of living pressures.

Premier Daniel Andrews said: “The best way to lower energy bills is to look for a better offer – that’s why we’re encouraging Victorians to take advantage of another round of the Power Saving Bonus to make sure they are on the best deal ahead of winter.”

The latest round of the program has seen 40 per cent of applicants find a better energy deal – with thousands of Victorians choosing to switch and save by changing their energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website.

The Victorian Energy Compare website is an independent comparison website, making it easy for Victorians to find a cheaper offer and keeping big energy retailers in check.

According to the Government, more than 17,000

households have received the $250 Power Saving Bonus through a community outreach partner, with 73 per cent of these applicants receiving additional energy affordability advice.

Across the Loddon and adjoining districts, take-up of the energy price comparison has been:

Shelbourne 36, Wilsons Hill 6, Bridgewater 65, Bridgewater North, Derby 3, Leichardt 13, Yarraberb 2, Bears Lagoon 5, Glenalbyn 3, Jarklin 2, Kingower 3, Kurting 10, Powlett Plains 3, Rheola 7, Salisbury West 7, Serpentine 22.

Berrimal 2, Borung 4, Fentons Creek 2, Fernihurst 4, Kurraca 1, Mysia 2, Nine

Mile 1, Skinners Flat 2, Wedderburn Junction 2, Wehla 3, Woolshed Flat 1, Woosang 2, Kinypanial 2, Korong Vale 35, Buckrabanyule 4, Charlton 183, Lake Marmal 3, Nareewillock 2, Terrappee 2, Wooroonook 1, Wychitella 2, Wychitella

North 1, Yeungroon 5.

Barraport 1, Boort 125, Leaghur 3, Yando 2, Cannie 2, Murphys Creek 2, Newbridge 21, Tarnagulla 29, Waanyarra 3, Raywood 42, Dingee 11, Kamarooka North 2, Pompapiel 4, Tandarra 6, Milloo 4, Tennyson 8,

Karen refugees have taste of Loddon life

KAREN refugees were last week introduced to opportunities that living in Loddon could give in their new country.

Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program graduate Jan Pagliaro teamed with Bendigo Community Health to take 50 refugees on a tour of the region on Friday.

The itinerary included Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery Museum, Saluté Oliva at Boort, Red Dog Chillies at Fernihurst, a Lions Club barbecue and tour a Bridgewater farm and finished the afternoon fishing by the Loddon River.

“Karen people have lived in the forest for most of their lives,” said community health services Ku Htee. “They love nature, so part of this trip is also about exploring nature again.”

Jan hopes the day, that included meeting Loddon Mayor Dan Straub, will expose Karen people to the

possibilities of the Loddon Valley with more affordable house prices, agricultural employment opportunities, and a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle.

She said the tour was inspired by the remarkable impact of new arrivals on other Victorian rural towns.

“I took the idea from what’s happened in Nhill and Pyramid Hill,” Jan says. “Those towns were being decimated by an ageing population and no new families coming in, so they got together as a community and invited in new arrivals.

“There are now Filipino people living in Pyramid Hill and Karen people in Nhill. They’ve saved the local football club, the businesses and schools. So I thought, why can’t we do that closer to home?”

Bendigo has a large Karen refugee community, people who fled from insurgency on the Myanmar–Thailand border.

Calivil 4, Mitiamo 17, Pine Grove 2, Loddon Vale 1, Mincha 8, Mologa 3, Pyramid Hill 95, Sylvaterre 1, Terrick Terrick 2, Yarrawalla 4, Durham Ox 4, Lake Meran 3

Dunolly 172, Eddington 17, Goldsborough 2, McIntyre 2, Moliagul 15, Mount Hooghly 2, Bealiba 28, Cochranes Creek

1, Emu 7 and Logan 4

Hsar Nay Hoo and Pahju enjoy the outdoors of the Loddon during Friday’s tour. LH PHOTO

Climate report ask binned

A LODDON Shire councillor who failed to win the support of council for a report into local climate risks has not ruled out a second pitch.

Tarnagulla Ward’s Linda Jungwirth posted to her councillor social media page saying the majority vote against her move last Wednesday was unfortunate.

Cr Jungwirth later told the Loddon Herald: “The fact I put up the motion (to commission a report) showed I felt something needed to be done.

“I have been hearing personally from the Newbridge community and a lot of people in the Tarnagulla Ward ... from Newbridge in particular they have concerns for the future,” she said.

“In Newbridge I have heard of at least three insurers who have increased premiums by a third since the flooding.”

Cr Jungwirth said she would need to think about whether to make a second move for a report on local risks of climate change and future climate scenarios for the shire.

“I don’t have an agenda here but I can’t make decisions without facts in front of me,” Cr Jungwirth said. “I owe it to the communities to raise the issue.”

Last Wednesday’s motion was only supported by Cr Wendy Murphy with Mayor Dan Straub and Crs Gavan Holt and Neil Beattie voting against the move.

Cr Beattie said changing climate had produced bumper crop seasons. “If this is climate change - bring it on,” he said.

Cr Beattie said many Loddon residents lived in a flood plain and heavy soils needed to be flushed.

He also said based on current water storage levels, there was a supply of two years for irrigators.

“There are two sides to this story Mr Mayor,” said Cr Beattie.

Cr Gavan Holt said he was always reluctant to disagree with a

proposal or motion put forward by a fellow councillor, if that move added value to “people of Loddon.”

However, Cr Holt said he did not see the need for work to be done on a specific report when existing council policies addressed climate change.

He said those plans were overarching documents and council had only limited resources. “I

believe what we are doing is adequate in this space and I am not convinced of the value this (proposed) project would deliver to the people of Loddon given what we are already doing within the confines of limited resources,”

Cr Holt said.

Cr Holt said council did not have available staff, a challenge faced by other municipalities, or the budget to commit to a climate change report.

Cr Murphy said a climate change report would support a statement in council’s draft budget that recognised the community wanted to recover from the floods.

“I generally support all Cr Jungwith has indicated,” said Cr Murphy.

Cr Jungwirth said it was crucial to look at climate change on a local level.

“My role tasks me with care for the community now and into the future,” she said.

Following rejection of her motion, Cr Jungwirth asked for a division to formally record the votes of each councillor.

Cr Jungwirth’s notice of motion had called for a report within six months.

Her motion acknowledged positive actions of council to mitigate emissions.

“We have collaborated with 46 other councils to switch to 100 per cent renewable energy. We are members of Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance and have supported many initiatives to reduce emissions locally,” she told councillors

Townhouse development gets approval

AN AMENDED four-lot subdivision has been approved for Inglewood after safety and parking concerns raised by the primary school council saw plans redrawn.

Loddon Shire councillors last week adopted an officer recommendation for the Sullivan Street building of two and three-bedrooms units.

They were told that adjoining the land to the north was a single dwelling and to the south Inglewood Primary School.

Opposite the site in Sullivan Street, the lots are developed with single dwellings. St Augustine’s Hall and Church are located within close proximity to the subject site at the northern end of Sullivan Street.

One joint letter of objection signed by seven residents said the development would cram modern houses between majestic historic buildings, diminishing the area’s look.

Inglewood Primary School council said it had not objections but concerns with the proposal.

It told council up to five parking spaces would be lost in Sullivan Street and asked council to develop a nearby vacant block as a formal carpark of 12 spaces to be used by parents.

“The safety of students at Inglewood Primary School is our primary concern. and we seek Loddon Shire Council support in ensuring the new development does not hinder the safety of our students,” the school said.

Road update: Works to start

Entries for the Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2023

Art Competition are now open.

The competition challenges entrants to explore di erent ways to raise awareness of mental health issues, to maintain good mental health and wellbeing or to help reduce the stigma around mental health. The art competition is open to students as well as community members via the competition’s Open Section.

The Open Section is open to all Loddon Shire residents aged over 18 years, or residents under 18 who have either left school or are attending school outside of the Loddon Shire area.

The students’ categories include Upper Secondary (years 9 to 12) and middle school students (grades 5 to Year 8). There are also two junior students’ categories –grades 3 and 4, and grades Prep to 2.

The two themes for the Open Age section and Upper Secondary categories are Mental Health No More Stigma and Be Kind to Your Mind. This category includes literary entries in essay form (between 500 to 1000 words) using one of the two themes. Themes for the middle school students’ category are: Be Kind to Your Mind and Just Don’t Give Up.

The junior students’ categories are a colouring competition (poster provided), with the themes What Makes You Happy (grades 3 and 4) and Believe in You (grades Prep to 2).

All entries are to be completed and delivered to the Loddon Shire o ce at Wedderburn by Monday 7 August 2023.

To nd out more and for entry forms and briefs, visit www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au/events/2023annual-loddon-healthy-minds-network-artcompetition

Immediate Restoration Works will commence over the coming weeks, as Council has awarded $1.37 million to contractors to complete the works. The priority of works is being planned utilising Council’s hierarchy in the Road Management and Road Asset Management Plans.

Counciuls thanks residents for their continuing patience with respect to the restoration of roads and infrastructure throughout the Shire.

Gravel re-sheets in Jarklin

 Jarklin West Rd

 Ellerslie Rd

 Pattison Rd

 Hollands Rd

 No. 2 Weir Rd

Sealed roads in Fernihurst

 Borung Prairie Rd

 Loddon West Rd

 Boort Fernihurst Rd

Gravel re-sheets Boort

 Boort Fernihurst Rd

Sealed and gravel roads Dingee

 Tandara Elmore Rd

 Dingee Rochester Rd

 McElwains Rd

Flood inquiry submission deadline extended

Community members a ected by the October 2022 oods are urged to make a submission to a parliamentary inquiry into the ood event by 5 June 2023.

The Legislative Council Environment

and Planning Committee will investigate the state’s preparedness for and response to the disaster. For more information and to make a submission, visit https://new. parliament.vic.gov.au/ oodinquiry

Linda Jungwirth ... thinking about second push on climate report

Traditions and contemporary horizons

CATHOLIC primary schools at Inglewood and Pyramid Hill have a commitment to build a strong sense of community and the quality of collegial relationships.

St Mary’s and St Patrick’s schools are part of Catholic Education Sandhurst but strongly connected to their local communities.

Participation in community events is a key to the strong relationships the schools cherish in delivering education to today’s young people.

They believe that each person’s potential is fostered through the dedicated ministry of Catholic Education and are committed to leadership encompassing vision, innovation and empowerment.

Principals Stephen O’Shannessy at Inglewood and John O’Connor at Pyramid Hill say the small schools are giving students fine foundations in education and life.

“In the last week, our students have been part of ANZAC Day services and joined with the local Landcare network to start rehabilitation of an old mining area on the edge of town,” said Mr O’Shannessy.

“Our school has a wonderfully supportive community and our curriculum activities reflect those values in a Christian way.”

Mr O’Connor said Catholic education was about seeking new horizons while also respecting traditions.

“And we have a long tradition of being part of the Pyramid Hill community and often work together with our friends at Pyramid Hill College on special activities.

“Earlier this year that commitment of two schools to one community was seen when students celebrated St Patrick’s Day.”

The first school in Inglewood was run by

the churches under the Denominational Board.

The second school established was Roman Catholic, also under the Denominational Board in a chapel near the present Town Hall. It was opened on September 20, 1860, and as at January 1862, 131 children were enrolled. When the next Catholic Church was erected, on the site of the present one, this also served as a school until St Mary’s Sacred Heart Convent was established in 1907.

The convent was commenced on February 26, 1907, and was opened in September of the same year. The current school building was opened in 1927. The Presentation Sisters were in charge of St Mary’s School until they withdrew in 1974.

Since this time lay principals and staff have continued the great work of the Presentation Sisters. Presently the staff consists of four teachers, including the

principal, one support staff and an administration officer.

Pyramid Hill’s school is almost 70 years old. Bishop of Sandhurst the Rev. BD Stewart officially blessed and opened St Patrick’s school on February 5, 1956. The school was established to cater for a growing number of Catholic children in the Pyramid Hill region and as a memorial to the residents of the region who gave their lives in World War Two.

Hundreds of people were reported to have turned out for the opening of St Patrick’s school which was built in only eight weeks. At the time, St Patrick’s school was considered the most modern building in Pyramid Hill, and there was much pride from parishioners who contributed both financially and as volunteers to the building of the school.

In 1976 the Sisters of St Joseph withdrew from St Patrick’s after two decades

of service to the children and families of Pyramid Hill and district. In 1996 a new administration area and principal’s office was constructed, it was reported to be, ‘although a small school, equal to any in facilities and educational opportunities.’

Mr O’Connor said: “St Patrick’s Catholic Primary owes much to the group of dedicated parents and the Sisters of St Joseph who founded the school in 1956.

“These Sisters were the group of courageous women who followed in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop, who dreamed of providing education to small, isolated communities.”

St Patrick’s and St Mary’s are currently accepting enrolments for 2024 and invite parents to tour their modern facilities, meet with principals and staff to discuss a contemporary faith education for their children.

Students and staff at St Patrick’s (left) and St Mary’s Primary Schools

makes autumnal appearance

A THREE-DAY touring music festival kicks off in the Loddon next week.

Summerwave’s opening show in Weddburn next Friday will be headlined by Taylor Henderson and supportd by One More Weekend, Ivy Black, Colour Court and Kitty Rae.

The festival will continue onto Boort and conclude in Cohuna.

“We are thrilled to bring together some of the festival favourites from previous Summerwave Festivals this fabulous community music event,” said Northern District Community Health CEO Mandy Hutchinson.

“For our communities to come together at a fun and exciting event such as Summerwave is important and valuable especially after the impacts of the recent floods”, she said.

Tour co-ordinator and NDCH youth worker, Matt Allan said, “We are delighted to have Taylor Henderson as a headliner for Summerwave on Tour. Taylor last played with the tour in 2021 and is an incredibly talented singersongwriter who has captivated audiences around the world with his music.

“Being able to see live music across Victoria is not something that should ever be taken for granted,” said CEO Music Victoria, Simone Schinkel.

Deposit scheme ‘slap in face for regional businesses’

VICTORIA’S new container deposit scheme was an “opportunity wasted and another slap in the face of regional Victorian business”, according to member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.

Mr Walsh says the contracts to run this long-overdue grassroots recycling scheme – which will now launch on November 1 –have gone to a company not based in Victoria but two multinationals.

He says there were several viable regional options to make this a local program which would have also created regional employment opportunities.

“In what world does (Premier) Daniel Andrews think this is a good deal?” Mr Walsh said.

“Visy is a monolithic enterprise, yet it has been given exclusive access to all

Charcoal drawing people’s choice

A STRIKING charcoal drawing by Jade Bishop has been named winner of the Tiny Town’s Arts Trail people’s choice award.

Ta Moko depicting a Moari warrior nudged out a work by Newbridge artist Teresa Siesmaa - Kathie’s Place.

Winning works in the people’s choice awards have been displayed in Dunolly.

Tiny Towns Arts Trail was held for a seventh time over the ANZAC weekend and saw hundreds of people touring towns across central Victoria.

Artists in Tarnagulla and Eastville were among many opening their studios and galleries to visitors.

Organisers said this year’s arts trail had again shown diversity of creative expression across the region.

Trove funding boost for researchers

ONGOING funding of Trove by the Australian Government was a win for Mallee researchers, said member for Mallee Anne Webster.

From July 1 the Government will provide funding of $33 million over four years, with indexed ongoing funding of $9.2 million a year.

Trove is the single point of entry to the collections of hundreds of Australian libraries, universities, museums, galleries and newspaper archives.

It is used by many Australians to look up their family history or complete academic research.

northern Victoria for the scheme. TOMRA Cleanaway is also a multinational and while you see its brand everywhere, the work it will do could be done as well – and probably better – by a local business,” he says.

“And it’s own website shows it has operations in Queensland, NSW, WA and ACT – but there’s nothing in Victoria.

Mr Walsh said that with the Government spruiking 600 refund collection points across the state, “surely smaller, local recyclers would have been the go in regional Victoria”.

“Victorians have been waiting for years to get access to a service such as this, and when it finally arrives it appears to have been a deal done behind closed doors –again,” Mr Walsh said.

Taylor Henderson will be performing in Loddon towns as part of the Summerwave tour.

Providing for tomorrow

SHEEP MARKET

THERE was a modest increase in lamb numbers to 12,800 head at Bendgo on Monday.

Quality was also improving as more recently shorn fed trade and heavy lambs came-in.

There wasn’t a lot of enthusiasm shown by processors, with three domestic orders not operating and other orders quiet.

The heaviest export lambs were firm, however there was gaps in demand and bidding for heavy and trade lambs which were $6 to $12 cheaper, pulling back most sales to between 620c to 690c/kg cwt.

Export lambs over 30kg cwt from $205 to a top of $248 at an estimated 690c/kg cwt. Once off these lead lambs the market did loose traction at times, the heavy 26-30kg lambs $165 to $214; the heavy trades 24-26kg from $159 to $176 at a ballpark cost of 660c/kg; while the medium and lighter trades were the toughest sections of the sale at $126 to $165 to trend under 650c/kg cwt, occasional pens dragged under 600c/kg.

Light lambs $80 to $125 for the better bred and presented types. Merino lambs sold to $178, with most sales $113 to $130.

The heavy sheep market didn’t have the punch of a week ago, easing $6 to $20. But light mutton under 24kg was dearer. Big crossbred ewes $136 to $176; lead Merino ewes $130 to $179 and weth-

ers to $165. General run trade sheep $70 to $120. Most sheep estimated at 420c to 480c, just occasional sales over 500c in this market.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (45) $248, SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (46) $ 235, ALB & R McINtosh Wanalta (60) $234, JS & W Brown Colbinabbin (88) $231, Monmore P/L Laanecoorie (72) $231, S & R Snelson Tongala (70) $219, AB & KB Broom Neereman (46) $202, Saxilby Park Past Kyalite (50) $200, CA & TR Borger Colbinabbin (111) $192, GR & H Nankivell Raywood (41) $185, MD Connors Moama (50) $178.

MERINO WETHERS

CT Ferguson Longford (124) $145.

CROSSBRED EWES

Tom Torr Mystic Park (43) $148, Chartwell Farms Romsey (63) $132.

MERINO EWES

B Weaver & Co, Boort (63) $155, PD Allan , Sea Lake (29) $152, PN McIntyre Kerang (83) $143.

Order of sales next week: Nuttall, Nutrian, Nevins, Elders, McKean McGregor.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

Search for favourite footy farmer

THE hunt for Footy’s Favourite Farmer is on with the State Government and WorkSafe celebrating the unique role of sport in farming communities while promoting the importance of workplace safety on farms.

Three agricultural workers have already lost their lives this year – in 2022, 568 people working in the sector were injured seriously enough to make a worker’s compensation claim.

Victorians can nominate a farmer’s involvement in their local country football netball club for a chance to win $10,000 towards safety upgrades for the winner’s farm, and another $10,000 for safety improvements or repairs at their club.

Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC

Danny Pearson said: “Farmers are a humble bunch but their contribution to local communities, both on-farm and at their local sports club, deserves recognition.”

“We are proud to support a program that brings country communities together and makes farms safer for workers across the agriculture sector,” Mr Pearson said.

From May through to July, monthly finalists will be announced, and the farmer’s local club will also receive six footballs and six netballs. On August 21, one monthly finalist will be crowned the 2023 WorkSafe Footy’s Favourite Farmer. Nominations for the new award are open until Nominations are open until July 26.

Tussock control grants open

VICTORIAN Serrated Tussock

Working Party is providing community groups is offering grants to manage serrated tussock.

The grants aim to support community groups and organisations to build their capacity to achieve long-term voluntary management of serrated tussock.

Grants of up to $5000 are available to deliver a project which meets the priorities and criteria outlined in guidelines.

The grants promote collaboration between community groups, local municipalities and the VSTWP in the best practice management of serrated tussock. A key objective of the grants is to support organisations that have been actively controlling serrated tussock.

4000 red gums given first start

YEAR 12 students from Bendigo Senior Secondary College have sown the seeds for a major tree-planting program planned at Lake Boort next summer.

The vocational major subject students have assisted with a seeding program at Boort’s Yung Balug Keeping Place Museum.

Custodian of the keeping place, Paul Haw,

said one of their main roles was to sow 4000 red gums seeds and the students had been enthusiastic participants as thousands of seeds were given their start.

“On the day they learnt how to collect seed, how to identify most eucalypts, learning the principles of sowing the delicate seed.

“The students hope to be involved with the

planting of the trees in Lake Boort this coming summer as the water in Lake Boort recedes with ecologist Damien Cook is overseeing the project.”

Teacher Sue Pickles said: “The students really enjoyed the day, especially sowing the seeds and knowing that some of the trees could live to be 1000 years old”.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Market in a slight holding pattern this week, with similar results to last week.

Monday, May 1st 2023 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 15,500 Sheep - 6,500

Heavy Lambs $210-254 $6.40-6.80 Firm

Trade Lambs $145-190 $6.50-7.20 Firm

Store Lambs $70-125 $3 (liveweight) Firm

Heavy Sheep $140-168 $4.10-4.50 Firm

Light Sheep $65-95 $4-4.20 Firm

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 Holt- 0417 686 814

Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832 Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917

The working party was established in in 1995 in response to the community’s concern with the spread of serrated tussock, and a strategy for the control of serrated tussock in Victoria was produced.

GRAIN

Wheat – H1 356 FIS. H2 $353 FIS. APW1 $343 FIS. ASW $343 FIS. AGP1 $343 FIS. SFW1 $338 FIS. Barley – BAR1 $286 FIS. BAR2 $261 FIS. New season –APW MG $345.

Will Lowe - 0498 381 584

Students take part in a program to propagate thoiusands of fred gum seeds for planting at Lake Boort next summer.

By MARTHA HAYLETT

IT’S been great meeting so many locals across the Loddon Shire recently – whether at my mobile office in Inglewood, at the Rheola Charity Carnival, the Newbridge hotel, or Bridgewater Memorial Hall and Bowling Club.

I’ve had the pleasure of judging the Easter hat oarade at Tarnagulla Primary School, discussing child care needs with mums in Wedderburn, touring Inglewood and Districts Health Service, and catching up with local CFA members.

In my visits, I am constantly reminded of the importance of our emergency service volunteers to our rural communities. They are the lifeblood of our communities, and they need the right equipment to do what they do best.

I encourage all interested CFA brigades and SES units across the Loddon Shire to apply for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program hat has recently opened.

The State Government has made almost $15 million available for emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances, and minor facility improvements too.

For more information, groups can visit www.emv.vic.gov.au/vesep. They can also contact my office for further information and a letter of support to

By TIM HADDAD

THE Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Native Bird Shooting closes for public comment on Monday.

Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting is encouraging people to have their say.

We know most regional Victorians oppose the unnecessary cruel slaughter of our native ducks and quail, and many feel intimidated to speak out, due to a loud pro-shooting minority. (Less than half of one per cent of the population shoot birds). This Inquiry is your chance to be heard.

The shooting has a terrible impact on mental health of those forced to live with or witness it, let alone on our native birdlife – many species unique to our country. And economically, our rural economies are largely dependent on tourism which shooting thwarts. We all deserve better.

Made up of farmers, regional business owners and residents, to say we’re concerned with Loddon council’s recent vote to support native bird shooting would be an understatement.

It would appear to many that the Mayor - widely known as a keen duck shooter and ex-president of a duck shooting club - is using his position to promote personal interests.

Council’s February meeting minutes discloses no conflicts of interest when

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

CLIMATE CHANGE AND DUCK

HUNTING DECISIONS BY LODDON

SHIRE HAVE ENGAGED LODDON

HERALD READERS

Catherine Norman wrote: Should residents of Loddon Shire be concerned that Cr Jungwirth’s motion on a climate change report gets rejected by the same three councillors who supported a motion to make a submission to the inquiry into native bird shooting, supporting the benefits of duck hunting? What is council’s priority

STATE PERSPECTIVE

include in their application. Recently, I also contacted all Landcare groups across the shire to encourage them to apply for the 2023 Victorian Landcare and Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants –which are also now open.

Up to $20,000 is available for onground works and community education projects that protect or improve the natural environment. Support grants of up to $500 are also available to help with group administration and running costs.

Grants of up to $5000 are also available for projects that provide kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, youth groups in the Loddon Shire with an opportunity to participate in hands-on projects such as planting indigenous gardens, building habitat to attract native insects and birds, collecting data about nature, and excursions to wildlife sanctuaries.

More information can be found at www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants/ victorian-landcare-grants.

In my travels across the shire, including in Wedderburn, Inglewood and Bridgewater, locals continue to raise concerns with road safety and maintenance with me.

I have raised these issues directly with Regional Roads Victoria and encourage any locals to contact me directly about

problem roads in their area. I’m also pleased that the State Labor Government has recently announced a new $210 million Safer Local Roads and Streets Program.

The program will design and deliver safer infrastructure upgrades for communities including raised crossings, intersection upgrades, speed cushions, kerbing upgrades, pedestrian islands, safer speeds, and roundabouts.

Recognising the barriers local governments face in delivering road safety improvements, the program will support local governments to identify road safety issues in their area and implement solutions.

An expression of interest process will be held for councils interested in the first phase of the program.

As part of this phase, up to 10 councils will be selected to participate and begin trialling approaches that will then be rolled out to all 79 councils.

Local councils know their area best and can help us identify the road safety improvements required to reduce the risks and impact of trauma on local roads.

*MarthaHaylettisthememberfor Ripon

Helping hand for volunteers Rewards without duck hunting

duck shooting was discussed and Mayor Straub “noted its economic importance to the shire”.

A Parliamentary Budget Office Report in 2021 stated duck shooters’ net spend was at best, just $10 million across all Victoria.

For context, Phillip Island Nature Parks - where they shoot penguins with cameras - brings around $120 million and 800 direct jobs just to the Bass Coast Shire.

When the costs of duck shooting are factored in, such as law enforcement and lost tourism, the real economic impact of duck shooting is very likely negative.

Council’s April meeting Agenda, shows no conflicts of interests disclosed either, when Mayor Straub moved that council should make a submission in support of duck shooting.

Such support is not in line with council’s objectives of promoting tourism or protecting the environment.

Independent economists including The Australia Institute 1 , have reported duck shooting deters tourists.

A Game Management Authority Board Paper recently released, reports 2.2 million plastic shotgun components which can take hundreds of years to break down, are pumped into Victoria’s environment each duck shooting season.

The environmental watchdog found 20 per cent of the wetlands it tested between 2017 and 2020, had ducks with lead levels unsafe for consumption 2 . Lead am-

here? I should add that two of these councillors are keen duck shooters. Conflict of interest? And as for your views on climate change Cr Beattie, spare a thought for all of us who need to find an extra 25 per cent to cover insurance costs, if we can afford it that is. And spare another thought for those of us who are deprived of an income when adverse weather events occur.

Matthew Mizzi wrote: “Bring it on” when we get another 10 years of drought.

Chris Young wrote: Farmers deal with

munition is banned in duck shooting but there are reports almost every year of it being used. Lead is highly toxic remaining in the environment for decades, posing serious risks to people and wildlife.

The most robust long-term science available to track duck abundance trends is the East Australian Annual Waterbird Survey, which shows duck numbers have fallen to just 25% of their long-term average.

As for how many threatened species are collateral damage in duck shooting, according to Arthur Rylah Institute “this data does not exist and would be extremely difficult to gather” (Waterbird Susceptibility to Disturbance from Hunting 2019).

Wetlands at Boort and surrounds, are home to many species of native birds unique to our country. Birdwatching, widely known to be hampered by shooting, is a booming business.

Over 1.4 million tourists birdwatched in our country, spending $3 billion, in the first year data was collected (Tourism Research Australia Visitor Surveys 2019).

When Victoria bans recreational bird shooting like other states have done, the people of Loddon will be able to protect and enjoy their natural assets in peace, and tap into the financial rewards.

*TimHaddadisamemberofRegional VictoriansOpposedtoDuckShooting

changing climate and weather patterns every year. At last a win for the-non bed wetters!

Glynn Jarrett wrote: Chris Young, you are talking about weather, not climate change. The climate change we fear has not even started to kick in. We are taking about future generations not the last few seasons hahahahaha

Luke Grinter wrote: Common sense

Glynn Jarrett wrote: Conflict of interest pure and simple re the duck shooting. Makes me think of America, how the gun

1. The Nile River flows into which sea?

2. Phillip Island is famous for which tiny animal?

3. In which year did Australia change to decimal currency?

4. True or False – since 1066 there have been 38 Coronations held at Westminster Abbey?

5. What is the name of the procedure in which anaesthetic is injected close to the spinal cord?

6. Reginald Kenneth Dwight is the real name of which famous musician?

7. Which Greek author was well-known for his fables?

8. Hepatitis affects which part of the body?

9. What is the name of Australia’s newest airline, first flying in 2023?

10. Who is the main character in the film ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’?

11. And which actor plays that character?

12. Ophidiophobia is the fear of what?

13. Southern Cross Station (Melbourne) was previously known by what name?

14. Zn is the chemical symbol for which element?

15. The 2012 Brownlow Medal was awarded to which two players after Jobe Watson was stripped of that honour?

16. In some parts of France, pigs are used to sniff out which delicacy?

17. What is the term given to a word that can be spelt the same both backwards and forwards? e.g. toot, noon.

18. LXVII is the roman numerals for which number?

19. What was the name of the dog carried into space aboard Sputnik 2?

20. What type of goat produces mohair?

ANSWERS

lobby people get themselves into postions of authority, to push their own agendas!

ALAN STREADER’S MOVING RENDITION OF LAST POST AT THE AGE OF 97

Bernadette Reeves wrote: You are an amazing man Alan.

Sandra Forster Poyner wrote: A gem of a man. FROM THE LODDON HERALD

Epidural

Elton John 7. Aesop

Bonza

Indiana Jones

Snakes 13. Spencer St

Miracle of determination to keep living

TYSON Woodman enjoyed a bowl of Coco-Pops after arriving home on New Year’s Day.

The teenager’s snack is one of the last things he remembers before an asthma attack left him dead for 12 minutes.

Community ambulance officers Glenn Thompson and Lynne Gondar were the first to answer the calls from Tyson’s distraught grandparents Verneece and Noel.

Paramedics came next as Tyson, 18, struggling to breathe, screaming in contorted body.

“I am going to die ... I don’t want to die,” Verneece vividly recalled Tyson yelling in the lounge room of their Korong Vale home before she went outside, ambos seeing Tyson die before them and working to revive him.

“He was blue,” said grandfather Noel. “They started CPR. I got out of the way. Twenty minutes later Glenn came out said ‘we have got him back’.”

Standing in that same room near a fish tank four months later is Tyson, home after more than a week in the intensive care unit at Bendigo Health and months of rehabilitation at Royal Talbot Hospital in Melbourne.

He’s firmly grasping a football signed by mates at Wedderburn Football Club who were among the first to rally around the 18-year-old who had landed a full-time job after completing Year 12, had a car and was entering 2023 with the hope and optimism a new year brings.

By CHRIS EARL

Redbacks’ veteran Adam Postle says he was left rattled when word quickly spread of Tyson’s deadly asthma attack and the difficult road he faced to recovery.

“I couldn’t believe it ... Tyson was full of live and loved life with a vibrant attitude,” said Adam who had been the youngster’s mentor in a Wedderburn College program for students.

Adam quickly organised a football to be signed by Tyson’s clubmates. Peter McHugh took the ball to Tyson as he prepared to be transferred to Melbourne for rehabilitation and saw delight on Tyson’s face when the handing over the Sherrin, even though the skill of talking was still to be rediscovered.

In the first days of 2023 Tyson was twice put into an induced coma. As Verneece said: “His brain had to be rebooted.”

The asthma attack had left Tyson with brain damage.

“Medical tests also showed an infection on his right lung and a huge cyst. That’s what made it so potentially deadly and hard to get on top of,” said Verneece.

Tyson had been diagnosed an asthmatic at age eight months. He remains bewildered the January 1 incident so severe prescribed medication was not strong enough to halt and ease the attack.

“I remember saying that asth-

ma doesn’t do this to me,” he said. Tyson’s road to recovery has already seen him surprise nurses and health professionals with a determination taking family and friends on a journey from shattered distress to joy.

“There was a family meeting and we were told he would never come home and would have to go into care,” said Verneece.

“Tyson was terrified, frustrated, didn’t know what was going on. They said to meet the new Tyson.”

After losing more than 10kg in weight while in intensive care, Tyson was also frail and weak, his start to rehabilitation slow.

But progress started - the football helped him kick goals building strength and co-ordination.

Speech made a return. “Yeah” was initially the only word in his vocabulary.

Visits from mates Dylan Caruana, Zac Slide, Junior Whyman and Kalais Crees put spirit into his fightback.

That focus didn’t surprise Laurie Witham. The Wedderburn pest control company owner had employed Tyson one day a week through a Wedderburn College student employment placement program.

“When he finished school late last year, I put him on full-time,” Laurie said.

““He was probably one of the best workers we have ever had and we had enrolled Tyson in a TAFE course to gain the qualifica-

tions needed in the job. Then this bloody thing hit. It’s a pretty bad deal for Tyson but he’s got determination for sure.”

Tyson had also been working part-time at the local supermarket.

Owners Leigh and Jenny Randall and Laurie have been among supporters given thanks by Tyson in a note he dictated to grandmother Verneece, writing another of those temporarily lost skills.

“I would like to thank the community for all their support and a special mention to my mates Dylan, Jac and Junior and their families, the Wedderburn Redbacks for keeping me involved with footy while I’m unable to play.”

Tyson is steeled for a long road to recovery, supported by family and football mates - building the body weight back up, jumping the hurdles ahead of schedule like when he suddenly walked without a frame in rehab.

“I have never given up and I

never will,” Tyson said. He’s venturing down to Donaldson Park every football training night and for games to watch his mates in action.

Tyson would love to be out running around the ground himself but with a hint of the old self says: “No footy this week - I would have been a benchwarmer.”

When Tyson’s laboured breathing stopped on New Year’s Day, Verneece and Noel feared for his future. For the Nan and Pop who Tyson says are “always there supporting me”, joy has returned to their home.

“The whole community has been so wonderful with their support of Tyson,” said Noel. “Small communities always come together,” added Verneece.

Tyson is kicking personal goals undaunted as he tackles new challenges, barracking for his mates on the football ground.

“And it’s good being back with Nan and Pop,” says the teenager with another shot at life.

Tyson Woodman happy to be back in Korong Vale

Mates and support: Junior, Tyson and Dylan. Tyson is visited by Adam and Maddi Postle. Training rehab style: Pop Noel and Tyson.

DEATH NOTICE

Sutton - John Edward

04/03/1946 to 30/04/2023

Much loved husband of Wendy, Father to daughter Cheryl Keane and Stuart Sutton (Dec 2009), father-in-law to Alan Mahoney, Poppy to Kellie, Leah, Brodee and Ebony, Grand Poppy to Shaylee, Imogen, Charlotte, Jaxon and Ivy. He never taught us how to mend our hearts when he passed away, you were our world.

Forever in our hearts. Rest in peace.

SUTTON - John Edward

04/03/1946-30/04 2023

Eldest son of Eddie and Norma (late of Logan)

Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Robbie & Sue and Kevin & Pauline. Very fond Uncle John of all the family.

To all my family and friends who came and helped me celebrate my 21st birthday (80).

Also to those who couldn’t make it and sent best wishes.

A HUGE thank you for the beautiful flowers, gifts and my party. I will never forget.

It was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Looking forward to the next one.

Cheers and love

Susan Catto

MEETINGS

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

Loddon Shire Council recognise that Volunteers are the backbone behind the communities across Loddon, providing vital support for the delivery of many services, activities and key community assets.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week 15 to 23 May, Council are calling for members of the Loddon community to nominate a volunteer who they believe deserves recognition for the time, skill and passion they give to their community.

To nominate please complete the form below and drop it into the Council o ce or scan the QR Code to submit your nomination.

Feedback for Proposed Budget 2023/24 (which includes Draft Fees and Charges Schedule)

Loddon Shire Council has prepared a Budget for 2023/24 and after consideration at the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 26 April 2023 is now requesting feedback on the Draft Budget (which includes the Draft Fees and Charges Schedule).

Copies of the documents will be available for inspection from Monday 1 May 2023 to Friday 19 May 2023. Council has made these nancial documents available on Council’s website on https://www.loddon. vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Documents-forpublic-comment. Copies are also available to be posted on request by calling Council’s Customer Service O ce on (03) 5494 1200.

Any person wishing to provide feedback on any of the draft nancial documents is requested to do so before close of business on Friday 19 May 2023.

Feedback should be referenced with ‘Draft Financial Documents Feedback’ and can state whether they wish to provide their feedback in person at the June Council Forum.

This feedback can be sent via mail to Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn VIC 3518, or via email at loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Council will meet to consider any feedback at the Council Forum on Tuesday 6 June 2023. Council will then consider adoption of the Draft Budget at the Meeting of Council on Tuesday 27 June 2023. Council will give public notice of its decision.

ANNUAL and GENERAL MEETING

Will be held at BAC Club Rooms. 7.30pm Wednesday 10th May 2023.

All past, present, and future members welcome.

Please submit agenda Items or questions to boortanglingclub@yahoo.com at least 14 days prior to hat date. Nominations for office bearers will be accepted prior to, or at the meeting.

Rod Stringer, Secretary

Bridgewater Bowling Club

Annual General Meeting

Monday 8th May 7.30pm at clubrooms

WANTED

WANTED

Lincoln Fitzgerald Chief Executive O cer

Exciting OpportunityBe a Teacher Aide!

Boort District P-12 School is looking for someone to take on the rewarding and fulfilling role of teacher aide.

A teacher aide works in the classrooms with different teachers and students and helps prepare resources, supports the teacher with supervision of students and helps students complete tasks set.

Could this be you?

This role is for 3 days per week (negotiable) with the possibility of increasing time to five days per week. Training in support for Reading Intervention may also be available for the right person.

If you are interested in applying for this job, contact the school for a job description and a list of criteria to address in your application.

Applications close on Monday15th May – 4pm. Send applications to: The Principal Boort District P-12 School 9-27 Malone Street, Boort VIC 3537

Or Email: boort.district.p12@education.vic.gov.au

Subject: Teacher Aide Application

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

INDEPENDENT MEMBER VACANCY

Loddon Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably skilled, community focused persons to be appointed as an independent member of its Audit and Risk Committee.

The Audit and Risk Committee has been established to support Council in discharging its oversight responsibilities related to nancial and performance reporting, risk management, fraud prevention systems and control, maintenance of a sound internal control environment, assurance activities and Council’s performance with regard to compliance with its policies and legislative and regulatory requirements.

The appointment is for a period of up to four years, with potential for two additional four-year terms.

Ideally, the successful candidate will have experience in nancial management, risk management or public sector management. Additionally candidates with a background in business or strong local community knowledge and involvement in Loddon Shire are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The Committee meets quarterly in Wedderburn with in person attendance required for at least three of the four meetings.

Further information, including the Audit and Risk Committee Charter and Information Pack can be found on Council’s website, https://www. loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Council/AuditCommittee-membership-and-meetings or by contacting Lisa Clue, Manager Governance on 5494 1200.

Applications close at 5.00pm Friday 26 May 2023.

SPORT Jack brings home bronze

FIVE East Loddon P12 College students medalled at the School Sports Victoria State Swimming Championships in Melbourne last week.

Ten-year-old Jack Hocking achieved a personal best time to finish third in the 50-metre breaststroke. Jack also swam 50-metre backstroke and finished sixth.

Marley Addlem and Ava Maxted, both 15, and Georgia Pascoe and Ruby Cullen,

both 13, teamed for the 16-year-old medley and freestyle relays.

The girls smashed out a six second PB in their freestyle relay to bronze in the state, missing out on the silver by 0.09 of a second. This followed the freestyle relay record they set at the regional championships in Swan Hill last month.

In their medley relay, the girls went into the race ranked seventh and came

out with a huge seven second PB to finish fourth.

Marley also competed in the 16yo 50-metre breaststroke and finished seventh while Ruby competed in the 13-yearold 50-metre breaststroke and finished sixth.

Other individual swimmers from East Loddon championships were Lucy Pascoe, Angus Addlem.

LODDON HERALD - BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Wool buyer

Cash payments

On-farm appraisals

92 Rowena Street, East Bendigo Ph 5406 0629

Swimming success (back) Georgia Pascoe, Ruby Cullen, Angus Addlem, Marley Addlem and Ava Maxted and front Jack Hocking, Lucy Pascoe.

inimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for

small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of

government with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change growing problem for regional Australia.

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

Thursday 8 December 2022

The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP

Director of Australian Community Media, Australia's largest titles around the country. In NSW we publish 8 daily Mercury, Wagga Daily Advertiser and the Northern Daily the far south in Batemans Bay to far north in Lismore. We our stable of papers. support for our industry and the communities we serve. and cities. Sadly, due to the rise of the digital platforms and had to close and many more are on life support.

Premier of NSW GPO 5341

Dear Dr Chalmers,

Sydney, NSW 2000

There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

By email: media@premier.nsw.gov.au

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

Michelle Rowlands announced a campaign promise of $15m of costs that we faced at the time. Whilst this is welcomed by structural issues we face.

Dear Premier Perrottet

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

By way of introduction, I am the Managing Director of Australian Community independent regional publisher. ACM has over 140 titles around the country. newspapers like the Newcastle Herald, Illawarra Mercury, Wagga Daily Advertiser Leader. Additionally, we publish 47 weekly titles from the far south in Batemans Bay also have the St.George and Sutherlands Leaders in our stable of papers.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend.

the Premier of Victoria (see attached) with a policy that full page advertisement in every regional paper every week

In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs.

The reason for writing to you is to seek your support for our industry and Regional newspapers are the lifeblood of their towns and cities. Sadly, due to the increased cost pressures many titles in NSW have had to close and many more are

During the recent federal election campaign, Michelle Rowlands announced a grant funding to address the 80% rise in newsprint costs that we faced at the time. the industry it is a short term solution to ongoing structural issues we face.

promise for NSW Labor that does three things: and the jobs they support valuable communications tool in the most trusted of mediums government grants.

Association that represent another 27 publications in NSW and, together, proposed policy announcement across our respective mastheads and available to meet with you at any time to discuss this important

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

This shouldn’t be controversial.

A more meaningful solution has been enacted by the Premier of Victoria (see guarantees that the Vic state government will buy a full page advertisement in every of the year.

We believe a similar policy could be an election promise for NSW Labor that does - provides certainty for regional publishers and the jobs they support - provides the NSW Government with a valuable communications tool in - moves away from the need for government grants.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

We are working with the Country Press Association that represent another 27 publications we would be enthusiastically covering this proposed policy announcement across their websites.

Both Andrew Manuel from the CPA and I are available to meet with you at any initiative.

Yours

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Andrew Manuel President

Press Australia

sincerely Tony Kendall Managing Director Australian Community Media Tony.kendall@austcommunitymedia.com.au Encl.

Career best gives knockout start

CAROLYN McHugh hit a career best in taking out of the first round of Wedderburn Golf Club’s knockout championship on Saturday.

McHugh’s 91 saw her finish with 42 stableford, ahead of Graham Nesbit on 38 and Lance McNeil 36.

Nearest the pin was Jon Chandler on the 13th and with best second shot Glenda Bird.

BOORT

A modest field of seven played in the stroke event last weekend, which was run in conjunction with the annual Captain versus President team match play competition.

Despite hitting two shots out of bounds on the 16th and 17th holes, previous week winner Damien Lanyon turned in his best score ever with a remarkable 75 off the stick, giving him nett 64. This was eight shots clear of runner-up Kevin Linehan, with Andrew Kane picking up the last ball with his nett 74.

The nearest the pins were dominated by Kevin and Andrew, picking up two each.

In the Captain versus President competition, Kevin and Andrew were winners on the Captain’s side, with Damien the sole winner for the President.

Twenty-two players took part in the annual Digger’s Day event at Boort.

In the team ambrose competi-

tion, it was Gil and Stuart Tweddle, along with Dot Beattie, who walked away as winners after shooting 52 off the stick over 14 holes, resulting in a nett 44.1.

The runners-up on nett 45.9 were Sally and Wayne Keeble, together with Phil Baker and Scott Rollinson.

Claiming nearest the pin prizes were Di Johnston on the 1st , Phil Baker on the 9th and Craig Allison on the 15th .

The days raised $450 Legacy which was graciously accepted by Paul Haw.

INGLEWOOD

Another terrific day and lush fairways met Inglewood golfers for a stroke event.

David Vanston was hitting fairways and providing playing partners with timeless sporting anecdotes and good humour.

Rob Stranger hit a number of bombs with driver off the tee

including some serious distance into the stiffening afternoon breeze on the 5th.

The day, however, belonged to the consistency of the ever improving David Patterson with a 99-28-71.

David only started playing golf three years ago and is now breaking the ‘ton’ on a regular basis in weekly competition.

The course won the nearest the pin on the 9th.

Sunday competition tee times will be brought forward to midday from next week in line with the winter schedule.

Damien Lanyon (left) and Peter Eicher take to the Boort fairways. LH PHOTOS

SPORT

JUNIOR FOOTBALL DRAW

APRIL 15

Marong d East Loddon – Marong

APRIL 22

Inglewood d Bridgewater – Inglewood Pyramid Hill bye

APRIL 29

Marong 6.5 18.8 28.13 34.20 (224)

Pyramid Hill 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)

GOALS - Marong: Z. Justice 7, S. Taylor 4, K. McCaig, L. Hale, Z. Conroy 3, K. Terrill, F. Waters, F. Burkhalter, J. Hall, H. Bourke 2, H. Cruise.

BEST - H. Bourke, J. Hall, Z. Justice, K. McCaig, B. Rogers, S. Taylor. Pyramid Hill: B. Gibson, H. Goodes, L. Stubbs.

East Loddon 2.3 5.4 8.6 9.8 (62)

Inglewood 0.2 0.3 2.4 4.8 (32)

GOALS - East Loddon: F. Clymo, M. Hocking 2, M. Green, J. Diss, L. James, T. Rasmussen. Inglewood: L. Harris, E. McCoy, J. Luckman.

BEST - East Loddon: T. Rasmussen, C. Tuohey, T. Harcourt, N. Ramskill. Inglewood: W. Schepers, G. Nevins, J. Wendels, L. Harris, J. Sbrugnera, Z. Joyner.

Bridgewater bye

MAY 6

Inglewood v Marong – Inglewood

Pyramid Hill v Bridgewater – Pyramid Hill East Loddon bye

MAY 13

East Loddon v Pyramid Hill – Mitiamo

Bridgewater v Marong – Bridgewater

Inglewood bye

MAY 20

East Loddon v Bridgewater – Serpentine

Pyramid Hill v Inglewood – Maiden Gully

Marong bye

MAY 27

Bridgewater v Inglewood – Bridgewater

East Loddon v Marong – Calivil

Pyramid Hill bye

JUNE 3

Pyramid Hill v Marong – Pyramid Hill

Inglewood v East Loddon – Inglewood

Bridgewater bye

JUNE 10 – KING’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND BYE

JUNE 17

Bridgewater V Pyramid Hill – Bridgewater

Marong v Inglewood – Marong

East Loddon bye

JUNE 24

Bridgewater v Marong – Maiden Gully

Pyramid Hill v East Loddon – Pyramid Hill Inglewood bye

JULY 2 – QEO BENDIGO ROUND

Bridgewater v East Loddon

Pyramid Hill v Inglewood

Marong v TBC

JULY 8

East Loddon v Marong – Calivil

Inglewood v Bridgewater – Inglewood

Pyramid Hill bye

JULY 15

Bridewater v Pyramid Hill – Bridgewater

JULY 22

Marong v Inglewood – Serpentine

East Loddon bye

JULY 29

Pyramid Hill v Marong – Pyramid Hill

Inglewood v East Loddon – Inglewood

Bridgewater bye

AUGUST 5

Marong v Bridgewater – Marong

East Loddon v Pyramid Hill – Mitiamo

Inglewood bye

AUGUST 12 – GENERAL BYE

AUGUST 19

Inglewood v Pyramid Hill – TBC

Bridgewater v East Loddon – TBC

Marong bye

FINALS

Semi-finals – TBC

Preliminary final – September 2

Grand final – September 9

Ruckman Lewis Stubbs was among the best players for Pyramid Hill when the Bulldogs made their debut in the new Central Victoria under 18 competition on Saturday. The league has now been confirmed as a five-team affair in its inaugural season.

NORTH CENTRAL UNDER

17

Wedderburn 1.3 (9)

Donald 18.16 (124)

GOALS - Wedderburn: R. Whyman. Donald: N. Berry 5, B. Griffiths, G. Morgan 3, J. Donnellon, J. Lewis 2, G. Pearse, Z. Menhenett, L. Clark.

BEST - Wedderburn: T. Blair, B. Cunningham, W. Cunningham, N. Winslett. Donald: N. Berry, J. Donnellon, B. Griffiths, N. Hepworth.

Boort 16.14 (110)

Wycheproof N 2.2 (14)

GOALS - Not supplied.

Boort Bowls Club champions receive season trophies

BOORT Bowls Club has wrapped up its 20222023 season with the annual presentation dinner and presentation of tropies.

Ladies’ championship fours: Yvonne Cashen, Margaret Nelson, Gillian Tweddle, Dorothy Gibson (s),. Runners-up Joan Earl, Pam Gould, Tania Noles, Thelma Moresi (s)

Pairs: Pam Gould, Margaret Nelson (s). Runners-up Yvonne Cashen, Dorothy Gibson (s)

100-up singles: Thelma Moresi. Runner-up Pam Gould Singles: Gillian Tweddle. RunnerupThelma Moresi.

Men’s championship fours: John Nelson, Glenn Hudson, John Gibson, Shayne Morris (s). Runners-up Alan Gould, John Hampson, Peter Waters, Kevin Walton (s)

Triples: Ray Taylor, Tony Matley, Kevin De Piazza (s). Runners-up Joan Earl, Peter Wa-

ters, Shayne Morris (s). Pairs:Laurie Maxted, Shayne Morris (s). Runners-upKevin Walton, Kevin De Piazza (s). Handicap pairs: Tony Matley ,Laurie Maxted (s). Runners-up Alan Gould, Ken Birt (s) B Grade singles: Ray Taylor. Runner-up John Hampson. Handicap: John Gibson. Runner-up Shayne Morris. Championship: Shayne Morris. Runner-up - John Gibson.

BEST - Boort: M. Beattie, A. Chamberlain, R. Wagner, B. Whykes, B. Arnold. Wycheproof Narraport: L. Coles, S. Nicholls, H. Senior.

UNDER 14

Wedderburn 4.6 (30)

Donald 9.14 (68)

GOALS - Wedderburn: B. Cunningham 4. Donald: S. Mortlock, J. Lydom 2, L. Rice, J. Reilly, O. Brennan, C. Jones, B. Donnellon.

BEST - Wedderburn: B. Cunningham, T. Lovett, B. Treuel, N. Crees. Donald: B. Coleman-Young, B. Donnellon, J. Lydom, L. Rice.

Boort 20.10 (130)

Wycheproof N 3.4 (22)

GOALS - Not supplied.

BEST - Boort: T. Broad, A. Lee, C. McNally, D. Perryman, M. Young, Wycheproof Narraport: Not supplied.

LH PHOTO

Thelma Moresi

Gillian Tweddle Ray Taylor

John Gibson

Margaret Nelson and Pam Gould

Laurie Maxted and Shayne Morris

Biggest win puts premiers on top

WEDDERBURN has moved to top spot on the North Central ladder after a 30-goal victory over Donald.

Saturday’s win for the Redbacks, the reigning premiers, was their biggest this season after close tussles in the opening rounds.

Holly Lockhart was again named in the best players, continuing her strong influence on play while 2022 league best and fairest Aliza Lockhart was also among leading contributors.

Loddon rival Boort also continued its unbeaten start to the season with a nine-goal win over Wycheproof Narraport.

The Pies were challenged in the first half when the visiting Demons had an advantage on the scoreboard.

Goalkeeper Grace Hosking was named the best player as Boort put on 26 goals in the second half to the Demons’ 16.

NORTH CENTRAL

NETBALL | SPORT

Doggies play thrilling draw

PYRAMID Hill and Marong have played out a thrilling draw in Loddon Valley A Grade netball.

The Bulldogs were boosted with the return of former flag star and coach Gabby Kennedy.

Pyramid Hill had trailed at each change but powered home with 12 goals while holding the home team Panthers to just eight.

Meanwhile, Mitiamo bounced back after going down to Maiden Gully to record its second win of the season and be part of the three-way early season tussle with Bridgewater and Newbridge for a top five spot.

Calivil is also pushing for contention with a good percentage and winning its first game on Saturday.

LODDON VALLEY

13 AND UNDER

Mitiamo lost to Inglewood 5-44. Marong

6, 11, 11, 17, (17) lost to Pyramid Hill 5, 11, 22,

31, (31). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 0, 3, 4, 4, (4) lost to Calivil 12, 21, 33, 47, (47).

B

d Donald 48-45. Boort 19, 37, 58, 74, (74) d Wycheproof Narraport 3, 10, 13, 20, (20). St Arnaud 10, 22, 30, 37, (37)

15 AND UNDER

Mitiamo lost to Inglewood 19-48.

Marong 8, 14, 25, 37, (37) d Pyramid Hill

7, 14, 21, 32, (32). Bears Lagoon Serpentine

2, 7, 13, 18, (18) lost to Calivil 8, 14, 20, 28, (28).

17 AND

Bridgewater 12, 28, 38, 45,

HOCKEY

Eliza Perryman sends Boort into attack as the Pies scooted to 54-goal victory in the B Grade encounter. LH PHOTO

Under 12: Boort lost to Wycheproof Narraport 0-7. Birchip Watchem lost to Charlton 0-1. St Arnaud d Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 6-0. Wedderburn lost to Donald 0-1.

Under 15: Boort d Wycheproof Narraport 6-0. Birchip Watchem d Charlton 1-0. St Arnaud lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 0-3. Wedderburn lost to Donald 0-8.

Women: Boort lost to Wycheproof Narraport 3-4. Birchip Watchem lost to Charlton 1-8. St Arnaud d Sea Lake Nandaly 3-1. Wedderburn d Donald 4-1. Men: Boort d Wycheproof Narraport 6-3. Birchip Watchem lost to Charlton 1-5. St Arnaud d Sea Lake Nandaly 12-0.

Boort’s Lucy Malone in action on Saturday. LH PHOTO

SENIORS

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 11, D. Castellano, N. Rippon 4, N. Gordon 3, B. Christodoulou 2, C. Wilson, D. Hinkley, P. Sheahan, W. Marks. Charlton: A. Walklate, J. Cowling, M. Heenan, K. Clifford. BEST - Birchip Watchem: J. Builder, B. Edwards, N. Gordon, D. Hinkley, W. Marks, N. Rippon. Charlton: J. Carey, C. Gavaghan, M. Heenan, P. Soulsby, R. Thiesz, J. Thompson.

(61)

(82)

GOALS - Wedderburn: S. Barnes 4, T. Campbell 2, I. Holt, C. Lowry, J. McKay. Donald: S. Dunstan 7, D. Bell-Warren 2, J. Wall, R. McGough, W. Burke. BEST - Wedderburn: L. Brown, D. Jackson, J. Jones, J. Lockhart, C. Lowry, J. Rosengren. Donald: R. Barrack, W. Burke, S. Dunstan, R. Hards, C. Lynch, J. Wallin.

GOALS - St Arnaud: B. Durward. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 5, B. Mcinnes 4, M. Cahoon 2, M. Elliott, T. Cox, J. Summerhayes, C. Cox, L. Martin, W. Donnan, B. Delmenico.

BEST - St Arnaud: T. Bertalli, N. Birthisel, M. Birthisel, H. Durward, J. Hicks, J. Tillig. Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, T. Cox, T. Donnan, J. Jenkins, A. Mertz, R.

Improvers are equals

By CHRIS EARL

A CODY Green goal in the final seconds of Saturday’s North Central clash squared the scoreboard for Wycheproof Narraport at Boort on Saturday after four pressurecooker quarters.

The Pies had recovered from a 15-minute game plan lapse in the second term to have the edge over Wycheproof Narraport in the second half.

Only inaccurate kicking by Boort had sustained any sniff of victory for the Demons, finishing with five more scoring shots for the day.

Tom Potter, Jesse Muscatello and Brayden Aitken were among Boort’s best in the bustling opening term.

The Pies were feeding the ball with efficiency into the forward zone where Shane Biggs, the former Western Bulldogs AFL premiership having his first game in black and white, Frasier Holland and Sam Green were among options to score.

A late goal to Demon Justin Bateson and another wobbly loose kick from the pack brought up much-needed majors to

see the scoreboard belie on-field reality where Boort had dominated the term.

When Boort blocked the Demons’ corridor style of play, the Pies were in total control.

Boort’s pressure in the opening minutes of the second term had it constantly going forward but mis-kicks saw a heavy price paid.

Jed Bish, Spencer Allan and Matthew Beckmans were resolute in blocking the Pies until Potter slotted the ball down to Muscatello who took the contested mark and goaled from 15 metres out.

Both sides were good at scoring behinds

for the next 10 minutes until Boort, left flat-footed across the centre and in defence, had no one near the Demons’ Rick Allan who took the uncontested and goaled.

Green popped up again to slot one of two final goals in the term that put Wycheproof Narraport in front for the first time.

A deadly accurate seven-goal third quarter had all the momentum back with the Pies. Chisari, Davis and Muscatello continued to prove their worth in what would normally have been a match-winning term.

Up by 12 points going into the final quarter, both sides had fumbles and misses as pressure stepped up further.

Wycheproof Narraport came back hard on the scoreboard, Biggs put his new club up by six points only to see Green shoot an equaliser seconds from the siren - the league’s two big improvers of 2023 remain equals for now.

Boort this Saturday takes on Donald and goal-accuracy will be key to fortunes.

Quick start Blues fade under final term pressure

WEDDERBURN has been left ruing a slow start and inaccurate final term kicking after its North Central clash with Donald.

The Royal Blues, last season’s grand finalists, jumped into attack from the first bounce and had the scoreboard ticking over before the visiting Wedderburn scored.

Sam Dunstan up forward was a focal point and remained key to Donald’s for-

SENIORS

ward lunges all day, finishing with seven goals although quieter in the second half. Wedderburn defenders Brown and Jones were solid in the turnovers and would be among the Redbacks’ best while Darcy Jackson on a wing was also in the thick of play.

The suspension of Jordan Hargreaves saw veteran Adam Postle return to No 1 ruck duties and the Redbacks readjust to

IN FRONT OF GOAL

21 - (11) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

11 - (4) - Sam Barnes - Wedderburn

10 - (0) - Gedd Hommelhoff - Wycheproof N

10 - (7) - Sam

a different dynamic. Coach Sam Barnes was key down forward, kicking four majors, one from 50 metres out, and now sits second on the league goalkicking. Wedderburn was only three goals down at the final change. Donald was held to just 1.1 in the last term while the Redbacks kept pushing deep - an inaccurate 1.4 ruining any chance of victory. Wedderburn has the bye this weekend.

GOALS - Boort: F. Holland, J. Fitzpatrick, S. Biggs, J. Muscatello 2, S. Green, R. McGhie, J. Starr, J. Wilson. Wycheproof Narraport: C. Green 4, R. Allan, K. Hommelhoff 2, D. McLennan, J. Turner, K. McNicol, J. Bateson.

BEST - Boort: M. Chisari, A. Davis, J. Muscatello, J. Smith, J. Starr, K. Wilson. Wycheproof Narraport: S. Allan, K. Hommelhoff, D. Horbury, J. Kenny, D. McLennan, J. Walsh.

RESERVES

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: C. Goode 5, R. Doran 4, J. Goldsmith, D. Bertazzo, J. Boyle. Details incomplete. Charlton: J. Olive, N. Zagame.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: J. Boyle, T. Colbert, M. Finster, J. Goldsmith, C. Goode. Charlton: C. Boyle, L. Holmes-Brown, J. Olive, B. Sexton, D. Whykes,

GOALS - Boort: T. Rhook, P. O’Rourke, D. Hatcher, N. Gooding, W. Toose 2, C. Ross, E. Coleman, E. Lanyon Wycheproof Narraport: C. Duffy, Z. Cruse, R. Jones.

BEST - Boort: E. Coleman, D. Hatcher, C. Hatcher, J. Kerr, J. Mulquiny, J. Sheahan. Wycheproof Narraport: W. Allan, H. Connolly, M. Hall, R. Jones, S. Nicholls, T. Rumbold.

St Arnaud 0.2 0.6 0.6 0.6 (6)

Sea Lake N 8.3 11.8 15.15 20.19 (139)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: N. Wight 5, T. Mckenzie 4, D. Hickey 3, B. Poulton, D. Bailey, J. Clohesy 2, W. Conlan, C. Noonan.

BEST - St Arnaud: S. Elliott, J. Kell, R. Kirk, O. Lowe, Z. Notting, B. Williams. Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Conlan, D. Hickey, L. McClelland, T. McKenzie, B. Poulton, C. Roberts.

Wedderburn 1.0 5.0 6.0 6.1 (37)

Donald 4.3 6.7 10.11 11.15 (81)

GOALS - Wedderburn: G. Riley 5, K. Wright. Donald: B. Burke, N. Berry 3, J. Donnellon, E. Clapham, B. Griffiths, B. Dixon, M. Godkin.

BEST - Wedderburn: C. Hargreaves, D. Keuken, L.

Last, M. Lockhart, L. Price, G. Riley. Donald: N. Berry, H. Forrest, K. Green, B. Griffiths, R. Leeder, A. Schofield.

Welcome to the Nest: Pies coach Dale Cameron (left) and president Kane Arnold (right) with Shane Biggs in the rooms before Saturday’s game.LH PHOTO

Tom Potter puts in a blistering first term. LH PHOTO

Minute of fortune

BEARS Lagoon Serpentine recruit Orion Downing‘s blistering minute in front of goal turned likely defeat into victory in Saturday’s Loddon Valley league match against winless Calivil.

Two quick-succession goals from the former Huntly player put Serpentine up by 12 points mid-way through the last term after trailing by eight points at the final break.

A behind off the boot of Andrew Gladman and another snap for goal by James Bailey from a desperate passage of play 20 metres out saw the Bears extend their lead to 20 points.,

But Calivil was not done as it looked to regain scoreboard dominance it had enjoyed in the first term booting 4.3 to a wildly inaccurate home side’s 1.6.

Ben Baker, who would be named Calivil’s best, went in for the hard ball, received a free in front of sticks and goaled.

Big man Thomas Piazza won a free quick in the centre, maximised a 50-metre people and also kicked straight.

But time was ticking and the siren sounded, Calivil falling short by seven points in its most impressive showing yet of the season and against Bears Lagoon Serpentine, rated the competition’s most improved team of 2023.

Inglewood punished Mitiamo with a 123-point win over Mitiamo and celebrating a bag for Charlie McGaw who was the standout for goals in Saturday’s round.

Only three goals separated the two sides after the first break but that’s when Inglewood upped the intensity and booted 9.4 while keeping the home side to just two behinds.

A less accurate 6.5 in the third term put the result beyond doubt with final quarter accuracy a concern - Inglewood put through 10 behinds.

Dorevitch, Angelino, Kennedy and of course McGaw were in the best for the Blues who continued growing confidence after knocking off Bridgewater and recorded their first win over Mitiamo in almost a decade.

A six-goal second term saw Marong break clear of Pyramid Hill and go onto to record a 42-point victory at Malone Park.

The Panthers had nine goal scorers in what was a torrid day for Bulldog defenders.

Steve Gunther was named best for the Dogs.

Draw works against improving Demons

THE solid showing of Calivil last Saturday would normally say to watch the Demons step up a notch in the following round.

But when the opponent will be rampaging reigning premiers Marong, the Demons will need to lift six notches to beat the side weekly boasting options to goal and in front of sticks.

Anthony Dennis’ improving outfit can probably match Marong for the first quarter this weekend.

Their challenge will be to hold not only gun forward turned acting ruckman

SENIORS

25 - (4) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater

18 - (3) - Brandyn Grenfell - Marong

15 - (10) - Charlie McGaw - Inglewood

14 - (4) - Andrew Gladman - BL Serpentine

13 - (2) - Kain Robins - Marong

13 - (2) - Matthew Riordan - Marong

11 - (3) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

11 - (2) - Justin Laird - BL Serpentine

10 - (1) - Keelan Payne - Inglewood

SENIORS

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Draper, A. Gladman 4, J. Bailey, J. Laird, O. Downing 2, D. Poulter. Calivil: B. Baker 6, A. Dennis, C. Thompson 2, C. Anderson, B. Masson, T. Piazza, L. Mangan. BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Bailey, C. Draper, C. Gadsden, A. Gladman, A. Lewin, J. Taig. Calivil: B. Baker, A. Dennis, J. Hynes, J. Lawry, C.

GOALS - Mitiamo: A. Cussen 3, B. Baines 2, H. Danziger, J. Rasmussen. Inglewood: C. McGaw 10, S. Dorevitch, F. Payne 3, J. Lovett 2, J. Leach, N. Angelino, B. Cotchett, K. Payne, T. Kendal, D. Polack.

BEST - Mitiamo: B. Baines, A. Cussen, L. Lougoon, Z. Morrison, D. Proud, R. Turner. Inglewood: N. Angelino, S. Dorevitch, T. Kennedy, C. McGaw, F. Payne, C. Wright.

(124)

Hill 4.0 5.3 9.3 13.4 (82)

GOALS - Marong: B. Grenfell, R. Taylor, N. Devanny 3, K. Robins, C. Gregg, M. Riordan 2, J. McCaig, K. Manley, R. Tibbett. Pyramid Hill: B. George, J. Woodward 3, Z. Alford, W. Perryman, T. Brennan 2, S. Mann.

BEST - Marong: L. Frankel, B. Grenfell, L. Lee, N. McCaig, R. Taylor, R. Tibbett. Pyramid Hill: S. Gunther, T. Hetherington, G. James, S. Mann, D. Morison, D. Slingo.

(96)

8.2 (50)

GOALS - Bridgewater: J. Martyn 4, N. Naughton, B. Irvine 3, T. Estrada, D. Wood, J. Ellings, E. Pavlich. Newbridge: A. Fortune 4, M. Van Poppel, C. Argus, M. Giri, C. Van Aken.

BEST - Bridgewater: J. Ellings, C. Hindle, N. Naughton, E. Pavlich, J. Symons, D. Wood. Newbridge: C. Argus, W. Copland, A. Fortune, D. Lloyd, A. Moore, D. Stevens.

Brayden Grenfell but also the bevy of supporting acts dotted around the ground for the Panthers.

‘If success is to be measured on Saturday, level of containment will be a good yardstick for the Demons.

Pyramid Hill should bounce back a winner when hosting Bridgewater at Mitchell Park.

The Bulldogs are one of the top three sides in the competition and keen to avenge last year’s preliminary final loss at the hands of Bridgewater. The Mean

RESERVES

12 - (3) - Jonty Davis - Marong

9 - (5) - Clay Anstee - BL Serpentine 9 - (1) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill 9 - (0) - Bradley Matthews - Marong 8 - (3) - Joel Pianto - Mitiamo Reserves 8 - (1) - Mitchell Dingwall - Pyramid Hill 7 - (4) - Owen Friswell - Newbridge

7 - (2) - Reece Gretgrix - Marong

Machine is still a work in progress this season and will still be without Harry McKinley, injured with a bruised heart a fortnight ago against Inglewood. Inglewood will be chasing a third straight win when up against Maiden Gully. The Blues can expect some close-check play from the Eagles.

And Newbridge hosts Mitiamo in a clash of two sides yet to show consistent form. The match will be played at Mitiamo as Newbridge ground repairs continue after last year’s floods.

GOALS - Bridgewater: J. Roberts 2. Newbridge: O. Friswell 4, C. Dixon 3, M. Shearman, C. Grant, S. Brynhildsen, B. Butler, J. O’Neill, D. Whan, N. Gray.

- Bridgewater: J. Green, J. Higgins, A. O’Connor-Stubbs, J. Roberts, J. Spiller, J. Wild. Newbridge: O. Friswell, O. Gordon, C. Grant, R. Hipworth, J. O’Neill, D. Whan.

GOALS - Mitiamo: J. Pianto 3, C. Milne, G. West 2, R. Varcoe, K. Galvin, A. McKean, A. White. Inglewood: Z. Schmidt 2, C. Bannister, S. Hare, S. Morgan.

BEST - Mitiamo: K. Galvin, A. McKean, C. Milne, J. Pianto, R. Varcoe, C. Williams. Inglewood: L. Field, C. MacKinnon, C. Maher, J. Sleep, T. Stevenson. Marong 2.4 5.7 10.8 13.13 (91) Pyramid Hill 3.1 3.4 4.5 4.8 (32)

GOALS - Marong: A. Collins, T. Thach, J. Davis 3, R. Gretgrix 2, T. Grant. Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall, P. Monaghan, R. Pollock, T. Walker.

BEST - Marong: J. Davis, T. Grant, J. Gretgrix, B. Stewart, T. Thach, C. Williamson. Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall, M. Moon, B. Moon, G. Quinn, T. Walker. BL Serpentine 2.3 6.8 9.10 13.13 (91) Calivil 1.1 1.1 1.3 2.3 (15)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Anstee 5, M. Hancock 3, T. Strauch, K. Paxton, C. Davies, J. Gladman, C. O’Shannessy. Calivil: J. Wakefield, T. Wakefield.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: O. Amy, C. Anstee, C. Davies, M. Hancock, Z. Hollis, C. O’Shannessy. Calivil: B. Columbus, J. Demeo, C. Henson, T. Rial, N. Vine, J. Wakefield.

v Mitiamo Inglewood v Maiden Gully Calivil v Marong Bears Lagoon Serpentine bye

Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Anthony Lewin (above) and Callum Draper (below) make play in the frenetic final quarter against Calivil on Saturday.

LH PHOTOS

HERALD sport

Thursday

BUSTLING BIGGS

BULLDOG FLAG STAR MAKES BOORT DEBUT

SHANE Biggs has given opponents and supporters more than a few glimpses of what could come for Boort in the 2023 North Central football season.

The Western Bulldogs premiership star debuted in Black and White on Saturday in the drawn match against Wycheproof Narraport.

Biggs, one of the big recruits to Boort Park under new coach Dale Cameron, spent the day in a forward pocket.

It was the 63-game AFL players first trot on the track since a hip injury when lining up for top suburban side North Heildelberg in 2019.

Cameron said Boort had recruited a fine football thinker who made his presence felt and would contribute to the side’s evolution.

His two goals on Saturday gave a glimpse of that. Five frustrating behinds a symptom of being off the ground for more than three years.

But is was one passage of play that showed the one-time AFL

By CHRIS EARL

star is in Boort as a team player. Mid-way through the second, Biggs was headed to collect the ball around half forward.

Peripheral vision kicked in - a teammate with better position and momentum was spotted, Biggs used his body beautifully to back a Wycheproof Narraport opponent out and Boort continued to push forward.

That smart play went unnoticed by the vocal Wycheproof Narraport support crew keeping tally of Biggs’ behinds.

But less than an hour into the game, Boort and Biggs were showing they have capacity toi deliver on the evolutionary game plan being cultivated by Cameron.

Biggs said he was glad to be back in the footy action.

And while Boort rues a lost chance at four points, Saturday’s draw two points could be handy in a tight race for the final four that is already on the cards.

REPORT, SCOREBOARDS

- PAGE 26

Rebirth of Pups lifts energy at Mitchell Park

PYRAMID Hill’s return to junior football ranks has brought new engagement and enthusiasm to the kennel at Mitchell Park on training nights.

The under 18 side, the first from Pyramid Hill since winning a Loddon Valley flag in 2019, made its debut under coach Bryden Morrison on Saturday, cheered on

by club officials and players from senior and reserve ranks.

Heading towards the half-time huddle in the Pups’ match against Marong, a delighted president Bruce Moon paid credit for the efforts of Morrison in recruiting players to field a team in the new AFL Central Victoria competition.

Moon said having juniors back at Mitchell Park had also lifted spirit and engagement at post-training night functions.

While defeated on Saturday, the Pups played with spirit for four quarters against the more experience and taller reigning premiers Marong who lent two players to Pyramid Hill for the match.

Pyramid Hill junior Xavier Emmerson

Shane Biggs makes an early impression wearing the black and white of Boort. LH PHOTO