Loddon Herald 6 October 2022

DON’T BE SILLY MORE RAIN, RISING WATERS

A RAIN bomb is predicted to dump up to 100mm of rain on the Loddon this week, swelling already full creeks and dams and closing local roads.

It has prompted State Emergency Service volunteers and police to warn that motorists must drive to conditions and not enter floodways.

“Don’t be silly on flooded roads,” said Wedderburn SES unit deputy controller Reg Holt after crews were called to res cues last week.

“If there’s warning signs out, they are there for your safety and not to be ignored. Two callouts last week would have been avoided if people had thought first.”

Loddon police sergeant Ben Huis mann said: “Even if you think you know a local road, the water depth can be de ceiving and once a vehicle is stuck in water, it’s too late.

“It’s not only family and friends you

By CHRIS EARL

put at risk driving through flooded sec tions of road, it’s the emergency ser vice volunteers who come out to rescue you.”

Sgt Huismann said water during last week’s flooding was across roads up to waist height.

“Speed limits of 100kmh on these roads doesn’t mean driving at the speed, you have to drive to the condi tions, especially in fading light at dusk and dawn. At night, the headlights might only pick up the water when you hit it and there’s a risk you will end up off the road,” he said.

Rain starting falling across the Lod don on Tuesday and is forecast to con tinue until tomorrow.

Water was still sitting across some lo cal roads on Monday, slowly receding from last week’s downpours.

In the past three weeks, flooding has seen temporary road closures of the Loddon Valley Highway at Campbells forest and a vehicle hit water at night on the Serpentine-Bridgewater road, overturning and landing on the verge.

Farmers in the Ferrnihurst area have spent recent days reinforcing their lev ees in case the Loddon River and creeks breach their banks. There was minor river flooding downstream of Laaneco orie on Tuesday with the level at 1.63 metres.

Mr Holt said he expected this week’s rain bomb would again see roads closed.

“I expect that (Loddon Shire) council will be proactive in erecting signs and assessing the likely rise of water and the degree of danger this poses to mo torists,” Mr Holt said.

LATE NEWS - SHAFT CLOSES HIGHWAY

THE Wimmera Highway was still closed later yesterday morning as Re gional Roads Victoria workers patched a section between Murphys Creek and Moliagul. The highway has been closed since Tuesday afternoon after a large shaft-like crater appeared in the road.

“Damage has been caused to the road as a result of historical mining ac

tivity – a common challenge in the area due to the region’s mining history,” said Department of Transport region direc tor Melanie Hotton.

Motorists were being told avoid the area, follow the direction of emergency services and detour using Bridgewa ter-Dunolly road and Dunolly-Moliagul road. The highway was expected to reopen late yesterday.

Sgt Ben Huismann

T

HEY say there’s more than a likeness to inspirational images on which the latest incarnations of Mologa’s famous roadside haybales are based. Turns out that while co-creator of the original ANZAC -nspired fenceline homage Denise was off on her honeymoon with Alister (remember, he was given the leave pass to see the Pussycats finally do the trick at the MCG), Denise’s off siders set about creating a welcome home present for the new couple. Word around the bush is that Alister’s bale is absolutely the spitting image.

HEADING across country, Heidi at Jarklin is always telling patrons and friends “what a beautiful day it is to call in to The Four Posts!” She gave them added incentive to slow down when travelling along the Loddon Highway a few days ago - parked out front, roadside, was one of those nice clean new cars with candid camera arranged in the rear. “No, we don’t pay the camera car, but I am dirty on him, for not coming and getting a coffee,” said Heidi.

H AD a special weekend report from up Calivil way. The good ol’ Stinga popped

in a text to OTF lodging, we think anyway, some type of protest about impending team selection down Bridgewater way. Turns out The Oracle could be acting, interim, tem porary ad hoc chairman of selectors pro tem (that’ll have him reaching for the Funk and Wagnalls) and tipped to make himself skipper of the No 1 rink. Stinga thinks this would be grossly unfair but adds that in new role The Oracle “is unlikely to sack Big John the barman”. We’ll be interested to see how this one rolls.

F

INALLY, from Bradley of Boort is this week’s Treemendous Sign with a special message for Dyslexia Awareness Week this week

Scene set to share stories

STORIES will be shared at Mysia on Sunday when the centenary of the district’s war memorial school is celebrated.

One of the organisers, Susan Gould, is expecting up to 150 people will attend the centenary that was postponed last year by COVID restrictions.

Sue said there had been grow

ing interest in the countdown to Sunday’s unveiling of a cen tenary plaque and planting of a Lone Pine seedling.

“This was the first war memo rial school built in Victoria after World War One and continued as a school until 1975. It’s been a community centre ever since,” Susan said.

Wendy Mills Susan Gould, Chris Rothacker, David Mills, Julie Dean and Alison Dean have been busy preparing for Sunday’s centenary. LH PHOTO

Main street market stall allowed to keep trading

Vegie patch permit

A FRUIT and vegetable stall that has given a Bridgewater group almost $15,000 in 18 months will be allowed to continue trad ing.

The PTP Produce stall at the front of the town’s bowling club in Main Street had been forced to close last Wednesday.

But within 48 hours, a commu nity petition had more than 300 signatures as the Swan Hill own ers continued talks with Loddon Shire Council to satisfy permit requirements for the stall.

Owner Tom Mudge was pleased by Friday afternoon that the stall could continue operat ing as was petition organiser Adrienn Macklintosh.

On Monday, council’s director operations Steven Phillips said: “The fruit and vegetable stall at Bridgewater is subject to the provisions of the Loddon plan ning scheme.

“Council is responsible to en sure that land use including retail operations are located appropriately and that consid eration is given to the needs and safety of the community and the environment.

“Council is working with the owners of the stall to reach com pliance with the regulations,” Mr Phillips said.

Mr Mudge said his company paid a commission to the bowl ing club each month.

“We thought we had gone

through the correct processes (for a permit) when we started 18 months ago,” he said. “We want to do the right thing.”

Mr Mudge said it had been a tough few days after first being told to cease trading. Financially, he said the reprieve was a life saver.

Ms Mackintosh said the stall was providing a good service for the community and travellers.

“It makes fresh produce af fordable,” she said.

Roo harvest halt strips $300k from economy, says shooter

A HALT to kangaroo harvesting in the Loddon has stopped shooters earning up to $327,000 in the final months of 2022, said Newbridge professional shooter Glen Cole.

Mr Cole said 7800 issued tags for the lower Wimmera, which includes Loddon, had been made useless after the Depart ment of Environment, Water, Land and Planning, put a halt on kangaroo harvest ing for October, November and December.

He said that while there was an effec tive stop to the kangaroo harvest, farmers could still apply for permits.

Mr Cole said he had written to the State Government and the Coalition requesting talks aimed at refining kangaroo harvest conditions in Victoria.

“We are in one of two zones that have

been closed for harvest this quarter. The tags already issued cannot be used and ex pire on December 31,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Cole said the RSPCA’s decision to stop selling kangaroo meat as pet food would make no difference to the industry.

“It will just mean more sales for other outlets,” Mr Cole said.

“The RSPCA will be the ones losing mon ey. There will be no effect on the kanga roo harvesting industry.”

The RSPCA had been reported as under pressure from animal activists, including Victorian Kangaroo Alliance, to stop sell ing kangaroo meat as pet food.

The alliance was behind protests against a proposed kangaroo processing plant at Inglewood.

Residents rally in front of the PTP Produce market stall to support owners as they negotiate permit requirements for the retail outlet. Among them were petition organiser Adrienn Mackintosh taking the signature of Ray Collins (left)

LH PHOTOS

Healthy art

WEDDERBURN College Year 12 student Samantha Arnup has been announced winner of this year’s Loddon Healthy Minds art competition. It is the second year running that Samantha has taken out the top prize from students across the Loddon.

Registrations close

REGISTRATIONS for the Lod don Healthy Minds Network 2022 Suicide Prevention Fo rum close next Friday. The forum in Inglewood on Octo ber 20 will focus on suicide prevention strategies that work in rural areas and will include a number of experts and speakers who will give insights into solutions and strategies to address rural mental health – including the mental health of young peo ple in the community.

SPECIAL FEATURE NEXT WEEK

The first Loddon Arts Trail will be held on October 22 and 23. Next week’s Loddon Herald will have a special feature show casing the artists and venues taking part in the trail.

LOCAL NEWS LATEST Show has plan

ORGANISERS of Saturday’s Boort Show are monitoring weather conditions and have back-up wet weather plans for events to be conducted safely.

If changes are required, they will be announced online.

Your local paper: No 1 for news in regional Victoria

THE Loddon Herald on Friday night was named News Outlet of the Year at the Rural Press Club of Victoria awards ceremony in Ballarat.

Open to newspapers, radio and television across rural and regional Victoria and Tasmania, the Loddon Herald took the top award in the 2022 journalist and photography awards that attracted more than 250 entries.

The Loddon Herald was given the honour ahead of other fi nalists, the Weekly Times and regional daily newspaper Shep parton News.

Loddon Herald managing edi tor Chris Earl was also a finalist and commended in the Journal ist of the Year category for his articles that looked at the future of cattle selling for Loddon pro ducers as Bendigo sale numbers dwindled, the state of Loddon’s five swimming pools and foot ball’s young guns stepping up to senior ranks.

Highly commended was daily newspaper The Ballarat Cou rier’s James Couzens with the winner also coming from a re gional daily, The Geelong Ad vertiser’s Harrison Tippet.

The Loddon Herald was praised for its coverage of local communities and people in be coming the first rural non-daily newspaper to win News Outlet of the Year in the award’s his tory.

A statement that accompanied the Loddon Herald portfolio of stories for the award said:

“Our portfolio is but a small snapshot of capturing the lives, the people, the issues and the trends of small towns and farm ing districts, the Loddon Herald providing these people once more with a platform to be their voice.

“Whether the issues are child care or swimming pools, farm ing changes or challenges for small towns, the Loddon Herald provides that platform. And we strive to capture the spirit of the communities while also being positive for the future, whether through people, business or new enterprises for the area like mining.

“Sport is at the heart of these communities and besides week ly sports results, we look deeper with our special reports includ ing one on the next generation of young gun footballers.

“Our circulation area has seen more than its share of challeng es, so we celebrate when good things happen - a national re cord sheep price was one cause to pop the champagne corks lo cally.”

Mr Earl said being named re gional Victoria’s News Outlet of the Year was both humbling and

a tribute to stories of Loddon communities and people.

“Just to have been a finalist alongside the Weekly Times, re garded as the Bush Bible since 1869, and the much-respected Shepparton News was amazing for our one-man newspaper,” he said. “To achieve recognition from peers is thanks to our read ers, our advertisers and people who pass on news tips and every week give us the honour of their stories ... every story is impor tant.”

The Loddon Herald last No

vember won the Victorian Country Press Association award for overall excellence (circulation under 2000), best community campaign and was highly commended for its Vol unteers’ Week feature and in the photography section.

“To receive recognition firstly within the industry and now among peers is gratifying for the ‘old style’ newspaper we strive to publish every week,” he said.

“Local news from local people and communities is still highly valued.”

‘Paddocks’ produce grant goods

HEALTH and education projects celebrating “paddock produce” have been funded in the latest round of Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal grants.

Dingee Pre-school will spruce up the building’s entrance with a mural Art Magic to the Paddock with funding of $2400.

And Inglewood and District Health Services has received $10,000 for its kitchen garden that CEO Dallas Coghill hopes will became part of a “paddock to plate program for our residents”.

“This program will ensure that residents are involved in all stages from planting to harvest ing to cooking and consumption of the food,” he said.

“Being from a rural commu nity many of our residents have come from farming backgrounds and we wanted to recreate that with this program. The FRRR funds will specifically provide opportunities for our residents to access this garden by creating safer paths, purchase of outdoor furniture and some excavation works to our site.”

Dingee Pre-school committee president Melissa Phillips said the mural would “create a posi tive piece of art and make our entrance welcoming”.

Melissa said parents were working with local artist Jo Guthrie on early designs and a start was expected to be made later this year.

“We’re drawing a lot of inspira tion from children’s book George the Farmer for the mural that will be a perfect way to illustrate our district and its history.

Dingee’s grant was part of FRRR’s small and vital program and IDHS under the COVID re covery stream.

The local projects are among 30 projects across remote, rural and regional Australia share in $1,663,531 of grants.

Town will get a flushing

COLIBAN Water will flush Tarna gulla’s supply pipes this month.

Residents have been told that supply will be interrupted from 9am to 1pm on October 17.

Coliban says residents should turn off their tap at the metre to prevent sediment entering pipes during the flushing of mains.

The

sport

Loddon Herald managing editor Chris Earl after receiving the Rural Press Club of Victoria award

Roadside neglect - Beattie gives blast

GRASS was so high guideposts could not be seen on the Boort-Durham Ox road, Loddon Shire councillor Neil Beattie said on Monday,

A week since launching into urgent business on the state of Regional Roads Victoria roadsides across the shire when councillors had their monthly meeting, Cr Beattie had a blunt message: “Some one is going to get hurt.

”And along the Loddon Valley High way all the way from Kerang to Bendigo, grass is a metre high,” he said.

“Not only is it potholes, now the shoul ders of roads have not been maintained.

“The billions being spent on just one big project in Melbourne would fix all of regional Victoria’s roads.

“Rural Victoria has been completely neglected.”

Cr Beattie said Loddon Shire once had the contract to mow roadsides twice a year.

““They would be done in early spring and then a few months later where there had been growth,” he said.

“(Then) VicRoads deemed this too ex pensive, gave the work to a contractor and now it only gets done once. They haven’t even started in the Loddon Shire yet ... we had to stir them up last year.”

Cr Beattie said rains had created a mag nificent season for growth but claimed there were no control measures in place to trackle the roadside problem.

And he was also critical of the lack of

maintenance by Regional Roads Victoria across the region.

“Despite assurances 18 months ago, nothing has been done on the Durham Ox-Pyramid Hill road,” he said.

“They can blame the wet weather all they like but these problems have been a long time coming.”

Councillors last week backed Cr Beat tie in his call for representations to Re gional Roads Victoria for quick action reducing roadside growth ahead of the fire season.

Cr Beattie on Monday reiterated his frustrations with inaction

“It’s dangerous on so many roads and action is needed before it’s too late,” Cr Beattie said.

Tractors tread local tracks

SCORES of vintage tractors were cheered from Loddon roadsides as their toured the region for the 8th National Historical Machin ery Association tractor trek at the weekend.

More than 140 vintage trac tors came from across Australia for the trek.

Wedderburn Historical En gine and Machinery Society fi

nally had its chance to host the national gathering after earlier efforts were aborted by COVID restrictions.

The society was praised by participants for its organisation and welcome.

Enthusiasts had started arriv ing last Wednesday, some camp ing in tents, caravans and on the floors of buildings at Engine

Park where the tractors started and finished their treks to Fen tons Creek and Korong Vale on Saturday and Sunday.

For Bealiba’s Geoff McClelland, it was first national trek.

“They’re a good bunch of blokes,” he said.

One of the veterans was David McDonald from Dungog in the Hunter Valley.

His 1951 David Brown Super Cropmaster was emblazoned with “Wedderburn or Bust” on a rusty old trunk. “This has been a really well organised rally and the scenery on the treks sec ond to none,” David said as he notched up trek number eight spending the weekend with fel low enthusiasts.

Cr Neil Beattie

Maintenance behind with latest soaking

LODDON Shire’s maintenance program is six weeks behind schedule after latest heavy rains.

Council said the consistent weekly rainfall was starting to impact on the road network.

“It is keeping council staff busy putting out warning signs and clearing debris from the roads,” said director operations Steve Phillips.

“Many of the table drains are now full with nowhere left for water to drain.

“The ground is now very wet, making some aspects of road maintenance impossible until things dry out.

“The impact has meant that our maintenance program is now six weeks behind and with more rain to come our capacity to keep up will be challenged.

“Council will continue to make our roads as safe as possible giv en the conditions.

“We ask for the community to be patient as we work through the backlog of maintenance is sues,” he said.

Park re-opens after busy weekend

BRIDGEWATER Public Caravan Park was closed for two days last week.

Maintenance was required af ter the AFL Grand Final week end and recent rain when camp ing was at a premium across the Loddon.

Loddon Shire said while the park had re-opened, additional maintenance work was continu ing on some sites.

Tractor trek veteran David McDonald was among hundreds of people in Wedderburn for the national tractor trek. LH PHOTO

Hundreds mark milestones

SISTERS Audrey Ennis and Lois Cole were among several hundred people who gathered for the Yeungroon hall’s 130th anniversary on Sunday.

The former Olive girls recalled play ing piano in the hall as teenagers - Lois pumped out Jingle Bells when electricity came to the district in 1962, both played for Christmas tree gatherings.

Audrey, who now lives in Bendigo, also had her 21st birthday party in the hall. Lois lives in Echuca.

They returned for the celebrations where Allan McGillivray unveiled a me morial to district people who had enlist ed for service in war.

Standing beside the hall that recently received a fresh lick of paint is the in terpretative history feature chronicling the district’s history that includes agri culture, education and those who served in the World Wars.

The celebrations also saw people from across the Loddon and adjoining areas carpool to the nearby fire station where the brigade centenary was marked.

Road of ‘pot holes and big craters’

STATE Parliament has been told the Dingee-Raywood road was full of pot holes “and big craters”.

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh raised concerns about the road in the final sitting week of the Leg islative Assembly before Novem ber’s state election.

“I had reason to travel down the Dingee to Raywood road, with its large potholes and big craters, particularly in the floodways on that road,” Mr Walsh said.

“Anyone who knows that road knows that in the water you actu ally cannot see the size of those potholes—they are literally cra ters there. It is dangerous, and there will be accidents there if someone does not do something about that particular road.”

“I am told the member for Ben digo East (Jacinta Allan) was go ing to take it up with the Minister for Roads and Road Safety on that community’s behalf.

“I would urge the member for Bendigo East to please empha sise to the minister for roads how dangerous the Dingee to Ray wood road is with all the potholes that are on that particular road.”

The Loddon Herald contacted Ms Allan’s office for comment.

New safety videos

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation

Making Our Farms Safer team has released a series of educational standard safe operating proce dure videos to support farmers in correctly carrying out some of the most high-risk tasks leading to incidents on their farms.

Dining program returns

Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program is back and now open.

can claim 25 per cent cash back when you spend $40 or more, for purchases anywhere in Victoria, any day of the week.

can make multiple claims until you reach a combined total of $125 cash back.

claim

The Loddon Victorian Seniors Festival is being celebrated across Loddon Shire until 14 October 2022.

Local activities for the festival started yesterday with the gala concert in Boort and actiivities are also being held in Pyramid Hill, Wedderburn, Inglewood and other areas in the shire.

All our Loddon Seniors are encouraged to get involved in this year’s festival including attending the Gala Day and other activities available across the shire during this time.

To view the Loddon Shire Council Seniors Festival 2022 Program Guide please visit www.loddon.vic.gov. au/Our-Services/Services-for-our-older-residents-andpeople-with-disabilitie

For further information regarding this year’s festival, please call 5494 1201 during business hours.

The Seniors Festival is delivered in conjunction with the Victorian Government, through the o ce for Senior Victorians in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

you need is

a receipt and your bank account details. To nd out more visit www. vic.gov.au/victorian-dining-andentertainment-program

The Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program will run until the $25 million fund is exhausted or 11:59pm Friday 16 December 2022.

Registrations close next week

Registrations for the Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2022 Suicide Prevention Forum close next Friday, 14 October.

The forum will be held on 20 October 2022 at Inglewood Community Hub and has the theme of Rural Strategies that Work. Looking out for our community has never been more important than in this moment – join us for the 2022 Suicide Prevention Forum (SPF22) to learn about suicide prevention strategies that work in rural areas.

For further information head to the Loddon Healthy Mind Network website www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au/suicide-prevention-forum

Rod Polkinghorne, Greg Lanyon and Carolyn Olive Roger Patterson, Laurie Cossar, Geoff Hindson and Merv Adams

Loris Cole and Audrey Ennis at the Yeungroon reunion. LH PHOTOS

Cubby house kings

JORDAN and Harry Hargreaves are the best cubby house builders going around.

The Wedderburn duo teamed with fel low Redbacks’ footballer Mitch McEwen to win the Tradie Challenge at the weekend’s Deni Ute Muster in Deniliquin.

Carpenter builder Jordan, brother Har ry, who describes himself as a skilled la bourer, and Echuca-based carpenter Mitch knocked together the cubby house in just under six hours.

“A couple of us went up a few years ago with the encouragement of (Redbacks player) Cory Lowry’s parents who are in

volved with running the show,” Jordan said. “This was my third time in the com petition and we keep being invited back. I think we entertain the crowd!”

Jordan said four teams contested the challenge with money raised from the sale of the cubby houses given to social hous ing enterprise Homes Out West.

“We received the design plans a few weeks before. The cubby had to include two doors and a window,” he said.

“We started at 9am and finished at 3pm with half an hour for lunch. Then we en joyed the rest of the weekend.”

Department says sneak peak

close for intersection fix

AN INFORMATION diagram explaining Department of Transport plans to upgrade a dangerous intersection at Newbridge could be released within weeks.

Department of Transport last month said it would start work on the intersection of Bridgewater-Maldon road and Wimmera Highway this year. The project was first put in the drawing board in 2017.

The department has told the Loddon Herald “we’re in the process of getting an information graphic drawn up this week”.

Newbridge, Arnold Llannelly Commu

nity planning committee secretary Sue Horsley said: “An A4 notice from VicRoads has been the only communication resi dents have had besides your article in the Loddon Herald. Loddon Shire is advocates for the Newbridge Arnold Llanelly Com munity Plan Committee yet we have had no communication to pass onto the com munity.”

In her perspective column in this week’s Loddon Herald, Cr Linda Jungwirth raises disappointment that council has not been told of planned works (see Page 12).

Retirement is just around corner

PAUL and Julie Davis will next month of ficially end almost three decades of run ning Tarnagulla’s post office.

After several false starts and multiple nibbles to buy the licensed post office and store, Paul and Julie will hand over to Mary Wollmering on November 2.

Mary has been completing Australia Post training and currently working in tandem with Paul and Julie as part of the business sale.

Paul and Julie had been looking for new owners for more than 18 months in prep aration for their retirement.

It is the second post office agency sale in the Loddon this year.

Inglewood’s Trevor and Marie Ralph retired in July after more than 40 years running the business.

The community consortium that owns Bridgewater is also looking to place that town’s post office on the market.

Mitch McEwen, Jordan and Harry Hargreaves celebrate their win in the Tradie Challenge cubby house construction competition.

LOCAL

ON GUARD Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria performed The Yeoman of the Guard at Ingle wood Town Hall on Saturday. Among the crowd enjoying af ternoon tea interval were Karen Godwin, Rhiannon Last, Deb nise Last and Shannon Maddi son (above) and Helen Reimers and Damien Mason (right). For lovers of opera, Lyster Opera Ltd will be performing La Ce nerentola in Tarnagulla later this month.

NEW CLOTHES St Patrick’s Primary School Pyramid Hill has performed The Princess’ New Clothes - set in a magical kingdom, just outside the Pyramid Hill city limits where the charming Princess Penelope found herself needing some new clothes for her sis ter’s upcoming coronation. Principal John O’Connor said: “What an awesome night we had performing this play for the families, friends and community of St Pat’s. The children were amazing and a wonderful night was had by all.”

LH PHOTOS

Bush nursing centre in good position ahead of centenary

DINGEE Bush Nursing Centre records are being digitised ready for publication of a book for the centre’s centenary next year.

Board president Geoff Thomas told Sun day’s annual general meeting the book’s release would be part of centenary cel ebrations.

Mr Thomas said the centre was work ing with East Loddon Historical Society on the project.

“Preparations are well in hand and a number of former local identities have already been interviewed, so the book should make a very interesting and amus ing read,” he said.

“It would be remiss of me not to men tion the hard work of Andrea Boudville in co-ordinating and liaising with the his torical society team.”

Mr Thomas said the centre remained in a robust financial position and continued to enjoy a high level of community sup port.

“What that in mind and with the help of our community engagement commit tee, we are currently looking at a number

of projects to further expand the range of services available to our community,” Mr Thomas said.

“The spectre of COVID-19 has affected our society in so many ways, some of which are unexpected. Who would have thought that a shortage of skilled trades

men would mean that it took a full 12 months to erect two fairly simple car ports.”

Centre co-managers Kylie Smith and Heather Gale said home visits had in creased during the year to ensure safety and welfare of the community.

“Training continued to be a significant focus for us in the past year with the continuation of monthly training with Ambu lance Victoria,” they said.

Three new registered nurses - Noeleen Turner, Kristen Ferguson and Joanne Kane - have been engaged during the year.

“We have continued our partnerships with Inglewood and District Health Ser vice, Bendigo Health, Echuca Regional Health and Rochester and Elmore District Health Service. These services assisted us with the provision of case reviews, Abo riginal liaison and referral systems for further health assessments and exper tise,” the co-managers said.

“We are both very committed to DBNC and strive to deliver the highest quality of health care to this community.”

Dining program funds spent in two weeks

A $25 million dining and entertainment rebate program has been exhausted in un der two weeks.

The State Government program offer ing refunds of up to $125 opened on Sep tember 19 but closed on Monday.

Under the program, Victorians could claim 25 per cent of their money back when they spent at least $40 on dining or entertainment.

Local hotel owners reported an increase in customers asking for a receipt over the last two weeks.

Bridgewater Hotel’s Virginia Hyland said: “In the last two weeks we certainly had more people asking for a receipt. We had promoted the program so customers were aware of being able to make a claim.

“But I don’t think more people came out,” Virginia said.

Paul Carter, owner of Pyramid Hill’s Victoria Hotel and manager of the Rail way Hotel in Boort, said: “We did have people asking for their receipts a couple of times a week.

“Yes, the program was used but it’s hard to gauge whether it brought extra people to the region.”

The program had been expected to run until December.

Drilling program 50,000 metres

CATALYST Metals has completed more than 50,000 metres of drilling across its Victorian exploration projects.

The company’s annual report released on Monday said COVID had hampered ac cess to drill rigs and prevented key per sonnel from getting to Bendigo.

“This negatively impacted drilling re sults during the financial year. Nonethe less, the drilling did prove successful in increasing the known mineralisation in close proximity to Boyd’s Dam,” Catalyst chairman Stephen Boston said.

“This is an important milestone as this concentration of mineralisation alters the economics of any future operation that may exist, as it will allow ore to be sourced from multiple high-grade areas in close proximity to one another - Boyd’s Dam, Hayanmi, Pickles, Cunneens and Boyd East.

“At the Four Eagles Gold Project, the company announced that studies had commenced to evaluate the concept of an underground exploration tunnel. The company has engaged industry leading consultants and conducted extensive com munity and stakeholder consultation as it works towards the submission of the un derground exploration tunnel work plan with the Victorian Government.”

Catalyst shares rose to $1.38 on Monday before easing to $1.33, up four cents on the day’s opening.

Piping up Scots’ history

PYRAMID Hill Historical Society has re leased its latest publication Scots Wha Hae, a history of the town’s caledonian society and pipe band. The book was compiled by Margaret Williamson using reports in the Pyramid Hill Advertiser. Scots Wha Hae covers the society from its formation af ter World War One, gatherings and Burns’ Nights and the band’s participation in local events until the early 1970s.

Come and join us at the Victoria Hotel in Pyramid Hill

We offer classic pub meals, ice cold drinks, clean accommodation and a stocked

winter trading hours are as follows

MONDAY • OPEN 3.00PM DINNER FROM 6.00PM SOCIAL DARTS NIGHT

TUESDAY • OPEN 2.00PM DINNER FROM 6.00PM

WEDNESDAY • OPEN MIDDAY LUNCH FROM 12.00 POT’N’PARMA NIGHT DINNER FROM 6.00PM

THURSDAY • OPEN 11.00AM DINNER FROM 5.30PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY • OPEN MIDDAY LUNCH FROM 12.00 HAPPY HOUR 5.00-6.30 DINNER FROM 5.30PM JOKER POKER 5.00-8.00 MEAT TRAY RAFFLE

SATURDAY • OPEN MIDDAY LUNCH FROM 12.00 DINNER FROM 5.30PM

OPEN MIDDAY

Geoff Thomas

MONDAY - OPEN

TUESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

WEDNESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

THURSDAY - OPEN MIDDAY

FROM 12.00PM

FRIDAY - OPEN MIDDAY

FROM 12.00

THERE was an increase in numbers across both lamb and sheep categories at Bendigo on Monday.

A full field of buyers was in attendance with no interstate markets due to a public holiday.

Competition was solid with young lamb prices tracking within a few dollars either side of last week.

Quality was better and this tightened up bidding with the majority of young lambs estimated as selling between 760c to 820c on a carcass weight basis.

More restocking activity with orders from Tasmania and Ballarat joining the regular local operators.

Heaviest export weight young lambs $234 to a top of $255/head with the main run of heavy crossbreds 26-30kg cwt $205 to $230 for most, the 24-26kg $181 to $211, and the 22-24kg $160 to $194 at a ballpark average of $180/head.

Restockers were active across a range of lamb sizes including stepping into some trade weighted pens at $166 to $196/head.

& K Dobson Echuca (12) $213, F & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (85) $206, Gredgwin Ridge Boort (37) $200, AA Jensen & Son Raywood (107) $199.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

Steve Murphy Warracknabeal (70) $262, SJ & MU Trewick Elmore (15) $252, R,D,D & J Pascoe Elmore (47) $243, S Murphy Warracknabeal (133) $240, G Ryan Mathoura (18) $238, F & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (29) $225, AJ Isaac Mysia (16) $220.

MERINO LAMBS

JE Merrylees Carrathool (119) $136, Budgewah Hay (29) $130.

CROSSBRED EWES

Naylor Farm Trust Pyramid Hill (145) $195, Lyndo ch Farming Macorna, (125) $165, M Harford Redesdale (37) $150, G & I Watson Colbinabbin (10) $146, A & K Ogden Moama (64) $133, T & M Roulston Yarrawalla (42) $123, I Whatley Goornong (14) $121.

MERINO EWES

MJ Byrne Axedale (47) $146, D & T Zoch Pyalong (29) $125, M Zoch Pyalong (26) $125, M & T Gaylor Wycheproof (28) $123, Budgewah Hay (47) $116, D Watts Yeungroon (21) $110, JH Hay & Sons Kamarooka (31) $105.

SATURDAY - OPEN MIDDAY

12.00PM

The more genuine sized young store lambs sold from $138 to $158 for cross breds in the 18-20kg cwt range and $113 to $133/head for smaller types.

Old season lamb numbers have dropped significantly, however, buyers did give solid support to any reasonable types to day and some categories were dearer.

Sheep numbers increased and were dominated by heavy ewes.

Heavy mutton was similar to $5/head easier whilst lighter sheep were often dearer. Big crossbred ewes sold from $145 to $165/head to be costing under 500c/kg cwt. Heavy Merino ewes in a skin to $170/ head. Light to medium mutton $87 to $135/ head.

SUCKERS

G

Tallygaroopna

&

Hepworth

(107)

& PM Cooper Strathfieldsaye

Quambatook (42) $226, MF Ryan Mathoura (61) $225, Mark Lanyon Boort (46) $225, JH Hay & Sons Kama rooka (34) $224, P & T Colvin Powlett Plains (121) $224, RA & VL Hampton Kerang (49) $224, SM & KL Coutts Boort (25) $222, Elysian Downs Raywood (63) $220, T

RURAL TIPS Farmers from across the district attended an agriculture information night at Campbells Forest last week. Among them were (above) Tyler Wilson, Megan Webb and Glen Burnett and (left) Anne Marie and Garey Davis with Glenda Wilson. Dave Edwards (top left) spoke on short-term grain storage machinery while Wes Wheelhouse told the capacity audience about fertilisers for 2022, Brendan Williams on weed-seeking spraying systems and James Coghlan on the use of drones.

Stud’s

A NEW era has dawned at Mysia’s Panoramo Poll Merino stud.

Two years after Borung’s Frank and Marg Byrne sold theirstud to Mark and Belinda Perry man, the new owners have held their first on-property auction.

Regular buyers Neil and Deb bie Davies (Eddington) and Ross Jackson (Moyston) again led the bidding as 50 rams went under the hammer. They each paid an equal top price of $6000 - up on the 2019 high of $4250 and boost ing the average to $2088, a slight increase on Frank’s final sale.

“This was Panorama’s 31st onproperty sale and 37 rams were sold on the day,” Mark said.

“We have been selling privately since taking on the stud and, yes, we were fairly nervous coming into the sale but rapt with the av erages.”

The Perrymans are running a flock of 3500 commerial sheep and 400 stud ewes at Mysia.

“Frank was ahead of his time when he started breeding dual purpose sheep,” Mark said.

“We’re continuing that tradi tion and basically trying to breed sheep that suit our environment, fine tuning what we do.

“For next year’s auction, we are looking to introduce breeding values.

“We have basic figures but to keep up with the times, breeding values are where the industry is heading.”

Mark said the stud introduced genetics from Oakbank Stud at Gre Gre North, “well suited to our environment”. And tomorrow, he will be at that stud’s auction to identify more rams that could lift the genetics at Mysia,

return

La Nina needs grain hygeine precautions

EFFECTIVE grain hygeine would be key to maximising returns with forecats of another La Nina weather pattern, said Agriculture Victoria.

Grains biosecurity officer Jim Moran said: “The onset of spring brings harvest planning and preparation to front of mind.”

“This should mean considering your tactics for controlling in sects when harvesting, handling and storing the new grain.

“To prevent insects from dam aging stored grain and limiting marketing opportunities, storage hygiene strategies are needed now,” he said.

The Perrymans bought 300 ewes from Frank Byrne and Mark said it was Frank’s encourage ment that saw him agree to also take on the registered stud.

The Byrne family had been breeding poll Merinos since 1956

and Frank moved into dual pur pose animals in 1974.

The Perrymans hope to spread awareness of the stud and are also considering participating in field days and major shows in coming years.

Practical steps that can be tak en on-farm at this time, include: z cleaning up all grain resi dues and spills in and around grain storages; z cleaning out and treating empty grain storages, grain han dling and harvesting equipment and applying a structural treat ment (such as desiccant dust) to each surface – this includes in side grain silos, aeration ducts, augers, conveyers, harvesters, field bins, header fronts, head ers, trucks and trailers; z repairing or replacing seals around hatches, latches and chutes to prevent insects gain ing access to silos; and z pressure testing silos to en sure they meet gas tight specifi cations if using for fumigation.

Property 1: 1118 Inglewood Rheola Road KINGOWER VIC 3517

The Old Bridge Hotel Circa 1910 - 12pm sharp! Used as a private residence, this solid brick home offers great tranquillity and solitude. Nested in the gold mining haven of Kingower, this old pub offers 4 bedrooms, kitchen/ dining, large formal lounge with solid fuel heating. Front to rear passageway with access to the front bar/lounge area with window servery & full sized cellar, bathroom. The interior of the home has 12’ ceilings, extensive verandah on the east side, external laundry and toilet, rainwater connected and pipeline water available. A great allotment of land with lovely native aspects. Mail delivery and school bus to front door. Clearing Sale

at

sharp and includes:

pumps,

wool scales,

wool

washer, garden

chairs

1. What is Sporalogy the study of?

2. What energy does an Eolic power sta tion generate?

3. What is Exobiology the study of?

4. What is the symbol for copper?

5. What is Hydrogeology the study of?

6. What bird consumes about 33 per cent of its body weight in a single meal.

7. What is Laryngology the study of?

8. Which metal was invented by British metallurgist Harold Brearley in 1912?

9. The king crab walks in what direction?

10. To What Is The Process Of Vulcanisa tion Applied?

11. What is Cryptology the study of?

12. What chemical has the atomic num ber one?

What is Oology the study of?

Who plays the role of the Prime Minis ter, in the 2003 Christmas film Love Actu ally?

15. Which American actor has starred in films including Hawaii Five-0 and Die An other Day?

16. Which author wrote the Just So Sto ries?

17. Published in 1925, which piece of writ ten work starts with the line ‘In my young er and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turn ing over in my mind ever since.’?

18. What was golfer Jack Nicklaus’ nick name?

19. How many players make up a field hockey team?

When did the CD begin to appear on the consumer market?

People are coming to do business, have fun

By Cr LINDA JUNGWIRTH

LODDON Shire and the Tarnagulla Ward are very active at the moment.

Spring has most definitely arrived. It’s always heralded in my own garden with the arrival of the first asparagus spears.

Around the shire, spring is evidenced by the yellow expanses of canola growing strongly in the paddocks.

With the arrival of spring, events are being hosted regularly. There have been many recent events across the Shire in cluding, in Tarnagulla Ward, the Tarnagul la Strictly Vintage Fair, a weekend visit by the Central Victoria Ulysses Branch and the Kooyoora Spring Festival in the Tar nagulla Ward.

After 2½ years of almost no community socializing due to the pandemic, it’s great to see people out enjoying events and con necting with each other again. Events also generate business for our Loddon towns.

The Tarnagulla Strictly Vintage Fair was a successful, fun and extremely well organised event.

Many in the community came together to help out and ensure the day was suc cessful. Attendees came from Melbourne and across regional Victoria and well as locally.

Crowds exceeded the numbers event or ganisers were hoping for.

Kooroora Spring Festival was planned as a series of guided wildflower walks but they were cancelled due to heavy spring

rain. Friends of Kooyoora members quick ly changed the format and ran some in formative workshops inside the warm and dry Rheola Hall. From all reports, the workshops were fascinating and educa tional and the Kooyoora Spring Festival was a success due to the flexibility and adaptability of the organising group.

Tarnagulla Ward boasts a new business in Newbridge. Bio Gro. Bio Gro have been established since 1975 and are a successful company which began in South Australia and are now expanding their operations.

Their decision to meet the demand for additional organic material recovery in Loddon Shire will be beneficial for jobs and investment in the area.

As a councillor, I understand the im portance of a strong local economy to the vibrancy of Loddon Shire. I welcome busi nesses to the area, particularly those that can provide employment opportunities.

I recently heard through the Loddon Herald that Department of Transport will be addressing the dangerous intersec tion of the Bridgewater-Maldon road and Wimmera Highway.

I’m delighted to hear this news because this intersection is long overdue for works to make it safe for road users.

Council has not received any communi cation from the department regarding the upcoming works.

We can’t keep delaying these crucial

roadworks at the expense of motorists’ safety.

Lastly, we are all aware of the raised water levels in Loddon Shire, particularly in the south of the shire around the Lod don River.

In times of increased rainfall and risk of flooding, SES is the lead agency. Loddon Shire Council has done preparatory work to ensure they are ready if need be.

Council completed a stocktake of sand bags to be used to protect council assets in the event of a flood.

Storm flaps have been checked to pro tect townships from water coming up through the water system. Plans are in place should flooding occur.

The recent moderate flooding, while requiring the movement of stock and wa ter pumps, is still a long way from major flooding.

I recommend everyone make sure they are familiar with what to do in a flood in case of further heavy falls in late spring. Once preparations are in place for the worst case scenario, relax knowing there’s a good chance all will be well.

Here’s hoping for an easy and gentle spring and summer in Loddon.

*CrJungwirthisLoddonShire’s TarnagullaWardrepresentative

Flood waters and calling emergency volunteers

Holiday hoons rip through sections of Kooyoora State Park, risking local fauna

Suzanne Colwell wrote: Disgraceful!

State Emergency Service volunteers called to rescue after car stuck in 300mm of “meandering water”

Daniel Nolan wrote: Why should the SES at tend? Call the RACV or a tow truck.

being rescued and the rescuers. Cars can float away in 15cm water.

EJ Nolan wrote: Well then they shouldn’t at tempt to even try and drive through flood water unless your in a 4WD or a truck. How can people not understand, don’t drive through flood water and they con tinue to do so.

cant donation to the Wedderburn SES in lieu of the call-out fee.

Penelope Jane wrote: Daniel Nolan, I totally agree, Time and time again the authorities tell you to not drive into it but people do it anyway and then the SES have to put their lives at risk. Makes me so mad.

Hydrogen.

toencryptanddecryptsecret

Rubber.

Diagonally.

Catriona Freeman wrote: Because of the res cue component. The risks involved once they got into that situation. For those

steel.

branchofmedicine.

larynx,

Pelican.

space.

astrology.

Catriona Freeman wrote: Exactly! SES tell peo ple this over and over and they still do it David Price wrote: I hope they made a signifi

Leonie Baker wrote: Stop and think please, before putting others’ lives at risk.

From the Loddon Herald Facebook page

This week, Ken Arnold takes by rail from Bendigo to Swan Hill ...

A journey to villages

DURING October 1880 the Eaglehawk to Kerang railway line was not expected to pass through any villages until it got up to the Mitiamo area where it was to pass to the east of Terrick Terrick and Mount Hope hills.

There is was planned to be a connecting line across to Elmore. As a result the small township of Terrick Terrick continued to grow but when the Sandhurst to Kerang train line was actually built it passed to the west of both hills.

As a result the township of Terrick Ter rick was moved 3.5 miles to Mitiamo.

This railway line deviates from the In glewood line, about a mile north of the Eaglehawk station.

Frederick Wilkins was awarded the contract for construction of railway line for the Eaglehawk to Mitiamo section, £44,125/9/0 - October 19, 1881, Thos. Bent.

This line passes through these stations or sidings: Myers Flat, Sydney Flat (now Woodvale) which was lated relocated a short distance to the north, Sebastian, Raywood, Tandarra, Yallook siding, Din gee, opened June 21, 1883.

Prairie, Mitiamo, Mologa, Pyramid Hill, opened February 12, 1884 followed bvy Mincha, Macorna, Tragowel, South Kerang siding, on into Kerang, then Fair ley (now refered to as Reedy Lake), Lake Charm, Mystic Park, Tresco, Lake Boga, Swan Hill, Woorinen, Pira, Nyah West, Miralie, Piangil, Natya terminating at Kooloonong.

The section from Eaglehawk to Ray wood was scheduled to have been com pleted by February 1882 but that section was not opened by the Minister for Rail ways until December 15, 1882.

A special first class train travelled from Sandhurst - Raywood return on December 15. Ticket holders for the banquet only. Frederick Wilkins, the contractor for the Eaglehawk to Kerang railway had completed the 36 miles of earthworks for the line up to Mitiamo by June 29, 1882,

Meanwhile the Raywood to Mitiamo section, which required thirty five bridg es, was opened by the Hon. Alfred Deak in, Minister for Water Supply and Public Works, on June 21, 1883.

At that time the station between Ray wood and Yallook was refered to as Talamba which is probably a misprint.

The line had been completed as far as Mincha by March 18, 1884. It was report ed at that time that there were twenty in spectors looking after ten labourers.

Ticket holders on a special first class train enjoyed a banquet when the train arrived

he having commenced on the section be tween Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill, howev er as he could not get rails or sleepers only five miles of track had been completed.

Wilkins was joined by a Mr Stevens to finish the 37 miles of line to Kerang, there being 56 pile bridges on this section, the largest being over the Calivil Creek it be ing 12 hains long.

The Nine Mile creek required a nine chain bridge whilst the Bullock creek at Mologa was 2.5 chains long. This sec tion required 85,000 sleepers of which 55,000 were cut in the Koondrook area.

About 185,000 cubic yards of granite was crushed at Pyramid Hill ready to be spread as ballast.

The Kerang station was opened on Oc tober 24, 1884. A procession, headed by the Sandhurst brass band led a contingent of firemen from Sandhurst through the streets to the state school reserve where sports were held followed by two balls.

At that time around 642 lived in Kerang whilst Raywood had a population of 425.

The Sandhurst, Eaglehawk and Swan Hill League met at the Victoria hotel, Ea glehawk on October 19, 1884 to discuss extending the line Sandhurst to Kerang on to Swan Hill, however another delega tion wanted a line from Boort to Kerang onto Sawn Hill whilst it was mooted that a line from Cope Cope to Charlton be built. It was also suggested that this line com

mence six miles towards St. Arnaud. An auction was held at the camp at Pyramid Hill to sell all the contractors equipment, engine and trucks in February 1885.

Whilst crossing the Calivil Creek near Macorna the axle on the 16th ballast truck broke with the result that nine trucks and the guards van were derailed causing much damage to the line on October 16, 1889.

The Kerang to Swan Hill section of the line was opened by the Governor of Vic toria, the Earl of Hopetoun on June 1, 1890, after six years of lobbying, whilst the next section to Piangil was opened in 1915. Kooloon gong was reached in 1920 and Yungera in 1926.

The last section of this line was closed in 1957 whilst the line terminated at Pi angil in 1981. It was around this time than many of the stations along the line were closed.

Today the passenger train stops at Ea glehawk, Raywood, reopened August 2022, Dingee, Pyramid Hill, Kerang ter minating at Swan Hill. There are two trains each way per day.

The 14-mile long branch line from Kerang to Koondrook was built by the Shire of Kerang, at a cost of £22,000/0/0, it being opened in late July 1889 but was closed in 1981.

There was a branch line from Kerang to Murrabit, opened 1924, this eventually crossing the Murray River.This was closed in 1961.

Pyramid Hill station

Macorna station

Ken Smith, of Bendigo, after driving his 1949 Massey Ferguson tractor in the weekend’s treks

Perc Robinson and Daniel Tabom with their 1964 Chamberlain Bealiba’s Geoff McClelland

Sharon, Lara, Erin, Zane and Heath Polkinghorne of Berrimal cheer old tractors touring the district

Driving along bush tracks and town roads

2023 Australia Day Awards

Nominations are now open for the Loddon Shire Council 2023 Australia Day Awards Program.

These awards acknowledge outstanding individuals and community groups within the Loddon Shire in the following categories:

Citizen of the Year

Citizen of the Year

Group/Event of the Year.

is also now receiving Community

Council

Nomination forms for each category,

information regarding

criteria, and the

process are available on Council’s website, https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/ Our-Council/Ceremonies/Australia-Day. Alternatively, email a request for further information to australiaday@loddon.vic. gov.au.

Nominations for all awards close on Friday 21 October 2022.

Monday 10 October

Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall

All tickets

BEEKEEPING FIELD DAY

Sunday 9 October 2022

Harcourt Leisure Centre

63 Bingham’s Rd.

Numerous Trade Stalls, Open Hive & Beginners Demonstrations

All Day Catering

EMPLOYMENT

CAREERS AT LODDON

Shire Council is seeking applications for

following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused

who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.

Early Childhood Activity Group Leader (Roving Position) – ref.J/160

(32 hours per week), xed-term position until 20 December 2023

Work in all kindergartens across the Shire, with a Council car available for use

Salary in line with the Early Education Enterprise Agreement

Early Childhood Educator – ref.J/180

Part-time (21.75 hours per week), xedterm position until 23 June 2023

LINEWORKER

APPRENTICESHIP

BASED OUT OF OUR CHARLTON DEPOT

Power P/L is a family-owned business

employees) managing the power-

in regional Victoria for the last 23 years.

main o ce is based in Maryborough but

have depots in Ararat and Charlton.

to put

Lineworker.

Based at the Pyramid Hill kindergarten

Salary in line with the Early Education Enterprise Agreement

Application for the positions above will close on Monday 17 October 2022 at 5pm.

Project Development Coordinator – ref.J/179

Full-time, xed-term position for two years

Based in Wedderburn o ce with exible work locations available

Band 7 - $48.24 per hour plus employer superannuation

Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99

Permanent, full-time position

Salary package negotiable

Community Care Workers – ref.J/102 and J/105

Casual and part-time positions

Band 3 - $28.64 per hour ($35.80 for casuals inclusive of loading)

Early Childhood Educator – ref.no J/123

Casual positions at all kindergartens

ECEC1.1 - $29.75 (inclusive of casual loading)

Early Childhood Teacher – ref.no J/124

Casual positions at all kindergartens

ECTC1.1 - $40.05 (inclusive of casual loading)

Applications for the positions above will be assessed 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 Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

WANTED TO BUY

bottles

Friends finds winning flavour from start

SHEPPARTON raced last week and Sebastian part-owner/trainer Gabrielle Symons’ much travelled 10Y0 Bettors Delight-Barogue Pearl gelding Friends chalked up his 13th victory at start number 123 by taking the Your Sold Real Estate Pace over 1690 metres with Heathcote reinswoman Shannon O’Sullivan in the sulky, Friends began fast from gate two and led throughout to reg ister a 2.5 metre margin over Nicolescruiser which trailed, with Rocks Can Roll third 4.5 me tres back after following the pair. The mile rate 1-57.7.

Marong’s Terry Gange has been involved in the trots for a long period of time since his early days in Sunraysia training winners on a regular basis, but never before a raging hot $1.25 favourite. Such was the case when smart 4Y0 Changeover-Jomeka mare Bul

lapark Beno at that quote scored in the Great Ocean Road Real Es tate Trotters Final over 2150 me tres in a 2-01.6 mile rate. R aced by Terry and wife Jacinta, Bullapark Beno driven by James Herbertson received a lovely passage one/one after following through from gate four on the second line as Dances (gate three) led. Sprinting brilliantly three wide in the last lap to lead on turning, Bullapark Beno blitzed

his rivals by an 11.6 metre margin, defeating Countess Chiron which followed the winner throughout. Jessicas Story after trailing the leader was third 8.6 metres away.

It was Propulsion @ Trump Bloodstock Swan Hill Trotters Cup night which attracted a re ally good field to contest the 2790 metre feature – the winner being Bendigo trainer Alex Ash wood’s very smart 4Y0 Love YouSchleck gelding Parisian Artiste. Driven by partner Tayla French who usually handles the reins on the Yabby Dam Farms Pty Ltd bred gelding, Parisian Artiste be gan safely from outside the 10 metre mark, but following sev eral moves throughout the event, found himself at the rear with a circuit to travel.

In an extremely interesting race, Charlton mare Blue Coman was best to begin from the pole

before handing over to Peakz Luck (barrier two) one of two runners from the stable of Andy Gath who in turn surrendered to Robbie Royale which began bril liantly from 10 metres to cross and lead entering the straight on the first occasion with the rest of the field in Indian fashion.

The race was to change com plexion through the middle stages when Havehorsewilltravel (30m) was sent forward by Jordan Leed ham from the tail to race exposed before taking cover as Parisian Artiste let rip from the tail to join the front runner for the final cir cuit as Well Defined, Kyvalley Chief and Cover Of Darkness had angled away from the markers.

Driven with extreme confi dence, Parisian Artiste took a slender margin on turning to hold a margin to the wire, ac counting for Havehorsewilltra

vel which kept on giving by 1.8 metres, with Robbie Royal third 1.4 metres back and Well Defined an eye catching fourth a metre away.

Heavily backed second elect Cu chulainn bombed the start from barrier three to settle last on the markers and was never a chance.

Alex Ashwood snared the quinella in Heat 2 of the Cham pionship but not the way punt ers preferred with 3Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Artys Delight geld ing Roberts Delight ($10) blousing the hot favourite and stablemate Lightning Dash ($1.35) right on the wire. Driven by Alex, Roberts Delight after a sweet one/one trip ran home swiftly to nab Light ning Dash (Tayla French) which led in a tricky finish. Gojoe (three pegs) used the sprint lane for third 1.5 metres away. The rate 2-00.2.

Pennant teams send down first bowls

INGLEWOOD’S division one Bendigo bowls playing area pen nant season starts on Saturday.

The Woodies travel to Marong for the opening encounter.

Bendigo midweek pennant starts on Monday and Bridgewater will be announcing its team this week.

Serpentine held its opening day on Sunday with the only three-game winners being the team of Keith Murphy (s,) Din gee; Gordon Addlem, Serpentine; Don Wilson, Bridgewater.

Runners-up were Darren An sett (s), Serpentine, Coral Max ted, Calivil; David Grant, Bridge water.

This Saturday at Bridgewater, a social teams competition will help pave the pennant pathway. Names to be entered by 1pm, for 1.30pm start.

Championships for the Bridge water men’s singles this season, will have all financial members names automatically entered. Also members will be ranked and pairs drawn.

Sunday is the last of the club opening days at Calivil. Start at 1pm, entries closing tomorrow.

North Central playing area pennant season started on Satur day with Wedderburn recording strong wins in divisions one and two.

NORTH CENTRAL PENNANT

Division 1 - Wedderburn d Don ald 87-48. Alan Holt, Colin Mills, Bob Montebello, Alan Jackson (s) d Hunter Winfield, David Romeo, Jack Collins, William Hegerty (s) 36-17. Rob Guelfo, Dale Stephenson, Bruce Hargreaves, Laurie Witham (s) d Jim Meyer, Ian McEwen, Lindy Morgan, Kelvin Adamson (s) 27-14. Leon Holt, Geoff Burnside, Andrew Caserta, Neale Holt (s) d Peter Wylie, Neville Barber, Max Harris, Norman Hollis (s) 24-17.

Wycheproof d Boort 85-54. Phillip Allan, John McLean, Jonathon Grylls, Dale Groves (s) d Laurie Maxted, Jo

Maxted, Ian Mercer, Shayne Morris (s) 34-15. Alan Jones, Vince Grant, Allan Coatsworth, Eric Rayes (s) d Anthony Matley, Kelvin Ritchie, Kevin Walton, Thema Moresi (s) 20-17. Rob Grylls, Brett Macdonald, George Coats worth, Aaron Mead (s) d Peter Waters, Dorothy Gibson, John Gibson, Kevin Depiazza (s) 31-22.

St Arnaud d Charlton 74-59. Don ald Golf lost to St Arnaud Country 66-70.

Division 2 – Wedderburn d Donald 74-68. Sandra Standfield, Keith Grif fiths, Allan Noordennen, Ian Hall (s) d Trevor Farrer, Colin Perry, Marion McEwen, Beryl Milne (s) 23-20. Hel en Stephenson, Tony Benaim, Joan Murnane, Lance Standfield (s) lost to Frank McConville, Kay Wylie, Alison

McEwen, Margaret Quick (s) 23-24. Robert Ashley, Barrie Green, Ruth Hall, Amy Roberts (s) d Jantharat Subprom, Beth Hollis, James Aitken, Graeme Davidson (s) 28-24.

Wycheproof d Boort 94-53. Al lan Wallace, Des Nicholls, Lorraine Milburn, Donald Denney (s) d Ly nette Cameron, Graeme Moresi, Joan Earl, Gilliam Tweddle (s) 38-14. John Nicholls, Rex Tierney, Peter Coles, Paul Connolly (s) lost to Ray Taylor, John Nelson, Alan Gould, Glenn Hud son (s) 24-25. Carol Jones, Stan Prat er, Jeannie Grylls, Steve Barrett (s) d Pamela Gould, Ken Birt, Phyl Baker, John Hampson (s) 32-14. St Arnaud d Charlton on forfeit. Don ald Golf d St Arnaud Country 71-58.

Low numbers force ‘year off’ decision

LAST season’s North Central finalists in division two and midweek pennant, Korong Vale, has de cided to step away from competition this year.

Club treasurer Judy Matthews said the club’s fu ture would be further discussed at the traditional Christmas function in December.

“We’re taking a 12-month break and seeing what

happens,” she said. “Last season we had to borrow players and this year it was going to be worse ... we didn’t have the numbers.”

Judy said club members wanting to continue pennant competition had joined Wedderburn, Boort and Charlton clubs. “We will see what hap pens in coming months,” she said.

December

October

Marong

October

November

November

Lockwood

November

Marong

November

Harcourt

Marong

December

Wilsons

December

January

February

Marong

February

February

Marong

February

Woodstock

Neil Holt (left) and Alan Jackson send Wedderburn towards an opening rounbd win in division one.

LH PHOTOS

Wedderburn’s Amy Roberts skips on Saturday. LH PHOTOS

SPORT

Ludeman wins A Grade best

CENTRE Amelia Ludeman has won Mitiamo’s A Grade netball best and fairest.

Ludeman took out the award at the weekend’s count with 58 votes, ahead of Laurie Hicks on 51 and Abbey Battersby with 32 votes,

The senior football award was claimed for a second straight year by Lee Dale.

He was a runaway winner with 88 votes. Runners-up were Carl Nicholson and Ross Turner 45 votes.

In the reserves, Ethan Hocking was named best and fairest, win ning a vote from Steve King 22 with Zac Touhey on 20.

Other netball awards - B Grade: Alicia Hay 47, Laura Falls 44, Naomi Watts 27. C Grade: Sienna Day 45, Kate Ellis 27, Leah Penny 22. C Reserve: Isobelle Morri son 53, Asha Touhey 32, Shakira Viney 31.

17 and under: Makayla Watts 43, Lillian Brown 22, Chelsea Newton 19. 15 and under: Chelsea Newton 46, Marissa Humbert 43, Charlotte Ryan 16.

Clubperson of the year: Kim Draper. Life memberships were awarded to Jen Wilson and Geoff Thomas.

Three clubs road safe

THREE Loddon Valley Football Netball League clubs have been recognised for efforts to promote road safety in their communities.

Pyramid Hill, Inglewood and Marong are among more than 150 clubs that took part in the Victo rian Government and Transport Accident Commission club re wards program this season.

Each club has recevied $10,000 through the program for clubs to educate their players and mem bers on the dangers associated with risky driving behaviours such as speed, drink/drug driv ing, fatigue and distractions.

Hundreds of clubs took part in the July campaign, donning blue armbands to promote road safety and honour those tragically killed on roads.

Clubs from across the state were able to apply for the pro gram by showing how they sup ported road safety throughout the year

Parkrun launches in Boort

BOORT has joined the international Parkrun moverment with more than 65 running and walking the first event at Little Lake Boort on Saturday. The launch attracted enthu siastic locals and visitors from across central and northern Victoria with organisers hoping to see the regular Saturday morning events regularly drawing tourists to the town. Par ticipants eagerly took to the course that won immediate ap proval in a nod to years of local planning.

Sherryn O’Flaherty, Alex Rogers, Andy Rogers and Rod Cairns

Sherry Nuttall ands Kate Loeliger

Charlotte Verley and Lacey Verley

Carmen Cauchi and Laura Palmer

Lee and Anthony Sullivan

Chris O’Flaherty

Amelia Ludeman

Low scores in opening encounters

PHIL Davies has given Arnold a hopeful start to its flag defence with three key wickets on Satur day.

Davies had Bridgewater’s Toby Naughton and Ryley Taylor out in quick succession in Saturday’s opening round.

The match was transferred to Bridgewater when work to up grade Arnold’s ground required extra time to be completed.

Davies’ two quick wickets had Bridgewater floundering at 7-30 after the innings struggled to gain momentum.

Openers Tom McKinley and recruit Tom Staniforth were both back in the pavilion and the scoreboard still to reach double figures as Bridgewater chased the modest target set by Arnold of 71.

Nick Drew was dangerous in the field for the Redbacks with two catches.

Arnold was also economical with the ball, conceding just one bye.

Pat Murphy and Jay Bowen were the only Bridgewater bats to reach double figures while Arnold’s only batsman to reach those heights was Phil Scholes.

At Boort, opener Joshua Smith set up the home sides season opening win against Kingower.

Boort lost co-opener Blake Slatter for a duck and Fergus Bear for two before skipper Jar rod Hodoras came to the crease.

Hodoras and Smith put together a 47-run partnership.

Kyle Simpson was damaging with the ball for Kingower with four wickets. Simpson’s caught and bowl of Austin Malone had Boort all out in just over 33 overs.

He conceded just 10 runs in his 6.1 overs that included four maidens.

Leach and Blake Pickles also chipped in with two wickets. Kingower gave away 10 extras.

Kingower had hope with good efforts from bats Ben Rose, Jayden Leach and Will Deason.

But the scoring rate was slow and after 35 overs, Kingower had only amassed 80 runs, in cluding 15 extras.

Top bowling honours for Boort were shared by Lance Malone, Bear and Drew Crilly.

Boort Yando d Kingower

Boort

KINGOWER

Arnold’s Phil Davies ... three wickets and tight bowling.

PHOTO

Jay Bowen battles to keep tail wagging.

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Loddon

sport

Tough start for bats in Upper Loddon contest

BIG scores were missing from the opening round of Upper Loddon Cricket Association on Saturday.

Bridgewater’s Sam Harrison (left) was among batsmen to find the going tough at the crease against reigning senior premiers Arnold.

Harrison was part of a lower order resistance with Jay Bowen before Arnold’s bowlers, including veteran Phil Davies (below) dispensed the tail.

RUNNING SHORT

UPPER Loddon cricket will start its junior season on Saturday as a four-team competition.

Grand finalists for the past three seasons Boort Yando has been given the bye for the open ing two-day encounter but is struggling to field a team.

President Al Knight said the club had just six players commit

By CHRIS EARL

ted for the season and the junior focus would be on the under 13 team playing in the Northern District association.

“We hope that from that un der 13 team will come players to have us back in the Upper Lod don under 17 competition next season,” he said.

Knight said the club had dis

cussed combining its two junior teams.

However, that would have left the Kerang-based North Dis trict competition with just three clubs.

“It’s disappointing as we see the juniors as the backbone of our club but we’re hoping there will be a group willing to step up from under 13 competition next year,” Knight said.

Boort has been in discussions with Upper Loddon for the past month on options for the junior season with the association put ting out the call to youngsters looking for a regular game to consider Boort.

The opening round bye has also given extra time for a late influx of players at Boort.

Boort has been a powerhouse in Upper Loddon junior cricket

although a flag breakthrough has not come in three succes sive grand finals. The team has included the nucleus of Boort’s successful junior football sides over recent seasons.

In the Saturday’s opening round, reigning premiers will player Arnold and Bridgewater meets Wedderburn.

The junior season draw is ex pected to be released shortly.