Loddon Herald 6 June 2024

HAY worth up to $500,000 has been destroyed in a weekend fire days before it was to hit the export market.

More than 1400 bales of export oaten way burst into flames Saturday morning at Yarrayne, 10km south of Serpentine.

Another 220 bales of vetch hay already sold to the domestic market were also destroyed.

Intensity of the fire blew out panels on Steve Brown’s shed and wiped out his 2023 hay yield.

“More or less the whole lot (gone),” he said.

Fire brigades from Serpentine and Bridgewater were among the first to respond when the fire was reported about 6.30am.

They received another three calls to the property until Monday when signs were erected on the Loddon Valley Highway telling motorists the fire was under control.

Mr Brown and CFA volunteers expect the hay will burn for at least another fortnight.

He said the hay had been cut last October and baled the next

month “We had the export hay ready to go to Hay Australia at Bridgewater on Monday,” Mr Brown said.

“The shed was near enough at capacity ... only 120 bales had been taken out before Saturday.”

Mr Brown said checks of the bales last week had shown correct storage temperatures in the hay. The baling had been done correctly and I’m at a bit of a loss to explain how it happened,” he said.

“I can only assume there has been water egress somewhere for this to happen. There was self-combustion but we have not been able to work out the water source.

“And security footage shows there was no one at the property in the days leading up to Saturday morning.”

Mr Brown said: “Things are bad but could be worse.”

CFA volunteers said reports to 000 of the hayshed fire had continued to be logged as new incidents on Monday. A roadside information sign that had been at Bridgewater was then shifted to the Loddon Valley Highway.

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Push-ups for mental health

BOORT District School captains are leading the push for mental health awareness and community fitness this month.

Lucy Malone,. Eliza Perryman and Eddie Moresi yesterday launched Boort’s participation in the national Push-Up Challenge.

They used a lunchtime sausage sizzle to start the challenge that runs until June 28 that saw all students completing their first push-ups.

“This is a cause which we have

taken on to promote mental and physical well being in the school and wider community, said Lucy.

She said participants were being asked to complete 3249 pushups or alternative exercises over 24 days.

Each push-up will represent the 3249 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022. The Push-Up Challenge is Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event.

“Each year, hundreds of thousands of Australians take up the

challenge to complete a set number of push-ups that represent the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in the most recent year of available data,” Lucy said.

Since 2017, the Push-Up Challenge has raised more than $40 million for mental health programs and services and engaged more than 500,000 people to push for better mental health.

Lifeline and Movember are among charities supported by the challenge.

Important areas

PARTS of the former Bet Bet Shire and Rural City of Marong had been important to the economy of the Loddon Shire, former Tarnagulla Ward councillor Geoff Curnow told the Loddon Herald. “These areas with their industrial and agricultural businesses have contributed millions of dollars to the Loddon Shire over the 30 years of its existence,” he said. Our report last week about early discussions on celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Loddon next year omitted these two former council areas making up the shire. Thanks Geoff for correcting the error.

Crop outlook

AUSTRALIA’S farmers are expected to plant 23.55 million hectares to winter crops this year – up more than three per cent on 2023 – despite a mixed start to the season across the country, Rabobank says in its 2024-2025 Australian Winter Crop Outlook.

Acting principal

ERIN Sapountzis is acting principal at Tarnagulla Primary School for the remainder of term two. Principal Leigh Melberg will be on long service leave and visiting communities in Arnhem Land. Mysia burn

DJARRA started a 11.38-hectare cultural burn 3.5km south-west of Mysia on Monday.

Alex Cockerell, Lucy Malone and Kaitlin Broad start the Pushup Challenge in Boort yesterday

Journey of partnerships

By CHRIS EARL

COMPLETION of Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park community hub has been hailed as result of partnerships between community, council and government.

Loddon Shire CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald said at Saturday’s official opening: “It has been a journey of partnerships to make this happen.”

Mayor and chairman of the Donaldson Park committee Gavan Holt told community and government representatives the opening marked a grand day for the shire.

“This demonstrates what can be achieved when a community works together,” Cr Holt said.

“We started with half a million dollars from the shire in seed funding and went from there.”

Cr Holt said funding from successive federal governments and the State Government had helped the community to achieve its vision.

“There was so much co-operation in our community to produce what we have here and it’s very special. Here is a great facility to use.

Cr Holt said local organisations based at Donaldson Park would continue to make a tremendous contribution to the community.

There was also praise from Cr Holt for members of the project steering committee for their many hours of work from initial discussions through to completion and for council staff who had been part of the journey.

opening with footballers, netballers and hockey players among the large crowd in front of the new hub to see Cr Holt and Ms Haylett cut the ribbon.

Former shire councillors Frank Maher, Geoff Curnow and Colleen Condliffe were among guests, recognising their contribution to the journey of more than a decade to upgrade Donaldson Park.

Guests, including Inglewood and Districts Community Bank chairman Linda Younghusband and bank manager Michael Prowse, later toured the new facilities while footballers and netballers played out thrilling draws in their North Central league encounters with Birchip Watchem.

The matches at Wedderburn were the first for the season after final tests of fire services to the building fell short of requirements despite design and construction meeting regulations.

Home games were swapped while Loddon Shire quickly put additional features into fire pump capacity.

More than 200 returned to the new Donaldson Park facility in the evening for a cocktail party organised by Wedderburn Redbacks.

Road works

THE Bendigo-Pyramid Road between Raywood and Dingee is expected to be closed for two weeks from Tuesday when upgrade works start. Detours will be put in place by the Department of Transport. The works are expected to be completed within two months..

Winter break

THE Inglewood monthly market will take a two-month break over winter. Organised by the Lions club, the market will resume on the second Saturday in August.

Little library

BOORT District Health has opened a little library book exchange at its Spanner Cafe. The library aims to promote reading, sharing, and community spirit.

Shed grant

VICTORIAN Men’s Shed Association has received a $100,000 grant from the State Government to increase engagement between sheds - boosting the sharing of knowledge and resources between men’s sheds, to improve their work to support local communities.

She said communities, no matter where they were, deserved good facilities.

Ms Haylett said Donaldson Park was one of several exciting projects in Wedderburn.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett also praised the community for its team effort.

Others underway include a $12.9 million upgrade at Wedderburn College, a child care centre to open for the start of the 2026 school year and recent Budget funding for pedestrian crossing lights in High Street after a community campaign last year.

Players were joined by former members and officials and community leaders for the celebration.

Cr Holt had earlier said that investment in community facilities across the shire were part of the strategy to improve liveability in local towns.

Sporting matches were timed to start after Saturday’s official

We’re doomed under green target policy, says Webster

ALMOST 30,000 kilometres of new transmission poles and wires would need be erected across prime agricultural land and pristine bushland by 2050 under green energy targets, Mallee MP Anne Webster.

In a a speech due to be made in Federal Parliament, the local MP said the Government’s green energy targets were doomed.

“As we have seen in Mallee with the 400km VNI West transmission line and wind turbine proposals, State Labor claim to have green credentials but have been ignoring local concerns about the impacts on native species,” she said.

“Victorian Labor will do untold damage, racing from a current 37 per cent of energy from turbines and panels to their political target of 95 per cent in just 11 years. To be thoroughly clear, there is no social licence from farmers and farming communities for this abuse.

“I return to that great irony, more Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation referrals for renewables projects than mining.

“Are the Greens chaining themselves to farm gates, urging that we ‘lock the gate’ against wind turbines and the blanketing of pristine bushland with solar panels and transmission lines? No. They are too busy raging against Israel.

“The farmers in electorates like mine in Mallee are locking their gates and protesting outside parliaments,”

“My concern in my electorate of Mallee and for regional Victoria is that Labor’s push for radical renewable energy targets will see it look to onshore wind to meet those targets and for some reason, Labor are happy to run roughshod over environmental and agricultural land far more so than they are at sea.”

Man will face charge after concrete and gravel dump at city protest

POLICE will charge a Wedderburn man after a pro-Palestinian rally in Melbourne on Sunday.

They said the 65-year-old truck driver would be charged on summons after debris including concrete and gravel was dumped at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

More than 3000 took part in Sunday’s demonstration.

Police said: “A banner has been removed from the top of Flinders Street station which was placed there by an unknown protester who scaled the building.

“Around three flares were set off in the vicinity of Flinders Street and one outside Parliament house.

“Protesters blocked multiple intersections throughout the day and were directed to move on.

“Two people were observed climbing a tram stop near Parliament and a police vehicle was damaged with stickers outside Melbourne East police station.”

Police condemned the behaviour displayed and the misguided behaviour of some protestors that “seemingly had no other motivation other than to cause disruption”.

“As a matter of course, police will review any vision or CCTV from the day. Our top priority was keeping the peace to ensure the event did not impact the safety of the broader community,” police said.

“These investments are about our future,” he said.

Deadline

ADVERTISING bookings for next week’s Loddon Herald remained unchanged for the King’s Birthday weekend. Display advertising bookings close at 4pm tomorrow.

Loddon Mayor Gavan Holt and Ripon MP Martha Haylett officially open the Donaldson Park complex. LH PHOTO

Values students understand

STUDENTS at Inglewood Primary School have unveiled a new logo capturing values understood by students.

Junior school council members led the initiative that has seen “be kind” take the place of respect on the logo, “hard work” replacing achievement and “grow together” instead of community.

Students said the new value words were better understood by younger pupils. They said students had voted to change the value words before they took their presentation to the school council for approval.

Key student leaders Thane Bull, Rhiannon Murphy, Natalie

Smith and Jayden Smith then began sketching out ideas for a new logo that includes the names of school houses Koorooya, Loddon and Eucalyptus.

Teacher Morgan Ferguson took student drawings and digi-

tally transformed them into the new logo that was unveiled last week.

Morgan’s finished artwork is already on school posters and will soon be used used school and classroom welcome mats.

Principal Lex Johnstone said: “These values are what our children believe encompass qualities of being a great human being. They chose language they could understand and implement in their everyday lives both in school and out in our community.”

The school has also launched a survey asking what each of the school values should look like when students are in public.

Kick off the King’s weekend with local wine loyal toast

CHARGE your glasses! The King’s Birthday long weekend will kick off with loyal local toasts tomorrow.

Inglewood IGA is teaming with Loddon wineries to showcase top local drops to locals and visitors to the region.

IGA’s Peter Moore said wineries including Black Wallaby, Water Wheel, Passing Clouds and Old Kingower would be part of the tasting afternoon between 2pm and 6pm.

“The long weekend brings many visitors to the region, some to stay and others on their way to destinations further north or south,” Mr Moore said.

“With so many people in the region this weekend, we wanted to promote the great wineries around Inglewood and Bridgewater, introducing their award-

winning releases to locals and visitors.

“The tasting afternoon is also a way of encouraging people to visit the wineries over the long weekend and discover more of the area.”

Accommodation bookings are again strong for the weekend in Loddon communities.

Large numbers are also expected to camp at riverside grounds at Newbridge and Laanecoorie.

Police will also have a strong presence on highways and roads across the region as part of Operation Regal across Victoria this weekend.

Highway patrol police have increased their presence in the past fortnight with breath testing stations in Bridgewater, Inglewood and Wedderburn during the week and at weekends.

Broad pushes sheep cover at regional saleyards

A LONG-AWAITED roof for the Bendigo Livestock Exchange must be prioritised by the State Government to ensure appropriate shelter for both animals and employees.

Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad raised the issue in Parliament, after visiting the saleyards and speaking with farmers, agents and staff.

“More than 20,000 sheep and lambs are sold there every week,” Ms Broad said.

“Central Victoria experiences very hot weather in summer and icy conditions in winter.

“Bendigo is the last of regional Victoria’s key saleyards to be without a main roof structure. Producers and agents have been waiting years for action.

“As we look to grow renewable energy in the regions, this project also provides a great opportunity for solar power generation by installing panels on the roof and to harvest water.”

Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

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Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder

Thane Bull, Rhiannon Murphy, Natalie Smith and Jayden Smith with their no logo. LH PHOTO

A year on, couple waits for dog attack answers

CONFRONTING scenes of sheep laying still and lifeless after an alleged dog attack triggered emotional memories for Rachel Taylor and Dave Wilkinson last Friday.

The Inglewood couple is still traumatised by the loss of 23 dorper sheep at the Wet Lane paddock where the animals had been grazing.

Rachel and Dave said they received phone calls from family and friends on May 31, 2023 telling of the attack.

“We arrived to find total devastation ... dead and dying sheep and dead dogs,” they said.

Rachael and Dave said the boxer or boxer-cross dogs had been shot when they returned to pick over the bodies of the sheep.

“We have had sheep for 14 years. only a small flock and more pets like for us. Only a fortnight before had taken the older sheep to our home, 60 of them,” they said.

The couple ran the sheep for

meat and to supplement the income from their four jobs.

But last Friday, they were again distraught. Still waiting for word on whether the dog owners had paid a Loddon Shire fine or been prosecuted.

Rachael and Dave said the one-year value of sheep killed in the alleged attack was $8000 and they were yet to pay a local contractor $600 for digging a pit where the sheep were buried at Wet Lane.

“The contractor has been very understanding and knows we are waiting on an outcome of the matter,” Rachael said.

Rachael and Dave said they had been in regular contact with Loddon Shire for progress reports on the case.

“We feel like we are at the bottom of the pile and everything has gone stagnant,” Dave said.

Rachael said: “Dave and I always stated we were willing to negotiate as accidents happen.

“After council communicated

to us weekly with phone calls and emails, it dropped off pretty quickly to monthly emails and only after I had emailed them.

“The sheep we lost in the attack had been the product of 14 years of breeding.

“We had vaccinated, wormed, tagged, fed and hand raised some of them. We only had a small flock which may seem unimportant to some but they were important to us. They provided income, future and past, food for our family and they should have been safe and there should be repercussions when they weren’t.

“I still cry often, have nightmares, guilt and anxiety over what could have been done differently, the horror of their last few hours. There is mental stress and anxiety for all that were there that day. I’m still scared to put stock back on that property even though it was one bad thing in 18 years.”

Loddon Shire said fines had been issued to the dog owner.

More police but town station still vacant

MORE police will be stationed in the Loddon within months after a Victoria Police review found the area was under strength.

However, while two new offices will be stationed at Inglewood the wait will continue for the vacant Pyramid Hill position to be filled.

Maryborough and Loddon’s Senior Sergeant Wendy Lambert said positions at Inglewood station had been advertised in the the police gazette.

Senior Sergeant Lambert said appointments at 16-hour and eight-hour stations - all five stations in the Loddon Shire - were only able to be filled by experienced officers.

Maryborough is a 24-hour station that can fill positions with academy graduuates.

She said both Inglewood and Maryborough had been identified for more officers in enterprise bargaining negotiations four years ago.

Applicants for the new Inglewood positions were to be interviewed this week.

Senior Sergeant Lambert said Victoria Police understood community disappointment that the vacancy had not been filled in Pyramid Hill.

She said Pyramid Hill had been identified as a critical station and that assessment had been given to police executive command. Earlier this year, Victoria Police it was in the process of advertising the position at Pyramid Hill. It has yet to appear in the police gazette. Boort also remains without a permanent police officer.

Senior Sergeant Lambert said the increase in police stationed in the Loddon Shire would assist in providing coverage of all communities while some vacancies were filled.

Highway patrol and other police branches continued to have a regular presence on Loddon roads and in local communities, she said.

The allocation of more police in the Loddon Shire comes as the latest round of enterprise bargaining for Victoria Police was resolved last week.

Nine-hour shifts and nine-day fortnights will be phased in by 2029.

Victoria Police said it would begin with eight-hour, 20-minute shifts from April 1 followed by the introduction of eight-hour, 34-minute shifts from October 2026 and nine-hour shifts no earlier January 2029.

‘Complex fault’ plays havoc with fixed phone lines

POOR landline connections in northern Loddon districts last week have been put down to a “complex fault” in Bendigo.

Residents from Boort to Pyramid Hill and Serpentine struggled for connection for up to three days.

A Telstra spokesperson said:

“Fixed line services connected to the Bendigo exchange experienced a complex fault last week which was resolved on Thursday night.

“A separate power issue that affected some mobile, nbn and landline phone services in the Loddon region on Friday night has also been fixed, with all services progressively restored by early Saturday morning,” the spokesperson said.

“We are continuing to monitor and if any customers are still experiencing issues please contact us.”

The latest issues with connectivity in the Loddon Shire come

as the triennial regional telecommunications review starts, Federal Parliament’s review committee chair Alannah MacTiernan said: “Access to reliable telecommunication is increasingly important for regional Australians – it is essential for keeping connected with family and friends as well as for business and access to health and education services.

“We need to hear your stories about what is working and what is not. While we will be travelling to dozens of sample communities across the country, we want to provide an opportunity for every regional Australian to have their say. The online survey is an easy way you can participate.”

Previous review’s have seen a number of major initiatives announced including the mobile black spot program and the national audit of mobile coverage.

The survey at www.infrastructure.gov.au runs until July 31.

Rachael Taylor and Dave Wilkinson at their Wet Lane property a year after alleged dog attacks. LH PHOTO

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Parker wants rules to respect community

GOOD rules that look after communities in renewable energy zones would be needed across Victoria, according to VicGrid chief executive officer Alistair Parker.

Mr Parker said there would be a decade of work for VicGrid in developing the zones and community benefits.

Loddon Shire is in the Murray zone with permits already in place for solar farms at Derby and Campbells Forest.

Work has not started on either site after initial timetables of connecting to the grid by this year were not met.

AUSNET has received ministerial planning approval to build a renewable energy transfer station at Campbells Forest.

Mr Parker, who was in country Victoria last week for consultations on VicGrid’s draft REZ community benefits plan, told the Loddon Herald that the he was anxious the fund had rules “to look after the community”.

He said not all plans for renewable energy projects would proceed.

“There will be a limit,” he said. “There is not going to be enough capacity for every proponent to proceed.”

The controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project would be picked up in VicGrid arrangements and the community benefit fund.

However, Mr Parker did not believe existing solar farms would be included in the fund.

Mr Parker said the fund would be used for locally-selected energy projects to help supply reliability and cost.

According to the Government, possible projects would be community microgrids, network upgrades or bulk purchases of solar panels or heat pumps

VicGrid was also preparing land evaluation guides to use by valuers when assessing compensation for energy projects, including consideration of diluted

land values. Mr Parker said the biggest challenge in rolling out renewable energy infrastructure was to have empathy and sympathy with landowners.

“People will be worried about ... it’s confronting,” he said.

Mr Parker said engagement with Gippsland landowners on wind farm plans had proceeded public release of projects. Australia Energy Market Operation was criticised for engaging with owners after releasing plans.

Mr Parker expects his final report on the community benefit fund will be with the State Gov-

Duck season brings influx of customers

THE duck hunting season had again given Boort an economic boost, said veteran retailer George Tallis.

Mr Tallis said the season, that ended yesterday, had brought people to the district and benefits to local shops.

“Things certainly busy-up for us during the season but it is ridiculous that the season now starts mid-week and having half the lakes around here closed at different times of the season,” Mr Tallis said.

“We have a lot of customers who come in for extra camping gear or other provisions.”

But Mr Tallis said the vital influx of shooters had declined in his 50 years running the town’s hardware shop.

“I’ve owned this store since 1972 ... before that the cafe. I can remember convoys of shooters and I don’t see that like I used to,” he said.

“They (government) are destroying opportunities for small business in the country.

“I totally agree with regulations for safety but not some of the other changes.”

Lake Boort was closed to duck hunters just days before the season opened in April and re-opened for the last fortnight when the Game Management Authority said a colony of protected bats had left the lake. Some adjoining lakes remained open all season.

Mr Tallis said duck hunting season gave people a reason to visit Boort.

“We still get a lot of customers,” he said.

At last week’s Loddon Shire Council meeting, ward councillor Neil Beattie said the season had again been “good for Boort”.

Loddon Shire urged a State Government inquiry last year to retain duck shooting for its economic benefits to the region and community wellbeing.

While the inquiry recommended an end to duck shooting, the Government said future seasons would be allowed.

However, there will be changes, including:

„ Improving hunters’ knowledge and skill by making education and training for hunters mandatory.

„ Implementing the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan, to reduce the risk of wounding.

„ Banning the use of lead shot for quail hunting.

„ Stricter compliance levels, including further penalties for hunters breaking the rules.

„ Greater recognition of Traditional Owners’ knowledge of hunting and land management.

The 2024 eight-week season officially finished 30 minutes after sunset yesterday.

SEASONAL OUTLOOK PRESENTATION

The Draft Fair Access Policy and Action Plan is currently out for community feedback.

The draft policy and action plan aims to tackle barriers faced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports infrastructure. It applies to community sports infrastructure owned and managed by the Council.

Submissions can be made in writing to the Chief Executive O cer, Loddon Shire Council PO Box 21, Wedderburn 3518 or via email to loddon@loddon. vic.gov.au

Submissions close at 5pm, Tuesday 11 June 2024.

You can access the Fair Access Policy and Action Plan https://www.loddon. vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Documentsfor-public-comment

Alistair Parker

Culvert fix call at key floodway

A

KORONG Vale resident wants constant maintenance to give way to a culvert on a key road.

Emma Koch said bitumen on the Inglewood-Korong Vale Road floodway near Corbys Lane “washes away every time it rains”.

“There’s big pot holes there all the time and if there is water across the road, you have no idea there are pot holes,” she said.

“Instead of spending money all the time, put in a culvert and make the road safe.

“This is a vital road connecting Korong Vale and Inglewood, a vital link through to the Calder Highway.

“When it floods there’s issues for elderly residents and also emergency vehicles.”

Protest signs have been put on the Chamberlains Road bridge, Inglewood that was suddenly closed last week.

Ms Koch said she had raised concerns with Loddon Shire and called for construction of a culvert.

“They told me there were no immediate plans for a culvert,” she said.

“We need our roads fixed. Why should I be paying rates?”

Ms Koch said damage to the road surface remained from the summer storms that hit parts of Korong Vale, Wedderburn Junction and Wedderburn three times in 10 days.

Loddon Shire has also been battling State Government red tape to access recovery funding for the October 2022 floods.

Operations director Steve Phillips last year said multiple layers of approval meant flood recovery projects could not start until all levels had given the tick to council applications.

Several projects submitted by the council have been rejected by government assessors.

Second bridge out of action

DERBY-SERPENTINE Road has been closed within hours of barriers being put in the Chamberlains Rd Bridge on the outskirts of Inglewood.

Bridge damage at Spring Creek has seen Loddon Shire close the road between White’s Road and the Calder Highway.

Captain of the Bridgewater Fire Brigade Tim Ferguson said closure would add at least 15 minutes to response times of emergency services.

Mr Ferguson said the brigade would back any efforts by council to secure funding for repairs on the bridge.

“We have previously written letters of support for council applications for government grants and would be pleased to do so again.”

Fire brigades last week said they had not been told of the Chamberlains Road bridge closure that would extend future response times.

Get ready to say goodbye to 3G.

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

Unsure if your mobile phone will be affected?

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

We’re always here to help.

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

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea brought communities together last month. Among organisers of the Pyramid Hill event were (above) Kim Bennett and Leanne Talbot. The Wedderburn event was attended by new Inglewood and Districts Health Service health promotion officer Aileen Lakey and Tara Whelan.

Emma Koch and Zansof

Thanks worth the wait Workforce expo in pipeline

COMMUNITY volunteers who helped recovery and rebuilding after floods have been recognised with the unveiling of a plaque at Newbridge.

Newbridge Recreation Reserve committee had hoped to hold the function after the 10th anniversary of the 2011 floods.

COVID scuppered original plans and the unveiling was again put on hold after the Oc-

tober 2022 flood, the town’s second one-in-100 year flood in a decade.

Committee president Doug Curnow on Saturday highlighted the work of Ron Trimble, Dean Gordon and Roger Terrill in leading rebuilding efforts at the reserve after the 2011 floods.

Mr Curnow said the trio had put in much time and effort in over 18 months to get the facili-

ties up and running “for the user groups to be able to access the wonderful facilities that we have at the present day”.

Rebuilding had been a huge effort by all community volunteers who assisted in many and varied ways but the three deserved further recognition.

Mr Trimble acted as project manager, Mr Gordon financial manager and Mr Terrill had

charge of outbuildings continuing improvements.

Mr Curnow also presented them with replica plaques.

Ken O’Shea, who initiated the suggestion that the three needed to be acknowledged, unveiled the plaque.

“Since 2011 a lot has happened around the Riverside Park. Our old facility was destroyed ...and a new one built,” Mr Curnow said.

LODDON Shire Council will hold a workforce expo in Pyramid Hill in October.

Tourism and economic development manager David Stretch told councillors last week the expo would be a collaboration with Workforce Australia, Pyramid Hill Progress Association and North Central LLEN.

“The event will engage, support and connect business, students and job seekers across Loddon Shire and the region,” Mr Stretch said. It will be the second collaboration with Workforce Australia this year.

Council supported Coffee with the Boss event in Bridgewater, attended by employment agencies and job seekers. There were site visits and presentations from Laucke Flour Mill, Bridgewater Hotel, Bridgewater Bakery, Black Wallaby and Water Wheel wineries.

Businesses spoke of opportunities for work in local businesses at the event.

Belgravia wins pool contract

A NEW three-year contract will be given to Belgravia Leisure to manage Loddon Shire’s five swimming pools.

Councillors made the decision during a confidential session of their meeting last week.

Belgravia took on management of pools at Boort, Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn in 2021.

Dunolly Nursing Home Auxiliary’s Rosemary McCreedy has presented the auxiliary’s education scholarships to nurse Jodie Dernehl and trainee nurse and instrument technician Cassie Owen. The scholarships are awarded to staff studying nursing or undertaking further specialist education as an investment in the Dunolly campus residential community.

Dean Gordon. Roger Terrill and Ron Trimble at Saturday’s plaque unveiling at Newbridge Recreation Reserve

Band still pumping out tunes

ALAN Mulraney has stayed in the groove sinced first picking up a guitar at school.

The Wedderburn musician and historian was captivated by the sounds of music growing up in Britain and the guitar has never been far from his hands.

Last weekend, Alan was again playing with members of the band 501 for the monthly music session at Inglewood Golf Club.

He was at home on the stage, just as he was 50 years ago when a casual session musician in Melbourne playing on television and backing jazz icon and entertainer Smacka Fitzgibbon who ran the hotel in Wycheproof before returning to Melbourne in the 1960s.

Alan said 501 was formed more than 20 years ago.

“Ian Leech and Peter Bucci are originals in the line-up. I have been with them around eight years and some of the others have come into the group in recent years,” he said.

It was Ian’s idea to start the monthly sessions that are already building up a regular fan base.

“Like most live entertainment, COVID put us out of action for a couple of years and we’re now striving to get back into the swing of things,” he said.

“The open mike sessions at the Inglewood Golf Club is not only a way to procure a gig but also a good way to help other artists get back into live entertainment.”

Alan said it was pleasing to see musicians and vocalists take the stage.

“Many of the walk-up artists that come along have never had the opportunity to be backed by a live band before,” he said.

Alan also has a monthly gig at a Bendigo motel.

“At Inglewood 501 works in conjunction with another band that I play with - Ernie Johns and the Avalanche band,” he said

“This band does a similar walk up night

every second Sunday of the month at the Golden Hills Motel Bendigo. Each gig is promoting the other one to help boost numbers at both venues.”

The 501 line-up is Peter Bucci (guitar/ lead vocal), Kelly Wilkinson (guitar/lead vocal), Ian Leech (rhythm guitar), Peter Jobson (bass), Alan Mulraney (lead guitar) and Dave Gannan (drums).

Peter Jobson plays bass guitar with Alan Mulraney on lead. LH PHOTOS

Coral Leech lists the bands

Peter Bucci and Kelly Wilkinson

Dave Gannan

Historic treasures from Empire Days

PATRIOTISM of Graeme Catto for the British Empire has been safely stored in a family treasure box for decades.

It was a Loddon Herald feature story last month that prompted his daughter Barb to once more open the box where four Empire Day tokens sat among other memorabilia collected when George was a student at Rheola State School.

“Dad was a real collector and had great respect for the Empire and the young men from the district who went on to

Rise and shine: Nicole’s tonic

JOY and happiness is brewing in plentiful amounts at Bridgewater.

Coffee stall owner Nicole Cox has taken to Instagram with daily song and dance videos to start the day.

She even dispensed the joyous tonic with a mass warm-up session for participants in the Active Farmers’ Run for Resilience a fortnight ago.

The brightly-dressed Nicole had hundreds of people lumbering up on the chilly morning before tackling 10km and 5km courses.

“The videos, the warm ups are all about having fun and a great outlook at the start of the day,” she said.

Nicole has been enlisting her family for the fun videos that at times double as a fitness warmup each morning.

“The video can take a while to do ... we’ve even put together a compilation of bloopers,” Nicole said.

enlist in World War Two,” Barb said.

“Reading the article about how Empire Days were celebrated in local schools each May in those years reminded me of the tokens in Dad’s treasure box.”

Barb said students at Rheola had collected money for Red Cross on Empire Day.

“Dad also received a certificate for collecting rabbit skins and raising £1,” she said.

“Any memorabilia he collected or re-

ceived was always safely stored in the box that remains in our family.”

The celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24 was renamed Empire Day in 1903 after her death in 1901. It was celebrated throughout the British Empire culminating in fireworks and bonfires in the evening.

The last celebration of Empire Day in Australia took place in 1958 when it was renamed Commonwealth Day and the date moved to March.

School

gives phone warning to students

MOBILE phones were not a necessity at school, East Loddon P12 College principal Steve Leed has told students and parents.

He told them last week that a mobile phone should not be used at school unless it was specifically requested by a staff member.

“Mobile phones and Airpods are almost a staple for a great number of students nowadays, but please know that this does not mean that they are required at school.

“Whilst we know it is extremely difficult to fully enforce a No Mobile Phones and No Airpods policy, we do fully expect that students display a high level of respect and compliance when asked to put their phones and/or Airpods away,” Mr Leed said.

“If students have their mobile phone with them at school, they are most welcome to come to the office and ask for it to be placed in our school safe, “ Mr Leed wrote asking parents to request their children do “the right thing.”

It

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on We are in this together, and together we will get through.

906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on — but most of all we are a community. We are in this together, and together we will get through.

you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au

Zest for life ... Nicole Cox gets days off to a happy start. LH PHOTO

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Big ward changes can wait: Review goes with tweaks

MAJOR change to Loddon Shire ward boundaries have been mothballed until a full structural review that could come within four years.

The State Government late last Wednesday opted instead for minor adjustments in boundaries of the five wards for this October’s election, sticking with the proposal of the Victorian Electoral Commission to move voters in Derby, Leichardt and parts of Bridgewater and Inglewood from Inglewood to Tarnagulla ward.

VEC forecasts had the voter-to-councillor ratio of Inglewood Ward more than 10 per cent above the average by October and Tarnagulla Ward under by more than 10 per cent.

VEC also said its data showed Loddon’s population had declined by 400 since 2001 and there would be further slow decline.

The 2022 Census showed a shire population increase for the first time in 20 years although it dipped 0.04 per cent last year - or three people.

“The proposed changes were necessary to accommodate the relatively high rate of growth in and around the town of Inglewood, resulting in most of Derby, Leichardt, and part of Inglewood and Bridgewater transferring from Inglewood Ward to Tarnagulla Ward. All other boundaries were left unchanged,” the VEC final report said.

Just 111 voters will cast their vote in a different ward this October. “The VEC also noted that the submission from Loddon Shire Council supported these adjustments,” the report said.

A submission from the Loddon Herald to the VEC inquiry had suggested greater adjustment of boundaries that the panel report said had merit but were too great and should wait for the next scheduled appointment of an electoral representation advisory panel for a full electoral structure review of Loddon Shire Council.

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That submission proposed Bridgewater and Newbridge forming part of the new Tarnagulla Ward, Korong Vale being placed in Wedderburn Ward, Boort and Serpentine in a “Loddon Valley Highway” ward and Terrick extending south to include farms around Campbells Forest and Bridgewater North. Under the review, ward names could not be changed.

The VEC said it rejected the proposal on two grounds:

„ The model proposed significant change to the ward boundaries which would have affected 23.8 per cent of currently enrolled voters (1661 voters). The submission proposed a major reconfiguration of the current wards that goes beyond the focus of the current review, which is to balance ward deviations. This level of change could be disruptive for

voters, whereas the preliminary model would result in a clear majority of voters being maintained in familiar wards and ward boundaries.

„ Change of this scale would not be appropriate to adopt without further community consultation. While the model might reflect an improved grouping of communities of interest, these communities of interest were not given adequate opportunity to consider or comment on the changes. For the VEC to recommend the model could have raised issues of procedural fairness.

Of 11 ward boundary reviews this year, paid for by the councils, initial VEC proposals have been accepted by the Government in full or with minor change.

Mallee unchanged in federal distribution

FOUR federal electorates have been left unscathed in a redistribution that cuts one seat in Victoria.

Mallee, the largest electorate in Victoria, Gippsland, Indi and Monash will be contested at the federal election due by next May on unchanged boundaries.

Loddon Shire communities are in Mallee that is projected to have an enrolment of 125,051 by 2028 and be under the seat votger quota by 1.72 per cent.

The redistribution committee said altering Mallee boundaries with neighbouring electoral divisions would not assist in balancing the numerical requirements in surrounding electoral divisions, nor would it lead to improved communities of interest”.

The Nationals had urged the committee to make no changes in Gippsland, Indi,

Mallee, and Monash with minimal changes to other regional divisions.

There were three submissions that Loddon Shire and Central Goldfields Shire communities be moved into the Bendigo electorate with another three wanting parts of Loddon and Gannawarra Shires moved into the Nicholls electorate.

According to the AEC report released last week, enrolment projections of the Loddon Shire will increase from 5395 last year to 5681 in 2028.

“Victoria’s entitlement to electoral divisions has reduced from 39 to 38 due to a relatively slower rate of population growth compared to other states and territories. Of Victoria’s existing 39 electoral divisions, 29 do not meet the numerical requirements of the Electoral Act. This has

resulted in alterations to the boundaries of a significant number of Victoria’s electoral divisions,” the report said.

The inner Melbourne east seat of Higgins will be abolished but no seat name changes have been proposed.

A redistribution has also been completed in Western Australia.

Objections to the Victorian proposals will be open until early July with the final boundaries approved in October.

A federal election is required by next May.

Mallee is held for the Nationals by Anne Webster who has already been pre-selected to seek a third term.

Dr Webster was elevated to the Coalition frontbench as an assistant shadow spokesperson at the last election.

Ian Andrews and Fiona Smith

Tom Metherell and Taylor Hayton

Paige Stephenson and Anna Meade

Jon Chandler, Julie Richie, Peter and Carolyn McHugh

Jackson McEwan, Levi Sims, Rhordan Holt and Deacon Tansley

Corey Lowry, Chris Hargreaves and Tom Campbell

Kate Bainbridge and Georgia Fry

Rochelle Vella, Simone Jackson, Anna Mead and Kelsey Nesbit

Jemma Lostroh, Cat Walsh, Carly Drinkwater, Olivia Lockhart, Grace Lockhart, Phoebe Van Hueman, Ingrid Gould, Aliza Lockhart and (front) Rochelle Vella, Bec Turnbull and Simone Jackson

LH PHOTOS

Dairies face price drop

LODDON dairy farmers are preparing for a 15 per cent price drop as some operating costs more than double.

Fonterra Australia has announced the cut to its farm gate milk price, with an opening offering of $8 a kilogram for milk solids, or 60 cents a litre.

Managing director Rene Dedonker said the 15 percent drop was a responsible number.

Calivil dairy farmer Richard Hicks said: “In the last two years our electricity bill alone has increased 200 per cent.

“That’s on top of increases in fuel, wages and other overheads.

“Now it look’s like we have to absorb a 10 or 15 per cent drop in the price being paid for our milk.

“The cut, depending on the company farmers are selling to, will be anywhere between 60 cents and 90 cents.”

Milk factories have cited declining commodity demand in framing their starting point at around $8 per kilogram of milk solids.

Saputo Dairy Australia announced its opening weighted average milk price of $8 to $8.15/ kg MS for exclusive supply in the

2024-2025 season compared with last year’s opening offer of $9/kg MS.

Fonterra has dropped its opening price to $8/kg, compared to last year’s opening at $9.20/kg.

United Dairyfarmers’ Victoria president Bernie Free said while dairy farmers’ prices would go down, their costs would rise.

“That will be at least four to five per cent due to inflation,” he said. “Hopefully this is just their first, starting offer.

“This is just the minimum price. We might have some counter offers come through over the next month.”

Under the mandatory dairy code, processors had until 2pm Monday to release their milk supply agreements and a minimum opening price.

Meanwhile, Australian milk production increased 2.5 per cent in April, bringing season to date production three per cent ahead of the comparative according to Dairy Australia.

It was the 12th consecutive month of year-on-year growth in Australian milk production. Victoria was up four per cent for the month

sheep ANd lAmbs

IT WAS a varied lamb market at Bendigo on Monday both in terms of price trends and quality.

There were 10,900 lambs yarded to be down 10 per cent on a week ago, and quality has become more wintery with plainer types and smaller lots dominating over lines of well finished export and trade lambs.

One key northern processor was not as competitive today, a supermarket was absent, and the store orders of a week ago weren’t here.

The result was a very erratic market with mixed price trends. Heaviest export lambs were just firm to $5 easier; the heavy 2630kg crossbred lambs benefitted from some stronger outcomes to domestic buyers to average $5 stronger; any good shorn medium trade lambs were dearer.

The mixed run of light lambs including Merinos were generally cheaper. Export lambs over 30kg cwt $214 to a top of $259/ head, showing a spread of 650c to 735c/kg cwt to cost a ballpark 700c/kg cwt.

The heavy crossbred lambs

were boosted by some stronger sales to domestic orders for neat 26-28kg cwt types and sold from $166 to $216 to average between 690c to 700c/kg cwt.

Any neat trade lambs in short skins were well supported at $150 to $180 at over 700c/kg cwt. But again off trade types were often still in the 620c to 680c/kg range.

Trade weighted Merino lambs with reasonable fat cover $150 to $164/head. Light lambs were erratic at $55 to $125/head for most to show a cheaper trend over most.

In contrast the mutton sale did show a consistent trend of $10 to $15/head dearer. Most sheep were estimated as costing processors from 350c to 400c/kg cwt, with some lines of young Merino wethers that had 2-tooth’s in them making up to 440c/kg cwt.

Heavy crossbred ewes $102 to $120; Merino wethers to $126 and ewes to $120/head.

Light sheep recorded the best price gains with most sales moving up to between $60 and $80/ head.

Baker offers up market toppers a third week

DINGEE farmer Rod Baker has topped market prices for crossbred lambs for a third week at Bendigo. He sold 96 lambs for an average of $242 a fortnight ago, 170 lambs last week for an average price of $270 and returned with another 150 head on Monday that fetched an average of $259.

The 10-month-=old Dohne/Poll Dorset lambs had

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Sheep and lambs sold to a dearer trend, with heavy lambs and sheep most improved.

June 3rd

been grazed on dryland pasture before heading to market.

Loddon graziers have been consistently on the top prices for lambs, wethers aqnd ewes in recent weeks at Bendigo.

No sales will be held at Bendigo next week due to the King’s Birthday holiday.

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

Simon gets national gig

SHEEP at Australia’s premier show will be judged by Simon Coutts when they are penned in Bendigo next month.

The Willera Merino’s manager will be one of nine judges of Merino sections at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

Simon believes he will be one of just a few, if not the first, from a Loddon stud to be on the judging team at the show.

“It’s quite an honour to be asked to judge at this show and a recognition of what we are doing in the industry,” Simon said.

He will join judges from New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria for two days of judging Australia’s top Merinos. Simon has been allocated the all-purpose (wool) sections at the show.

Previously judging at the Victorian Sheep Show in Ballarat and the South-West Victorian Field Day, Simon said: “When you are judging it’s important to keep an open mind and have respect for everyone’s sheep.”

“You have to appreciate the effort studs have put into preparing the sheep and always be objective,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter how many sheep a stud sells or how big they, it is the sheep in front of you that you are judging.”

Simon has been stud manager at Willera Merinos for eight years and was previously at Bob Rol-

linson’s Concordia Merino Stud at Mysia.

He said it was rare for anyone from a Loddon stud to judge at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. “Most studs around here

are exhibitors and that rules people out of judging.

“However, while we will be displaying our rams at Bendigo, we are not exhibiting in the competitions.”

Following the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Loddon studs will prepare their annual onproperty ram sales from August offering top progeny for sale to studs and commercial farmers.

Falls come just as predicted

THE break was not big but Loddon farmers are hoping last Friday’s rain of up to 25mm will give crops a good start.

The highest rainfall on the on-forecast date was 23.6mm at Mincha,

Some gauges at Kurting tipped out 30mm while just kilometres north the reading was 23mm at Glenalbyn. Around Boort, 13mm was the average . Victorian Farmers’ Federation Wedderburn branch president Graham Nesbit said “a show once a week” would be good through the winter.

He said there remained good sub-soil moisture in many districts that had given farmers confidence to sow over the last month.

Official figures from the Bureau of Meteorology had 17mm falling last Friday at Bridgewater and Wedderburn, 17.8mm at Dunolly and 14.2mm at Charlton. May’s rainfall across the region was again below local averages of between 25mm and 49mm. The bureau is tipping June falls will also be below average. Meanwhile, the Loddon has experienced more than a week of morning frost with the bureau issuing regular sheep grazier alerts as temperatures plummet to near zero on some mornings.

WOOL REPORT AUCTION

The Australian wool market has recorded a small overall increase last week. After 4.7% of the original offering was withdrawn prior to sale, there was just 31,383 bales left available to the trade. This was the smallest sale of the season and the smallest since Week 51 (June) last year. With minimal currency movement (the Australian dollar lost 0.16 cents compared to the US dollar since last week’s close) the price increases were driven more by increased buyer demand. Main buyer interest continued to focus on good/ best style wools with favourable additional measurement results. However, due to the limited offering most merino fleece types generally sold at slightly higher levels than in the previous series. Across the country, the movements in the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece ranged by between minus 2 and plus 26 cents. The merino skirtings tracked a similar path to the fleece, with small improvements generally recorded. The crossbred sector had a solid series, with all MPGs recording increases, ranging between 5 and 22 cents. The highlight was the 26.0-micron MPG in the South which added 22 cents for the week, this equated to a 4.2% rise. The oddments had a relatively unchanged week, the three merino carding indicators (MC) rose by an average of 1 cent, helped by a 5 cent rise in the Western region. The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) climbed by 7 cents for the series, closing the week at 1,137 cents. Fremantle has a nonsale week next week and the national offering is forecast to fall below 30,000 bales. There are currently 27,499 bales expected to be on offer in Sydney and Melbourne. Even If this full quantity is realised it will be the smallest sale since September 2020 (Week 13), where interestingly, in this very small sale the merino fleece MPGs added between 94 and 185 cents for the series.

Source: AWEX

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With 4 main rooms and set deep on the block with rear access available from a back laneway this cottage is a on bedroom, living room with solid – fuel heating – open fireplace, Kitchen/Dining area, bathroom with shower and vanity and separate sewered toilet.

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Willera Merino’s stud manager Simon Coutts. LH PHOTO

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Regions miss out on fair slice

By PETER WALSH

IN ITS latest budget, the Allan Labor government’s betrayal of regional Victoria is now complete.

On May 7 Ms Allan had the gall to issue a 1700-word media release trumpeting how her government’s budget will offset the cost-of-living crisis we are all facing.

In her own words: “The Victorian Budget 2024-2025 is firmly focused on helping regional families, investing more than $2 billion to support the infrastructure, services and projects that matter to regional Victorians”.

Note that number.

It sounds like a lot of money. Two whole billion dollars. That’s a 2 followed by nine zeros –$2,000,000,000.

Regional Victorians are 25 per cent – give or take a small town or two – of the Victorian population.

So it makes mathematic, management and moral sense the rest of Victoria should only get $6,000,000,000.

A total of $8 billion – 75 per cent for Melbourne and 25 per cent for us.

Right? Definitely not. We get $2 billion; Melbourne gets $96 billion.

Regional Victorians make up a quarter of all Victorians but will be given barely 2 per cent of the budget spend on new initiatives in infrastructure.

How much does $2 billion really help regional Victoria when Melbourne gets $96 billion?

Nowhere near enough, I can assure you.

But for the moment, let’s accept

STATE PERSPECTIVE

the government needs to spend all that money in Melbourne to bribe, sorry, buy votes.

Instead let’s look just at the current budget overruns on major Melbourne projects – currently overrunning at around $40 billion (give or take a rail loop or two).

And then apply those budget overruns to some of the key issues facing regional Victoria.

There are 23,000km of freeways, highways and byways supposedly maintained by VicRoads. Assuming on current figures it costs $1 million per kilometre for a new road, it means every inch of those roads could be re-sheeted and it would cost just $23 billion.

Leaving us another $17 billion to spend on fixing the health system. Finding doctors, specialists, upgrading existing hospitals, building news ones, saving our local hospitals from being merged into regions and controlled by faceless people far away – just to save money and prop up this bankrupt-bound government.

Oh, and did I mention, there’s the small matter of the $25 million – and climbing – you and I are paying every day, 365 days a year, in interest on all this brilliant financial management by the Allan Labor government.

Just six weeks of that wasted money would give every local government authority in regional Victoria $25 million each to dedicate to all those smaller council owned and maintained roads.

And after those first six weeks of money for the roads, we could

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Congratulations to school

Sir, It is with great pleasure I read that Wedderburn College has achieved the seemingly impossible to not only embrace the school-wide positive behaviour support program, which includes all aspects of the whole school community but also have everyone on the same page (Loddon Herald, May 23).

Perhaps small is beautiful or expert communication hit the right spot. Whatever the reason in my experience as a teacher for the last 35 years in challenging schools, this is no easy feat.

My last school which was double the size and culturally diverse, also ran this program but did not achieve this level of cohesiveness. Congratulations Wedderburn.

RhondaMcTaggart KorongVale

At odds with inquiry

Sir, It’s time for Jacinta Allan to come clean about why she made a captain’s call, and overturned her own government’s “Native Bird Hunting Inquiry” recommendation that duck shooting be banned. Her response to date has been that duck killing remains

BUSHy TALES By IAN jONES

take the next six weeks of interest and turn our attention to education.

Where we could, every day, day after day, build a new school and childcare centre in town after town – and staff them. And still have plenty of spare change. Which we could perhaps use for a gym at each school, and a pool, and a whole lot more.

Every day, day after day.

Six weeks later and we could turn our attention to sporting facilities. I reckon we could build a new sporting complex in just about every town with a few teams looking for a home.

I am sure you are following me here – we could be doing so much and in the end, we are being given so little.

And now for another word from Premier Allan: “This is my first Budget as Premier, and I’m proud to say – it’s a Budget that’s all about helping regional families”.

“Many regional families are doing it tough right now. With this Budget we’re helping ease that pressure and give families one less thing to worry about.”

“We’ll always deliver for regional Victoria. This Budget continues our record of investing in regional Victoria and delivering more schools and better healthcare for families, closer to home.”

She said it, not me, and the figures prove she doesn’t mean a word of it. Hang your head in shame Premier.

*PeterWalshisthemember forMurrayPlains

“a legitimate pastime”. The inquiry says otherwise, as do the people of WA, NSW and Queensland.

Not only has the premier gone against her own party’s recommendations, she now rubs salt into the wounds of everyone who opposes this horrific legal slaughter, by announcing that over $10 million in the Budget to promote duck and quail shooting.

Why allocate funds to just 0.17 per cent of Victoria’s 6.7 million people who create annual killing fields rather than listening to the 88 per cent of Victorians concerned about the maiming and suffering of ducks?*

Many Victorians believe that the premier is under the influence of her duck shooting husband and/or that she is bowing to threats made by a bloc of trade unions linked to Labor. Which is it Premier?

Premier, why do you continue to waste taxpayers dollars and the time of thousands of Victorians who wrote a record amount of 10,402 submissions to ignore the main outcome of the inquiry? That is not community engagement; it is utter contempt and an insult to the majority of Victorians!

GlynnJarrett

RavenswoodSouth

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. What is the average lifespan of a housefly?

2. What is Australia’s tallest waterfall?

3. Name the element that is known as the building block of life?

4. Approximately how many scent can a human nose remember?

5. Who wrote the novel ‘War and Peace’?

6. In ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the city is named after what gemstone?

7. What is an evergreen tree?

8. Whose official residence is Kirribilli House?

9. Name the eye condition named from the Greek for blue-green.

10. What is a ullage in a wine bottle?

11. How many different colour M&M’s are there?

12. What was Jesus’ native language?

13. Fig trees are pollinated are which insect?

14. Which unit of measurement is named after William Thomason?

15. Which organ creates insulin?

16. The short piece at the beginning of an Opera is called what?

17. Noble rot effects which fruit?

18. What is the highest rank within the Australian Army?

19. True or False – Australia has never been featured in an episode of Doctor Who.

20. Cubism is a visual art style invented by Georges Braque and which other artist?

RUSTLING in the trees along Boort-Pyramid Road is Bradley’s latest sign. He’s chimed in with a classic this week ... forgot to tell him, OTF is no fan of the tubes of dubious musical resonance!

AUSSIES know what is good when it comes to first aid, according the an annual trusted brands survey. Topping the list are Dettol and Band-Aid. When it comes to cleaning cuts and abrasions, Dettol has been around since 1933 when it first hit British shop shelves. The name is claimed to have been invented by Polish scientist Garbold Witnossky.

THE

The Band-Aid was invented in 1920 by a Johnson and Johnson employee, Earle Dickson, in Highland Park, New Jersey, for his wife Josephine, who

frequently cut and burned herself while cooking

THE trusted brand survey also gives a Top 15 rating to the Cancer Council for its sunscreen and the Royal Flying Doctor Service that was started six years before the advent of Dettol by the Reverend John Flynn, born in Welcome Stranger gold country at Moliagul.

GETTING the day off to a good start is all about Weet-Bix that nudged out oats and corn flakes in the survey while people are still sticking with the Aussie icon Victa for lawn mowers.

THIS weekend it’s the King’s Birthday. An early toast for Charles whose real birth date is November 14. June has long been the “official birthday holiday”, chosen to increase the chance of fair weather during the celebrations in the United Kingdom.

Lonely graves Ken Arnold begins a series looking at the region’s

During the 1850s a shepherd by the name of Scott worked on the Cairn Curran station, living in a simple thatched roof hut, known then to the locals as Spring’s hut.

It stood on the southern slope of Pigeon Hill, it being just a few stone throws from Mount Tarrengower.

In the very early days a teamster, unknown to all today, was travelling with his wife and child from Smeaton to the Loddon River area when his wife fell ill and died.

The teamster buried her on the spot, dressed as she was with neither coffin or shroud. The broken-hearted man and his daughter then went on their way.

As the woman’s name was Charlotte the area eventually became known as Charlotte Plains, it being part of the holding of Hector Norman Simpson.

It was not long before they both returned, accompanied by their old dog Nudle, to the Cairn Curran homestead where they unloaded their cargo before pushing on to Spring’s hut where they were going to camp with the old shepherd for a few days so as to rest the bullocks.

All was well on a balmy summer night, the two men exchanging stories and news they watching the dark storm clouds gathering over Mount Tarrengower.

Suddenly the wind began to play havoc with the old gum tree. The night became stifling, the bullocks and horses became restless, they sensing the approaching storm.

As the first rain drops fell the small group moved into the hut but by then the lightning lit up the dark night sky whilst the thunder rolled in with a deafening noise.

Suddenly it became quiet however the air was electric, nature seemed to waiting and waiting. Suddenly the wind rose to hurricane strength it ripping branches of the old trees as though they were just a piece of paper, the storm broke, the lightning became terrifying whilst the thunder crashed and rolled on it, the rain becoming torrential, the oc-

cupants being dazed by the light, they sat terrified, listening and waiting for the worst.

Suddenly, above the fury of the storm they could hear the neighing of the horses, the barking of dogs and the beating of hooves, the teamster knowing full well that his bullocks had broken loose and were stampeding. Scott and the teamster sprang to their the old shepherd grabbing his lantern whilst the teamster spoke to his daughter, who by that time was terrified, she clinging to her fathers arm.

He told her that the bullocks had broken loose hence he had to fetch em back so they could continue on.

He gave her instructions to remain in the hut with Nudle, you will be alright as we wont be long gone. Don’t go outside.

Before the girl had realised Scott and her father were lost in the darkness. She was too frightened to move, old Nudle not helping the situation as he continually growled at the noise.

Suddenly the wind rushed down the gully it thrusting the old door back and forth whilst the dim light that the lantern offered was extinguished.

“Daddy, Daddy,” the girl yelled but the only answer she got was the howling of the wind, the noise of the storm and the whimpering of old Nudle.

The dark night was occasionally lit up by the lightning. On seeing the cart outside the girl, now hysterical, thought her father had returned so she dashed out calling for her father, but the deafening peal of the thunder and the lightning only made the situation worse.

The girl was soon drenched, the deafness closed around her thus the night took her into its arms.

Some hours later the two men weary and drenched returned to the hut, lit the lantern and looked for child before going out into the night, his sinking heart dreading that he again had to make another search.

The two men stumbled through the grass, over branches whilst the wind whipped the leaves

across their faces, the lantern swinging like will-o-the- wisp.

As dawn broke the two weary men found themselves standing by a huge red gum tree that grew between Mount Tarrengower and Pigeon Hill.

It was here that they stumbled upon the drenched unconscious child who was so traumatised that she soon died.

A grave was dug by old Scott in readiness for a sheet of bark to be stripped from the old white sentinel so the little girl could be buried, the first white girl to be buried in the area.

So on the southern slope of Pigeon Hill lies the lonely grave of a teamsters daughter, it being touched by the morning sun and soft rain, it being surrounded by the ever changing beauty of the

changeless hills, and wrapped in the solitude of silence that is only broken by the voice of the wind, the morning song of the birds and a visitor every now and again.

Today the old hut is well gone, the only permanent reminder is a plaque near a large reg gum tree, just off Watersons Road „ Thomas and Maria Ninnis and their four daughters set off from the copper mines at Burra for the Bendigo diggings, some kilometres distant, their waggon loaded with building materials.

On reaching Robin Hill, above Myers Creek, near the corner of the Calder Highway and Sparrowhawk road, Maria, who had not recovered from her confinement became ill. Ninnis unhitched his waggon and hurried into Sandhurst to try and find a doctor.

On returning to Myers Creek he found that his wife was gravely ill, she soon dying whilst daughters Grace and Jane died later that day - July 7, 1852. Ninnis, using some of the building material for coffins buried his family before building a freestone wall.

It would seem that Ninnis remained several months on the Bendigo goldfields before turning west and heading back to Clare.

Around 1905 a grey haired woman visited Bendigo, searching for the grave, she finally locating Peter Rohs who was able to show her the site, which he had fenced off, as it was on the rise in the corner of his paddock where once stood the bone and flock mill.

Rohs helped the woman rebuild the stone wall and place a plaque

on the site. The grey haired woman being none other than Mary Pearce Roach, the young girl who accompanied her father and sister Martha Marion on their lonely trip back to South Australia.

Peter Rohs, born 1833, Denmark, arrived in Adelaide during 1852. Around 1856 Rohs set off for the Bendigo goldfield, thus he was present during the time that “Bendigo Mac” ruled the infant town of Sandhurst.

Peter Rohs, along with George and John Holmes, established the first bone mill in the Sandhurst area, near to the junction of the Sandhurst road with the Bullock Creek, Kangaroo Flat, Myers Flat, Inglewood and Marong roads, near the Halfway House (hotel) at Myers Flat, this area being renamed Maiden Gully in the late 1930s. In fact the road to Kangaroo Flat was known as Bonemills road up until the Olympic Games were held in Melbourne in 1956, it now being known as Olympic parade.

The grave can be visited by turning off the Calder Highway into Sparrowhawk Road before turning in and driving down Pioneer Drive to the traffic island. You can walk up the path between two houses to the trees where you can ponder what was once a lonely spot.

The plaque reads : In loving memory of Maria, beloved wife ofThomasNinnisofClare,mother of M. P. Roach of Moonta and M.M.ChapmanofHoyleton,died July7,1852,aged34years.Also Grace and Jane, children of the above

EMPLOYMENT

Yung Balug Keeping Place

The Museum is situated on the property of Paul & Cathie Haw.

Well worth a visit to see the amazing Artefacts collected from the Boort Region.

A recent addition is 34 photos taken by John Hunter Kerr in the 1850s. This was made possible by the State Library of Victoria.

Everyone is welcome. but please call or Email before visiting.

Phone - 0417 333 171

Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com

CAREERS AT LODDON SHIRE

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

Early Childhood Teacher & Educational Leader – ref.J/268

 Part-time, Permanent position working Thursdays and Fridays

 ECT Level 1.1-3.6 $67,447-$116,906 per annum pro rata

 Based at our Inglewood service

Environmental Health O cer- ref.J/267

 Full-time, permanent position

 Band 7 salary range $97,998.75$108,878.11 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Based at Council’s Wedderburn O ce Ranger – ref.J/266

 Casual position

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

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce Applications for the positions above will close Tuesday 11 June 2024 at 5pm.

Casual Early Childhood Teacher –ref.J/124

 Casual position with exibility to choose your own days

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

 Positions available at all of our services Applications for the position above will be considered as they are received.

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

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

Old bottles with town or company names.

Marble bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons

Any old bottles - single items or box lots

CASH PAID ON DAY

Phone 0452 264 661

THE first round of winter certainly lived up to expectations as 11 brave souls tackled cold, breezy conditions at Boort with little run on the fairways after recent rain.

Despite not having a birdie for the day, Stuart Tweddle still managed to triumph though on nett 74 and also take out this month’s Privilege Cup.

Only one stroke behind Stu was Andrew Kane and David Hellsten, with Rob Johnston a further shot behind to round out the ball pool.

In the nearest the pins, Andrew, Di Johnston, Rob, Kevin and David all shared the honours, with David picking up a bonus prize by knocking his tee shot onto the first green.

In the Lanyon monthly fencing award, an exciting battle played out after the leader, Kevin Linehan picked up only one point for the day while Andrew picked up two points to edge him out by half a point and claim the voucher.

This week sees the first of four rounds in this year’s championships with a stableford event kicking off at 12.30pm.

MITIAMO

WINNER on Sunday was Barry Meighan with 35 points. Runner-up was Bruce Lawry with 31 points on countback from Matt Miles.

Nearest the pin on the second was Adam Gould and second shot on the 7th was Barry Meighan.

WEDDERBURN

LIAM McNeill has taken first round honours in the Wedderburn club championship.

McNeill finished Saturday’s play with 789-69, two ahead of Cam Taylor 79-8-71. Taylor won the nearest the pin on the 13th and two-on-two was taken out by Graham Nesbit.

Driver Jack Laugher was ecstatic after his horse Steel Ruler won the final of the Graeme Hayes Real Estate challenge final at Charlton last Thursday. Graeme Hayes is pictured with Swan Hill Harness Racing Club secretary Georgia Shean presenting the winning rug to Laugher.

Cam Taylor was runner-up in Wedderburn’s first championship round. LH PHOTO

Tweddle’s triumph

Wedderburn’s Byron Bird

seniors

Bridgewater 5.5 17.6 25.7 34.10 (214)

Mitiamo 1.4 1.6 3.7 4.9 (33)

GOALS - Bridgewater: L. Sharp 20, J. Martyn 3, T. Estrada, J. Neylon, B. Alexander 2, H. Donegan, O. Watt, J. Coghlan, H. McKinley, B. Derrick. Mitiamo: A. Lloyd 2, D. Cini, R. Duncan.

BEST - Bridgewater: L. Sharp, J. Neylon, J. Mayes, B. Alexander, D. Wood, T. Estrada. Mitiamo: L. Shiell, L. Lougoon, R. Duncan, D. Walters, W. Draper, A. Lloyd.

Newbridge 3.3 6.4 9.7 15.14 (104) Calivil 3.1 6.1 10.3 11.4 (70)

GOALS - Newbridge: C. Dixon 3, J. Barras, B. McKinley, T. McLeod, A. Padbury 2, T. Hobson, B. Etherington, A. Fortune, C. Sanders. Calivil: B. Baker 4, A. Dennis 2, D. Thompson, R. Sheehan, J. Lea, H. McGregor, L. Fisher. BEST - Newbridge: T. Hobson, B. McKinley, T. McLeod, W. Copland, B. Etherington, D. Lloyd. Calivil: D. Thompson, J. Hynes, C. Thompson, J. Maher, H. Wall, M. Stephens. BL Serpentine 7.1 10.4 16.5 23.7 (145) Maiden Gully 1.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 (18)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington 17, J. Laird, J. Addlem, R. Turner, C. Gadsden, N. Twigg, C. Draper. Maiden Gully: B. Franzini, T. Delahey. BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington, C. Gadsden, J. Laird, R. Turner, J. Taig, J. Bailey. Maiden Gully: A. Monfries, G. Brown, J. Worsley, B. Franzini, M. Crooks, D. Turner.

Inglewood 5.10 (40)

Pyramid Hill 18.17 (125)

GOALS - Inglewood: W. Allen 2, L. Marciano, D. Polack, J. Nevins. Pyramid Hill: B. Dickens 5, Z. Alford 4, J. Sheahan 3, S. Gunther, B. Knight 2, T. Brennan, D. Hemphill. BEST - Inglewood: L. Marciano, J. Marciano, L. Matheson, J. Rouse, D. Polack, J. Wendels. Pyramid Hill: S. Gunther, T. Mcgregor, Z. Alford, B. Knight, D. Hemphill, J. Sheahan.

Marong 7 7 0 0 1 338.63 28 BL Serpentine 8 6 2 0 0 167.45 24 Pyramid Hill

0

Mitiamo 7 0 7 0 1 35.88 0 reserVes

Newbridge 0.1 1.5 3.6 4.9 (33)

Calivil 3.0 6.0 9.1 10.2 (62)

GOALS - Newbridge: H. McGillivray, D. Hamilton, J. Dawkins, L. Hoskin. Calivil: M. Hore 3, J. Bonanno, D. Masson, J. Manderson 2, C. Anderson.

BEST - Newbridge: O. Friswell, T. Wilson, H. McGillivray, N. Gray, N. Burandt, J. Berry. Calivil: D. Canfield, J. Manderson, T. Wakefield, M. Hore, G. Holdsworth, B. Jenkin.

BL Serpentine 4.5 7.9 12.12 19.17 (131)

Maiden Gully 0.2 1.3 1.3 1.4 (10)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Anstee 6, J. Gladman 3, A. Brown, L. Mott, Z. Hollis 2, L. Murley, T. Clarke, C. O’Shannessy, O. Amy. Maiden Gully: C. Sungalis. BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: L. Mott, T. Clarke, C. Anstee, D. Tineo, J. Gladman, Z. Hollis. Maiden Gully: H. Devanny, N. Hadden, K. Kerrison, J. Brown, A. Williams, B. McCarthy. Bridgewater

3.3 6.7 8.9 15.10 (100) Mitiamo 1.0 1.2 1.3 1.4 (10)

GOALS - Bridgewater: H. Symons, M. Brooks 3, T. Broadbent, J. Roberts 2, D. Robinson, D. Farrelly, D. Maher, T. Naughton, K. Lukies. Mitiamo: B. Laird.

BEST - Bridgewater: M. Brooks, T. Broadbent, L. Cohen, A. Woodman, D. Maher, H. Symons. Mitiamo: T. Metcalf, N. Hicks, A. Mckean, J. Rafaeles, T. Irvine, E. Hocking. Inglewood Reserves: 0.3, 2.7, 4.10, 4.11 (35)

Pyramid Hill Reserves: 2.2, 2.4, 3.8, 7.12 (54)

GOALS: Inglewood Reserves: J. Lovett 1, T. Kendal 1, J. Barnett 1, D. Hughes 1, GOALS: Pyramid Hill Reserves: M. Dingwall 3, D. Lovell 2, M. Swiney 1, E. Caburnay 1, BEST: Inglewood Reserves: H. Bogaski, J. Mills, J. Leach, J. McClelland, J. Lovett, K. Wicks, BEST: Pyramid Hill Reserves: J. Burns, T. Walker, D. Lovell, M. Moon, A. Dye, T. Boyer.

UnDer 18

East Loddon

Marong

GOALS - East Loddon: M. Green, B. Wagner, J. Smith, M. Gray. Marong: M. Lowery 3, J. McMurray, C. Murphy, R. Hayden 2, R. Doorty, E. Bird, H. Roberts, K. Harris. BEST - East Loddon: M. Hocking, B. Wagner, B. Dowton, T. Rasmussen, H. White. Marong: M. Lowery, K. Harris, R. Kerr, S. Vinnicombe, L. Henson, R. Hayden.

Inglewood

Pyramid Hill

(38)

(74)

GOALS - Inglewood: T. Murphy 2, D. Gilbee, K. McClellan, A. Lamprell. Pyramid Hill: L. Stubbs 4, H. Goodes, C. McCoy 3.

BEST - Inglewood: E. McCoy, D. Gilbee, W. Schepers, T. Murphy, M. Lonza, R. Smith. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, L. Stubbs, X. Emmerson, C. McCoy, J. Hercott.

Marong

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: I. Durie, C. Allan, J. Trewick, B. Allan, E. Ellis, Z. Wemyss. St Arnaud: S. Elliott, O. Lowe, C. Campbell, B. Knight, J. Kell, H. Meagher.

(24)

GOALS - Boort: A. Cockerell 2, C. Keanelly. Nullawil: L. Braine 2, M. Hogan, T. Fawcett.

BEST - Boort: J. Sheahan, M. Buchanan, A. Potter, J. Hall, S. Barraclough, K. Streader. Nullawil: L. Braine, Z. Kelly, J. Coghlan, B. Forrester, M. Hogan.

GOALS - Wedderburn: C. Hargreaves 2, L. Brown, M. Woods. Birchip Watchem: C. Wilson, M. Berry, J. Ryan, C. Goode 2, T. Wiantara, A. Noonan, J. Goldsmith.

BEST - Wedderburn: R. Tonkin, C. Hargreaves, S. Carroll, M. Woods, M. Punguika. Birchip Watchem Reserves: C. Frank, A. Noonan, J. Goldsmith, C. Wilson, C. Chase, M. Berry. Charlton

(77)

(39) GOALS - Charlton: J.

2, A. Soulsby, A. Judd, B. Dixon. Donald: G. Beckham, D. Hollis 2, J. Pearce, S. Morgan.

BEST - Charlton: B. Dixon, D. Whykes, H. Sait, J. McGrath, M. Thompson, A. Judd. Donald: E. Landwehr, K. Green, G. Morgan, E. Clapham, B. Morgan, D. Hollis.

seniors

Boort

GOALS - Boort: F. Holland, J. Keeble 3, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Baddeley-Kelly 2, J. Byrne, N. McLaren. Nullawil: J. Exell 5, M. Farmer 2, D. Smith, D. Isbister, L. Caccaviello, A. Thomson, Z. Caccaviello, R. Smith.

BEST - Boort: M. Austin, J. Fitzpatrick, K. Wilson, N. McLaren, J. Byrne, J. Dick. Nullawil: D. Watts, Z. Caccaviello, A. Oberdorfer, L. Caccaviello, D. Smith, J. Exell.

Charlton

Donald

UnDer 17

GOALS - Not supplied.

BEST - Boort: M. Beattie, B. Arnold, C. Gooding, L. Hall, J. O’Flaherty. Nullawil: T. Vearing, M. Fawcett, T. Perry, W. Gilchrist, L. Coles.

Wedderburn

(49)

(80)

GOALS - Charlton: C. Gavaghan, B. Kemp 2, B. Sexton, M. Collins. Donald: T. Grant 5, D. Kerr, B. Grant 2, J. Potter , A. Browne.

BEST - Charlton: Not supplied. Donald: R. Barrack, A. Browne, D. Kerr, R. Hards, T. Grant, T. Heuston.

Sea Lake Nandaly 5.1 9.3

St Arnaud 0.1

(103)

GOALS - Wedderburn: L. Budge 2, N. Winslett, in complete. Birchip Watchem: A. Dean 3, H. Cook, N. Dean, C. Frank, L. Darby 2, J. Knights, L. Saggers, O. Cook, R. Hogan. BEST - Wedderburn: L. Budge, T. Blair, J. Dingfelder. Birchip Watchem: C. Frank, O. Cook, A. Dean, B. Perry.

Charlton Under 17’s: 0.2, 1.2, 1.4,

Under 17’s:

(136)

(17)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. McInnes 4, B. Weir, T. Cox 3, T. McKenzie, L. McClelland 2, C. Noonan, M. Cahoon, B. Poulton, M. Elliott, W. Simpson, R. O’Sullivan, C. Tait. St Arnaud: J. Needs, M. Egan.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: T. Cox, J. Poulton, W. Donnan, B. Weir, K. Donnan, M. Cahoon. St Arnaud: M. Egan, B. Phillips, J. Male, J. Hicks, H. Durward, M. Goode.

Wedderburn

Birchip Watchem

(51)

(82)

(82)

GOALS - Wedderburn: O. Holt 4, A. Zelencich 3, M. McEwen, H. Lockhart 2, D. Jackson. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 4, M. Buchanan 2, J. Reid, N. Rippon, S. Simmons, T. Colbert, H. Hosking, D. Bell. BEST - Wedderburn: O. Holt, D. Jackson, J. Hargreaves, J. McEwen, J. Lockhart, H. Lockhart. Birchip Watchem: M. Buchanan, A. Butterfield, D. Bell, D. Reid, N. Rippon, S. Simmons. Birchip

UnDer 14

GOALS - Not

BEST - Boort: J. Malone, L. King, T. Bennett, C. Gould, B. Kane. Nullawil: M. Seddon, S. Morrison, R. Harrison, N. Harrison, H. Humphreys, T. Kemp.

GOALS - Wedderburn: B. Cunningham, C. Gault. Birchip Watchem: W. Ryan 3, S. Ferrier 2, O. Sharp, A. Tyler, i complete.

BEST - Wedderburn: C. Gault, B. Cramp, B. Cunningham, B. Turnbull, L. Martin. Birchip Watchem: W. Ryan, D. Coffey, G. Kilroy.

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: N. Wight 6, Z. Wemyss 4, H. Harcourt 2, J. Clohesy, C. O’Sullivan. St Arnaud: K. Torney, R. Bigmore .

LoDDon VALLeY norTH CenTrAL

Race tightens in top four A Grade stakes

ONE slip in the second half of the North Central A Grade season could signal watching from the sidelines in August.

Six teams are in contention for the final four nearing the halfway mark with Wedderburn still on top after Birchip Watchem forced a second draw of the season and Donald dropping after an upset loss to Charlton.

Birchip asserted early pressure that saw uncharacteristic misses at the hoop for the experienced Wedderburn combination.

Strong work in defence by Maddi Postle and composure around goal from Holly Lockhart had the Redbacks edging ahead

after an even first term to take a three-goal lead at the main break. But the Bulls were dominant in the third quarter, holding the home side to just three goals before a virtual goal-for-goal play in the final term tied up the result.

Boort avenged last year’s grand final loss with a 32-goal victory over Nullawil with Emma Darker the standout player. Donald will face the Boort this weekend in a match that could play a key role in determining its fortunes for the remainder of the season after going down by two goals to Charlton in a match that see-sawed all day.

LODDON VALLEY

A Grade

Bears Lagoon 11, 21, 34, 49, (49) d Maiden Gully 9, 7, 27, 43, (43). Bridgewater 5, 22, 31, 40, (40) lost to Mitiamo 18, 24, 42, 53, (53). Newbridge 7, 26, 39, 57, (57) d Calivil 10, 16, 24, 30, (30). Inglewood Inglewood lost to Pyramid Hill 16-79. Mitiamo 189.88 24

(64).

Marong 150.75 24

Bridgewater 196.93 20

Maiden Gully 127.10 24

Calivil 150.26 20

Pyramid Hill 117.70 16

BL Serpentine 82.86 12

Inglewood 58.95 8

Newbridge 34.27 0 15 & Under

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 6, 12, 16, 26, (26) lost to Maiden Gully 10, 24, 34, 45, (45). Bridgewater U 18, 25, 34, 46, (46) d Mitiamo 7, 11, 17, 23, (23). Inglewood 5, 17, 25, 31, (31) lost to Pyramid Hill 7, 14, 26, 35, (35).

Calivil 295.37 24

Bridgewater 159.76 24

Marong 122.08 20

B Grade

Bridgewater 9, 17, 27, 39, (39) drew Mitiamo - B Grade 13, 21, 32, 39, (39). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 9, 23, 39, 44, (44) d Maiden Gully 7, 12, 17, 30, (30). Newbridge 14, 28, 45, 61, (61) d Calivil 9, 13, 18, 25, (25). Inglewood 1, 2, 7, 12, (12) lost to Pyramid Hill 15, 25, 40, 48, (48).

Maiden Gully 122.82 16

BL Serpentine 72.37 16

Mitiamo 63.44 8

Inglewood 56.64 8

Pyramid Hill 48.23 8 13 & Under

Bridgewater 5, 9, 15, 20, (20) d Mitiamo 4, 9, 12, 17, (17). Inglewood 5, 16, 19, 34, (34) d Pyramid Hill 0, 1, 2, 2, (2). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 1, 4, 15, 26, (26) d Maiden Gully 9, 17, 21, 24, (24).

Marong 492.31 24

Calivil 321.54 24

Inglewood 252.94 24

BL Serpentine 61.58 20

Bridgewater 56.38 12

Pyramid Hill 38.26 12

C Grade

Inglewood 13, 20, 21, 25, (25) lost to Pyramid Hill 13, 25, 35, 43, (43). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 12, 21, 35, 52, (52) d Maiden Gully 7, 15, 24, 31, (31). Bridgewater 12, 25, 41, 50, (50) d Mitiamo 8, 13, 16, 20, (20). Newbridge 15, 31, 45, 61, (61) d Calivil 7, 15, 19, 31, (31).

Hill

Mitiamo 41.83 4

Maiden Gully 42.00 4

NORTH CENTRAL

A Grade

Boort 14, 31, 44, 64, (64) d Nullawil 9, 16, 23, 32, (32). Sea Lake Nandaly 15, 30, 45, 60, (60) d St Arnaud 7, 11, 22, 30, (30). Charlton 8, 20, 32, 42, (42) d Donald 9, 17, 31, 40, (40).

Wedderburn 11, 23, 28, 42, (42) drew Birchip Watchem 11, 20, 29, 42, (42).

Wedderburn 162.75 18

Boort 139.82 18

Birchip Watchem 108.78 16

Nullawil 100.00 16

C Reserve

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 4, 12, 18, 26, (26) lost to Maiden Gully 7, 13, 20, 29, (29). Inglewood 5, 14, 20, 33, (33) lost to Pyramid Hill 11, 22, 32, 41, (41). Bridgewater 10, 20, 33, 48, (48) d Mitiamo 2, 3, 8, 14, (14). Newbridge 17, 27, 42, 53, (53) d Calivil 3, 7, 12, 19, (19).

Marong 180.98 24

Gully

20

20

16

17 & Under

Bears Lagoon Serpentine lost to Maiden Gully. Inglewood 10, 12, 19, 23, (23) lost to Pyramid Hill 9, 18, 32, 48, (48). Newbridge 5, 9, 12, 21, (21) lost to Calivil 18, 37, 55, 64,

Carnival honours to North Central

NORTH Central Netball Association won carnival honours on Sunday. Representative sides from North Central, Loddon Valley and Heathcote played at Maiden Gully in the annual competition. 13 & Under - HDFNL 46 defeated LVFNL 6. HDFNL 19 defeated by NCNA 21. LVFNL 9 defeated by NCNA 43

Most Valuable Players - HDFNL: Milla Ryan. LVFNL: Siri Harrison. NCNA: Maya Funke.

Loddon Valley team: Aysha Sullivan, Inglewood; Emily Dehne, Pyramid Hill; Jessica Diss, Mitiamo; Milahni Taylor, Marong; Nevaeh Coates, Bears-Lagoon Serpentine; Ruby Fletcher, Pyramid Hill; Siri Harrison, Pyramid Hill; Talia Smith, Calivil United; Willow Michielsen, Marong; Zali Cullen, Calivil United.

North Central: Bridget Perryman, Boort; Erin Blair, Charlton; Evie Donnellon, Donald; Gemma Tynan, Birchip-Watchem; Indianna Gooding, Boort; Maya Funcke, Donald; Mia Sharp, Birchip-Watchem; Phoebe Bailey, Sea Lake Nandaly; Prue O’Sullivan,

Sea Lake Nandaly; Sienna Carroll, St Arnaud; Willow Vearing, Nullawil.

15 & Under - NCNA 18 defeated by HDFNL 47. NCNA 31 defeated LVFNL 30. HDFNL 38 defeated LVFNL 14. Most Valuable Players - HDFNL: Juliet Hogan. LVFNL: Rachael Flood. NCNA: Tessa Sheahan. Loddon Valley: Alyssa Mulder, Mitiamo; Chloe Tweed, Calivil United; Eden Murray, Maiden Gully YCW; Emma Hay, Mitiamo; Jordan Korp, Marong; Rachael Flood, Bridgewater; Ruby Cullen, Calivil United; Stephanie Ingram, Calivil United; Teagen Vinnicombe, Calivil United. North Central: Abby Potter, Boort; Anika Holmes-Brown, Charlton; Asha Lee, Birchip-Watchem; Beau Haslam, Birchip-Watchem; Braidy Ellis, Sea Lake Nandaly; Chloe Needs, St Arnaud; Halle Rice, Donald; Lana Fawcett, Nullawil; Lily Scott, Nullawil; Milla Adams, Donald; Stella Nicolson, Charlton; Tessa Sheahan, Nullawil. 17 & Under LVFNL 28 defeated by NCNA 41. LVFNL 36 defeated HDFNL 34. NCNA 38 defeated HDFNL 23. Most valuable Players - HDFNL: Ava Harris. LVFNL: Charli Crawford. NCNA: Scarlett Funke.

C Grade

Charlton 7, 10, 15, 21, (21) lost to Donald 16, 23, 31, 40, (40). Boort 12, 20, 28, 41, (41) lost to Nullawil 10, 25, 34, 43, (43). Sea Lake Nandaly 11, 25, 38, 50, (50) d St Arnaud 6, 10, 14, 21, (21). Wedderburn 12, 18, 27, 40, (40) d Birchip Watchem 12, 20, 26, 34, (34).

17 & Under

Wedderburn 3, 8, 12, 15, (15) lost to Birchip

14 & Under A

Charlton 2, 3, 4, 6, (6) lost to Donald

Sea Lake Nandaly 93.38 16

Donald 112.61 12

Charlton 91.76 8

Wycheproof 60.84 8

St Arnaud 60.13 0

B Grade

Sea Lake Nandaly 16, 34, 50, 62, (62) d St Arnaud 7, 14, 17, 28, (28). Charlton 6, 13, 20, 24, (24) lost to Donald 11, 21, 30, 40, (40). Boort 4, 13, 27, 39, (39) d Nullawil 14, 22, 29, 36, (36). Wedderburn 14, 24, 42, 56, (56) d Birchip Watchem 8, 18, 21, 30, (30).

Wedderburn 243.60 24

Birchip Watchem 150.00 22

Nullawil 143.48 16

Sea Lake Nandaly 114.97 16

Donald 128.11 14

Boort 118.93 12

Charlton 52.70 4

St Arnaud 44.01 4

N 31.13 0

NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

Wedderburn (Tarryn Roberts, Chelsea Hargreaves) 2 d Birchip Watchem 0. Ladder: Charlton 87, Sea Lake Nandaly 83, Wycheproof Narraport 72, St Arnaud 67, Boort 40, Wedderburn 22, Donald 20, Birchip Watchem 0. Men: Charlton 1 lost to Donald 6. Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to St Arnaud 3.

Ladder: Boort 100, Donald 80, Wycheproof Narraport 80, St Arnaud 50, Charlton 25, Sea Lake Nandaly 20, Birchip Watchem 0.

Bulls’ Khiana Brookes in battle with Wedderburn’s Maddi Postle. LH PHOTO

Holly Lockhart was among Wedderburn’s best. LH PHOTO

GOALKICKING

Wedderburn ruckman

Jordy Hargreaves is having a big influence on matches this season and Saturday saw him again in the Redbacks’ best.

SENIORS

47 - (4) - Ben Edwards - Birchip-Watchem

21 - (1) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip-Watchem 21 - (5) - Jack Exell - Nullawil 19 - (3) - Anthony Zelencich - Wedderburn

Nandaly

13 - (4) - Oscar Holt - Wedderburn

12 - (1) - Joseph Reid - Birchip-Watchem

10 - (2) - Lachy McClelland - Sea Lake Nandaly RESERVES

22 - (0) - Andrew Oberdorfer

- Harry Harcourt - Sea Lake Nandaly 11 - (2) - Chris Hargreaves - Wedderburn

Bulls tamed for first time

WEDDERBURN scuppered hopes of the rampant Birchip Watchem going through the season undefeated when football returned to Donaldson Park on Saturday.

It was the Redbacks’ first game at home in the 2024 season. Total triumph was denied in the thrilling draw in a season that continues to see Wedderburn push or defeat more fancied opponents.

On Saturday, before a crowd celebrating the official opening of the Donaldson Park complex, the Redbacks turned off the hallmark oxygen of the Bulls’ chip and flick style of play in the last quarter.

hanced when the Bulls lost ruckman Hamish Hosking and Marshall Rippon (knee).

Hosking’s influence was clear early but he was not dominating. That honour for the match went to Wedderburn’s Jordy Hargreaves who is putting in his best season since winning the Feeny Medal in 2021.

Hamish Lockhart up forward ended the day with two handy goals and was instrumental in bustling the Bulls out of the way.

A first term goal to Edwards gave the visiting Bulls a handy nine-point lead at the break that would be extended in the second quarter.

Apart from a Darcy Jackson goal early, Wedderburn was constantly cut-off heading to the forward 50 zone.

lencich kicked three handy majors. Up in defence for Wedderburn, veteran Adam Postle, on the cusp of his 300th senior game this month, was again reliable and stoic.

However, if any group can be singled out for putting a stutter in the Bulls’ season stampede, it’s the on-ballers.

Hargreaves, McEwan and Jackson worked Donaldson Park with knowledge and authority.

- (6) - Joseph McGrath - Charlton Newbridge’s Chris Dixon finished with three goals on Saturday

Wedderburn had its chances to snatch victory, prospects en-

It was Lockhart who kicked the first score leveller early in the match after Nicholas Rippon bolted inside 50 with the Bulls’ first major score.

Tom Campbell, usually accurate and reliable around goal, had a goalless day, The Birchip defence was challenging Campbell but Wedderburn has developed multiple options to goal

Oscar Holt who would give Birchip the most headaches and end the day with four goals.

And full forward Anthony Ze-

Watchem v Wycheproof Narraport

Sea Lake Nandaly bye

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

Inserted into the Redbacks’ game plan, the trio executed a style of play that was theirs and not dictated by the Bulls who remain on top after the draw.

Experienced pair give reserves a handy boost

THE Redbacks and Bulls provided spectators with an acceptable standard of twos football at Donaldson Park.

A reasonably even first half saw both teams with the same number of scoring shots, the Bulls a little more accurate and held a 10-point lead.

The third term, the premiership quarter saw the Bulls take a firm grip on the game, set up a five-goal break at three quarter time and go on to record a seven goal victory as they held control during the final term.

The Redback stocks were boosted with the inclusion of Luke Brown and Cam Weston, back on board for the opening of the new complex. Both acquitted themselves very well, experience being a key to their form.

A solid defence led by Robbie

Tonkin with support from Sam Carroll and Makia Punguika performed stoutly and were able to somewhat restrict a stronger and skilful Bulls outfit.

Chris Hargreaves at full forward with two goals offered a target but his normally strong marking game was not as effective as usual.

The Bulls had a little more firepower up forward with Matt Berry, Cormacc Wilson and Callum Goode scoring two goals each. Connor Chase, Charlie Frank, Alex Noonan and Jak Goldsmith rounded out the better performers for the winners.

In the under 17s, while the scoreboard showed a decisive win to the Birchip Watchem boys the game was a solid workout for the Bulls. The generous loaning of players to the Redbacks by the

KEY Boort defence cog Keiren Wilson will be available for selection when the Pies tackle Donald in North Central football this Saturday.

Wilson escaped suspension with an early guilty plea to striking a Nullawil player last weekend in a match that saw Boort surrender a six-goal quarter-time lead.

Boort started strongly with a favourable wind against last season’s runners-up. The Pies also booted accurately in their best single quarter display this year.

Bulls assisted with the evening out of the contest somewhat and contributed to the spectacle.

With talent in each key position the Bulls were always on a win but the Redbacks through Liam Budge in the ruck, scored two goals, Jye Dingfelder in the centre and Tyson Blair doing great work in defence the Bulls were not handed victory on a plate.

Lannon Sellick in his first game of football was acknowledged for a solid first up effort.

Charlie Frank, Austin Dean, Oliver Cook and Ben Perry were best performed for the Bulls with Charlie Frank going on to do just as well in the reserves game.

In the under 14s, the Redbacks went into this game without a need for calling on opposition players to make up numbers.

But that commanding lead was wiped away by the main break. Defenders Wilson and Austin faced increasing pressure as Nullawil put on eight goals in the second term.

There were chances for Boort in the third quarter - five scoring shots for no goals while Nullawil was able to register one major and be up by four points at the final break.

The close checking of both sides in that penultimate quarter gave way to more opportunities at goal in the final term.

The shoot out had honours going to Nul-

While a win did not happen the determined and improved efforts of all Redbacks was very notable and makes for great hope in the future.

After an even first half the Bulls with more key position strength had a big third term scoring five goals while holding the Redbacks scoreless. The final term saw a role reversal as the Redbacks were able to put goals on the board and hold the Bulls to their three quarter time score.

Caleb Gault continued his consistent form of late. Good positioning and an awareness of what was going on around him saw him pick up many possessions.

Blaz Cramp, Ben Cunningham, Brodie Turnbull and Luke Martin were also great contributors to the Redback cause.

- BOB STEEL

lawil in an nine-point win. Fitzpatrick, Byrne and Dick was among the best contributors for Boort, their efforts across the midfield crucial in keeping the Pies within striking distance of their opponents.

Frasier Holland, originally on the bench, was the top goalkicker with three along with James Keeble.

Nullawil is half a game and percentage outside the top four.

Boort’s next assignment is against the third placed Navies.

Sheahan strikes and shines

QUICK fourth quarter goals off the boot of Jesse Sheahan sparked a Pyramid Hill scoreboard revival against Inglewood in Saturday’s Loddon Valley football.

The Bulldogs had been outscored in the third term against a bolstered Inglewood outfit trying to lock in a top five spot on the ladder but still 10 goals down.

An early goal to Will Allen and dogged work in defence by Jaspa Wendels, back in Blues’ colours while on mid-year break from university in Wagga, hinted the home side might bridge the gap.

That’s when Jack Hickmott and Mitch Gunther teamed to pop the ball down in the experienced hands of Sheahan to record only Pyramid Hill’s second major of the half.

The Bulldogs again went straight into attack from the next bounce, Ben Knight getting the ball to Sheahan and another goal. The spark had exploded and the Bulldogs had snapped their way back to dominance.

Skipper Steve Gunther then saw his strong work in the centre capped off by a Zach Alford goal - one of four for the day. The tight work that had given Inglewood a sniff in the third term became diluted.

Wendels, Liam and Jonty Marciano along with Dan Polack still put their bodies on the line. Polack kicked one of the Blues’ two goals for the final term.

Tom McGregor was again in the best for Pyramid Hill along with Gunther and Sheahan, experience and strength too much for the younger Blues.

AFL regional council close to release

MEMBERS of the new AFL Central Victoria regional council could be named as early as next week.

Expressions of interest closed a month ago after the AFL announced the region’s commission would be replaced with the new structure.

Members will have “their professional skills, knowledge, and expertise, from a broad collection of backgrounds, on a range of strategic and demographical issues that arise in the administration of Australian Football within the region”.

Central Victoria’s change to a council follows similar restructures in Gippsland, Goldfields, Western District, WimmeraMallee regions. AFL Victoria community football manager

John O’Donohue had told leagues: ““A council will adopt a bottomup philosophy, with clubs and leagues having influence on regional strategies implemented by the council who will set Community Club Sustainability Program Caps, resolve transfer disputes and other matters under AFL Victoria Country Rules.”

Maroons come from behind as pressure builds for fifth spot

NEWBRIDGE’S stirring comeback to snatch victory from Calivil at Riverside Oval on Saturday has officially thrown open the battle for fifth spot.

The Maroons had struggled to get an edge over a confident Calivil looking to carry on from the upset win over Inglewood and win a third game of the season.

Less than a kick separated last weekend’s rivals at each of the changes. The tug-o-war

encounter played against a backdrop of both sides pushing to be rated a genuine mid-tier side.

In just his second game of the season, it was midfielder Tom Hobson who put in a starring role for the Maroons, bobbing up with a crucial goal as Newbridge scooted away in the last quarter to a 34-point victory.

The win has boosted Newbridge’s percentage above Inglewood but, like Calivil, the

Loddon Valley squad was Mitchell Hancock, Cade Tuohey, (Bears Lagoon Serpentine); Sam McMahon, Cooper Orton (Bridgewater); Fynn Clymo, Mason Hocking, Noah Ramskill, Tyler Rasmussen, Brodie Wagner (East Loddon); Evan McCoy, Kyle McLellan, Tyler Murphy, Willem Schepers (Inglewood); Jett Bird, Riley Doorty, Kane Harris, Max Lowrey, Harry Mannix, Jack McMurray, Cooper Murphy, (Marong); Blake Gibson, Harrison Goodes - captain (Pyramid Hill).

Jack reaches milestone with Blues

JACK Nevins played his 100th game for Inglewood in the Blues’ clash against Calivil a fortnight ago, Nevins, pictured with Bowen Gauchi, is one of the local players who have been part of the rise of club the past two season. While the Blues are facing improved opposition in the battle for a top five spot in the seniors, the club’s depth is clear with solid wins in the reserves this year.

Maroons are one win behind. That will likely change when matches resume after the King’s Birthday weekend league bye. Inglewood has the daunting encounter with unbeaten Marong while Newbridge will be looking for another four points when playing Mitiamo.

And Calivil is still in the hunt, facing Maiden Gully at home in the return clash on June 22 where a result reversal is possible.

THE 50-metre penalties came at just the right time at Bridgewater on Saturday.

With Lachlan Sharp storming to a big haul, myself and the mug punters on the boundary line milking me for insightful comments, doubted he would end the day with 20 goals.

But a couple of very useful 50-metre penalties in the last quarter sealed the discussion. Must say, too, discussion was of such intensity and the focus fixed that the late quarter exhibition was missed. Have spent the last few days trying to find the match vision after its release from the censor.

Looking into the crystal ball, I think one ground Sharp will struggle to conquer is Mitiamo. If not for the ground, you’d almost pencil in another 20 goals when the Mean Machines trips up to the Prairie plains later in the season.

Analysing results from the weekend, it’s ever so clear that Bears Lagoon Serpentine relies on its goal guru Josh Mellington. To be honest, a 20goal win over Maiden Gully last Saturday was not the result that should have been recorded for the Bears.

I think the Bears need to develop a few more avenues to goal and grow capacity to kick big scores, boosting percentage before August.

Did they take the foot off the

pedal too much last Saturday? That could be dangerous with the Janiember Park juggernaut having the league bye this week, then a club bye before the big test against Pyramid Hill up at Mitchell Park.

The Dogs will have a few extra tips by then. Kennel president Bruce Moon is off today for his annual AFL Masters tournament in Bali and is sure to bring back some new tactics.

Good to see so many hopping on my bandwagon about Calivil being just a couple of players short to rattle the top sides. Will they boost stocks before the June 30 registraton cut-off? Not too sure but the crystal ball says they are the side to cause grief over the next 10 weeks.

Trotted out the trusty tractor on Sunday and headed down Newbridge way. Lots of donut boxes left after the Maroons had a win at home. Only disappointment is that the Holland boys forgot to squirrel a few away for me.

- GLENN CATTO

LODDON Valley representative side coach Jade Clymo (right) gives instructions to players at half-time in their interleague clash with Heathcote on Sunday. Marong’s Kane Harris was named the Loddon Valley’s most valuable player in the match.

Zach Alford beats the attempt to smother by Jaspa Wendels on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

GOAL STREAK

CHEERS rang out from the crowd when Bridgewater’s Lachlan Sharp slotted his 20th goal for the day on Saturday.

The cheers were as much for Sharp as the streaker who made an immediate dash from the fence to Sharp and Mean Machine teammates at the goal square.

Fans had earlier made congratulatory incursions onto the ground as Sharp, in his first year of Loddon Valley football after crossing from Bendigo league powerhouse Strathfieldsaye, edged towards a career-best match haul.

Sharp’s 20th goal came late in

Gala day spotlight on youth

JUNIOR footballers and netballers from Loddon Valley and North Central leagues were part of the annual gala day for regional competitions at Maiden Gully on Sunday.

East Loddon Rams’ Noah Ranskill (right) was a key player in the Loddon Valley side captained by Pyramid Hill’s Harrison Goodes with Jade Clymo one of the coaches.

Loddon Valley was within reach of its Heathcote opponents in the first half.

Heathcote went on to to win the match 15.8 (98) to Loddon Valley 3.4 (22). North Central took overall honours for the tournament.

By CHRIS EARL

the fourth quarter against Mitiamo on a day when Bears Lagoon

Serpentine’s Josh Mellington was also booting goals in quick fashion just kilometres away at Janiember Park.

The Bridgewater streaker was claimed as a first at the town’s recreation reserve and for the league.

“The first time ever at Bridgey ... never in Loddon Valley football before has it happened,” said long-time Mean Machine supporter Kevin Poyser.

Sharp’s 20th goal also sealed a 181-point win over Mitiamo and was his biggest haul since booting

15 against Inglewood in round three. His first shot for the day netted just a behind.

Injuries and opposition had put Sharp into the midfield for three tough encounters against Pyramid Hill, Marong and Bears Lagoon Serpentine. He had seen him limited to six goals in the three games before Saturday.

Sharp’s 20-goal performanceBridgewater had 10 goalkickers for the day - was the third highest haul in a Loddon Valley match in decades.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Greg Gadsden kicked 29 goals against Dunolly in 2003 and Mitiamo’s Alex Chapman bagged 22 goals the same season also against

Dunolly to set a club record in the first of 10 seasons at Mitiamo.

Gadsden’s record put on 1200 goals after the Bears defeated bottom side Dunolly late in the 2003 season. He kicked six in the first quarter, followed by five, 10 and eight.

The Bears’ 2024 goal star Josh Mellington on Saturday kicked 17 goals against Maiden Gully as Serpentine headed to a 127-point win.

Mellington again commanded the forward zone for Serpentine and was one of seven goalkickers for the home team playing in the heritage Saints colours for a reunion round of past players.

The ex-Fremantle Docker out-

SHARP FAN’S STRIP SPRINT SALUTES FEAT

played opponents all day and had the upper hand over Maiden Gully’s Angus Monfries. A spectacular mark in the fourth quarter had Mellington using the former Essendon and Port Adelaide player as a springboard to mark and add to his goal tally.

Mellington has kicked 87 goals, 26 more than Sharp. Bears Lagoon Serpentine has the bye when the Loddon Valley season reaches the half-way mark after the King’s Birthday weekend.

The pair is streets ahead of the next most prolific goal scorer, Pyramid Hill’s Zach Alford who is sitting on 28

WEEKEND MATCH REPORTS, SCOREBOARDS - INSIDE

LH PHOTO