Loddon Herald 8 December 2022

CONSTRUCTION of a flood levee bank at Boort has been delayed three years by negotiations with the Bendigo-based Aboriginal corporation DJAARA.

Talks on a small strip of land beside Lake Boort and the com pensation Loddon Shire Council will pay DJARRA to use the land has stymied stage two of flood mitigation works.

Council’s operations director Steven Phillips said: “At a suitable time council will re-engage with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aborigi nal Corporation and Parks Victo ria to continue discussions to see if an agreement can be reached.”

The roadblock to completion of $500,000 mitigation works funded by a 2016-2017 grant meant a bill in the tens of thou sands of dollars to protect the town during October’s flood emergency and hundreds of vol unteer hours manning pumps and safeguarding homes.

Mr Phillips confirmed the State Government’s land use approval

By CHRIS EARL

process required agreements to be reached between DJAARA, council and Parks Victoria.

Negotiations with DJAARA in clude “whether and how much community benefits are paid” to the corporation under the 2013 State Government land use activ ity agreement.

According to government on line information, the council also pays DJAARA’s costs during talks and negotiations. The formula for community benefit is a percentage of rent or value of land, believed to be about $4000 for a strip along Lake Boort near Ring Road.

However, a 2019 High Court judgement pegging native title compensation to commercial de velopment values has possibly raised the stakes at Boort.

The ruling in a case brought by a Northern Territory claim at Timber Creek put compensation for the loss of the non-exclusive native title rights at 50 per cent of the freehold value.

Our pools a cool place to be

THE first real taste summer at the weekend had youngsters and fam ilies cooling off in swimming pools across the Loddon.

With the mercury hitting the low 30s by Saturday afternoon, Steph Guy happily paddled in the Ingle wood pool with daughter Izzy and son Reuben (above) while the heat certainly didn’t zap energy lev els of Tia Keats, Ciara and Xavier McLean (left).

Belgravia Leisure seasonal pools manager Kai Nielsen said: “It was our first real welcome back to sum mer weekend.” SEE STORY - PAGE 2

AP PHOTO

AP PHOTO

F ASTER than a herd of cows coming into the milking shed! We hear the dairy farmer otherwise known as King Richard headed north to Bathurst the other day with the good wife acting as navigator. However, wife (she of half-century fame) opted for firmer footing when King Richard indulged in taking a specially hired car around the Mount Panorama circuit. He claims the speedo hit an authorised 200kmh in the thrill-seeker experience but the legs, well, they had less solidity than one of his herd’s cow pats after pulling back into the pits.

WE DON’T know if King Richard is now on the track to becoming a celebrity like Evil Knievel, the man who’s name is synonymous with daredevil driving stunts. Real name Robert Craig Knievel Jr. he attempted over 75 ramp-to-ramp jumps and was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Inspired by Joe Chitwood, Knievel mastered motorcycle performance to support his family, and his skills quickly led

him to global fame. Or perhaps King Richard will settle with emulating the feats of our own Loddon motor champ Rhianon Gel somino, back in Wedderburn for Christmas from the US with hubby Alex.

OVER in the US they love to catalogue excuses of speeding drivers. Police officer Chuck Ervin pulled over a Corvette doing 100 in 55 (mph) zone. Late at night on highway, no traffic. he told the driver, “You were flying, unless you have a pilot’s licence, you are going to jail.” Yes, he handed Chuck a pilot’s license. Chuck let him go.

C OMING up to Christmas, we all know how Dasher gets his name - he’s the fastest reindeer. Reindeers are powerful endurance runners. They can sprint at speeds of 80kmh and can travel at 30kmh for extended periods.

AND on Christmas speed, what’s the fastest time to eat three mince pies? It’s 52.21 seconds and was achieved by Leah Shutkever (UK) in London, on September 25, 2019. She beat an earlier record of 54 seconds set by an Aussie a couple of years earlier. Apparently Leah is a competitive eater and multiple Guinness World Records title holder.

Hundreds take pool dip on first warm weekend

HUNDREDS went through the gates at Loddon’s five swimming pools at the weekend.

Pool managers Belgravia Lei sure said 66 season passes were sold at pools in Inglewood, Wed derburn, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Boort with 350 visits to the pools at the weekend.

Seasonal pool manager Kai Nielsen said: “We are encourag ing the community to sign up for season passes through our

website to save time at the pools and take the pressure of our new staff. Pool water temperatures are sitting around a lovely 27 de grees.”

The first pool event of the sea son was a family fun day at Ingle wood on Saturday. And morning swims are back this season at In glewood, Wedderburn and Boort, increasing from one hour last year to 150 minutes after com munity feedback.

NEW TASTES IN TARNA Sonya MacLean-Howden has been cooking all her life and worked in cafes, hotels and fish shops. Last week Sonya realised a dream of opening her own cafe when Titchy’s at Tarna welcomes its first customers. Melissa Sevenich (left) and Sonya teamed together serving customers at the cafe in the com munity centre.

LH PHOTO

Back in business

THE boom gate will be lifted at Bridgewater Caravan Park on Saturday for the first time in two months.

The park was closed when a moderate flood warning was is sued for the Loddon River on October 8.

A week later, the park was un derwater when the river peaked at 7.3 metres a week later.

Infrastructure has been re paired by teams from Loddon Shire Council and contractors to have the park re-open for the traditionally busy Christmas and summer holiday period.

Plumbing and electrical works were required on sewer pumps, barbecues and fire services.

The park’s jumping pillow, swimming pool, garden beds have been repaired and the play ground’s soft fall replaced.

A pop-up camp kitchen with tables and chairs has been placed at the park until the permanent kitchen can be re-opened.

Mayor Dan Straub said: “The re-opening of the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park this Satur day is very much welcome news and comes in time for the busy holiday season.

“The re-opening is not only a positive for Bridgewater itself, but will also be a major boost for tourism and our local economy, delivering significant economic benefit to businesses right across the Loddon Shire.

“Tourism, accommodation and food services generated more than $10 million in economic

output for Loddon Shire in 2021 and directly employs 75 local people.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped get the Bridgewa ter Public Caravan Park up and running again, including council staff, (park) contract managers Tim and Wendy James, resident managers Darren and Rhonda Marshall, local contractors – it was a real team effort.

“I’d also like to acknowledge local Bridgewater businesses and

The park on October 14 ... ready to re-open this weekend

the community who have been very supportive of the efforts in reopening the caravan park.

“Thanks to all this amazing work and support, the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park is looking fantastic and ready and open for visitors,” Cr Straub said. Tim and Wendy James said the weeks since the caravan park flooded were emotional, stress ful and a constant work in pro gress to re-open the gates.

“We personally also acknowl

Haylett stretches vote lead

LABOR’S Martha Haylett has increased her lead to more than 2500 votes as counting in Ripon, more than a week after the state election.

Ms Haylett had 52.96 per cent of the two-party vote when the Victorian Elec toral Commission released updated fig ures early yesterday morning.

Only postal votes remain to be counted and although these have been favour ing Liberal incumbent Louise Staley, it is doubtful she can overhaul Ms Haylett’s 2510-vote lead.

The VEC says votes counted are 89.45 per cent of the total electorate enrolment of 50,813. At the 2018 election, the voter turnout was 91 per cent.

Neither Ms Haylett or Ms Staley have commented on the count this week.

Meanwhile, VEC staff continue with the more complicated count of votes in the

Legislative Council where there are five vacancies elected by preferential voting in each region.

Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday announced the new Government’s cabi net.

Member for Bendigo East and Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan retains leadership of the Department of Transport and Plan ning,

Ms Allan will also continue as Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minis ter for the Suburban Rail Loop and Min ister for Commonwealth Games Delivery in what the Government says will be “de livering signature state-shaping projects that create thousands of jobs and connect Victorians”.

Northern Victoria Region MP Jaclyn Symes continues as Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Services.

edge our managers Darren and Rhonda Marshall, who have been on the frontline during this pro cess and worked extremely hard to achieve the re-open status.

“Let’s all enjoy the festive and summer season,” they said.

The park’s re-opening comes a fortnight after the all-clear was given for river use by Maritime Safety Victoria following scans of river bed and clean-ups.

However, the Bridgewater swimming hole remains closed.

IN BRIEF

Tourism talks

LODDON Shire’s Tourism team has met businesses in the northern areas of the shire to discuss efforts to attract visitors, particularly over summer. The team met with several businesses and visited attractions in Pyra mid Hill and Boort. Council said the trip formed part of a wider effort to connect with businesses throughout the shire, recovering from Oc tober’s flood emergency and preparing for a busier sum mer period.

Summer works

DEPARTMENT of Transport said works on regional rail lines would see coaches re place trains between Ben digo and Swan Hill from February 15 to 20. And Bendigo and Echuca line up grade works will see coach es will replace trains from Southern Cross to Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill from February 21 to March 5.

New exhibition

WORKS by Emma Samin are being featured in the Constellations exhibition at Wedderburn’s Coach House Gallery this month. Emma uses a fineliner, working up to eight hours a day for 3 months or more to complete her works. She uses this as a mindflness tool for over coming anxiety and depres sion. The result is a series of hypnotic explorations of the ancient and meditative zone.

Emergency action was temporary Levee bank impasse

FROM PAGE 1

Flood mitigation works in Boort is a two-stage project.

Part one was completed in midDecember 2018.

Mr Phillips: “This work includ ed removing obstructions in the channel to improve the flow be tween “big” Lake Boort and Lake Lyndger.

“The recent flooding has prov en this work to be a success.”

Stage two is to construct a levee on Parks Victoria land from the channel crossing on Ring Road near Myrong Beach to the BoortPyramid Road along the north east side of Lake Boort and then across private land that council has already purchased north of the Boort-Pyramid Road.

“These are works also required to repair and fill in low spots on existing banks linking the afore mentioned levees and main tenance to the bank that runs north-west beside Lake Lyndger between Boort-Pyramid Road and Boort-Kerang Road,” Mr Phil lips said.

“The works on private land owned by council and on the ex isting banks that have been done during the October 2022 flood response will require inspection and assessment to ascertain their suitability to remain into the long term or if additional work is re quired so they can remain perma nently.

“The works on Parks Victoria land requires a land use activity agreement as per the Recognition and Settlement Agreement under

section 4 of the Traditional Own er Settlement Act 2010.

“This is a documented pro cess provided by the State Gov ernment for agreements to be reached between Dja Dja Wur rung Clans Aboriginal Corpora tion, council as its our asset and Parks Victoria as they are the land manager.

“An agreement has not been

able to be reached between Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and council.

“At a suitable time council will re-engage with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria to continue dis cussions to see if an agreement can be reached. The negotiations for the land use activity agree ment began in 2020.”

Funding had been provided by the Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme in 2016-2017.

“This funding is still available as it is held over for this project,” Mr Phillips said.

The total project budget was $500,000, split in equal thirds between council, State and Com monwealth Governments,” he said.

Benefit payment model and uncertainty

DJAARA has contributed posi tively to the Boort levee project, its chief executive officer Rod ney Carter told the Loddon Her ald on Tuesday.

Mr Carter said three cultural heritage management plans were approved in 2016 and 2017 with a site induction in 2018.

“Agreement has not yet been reached about the community benefit payable by law for the ef fect on traditional owners’ rights through the construction of the levee,” Mr Carter said.

“The High Court of Australia’s

Timber Creek decision provided some clarity about the calcula tion of compensation but uncer tainty remains about numerous aspects of community benefit calculation.

“The State of Victoria unfortu nately has not yet settled its po sition on the effect of the Timber Creek decision on benefits pay able under the Land Use Activ ity Agreement which is part of the suite of agreements which make up the pioneering Recog nition and Settlement Agree ment between the State and Dja

Dja Wurrung Clans in 2013. Giv en that uncertainty, the Loddon Shire Council paused or with drew from negotiations over 12 months ago.

“In the meantime, DJAARA has reached agreements with nu merous other local government authorities and developers based on a negotiated community benefits outcome and DJAARA remains available to resume negotiations with Loddon Shire Council when council feels able.”

Mr Carter said DJAARA re mained keen to play its part “in

supporting this important infra structure development and look forward to council returning to the negotiation table”.

“We are acutely aware of the impacts of flooding in northern Victoria: we have sent our own staff as support and recovery teams to assist with needed ac tions at various locations and also note that some DJAARA members have unfortunately lost their own homes in the flood event and that they still contrib uted to various volunteer ef forts,” Mr Carter said.

BOORT Ward councillor Neil Be attie first flagged community frustration over the levee bank delay as the town was about to face the peak of floodwaters.

But he warned that success in October 2022 without the levee had come at a high price in dol lars and volunteer hours.

Cr Beattie told fellow council lors the town could not risk a fu ture flood. This week, he said: “A permanent bank will give protec tion for the town forever.

“A lot of towns have levee banks but we just can’t seem to get ours across the line,” he said.

“We don’t want temporary so lutions that are then only washed away ... levees, roads, bridges ... build them properly.”

As councillors discussed initial relief and recovery across the shire, Cr Beattie told October’s Loddon Shire Council meeting the town had twice experienced the impact of floods.

“We can’t have a third strike ... we are still managing flooding 15km north of Boort,” Cr Beattie said. “(The levee bank) must be a priority to get built.”

Murray Plains MP and Nation als leader Peter Walsh said it was ridiculous Boort still did not have a protective levee bank.

Mr Walsh said: “The funding is there for the levee, and has been for years, so I cannot understand why it has not been built.”

He said the recommendation for the Boort levee came out of the 2011 flood study and the then-Liberal Nationals govern ment agreed it must be done and set aside funding for the job.

“It is simply ridiculous that af ter all this time this vital food de fence is still tied up with red tape, leaving Boort and surrounds at a severe risk of flooding – and years such as this one demon strated just how real those risks can be,” Mr Wash said.“This levee must be built and built now.”

Loddon Shire wants to complete flood mitigation work with a levee bank along Lake Boort to better protect the town

Neil Beattie

Street works at standstill

WORK on the $1.4 million Pyra mid Hill streetscape revitalisation project remains at a standstill.

A planned mid-2022 comple tion date was pushed back with the tender awarded to Echucabased Capeng Pty Ltd in May.

Initial work started in Kelly Park and Lions Park in August and safety fencing erected.

A council spokesperson said this week: “A combination of wet weather, flooding and con tractor availability has unfortu nately meant the Pyramid Hill streetscape revitalisation project has been subject to delays.

“Our project team has been in continual communication with the contractor during this time, with works anticipated to recom mence as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.

“A site clean-up is scheduled to take place before Christmas, with access to the playground to re main as long as possible.

“There will also be additional preparation works for the garden beds and footpath in Lions Park and Kelly Park.”

Police in bikie gang swoop

A 63-YEAR-OLD Kurting man has been charged after police raids targeting the Rebels outlaw mo torcycle gang.

The man was allegedly found with a large amount of gun pow der as well as rifle bullets and shotgun shells in the raid last Wednesday morning.

He was charged with possess ing explosive substance without lawful excuse and possess ammu nition without a licence and will

face Bendigo Magistrates’ Court in April. Detectives also issued a number of firearm prohibition orders as part of an operation to disrupt and deter illicit firearms use across Bendigo and Mel bourne’s south and north-west.

Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestop persvic.com.au

Ballarat Emergency Communications Centre now hiring esta.vic.gov.au/current-jobs

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

Experience a fulfilling career that will make a difference to you and to your community.

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STUDENTS had the run of the kitchen when Inglewood Pri mary School put on a special Christmas lunch to thank vol unteers for their assistance with running activities through out the year. Twins Natalie and Jayden Smith made sure there was the right amount of gravy on roast chicken and vegetables (above) as they gave serving tips to Inglewood and District Community Bank’s Michael Prowse, Stewart Luckman and Annie Higgs. The bank was a sponsor for the school’s fundraising recipe book that was an inspiration for the luncheon menu. Among contributors to the recipe book was Kristy Goard (third left, left) who shared her cooking hints with Izzy, Steph and Jaxon Neale. LH PHOTOS

Weeds growing behind barricades in Pyramid Hill

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WEDNESDAY • OPEN MIDDAY LUNCH FROM 12.00

POT’N’PARMA NIGHT DINNER FROM 6.00PM

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An inclusive precinct

SPORTZRULZ Australia’s newest inclu sive community hub has opened in the Loddon.

Bridgewater is the Loddon home for the Bendigo-based organisation with plans to expand with sessions in Tarnagulla from January.

Operational manager Eddie Iob, of Bridgewater, said the Loddon Inclusive Precinct Community hub would support people with a disability and mental health in safe and inclusive spaces.

“SportzRulz Australia uses person-cen tred approaches working with people with a disability/mental health to break down barriers ‘where anything is possi ble,” he said.

“SportzRulz Australia is keen to work with the community to create opportuni ties, connect and work together.”

Eddie has his office in the railway sta tion and is conducting activities in the Anglican church.

Last week he welcomed a group from Red Door Community Centre in Bendigo while also launching the Bridgewater Giving Tree.

“Partnering with the Bridgewater and Inglewood Primary Schools, Bridgewa ter principal Linda Kingsley has her little school of elves busily collecting food for families struggling within the commu nity, who have been impacted by recent floods and life circumstances to bring a little Christmas cheer for 2022,” Eddie said.

“Bridgewater and Inglewood Prima ry schools are the brainchildren of this year’s giving tree.

“Participants for SportzRulz Loddon Inclusive Precinct Community are invit ing local people to donate a gift under the giving tree every Tuesday, and Thurs day leading up to Christmas or drop into

Symphonic sounds on Sunday

MELBOURNE Grammar School Sympho ny Orchestra will perform in Boort on Sunday.

The 50-member orchestra is travelling regional Victoria this month - 3200km over nine days - with Boort one of 11 stops.

“It’s going to be huge,” said orchestra conductor Pat Miller.

“These incredibly talented students will showcase their skills in classical fa vourites by composers such as Brahms, Elgar and Tchaikovsky, alongside new works written especially for, and about, country Victoria,” Mr Miller said.

“There will also be film music includ ing the ever-popular Harry Potter theme song, and we might throw in a few sur prises along the way.”

The students will also visit local his toric and other points of interest in each district.

“By performing in, and for, rural com munities, we hope our young musicians will gain an insight into life in, and his tory of, regional and rural Australia. We also want our students to appreciate the importance of giving generously of their time, expertise and funds raised to these communities,” Mr Miller said.

The orchestra is travelling the area on a chartered train complete with sleeping carriages.

Mr Miller said: “It’s all-too-rare for country towns to host a full orchestra, so we expect this to be an unforgettable musical adventure for musicians and au dience alike.”

The orchestra will perform in Boort Memorial Hall at 6pm. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the com munity.

Bridgewater Railway Station.” Eddie said gifts would be distributed in the commu nity by Inglewood Lions Club.

Activities for 2023 are aimed to in crease connection and engagement in the Loddon.

Eddie said Tuesdays at Tarnagulla Com munity Centre would include inclusive

sports for all abilities, creative commu nity art spaces, and wellbeing sessions.

A men’s groups was planned for Bridge water while planning was underway for school holiday and after-school programs.

Eddie is hoping to receive expressions of interest for those programs as well as an all-abilities local choir.

Tamika Foster, Eddie Iob and Sarah Cleaver at Loddon Inclusive Precinct community hub in Bridgewater. LH PHOTO

Homage to night shopping

COMMUNITY spirit morphed into the Christmas season at Wedderburn CWA’s annual shopping extravaganza on Fri day.

Carol Woodman and other stallholders from across the Loddon displayed crafts, gifts and tasty local produce.

“This evening has been great with a fantastic atmosphere, despite recent scares with floods and COVID exposures,” she said.

“A powerful homage to the warmth of our community.”

Amy Peace, another stall holder said: “The CWA has had a great turnout this evening with an eclectic range of peo ple and shops culminating in a vibrant atmosphere.”

The feel of the night, perhaps best described by Cassandra Marr: “It is great to see the en thusiastic community spirit get ting behind local artisans.”

- JAKE MURPHY

Charity carnival powering to classic 150th

THE iconic Rheola

will

brate 150 classic events in 2023 after a meet ing on Sunday decided to end a three-year hiatus.

But the committee needs volunteers to make the day possible and again be one of the region’s major Easter Monday activities.

“We will be finalising a program at our next meeting in January but I am canvassing the

community

“Until we know what support we will have we can’t fully plan the events to be held on the day.”

“Volunteering can be in the form of help leading up to the day such as setting up, help on the day even if only for a few hours - what ever people feel comfortable in doing.”

COVID lockdowns and stringent compli ance regulations had forced the cancellation since 2020 of the carnival that raises money for health services in Inglewood and Dunolly.

Julie said the community was excited that the milestone sesquicentennial carnival would be held next year after the long wait.

Volunteers can contact on julpine@hotmail.

com

Rural Landholder Grants Up to $25,000

Beat the bite

Mosquitos can breed in oodwaters. If you’re travelling through or visiting this region make sure you: 

Cover up - wear long, loose- tting clothing. 

Use mosquito repellents containing picardin or DEET on all exposed skin. 

Limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about. 

River survey and hazard detection

On 26 October 2022, after signi cant ooding, Maritime Safety Victoria in consultation with Council declared that all persons and vessels were prohibited from entering or remaining in the waters of the Loddon River from the Laanecoorie Reservoir wall to the Flour Mill Weir at Bridgewater (excluding relevant emergency services/Council persons and/or vessels).

On 23 November 2022, Total Hydrographic undertook a Multibeam Survey and Hazard Detection of Bridgewater Ski Zone and Swimming hole. Loddon Shire sta have now assessed the results of the survey and have marked potential hazards with marker buoys. The river is now open for use, Council recommends caution as it is still moving in and out of minor and moderate ooding.

Use ’knockdown’ y spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat outdoors.  Don’t forget the kids – always check the insect repellent label. On babies, you might need to spray or rub repellent on their clothes instead of their skin.  Avoid applying repellent to the hands of babies or young children.

Loddon Shire Council has partnered with Bendigo Health to deliver JEV vaccination clinics throughout the month.

Patches and fixes on key roads

WORKS were underway this week to improve the surface on a section of the BridgewaterMaldon Road.

Department of Transport said work between Calder Highway and Fantasy Road was expected to take two days.

The section is one of several in poor condition between Bridge water and Newbridge since be fore the October flood emer gency.

Department of Transport also said this week that crews had been able to complete shortterm emergency works on the Bendigo-Pyramid Road between Dingee and Raywood following the floods event to get the road re-open.

A spokesman said the road was now being assessed to plan for larger-scale, long-term repairs.

He said: “In response to the Oc tober floods, the Victorian Gov ernment also announced a $165 million emergency road repair blitz - crews have patched more than 101,500 potholes across Victoria to date.

“Under this package, we’ve also commenced work on de livering larger-scale repairs, in cluding road rebuilding, asphalt patching, structural repairs and cleaning and repairing roadside drains.

“Drivers are asked to observe road and warning signs current ly in place in flood affected loca tions and take extra care when travelling through the area.”

Charity Carnival

cele

for volunteers now,” said com mittee member Julie Piening.

Mia Donaldson sells tasty brittle and (insets) Carol Woodman and Brian Christie.

Extra care in paddocks

FARMERS have been warned to take care with harvesting, espe cially after the significant rain fall received this year.

While rainfall and flooding activity across the state has de layed harvesting season, many farmers are now taking to pad docks to remove grain.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Hef fernan says harvest time can be very dangerous and they need to take extra precautions.

“As the vegetation dries out, the fire risk increases and unfor tunately each season we see ma chinery and vehicles start fires in different parts of the state,” he said.

“CFA volunteer firefighters respond to more than 200 har vesting-related fires a year on average.

“Not only do these fires put pressure on our volunteers, many of whom are farmers themselves, but it also puts farm ers’ profits and safety at risk.”

Chief Officer Heffernan said even small fires could quickly spread to the whole paddock

within minutes, making it vital to be prepared and exercise cau tion when preparing to harvest.

“Awareness is the key to avoiding harvester fires. This season will see farmers work ing in challenging conditions as they harvest their crops, but it is important that machinery and equipment is regularly main tained and cleaned, as well as inspected thoroughly before and during use,” he said.

“Hot and dry conditions are a particular concern for CFA; if it’s a high fire risk day, our advice is to postpone any work that was planned to be conducted in the paddock.

“Activities like harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing, or mowing can quickly ignite fires in hot, dry conditions, and they can become dangerous very quickly.”

CFA reminded farmers to en sure machinery such as head ers are routinely maintained, moving parts and bearings are regularly inspected and cleaned of any material on hot engine

components. “It should be part of everyone’s routine to check for straw or grass build-ups in machinery, to maintain its spark arrestors, and to take regular breaks when operating machin ery to ensure it doesn’t get too hot,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.

CFA says farmers should have adequate firefighting resources available in paddocks where har vesting operations are conduct ed, and advised against driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass as exhaust systems can ignite dry grass underneath on hot days.

“Farm machinery should also carry fire suppression equip ment such as a knapsack spray pump or water fire extinguish er,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.

“Farmers are often the first re sponders to grass fires and they understand the risks and seri ousness of operating machinery in hot, dry conditions.

“Being fire safe on your farm should be part of any fire plan you have.”

Crop and Farm Machinery Fire Safety

z The most common cause of harvester fires is material collecting on hot engine components such as the manifold, exhaust and turbo charger.

z The key to avoiding harvester fires is diligence in clean-down and inspection.

z Postpone paddock work during the highest fire-risk periods. On hot, dry days, exercise extreme caution before harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing.

z Check the weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting Opera tions Guide before harvesting.

z Check for total fire ban or se vere weather warnings and current fire incidents and follow recommen dations.

z Avoid driving vehicles and mo torbikes through dry grass or cropthe risk from the hot exhaust system is high. Driving vehicles with cata lytic converters or diesel particulate filters through dry grass and crops is particularly hazardous.

z Take regular breaks.

z Make it part of your routine to check for straw or grass build-up, and hot bearings.

z Check machinery to ensure that spark arrestors are maintained.

z Prepare a communication plan that includes family, contractors and neighbours.

z Prepare strategic fire breaks to stop fires entering or leaving your property.

z Run regular maintenance checks on farm machinery.

z Monitor machinery regularly during operations.

z Monitor weather conditions throughout the day and stop opera tions if it becomes hot and dry.

z During paddock operations have the appropriate firefighting equipment in place. You’re required by law, to have a 9-litre water pres sured extinguisher on hand.

More info: https://www.cfa.vic. gov.au/plan-prepare/operatingfarming-machinery-equipment-andvehicles

Our regions have been hit hard with extreme wet weather over the past few months. But Victorians know how quickly the conditions can change. Increased rainfall causes vegetation to grow, so there’s more fuel on the ground. It’s important Victorians plan and prepare this fire season.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to vic.gov.au/knowfire

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Victoria, you know fire.

Grass growth raises risk

FIRE restrictions start across the Loddon Shire from Monday.

Country Fire Authority said the return of a La Nina weather pattern had led to widespread rainfall and flooding in parts of the state, particularly in October, however that did not mean com munities could become compla cent about the increasing fire risk this season.

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for summer identified potential for increased grassfire conditions due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.

Based on the latest outlook, the fire season is expected to be nor mal in Victoria, except for parts of central, north east and eastern Victoria where the potential is below normal.

CFA District 20 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Pitcher said fuel mitigation efforts had been hindered by recent flooding in the area.

“Widespread rainfall in win ter and spring has led to high fuel loads across the region and we can expect to see significant grassfires to start the fire sea son,” he said.

“We will work with residents

and landowners to consider and support their applications for permits to burn, ensuring the community is well prepared for the fire season.”

While CFA firefighters are pre paring for the bushfire season, they are urging the community to use common sense and take re sponsibility for preventing fires.

Loddon can conduct safe pri vate burn-offs to reduce fuel loads and clean up their property before the fire danger period.

The CFA says if you are us ing fire to clean up your prop

erty ahead, you should notify authorities of the burn-off at the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511. No burning off is permitted dur ing the danger period without a permit.

“There are very strict condi tions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the per mit holder to ensure they always act safely,” the CFA said.

Monitor weather conditions and do not burn-off during days of high winds. More information

Protecting What Matters Most

about burn-off restrictions spe cific to your area can be found by consulting Loddon Shire.

More information and restric tions are published at www.cfa. vic.gov.au/warnings-restric tions/fire-danger-period-restric tions. Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warningsrestrictions/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

FIRE DANGER PERIOD INFORMATION

z A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation. This permit may be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au.

z Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $21,800 and/ or 12 months imprisonment. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (complete conditions visit cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can

A NEW and nationally consist ent bush fire danger rating sys tem across Australia will provide clearer and more accurate infor mation to communities at risk of bush fire.

The four levels are:

Moderate (Green) – Plan and prepare High (Yellow) – Be ready to act Extreme (Orange) – Take action now to protect life and property Catastrophic (Red) – For your survival, leave bush fire risk ar eas

z The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/ grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.

z Farmers can find legal guide lines and practical advice at cfa.vic. gov.au/plan-prepare/farms – this information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.

z A Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued.

Students tagged for escape

LASER tag and escape rooms with stories to solve have chal lenged Pyramid Hill College stu dents and their MATES mentors.

The MATES trip to Bendigo was organised and funded by the North Central LLEN and North ern District Community Health ENGAGE! Program.

Students and mentors devised activities to finish the program’s year.

Four Escape rooms at the Ben digo Breakout Room put every one’s teamwork and problemsolving skills to the test.

The winning team of Suzie Mulligan, Mia Farrar, Angie Eads, Ellesha Fergusson, Maria Umali and Sally Manton proved the most competitive, escaping from the espionage room in re cord time.

After lunch the group of eight

mentors and 12 students went to The Zone where Jasmine Twigg, Jason Gould, James Her cott, James Bojo, Harry Goodes and Zac Manton took to the gokart track, displaying some slick driving techniques, avoiding crashes on the corners as much as they could.

Laser tagging teams were re lentless in hunting down their opponents, dodging fellow stu

dents and MATES mentors, with many casualties. But all partici pants survived!

North Central LLEN pathways and project officer, Barb Bear, said “The day was a good chance for students and mentors to get to know each other in a different environment and build on their strengths and shared interests.”

JASMINE

‘Road cuts risk safety’

SAFETY of Calder Highway motorists would be at risk after the Federal Govern ment slashed $248 million from a key roads program, said Mallee MP Anne Web ster.

Funds for the Roads Of Strategic Importance pro gram were cut in the Gov ernment’s October Budget.

“Labor has taken nearly a quarter of a billion dol lars from this program, and will compromise the afety of Mallee drivers,” said Dr Webster.

“That is absolutely unac ceptable – danger is written all over this decision.

“What Labor fails to un derstand is that these high ways desperately need in vestment to maintain major transport routes where road trains, local families and grey-haired nomads with caravans co-exist. “

Dr Webster said the road cuts affected Mallee’s pri mary producers.

“Farmers struggle now to get their product to port be cause of the Victorian Labor government’s failure to de liver the Murray Basin Rail project,” she said.

“Farmers have no alterna tive but to put product on road trains on unsatisfac tory highway systems. And this Labor government is slashing funding for main tenance and upgrades. It is not good enough.”:

BASKETBALL FUN!

Our Wednesday night basketball has finished up for the year, but the school welcomes all to join the after school program in 2023. Students had so much fun learning the game and playing against their peers. The college wishes everyone a safe and happy Christmas and holiday period.

-

TWIGG (on work experience with the Loddon Herald)

Students Allarah Ceballos and Tayah Ellis wiith Molly Meadows and Margaret Smith after the escape challenge.

Service team on ground with advice

FARMERS across the Loddon are being supported in flood recov ery and rebuilding with advice from Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West.

Rural and small business finan cial counsellors and wellbeing counsellors have been in Loddon communities working alongside farmers and small businesses since the October flood emer gency.

Executive officer David Staf ford said; ““We appreciate that it can be difficult during times of crisis to know when or how to reach out for help, or even if you qualify.

“First and foremost, I encour age people to avoid self-assessing their eligibility as you may miss out on valuable assistance - there are many communities impacted by floods right across Victoria,” he said.

Mr Stafford said local financial counsellors were having conver sations no matter the level of im pact.

“We’re here to help farmers

and small business owners un derstand their entitlements, ac cess grants and funding as well as link them and their family in with additional supports to ease their recovery journey,” he said.

“The impact of the ongoing flood crisis throughout Victoria will be felt by many communities well after the waters recede.”

The Federal and State Govern ments recently announced sup port measures for flood impacted business.

“The extent of the damage across the state means many communities are eligible for sup port. The flood grants are avail able now, with some grants con tinuing to be available for the next six months,” he said.

Mr Stafford also said mental health and wellbeing support continued to be available.

“At RFCS Victoria West, we have a team of qualified wellbe ing counsellors available to en sure anyone eligible or currently working with a financial counsel lor is fully supported.”

THERE was big cut to supply due to the cheaper rates of last week, with just 10,000 lambs and 4500 sheep at Bendigo on Monday.

Quality declined with fresh conditioned young lambs above 24kg hard to find in the yarding which included a lot of plainer trades and stores.

Not all the major domestic or export processors operated. Price results were mixed based around quality and weight.

The trend of buyers wanting heavier stock with fat cover continued and the best slaughter lambs were $8 to $12 dearer.

The middle run of plainer trades in the 20-24kg cwt range were just similar to a week ago to remain in ‘no man’s land’, not attracting strong processor de mand and outside the price point most restockers want to pay.

Store lambs under 20kg cwt were up to $10 dearer, the small est types recording the best gains.

Heaviest young lambs $215 to a top of $250 and the best 2426kg cwt pens $194 to $206/ head.

The general run of medium trades varied from $155 to $190. On a carcass basis the auction again had a wide spread of about 680c to over 800c/kg on some kill lambs.

Store lambs with frame $120 to $146 to av around $135 and this section did have some better

bred crossbred lines this week. Small store lambs $72 to $118 to av $102.

Erratic mutton sale where light and trade sheep rebounded by $10 to $30 per head and more in places, most sales between $55 to $110/head.

Little price change for the heaviest crossbred ewes at $110 to $113. Some heavy shorn Me rino wethers $137 to $145.

SUCKERS

PW Slatter Rochester (12) $210, MJ Borger Colbinabbin (102) $250, AJ Rinaldi Carisbrook (60) $240.00, JM Hiscock & Sons Pya long (78) $234, CH & HM Howell Molka (50) $234, Pyalong Park Py along (51) $234, Bungle Boori Sey mour (48) $228, J Young Alexandra (51) $222, MJ Borger Colbinabbin (12) $223, TL Rainiey Pyalong (41) $206, Black on Green Maindample (120) $223, 4G Partnership (37) $195.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

LD & MS Harrison Wycheproof (32) $218, TL Rainey Pyalong (29) $210, C Fava Hilldene (20) $128, PL Weeks Elmore (25) $116.

MERINO WETHERS

Kiriwina P/L (93) $145.

CROSSBRED EWES

MJ Borger Colbinabbin (34) $133, GJ & VT Cochrane Costerfield (9) $120, K & S Morris Trentham (21) $123, H & P Bennett Mia Mia (84) $120,PL Weeks Elmore (11) $114, Sungin Holdings Broadford (51)

$110, Nanny’s Creek Sunday Creek (66) $110, Carmichael & Finchen Fairley (64) $130.

MERINO EWES

Bright Futures Livestock P/L Lake Charm (81) $124, A Perkins, A Petersen & G Ryan Newstead (56) $114, Sascot Partners Bungaluke (49) $112, SW Martin Concongella (111) $98, Carmichael & Finchen Fairley (12) $95, J & N Dickinson Tooborac (40) $90.

Next week’s order: Nuttall, Nutrien, McKean McGregor, Nevins, Elders

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

GRAIN

BOORT Grain Co-op prices this week.

Wheat - HL1 $395. HL2 $385. APW $372.75. ASW $348. GP1 $328. SFW1 $315.

Barley - PL1 ISCC $360. SP1 $357. PLX $355. SPX $350. Bar1 $285. Bar 2 $265. Bar3 $240.

Pulses - Non-GM canola ISCC +/- AOF $666. Non GM canola +/- AOF $656. *GM canola - ISCC +/- AOF $646. *GM canola +/- AOF $670.

Faba1 $360. Faba2 $360. Field peas 1 $460. Field peas 2 $435.

JEV Vaccination Clinics

Loddon Shire Council has partnered with Bendigo Health to deliver Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccination clinics across the municipality.

Loddon Shire residents and those working in Loddon Shire who: z spend signi cant time outdoors (four or more hours per day), for unavoidable work, recreation, education or other essential activities. OR z are living in temporary or ood damaged accommodation (e.g. camps, tents, dwellings exposed to the external environment) that place them at increased risk of mosquito bites, OR z are engaged in the prolonged outdoor recovery e orts (clean up) or stagnant water following oods

Network given tax deduction status

TAX deductibility status for Loddon Plains Landcare Network would assist with the group’s work, president Colleen Condliffe has told the annual general meeting.

Mrs Condliffe, who was re-elected for a further term as the network’s leader, said the granting of deductible gift recipient status was an important step.

“It will allow people to recognise and contribute to the great work that occurs across the Loddon plains,” she said.

New network facilitator Will Sanson said exciting times were ahead for the 18 groups in the network.

He said highlights for the year had in cluded:

z Kerang Rabbit program involved 38 landholders giving out 1.31 tonnes of bait product and impacting 14,400 hectares of private land surrounding the Ramsar wet land site;

z Department of Transport funding for priority planting and restoration of five sites in key locations across the Loddon Plains in Inglewood, Calivil, Wedderburn, Mysia, and Salisbury West;

z Continuation of bird monitoring pro gram;

z The first year of the Loddon Plains

Future Farmers Regenerative Agriculture group was a success with workshops being held online, in person, and on the farm;

z Collaborations have begun with Djarra for targeting wheel cactus local

ly, including at Mt Buckrabunyule; and z Assisting Salisbury West Landcare group to obtain a grant to create cor ridor connections to the Loddon River.

Mt Korong Eco-Watch had three main focuses over the past year - eradicating wheel cactus and Indian fig from Mt Ko rong and adjoining land, developing a cul tural burning project with Djaara on pri vate land near Mt Korong, and propagating and planting from its nursery.

Two cactus stabbing bees were held dur ing the year while the cultural burn project was still in its planning stage,’ the group reported.

Bendigo TAFE students have conducted pre-burn flora surveys and a burn work shop and demontration is planned for next year.

The network’ has received funding from the Department of Transport for planting projects that include Calivil Creek black box planting, Salisbury West roadside planting extension, Wedderburn wattle reintroduction into the landscape, Mysia bushland expansion planting and Ingle wood Morning Star mine site revegeta tion that has seen initial engagement with school and community groups.

Calivil Creek discussions are planning for a fenced-off area to create more of a corridor and improve the riparian zone.

Re-elected secretary-treasurer at the an nual meeting was Mal Brown.

Momentum builds for harvest

VICTORIAN harvest was building strong momentum, GrainCorp said on Monday.

In its weekly update, GrainCorp said growers were harvesting canola and bar ley across most areas.

“Clear weather and rising temperatures for the next few weeks will allow for fur ther progress across the state and should bring in more cereals.

“We continue to see the full spectrum of grades delivered to our network, in cluding milling wheat and malting barley. Teams are actively assessing require ments for segregations as needed.

“Growers are urged to stay in close con tact with site managers regarding deliv eries and segregations.”

It said 542,350 tonnes had been de livered to Victorian silos last week with the state’s total deliveries now 703,450 tonnes.

“In southern NSW, harvest is now un derway in all regions, thanks to improved weather conditions over the week. Sites are receiving predominantly canola, but wheat receivals are increasing as growers access drying fields,” GrainCorp said.

“Harvest has finished up in central Queensland, with many growers enjoy ing record yields in the biggest harvest they have seen in over a decade. The fo cus is now on southern Queensland, with the majority of receivals coming from the Goondiwindi region.”

Thursday, 8 December 2022 12pm - 4pm

Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall 30-32 Kelly Street, Pyramid Hill

Monday, 12 December 2022 12pm - 4pm

Inglewood Railway Building 6 Thompson Street, Inglewood

Saturday, 17 December 2022 12:30pm - 4pm

Wedderburn Senior Citizens Centre 12-14 Peters Street, Wedderburn

Tuesday, 20 December 2022 12:30pm - 4pm

Boort Senior Citizens Centre Godfrey Street, Boort

Wednesday, 21 December 2022 12pm - 4pm

Loddon Shire Council O ce 38 Peppercorn Way, Serpentine

Thursday, 22 December 2022 12pm - 4pm

Tarnagulla Community Centre 8 Sandy Creek Lane, Tarnagulla

Friday, 23 December 2022 12:30pm - 4pm

Wedderburn Senior Citizens Centre 12-14 Peters Street, Wedderburn

Saturday, 24 December 2022 12pm - 4pm

Inglewood Railway Building 6 Thompson Street, Inglewood

Limited walk-ins may be available on the day but there is a state wide shortage of the JEV Vaccination therefore BOOKINGS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Bookings can be made by nding the relevant clinic on the Bendigo Health outreach vaccination webpage https://bendigohealth.org.au/outreachvaccination/

Please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before booking.

If you have any questions, please contact Bendigo Health on 1800 329 189

Mal Brown and Colleen Condliffe after their re-election as Loddon Plains Landcare Network leaders with committee members from network groups. LH PHOTO

DETAILED design work has started on a planned 34-lot subdivision at Bridgewater after Loddon Shire approved a devel opment permit.

Project manager Josh Cum mins confirmed the planning permit had been approved for the first stage of the develop ment and “is now in the detailed design phase”.

An old timber house on the land fronting the Calder High way was demolished last week.

Mr Cummins lodged the per mit application on behalf of Bridgewater on Loddon Property Pty Ltd earlier this year.

At the time he said the prop erty was “under utilised vacant

residential land and identified as existing residential growth op portunity in the Loddon Shire Settlement Strategy 2019-2034”.

“This document also states the council strategic objective of ‘support residential develop ment of key township zoned sites, ie this site.

“The site is on an elevated part of Bridgewater and not subject to flooding. The location is with in close proximity to community and recreation and public trans port.”

Mr Cummins said develop ment would provide an oppor tunity for people to live within the township and work in the region.

Publishers want commitment

AUSTRALIA’S peak country newspaper association has called on the Federal Government and opposition parties to match a Vic torian Government commitment of support the industry.

The re-elected Andrews Gov ernment has pledged to support the future of country newspapers with a guaranteed share a gov ernment advertising.

Country Press Australia presi dent Andrew Manuel said it was time for real change to help an essential industry. He said a fed eral commitment would be “a huge boost for the sector and for public interest journalism.”

“Multiple federal inquiries have been held into regional media but no findings have been imple mented or even discussed in a meaningful way.”

CPA said the Victoria commit ment provided certainty around revenue without the need for publishers to continually go cap-in-hand to governments for grants to support the vital service regional newspapers provide.

It has strongly urged the Fed eral Government and other state governments around the country to follow suit, and for opposition parties to commit to matching the move.

Women gather to promote respect

Health

INGLEWOOD and Districts Health Services clinical services director April McKenzie (left) joined Marg Bramley and Jean McClymont for last week’s 16 Days Activism dinner hosted by Kooyoora Women’s Network.

services have promoted events with splashes of orange across Loddon commu nities promoting gender equality and respect during the annual campaign that continues until Saturday.

LH PHOTO

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse soap and hay

Blueys wishes all young readers of the Loddon Herald a very happy Christmas and looks forward to receiving your drawings over the holidays.

Winners of last month’s competition are Tilly N and Mol lie N.

Entries for this month’s Christmas colouring competition close January 10. Send to Bluey, Loddon Herald, PO Box

1188 Kangaroo Flat 3555 or email loddonherald@gmail. com and remember to include your name, age and ad dress so Bluey can pick the right prizes for our lucky win ners. Bluey hopes you enjoy this month’s puzzles and ac tivities from his friend Penclhead.

What is the name of Gargamel’s cat from The Smurfs?

What is cynophobia?

Which English agriculturist is best known for his invention of the seed drill in 1701?

If your soil has a ph of 4, what colour are your hydrangea flowers most likely to be?

What sheep is bred for both its wool and meat?

What is the rarest M&M colour?

Who was the first woman on earth, according to Greek mythology? 8. Which toy was the first one to be advertised on TV? 9. What African country was formerly called Abyssinia? 10. Lateral Epicondylitis is a condition commonly referred to as what? 11. What mineral is the softest in the world? 12. In English, what does BMW stand for? 13. Which mammal has no vocal chords? 14. Who was the celebrity who cloned their dog twice?

15. Oprah Winfrey has how many children?

16. The world’s most ancient forest is in what country?

17. Which actress keeps her Oscar in the bathroom, so guests can hold it and make speeches in the mirror shame free?

18. A bite from a tick can make you allergic to what food?

19. Which country does Saudi Arabia import camels from?

20. What two planets rain literal diamonds?

Leadership program and food for thought

By CINDY GOULD

I’M incredibly grateful for the oppor tunity to take part in this year’s LEAD Loddon Murray Program.

The journey of community leader ship is a personal one for me with op portunities to grow and develop my leadership skills.

I am extremely thankful to my co hort for their support and guidance throughout the year. The program in cluded five retreats and virtual meet ing in which we have all learnt to dig deeper and challenge ourselves in a safe and supportive environment. It has been fantastic to meet people from diverse backgrounds and age groups.

A key component of the Loddon Mur ray Community Leadership Program is developing a community project. My project will be the kitchen garden-toplate open day. This event is to pro mote and encourage community and consumer involvement in a kitchen garden-to-plate model, encouraging higher consumption of fresh food.

The project will expose the wider community to access to fresh fruit and vegetables and encourage people to try out local workshops to get some first- hand experience in the gardento-plate model. The event will be held in the Inglewood community as part of the Inglewood and Districts Communi ty Health community garden redevel opment and activation.

Multiple objectives are associated with this program, including encourag ing people to be more active, encour aging volunteering and reducing social isolation in the community.

The future objectives of this initia tive include encouraging the consum ers to:

z Be more active – by supporting them in the garden whenever they wish or through structured activities.

z Take an active role in decisions around the garden design and activi ties.

z Consider how the garden may also reflect and celebrate the cultural diver sity of residents.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

z Utilise the garden for social events (eg barbecue with some home grown ingredients) and activities.

Other objectives include:

z Develop a ‘garden to plate’ concept with residents, to grow to produce for their meals, including simple dishes prepared to enjoy outside.

z Establish the garden as part of an inter-generational program, or in part nership with a volunteer group, to pro vide a focus for engagement with the community.

There are currently several placebased local initiatives targeting healthy food and providing education at schools and through community groups in the Loddon Shire.

Research suggests that food inse curity and poor mental health have increased locally, and levels of physi cal activity have decreased in Victoria during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By communicating, sharing and working together, the launch day will include workshops that expose the community to alternatives to takeaway - instead cooking with fresh pro duce, and tips on watering and growing food sustainably while saving money.

As well as community gardens, com munity lunches are also a social op portunity that address social isolation. Inglewood has some fantastic and pop ular initiatives- holding community lunches and provides groceries alter nating each fortnight.

In addition, the Kooyoora Women’s Network in Bridgewater now has gro ceries available on alternate weeks to Inglewood. The aim is to share any ex cess produce to limit waste and support other local groups. It is a collaboration to develop community awareness of these projects and to engage additional stakeholders, to help to promote these opportunities in the community.

The launch will include workshops that provide the community with ideas for cooking with freshly grown pro duce. It would be great to have volun teers teach the necessary skills such as

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

meal planning, budgeting and prepare to cook fresh food. As a result, our community can become better cooks at home, socially, or for work.

There are currently selected projects for Loddon Shire that are respond ing to several important community health issues, including obesity, food insecurity, general health status, con sumption of sugary drinks and physi cal inactivity.

The following statistics from the Ac tive Living Census 2019 support the need for these projects:

z One in four residents rates their general health as fair or poor.

z 11.5 per cent of households are food insecure.

z 14.8 per cent of residents consume sugary drinks daily.

z Approximately half of the resi dents do not meet the physical activity guidelines.

z The rate of food insecurity in Lod don Shire (11.5 per cent) is higher than that of the Loddon Campaspe region (9.2 per cent) and Victoria (6.2 per cent). Specifically, South Loddon (17.4 per cent), Inglewood/Bridgewater and surrounds (16 per cent) and Wed derburn and surrounds (15.3 per cent) have the highest rates of food insecuri ties across the shire.

This project aligns with the Ingle wood Community Plan providing so cial opportunities, identifying oppor tunities to increase social events and activities to bring the community to gether. The aim is to create a network to support and promote established groups and assets.

The Bridgewater Foodshare is avail able again on Tuesday from midday. Inglewood Foodshare is at the senior citizens’ from 1pm on December 20. *CindyGouldiscommunity,

Street art history

Sometimes, the walks were close to the family home in Inglewood and Mari lyn would return with freshly-picked bunches of flowers for her mother.

The memory of mother Mabel lives on in Brooke Street with the aptly-named Nana’s B&B occupying one of the herit age homes in the main street.

Marilyn has now added to her Brooke Street footprint with a series of murals on the facade of Inglewood IGA, histori cally denoted Moore’s Building built in goldrush style in 2007.

Her love of the bush, its flowers and the town’s history have come to the wall over the last two weekends.

While the wildflowers - Geraldton Wax is among Marilyn’s all-time favour ites as are egg and bacon gumnuts and paper daisies - are permanently and in delibly represented on the facade, she has chosen three panels for a rotating homage to the town and its leaders.

Descended from two early shopkeep ers George Nixon and William Jennings, Marliyn has painted the duo along with Joseph Tivey.

“I’ve forebears who were shopkeep ers and farmers, it’s all part of the con nection to the town and why I love it so much,” Marilyn said.

“I’ve got Nana’s B&B named for mum who now lives in care in Melbourne.

“I’ve been painting and drawing all my life ... so why not have these murals.”

Marilyn said she approached IGA’s Peter Moore who was supportive of the project. “Everyone has been excited and so helpful,” she said.

Gold brought Tivey to Victoria in the 1850s - he arrived in Sydney as a teen ager in 1847 - and within a few years was selling food and beverages to min ers. He was several times mayor of In glewood and built the impressive Nim mitable residence in Verdon Street. His sons took on the business, oper-

ating it successfully until selling to Ron Nixon in 1931.

George Nixon had the first grocery store at Old Inglewood in 1859 and the following year shifted into the new town, building a brick shop selling gro ceries, timber and hardware.

Like Tivey, he also served as borough mayor.

Marilyn’s third pioneer to be featured

Wildflowers and history ... Marilyn Cumming works on her Brooke Street murals. LH PHOTO

first on the new Brooke Street murals, William Jennings, had been Tivey’s partner at Old Inglewood and in the new town before going solo at the southern end of Brooke Street.

Marilyn says she is already sketch ing out ideas for the next series of town identities to appear on her Brooke Street mural.

In the meantime NIxon looks interest-

ingly across Brooke Street at the build ing that was once his retail empire, today an antique store selling rare col lectables that would have been staple stock in the halcyon goldrush days.

Who knows what stories the famed local trio may swap. Marilyn hopes their return to Brooke Street and potted his tories beside each of her drawings will keep interest in their legacy strong.

WILDFLOWERS remind artist Marilyn Cumming of childhood walks in bush land around central Victoria.

William Jennings

George Nixon

Joseph Tivey

Hubbard (nee Sly) Lorna Evelyn

29/04/1929 - 30/11/2022

Loving wife of Don (dec.)

Loving mother and mother-in-law of Len, Geoff & Rose, Kel & Diane and Brian & Karen.

Loved Nan of 7 grandchildren and Great Nan of 7 great grandchildren.

“She lived for those she loved, and those she loved remember”

A Funeral Service has been held.

Cameron

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Chief Officer of CFA will be introducing the Fire Danger Period for all land within the municipalities listed below.

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on 1st May 2023.

Municipality Campaspe Shire Loddon Shire

Loddon Shire O ce Closure

The Council o ce in Wedderburn will be closed from 12pm Friday 23 December 2022 and will reopen at 8.15am on Tuesday 3 January 2023.

The Loddon Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day Sunday 25 December 2022 but is otherwise open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and from 10am to 2pm on public holidays. For enquiries phone (03) 5494 3489 or email loddonvisitorinformation@loddon. vic.gov.au

The Community Care team will provide limited services between Saturday 24 December 2022 and Monday 2 January 2023. The o ce will reopen at 8.15am on Tuesday 3 January 2023. Clients will be contacted to discuss their personal care needs and meals on wheels requirements for this period. There will be no home care, respite care, social support or property maintenance services delivered during the closure period.

For urgent Community Care assistance during this period, please contact the Wedderburn o ce on 5494 1200 and select option 3 for Aged Care.

Date of Commencement 12th December 2022 12th December 2022

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period. Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Jason Heffernan Chief Officer, CFA

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMPETITION

Kerbside waste and recycling collections during December 2022 and January 2023 will operate as scheduled, with no changes to collections.

Waste facilities across the Shire will be closed on Sunday 25 December 2022, Tuesday 27 December 2022 and Sunday 1 January 2023.

1-0.

MIXEDS: P. Turnbull M. Lowry d T. Johns S. Mahner 1-0. A. Brett K. Bainbridge lost to L. Lamprell D. Wayman 0-1. J. Hayes J. Polkinghorne d J. Mahner C. Ugle 1-0. G. Fry L. Tonkin d B. Lock C. Gilmore 1-0. S. Turnbull R. Ellsmore d J. Luckman K. Ward

1-0. G. Fry S. Fahney lost to J. Martin D. Nevins 0-1.

Korong Vale 1-30 lost to Loddon Eagles 17-95

MENS: J. Turnbull D. Turnbull lost to S. Smith M. Higgs 0-1. G. Dehne S. Keller lost to G. Madden A. Higgs 0-1. J. Turnbull G. Dehne lost to S. Smith G. Madden 0-1. D. Turnbull S. Keller lost to M. Higgs A. Higgs 0-1.

LADIES: B. Turnbull A. Gibson lost to S. Lockhart J. Millie 0-1. E. Turnbull D. Wil liams lost to D. Bouwmester R. Madden 0-1. B. Turnbull E. Turnbull lost to S. Lockhart D. Bouwmester 0-1. A. Gibson D. Williams lost to J. Millie R. Madden 0-1.

MIXEDS: J. Turnbull B. Turnbull lost to S. Smith S. Lockhart 0-1. D. Turnbull E. Turn bull d M. Higgs J. Millie 1-0. G. Dehne D. Williams lost to G. Madden D. Bouwmester

Hird stars with bat and ball

BOORT had another successful outing in Northern District jun ior cricket on Saturday.

A phenomenal performance by youngster Chaise Hird with bowling stats of 3/2 and batting with 15 not out were highlights of the encounter against Murra bit.

Boort Yando won the toss and elected to bowl.

Quick wickets from the open ing bowlers and then a steady stream of strong bowling saw Murrabit all out for 61. Finlay Arnold also finished well with 2/8.

Boort Yando went on to bat with consistency and confidence and once again had the opportu nity to rotate and retire players.

Making 1/157, top scorers were Jake O’Flaherty 35, Cooper Gooding 20 and Chaise Hird 15.

Boort Yando has the bye this week.

Fenton Creek’s Jess Polkinghorne. AP PHOTO

FROM

WEEKEND ACTION AROUND THE REGION

LEAGUE REVISES DRAW

APRIL 15

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

APRIL 22

Nullawil v St Arnaud

Sea Lake Nandaly v Birchip Watchem Charlton v Boort

Wycheproof Narraport v Wedderburn Donald bye

APRIL 29

St Arnaud v Sea Lake Nandaly

Birchip Watchem v Charlton Boort v Wycheproof Narraport Wedderburn v Donald Nullawil bye

MAY 6

Charlton v St Arnaud

Wycheproof Narraport. v Birchip Watchem Donald v Boort

Sea Lake Nandaly v Nullawil Wedderburn bye

MAY 13

St Arnaud v Wycheproof Narraport

Birchip Watchem v Donald Boort v Wedderburn

Nullawil v Charlton Sea Lake Nandaly bye

MAY 20

GENERAL BYE

MAY 27

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

JUNE 3

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

JUNE 10

Boort v St Arnaud Wedderburn v Nullawil

Donald v Sea Lake Nandaly Wycheproof Narraport. v Charlton Birchip Watchem bye

JUNE 17

St Arnaud v Birchip Watchem Nullawil v Boort

Sea Lake Nandaly v Wedderburn Charlton v Donald Wycheproof Narraport bye

JUNE 24

Nullawil v Birchip Watchem Sea Lake Nandaly v Boort Charlton v Wedderburn

Wycheproof Narraport v Donald St Arnaud bye

JULY 1

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

JULY 8

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

JULY 15

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

JULY 22

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

JULY 29

St Arnaud v Donald Birchip Watchem v Wedderburn Nullawil v Wycheproof Narraport

Sea Lake Nandaly v Charlton Boort bye

AUGUST 5

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

AUGUST 12

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

AUGUST 19

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

AUGUST 26 & SEPTEMBER 2 Semi-finals

NORTH Central Football League has advised of changes to the 2023 season draw. The draw provided to the Loddon Herald for last week’s edition had been prepared before requests from the Birchip Watchem and and the league’s new-

est club Nullawil play each other in the opening round. Boort now hosts league powerhouse Sea Lake Nandaly at home when the season starts on April 15 while Wedderburn will be at home to Charlton.

TOP LEFT (clockwise): Charlton’s Bernie Laffin checks his bias; Cheryl Ugle serves up in Inglewood association tennis; Neville White bowls a winner for Wedderburn; Arnold’s Henry McCulloch bats for the Redbacks; Key wicket taker for Wedderburn Adam Postle. ANDREW PERRYMAN PHOTOS

SPORT

DERBY was barely rattled in its clash against Woodvale on Saturday.

The 64-game victory saw Derby drop just two sets for the afternoon although Woodvale, on the bottom of the ladder, pushed several mixed sets to tiebreakers. Newbridge went into the round down a few players and lowered colours to Har court.

While having to forfeit a number of sets, Newbridge still had form and style to dominate the mixed encounters.

Marong showed its strength against Woodstock in a solid afternoon’s work.

Marong 15-96 d Woodstock 3-46

A LADIES: R. McCaig G. Turnbull d N. Earl F. Curnow 6-2. R. McCaig H. Turnbull d N. Earl J. Leversha 6-1. G. Turnbull H. Turnbull lost to F. Curnow J. Leversha 0-6.

B LADIES: S. Turnbull A. Pickering lost to A. An drews-Stone H. McKinley 4-6. S. Turnbull T. Kerrison d A. Andrews-Stone K. Punton 6-4. A. Pickering T. Ker rison lost to H. McKinley K. Punton 2-6.

A MEN: L. Frankel Z. Turnbull d N. Punton D. Heath er 6-2. L. Frankel J. McCaig d N. Punton G. Leach 6-1. Z. Turnbull J. McCaig d D. Heather G. Leach 6-4.

B MEN: A. Stewart M. McCaig d D. Tolley A. Curnow 6-2. A. Stewart K. McCaig d D. Tolley K. Punton 6-4. M. McCaig K. McCaig d A. Curnow K. Punton 6-0.

MIXED: R. McCaig L. Frankel d N. Earl N. Punton 6-0. G. Turnbull J. McCaig d F. Curnow D. Heather 6- 0. H. Turnbull M. McCaig d J. Leversha G. Leach 6-2. A. Pickering A. Stewart d A. Andrews-Stone D. Tolley 6-3. S. Turnbull Z. Turnbull d H. McKinley K. Punton 6-0. T. Kerrison K. McCaig d K. Punton A. Curnow 6-3.

Harcourt 12-94 d Newbridge 6-68

A LADIES: K. Walters S. Blake d S. Wallace N. Jen kyn 6-4. K. Walters S. O’Brien d S. Wallace A. Price 6-5. S. Blake S. O’Brien lost to N. Jenkyn A. Price 5-6.

B LADIES: P. Erny N. Trethowan d T. Higgs E. Stew art 6-4. P. Erny B. Trethowan d T. Higgs M. Atkins 6-3. N. Trethowan B. Trethowan lost to E. Stewart M. At kins 5-6. S.

A MEN: S. Gearing L. Tunn d J. Sutherland A. Broom 6-0. S. Gearing B. Bickford d J. Sutherland S. Atkins 6-5. L. Tunn B. Bickford d A. Broom S. Atkins 6-4.

B MEN: L. O’Brian D. Gearing d D. White partner 6-2. Remaining sets forfeited to Harcourt.

MIXED: P. Erny B. Bickford lost to E. Stewart A. Broom 3-6. B. Trethowan L. O’Brian lost to N. Jenkyn D. White 3- 6. N. Trethowan S. Gearing lost to S. Wal lace J. Sutherland 4-6. K. Walters L. Tunn d M. Atkins S. Atkins 6-5. S. O’Brien D. Gearing lost to A. Price Un specified player 2-5.

Woodvale 2-42 lost to Derby 16-106

A LADIES: J. Pearse K. Pickering lost to F. Danger field P. Normoyle 1-6. J. Pearse S. Wallace lost to P. Nor

moyle K. Galea 1-6. K. Pickering S. Wallace lost to F. Dangerfield K. Galea 0-6.

B LADIES: T. Strybosch V. Battersby lost to D. Nor moyle T. Hayes 1-6. T. Strybosch R. McDonald d D. Nor moyle P. Lonsdale 6-5. V. Battersby R. McDonald lost to T. Hayes P. Lonsdale 3-6.

A MEN: M. Trew M. Gallagher lost to M. Dineen S. Bruce 3-6. M. Trew B. Bruns lost to M. Dineen N. Pol lock 2-6. M. Gallagher B. Bruns lost to S. Bruce N. Pol lock 3-6.

B MEN: Woodvale lost to B. Galea N. Naughton 0-6. C. Nanere partner lost to B. Galea L. Naughton 0-6. C. Nanere partner lost to N. Naughton L. Naughton 0-6.

MIXED: J. Pearse M. Trew lost to F. Dangerfield M. Dineen 5-6. K. Pickering B. Bruns lost to D. Normoyle N. Naughton 0-6. M. Gallagher R. McDonald lost to S. Bruce P. Normoyle 3-6. Woodvale lost to K. Galea B. Galea 5-6. V. Battersby partner lost to T. Hayes N. Pollock 0-6. T. Strybosch C. Nanere d P. Lonsdale L. Naughton 6-1.

Lockwood forfeited to Wilsons Reef

Wilsons Reef 115 Harcourt 92 Derby 91 Newbridge 73 Marong 64 Lockwood 63 Woodstock 43 Woodvale 19

MONDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

TUESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM DINNER FROM 6.00PM PARMA NIGHT

EXTENDED PARMA MENU WEDNESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM DINNER FROM 6.00PM

FULL MENU AVAILABLE

THURSDAY - OPEN 4.00PM DINNER FROM 6.00PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY - OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

LUNCHTIME SENIORS DAY DINNER FROM 5.30PM

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE FULL MENU AVAILABLE

SATURDAY - OPEN 4.00PM DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

SERPENTINE has bounced back with a 44-game win over Mincha West in Satur day’s round.

The win keeps Serp in the chase for top spot with current leader Dingee un challenged in the latest round, taking the points on forfeit from Calivil North.

Calivil 0-67 lost to Yarrawalla 5-105

MEN: J. Sinclair R. Hicks lost to J. Kuchel L. Roberts 3-7. J. Sinclair N. Marlow lost to J. Kuchel A. Schmidt 4-7. R. Hicks N. Marlow lost to L. Roberts A. Schmidt 1-7. Z. Clarke F. Clymo lost to H. Emmerson R. Forster 2-7. Z. Clarke S. Hicks lost to H. Emmerson X. Emm erson 1-7. F. Clymo S. Hicks lost to R. Forster X. Em merson 2-7.

Balic

Emmerson

LADIES:

ChallisBroad

M. Balic L.

Wagner Z. Stewart 3-7. P. Cockerell K. Addlem d J. Wagner T. Wagner 7-2. H. Addlem K. Addlem d J. Wagner Z. Stew art 7-0. N. Rose M. Twigg d C. Mann M. Stewart 7-4. N. Rose J. Cockerell d C. Mann E. Farrar 7-3. M. Twigg J. Cockerell d M. Stewart E. Farrar 7-6.

MIXED: J.Gladman P. Cockerell lost to E. Prout J.

High-flying Woodies

INGLEWOOD’S Vicki Tierney has had a successful few days at club and playing area level.

She won the club ladies’ cham pionship on Thursday night fol lowed by a win in the Bendigo group triples on Sunday.

Tierney teamed with Sharon Koch and Taylah Marron (skip per) to progress to the regional final in February..

Wade Roberts won the men’s championship and John Jackman took the B Grade title.

The Inglewood division one midweek team travelled to White Hills last week for a cru cial match and got the points thanks to a big win by one rink 34 shots to eight.

The star rink of the day was Chris McEwan, Helen Leech, An drew Caserta and Rob Day.

In division five, The defending champions and current ladder leaders keep rolling on with an other hard fought win. It was a game of severe contrasts as one team won by 17 shots and the other team lost by 14 shots.

The best rink on the day was Joan Roberts, Kevin Stewart, Ar thur Harrison and Pam Kelly.

On Saturday, Inglewood’s divi sion one team came up against one of the top five teams and couldn’t quite match it with them.

A couple of good performances were noted with both losing by one shot.

It will be difficult over the next eight weeks to find practise time as the Inglewood green is be ing renovated, but make the ef fort to find somewhere for some practice or play in tournaments.

Bridgewater has agreed to let Inglewood practice there every Thursday.

A couple of crucial games in the next fortnight for the divi sion one team, so give it your best shot. The first is against Marong, next Saturday, which is to be played at North Bendigo.

Just another fighting match for the division five team, this time against Marong.

The Inglewood rinks scored 19 shots to Marong’s 11 shots in the last five ends to fall in by one shot overall.

Best winning rink on the day sponsored by Jacqui and Mal McLean, went to the regular winners of Patsy Lyndon, Trevor Schill, Helen Leech and Ian Brad ley with a 13 shot win.

Division five travels to Dingee Saturday.

Final scores: Inglewood 85 shots (14pts) defeated Strath fieldsaye 79 shots (4pts).

BRIDGEWATER

It is always a test on the visit to Woodbury and it proved no different at the weekend.

Winners last round, Brian Oughtred and a reshaped Darrin Futter four, both began poorly, the latter down 0-11.

However Allan Harrison was back as skip and the chase, em ploying longer ends, eventually brought a four-shot win.

The victory earnt the Ingle wood IGA Incentive vouchers. Brian’s four fought hard against the Grainger combination - Jill as skip and Len lead, but the home team were too good.

Glenn Mangan’s team had a

good one-shot win, but unfor tunately Bob Smith’s four went down.

Seventh on the ladder after six rounds, it will be a battle to stay away from the bottom rung.

In midweek, Marg Wright’s team defeated South Bendigo well, to take the IGA vouchers, but South, second on the ladder, won overall.

Mondays encounter was at Bendigo, one below Bridgewater on the ladder in sixth place.

The team were short on num bers, so it will have been an in teresting match, to commence the second half of the season.

Yesterday there was a very enjoyable annual combined club lunch at Inglewood, with Bridge water making the short journey north.

Great to see these clubs keep ing that tradition going.

PENNANT RESULTS

BENDIGO

Division 1 – Inglewood 72-0 lost to Golden Square 102-18. B Jackson, J Jack man, G Jackson, M McLean lost to A Eddy, D Cheesman, G Edwards, G Podestra 16-33. D Garrett, C Kelly, V Tierney, L Kelly (s) lost to D Berry, N Bowland, T Berrry, J Berry (s) 18-19. M Chamberlain, D Wilson, G Wilson, I Chamberlain lost to J Bush, G Beckham, D Jackson, B Marron (s) 24-25. B McClymont, D Vanston, J Nevins, W Roberts (s) lost to T Marron, P Bush, T Lester, G Downie (s) 14-25.

Ladder: Moama 118, South Bendigo 118, Golden Square 110, Bendigo 108, Bendigo East 95, Eaglehawk 68, Marong 53, Castle maine 52, Kangaroo Flat 48, Inglewood 46.

Division 3 – North Bendigo 110-16 d Serpentine 64-2. J Warfe, B Power, G God sell, M Lee (s) lost to R Hasty, D Walker, D Anset (s) 18-23. D Murphy, M Kelly, E Staff, P Arscott (s) d G Addlem, B Long, B Glad man (s) 31-15. Z Hasty, J Emerson, A Hall, J Rorke (s) d S Rollinson, F Maher, S Rudkins, L Cadzow (s) 23-20. G Gilmore, N Zimmer, J Hasty, J Turley (s) d B Catto, B Tuohey, A Bish, N Tonkin (s) 38-6.

Ladder: South Bendigo 82, Kangaroo Flat 78, North Bendigo 72m Strathfieldsaye 69, Heathcote 40, Bendigo East 37, Ben digo 29, Serpentine 25.

Division 5 – Strathfieldsaye 57-1 lost to Dingee 116-17. M Rosewall, E Sheen, R Clemson, P Neander (s) lost to K Pollock, V Sproull, M Grieves, F Grieves (s) 13-35. S Powney, D Curnow, R Rogister, S Curnow (s) lost to G Devanny, J Monaghan, R Rob ertson, B Lawry (s) 15-33. B Toomey, D Dole, N Johnston, M FIlan (s) drew G Clarke, A Sproull, Lyn Demeo, Leo Demeo (s) 2121. M McCarthy, A Hingston, K Toomey, R Finch (s) lost to T Kavanagh, L Hocking, B West, N Lister (s) 8-27. Inglewood 75-13 d Marong 74-5. D An

Kangaroo Flat 68-4 lost to Calivil 76-14. W Wigmore, B Cullen, D Martin, D Dens ley (s) d I Mansbridge, M Dennis, W Miles, N Dennis (s) 19-15. M Verbeek, A Cooper, B Hansen, K Packer (s) d R Lourie, A Den nis, G Ray, G Maxted (s) 21-18. R Sparke, T Hurford, J Friswell, J Grant (s) lost to C Maxted, R Boyd, B Meighan, A Leech (s) 11-25. M Crow, C Verbeek, J Ritchie, J Grif fiths lost to K Richards, G Lourie, J Pickles, L Gronow (s) 17-18.

Ladder: Inglewood 87, Marong 81, Cal ivil 63, Kangaroo Flat 57, Castlemaine 46, Dingee 34, Strathfieldsaye 34, Campbells Creek 30.

Division 6 – Woodbury 104-14 d Bridge water 68-4. J Ryan, D Ancrum, K West, D Anderson (s) lost to P Short, C Mangan, R Broadbent, G Mangan (s) 17-18. K Geyer, J Lee, W Waldron, J Davidson (s) d V Wilson, R Brown, N Saunders, R Smith (s) 37-12. A Ryan, D Adie, D Tuck, B Shay (s) lost to B McNaught, D Grant, D Futter, A Harrison (s) 21-25. L Grainger, S Treloar, C Halpin, J Grainger (s) d B Bajada, D Wilson, J Fagan, B Oughtred (s) 29-13.

Midweek - Division 1 – Inglewood 6214 d Golden Square 50-2. C McEwan, H Leech, A Caserta, R Day (s) lost to P Pain,. Y Robinson, N Bowland, J Ross (s) 13-22. M Chamberlain, P Lyndon, I Chamberlain, M McLean (s) d S Drummond, A Eddy, G Po destra, T Marron (s) 24-13. B McClymont, B Taig, W Roberts, L Kelly (s) d M Cusack, J

Robins, W Robins, B Marron (s) 25-15.

Ladder: Kangaroo Flat 88, Eaglehawk 87, Inglewood 79, Golden Square 75, Ben digo East 57, South Bendigo 55, White Hills 38, Bendigo 33.

Division 4 – South Bendigo 65-16 d Din gee 37-0. R Challinor, S Driesen, L Doolan, M Kirkpatrick (s) d K Pollock, V Sproull, F Grieves, M Grieves (s) 20-11. W Pell, M Grogan, L Cairncross, S Bryan (s) d T Ka vanagh, P Plant, B West, S Cail (s) 24-16. J Ryan, K Presely, D Roberts, C Adams (s) d N Thomas, S Lawry, G Devanny, Lyn Demeo (s) 21-10.

Golden Square 58-14 d Calivil Serpen tine 48-2. A Schultz, C Hutchinson, J Eas ton, L eeles (s) lost to I Mansbridge, J Cly mo, C Maxted, S Hope (s) 9-28. F Davies, J Brennan, J Holcombe, M Peterson (s) d R Boyd, L Lister, N Ralphs, C Mitchell (s) 2711. L Bell, J McKinstry, E O’Neill, L Power (s) d J Wiltshire, M Boyd, K Richards, D Walker (s) 22-9.

Ladder: South Bendigo 106, Golden Square 90, White Hills 73, Calivil Serpen tine 56, Harcourt 54, Dingee 52, Bendigo VRI 43, Campbells Creek 38.

Division 5 – Inglewood 32-0 lost to Strathfieldsaye 39-14. E Patterson, P McE wan, D Garrett, D Whitehead (s) lost to R Clemson, R Rogister, R Tickner, S Curnow (s) 16-17. J Roberts, D Andrew, A Harrison, P Kelly (s) lost to R Riley, M Filan, G Wells, J McGregor (s) 16-22.

Bendigo 20-0 lost to Bridgewater 46-14. K Obudzinski, M Mitchell, D Penfold, B Bell (s) lost to D Smith, J Hosking, B McNaught, G Mangan (s) 12-21. L Thiele, T Obudzinski, G Herne, A Mott (s) lost to B Gath, A Har rison, R Shea, M Wright (s) 8-25.

Ladder: Inglewood 78, South Bendigo 71, White Hills 70, Strathfieldsaye 67, Bridge water 53, Bendigo East 46, Bendigo 36, Ea glehawk 27

Division 1 – Wedderburn 96-12 d Charl ton 52-0. A Noordennen, B Hargreaves, A Caserta, N Holt (s) d D Beaty, N Cossar, J Cox, P Watts (s) 22-20. D Stephenson, L Standfield, I Hall, L Witham (s) d D Gret grix, M O’Brien, W Keenan, S Perry (s) 3515. A Holt, C Mills, R Montebello, A Jackson (s) d B Fitzpatrick, J Headon, D McCallum, L Southwell (s) 39-17.

Donald Golf 87-12 d Boort 53-0. D Peake, A Bayles, G Geddes, G Rigby (s) d J Nelson, K Walton, T Moresi, K de Piazza (s) 32-19. W Livingston, M Frank, T Hollis, D Pettifer (s) d P Waters, J Maxted, K Ritchie, L Max ted (s) 23-12. B Bayles, G Euvrad, S Hollis, P Hibberd (s) d D Gibson, K Birt, J Gibson, I Mercer (s) 32-22.

Ladder: Wycheproof 89, Donald Golf 82, Wedderburn 78, St Arnaud 66, St Arnaud Country 52, Charlton 28, Donald 20, Boort 17.

Division 2 – Wedderburn 98-12 d Charl ton 43-0. R Ashley, K Griffiths, T Nisbet, R Hall (s) d B Patton, G Barnard, G Bateson (s) 25-19. R Guelfo, A Benaim, S Steel, L Holt (s) d B Catherine, R Porter (s) 35-17. G Hunter (s) B Green, N White, A Roberts (s) d G Wain, B Laffin, E Rosewall (s) 38-7.

Donald Giolf 92-8 d Boort 66-4. T Boyd, C Raynes, J Slater, L Borden (s) d R Taylor, G Smith, A Gould, G Hudson (s) 41-10. M Livingston, J Hollis, P Raynes, G Wood lost to L Cameron, J Earl, T Noles (s) 24-25. M Flagg, B Brasier, A Frank, S O’Shea lost to J Hampson, P Gould, G Tweddle (s) 27-31.

Ladder: St Arnaud Country 74, Wyche proof 70, Donald Golf 70, Wedderburn 56, St Arnaud 52, Donald 48, Boort 43, Charl ton 19.

Midweek - Donald 76-11 d Boort 60-1. K Wyllie, M Quick, B Hollis, M Kelly (s) d L Cameron, L Gardner, J Maxted, J Gibson (s) 24-16. E Adams, J Meyer, M McEwen, L

12.

St

A Caserta, A Jackson (s) 13-37. T Robertson, S Sorraghan, G Shinners, P McRae (s) lost to R Witham, N White, R Hall, L Witham (s) 1726. L Arbuckle, D Ostarcevic, S McIntyre, T Amos (s) lost to G Hunter, S Standfield, I Hall, A Roberts (s) 23-25.

Ladder: Wedderburn 64, Boort 61, Donald 52, St Arnaud 52, Wycheproof 47, Charlton 42, Donald Golf 36, St Arnaud Country 30.

NORTHERN

Division 2 – Barham 59-8 d Pyramid Hill 58-4. A Henery, L Ashton, R Baker, P Goudie (s) lost to R Harris, M Noelker, I Bar tels, J Leed (s) 20-26. A Lodge, C Cassidy, D Potter, A Larpent (s) d G Tate, J Mann, K Wood, L Mann (s) 22-14. P Madeley, K Lake, G Lake, P Orr (s) lost to G Moon, W Boyd, E Carmody, M Scott (s) 17-18.

Division 3B – Kerang Golf 68-10 d Pyramid Hill 54-2. D Hawke, D Spinks, J Tuohey, J McKerrow (s) lost to C Cauchi, R Fidler, A Bennett (s) 16-26. L Douglass, S Phillips, S Robinson, N Robertson (s) d R Boyd, T Strobaus, L Dingwall (s) 24-11. J Duckworth, J Richards, M Rawson, R Mal seed (s) d M Mahoney, D Demaine, J Cauchi, A Fidler (s) 28-17.

Midweek – Division 1: Kerang 64-10 d Pyramid Hill 53-2. C Fisher, T Nolan, M Orr, K Teasdale (s) d P Coates, W Boyd, J Leed, R Opie (s) 25-10. B Williams, A Fagg, H McBain, G Teasdale (s) d G Moon, E Carmo dy, M L’Hullier, M Scott (s) 21-14. P Pascoe, C Pay, M Hamon, L Hein (s) lost to R Harris, K Wood, I Bartels, A Cantwell (s) 18-19.

drew, B Moffat, C McEwan, D Rowe (s) drew D James, J Balkin, R Kelly, R Wearne (s) 1919. R Stranger, T Birthisel, A Noonan, A Harrison (s) lost to G Gretgrix, C Coghill, M Kelly, N Tate (s) 13-22. P Lyndon, T Schill, H Leech, I Bradley (s) d A Puyo, L Williams, S Nemeth, M Corry (s) 22-9. G Sommers, K Stewart, J McClymont, D Whitehead (s) lost to J Adams, J Leed, J Farrell, R Williams (s) 21-14.

NORTH CENTRAL

Morgan (s) drew Y Cashen, G Tweddle, T Noles, I Mercer (s) 23-23. J Wood, A McE wen, K Adamson, B Milne (s) d P Gould, A Gould, D Gibson, T Moresi (s) 29-21.

Arnaud 53-0 lost to Wedderburn 88-

H Stevenson, M McRae, M McIntyre, C Marchment (s) lost to H Stephenson, S Steel,

Calivil held its annual 2x4x2 pairs on Sunday. Winners were Ben digo VRI’s James Hoffman and Maurice McMahon (above) with three wins and 82 points from Calivil’s Glenn Ray and brother in-law Peter Kiel, from Kangaroo Flat (below) with three wins and 79 points.

Holt clicks and ticks in stunning victory

WEDDERBURN has broken clear on the Upper Loddon ladder with a stirring victory over reigning premiers Arnold.

The Band had momentum in the field where James VanderWetering claimed the crucial mid-order wicket of top scorer Michael Dale after earlier seeing off Harry McCullough.

Vander-Wetering’s four overs conceded just 11 runs while open ing bowler Adam Postle was al most as economical two wickets falling across his seven overs.

And chipping away in the field and with the ball was Isaac Holt, part of the tight bowling attack that had Arnold on 105 after the 35 overs.

Holt’s enthusiasm carried on with the bat where he made 75more than half from big-hitting boundaries - before caught by Davies.

Backing Holt for part of the in nings was Vander-Wetering who opened the batting with Luke Holt and was at the crease until also caught by Davies.

Wedderburn needed less than 23 overs to overtake Arnold and go nine points clear on the ladder.

At Boort, the home side re turned to winning form with sol id hitting from its top order bats.

A 61-run partnership by Josh Smith and Lance Malone had Boort in command.

Malone had joined Smith after Gould was dismissed for 10 when caught by Lonsdale off a classic Tom McKinley delivery.

A key break came for the Bulls for the second week run ning when Smith edged a Toby Naughton delivery only to be caught McKinley.

Murphy strikes early

ROUND six of Upper Loddon junior cricket was played on Satur day, the last of the one dayers on the draw,

The game saw Bridgewater hosting Kingower with the visi tors securing a 24-run win.

The game started disastrously for Bridgewater as after winning the toss and batting, Tyler Murphy dismissed both openers in the first over.

The innings didn’t pick up any momentum until Blake Smyth was joined at the wicket by Ned Wickham, with this pair adding an undefeated six wicket partnership of 41.

Smyth scored the bulk of these runs before retiring on 21.

Xander Wilson also took two wickets to join Murphy as a King ower multiple wicket takers. In reply, Kingower’s innings

By MICHAEL ROSE

was a complete contrast and al though losing an early wicket, Jackson Luckman and Evan McCoy took full advantage of the loose ball, with Luckman being able to bring up victory with the same shot as reaching his 30.

Following Luckman’s retirement, the Bridgewater bowlers controlled the game somewhat with Angus Ferguson and Emma O’Toole both chipping with two wickets apiece late in the game.

Bridgewater lost to Kingower Bridgewater

D. Stringer b T. Murphy 0

l. Lonsdale b T. Murphy 0

B. Smyth retired 21 H. Daldy c E. McCoy b R. Smith 1 S. Lister b X. Wilson 1

N. Harrison b X. Wilson 0

N. Wickham retired 5 H. Kilby c L. McCoy b C. Soulsby 0

I. Ferguson not out 1

Bowling T. Murphy 1-0-2-1, J. Luckman 2-10-1, E. McCoy 2-0-0-4, R. Smith 5-3-1-3, M. Lonza 5-1-0-12, X. Wilson 3-1-2-3, J. Souls by 2-0-0-9, F. Lonza 2-0-0-5, C. Soulsby 4-0-1-10, R. Leach 3-0-0-10.

Kingower

T. Murphy b D. Stringer 8 J. Luckman retired 30 E. McCoy lbw N. Harrison 17 L. McCoy retired 0 R. Smith retired 2 M. Lonza b E. O’Toole 5 X. Wilson c S. Lister b A. Ferguson 1 C. Soulsby c L. Lonsdale b A. Ferguson 0 J. Soulsby c D. Stringer b E. O’Toole 0 R. Leach not out 0 F. Lonza not out 0 Extras 26 Total 6/89

Bowling D. Stringer 5-0-1-22, L. Lonsdale 5-0-0-20, N. Wickham 3-0-0-16, N. Harrison -1-1-7, B. Smyth 2-1-0-2, H. Kilby 2-0-0-5, Z. Power 2-0-0-2, S. Lister 2-1-0-4, A. Fergu son 2-1-2-2, E. O’Toole 2-0-2-6, I. Ferguson 1-1-0-0.

Alex Cockerell’s 15 helped push Boort to 127.

McKinley and Staniforth gave the Bulls a good start but wickets fell steadily as Crilly, Malone and Bear all joined the action.

Naughton’s 27 was the best for Bridgewater although Boort’s bowling was at times erractic, contributing 12 extras to the score.

Arnold lost to Wedderburn ARNOLD

Bowling: A Postle 7-1-2-12, I Holt 7-2-1-13,

Vander-Wetering 4-1-2-11, S Giorlando 6-1-0-29, L Holt 7-0-2-16, M Lockhart 2-00-13, C Hargraves 1-0-0-3, H Hargreaves 1-0-1-3.

WEDDERBURN

J Wendels 5-1-0-9, B Power 7-11-25, R Metelmann 4-0-0-35, M Dale 3-0-124, B Metelmann 2-0-2-11, K Hewett-Scull 1.3-0-2-6, J Power 1-0-1-10.

Boort Yando d Bridgewater BOORT-YANDO

Minogue not out 0 Extras 6 Total 6/127 (cc)

Bowling: T McKinley 7-1-1-13, H McKinley 7-2-1-15, T Naughton 7-0-1-44, D Harrison 7-1-0-19, TM Staniforth 5-0-1-28, L Lons dale 2-0-0-4.

BRIDGEWATER

T McKinley c W Gould b L Malone 13 TM Staniforth b D Crilly 16 H McKinley b L Malone 9 D Harrison b F Bear 5 T Naughton not out 27 L Lonsdale c J Smith b D Crilly 0 N Harrison b W Gould 1 C Lister st J Smith b F Bear 0 WE Beagley b L Malone 4

Extras 12 Total 87

Bowling: J Hodoras 1-0-0-5, A Cockerell 4-0-0-22, D Crilly 6-3-2-11, L Malone 5.2-03-13, F Bear 7-0-2-23, L Slatter 1-0-0-4, W Gould 1-0-1-7.

M NO HS Runs Av

Braydon Welsh (Kingower) 4 0 80 138 34.50

Luke Holt (Wedderburn) 4 1 53* 127 42.33

Harry McKinley (Bridgewater) 5 0 49 111 22.20

Jarrod Hodoras (Boort Yando) 5 0 42 101 20.20

O M R W B Av Str

Tom McKinley (Bridgewater) 35 5 98 13 5/22 7.54 16.15

Fergus Bear (Boort Yando) 35 2 140 13 5/49 10.77 16.15

Kyle Simpson (Kingower) 33.1 7 100 11 4/10 9.09 18.09

Drew Crilly (Boort Yando) 34 15 46 8 4/8 5.75 25.50

Lachlan de Jong (Kingower) 22 1 82 8 3/16 16.50 3.73

Ryan Metelmann

Isaac Holt claims the first wicket. AP PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

FOUR ‘FIRM’ IN AFL RULE

LODDON Valley football’s junior clubs will remain in a four-team competition unless AFL Central Victo ria finds more sides before March.

The commission last Friday confirmed it would run an un der 18 competition in 2023, four months after its review of junior structure across local leagues was to have been released.

Inglewood, Marong, Bridgewater and East Loddon Rams are currently the only confirmed sides in the new competition.

Loddon Valley league clubs earlier voted to hand their junior competition to AFL Central Vic toria and end a 63-year involve ment in youth football that start ed in 1959 when Newbridge won the first flag of seven flags.

The competition started as un der 16s before the age was raised by 12 months in the 1980s and then under 18 in 2015.

AFL Central Victoria says it has consulted with leagues and clubs across the greater Bendigo region about future junior football struc tures.

Loddon Valley president Simon Tuohey said there was local sup port for the new format that of fered opportunity for expansion and more games for junior foot ballers. “This is actually a chance for our clubs and our game to grow,” Tuohey said.

AFL Central Victoria general manager Craig Armstead said only Loddon Valley clubs had committed to the new competi

tion so far but no deadline had been set for finalisation of teams in the first season.

“We want to wait as late as we can to allow possible clubs to form, however, (we) will need to finalise for competition purpos es,” Armstead said.

AFL Central Victoria also said no limit had been set for the number of clubs in the competi tion that will see junior clubs play at the same venue as senior clubs

where possible. When asked how many clubs the competition would have, Armstead said: “As many as we can get.”

Loddon Valley’s under 18 com petition was saved this season when league leaders supported formation of the East Loddon Rams, a composite team draw ing players from Bears Lagoon Serpentine, Mitiamo and Calivil clubs.

Several juniors from the Rams

made senior and reserves ap pearances with their home clubs.

Maiden Gully did not field a side citing lack of competition.

Inglewood and Bridgewater clubs earlier this year backed a new regional competition.

A similar structure has been introduced in AFL Barwon cov ering the Geelong region where junior leagues had also struggled for clubs and players in recent years.

Screaming way into grand final

THE TASTE for finals is growing among Ingle wood youngsters.

After the joy of seeing the local junior football side play a thrilling final, the town’s young net ballers have carried their cheering winter enthusi asm into summer.

And last night the Screaming Divas were playing ENSC Opals in the grand final of Golden City Association’s 14 and un der twilight competition in Bendigo.

The Divas, as the Wood ies are called ion summer, had gone through the season undefeated, The summer season team has aimed to keep players together and build confidence as the Wood ies look to lift up the lad der in the 2023 Loddon Valley season.

Said parent Suzi Birthis el: “They have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play socially ... they’ve played very strongly all season.”

And also flying the Lod don flag last night was Calivil in the 13 and under grand final.

Calivil was playing South Bendigo Symons who defeated the Demons in a semi-final by a single goal.

Next week’s Loddon Herald will have coverage of our local young sports stars in grand final action.

Loddon Valley president Simon Tuohey ... opportunity to grow and engage. LH PHOTO