Loddon Herald 8 August 2024

CROP MUNCHERS

By CHRIS EARL

WHEAT crops have become the latest Loddon target for corellas.

The birds are finding a new sugar-fix on farms between Inglewood and Wedderburn.

Corellas, cockatoos and galahs began nibbling at the outer perimeter of crops within days of deserting Bridgewater where Loddon River trees had been stripped of leaves and bark.

Glenalbyn farmer and president of the Wedderburn branch of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation Graham Nesbit said prospects for a good season were at risk. “They are cutting crops off at the ground and getting their fix of sugar and starch,” he said.

His concern about government inaction tackling expanding bird, and kangaroo numbers, comes as the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action confirmed $250,000 in grants under its corella management strategy.

“Almost $250,000 has been invested to support the important work of ten projects across Victoria, including the protection of community assets and trialling of new methods for managing corella impacts. Recipients

include land managers, sporting associations, industry bodies and schools,” a spokesperson said.

However, details of the recipients or the projects have not been announced.

The department said: “Recent years have seen an increase in reports of damage by Corellas to community infrastructure, recreation facilities and agricultural assets. Population increases, urban expansion, reduction in habitat and climate change have con-

tributed to more human-wildlife interactions.

“This can lead to tensions between the need to control Corellas to protect assets and agriculture and increased awareness and concern for wildlife welfare.”

Mr Nesbit, who has placed a gas gun on the edge of this season’s wheat crops to minimise damage, said a government program in the 1990s involving netting and gassing had helped manage corella numbers at the time.

He believes advancement in crop seed research could be boosted to develop grain for sowing that “has a taste unpalatable to corellas and other birds pecking at crops”.

“The margins are already thin in agriculture. These birds are clever ... once they would hit the crops when the head was maturing, now they are coming before the heads shoot.” Mr Nesbit said.

He believes the recent Loddon River exodus is tied to corellas

heading in search of nesting locations before returning with a vengeance. “They are going into the hills, stopping in crops around here for their sugar fix first. I’m no expert but that’s my assumption.”

DEECA says its corella management strategy “promotes a living with wildlife approach to encourage positive attitudes to corellas, as part of a broader strategy for management of human/wildlife conflict in Victoria”.

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Opportunities knock again

DOORS opened again to the old Royal Hotel music hall when Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary op-shop started trading from the historic building on Monday. Auxiliary volunteers had spent the past month transferring thousands of donated items from the shop’s former Brooke Street premises. It is the first time in four years

that part of the historic hotel has been used and follows an agreement with building owners who came to the rescue when the Brooke Street shop was prepared for sale by its owners.

Op-shop manager Faye Orange said the auxiliary’s new op-shop home had been perfect for displaying goods.

“The op-shop raises money for

the local community and also provides an important service to the town as well as being popular with visitors,” she said.

As part of the move, Brooke Street was temporarily closed last month to shift part of the former Charlie Napier Hotel bar, now the op-shop’s counter, across the road and be ready for volunteers to use serving customers.

Cash for causes

JENNY Bligh has raised $300 in the past three months to assist cancer charities. The owner of Bounty Gifts in Korong Vale said breast, brain and ovarian cancer charities would share in the money. Donated jewellery, phone charms and zip pulls will be sold for the next three months raising funds for MND, cerebral palsy and Backpacks for Kids, Jenny said.

GPS on rockets

THE first sprouting of canola crops near Serpentine will see rockets fixed with GPS devices when the Victorian Rocketry Association conducts its next flight day later this month. GPS will be used to track the landing of rockets. Hip hop day

TARNAGULLA Primary School students will take part in a performing arts day in Dunolly this month where they will learn circus skills, the harmonica, drumming and hip hop dance,

Age care employee day

BOORT District Health yesterday held a special morning tea to thank staff on Aged Care Employee Day. “Aged Care Employee Day has become an important date in our calendar and reminds us of the caring and professional work of our aged care staff,” the national association said.

James Davy was one of the first customers served by Judy Metcalf and Shirley Hempel on Monday. LH PHOTO

Unlocked cars targeted

THIEVES have targeted unlocked cars at Dingee and Korong Vale over the last week.

Wedderburn’s Sgt Ben Huisman on Tuesday said police were investigating a series of unrelated thefts in the towns.

They are reviewing CCTV footage of thieves taking a mower from Dingee Bowling Club overnight last Thursday.

And thieves also stole a vehicle in the town overnight Friday and attempted to break into vehicles parked at a block of flats.

Adam Bish, owner of the Din-

gee store, said he had also noticed an unlocked gate and tyre marks at a holiday property in the main street.

“I noticed the gate had been opened in a different way to how the owners would do that, contacted the owners and closed the gate ... nothing looks to have been taken there,” he said.

There was also a weekend report of thieves breaking into a shipping container near Dingee.

Police are also reviewing CCTV footage of attempted burglaries at Korong Vale at the weekend.

Blokes eyeing new home to gather

MEN’S shed activities in Pyramid Hill could be based in a new home if talks are successful.

The group reformed two years ago and is now hoping to be based in the town’s former Scout hall that was used as a meeting room for Ambulance Victoria CERT members until the service disbanded last December.

John Forster was last week elected president of the men’s shed, succeeding Trevor McIntosh who had been instrumental in bringing the shed back to life and continues on the executive as vice-president.

Members are currently raising funds with the sale of fire kindling.

“People were looking for kindling in winter and we had lots of timber scraps around,” said secretary Matt Down. “It’s helped us have a clean up and also provides a handy fire-starter for residents.”

Sgt Huisman said the footage showed thieves opening unlocked cars.

“Car thieves may be either opportunistic or professional. In either case stolen vehicles may be used to commit further offences and be damaged, destroyed or never recovered,” police said.

“Most car thefts occur in or around private residences, so it is important to take steps to protect your car even when it is parked in a garage, driveway or street.

“Never leave your keys in your car, don’t put your name and ad-

dress on any keys, use a mobile phone number, and keep spare car keys in a secure place at home or at work.”

Sgt Huisman said valuables should also not be left in cars.

People with information on the Korong Vale incidents can contact Senior Constable Rebecca Carmichael at Wedderburn police.

People with information or CCTV on the Dingee and Korong Vale incidents can also contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000.

Still room for more youngsters at kindergarten

LATE enrolments are being accepted at the Loddon Shire’s five kindergartens for 2025.

There are still vacancies following the official close of enrolments late last month.

The largest enrolment for three-year-old kindergarten is at

Dingee where 13 youngsters will start next year.

Three-quarters of Dingee’s enrolment in 2024 was for the four-year-old sessions but next year the split has been reversed. Dingee has four vacancies for sessions.

Boort currently has eight places available with seven signed up for the three-year-old class. Total 2025 enrolment is currently 18, down five on this year.

Inglewood has just one threeyear-old enrolment for next year and a total of 11 with 15 spots

available while there are still 11 vacancies at Pyramid Hill with five in the three-year-old sessions and seven four-year-olds.

Wedderburn’s enrolment numbers are currently unchanged with 13 across the two age groups and 17 vacancies.

Landcare grants

MORE than 70 local Landcare and community groups will share in $320,000 of Victorian Landcare Grants announced this week. They include Mount Korong EcoWatch - $14,750: Applying the knowledge of local communities to inform the safe and effective applications of fire. Northern United Forestry Group - $6614: Happy hollows project. Support grants of $500 have been awarded to Woosang Landcare Group, Mologa and District Landcare Group, Wedderburn Conservation Management Network, Friends of Mount Wycheproof, ‘Chilling

report’

MURRAY Plains MP Peter Walsh said the full reality of the failure of the State Government’s reliance on renewable energy was coming home to roost where it hurts most – in people’s hip pockets. Mr Walsh says the Australian Energy Market Operator has put in black and white that renewable energy leads to higher costs and cannot supply the grid. He said AEMO’s latest quarterly report “chillingly spells out the problem with this unfounded and insane belief” that the wind and sun can replace the coal and the gas. Smiling visit

THE Smile Squad dental health van will visit Bridgewater Primary School this month. The Glasses for Kids program was at the school yesterday.

LATE NEWS

Deputy premier visits college

DEPUTY Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll was yesterday lunchtime visiting Wedderburn College.

The visit was announced late Tuesday night ahead of Mr Carroll’s inspection of building works as part of a $12.9 million upgrade at the college.

Mr Carroll was also due to speak at a special school assembly. See next week’s Loddon Herald for full report.

RIGHT: Matt Down and John Forster stock up the kindling stall. LH PHOTO

Property owners told how to have poll say

MORE than 1118 Loddon Shire ratepayers received a letter from council ahead of yesterday’s election enrolment deadline telling them of new procedures to vote in October’s poll.

Non-resident ratepayers, previously automatically included on ward voter rolls now have to apply to have a say in council elections.

Voting will now also be compulsory for non-resident ratepayers. Previously voting was not compulsory.

The number of non-resident voters may be known after rolls are compiled.

Bookends of service

„ What was your involvement in community before standing for council?

Cheryl McKinnon: I had been involved in various local organisations over the years, and had enjoyed participating in community decision making, and generally being involved in the action.

Being a farmer, I was also actively involved in agricultural and water issues that could affect local and regional productivity and economic stability.

„ Why did you stand for council?

Cheryl McKinnon: I felt it was important to have strong local representation,

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In a special interview with the Loddon Herald, former Mayor Cheryl McKinnon talks about what it means to be a local councillor and how community service does not start and finish with being an elected representative

and I saw it as an opportunity to advocate on behalf of the broader community, and make a more significant civic contribution.

„ And how did that previous community involvement shape your decision?

Cheryl McKinnon: Because of my history of community involvement I had good local support, but it was a huge decision. I had participated in a community leadership program the previous year, which exposed me to the inner workings of all levels of government, and I met many councillors from other shires who were just community-minded people like me.

During the program, I had the opportunity to hone my skills in listening and public speaking, which gave me more confidence within my community, and later on, in nominating for council.

„ What were the experiences, the learnings and the opportunities for you being on council?

Cheryl McKinnon: It was a steep learning curve, and quite a personal and professional challenge, but such a privilege to have been given the opportunity.

From engaging with all my ward communities, learning meeting protocols and the decision making process, to media training, meeting with members of Parliament, and attending regional, state and national conferences, the opportunities were endless.

These experiences highlighted for me the complex network of relationships that are involved at all levels of governance, and the importance of good communication. I will always look back fondly on my experience, and value the friendship and camaraderie I enjoyed on council.

„ You’ve continued to be involved in the community? Why?

I stepped back a bit from local commit-

have a sound understanding of the role agriculture plays, not only in the local and regional economy, but in the towns whose very existence relies on a healthy agricultural industry

- Cheryl McKinnon

tee involvement during my time on council to avoid any conflicts of interest that might arise in Council decision making, which would exclude me from the discussion. By removing the potential conflict, I could continue to participate in debate and decision making on the community’s behalf, as I was elected to do.

Naturally, when I was no longer on council, I took the opportunity to continue my local involvement with a much stronger understanding of the processes and policies that influence how we function.

„ Do you still take an interest in the happenings of local government?

Yes, and I will be watching with interest the upcoming council election. I sometimes watch the live stream of a council meeting, particularly if there is an item of special interest to me on the agenda.

Decision making is the main job of a councillor, and the most difficult when controversial issues arise. This takes courage. As an elected representative, it is each councillor’s responsibility to ensure they are well-enough informed to vote on any matter that is presented in the chamber.

„ What do you think helps being on a rural council?

Rural councils are generally known for their down to earth approach, without un due political influence.

Loddon has long enjoyed having grass roots people in elected positions who understand the values and aspirations of their constituents, because they are members of the same communities.

In Loddon, it would be helpful to have a sound understanding of the role agriculture plays, not only in the local and regional economy, but in the towns whose very existence relies on a healthy agricultural industry.

Rural councils might not have access to all the expertise, funding or services of their urban counterparts, but they have good people - their greatest resource.

A councillor is elected to represent these people and their communities, and must be willing to work with and fairly represent all their constituents without prejudice or judgement.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2024

At least two candidates will look to unseat Tarnagulla Ward councillor Linda Jungwirth when Loddon Shire goes to the polls in October. Laanecoorie’s Nick Angelo and Arnold’s Carly Noble in the last week have confirmed they will stand in the ward Cr Jungwirth won with a margin of 118 votes in 2020

Small town voice

NICK Angelo will make his second tilt to be elected Tarnagulla Ward councillor when Loddon Shire residents go to the polls in October.

The Laanecoorie electronic engineer lost on preferences to Linda Jungwirth four years ago but said he remained committed to giving smaller communities a voice.

“I stood on a platform in 2020 of getting things done for all our towns, not just the bigger ones, and that’s the same reason I will stand again,” he said.

“I’m willing to listen to what the small community has to say and will try to make a difference for the little guy and supporting farmers, families, youth, small business and retirees.”

Mr Angelo said residents in Tarnagulla Ward remained concerned about the state of roads, small town infrastructure and mobile phone connectivity.

Last year, he was part of a group that built a repeater station to boost communication signals in notorious phone blackspots in southern areas of the Loddon Shire.

The CFA volunteer said district brigades had been without a com-

munication backup before the CB repeater station went on air.

“There’s now a signal that can reach almost to Wedderburn, helping to improve safety in local towns,” he said.

Mr Angelo also wants greater promotion and awareness of small town history across the Tarnagulla Ward.

“It would be great to have local history boards telling the stories both to local residents and also visitors,” he said.

“Laanecoorie itself is a very popular destination for campers

at the caravan park and along the Loddon River. It would be great for them to know more of our story.”

Mr Angelo last year was part of community calls for improvements on a sweeping bend of the Bendigo-Maryborough Road at Eddington.

“With the expansion of business and more trucks travelling to Eddington we should see action now before there are more accidents and fatalities … I’ve already attended too many as a CFA member,” he said.

“We want our roads to be safer for all, I will make this one of tthe hings to advance in standing up my the community and the things we need in our area.”

WHO’S STANDING SO FAR

Boort Ward: David Weaver.

Inglewood Ward: No declared candidates.

Tarnagulla Ward: Nick Angelo, Cr Linda Jungwirth, Carly Noble.

Terrick Ward: Cr Dan Straub

Wedderburn Ward: No declared candidates.

Nominations open September 9. Nominations close: September 17.

Platform of change to achieve more growth

ARNOLD farmer Carly Noble says residents in Tarnagulla Ward had a feeling of being forgotten compared with other Loddon Shire towns.

And she believes the shire’s planning scheme may need to be re-written to allow for population and economic growth in smaller areas of the shire including Logan, Arnold and Murphys Creek. Current planning regulations have a limit on land sizes that can be used for housing.

Standing on a platform of change, Ms Noble said she wanted to advocate for agriculture and mental health. “I have been doing this outside the shire, now I am looking to do the same for local communities.”

She also said there was a disconnect between council’s objectives and what communities in the ward needed.

Ms Noble has had stints on many committees in the Loddon Shire and in central Victoria in recent years and was recently appointed to North Central Catchment Management Authority’s Loddon and Boort wetlands advisory group. She is also a supporter of Farmers for Climate Action.

Ms Noble said current councillor Linda Jungwirth had a done a good job but felt there was a need for change. “I am eager to engage with my constituents, advocate for meaningful change and work towards a better future for our community,”

Her professional profile says she is “a long-time circular economy student and continue(s) to promote the importance that recycling offers within industries. As an advocate I continue to promote the importance of sustainability and resilience of our supply chain within the agri-food industry.”

She said agriculture and the supply chain industry needed more support. Farmers and businesses had raised the state of road infrastructure and mobile phone connectivity as challenges and water and sewerage in Newbridge was seen as being needed to support growth.

Nick Angelo

Carly Noble

Volunteer values in workplace

A TRIO of water industry workers has been praised for their long-time commitment as volunteers with Boort Fire Brigade.

Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan this week highlighted the service of captain Kel Mayberry, Russel Talbot and Tim Lanyon as a positive partnership between employers and the CFA.

The three work for Goulburn Murray Water where Kel is customer service team lead, Russel the field services co-ordinator and Tim an automation technician.

They have been Boort brigade members for a combined total of more than 50 years.

Kel joined 20 years ago, around the same time that he started with GMW.

“I grew up in the local community but moved away to Melbourne for work,” he said.

“When I returned, I was really keen to give back, and this is a great way to contribute.”

Russel and Tim have been at the brigade for 18 years and 15 years respectively.

Both were encouraged to join by former volunteers who were also working for GMW at the time.

The contribution of GMW staff to the brigade has been aided by the water corporation providing specific leave for people volunteering in emergency services.

“It’s enormously helpful,” said Russel. “I was part of strike forces for the Black Saturday fires and the fires up in New South Wales in 2019-20.

“I was away at these events for

PYRAMID HILL

about five days each time, but my managers have never had an issue with me going which I’m very grateful for.”

VICTORIA HOTEL

Kelvin and Tim have also been part of multiple strike forces and agreed the leave available to them had helped them take these opportunities.

EST. 1874

PYRAMID HILL

Chief Officer Heffernan said CFA appreciated the commitment from many employers across the state who allow volunteers to leave work to help pro-

tect the Victorian community. “I applaud Goulburn Murray Water for their strategic foresight in the management of their people to encourage volunteerism that ultimately improves better community outcomes.”

VICTORIA

Tim said he valued the opportunity to serve his community.

“It’s really rewarding being part of the brigade,” he said.

HOTEL

“I was born and bred in Boort, so supporting the community is really important for me and it’s

EST. 1874

Love

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Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm  Dinner from 6.00pm

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

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

great my workplace helps me with that.”

The brigade is crucial to its community and Russel said it isn’t just fires they get called to –it could be anything.

“There aren’t any other emergency services based near us, so we get called to a range of different things such as car accidents, floods, and chemical spills,” he said. “We’re often the first port of call for emergencies in our area, so it’s good to be able to help out.”

Hall works force venue scramble

ROOF restoration and painting at Inglewood Town Hall has seen event organisers rejigging their plans.

Work has started on the historic hall’s makeover but means Inglewood Lions Club is on the hunt for a new venue when its monthly market resumes in September.

President Eddie Sydor said talks were underway to find a new location.

And Inglewood Alive will also not be able to use the hall and surrounds when the event attracting 4000 people is held in November.

Lyster Opera Company was forced to relocate its new season launch to Charlton.

Loddon Shire awarded the contract for works at Boort Court House and Inglewood earlier this year with the Boort component completed.

Operations director Steve Phillips said: “The construction window for reroofing and painting works at the Inglewood Town Hall Hub is August 1 to November 30. Works were scheduled during this time period due to contractor availability.

“There were five bookings made during this period. Council assisted event organisers and the Inglewood Town Hall Hub Committee to help find a new venue or event organisers were able to postpone,”

Trading hours

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Dinner from 6.00pm

Thursday – Open Midday

Social Darts Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Lunch from 12.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Thursday – Open Midday

Saturday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm

Volunteers from the water industry ... Kelvin Mayberry, Russel Talbot, and Tim Lanyon.

Leadership program in jeopardy

LOSS of State Government funding and fighting to find financial saviours has the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program in jeopardy.

The program has issued a plea for support to continue into its 27th year in 2025.

Former Loddon Shire councillor Colleen Condliffe was in the first community leader program in 1989 and continues as a board member of LEAD Loddon Murray.

Program director Jude Hannah, of Fernihurst, said Colleen had been among hundreds of program graduates “being skilled in local leadership”. “But without major support coming in alongside councils like Loddon Shire who back the program, the future is uncertain,” she said.

“We are fighting hard to keep things going ... we can’t let this go. It’s too important for our community leaders in the future. it would be an absolute shame.

“In 26 years there have been more than 600 people go through the leadership course and some are now in senior roles.”

Jude said the program, which has relied heavily on funding from both government and pri-

vate sources, is now facing an unprecedented financial crisis “despite its proven track record and widespread community support”.

“Securing sufficient funds to continue operations beyond 2024 has become increasingly challenging. The potential loss of the LMCLP would not only impact future leadership opportunities but also undermine the momentum gained in regional development initiatives over the past two decades,” she said.

LEAD Loddon Murray is calling on local businesses, and community stakeholders to provide financial support to ensure the continuation of this vital program. “Or please write to local members of parliament both state and federal. The program’s leaders are advocating for a sustainable funding model that will allow for the continuation of their impactful work in developing local leadership and fostering community growth,” Jude said.

Leadership program funding was cut by the State Government last year and Jude says on current funds available, the best that might be offered in 2025 was a “very pared down course”.

Youth pitch shire’s career pathways

EAST Loddon P12 College students have become the latest to “take over” the workplace and discover vocational opportunities and pathways. They teamed with Loddon Shire Council for the Take Over project with North Central LLEN, on Tuesday launching a promotional video on local government employment options.

Take Over saw the 10 VCE vocational major

students interview council staff who were featured in the video discussing their career journeys and the positives of working for the shire. The recruitment video was shown to staff during a function in the council chambers where students also acknowledged their learning as Take Over participants. They hope the video will encourage young people to work for council.

Emergency response time still 25 minutes

AMBULANCE response times in the Loddon Shire averaged 25 minutes, according to statistics released last week by Ambulance Victoria.

The average response time for Code 1 emergencies had been constant over the past year and near data for 2022-2023.

Loddon is one of six shires where the average wait for an ambulance is more than 25 minutes. Other shires in the same re-

sponse band include Buloke and Yarriambiak.

Ambulance Victoria says Code 1 incidents require urgent paramedic and hospital care based on information available at time of call.

The rural area response time compares with 15 to 20 minutes in Bendigo.

However, while Loddon response times have changed little, Ambulance Victoria execu-

tive director regional operations Danielle North said paramedics reached Code 1 patients faster on average, than a year ago despite a five per cent increase in demand.

“The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV circulating within our communities and our workforce,” Ms North said when releasing the statistics.

Take Over students and council staff at Tuesday’s video launch. LH PHOTO

Senate’s 3G delay call

MAJOR telcos should delay switching off the 3G mobile phone network, a Senate committee has said.

And Mallee MP Anne Webster wants Telstra and Optus to come to the party.

Dr Webster said the switch to 4G should not happen until Mallee residents had been assisted properly into 4G.

The Senate report recommended Communications Minister Michelle Rowland should use her powers to impose conditions on Telstra and Optus to guarantee

equivalent coverage to 3G levels on the 4G changeover, if the carriers refused to do so.

“I called on Labor to act on this serious problem for regional health, our communities and farmers almost four months ago,” said Dr Webster.

“Labor are in a black spot of inaction for regional Australians who rely on the mobile network for emergency communications, their health devices and services, farm technologies and just to stay connected.”

Telstra had planed to shut its

3G signal by July but put the change back August 31.

Optus will switch off its 3G signal in September. An Optus spokesperson told the inquiry 176,000 handsets could be disconnected when 3G was switched off.

Telstra earlier this year told the Loddon Herald that local sites were ready for 4G and the telco has also been offering a handset replacement in rural areas.

The Costa Group told the Senate inquiry it was concerned their service provider could meet their timeline to provide access to the

Beers back flowing at old pub

DINGEE’S Railway Hotel is back pulling beers after a makeover of the historic building and arrival of new publicans.

Pat and Donna Bourke took over the hotel last week and their first function was to welcome back local patrons, including members of the community consortium who purchased the business two years ago.

Pat said the re-opening had been highly anticipated for Dingee district residents.

“Everyone had a great night - they were pleased to have a place to gather again and we were happy to welcome them.”

During its temporary closure, new floorboards were put down in the 111-year-old building.

4G network, stating: “The 3G network makes it possible to control and monitor our crops, including the operation of irrigation, fertigation and other key production plant and equipment. Without these, our crops and especially the yield and quality will be compromised. The losers from this will be the Australian population, who would likely face shortages and increased prices for fresh produce as a result.”

National Rural Health Alliance wrote that 3G shutdown issues were amplified in rural areas.

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Station spot will be filled

A PERMANENT police presence could return to Pyramid Hill within weeks.

The station vacancy was advertised in the Police Gazette last week and interviews of applicatants are expected to be held early next month.

Pyramid Hill has been without a police officer for more than 12 months, sparking community concern for the station’s future and local safety.

Residents said police resources were stretched while one-member stations at Pyramid Hill, Serpentine and Boort are covered from other local towns. “We may be a small town but we need our local police,” Kel Stewart said in March.

It will be the second northern Loddon station to again have a permanent presence after Serpentine’s officer returned from sick leave earlier this year.

Boort’s long-serving Senior Constable Ray Stoman remains on sick leave.

Officers from Inglewood have been temporarily assigned to Pyramid Hill while waiting almost six months for the vacancy to be advertised. Police numbers in the Loddon Shire have been increased this month with the appointment of two new members at Inglewood.

Hunt rules ‘forget non-shooters’

INTERESTS of non-hunters should be reflected in new Victorian regulations, according to Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting.

Spokesperson Kerrie Allen said draft new Victorian hunting regulations had not considered 99 per cent of Victorians. The group has opposed key recommendations in the draft with Ms Allen saying areas around Boort needed to be more valued. Ms Allen and RVOTDS have called for a winding back of public areas available for duck hunting.

“Currently hunting is permitted at so many thousands of public areas, the authorities can’t estimate the number of them, let alone monitor them,” RVOTDS said.

“This is an unacceptable risk to wildlife and people. There should be transparency of the number and location of hunting areas. The number of public hunting areas should be wound back to correlate with the fact less than one percent of the popu-

lation hunt. This will ensure better compliance monitoring and respect for regional residents and other recreational users.

“There should be no hunting within at least 3km of residents (the distance shotgun noise is audible) or other recreational facilities such as walking tracks. Only areas which have had a safety risk assessment conducted, should be open to hunting.”

Ms Allen said draft regulations did not support the aim of providing effective management of game species or game hunting, “let alone safe, humane and sustainable hunting.”

Her group also says wetlands should be able to be closed to hunters for social/ economic reasons. There was a temporary halt to shooting in Lake Boort this year until a colony of flying bats left the area.

The draft proposes an increased hunting licence fee, the duck season to last up to 90 days and non-hunters prohibited from specific areas before 11am.

Worth saying hello to new owner

NEW owner Janine Worth is relishing welcoming locals and visitors to Pyramid Hill’s Coffee Bank.

Janine is into her second week as the popular cafe’s new owner, taking over from Deb Forster who owned the business for 13 years.

She said the Coffee Bank was a great business where “locals love to come and a place that’s always welcoming visitors”.

“Deb did a fantastic job and I am looking forward to continuing to offer great service to our customers,” she said. “Our range of food will continue to include the pies and slices of Deb’s son Raidan who did his apprenticeship here and are very popular.”

Janine has extended trading hours to include Saturdays and Sundays, now offering breakfasts, morning teas and lunch seven days a week.

Draft guidelines for the Victorian Transmission Plan have been released for consultation

Your feedback will help us plan Victoria’s future renewable energy infrastructure.

Visit us at a session near you:

Kerang

Kerang Memorial Hall

4 Nolan St, Kerang

Tuesday 6 August, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Wednesday 7 August, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Rochester Community House

43-45 Mackay St, Rochester

Wednesday 14 August, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Thursday 15 August, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

At sessions, we’ll be talking through:

• how we will develop the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan

• the study area, which will show parts of Victoria that we’ll investigate further, as we work with communities to find the best places to host future wind and solar generation.

• how community feedback will help refine the study area to proposed renewable energy zones.

If you can’t attend a session directly, feel free to have your say on the study area right now at: engage.vic.gov.au/VicGrid

Meg Stewart and Janine Worth welcome customers to the Coffee Bank. LH PHOTO

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Programs aim to ease cost pressure

By JACINTA ALLAN

THE Victorian Labor Government is supporting local families with the cost of living.

Getting a world-class public education in Victoria will always be free – but supplies and extracurricular activities can really add up.

Our Government is building on our cost of living support for families, delivering a one off $400 School Saving Bonus that will help cover the cost of uniforms, camps, excursions and other extracurricular activities through the year.

Support will be available in time for the start of the 2025 school year for every child at a government school, as well as eligible concession card holders in non-government schools.

Last year, our Free Kinder program saved around 140,000 families up to $2,500 in fees. We’ve delivered a further $129 million to continue delivering Free Kinder for three and four year olds – helping even more kids get a great start and helping their parents with the cost of living.

Learning isn’t limited to the classroom, and our $200 Get Active Kids Vouchers support children and families from across Victoria with the costs of participating and playing local sport.

Through the program, eligible families can apply for vouchers of up to $200 per child, which can be used to pay for memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment across a wide range of sporting codes and recreation activities.

The program helps keep kids active – and ensures no one misses out.

Our Government is also making sure no student starts the day hungry.

Our School Brekkie Clubs provide a free, healthy and nutritious breakfast to thousands of kids across our state. Now, we’re expanding the Program to every government school for the very first time.

The expansion will see 150 extra schools invited

to join at the beginning of next year – which is expected to support up to 200,000 students – before rolling out to remaining schools from June 2025.

Since 2016, the Victorian Labor Government’s School Breakfast Clubs Program has delivered more than 40 million healthy and nutritious meals, as well as practical cooking classes for families at 100 schools.

Going to school hungry has a big impact on children’s learning, affecting behaviour and the ability to concentrate – which is why we’re making sure more students are fuelled with healthy, nutritious meals.

Importantly, it’s also supporting more families struggling with the cost of living.

Across our state, students are benefiting from our free Glasses for Kids program. It’s why we’re making sure even more young Victorians can see clearly in the classroom – tripling the size of the program to reach even more Prep to Grade 3 students at government schools around Victoria. Providing free vision screenings and glasses for students who need them, the program helps identify vision issues early and stops them holding young learners back. Our Smile Squad program gives students free oral care check-ups and treatment. With all government primary, secondary and specialist schools invited to participate in the program – it means students are receiving critical early oral care. Just like the Glasses for Kids Program, this support is provided at school, meaning busy families no longer need to juggle appointment times or incur additional out of pocket costs.

*JacintaAllanisthememberforBendigoEast andPremierofVictoria

The great corella mystery

MYSTERY surrounding the great corella exodus from Bridgewater may have been solved - the pesky river gum strippers have headed north for a sugar fix from sprouting wheat crops around Glenalbyn.

Having exhausted energy zapping the Loddon River trees, farmers further up the Calder Highway are this week reporting potential harvest havoc in their fledgling crops.

One corella mystery sounds solved but there remains a veil over just which programs the State Government has funded to manage Victoria’s corella problem.

Enquiries have confirmed that 10 projects will share in $250,000. What the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has declined to reveal at this time is who are the organisations, what are the projects and how these “initiatives” will help communities tackle a corella problem that Loddon residents say returns more often and more destructively than at any time in the past decade.

To put a measly $250,000 on the table could be described as a tokenistic approach by government

BUShy TALES By IAN JONES

EDITORIAL

to tackling a growing problem and one that is again impacting agricultural productivity.

To delay announcement of details about programs to be rolled out - bearing in mind the department had originally planned to share the news five weeks ago - is equally disappointing.

When country communities are deemed ready to be given such information, one would trust that the list is decluttered of more studies and assessmentstime-wasting, money-wasting endeavours at a time when real action is needed in tackling, controlling, managing the corella menace.

Sadly, we may be left deflated when the department talks about evaluations and reviews. It says the strategy “promotes a living with wildlife approach to encourage positive attitudes to corellas, as part of a broader strategy for management of human/wildlife conflict in Victoria”. All phrases to give power to the pests? Surely not?

1. At what time of day are crepuscular animals active?

2. What part of a boat is the galley?

3. How many is two baker’s dozens?

4. Hawaiian, polo, and henley are all styles of what?

5. Which colour starting with ‘b’ is also the name of a French wine region?

6. What is the third largest ocean in the world?

7. The cartoon cat Garfield is owned by who?

8. Who won the minor premiership in the 2018 AFL Premiership season?

9. Traditional caviar is made from the eggs of which fish?

10. The soft drink ‘Solo’ was first launched by which company in 1968?

11. Which Australian river is

longest: Swan, Torrens, or Yarra?

12. The Turkish Angora is a breed of which animal?

13. The Australian men’s basketball team won their first Olympic medal at which Olympics?

14. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of what?

15. In which year did The Great Depression begin?

16. What are lumens a measure of?

17. On a chess board, which pieces sit on the corners at the start of a match?

18. In ‘The Wizard of Oz’ what colour is the brick road?

19. How many months are named after Roman emperors?

20. Which months are they?

ANSWERS

T HERE may be some blurry eyes around ... sports diehards with interrupted sleep, alarms set to watch the live action from Paris. We’re not sure whether Bradley of Boort has been one of those fans tuning into the telly for an early morning fix of live Olympic action, but he did send a break-of-dawn message to say there had not been time for a new Treemendous Sign this week.

HAD to laugh the other day when checking out newspapers around the world to compare coverage of the Olympic Games. While the official medal table ranking is decided by the number of golds won by a country, not so in the land of Uncle Sam. Yep, the good ol’ US of A had itself on top, having won the most medals overall. Turns out at the time that USA was languishing down around fifth spot for gold medals. Talk about sporting spin!

T HERE are dangers attached to being out and

about gathering news and photographs. On Sunday, it was not the cactus spike guns that were the problem. Instead the ground suddenly gave way, dropping a good 15cm in a paddock riddled with the terra firma pest. Just the right depth for an Olympic jump and step back to a level field.

THE New York Times newspaper tells us that nearly 70 countries and territories, though — roughly a third of the parade of nations — cannot boast an Olympic medalist in any discipline, summer or winter. Some, like South Sudan, which sent its first team to the Olympics in 2016, have only just begun trying. Others, like Monaco, have been at it for more than a century.

Twilight 2. Kitchen 3. 26 4. Shirts 5. Burgundy 6. Indian Ocean 7.

Jon Arbuckle 8. Richmond Tigers 9. Sturgeon 10. Tarax 11. Yarra 12. Cat 13. Tokyo 2020 14. Theatre 15. 1929 16. Total amount of

visible light

Rooks

Yellow

(Julius Caesar)

August (Augustus Caesar).

Faces of the new vibe

What brings a supermarket owner to town and lures a local home?

THEY sit prominently on opposite corners of the main street.

A Spanish Mission-style white building that became synonymous as the headquarters of the Pyramid Hill Co-op now the town supermarket.

Constructed within months of a fire that destroyed the previous building in December 1932, the imposing edifice and clocktower has become home to Mandeep Singh.

Across the road, Miller’s Ag trades from another of Pyramid Hill’s historic buildings and has not long ago had an external makeover.

It’s where Alec Miller has returned home to help the business with parents Neville and Michelle.

Mandeep and Alec are being lauded by progress association president Drew Chislett as being among the new faces in town building a positive vibe.

For Alec, an environmental engineer, there was a decade enjoying Melbourne life knowing, one day, the yearning would be there to come home.

“I wanted to gain a lot of knowledge in the city and bring back that knowledge to the local area,” he said.

“Then late last year, my parents said they would like me to help run the business. I thought, that would be a good opportunity to come home, enjoy the lifestyle and be part of the family business.

“There was the attraction of having some flexibility that you don’t have in Melbourne, being part of the country vibe.”

The former Pyramid Hill College student who completed schooling at Cohuna before heading to Melbourne, has started to reconnect with the home community.

He is even taking to the netball court in the new night com

By CHRIS EARL

petition organised in town. And there’s no spending 90 minutes in Melbourne traffic each day, just to travel one way.

Coming to Pyramid Hill around the same time as Alec’s homecoming was Mandeep.

He had been in partnership as owner of a supermarket in the Wimmera town of Warracknabeal.

The quest to own his own business - and in a country town where he could enjoy the simple life - brought Mandeep to Pyramid Hill.

He had grown up in the northern Indian state of Punjab. His town, Bassi Pathani, is in an area once traversed by Mongol warriors.

A small town, the climate is similar to Pyramid Hill “just with a month of fogs when you can have a refreshing walk”.

Agriculture, too, is at the heartbeat of Mandeep’s place of birth.

“I was born in a small town, I love country communities where everyone knows each other,” he said

“In Pyramid Hill, there is that same feeling. You walk out into the store, or the street, and people say hello.

“Friendships have been made quickly here. A town would be nothing without people.”

The history of his supermarket building has daily reminders for Mandeep. From the elevated office that once acted as headquarters for the co-op to customers and visitors. “So many people who come in have a connection with the building and I enjoy hearing their stories.”

Mandeep says the move to Pyramid Hill has been part of an exciting journey and one that has given local people confidence in their supermarket.

“You feel the vibe when people

come in from the street. I am just starting to get things organised but it’s a big building and more can be done. It’s all about ideas.”

Alec has ideas as well for the future. Since returning to Pyramid Hill almost a year ago, one of the big differences in a decade away has been the growing consciousness of farmers for water conservation.

“People are now smarter and looking longer-term at farming to see benefits in six or seven years, not just for this year,” he said.

He had spent six years working for a consultancy firm in Mel

bourne assisting approvals for contaminated land remediation and showing companies how to meet their obligations in cleaning sites before redevelopment.

Alec says he misses networking events in Melbourne. “But it’s only three hours away by car and I’m thinking of making the trip by train in the future,” he said.

Alec is also keeping the professional hand in by mentoring final year students in environmental engineering at Monash University.

“I want to strengthen that link between agriculture, the environment and universities.”

When Mandeep and Alec spoke at a Loddon Shire networking event on the experiences living in the country town, their message was evident. There is life in rural communities, still.

Perhaps it is Mandeep’s reflection of people making a town that resonated with the audience. Or is it Alec who reckons the best thing is the lifestyle and “waking up in the morning, seeing the sun rise and thinking how good it this!”

Drew Chislett has been something or a one-man talking billboard for his “little town”. He’s just found a few more disciples.

Mandeep SIngh and Alec Miller. LH PHOTO

Rams driving high yields

HIGH lambing percentages and top meat and wool yields are the focus in John Humbert’s selection of 60 Merino rams going under the hammer at Kedleston Park this month.

The stud benchmarks its genetics at major shows. But as John says: “Profitability for our clients is of the utmost importance”.

The Humbert family first took up a land selection in the Calivil and Prairie area more than 150 years ago and John’s drive breeding rams that deliver grower profits continues to shine.

At last month’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, Kedleston Park had a top four finish in the all-purpose competition. That success in a class with more than 60 entries from top studs across Australia again secured the Loddon Valley’s reputation for allpurpose rams. “The Loddon Valley had three of the top four rams, once again highlighting the exceptionally high standard of sheep we breed,” John said. He is the fourth generation farming in the district and breeds robust, quick maturing, large framed, fertile sheep with high genetic fat and muscle which produce high yielding carcasses

Inspection: From 10AM on day of sale

Auction: 1PM

Offering: 40 rams 1727 Echuca

Serpentine Road, Calivil

at his Kedleston Park Poll Merino Stud. “The wool grown is a soft, white, deep, crimping, long, stapled, lustrous, medium wool suited to any environment,” says John.

“At Kedleston Park we are using artificial insemination, embryo transfer and genotyping - all used to produce top performing rams and ewes to keep our clients’ flocks highly profitable.”

John and wife Rosemary founded their stud in 1996 after being state winners of the Victorian Flock of the Year and registered the stud in 2005.

“Ewes were brought from Roseville Park as well as a very influential ram from Tara Park, both being of Purple Mandulay blood,” said studmaster John.

“A poll stud was registered in 2006

with two poll rams and a selection of Kedleston Park ewes. There have been further ewes purchased from Moorundie and rams from Moorundie and Banavie and Lachlan Merinos.

John said his breeding objectives had an emphasis on the growth rate with many top young rams reaching up to 100kg body weight by 12 months of age and ewe lambs having a sufficient body weight by eight to 10 months of age to be joined.

And the aim for staple length was growing up to 12mm a month enabling sheep to be shorn every six months, says John.

Kedleston Park continues to exhibit its faith in showcasing rams, ewes and fleeces - the Calivil stud has taken out the Loddon Valley Field Day’s coveted pen of three rams on six occasions. And there was repeat success too in the Australian fleece competition at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show winning the performance class fleece for a second year and the Victorian championship as well.

The fleece scored 96.7 from the judges, beating more than 200 other fleeces for the top points at the show.

Kedleston Park renowned for top fleece and meat yields

Meeting ‘rock solid’ breeding objectives

WILLERA Merinos will put up for auction 180 genomic and measured “rock solid” poll rams reflecting the Serpentine stud’s breeding objectives.

Stud manager Simon Coutts says bidders will see a consistent type in the auction with consistency in structure and wools.

“The data will be a step up from last year and backed up with our genetic trend graphs,” he said.

“Some new sire lines from both internally and externally will be represented and as always our July drop ewe progeny at the back end of the sale.

“We’ve chosen this year not to rank any rams at all, the entire auction will roll out in tag sequence as I believe ranking the top 20, for instance, is only our opinion, not that of our buyers.

“Tag sequence gives everybody a chance to target a higher class ram at any time through the auction.”

Inspection: From 10AM on day of sale

Auction: 1PM

Offering: 180 rams 1072 Old BoortSerpentine Road Bears Lagoon

Willera Merinos will also use the online selling platform AuctionsPlus this year to promote the stud’s quality offering ahead of the August 30 on-property sale.

“Our entire commercial ewe flock at Serpentine, including ewe lamb joining, is mated to our ram lambs and we used a total of 270 ram lambs in 2023-2024 based on visual appraisal and genomics data.

“Then add in the ram lambs produced in the stud ewe lamb program and we had some quality Merinos to pick from,” he said.

2023 Classings Classic - Willera 220690 sold to the Calcookara Stud for $16,000

Simon said the stud’s breeding values from the past seven years had been assessed early this year.

“We were then able to translate those traits into the animals we handle in 2024, and it has certainly

ticked our breeding objectives,” Simon said.

“You aren’t always guaranteed to achieve the desired results and breeding sheep to a specific set of criteria is no easy feat, there’s always

going to be a bit of ‘give and take’ and a few ‘trade-offs’. “But we’ve been able to stay true to our beliefs and can back it up with facts and results, both within our own system and outside it,” Simon said.

Breeding with consistency

NORM Weir aims to breed big framed, fertile sheep with as much quality wool as possible at his Kerrilyn Merino and Poll Merino Stud.

The Dunluce stud, founded in 1994 based on Belbourie and Wonga bloodlines, does this by using top Artificial Insemination sires.

Norm says all rams are tested and ranked for wool and body traits.

“We test the quality of our stud and effectiveness of the flock by entering wether trials,” he said.

“Both our flocks and clients’ flocks have been very successful in this venture.

“We are predominately a medium wool stud with microns ranging between 16.5 to 21.5.”

Norm said Kerrilyn had a history of breeding heavy-cutting productive sheep.

“We have won four most valuable fleece awards at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show Bendigo as well as a champion strong wool fleece and reserve champion medium

Inspection: From 10.30AM on day of auction

Auction: 12.30PM

Offering: 42 rams

Bealiba South Road, Dunluce

and fine-medium fleece awards.”

Benchmarking of Merino and poll Merinos - the poll stud was established with the purchase of 50 ewes and a ram at the Lewisdale dispersal sale rams and ewes in Western Australia in 2011 - has seen Kerrilyn awarded major prizes.

At last month’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show, had three big days being named reserve Champion strong August shorn ewe, most successful stud exhibitor in fleece show, Reserve Champion fine medium fleece, Reserve Champion strong fleece and most valuable fleece in group four.

Norm Weir strives for consistency coming out of his stud. The 2024

showing backed up last year’s successes that included Medium Wool Champion Merino Ewe and then went on to win Grand Champion Medium Wool Ewe, Champion Fine Medium Poll Merino Ewe and went on to become Reserve Grand Champion Fine Medium Ewe. The same sheep were also awarded the Fine Medium Wool and Medium Wool Ewe Victorian Champions. The Medium Wool Ewe then won the Victorian Bred Champion Wool Ewe of the Show Kerrilyn’s fleeces have also received honours over the years including at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show winning the champion Victorian fleece in 2021 that followed from earlier success in taking out the champion medium fleece. Kerrilyn also won the Stoeleigh Perpetual Challenge Cup (highest aggregate medium wool classes) with champion ribbons, four reserve champion ribbons, 10 firsts, three second ribbons, three thirds and a fourth place in the pairs at the 2023 Victorian Sheep Show in Ballarat.

And at this month’s Sheepvention in Hamilton, there were more ribbons - Champion medium wool horned ram, Champion strong wool horned ram, Reserve Champion fine wool ram and Reserve Champion dual purpose ram. “Showing our rams and ewes at major shows is an important part of benchmarking what we do and gives confidence to our commercial flock buyers, who come from across central and northern Victoria and beyond,” said Norm.

KERRILYN MERINO/POLL MERINO STUD DUNLUCE

Most successful stud exhibitor at the 2024 Victorian State Merino Field Day in Marnoo was Norm Weir of Kerrilyn Stud

Wheelhouse AGnVET Bridgewater Hands On Field Day

REGISTER NOW LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

AGnVET Water – Updates on local water

Volunteers take gun to invasive wheel cactus

TWO groups combined for the start of National Landcare Week to tackle invasive wheel cactus and prickly pear at Kurting on Sunday.

More than 20 members of the Salisbury West group and Mount Korong Eco Watch spent three hours spiking the plants across five hectares of public and private land.

Loddon Plains Landcare Network facilitator Will Sanson said floods in 2022 and again last summer had seen the footprint of the plants expand along the Hope Creek.

“We had a great team out as part of our ongoing war on weeds,” Mr Sanson said.

Wheel cactus is a difficult plant to destroy and has to be injected before they mature and bear fruit.

The cactus regenerates from any piece of lobe so it cannot be dug up and left lying on the ground.

Job done ... Landcare members after Sunday’s war on cactus. LH PHOTO Ian Fraser and Aaron Lock

Zoetis – Showcasing their latest range of products

Gallagher – Showcasing their latest weighing and scanning equipment.

Waratah – Fence built on site showcasing the full Waratah fencing range.

Coopers – Demontrations of New Oral Lice

Drench & Ram Preparation.

Ahrens – Brandt Augers, Field Bins and Mobile Sheep Feeding Silos on site.

AIM - Animal Health & Nutrition – Animal Nutritional products & Information. Syngenta – Information on their range of products.

Pioneer Seeds – Hybrid & New varieties for 2025 Season.

Pacific Seeds - New Varieties for 2025 Season.

AGF Seeds - New Varieties for 2025 Season.

Details Date Friday 6th September

Time 10:00am on site BBQ lamb roast lunch provided Venue Wheelhouse AGnVET Bridgewater Cemetery Rd

Registrations by Date Friday 30th August @ 5pm Wheelhouse AGnVET Bridgewater 03 5437 3174 | bridgewater@agnvet.com.au

Join us for ‘Hands On’ demonstrations and more

Precision Ag - Soil testing information

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

A very plain yarding, with very few lines of finished stock. All grades fully firm on last week’s sale.

Monday, August 5th, 2024 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 10,000 | Sheep - 5,000

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

Alex Collins - 0408 314 768

Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371

Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844 Will Holt- 0417 686 814

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

Figures under par

don in August saw just one dis

trict record above-average falls.

Inglewood received 17.4mm on August 9 and another 14mm three days later as the district headed towards 51.4mm for the month that has an average fall of 45mm. The official town gauge has now tipped out 274.9mm in eight months this year.

August’s rainfall in Wedderburn was 10mm below average - 36.6mm with almost half received in one day. There have been falls totalling 249mm so far this year.

The official gauge at Mincha recorded 23.6mm for August, taking the district’s total for the year

to 273mm while West Prairie recorded 15.8mm for the month.

Dunolly recorded 51.2mm, up slightly on its August average of 48mm and now has tipped out 288mm for the year while at Charlton, there was 28.2mm compared with the average of 33.4mm. Charlton has had 200.8mm in the first eight months of 2024.

Meanwhile, Laanecoorie reservoir is at just 19 per cent capacity. Official levels on Monday had 1565ML of water in the reservoir compared it a capacity of 8000ML. The level is just below the reading in early August 2022 before a rapid rise ahead of October floods across the region

SHEEP anD LaMBS

THERE was a slight increase in lamb supply to 9630 head on Monday but a significant drop off in quality in one of the plainest winter yardings seen at Bendigo for some time.

There was very few lines of well finished lambs showing weight and fat cover, the majority being smaller mixed lots in untidy skins.

The result was more concentrated bidding on any reasonable lambs, particularly the trade weighted pens suiting supermarket orders which gained $20 and more in places.

The general run of plainer lambs improved by $5 to $20/ head in a difficult sale to generate accurate quotes due to how mixed the yarding was.

Just a few pens of export weighted lambs sold from $246 to a top of $270/head.

There was some strong sales at $209 to $238/head for the best heavy trade lambs which sold above 900c/kg and into the high 900c/kg cwt range at times.

Two trade weighed pens of new season lambs sold at $215 and $229/head for a pen estimated at 23kg cwt to also be in the high 900c/kg cwt cost range. Underneath this was a lot of wintery and long-woolled light and medium trade lambs from $135 to $190/hd at varied rates from 750c to 880c/kg cwt depending on quality and number in a pen.

Lightweight crossbred lambs mostly $70 to $132/head with

less restocker interest on these. There was a lot of Merinos in this yarding, and price outcomes for these varied around quality and fat cover.

The heaviest pen up around 30kg cwt sold to $238; most of the medium tradeweight Merinos from $146 to $178, the better types trending above 700c/kg cwt. Light weight Merino lambs mostly $60 to $115/head.

Results were mixed in the sheep. The heaviest ewes were cheaper at $92 to $130/head on a lot of weight at times and the majority were purchased by one exporter.

However good lines of trade and light mutton were dearer at $60 to $115/hd in a sale that opened strongly before loosing some momentum late in the auction.

The price spread over the main grades of mutton was 350c to 450c/kg cwt.

SUCKERS

Gwarra Pastoral Ganawarra (99) $229. CROSSBRED LAMBS

R I Brown Pompapiel (67) $275. P N Brown Pompapiel (22) $275. Lehmann Family Trust Kerang (73) $270. L Barlow Moama (6) $260. Kevin Ryan Family Trust Tatura (35) $246. JM Hiscock & sons Pyalong (47) $238. Pepperton Elmore (17) $230. R Caldwell Bunnaloo (74) $216. Nutbyrne Knowsley (30) $215. Kellalac Past Newbridge (31) $215. Bernadette Moloney Bagshot Nth (20) $214. Maja Park Girgarre (90) $214. Gwarra Pastoral Ganawaara (51) $210. Glendaloch Yea (13) $210. Burke Bros Jeffcott (40) $209. Paul Slatter Echuca (15) $186. MERINO LAMBS

A & L Hiscock High Camp (72) $220. DW &

Redbacks survive fury of Bulls in second half

A HARD-FOUGHT afternoon of hockey ended with a tight 1-0 win to Wedderburn over Birchip Watchem in the North Central league.

The Redbacks took control of the ball from the start and had a few short corners but were unable to convert as Birchip Watchem’s defence held fast.

The second quarter saw two green cards to Wedderburn, but the Redbacks took the lead through Brittany Faduk with just two minutes left in the quarter.

The second half again saw defences on top, with Genevieve Plozza outstanding in goals and getting great support from full

backs Kelsea Nisbet and Carlie Turnbull. Jade Cramp was also playing a strong interception game.

With five minutes left of the final quarter a Birchip player went down with a sprained ankle and was unable to be replaced. In the spirit of good sportsmanship Wedderburn removed a player to keep numbers even.

There was more carnage in the final seconds, when a Birchip player heading towards goal clashed with Redbacks coach/full back Kelsea and dislocated her shoulder.

Best on ground was Chelsea Hargreaves for her great work in

the centre directing play. Encouragement awards went to Maddie Hendy, Neve Nisbet, Laura Stilo, Taryn Roberts and Genevieve Plozza. Coaches’ awards went tp Jade Cramp and Brittany Faduk. Underage took the field with seven players and lost 1-4 with Aidan Wingfield the goal scorer again. Best on ground was Zane Polkinghorne.

Des Rothacker

The Members of the Bridgewater Bowling Club are deeply saddened by the passing of our Life Member Des Rothacker. He was a well respected member of our Club and the Bridgewater Community.

Deepest sympathy to Jean, Alan, Pam and their families.

The Family of the late Graeme Gardner

would like to express their thanks to friends and family for the many cards, flowers, messages, and support following the passing of Graeme. Words can’t express our gratitude for all your thoughts and support.

SATURDAY 10th & SUNDAY 11th AUGUST 57 KINGOWER-OLD INGLEWOOD ROAD, 3KMS NORTH OF INGLEWOOD, OFF THE CALDER HIGHWAY

Injured ... Redbacks’ coach Neve Nisbet

UnDer 18

seniors

Inglewood 4.3 8.5 8.5 9.9 (63)

Calivil 3.3 6.10 9.13 10.16 (76)

GOALS - Inglewood: W. Allen (1) 4, F. Payne 2, S. Erharter, J. Rouse, G. Nevins. Calivil: B. Baker 4, A. Dennis 2, E. Ritchie, T. Wakefield, T. Piazza, M. Stephens.

BEST - Inglewood: C. March, F. Payne, L. Matheson, L. Ford, W. Allen (1), S. Erharter. Calivil: S. Maher, C. Thompson, L. Fisher, S. Green, B. Baker, H. Wall.

Marong 6.7 15.16 23.19 28.22 (190) Maiden Gully 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.1 (7)

GOALS - Marong: K. Robins 6, R. Taylor 5, K. Manley 4, M. Bradbury 3, J. Davis 2, K. Thomson, Z. Justice, W. Gadsden, B. Hartland, N. McCaig, L. Lee, N. Devanny, B. Gregg. Maiden Gully: D. Phyland.

BEST - Marong: J. Davis, T. Davies, K. Robins, R. Taylor, W. Gadsden, M. Bradbury. Maiden Gully: J. Worsley, E. Crisp, D. Phyland, R. Strauch, B. Franzini, L. Sobina.

BL Serpentine 7.3 10.6 19.10 30.16 (196) Mitiamo 0.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 (12)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Laird 9, J. Rippingale 7, J. Podosky 3, N. Kemp, C. Gadsden, F. Priest, R. Turner 2, A. Gladman, N. Twigg, D. Nihill. Mitiamo: K. Pentreath, L. Shiell.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Laird, D. Nihill, J. Rippingale, N. Kemp, J. Taig, N. Twigg. Mitiamo: L. Lougoon, Z. Morrison, D. Walters, R. Duncan, W. Draper, L. Shiell.

Newbridge 2.1 2.3 3.4 5.5 (35)

Pyramid Hill 5.4 12.7 17.10 23.12 (150)

GOALS - Newbridge: B. Carr, J. Clark, B. Dimech, T. Constable, B. Butler. Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 4, B. Scott, B. George, S. Gunther, B. Carroll 3, B. Dickens, T. Brennan 2, S. Relouw, J. Cowling, J. Burns.

BEST - Newbridge: T. McLeod, K. Friswell, T. Constable, B. Dimech, B. Carr, L. Costelow. Pyramid Hill: B. George, B. Knight, S. Gunther, L. Sidebottom, G. James, S. Mann.

Marong Seniors: 15 14 1 0 1 348.56 56

reserVes

Marong

Maiden Gully 0.0 0.1

GOALS - Donald: D. Hollis 2, J. Tellefson, C. Anderson. Charlton: L. Holmes-Brown 4, T. Bates 2, P. Sanderson, J. Roberts.

BEST - Donald: E. Landwehr, E. Clapham, D. Gowlett, W. Noble, B. Hollis, B. Morgan. Charlton: M. Campbell, C. Boyle, L. Holmes-Brown, T. Bates, F. Bourke, P. Sanderson. St Arnaud 0.0 0.0

(192)

(7)

GOALS - Marong: T. Grant 10, Z. Turnbull 7, L. Hale, N. Matthews, M. Grant 2, S. Taylor, K. McCaig, H. Baker, R. Gretgrix, G. Dowler, K. Terrill. Maiden Gully: Not supplied. BEST - Marong: M. Grant, T. Grant, H. Baker, R. Gretgrix, S. Taylor, Z. Turnbull. Maiden Gully: K. Griffin, K. Kerrison, N. Hadden, M. Clark, J. Reid, B. Jones.

Inglewood 5.6 8.7 11.9 13.12 (90)

Calivil 1.0 3.5 4.6 5.9 (39)

GOALS - Inglewood: J. Stokes 4, T. Kendal, D. Hogan 2, S. Dundas, M. Jeffrey, J. Purdy, N. Angelino, P. Ingamells. Calivil: B. Masson 2, L. Petri, D. Ryan, J. Manderson. BEST - Inglewood: J. Stokes, S. Gorrie, J. Barnett, D. Hogan, T. Stevenson, D. Hughes. Calivil: E. Ritchie, J. Manderson, D. Masson, B. Columbus, L. Petri, N. Cartwright. BL Serpentine 5.6 9.9 11.12 15.21 (111) Mitiamo 0.2 1.2 2.4 3.4 (22)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Anstee 4, K. Paxton 3, J. Murley, S. Gladman 2, O. Amy, L. Murley, J. Gladman, C. O’Shannessy. Mitiamo: J. Price, H. Danziger, N. Hicks. BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Murley, O. Amy, J. Gladman, D. Tineo, C. Anstee, K. Paxton. Mitiamo: L. Shiell, J. Price, H. Danziger, D. Saliba, J. Cassells, D. Cini.

Newbridge 0.1 1.2 1.3 1.6 (12)

Pyramid Hill 3.5 7.6 8.11 13.13 (91)

GOALS - Newbridge: C. Hoye. Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall 5, D. Lovell 3, A. Holland, D. Reid 2, P. Walker. BEST - Newbridge: N. Dempster, T. Wight, J. Dawkins, J. Lloyd, O. Friswell, T. Wilson. Pyramid Hill: D. Lovell, M. Dingwall, K. Quinn, T. Walker, A. McErvale, N. Coyle.

Marong 15 14 1 0 1 439.94 56 Bridgewater

Inglewood

(4) Marong 17.25 (127)

GOALS - Marong: K. Harris, J. McMurray, C. Murphy 3, M. Lowery, R. Kerr, L. Bowen 2, T. Jennings, W. Thomson. BEST - Inglewood: B. Coffey, T. Murphy, H. Noble, W. Schepers, K. McClellan, T. Lovett. Marong: W. Thomson, M. Lowery, C. Murphy, S. Vinnicombe, J. Taylor, J. McMurray Pyramid Hill

(58)

(65)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes 3, O. Emmerson, X. Emmerson 2, B. Gibson, L. Stubbs. Bridgewater: N. Howe, F. Ferguson 2, S. McMahon, J. Friswell, J. Pidoto, T. Pidoto. BEST - Pyramid Hill: B. Gibson, X. Emmerson, H. Goodes, L. Stubbs, E. Ray. Bridgewater: N. Howe, S. McMahon, t. woodhatch, J. Friswell, L. Lonsdale, D. Goddard.

Marong

seniors

Birchip Watchem

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 7, N. Rippon 2, M. Buchanan, S. Simmons. Wedderburn: N. Furlong 2, T. Campbell, O. Holt, D. Jackson.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: D. Reid, M. Buchanan, J. Lindeback, D. Bell, P. Veszpremi, B. Edwards. Wedderburn: C. Lowry, D. Benaim, O. Holt, N. Furlong, J. Lockhart, D. Jackson.

Nullawil 5.2 9.7 13.9 16.13 (109)

Boort 4.1 10.115.5, 16.7 (103)

GOALS - Nullawil: A. Thomson 6, M. Farmer, D. Watts 2, M. Wade, D. Putt, R. Smith, A. Casey, D. Isbister, D. Kelly. Boort: J. Keeble, T. Potter 3, E. Coleman, F. Holland 2, K. Jaksic, H. Weaver, J. Dick.

BEST - Nullawil: A. Thomson, M. Wade, D. Watts, R. Smith, J. Humphreys, P. Faulks. Boort: K. Wilson, J. Keeble, T. Potter, J. Baddeley-Kelly, J. Fitzpatrick, E. Coleman.

Donald 5.4 7.7 12.11 15.13 (103)

Charlton 1.0 2.2 3.3 7.3 (45)

GOALS - Donald: N. Berry 7, J. Potter 3, J. Papalia, B. Grant 2, J. Talty. Charlton: C. Gavaghan, R. Woods, J. Taylor 2, B. Sexton.

BEST - Donald: B. Grant, N. Berry, A. Browne, J. Wallin, L. Geddes, D. Kerr. Charlton: S. Woods, M. Collins, B. Lanyon, S. O’Connor, E. Fitzpatrick, K. Blow.

St Arnaud 1.2

Sea Lake Nandaly 5.3

(29)

(125)

GOALS - St Arnaud: J. Needs, T. Petrie, J. Hicks, J. Hicks. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 8, T. McKenzie 3, W. Simpson, J. McMahon 2, L. McClelland, W. Donnan, C. Tait.

BEST - St Arnaud: R. Lempa, T. Bertalli, Z. Phillips, B. Phillips, B. Nicholas, H. Durward. Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Donnan, T. Mckenzie, J. Jenkins, B. Weir, J. Poulton, B. Adcock.

reserVes

Birchip Watchem

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: C. Goode

S. Milne 3, C. Wilson, B. Smith, J. Ryan, T. Wiantara, R. Doran. Wedderburn: J. Piccoli 4, C. Hargreaves, A. Younghusband 2, D. Price. BEST - Birchip Watchem: J. Ryan, B. Colbert, T. Wiantara, S. Milne, C. Boyle. Wedderburn: L Sims, M. Lockhart, C Lang, C Hargreaves, F Turnbull.

(29)

(0) Sea Lake Nandaly

(158)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Poulton 7, N. Wight, Z. Wemyss 3, C. Noonan, H. Harcourt, F. Warne, C. Elliott 2, J. Bath, R. McGarry.

BEST - St Arnaud: S. Elliott, B. Knight, B. Batters, J. Neville, H. Darby, C. Campbell. Sea Lake Nandaly: T. Considine, F. Warne, B. Poulton, J. Bath, C. Noonan, C. Elliott. Nullawil

(103)

(14) GOALS - Nullawil: Z. Kelly

B. Barker 4, T. Fawcett, G. Forrester 2, L. Braine, M. Trollope. Boort: D. Hatcher, C. O’Rourke.

BEST - Nullawil: Z. Kelly, M. Barry, J. Vearing, B. Hogan, T. Fawcett, S. Barker. Boort: J. Sheahan, J. Dowling, D. Hatcher, B. Herrington, B. Whykes, N. Scott.

UnDer 17

BEST - Nullawil: T. Vearing, M. Fawcett, L. Cooper, B. Kelly, T. Perry, A. Cowell. Boort: J. O’Flaherty, D. King, R. Wagner, M. Beattie, L. Boyd.

(35)

- Donald: C. Burke, L. Davis, J.

L. Rice. Charlton: J. Roberts, S. Zagame, E. Soulsby, L. Van Boven, S. Olive, I. Bourke.

Watchem

(38) BEST - Birchip Watchem: C. Barber, L. Darby, M. Field. Wedderburn: T. Blair, W. Cunningham, B. Cramp, D. Tansley.

(51)

(56)

BEST - St Arnaud: O. Lowe, A. Lowe, A. Wickham, B. Greenaway, J. Needs, B. Donald. Sea Lake Nandaly: S. Barbary, J. Newick, C. OSullivan, T. Borlase, J. Durie, C. O’Sullivan.

UnDer 14

- St Arnaud: N. Saludes, S. Greenaway, A. Reyne, P. Zsigmond, X. Taylor, S. Weir. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Symes, H. Warne, H. Cox, C. Wight, J. Hodgson, B. Barbary.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: W. Ryan, A. Tyler, R. Ryan. Wedderburn: B. Noordennen, C. Gault, J. Laverty-Smith, B. Cramp, B. Cunningham, A. Roberts.

- Donald: J. Reilly, H. Funcke, N. Michael, R. Needs, L. Holland, E. Geddes. Charlton: M. Fitzpatrick, M. Boyle, I. Roberts, C. Phillips, L. Monaghan, T. McGurk.

BEST - Nullawil: C. Poyner, L. Higgins, L. Poyner, S. Morrison, L. Pollington, C. Kelly. Boort: C. McNally, S. Muller, L. Lanyon, C. Hird, A. Lee, B. Kane.

norTH CenTrAL

LoDDon VALLeY

Gatekeeper Ken keeps books and club stories

KEN Hynes has known the highs and lows of being a devoted club man – player, administrator, chief cook and bottle washer.

He also knows the usual “sly buggers” most likely to try and bypass the ticket box at the Mitiamo Football Club – especially come finals time.

And not many of them have managed to elude Kenny’s eagle eye in the past 32 years.

Which is why he is known as the gatekeeper – because no gate is better kept.

But this man’s story goes much deeper – not only has he kept the crowds under control every weekend at the footy and netball, he has also been Mitiamo club treasurer for the same 32 years.

In his spare time, at the same time, he was also Loddon Valley Football League treasurer (from 1994 to 2003), served on the league executive for another 17 years and chipped in seven more years as treasurer for South Bendigo FNC (yes, also at the same time).

“Yep, it took me a long time to learn my lesson,” Hynes quipped.

“It had reached the point where they just couldn’t get rid of me,” he says.

Not unsurprisingly, Hynes is also a life member of Mitiamo FNC and the Loddon Valley Football League. But like all things, that incredible tenure is almost at an end.

Smith snags tournament

major prize

INGLEWOOD’S 104th annual tournament last week attracted a smaller field than in pre-COVID times, but enthusiasm was high

The 27-hole scratch event for A Grade was won by Mark Smith, who took out the Herb Hesse Trophy.

In B Grade, Geoff Curnick won the G B Vanston Trophy, and D Charry won the Charlie “The Fox’ Seaman Trophy in C Grade. Smith and Curnick also took out their respective 27-hole handicap awards, while Nathan Joyner won the C Grade title.

The 18-hole handicap winner in A Grade was Cam Hose, with P Phillipson successful in B Grade and Joyner taking the C Grade victory.

The 9-hole handicap was taken out by L Treble (A Grade), P Phillipson (B Grade) and D Patterson (C Grade). The Mixed 3-Person Ambrose was won by T Hywood, T Paton and A Dudley with a gross 67 and handicap 57 ahead of D Leggett, P Hubber, D Vanston (63 gross – handicap 59).

In the Men’s 4BBB, A Grade winners were D Leggett and P Hubber with 40 points, on countback over C Hose and M Novak. In B Grade, a three-way count-

By ANDREW MOLE

Well, almost.

“If things go as planned, this will be my last year as treasurer, we’ve got someone in the wings and the plan is they will take over in 2025,” Hynes explains.

“But I reckon I will still be on the gate for every home game –and they have agreed to double my salary once I go back to the one job.

“I thought that was a bit much, but someone at the club told me not to worry – ‘it’s nothing’ they said.

“And they were right,” Hynes laughs.

Mitiamo born and bred, the now (almost 73 year old) Bendigo local has made the trip between the two towns so often, he doesn’t need a smart car to get him there, he and his trusty vehicle could do it blindfolded or asleep.

He played all his juniors there, starting as a 12-year-old.

“I wasn’t all that much of a player and most of my games were in the reserves – where we won the flag in ’75,” Hynes recalls.

“I got to play in the ’76 seniors grand final too, but we lost that one,” he says.

“The last senior flag we have seen as a club was 2019, and on current form we will need a big turnaround to get back to those heights. Our coach Jon Varcoe and his support staff are doing

the best they can with the list they have but like many clubs, getting the depth you need in a bush league is not always easy.”

But Hynes says things are much brighter on the netball court, where the A Grade is proving to be a strong side this season. Look a bit deeper though, and he says you can see the battle for juniors, a problem exacerbated in farming country by fewer families, bigger farms and not many couples having more than two children.

back was needed, with N Dewhurst and K Purdon winning over N Joyner and D Patterson, with D Cooper and T Eiffert third, all on 43 points. The Ladies 4BBB was won by J Penny and K McNaughton on 42 points, with A Broadbent and T Gadsden-Brown runners up on 37 points

“The big thing we are missing is young families, there just aren’t many around,” he says.

“It’s a bit the same with volunteers, right now we have a really good, loyal group, but we are all getting on a bit, I don’t think we have any aged 60 or less.

“You see that everywhere now, even in cities as big as Bendigo where we used to have all the service clubs, Rotary, Lions, Apex, Jaycees, but not so much these days. I know times are tough, and a lot of families have both parents working. The days of mums running the canteens, for example, are few and far between now.”

Things are pretty tough on the field for the footballers as well – with the Roos winless and rock bottom. However, all is not lost because financially, under the stewardship of club legend Hynes, things are pretty rock solid, so it has something to build on moving forward. It just needs a few more people, and a few more Ken Hynes.

Mitiamo

The club’s 3- Person Ambrose event on Sunday was taken out by Brad (Chunkie) Duncan, Rod (Tarz) Ellis and Barry Meighan with a nett score of 57. Runners up were Adam Gould, Graham Maxted and Peter Meighan with nett 61. Nearest the pin on No.11 was Graham Maxted.

Legend and gatekeeper of Mitiamo ... Ken Hynes. LH PHOTO

Inglewood tournament (clockwise from top left) David Patterson, Graham Rowland and Nathan Joyner. LH PHOTOS

Double dip good after tight tussle

BOORT’S A Grade netballers have all but sewn up second spot on the ladder and the double chance in the North Central finals after a tight tussle with Nullawil.

The third-placed Maroons had clawed back a six-goal half-time deficit to draw level with the Magpies at the final change last Saturday.

However, a powerful final quarter from Boort saw them outscore their opponents 14-8 to seal a critical win and a measure of payback for last season’s grand final defeat.

Coach Georgia Haw said the players “didn’t really concentrate and got ahead of themselves” during the third quarter.

“We got six quick goals in the first few minutes of the last quarter and held that advantage for the rest of the game,” she said. Best on court were Grace Hosking and Emma Darker.

Haw was confident that Boort would end the home and away season in second spot.

“We should finish off the season with two wins,” she said. The Magpies face Donald (seventh)

NORTH CENTRAL

A Grade

Nullawil 12, 22, 37, 45, (45) lost to Boort 12, 28, 37, 51, (51). Donald 4, 8, 15, 25, (25) lost to Charlton 9, 24, 37, 50, (50). Birchip Watchem 9, 18, 33, 44, (44) lost to Wedderburn 15, 35, 47, 59, (59). St Arnaud (35) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly (54).

Wedderburn 152.62 46

Boort 137.02 42

Charlton 126.82 36

Nullawil 106.41 36

Birchip Watchem 110.48 32

Sea Lake Nandaly 100.34 32

Donald 97.64 20

Wycheproof N 45.10 8

St Ar naud 65.23 4

B Grade

Nullawil 13, 25, 34, 43, (43) d Boort 8, 16, 28, 33, (33). Donald 17, 25, 41, 50, (50) d Charlton 8, 18, 31, 42, (42). Birchip Watchem 9, 18, 25, 31, (31) lost to Wedderburn 10, 19, 27, 39, (39). St Arnaud (33) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly (58).

Wedderburn 204.54 56

Birchip Watchem 162.61 50

Nullawil 149.76 40

Donald 128.97 34

Boort 120.19 28

Sea Lake Nandaly 113.02 28

Charlton 62.32 12

St Ar naud 45.75 8

Wycheproof N 28.76 0

C Grade

Nullawil 12, 23, 34, 41, (41) d Boort 12, 21, 28, 36, (36). Donald 10, 20, 29, 35, (35) lost to Charlton 13, 19, 28, 40, (40). St Arnaud 7, 13, 21, 30, (30) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 12, 29, 42, 52, (52). Birchip Watchem 9, 19, 30, 43, (43) d Wedderburn Redbacks 6, 14, 25, 39, (39).

Nullawil 205.72 48

Birchip Watchem 145.97 44

Boort 173.15 40

Sea Lake Nandaly 149.45 38

Wedderburn 139.06 38

St Ar naud 72.24 20

Donald 51.67 8

Charlton 45.49 8 Wycheproof N 37.54 8

and St Arnaud (last) in the final two rounds.

Wedderburn can guarantee top spot with a win over Nullawil this Saturday.

The Redbacks are four points ahead of Boort on the ladder after beating Birchip Watchem by 15 goals last weekend, and face seventh-placed Donald in the final round. Best for Wedderburn against Birchip were Holly Lockhart and Paige Stephenson.

The postponed 17A and 14A fixtures between Boort and Wycheproof Narraport, called off on July 20 when Wycheproof’s courts were declared unfit for play, were scheduled to be played on Thursday, August 8.

Senior matches were forfeited, but the league decided to play the junior games to give Wyche youngsters the chance to play out the season with the Demons, who will merge next season with Nullawil.

The Wycheproof 17A side is set to appear in the finals and would have been disadvantaged if it had been made to forfeit the Boort clash.

NETBALL SCOREBOARDS

C Reserve

St Arnaud (19) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly (61). Birchip Watchem 16, 31, 54, 67, (67) d Wedderburn 8, 14, 22, 28, (28).

Sea Lake Nandaly 181.08 34

Nullawil 238.15 28

Birchip Watchem 80.92 20

Wycheproof N 108.40 18

Wedderburn 70.60 8

St Ar naud 47.37 0 17 & Under

St Arnaud 12, 29, 40, 52, (52) d Sea Lake Nandaly 7, 12, 17, 19, (19). Donald 1, 5, 7, 11, (11) lost to Charlton 5, 16, 23, 30, (30). Nullawil 15, 29, 47, 62, (62) d Boort 7, 12, 13, 18, (18). Birchip Watchem (30) d Wedderburn Redbacks (0).

Birchip Watchem 307.55 60

Nullawil 276.80 48

St Ar naud 138.06 40

Wycheproof N 105.81 32

Charlton 81.84 26

Sea Lake Nandaly 68.91 20

Boort 60.74 10

Wedderburn 51.63 8

Donald 47.88 8 14 & Under A

Birchip Watchem 18, 33, 33, 33, (33) d Wedderburn 0, 2, 2, 2, (2). Nullawil (31) d Boort

(29). St Arnaud 0, 10, 15, 19, (19) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 0, 9, 14, 20, (20). Donald 10, 19, 29, 36, (36) d Charlton 2, 5, 7, 10, (10).

Donald 296.20 56

Birchip Watchem 231.38 52

Sea Lake Nandaly 161.35 44 St Ar naud 119.46 28

Boort 111.34 24

Nullawil 88.85 24

Wycheproof N 43.75 14

Charlton

Serpentine 14, 28, 41, 51, (51) lost to Mitiamo 12, 32, 52, 72, (72).

44

38

36

36

42.49 0

B Grade

Newbridge 10, 19, 34, 48, (48) d Pyramid Hill 9, 25, 31, 36, (36). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 8, 21, 31, 39, (39) drew with Mitiamo 10, 23, 32, 39, (39). Marong 10, 27, 43, 60, (60). Inglewood 10, 19, 31, 42, (42) d Calivil 12, 22, 30, 41, (41).

Marong 139.20 52

Newbridge 159.83 48

Pyramid Hill 135.00 44

Bridgewater 116.26 30

Maiden Gully 107.95 28

Mitiamo 94.08 24

BL Serpentine 76.14 18

Calivil 63.79 8

Inglewood 48.76 4

C Grade

Newbridge 11, 21, 26, 34, (34) lost to Pyramid Hill 13, 25, 35, 44, (44). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 10, 24, 36, 45, (45) lost to Mitiamo 14, 27, 39, 56, (56). Marong 11, 20, 31, 46, (46) d Maiden Gully 9, 15, 27, 38, (38). Inglewood 7, 13, 23, 33, (33) drew with Calivil 7, 16, 28, 33, (33).

Pyramid Hill 135.53 50

Newbridge 122.66 40

Marong 114.98 40

Blues sneak ahead to get victory

WHILE Inglewood’s A Grade netballers narrowly failed in their bid to win their first match of the season, the Blues still had reason to celebrate after the round 16 clashes with Calivil.

Their B Grade team got its first points for 2024 – by the narrowest of margins – when it defeated the Demons 42-41.

And C Grade added a draw with Calivil to its two wins for the season as the clubs battled to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon in the three grades.

The Blues fought hard in the A Grade contest, but trailed the Demons throughout, eventually losing by eight goals.

They trimmed the margin to five goals during the third quarter, but Calivil proved too steady.

At the other end of the A Grade ladder, Mitiamo continued on its merry way with a 72-51 win over Bears Lagoon Serpentine, while Pyramid Hill stayed in second position after a narrow win against third-placed Newbridge.

Maiden Gully recorded a strong win over Marong, but neither side is in the finals race.

The finals teams are decided, but the race for positions remains alive between Newbridge, Bridgewater and Serp.

22, 34, 45, (45)

lost to Maiden Gully 11, 26, 43, 56, (56). Bears La-

Bridgewater 119.18 36

Maiden Gully 99.08 26

BL Serpentine 101.97 24

Mitiamo 97.20 24 Inglewood 62.79 10 Calivil 66.17 6

C Reserve

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 7, 14, 18, 24, (24) d Mitiamo 6, 11, 13, 22, (22).Marong 8, 20, 29, 41, (41) d Maiden Gully 12, 25, 29, 38, (38). Inglewood 9, 21, 28, 37, (37) d Calivil 8, 14, 20, 28, (28). Newbridge 6, 17, 23, 29, (29) lost to Pyramid Hill 9, 17, 29, 44, (44). Marong 170.16 56

(38). Inglewood 4, 9, 14, 19, (19) lost to Calivil 16, 29, 46, 60, (60).

Marong 8, 19, 33, 45, (45) d Maiden Gully 4, 6, 8, 11, (11). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 10, 14, 21, 32, (32) d Mitiamo 3, 10, 17, 20, (20). Inglewood 6, 11, 17, 22, (22) lost to Calivil 11, 24, 34, 42, (42).

Alicia Hay sends the Superoos into attack in their A Grade clash with Bears Lagoon Serpentine on Saturday. LH PHOTO

GOALKICKING

LODDON VALLEY SENIORS

106 - (0) - Lachlan Sharp - Bridgewater

93 - (0) - Josh Mellington - BL Serpentine

53 - (6) - Kain Robins - Marong

47 - (4) - Zach Alford - Pyramid Hill

40 - (5) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

38 - (0) - Ryan Wellington - Marong

37 - (0) - Jesse Sheahan - Pyramid Hill

31 - (2) - Farran Priest - BL Serpentine

30 - (4) - Ben Baker - Calivil

29 - (0) - Christopher Dixon - Newbridge

26 - (3) - Bailey Scott - Pyramid Hill

25 - (1) - Noah McCaig - Marong RESERVES

39 - (0) - David Blume - Marong

36 - (10) - Tom Grant - Marong

35 - (7) - Zack Turnbull - Marong

26 - (4) - Clay Anstee - BL Serpentine

Boundary calls: Redbacks sweat on neighbour’s close encounter

WEDDERBURN had just lost a crucial game to Birchip-Watch em, but from the Redbacks bench and a man with a phone came a glimmer of hope – Boort might just knock off Nullawil.

Wedderburn was on top of the North Central league leaders at half-time but were overwhelmed in the second half, eight goals to one. Boort, their Loddon neigh bours, might be about to do them a massive favour.

26

90

Birchip Watchem

46 - (8) - Joshua Jenkins - Sea Lake Nandaly

42 - (1) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn

40 - (2) - Mitch Farmer - Nullawil

32 - (2) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem

28 - (1) - Oscar Holt - Wedderburn

27 - (3) - James Keeble - Boort

27 - (6) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil

25 - (0) - Trent Grant - Donald

24 - (0) - Joseph Reid - Birchip Watchem

23 - (7) - Noah Berry - Donald

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

22 - (3) - Tyson Mckenzie - Sea Lake Nandaly RESERVES

42 - (7) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly

35 - (0) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil

34 - (1) - Chris O’Rourke - Boort

33 - (2) - Harry Harcourt - Sea Lake Nandaly

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

22 - (0) - Andrew Oberdorfer - Nullawil

21 - (2) - Chris Hargreaves - Wedderburn

21 - (0) - Anthony Judd - Charlton

21 - (0) - Matthew Berry - Birchip Watchem

21 - (3) - Nathan Wight - Sea Lake Nandaly

THIS WEEK

NORTH CENTRAL Charlton v St Arnaud

v Donald

v Nullawil

Narraport v Birchip Watchem Sea Lake Nandaly bye

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

The Magpies led at the last change against their more fa voured opponents, and victory would have prevented the Ma roons from leapfrogging Wed derburn into fourth spot with just two rounds left.

But a dramatic late goal to Nullawil – with the news sadly passed on to Wedderburn coach Tom Metherell from the man with the phone – put the Redbacks finals hopes in jeopardy.

lawil. “If we can’t get the chocolates this week, we can’t make it.” Boort led by eight points at the last change, but a goal after just eight seconds to Mitch Farmer trimmed the margin. Seven min-

utes in, James Keeble goaled for the Magpies, pushing the lead out to eight points again.

The Maroons kept chipping away at Boort’s lead – a behind followed by a goal five minutes later saw Nullawil close within a point midway through the quar-

Boort then managed a behind, but Nullawil hit back with two of their own to tie the scores with the clock counting down.

And then came the killer blow, with Andrew Casey kicking a goal almost 22 minutes into the quarter to drag the Maroons across the line, breaking Magpie hearts, and sorely testing the relationship with Wedderburn in the process.

For Metherell, that’s in the past.

He said if the Redbacks could reproduce the form they showed against Birchip in the second term, when they scored four

goals to one, they could challenge anyone.

“We played to our game style, and moved the ball really well,” Metherell said. “We showed that in the second quarter when Birchip really struggled to go with us.”

Boort coach Dale Cameron said his team’s loss boiled down to a lack of experience, with more than half a dozen players aged under 20 against Nullawil.

“We are coming. It’s just about being consistent,” he said. “And we are building in the right way.”

In good news for Wedderburn, Cameron said Nullawil players would be “very sore” after the thrilling clash.

Redbacks’ goalkickers from last Saturday - Noah Furlong, Tom Campbell, Oscar Holt and Darcy Jackson will be hoping to run the Demons ragged again and keep the Loddon banner aloft.

Unanswered flurry proves real difference

After a reasonable first term where they led at quarter time the Redback reserves couldn’t go on with it in the second half as the Bulls sent the scoreboard in a flurry with seven straight goals while the Redbacks could only manage three points.

There was redemption of kinds with a much improved second half that saw the Redbacks claw back the deficit somewhat.

But despite their best efforts the horse had bolted and they could not reel the Bulls in despite finishing full of running.

Levi Sims, in his best game of the season, Matt Lockhart and Cam lang combined well in the midfield to give the Redbacks opportunities and apart from the disastrous second term the Redbacks took advantge on most occasions.

Mitch Woods on a wing used his pace to advantage while Robbie Tonkin and Finn Turnbull had plenty to do at half back and worked hard to keep the Bulls forwards at bay.

Chris Hargreaves, Jacob Piccoli with four goals and Ash Younghusband were the Redbacks most effective forwards, marked well and positioned themselves well.

The Bulls were best served by Jack Ryan, Bodie Colbert, Tyson Wiantara, Sam Milne and Connor Boyle in an even team effort.

„ It was another very watchable under 17 contest. While the Bulls controlled the game from the first bounce there were a number of entertaining dashes from players on both sides.

Jeswin Daniel for the Bulls showed plenty of dash out of defence and his delivery deep into his forward line was a delight to watch.

Tyson Blair for the Redbacks produced his best attacking play for the season. Given a midfield role rather than his deep defensive position he flourished with long raking left foot kicks which covered plenty of distance being a highlight.

Very exciting for the Redbacks as they look forward to more of

the same from Tyson, along with Deacon Tansley who also produced some of his best football for the season.

Jye Dingfelder in the centre also came under notice with clean and decisive ball handling. Will Cunningham in defence has played consistently all season while Blaz Cramp and Caleb Gault after playing in the under 14s fronted up again for the 17s and they can hold their heads high as they more than held their own against bigger stronger opponents.

These boys along with others give the Redbacks real purpose and something to look forward

to in future. The Bulls best were Jeswin Daniel, Charles Barber, Lucas Darby and Max Field in a solid team effort resulting in a comfortable win.

„ In the under 14s, it was the Redbacks in another solid effort put in an improved performance against the Bulls.

They were able to reduce the deficit from their round seven contest against the Bulls. An indication that confidence is on the way up as experience increases.

The Bulls led all day but the Redbacks stuck to the task and were able to produce an excellent third term where they outscored the Bulls. Caleb Gault and Ben

Cunningham capped their performances with two goals each. Both found plenty of the ball and did something effective with it. Blaz Cramp continues his good touch. Runs hard all day and leads the way with his enthusiastic attack on the footy. Bastian Nordennen, Jye Laverty-Smith and Addison Roberts are showing the benefits of confidence gained through experience. All show a determination to get amongst the action, find the ball and dispose of it effectively. The Bulls best were Willow and River Ryan and Archie Taylor in a good rounded team effort.

- BOB STEEL

Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Nash Kemp ... two goals on Saturday

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

Boort

Wedderburn

Wycheproof

Tom Campbell

Numbers all day ... Bears Lagoon Serpentine rarely lost control of the match against Mitiamo. LH PHOTO

Demons have sword drawn

FIFTH spot on the Loddon Valley ladder and a place in the finals is at stake on Saturday when Calivil and Newbridge clash at the Demons’ home ground.

Calivil’s nine-point win over Inglewood in round 16 kept alive the Demons’ finals chances, while snuffing out the Blues’ faint topfive hopes.

Newbridge sits fifth, on the same number of points as Calivil but with a 12 per cent buffer that will be hard to make up with only two rounds remaining.

The Maroons face winless Mitiamo in the last round, while Calivil has a tough task away to Bridgewater, so the Demons will need to put Newbridge to the sword and hope for shock results the following week.

Inglewood started strongly against Calivil, with playing coach Fergus Payne prominent and young gun Gabe Nevins slotting a superb running goal from outside the 50m arc as the Blues held a one-goal lead over the visitors at quarter-time.

From there on, the Demons held sway, with only poor shooting for goal – they had 26 scoring shots to 18 – keeping them from a bigger win.

An outstanding goal from the boundary line after the threequarter time siren by Ben Baker sent Calivil into the last term on a high, and although a Payne running goal narrowed the margin and gave Inglewood hope, a major from Thomas Piazza sealed the Demons’ victory.

Sam Maher, Cody Thompson and Lewis Fisher were best for Calivil, with Baker’s four goals also playing a significant part. Payne was excellent for Ingle-

By GARY WALSH

wood, with a towering mark in the third term a highlight, while full-forward Will Allen marked strongly on his way to four goals.

Callum March and Luke Matheson also had good games.

Marong officially sealed top place on the ladder with a merciless 183-point win over Maiden Gully, while Bears Lagoon Serpentine went one better with a 184-point victory against hapless Mitiamo.

The Panthers led by more than 100 points at half-time, with Maiden Gully scoreless. The Eagles total score of 1.1 was kicked in the third quarter while Marong continued on its marauding way with eight goals in the third and six goals in the last term.

Jonty Davis was best afield for the Panthers, while Kain Robins’ six goals kept him in third place on the league goalkicking list.

Todd Davies and Ryley Taylor also were dominant in the massive win. For Maiden Gully, Josh Worsley worked hard along with Ed Crisp and goal scorer Declan Phyland.

Pyramid Hill also recorded a percentage booster, thumping Newbridge by 115 points at the Maroons’ riverside home. The Bulldogs were always in control and led by more than 10 goals at the main break.

Bailey George, Ben Knight and Steven Gunther stood out for the winners, while the consistent Zach Alford kicked four goals. For the home side, Tyler McLeod, Kobe Friswell and Tyler Constable were best.

While Marong will finish top, the battle for the double chance

is still alive, with Serp just four points ahead of Pyramid Hill but facing a bye in the final round.

Pyramid Hill, with matches against Inglewood and Maiden

Performance shy of perfect 10

BEARS Lagoon Serpentine ruthlessly disposed of Mitiamo at Janiember Park on Saturday.

Seven goals in the opening term, nine in the third and 11 in the last 30 minutes of play.

Justin Laird kicked nine of the Bears’ 30 goals for the day.

He even had one in the second term when Mitiamo showed some fight and spirit.

Mid-term goals to Liam Shiell and Kyle Pentreath would be the only moments of scoreboard joy for the Superoos.

Shiell and skipper Luke Lougoon were dashing out of defence for those 10 minutes.

The Bears made a couple of careless mistakes. Laird was pinged by umpires for carrying the ball too far - that’s how Pentreath ended with a goal besides his name.

Superoos’ pressure limited the home team to three goals in the second, as many kicks for goal went through for behinds.

Callum Draper, Louis Mott and skipper Charlie Gadsden were part of the buzzing brigade sending the Bears forward.

Laird was a dominant up the ground as he was in the square.

Rippendale, Kemp and Twigg were part of the cohesive and systematic response to the temporary flurry of action and confidence from the Superoos.

Seeing off the mid-term challenge, Laird sent an ominous warning with a late term goal.

The nine-goal half-time lead was extended over the next two quarters.

Rarely did Mitiamo get the ball near the top of the arc.

It was the biggest winning margin for Jake Wilkinson’s outfit the season. Almost double their previous highest against Maiden Gully back in June.

Laird’s goal haul was backed by seven off the boot of Rippendale with another eight players also accurate in front of sticks.

Jean-Miguel Podosky’s goal within second of the third term starting put the Bears into overdrive and showing no mercy.

Grand finals announced for John Forbes Oval

LODDON Valley football and netball grand finals will be played at Mitiamo’s John Forbes Oval on September 14.

The league board met on Monday night to confirm allocation of 2024 finals venues, The qualifying final

has been slated for Maiden Gully with the elimination final at Pyramid Hill on August 24 and 25. Semi-finals will be at Bridgewater and Marong the following weekend with Inglewood hosting the preliminary final.

THIS WEEK’S LODDON VALLEY PREDICTIONS

Gary Walsh

Gully and a much better percentage than the Bears, is favoured to finish second, with Bridgewater settled in fourth place barring upsets in the final rounds.

POPPED along to catch a glimpse of Inglewood and Calivil on Saturday. Wanted to double check that my tipping would pass the muster.

Without saying too much about fellow Loddon Herald colleagues, it was The Oracle who got things right.

Seriously though, I was more impressed with two quartets - Inglewood’s Nevins, Rouse, Rowe and Harris and Calivil’s Lourie, Mulquiny, Wall and Thompson.

Younger players who displayed the foundation of these two clubs going into the future.

Not gazing too far ahead, the crystal ball has been given a big clean to look at this Saturday’s match between Calivil and Newbridge.

Will the Demons’ mosquito fleet run around and over the taller timber of Newbridge?

Can Calivil pinch fifth spot and cap a miraculous second half of the season by playing finals?

I’m sticking with the Demons at least for another week. They are at home at Rodeo Park and what more fitting way to salute retiring coach Ant Dennis than a win.

Still might not be enough to make the top five, but the Demons have got it.

This is the only match of any real interest and able to generate enthusiasm by The Oracle. Other encounters will be pretty one-sided affairs as the

Chris Earl Bears Lagoon Serpentine Bridgewater Pyramid Hill Newbridge

league power clubs put finishing touches to plans and scheme ahead of finals.

The grumpy Bears will have no need for a traffic control warden. All play will go Serpentine’s way against Maiden Gully at The Dome.

Up at Windy Flats, Mitiamo will be no match for Bridgewater. A few Mean Machine fans have taken a dig at me for not tipping their boys in recent weeks. For this Saturday, at least, I’m back on board with Bridgewater having too much skill to display.

The final match up at Mitchell Park will see Pyramid Hill coach Nathan Fitzpatrick put his Doggies though a methodical run.

Not much more I can say about the round 17 clashes. We’ve seen a bit more excitement around Loddon Valley football this season.

I’ve got the crystal ball hovering in suspended animation, waiting on the business end to arrive.

- GLENN CATTO

Glenn Catto Bears Lagoon Serpentine

Hill

Blues’ coach Fergus Payne soars in the third term. LH PHOTO

Louis Mott

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday AUGUST 8, 2024

RINK OF CHANGE

BIG change is coming for Loddon bowls with one club wanting to enter a team in the Maryboroughbased Goldfields pennant next summer.

Bridgewater has submitted its proposal to Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields area officials.

The club would enter a second team in Goldfields’ second division competition and continue with a division seven combination in the Bendigo pennant.

President Glenn Catto said the decision had been driven by participation of more members.

“We had a club meeting and there was little opposition to the

Golf stalwarts recognised with awards

DAVID Vanston’s 23 years as Inglewood Golf Club secretary has been recognised with life membership.

David and president Lindsay Kelly were announced as recipients of the club’s highest honour during the club’s 104th annual tournament last weekend.

Playing off a handicap of 10 and also serving as treasurer for the last 15 years, David said he started playing golf as a youngster and returned to the sport after hanging up his football boots.

He has been credited as a driver of the club’s successful youth engagement clinics during school holidays.

Lindsay’s involvement also stretches back several decades and has increased since retirement from work seven years ago.

BOWLERS COULD GO IN TWO DIRECTIONS

move, more a lot of questions,” he said.

“If we had stayed with a second pennant team in Bendigo, our division would have meant only fielding two rinks.

“The Goldfields move would allow us to have a team of three rinks. That’s more players and that’s good for our club and the sport.”

Catto said that if the proposal was approved, Bridgewater’s No

2 side would compete against teams from Maryborough, Dunolly, Talbot, Newstead, Maldon and Carisbrook.

Meanwhile, Inglewood club has voted to drop out of the Bendigo competition’s premier league after failing to win a game last season.

Said secretary Lindsay Kelly: “We have some good players but not enough to be competitive in the very high standard premier

league. The standard of division one, where we will be in 20242025, is still very high and our aim remains to be competitive and at the same time rebuild, perhaps getting back into the premier league in future.”

Kelly said the club’s flag-winning division six side would stay in that section next season.

“Again it’s numbers. We don’t have enough to add an extra rink and step up a division,” Kelly said, Serpentine, who won the division three flag, has been promoted to division two.

And Bridgewater, after an absence from the Monday pennant, will return in the new season, Catto said.

AT 40, and with his 350th game for Wedderburn this Saturday, club legend Danny Benaim isn’t looking at retiring yet.

And why would he? This season the Redbacks’ record games-holder has pulled on the guernsey 13 times and been named in the best players on seven occasions.

A former coach of Wedderburn, Benaim has played in five premierships and won the club best and fairest award three times.

“I’m not thinking about retirement at this stage,” Benaim told the Loddon Herald this week ahead of his milestone. With league representative matches and a stint in the Northern Territory with St Mary’s included, Benaim is closing in on 400 games in total, after starting out in the Redbacks’ under 13s.

Wedderburn coach Tom Metherell said he “100 per cent” wanted the resilient veteran to play on in 2025.

“I haven’t had that conversation with him yet, and at that age we need to take things week to week, but I would definitely love him to play on,” Metherell said.

“He has been very supportive of me since I’ve taken on the job. He’s been a massive asset for me as a first-time coach, giving me advice on how to approach things.

“And he’s still playing very good footy this year.”

David Vanston and Lindsay Kelly ... awarded club life membership. LH PHOTO

Danny Benaim