Loddon Herald 9 February 2023

THE Loddon is officially home to Australia’s best shortcut bacon and continental sausages.

Boort’s Arnold Family Butchers on Saturday took out its first Australian Meat Industry Council’s National Sausage King awards in Adelaide.

“We were just in shock ... to reach the national finals is hard and to win even harder,” said Jye Arnold on Monday.

“We were up against butchers who hire chefs and our butchers in a small town has come up best against the top in Australia. We know our products sell well but to achieve at a national level is crazy.”

Jye and wife Kristy had made the national finals once before in their six years running the local butchers and have been regularly in the trophies at regional and state finals. “We’ll keep doing what we do. This year turned out to be our year but next year could be different,” he said.

Jye and Kristy officially won the best bacon bacon with its shortcut bacon style and best continental sausage for the Italian Casalinga variety.

No Amen to prayer, 21 tell ministers

A LODDON Shire councillor is among a group of 21 wanting the State Government to formally ditch the option of saying the Lord’s Prayer to open local government meetings.

Cr Wendy Murphy’s name was at the bottom of a letter sent to Premier Daniel Andrews and government ministers last week.

Cr Murphy, one of four councillors outside Melbourne and Greater Geelong listed in the letter, said she had received a phone call in mid-2021 and then an email before Christmas that year from the group Councillors for Secular meetings.

She had seconded a motion by now-Loddon Mayor Dan Straub the previous December that saw Loddon drop the opening Lord’s Prayer for an affirmation.

“The last email (from the group) asked if I wanted to be included in the letter. I didn’t respond,” she said.

When contacted, Cr Murphy said she told the group Loddon Shire had switched to the affirmation. The letter called on the Government to “issue a good practice guideline or direction or advice” on opening council meetings. At the 2021 Census, 52 per cent of Loddon residents listed having a religion.

years plus 2 year option, payment 6 months in advance. Fodder or cereal production only. Tender closes: Thursday 2nd March 2023 at 3pm

Bringing the bacon back to Boort ... national industry award winners Jye and Kristy Arnold celebrate success. MAIN IMAGE LH PHOTO

Cr Wendy Murphy

AFEW weeks ago we introduced you to Ollie, the parrot continuing to audition for a speaking role as a receptionist at Bridgewater Caravan Park. Today, meet Rex the kelpie who has obviously been hanging around sheep too long. Rex is the trusty four-legged assistant in the shearing shed and sheep pens for Ken Pattison out Fernihurst way. Rex has an affinity with the shearers and classers who keep him warm (sure needed a fleece or two in that cold snap last week). “He is my best mate. He listens and doesn’t answer back,” says Ken. “I can’t go anywhere without him. He is at the door when I put my boots on every day.”

KEN’S boots can be left at the door if he’s thinking about joining the new incarnation of twilight bowls happening in Bridgewater ... some are turning up barefoot and were quite possibly at risk of chilblains when things kicked off last Wednesday. And among the team rink leaders is none other the former club acting, interim pro tem chairman of

selectors, The Oracle. Seems The Oracle has had a few challenges getting his team together. He has had to enlist support from Stinga, he of inconsistent with the elite Calivil pennant line-up. The Oracle has even attempted to twist the arm of OTF to make an appearance ... we might just do that!

ONE of Stinga’s near neighbours has just had a night out at a Thai restaurant ... having been craving the cuisine for so long, ordered up big from the multi-dish buffet offering. Size of order saw owner and chef suddenly standing table-side, convinced staff had bungled the order. Took a bit of convincing that the order was genuine ... and to prove it, not a morsel was left on the plate.

ACOUPLE of old farmers were overheard in a country watering hole. First farmer asked what the sign said, taped to a beer can on the shelf. Second farmer chuckled: “That’s donated by old mate, as no one would believe ‘the Mayor’ had shouted him.” Farmer two explained: “The Mayor!? He so tight he covers his cow pats in the paddock so the crows can’t steal them”. We’re told this is a true yarn from a real place in a locality well known to all.

AND finally this week, in case there are any Queenslanders reading OTF, XXXX did come in as No 4 for draught beer in 2022, behind Coopers, Victoria Bitter and James Boag. Then followed Tooheys, Carlton Draught, Great Northern Brewing and Hahn.

Bill back in studio life

BILL Offord has spent more than a decade travelling Australia and painting landscapes under the low awning of his caravan.

“Even when it’s cold and wet ... that’s terrible,” said the Englishman who has been in Australia since 1966 and has decided to stay put in Inglewood.

“It’s nice to be in a studio again. I haven’t had one since 2010 in Sydney.”

Bill has set up his temporary studio in the old Porter’s corner building with plans for a more permanent presence in an adjoining building when new owners Pauline and Gerry Wellman complete renovations.

Many of Bill’s paintings had been in storage for more than a decade and he is now putting new life into the creations while

picking up brush and pallet knife working on new canvasses.

He says more abstract works start with an idea and then the painting evolves. “I want the painting to be itself.”

His landscapes start with a sketch of a local tree, capturing his love for the bushland around central Victoria with animals and scenery added in the studio.

Bill has been staying in Inglewood for three months every year and still has a bit of the travel itch. However, the opportunity to again have a studio has ensured a more permanent home.

And his smaller works on sale are raising money for the Peter MacCallum Centre, as he continues to support cancer care. His wife Jenny died in 2011 with breast cancer.

Painting inside ... Inglewood artist Bill Offord. LH PHOTO

Tim’s overwhelmed

FARM maintenance contractor

Tim Heather despaired when discovering his mobile business truck had been stripped of power tools last week.

Tools and equipment worth more than $45,000 had been taken overnight from his truck’s storage shed.

But within 48 hours, last year’s Bendigo TAFE apprentice of the year had been overwhelmed with support and assistance from customers and businesses.

The turnaround became even better when police told him on Wednesday that many of the tools had been recovered.

“Every tool and piece of equipment taken is essential to my business and I was left wondering how jobs would get done,” Tim said.

“As people heard about what had happened, there were phone calls coming from everywhere.

“Farmers who get me in to do repairs on their equipment were among the first ... that was really humbling. The support has

been simply overwhelming. And firms where I had purchased tools and equipment since starting the business made arrangements for prompt replacement.

“They have all been amazing,”

Tim said as he installed new security cameras at the truck storage shed near Tarnagulla at the weekend to better safeguard equipment.

Tim also praised Loddon police for their investigation of the theft.

z A 44-year-old man was charged on Wednesday by police with theft and burglary offences.

Inglewood police arrested the man beside the Calder Highway at Maiden Gully after searching his vehicle and finding allegedly stolen tools and equipment.

The man has been remanded to a future court hearing.

Central Goldfields detectives are continuing investigation of the theft. People with information can contact detectives at Maryborough or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Hundreds canvassing art show success

ARTISTS from across Victoria have jumped at entering works in Pyramid Hill Progress Association’s art show and exhibition.

Almost 200 entries have come from around the state for the Major’s Vision competition and exhibition opening next week.

“We starting to get a bit excited,” said one of the organisers Terry Wood. “We are very pleased with artist support from many areas.”

The progress association has secured sponsorship to offer $4100 in prizemoney with the major section being works depicting the town’s famous hill.

And Mr Wood said dozens of artworks by local students would also be displayed in the town’s memorial hall for the 10-day exhibition.

“We think this is going to be a wonderful

Blooms trigger water deliveries

BLUE green algae blooms have triggered Coliban Water’s risk management plan at Mitiamo and Dingee.

The water authority has been carting water several times a week to boost supplies of non-potable water for the towns since last month.

Coliban has also increased water quality testing to monitor the situation.

“Following three years of high rainfall and flooding in the region in November 2022, high levels of run-off, organic matter and blue-green algae are impacting the quality of the raw water being sourced from the Goulburn, Murray and Campaspe Rivers,” Coliban has told Mitiamo customers ahead of a community meeting later this month.

“We are currently carting water to Mitiamo following algal blooms in the the Goulburn system.

“We complete regular sampling, testing and mains flushing in Mitiamo.

“Flushing is where water is released from a fire hydrant or access point at a high flow rate to clean water mains. It reduces natural sediment in the pipes to deliver clearer water and can assist with water pressure,” Coliban said.

Coliban said that to upgrade the Mitiamo supply to drinking water standard would take $5 million investment and funding was not available. “Coliban Water is required to make many critical investment decisions as part of its five-year planning cycle.”

Mitiamo’s raw water comes from the Goulburn system through the Waranga Western Channel.

Meanwhile, Coliban was this week scheduled to flush mains in Pyramid Hill as part of its annual maintenance schedule.

event for our town, showcasing fine quality artworks and inspiring local students and the community,” he said.

The exhibition will also feature a display of artefacts from Paul Haw’s Yung Bulug Keeping Place at Boort.

Mr Wood said entries in the art competition were now being judged by Bendigo artist Geoff Paynter ahead of the official opening.

Driver mentors

BULOKE Loddon L2P mentoring program is recruiting volunteer mentors to support young people obtain their driving licence. “The program has been running successfully in our region for a number of years and has assisted many young people to gain driving experience which was otherwise not possible,” said North Central LLEN’s pathways and project officer Barb Bear. L2P cars can be arranged for use in Boort, Wedderburn, Pyramid Hill and Charlton.

RAT collection points

FREE rapid antigen test kits can be collected from Loddon post office agencies. Loddon Shire Council has delivered supplies to post offices this week. Residents can get up to two packs of five RATs (10 free tests) each while people with disability and their carers can get 20 free tests under the State Government initiative. Just one case of COVID-19 was reported in Loddon last week.

Speed on agenda

CALDER Highway Improvement Committee representing councils between Melbourne and Mildura is expected to discuss Inglewood’s speed zone concerns when it meets next month. The Loddon representative Wendy Murphy said calls for a 40kmh zone would be raised.

Back in business after theft ... Tim Heather. LH PHOTO

Centre heads into centenary year

DINGEE Bush Nursing Centre last week entered a second century of service to the community.

Board president Geoff Thomas said formal celebrations would be held later in the year for the centre that has grown from a one-nurse service when it started in January 1923 to also providing allied health support to district residents.

“The bush nursing centre is highly valued by the community,” Mr Thomas said.

“We have important partnerships with Inglewood and District Health Service, Rochester Elmore District Health Service and Boort District Health that reduce the need for district residents to travel for care.

“We are ambulance first responders .... that has proven to be a God-send for the community on so many occasions.

“That’s a far cry from 100 years ago when a nurse hopped on her bicycle and rode for miles to see patients.”

Mr Thomas said Dingee was one of 15 bush nursing centres across Victoria that provided rural communities and residents with access to important health services.

A centenary year project is seeing East Loddon Historical Society members digitise all publications, correspondence and early records of the centre. “We have an amazing history to preserve and a great service to continue,” Mr Thomas said.

100 caring years - PAGE 17

Expressions of Interest Open for Community Reference Group Members

Loddon Shire Council are seeking expressions of interest for new members to join the Community Reference Group (CRG).

Any person that resides within the Loddon Shire and has a strong interest in their community is encouraged to put forward an expression of interest (EOI).

The role of the CRG is to consider, deliberate, make recommendations and advise on matters referred to them by Council. Applicants should be willing to be involved in reviewing, providing constructive and meaningful input on a number of key council strategic documents and future direction. Examples of when Council will engage the CRG include when:  There is a proposed change to Council activities or strategic direction which may a ect the community.

 There is a proposal for changing the way a public space looks, is named, used or enjoyed.

 Planning and developing major projects and capital works, including public buildings or other infrastructure.

Members of the group can be expected to be engaged for onehour sessions when required with the option to be either online or in person. It is preferred that applicants can commit to a 12-month period, however can elect to withdraw from the group at any time.

If you are interested in joining the CRG please forward your EOI to Tracy Hunt, Coordinator Governance on thunt@loddon.vic.gov.au by COB Friday 17 February 2023.

If you would like any further information please phone Tracy on (03) 5494 1200.

Small business bus making two stops in Loddon this month

Business Victoria’s Small Business Bus is making two stops in our Shire in February. Whether you are starting, building or transforming your business, the Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities.

These visits are an exciting opportunity for the community to receive expert advice from Monarch Institute one to one. Con dential sessions are 45 minutes, free of charge and bookings are essential. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day for the Bus

Concierge service. For more information visit business.vic.gov.au/ learning-and-advice/workshops- nd-small-business-bus

 Wedderburn – Tuesday 21 February 2023 10:00am to 4:00pm. Council o ce, Corner High and Kerr Streets. 41 High Street.

 Inglewood – Wednesday 22 February 2023 10:00am to 4:00pm.

 Outside Inglewood Community Hub. Corner Market and Verdon Street, Inglewood

PYRAMID Hill and the Wimmera town of Nhill are 260km apart.

But after Monday night’s screening of the latest episode in ABC-TV’s Back Roads presented by Heather Ewart, they now have two things in common - featuring on the show and the influx of immigrants.

Ewart explored how the migrants had helped and changed both communities.

Marilyn Fernandez was featured talking about coming to Australia to work in Tom Smith’s piggery and the community rallying to also bring her family from the Philippines. For Nhill, it was Karen refugees from Myanmar to work at the local duck processing factory in 2010.

Lily sets new target

LILY Finch is heading towards a new fundraising target as she prepares for the Challenge Brain Cancer this month.

The Wedderburn youngster has been selling raffle tickets for Team Jaxon in memory of her cousin who died with brain cancer.

Lily’s team including Jaxon’s father, sister and brother had originally hoped to raise $1000.

But with $1500 now raised, they have set a new target of $3000.

Bush nursing centre president Geoff Thomas and centre co-manager Kylie Smith ready for to continue service to the community. LH PHOTO

Flood damage repairs will take years, says Phillips

FLOOD repairs to Loddon roads and halls are expected to take until June 2025 to finish.

The road repair bill has been put at $60 million, Loddon Shire said this week.

Operations director Steven Phillips said council was developing a panel of contractors to repair damage following the October flood emergency.

“The panel of contractors will be required to provide quotations on packets of work. The entire program is expected to be ongoing until June 2025,” Mr Phillips said.

Topping the list of council-owned or insured infrastructure damaged in the floods are Bridgewater Caravan Park, Newbridge Recreation Reserve, Durham Ox Hall, Fentons Creek Hall, Bridgewater swimming hole, fencing at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park and canoe launchers along the Loddon River.

Internal walls at Durham Ox hall, managed by the local committee but insured through council, were removed last week ahead of repairs.

Mr Phillips said: “These (locations) are at various stages – with some being assessed and others currently being repaired. Council’s insurance agency is working through the details with the relevant community committees and council staff.

He said road assessments were also identifying opportunities for improvements.

“(However) the disaster recovery funding arrangement rules only allow funding to repair assets to their original condition – it does not cover improvements. Therefore, any road improvement costs must be covered by council,” Mr Phillips said.

“Some damage assessments have been

postponed so the impacts from harvest traffic on flood-affected roads is captured.

“There has also been a need to reassess some roads as the damage has grown over time as traffic has travelled over them.

“To put the situation that council finds itself into perspective – council’s total road expenditure in the 2022-2023 Budget is $6.7 million.

“The estimated repair bill for the flood damage to council’s road assets is approximately $60 million.”

Mr Phillips said potential improvements had been identified at 45 culverts, 15 floodways, on 2km of sealed roads and one bridge.

“The improvement components of these works will be considered for funding through council’s future budgets,” he said.

“In getting roads on our network open and usable again, more than 2,000 tonnes of gravel has been used in 34 locations,

with many more roads requiring grading. In order to get our roads useable within existing resources, council’s road management plan has been suspended.

“This means council’s usual road and footpath maintenance activities have been greatly reduced and we are not able to meet the repair timeframes as per that plan.

“As a result, council has seen an increase in customer requests for maintenance.

It is expected that the road management plan will remain suspended for a further six months. In the meantime, we ask the community to be patient and make sure you travel according to the conditions of the networks and adhere to the warning signs.”

The State Government announced an initial $165 million for road repairs in floodaffected council areas immediately after the October emergency.

Local road fix bill expected to rise

LODDON Shire’s road damage bill from the flood emergency is expected to grow.

Operations director Steven Phillips said about 95 per cent of the road network had been assessed and as the “data is reviewed over the coming weeks the damage tally will grow”.

The repair list already includes:

„ 117 culvert repairs or replacements

„ 56 floodway repairs

„ One bridge replacement - Spring Creek on Derby-Serpentine Road, Derby

„ 273km of gravel road re-sheets

„ Replacing 47km of unsealed road shoulders

„ 14.25km of sealed road to be rebuilt

“Council has had a team inspecting roads and capturing the damage in line with the State Government’s disaster recovery funding arrangements. This fund is there to help councils to restore their essential infrastructure such as roads after events such as the October floods,” Mr Phillips said.

Routes still closed

TWO roads near Boort remain closed almost four months after the October flood emergency.

Barraport-Minmindie Road and Billings Road are yet to re-open due to inundation, Loddon Shire said this week.

Operations director Steven Phillips said: “Since the floods in October 2022, council has been busy getting its road network open and safe for use.

“Over the duration of the flooding, at least 65 roads were closed for various lengths of time.

“If community members have an issue they would like to report they can contact council directly. Council takes its responsibility to provide a safe road network seriously and appreciates the community’s feedback. Council has designated staff who are responsible for taking these inquires.”

Come and join us at the Victoria Hotel in Pyramid Hill

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

Our winter trading hours are as follows MONDAY • OPEN 3.00PM

FROM 6.00PM

• OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

POT’N’PARMA NIGHT

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

THURSDAY • OPEN 11.00AM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

HAPPY HOUR 5.00-6.30

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

JOKER POKER 5.00-8.00

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE

SATURDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY • OPEN MIDDAY ALL DAY PIZZA MENU

Floodwaters surround Duxham Ox hall last October. Repairs will start soon.

TO SCHOOL ACROSS THE REGION

Prep intake ‘a modern record’

INGLEWOOD Primary School

principal Lex Johnstone is searching the records as the school has its largest prep enrolment in recent memory.

Mr Johnstone said this year’s class of 10 students was the largest year level for the school.

“Last year we had four come into the school at prep ... about half of this year’s enrolment has older brothers and sisters at the school,” Mr Johnstone said.

“It’s a biggest prep enrolment for a very long time.”

And there is one new face on staff at Inglewood for 2023 with Sarah Roediger teaching the Year 2-3 class.

There are also large prep enrolments at East Loddon P12 College with 18 new faces starting in Ms Bridie Milroy’s class while at Wedderburn College prep teacher Mrs Tanya Chalmers has a class of 12 students.

Wedderburn College assistant principal Dean Lockhart said the prep students had also been presented with their first school hat after the local Lions Club again made a donation to the school.

“The club’s ongoing support of new students every year is greatly appreciate by the school,.” Mr Lockhart said.

Projects on drawing board

FOUR Loddon schools are hoping to see building projects start this year.

The long-delayed $500,000 Bridgewater Primary School playground and oval upgrade is now listed by the State Government to be finished by June.

Principal Linda Kingsley said the school had been told work crews would arrive within the fortnight.

A $1.862 million upgrade and modernisation at Tarnagulla Primary is listed to be finished later this year.

Principal Leigh Mellberg said talks were continuing to deliver

all aspects of the project within the pre-COVID budget. Mr Mellberg said an outcome was expected within weeks on plans to replace floors, build a dedicated sick bay area and constuct a new basketball court and roof.

Meanwhile, a $12.9 million upgrade at Wedderburn College announced in last year’s State Budget in at the design stage as is the next stage of East Loddon P12 College’s upgrade that includes the school’s science classrooms.

Both P12 college projects are expected to be finished in early 2025.

Inglewood Primary School’s prep class of 2023 enjoy their first week of learning and activities. LH PHOTO

Pyamid Hill College prep teacher Tania Burke with students Amelia Stephens and Libby Martin. LH PHOTO

BACK TO SCHOOL ACROSS THE REGION

VCE pair in top scholar program

BOORT District School VCE students Ryan

O’Flaherty and Lucy Malone have had a flying start to study in 2023.

The Year 11 pair have been accepted into the prestige Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program at Melbourne University.

Principal Lee-Anne Sherwell said local students had been part of the program in previous years but to have two from the school in one year had not happened before.

The program started last month when

Lucy and Ryan were part of an induction session and will see them attend personal development and academic events during their VCE years and have access to revision lectures.

“We have been encouraging our students to apply for the program for more than a decade,” Ms Sherwell said.

Lucy is studying mathematics methods, specialist mathematics, chemistry, physics and human development while Ryan has chosen similar subjects and applied computing.

Lucy said: “The program is connecting us with like-minded people, people on a similar wave length.”

Ryan said access to additional learning resources would be a great benefit to his studies.

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is an academic enrichment program designed to support high achieving Victorian Year 11 and Year 12 students. Professor Kwong Lee Dow is a former University Vice-Chancellor, an education scholar, and contributor to curriculum reforms.

St Mary’s Inglewood prep teacher Tayla Fenwick and Nakodah McEwan in the school sandpit.

LH PHOTO

Odin Bennie and Arloe Wilson are this year’s prep students at Bridgewater Primary School where there has been an increase in enrolments. Principal Linda Kingsley said 12 students started classes last week.

LH PHOTO

Ryan O’Flaherty and Lucy Malone with principal Lee-Anne Sherwell.

LH PHOTO

FIRST

Left: Tarnagulla prep teacher Bree Gleisner with Axel Bass, Kosta Skliros and Skylah Long. Also in the prep class is Jesse Watters.

Right: Happy reading for Wedderburn College prep students and their teacher Tanya Chalmers.

Below right: The 10 prep students at Boort District School take a break in the playground. Below left: Teacher Bridie Milroy and assistant Sandy Lister with the prep students at East Loddon P12 College.

Workshop leads to trials

LODDON Plains Future Farmers Group last week hosted renowned holistic management educator Brian Wehlburg from Inside Outside Management for a three-day holistic planned grazing workshop intensive.

The workshop took participants through the concepts of holistic management originally developed by Allan Savoury.

Brian explained how these concepts and methods can be integrated into farming practices, utilising grazing animals to manage their farm holistically to improve profitability, biodiversity, time management, year round pasture and vegetation cover, maintain animal performance, and improve landscape resilience.

Initial sessions were focused on learning about how a farming ecosystem functions and how to use livestock as a tool for positive change in improving soils, managing and healing erosion and reduce the impact of drought.

The three-day course covered understanding ecosystem processes of water cycle, mineral cycle, solar energy flow and biodiversity; key insights into adopting a holistic approach to farm management -holism, landscape brittleness and managing time in relation to grazing and carrying capacity; using livestock to create a positive landscape impact.

The final two days were largely focussed toward grazing meth-

ods including managing of animal nutrition, drought and resilience, reducing stress, measuring available feed and annual pasture budgeting.

By far, the most popular session for participants was the final day of the workshop, where participants were encouraged to put their new knowledge into action by utilising these principles to develop their own holistic management grazing chart, using methods to plan an annual planned grazing approach includ-

ing calculating pasture recovery periods for maximum vegetation cover, developing appropriate paddock rotations and developing a greater understanding of estimating carrying capacity across a farm.

With this new knowledge, LPFFG and workshop participants will continue to develop these methods with a series of on farm-trials being developed and monitored over the coming months.

- DANNY PETTINGILL

PRIMARY PRODUCER INFORMATION SESSION

All Primary Producers are invited to a FREE weather and protein market outlook featuring Channel 7’s Jane Bunn and JBS’ Steve Chapman and Brendon Geary

FEBRUARY 23RD & 24TH

Town Hall

23rd

Eaglehawk Football Netball Club

Friday 24th February 9:30am - 11:30am Morning tea provided

SHEEP MARKET

THERE was similar lamb supply at Bendigo on Monday but sheep numbers more than doubled off the low yarding of a week ago.

Demand for lamb was weaker and often erratic over a plainer quality yarding that didn’t quite have the shape and finish of last Monday.

Prices were from $5 to $10 softer over light and trade lambs, but up to $15 came off the heavier lambs sized above 26kg cwt that had been selling very strongly at recent markets.

One major exporter only wanted heavy grass fed lambs today and auctioneers were advising if pens were off grain or grass.

Heaviest shorn lambs over 30kg cwt $224 to a top of $259. The heavy 26-30kg lambs fluctuated from $197 to $238 depending on fat cover and shape.

Best heavy trades $194 to $212; medium trades in 22-24kg range $170 to $197. The ballpark cost for all those processing lambs was 760c to 820c/kg cwt.

Better bred light lambs $100 to $135 to a mix of restocking and processing. There was a draft of Dorpers from NSW pastoral country which were announced as being suspect for seed contamination and these were severely discounted.

Demand lifted for sheep with all classes of mutton dearer, led by heavy ewes which gained up to $20/head. There was some buying activity for the Cobram abattoir which re-opened this

week. Big crossbred ewes $118 to $150, and heavy Merinos in a skin to $144. General run of sheep $70 to $110.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

WJ Whatley Goornong (20) $248, P Webb Bridgewater (50) $245, SN & DA Turnbull Bridgewater Nth (40) $238, AK Collins Bridgewater (77) $235, Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (85) $233, TJ & AB Dixon Echuca (8) $230, D & C Gunther Pyramid Hill (62) $230, Raleigh Estate Rochester (71) $228, Wokanmel Past Co Rochester (31) $225, D & H McKinley Leichardt (47) $224, P & T Colvin Powlett Plains (34) $224, Wattleton P/L Traynors Lagoon (47) $224, G & L Langley Newbridge (60) $224, DJ & AL

GRAIN

Brian Wehlburg speaks at last week’s workshop.

Sustainable necessities drive farming future

SMALLER farms meant British agriculture was more efficient and environmentally sustainable with a greater preparedness to experiment.

That’s how Serpentine’s Macey Holland views a country that imports 60 per cent of its agricultural products after studying in Britain as a 2022 Horizon Scholar.

Macey returned to Australia just before Christmas and is now preparing to start the third year of her agricultural science degree at Melbourne University.

“In Britain, farmers don’t have the space to rest paddocks and must give more attention to detail and efficient practices to get through,” she said.

Macey said one study project during her time at University of Reading on the scholarship funded by Australian research and development corporations was gathering data on irrigation of a maize crop.

“The modelling was to get the best yield growing maize in Spain ... how much water would be too much,” she said.

“More water means money being wasted unnecessarily.”

Macey said the study project showed what could be achieved with efficient use of water.

“We struggle with water use although In the Australian context, we are not a poor country but in terms of infrastucture and use of water we are. We don’t have the money to pipe into the middle of Australia.”

University of Reading plans to be net zero carbon by 2030, a sustainability theme Macey takes up championing future farming practices for Australian cropping.

She said it was “fantastic to have quality

and elite grain” but it still needed to be at an affordable price.

““We could get to the point that no one can afford to buy the grain and what’s the point of that? Barriers need to change. We can sit on a pedestal and say we grow the best food but if no one buys ....?”

Macey said agriculture was fundamental to Australia’s economy and supply chain “but not enough people realise that”.

“Agriculture is often swept under the rug because you can buy food at the supermarket,” she said. “In Australia we need to educate kids that food doesn’t come from the supermarket.”

Macey said the Horizon scholarship had played an important role in shaping and refining her ideas for professional pathways in agriculture.

“Farming is a self-led profession and I want to be doing my bit. Agriculture is not a full stop profession.”

Macey is majoring in economics and sees a plethora of future pathways including trade, marketing, wool and grain.

She admits to wanting to know how every step of the production chain happens.

“I’m probably more business minded and see some attraction towards agricultural marketing or leading into supply chain management.

“There are so many opportunities. The scholarship is providing me the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the agricultural science industry.

“When I finish my degree, I am interested in pursuing a career involving trade and sustainable resource management.

Group appoints research manager

UNIVERSITY of Sydney PhD researcher and educator Yolanda Plowman has been appointed Birchip Cropping Group senior research manager.

With a doctoral thesis in agricultural microbiology and role as educator of microbiology and food security at the University of Sydney, the group says Ms Plowman’s appointment is a boon for the region.

“Yolanda’s zeal and experience researching and extending sustainable agricultural solutions and opportunities to farmers and industry is why she is the right fit for BCG,” said CEO Fiona Best.

“Her ethos matches ours: to be driven by our farmers, rigorously research opportunities and share solutions to ensure farmers across the nation are prosperous.”

However, I am also really passionate about building relationships between rural and metropolitan communities.

“A main goal of mine is to educate those who are not familiar with farming or farm-related practices and promote the agriculture industry with honesty and transparency,” said Macey as she prepared for the new university year.

Including shearing shed – 3 stand with attached sheep yards and spray dip. In 4 paddocks.

Machinery Shed 19m x 6.5 m Zinc alum & steel construction with earth floor.

2nd Machinery Shed 29m x 8m Gal Iron construction with earth floor.

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Land – Loam top to a clay base with lovely arable flats, excellent grazing or cropping allotment.

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Seed conduit to top production

HANNAFORD has been at the forefront in seed treating and processing technology in Australia for almost a century.

And the local face of the only national seed grading, cleaning, and professional treating business in Australia is born and bred local Byron Bird.

Byron has taken on the franchise area across the Loddon, Buloke and adjoining districts and is coming off his second harvest helping local farmers with Hannaford products and services.

Byron grew up on the family sheep and cropping farm in Wychitella where his grandfather, father and uncles all farmed.

After completing a fitting and turning apprenticeship, Byron worked in both mining and agriculture for 20 years in varied roles from header mechanic and farmhand to sub-contracting in factory maintenance and mine project work. He spent 10 years flying all over Australia doing breakdown and service work.

While farming is in his blood, Byron never had the opportunity to own a farm. It was a chance meeting that bought him back solely to agriculture and running his own business.

“I happened to be out on a local farm helping with an air seeder pre-season when the local Hannaford truck was there on a job,” said Byron.

“I’d known Bernie Laffin, the Hannaford franchise owner, since I was a young fella, and he approached me wondering if I was interested in taking on the business as he was looking to retire.

“My grandfather used Hannaford and I’ve always known about them. I see a real future in agriculture.

“COVID has taught me that nothing’s guaranteed, but we’ll always need food and people will always need to eat.

“Agriculture is big business and there’s more and more technology, more young people entering the industry, so I see a

good future in it.” Byron added that the idea of working for himself was appealing, while being a franchisee gave him the backing of a bigger business, a customer base to work with and good support.

“I like that at the end of the day the buck stops with you. You’re in control of your own destiny – if you work hard and put the effort in then you’ll be rewarded.”

“I work under the philosophy that the customer is always right,” said Byron, “And no job is too small – the small cropping farms are just as important as the larger farms.”

“Farmers are great to work with and I appreciate that everyone is flexible with cleaning time slots if I’ve had a break down or bad weather. Farmers are willing to work with you to get the job done.”

Having grown up locally, the region has always been home to Byron. He plays golf at the Wedderburn club and is a member of the Wychitella Fire Brigade and the lo-

cal historical and machinery society. “Even when I wasn’t living here all the time, where you grow up is always home and the place I came back to time and again.”

“I have good customers, most of whom I knew already and and the last two harvests, while there have been challenges, have allowed me to help farmers get the best from their crops,” Byron said.

Since 1925, Hannaford has become synonymous with mobile, on-farm seed management, seed processing and seed treatment. It continues to focus its efforts in those areas of Australian agriculture best suited to this unique and highly effective business.

As seed continues to be recognised as a valuable conduit for improving production, it’s even more imperative today that growers “insure” their investment in seed with pro-active quality management of their seed inputs, says local Hannaford franchisee Byron Bird.

Byron Bird visits local farmers with Hannaford’s mobile seed management, processing and treatment services.

Students show Aussie spirit

AUSTRALIA Day celebrations across the Loddon brought added cheer for dozens of local school students.

They had entered the shire’s annual Australia Day art competition.

Winners and highly commended students in literature, colouring and photography were presented with certificates during local ceremonies.

Winning entries were - Literature: Violet Stephenson (Wedderburn), Lucy Scott (Pyramid Hill College), Tia Gould (Pyramid Hill College), Ruby Mitchell (Pyramid Hill College), Cecily Farrar (Pyramid Hill College), Demi Lee (Pyramid Hill College), Mia Farrar (Pyramid Hill College), Mia Braun (Pyramid Hill College), Ilish Fawcett (East Loddon College), Jack Canham (Inglewood Primary), Thomas De Guzman (St Patrick’s Primary).

Colouring : Sofia Caserta (Wedderburn), Archie Polkinghorne (Wedderburn), Lucy Scott (Pyramid Hill College). Photography: Abby Wilson (St Mary’s Primary).

Highly commended – colouring: Elizabeth Marr, Annalise Tate, Avah Cook, Sahara Edwards, Lexi Ambler, Hunter Nelson, Edmund Wilson, Izzy Guy, Lilith Angelo, Lucy Buckingham, Vivi Read, Thomas De Guzman, Jett Mitchell, Edie Gould, Hayley Simmonds, Maddie Leerson,

Tobias Wiltshire. Photography: April Reid, Jordan Pickering, Olivia Morrison, Lucy Scott, Hayley Simmonds.

Literature: Bastian Noordennen, Blaz Cramp, Ava Rose, Addison Roberts, Matilda Boadle, Shelbie Brereton, Jed Paton, Xavier Rowan, Jayden Smith, Thane Ball, Elvis, Ward, Rico Aggenbach, Trisha De

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

Guzman, Matilda Mowat, Ize Pantig, Jace Pacala, Ronnie Jessop, Max Twigg, Brady Gilmore, Elsie Poole, Isabella Kunde, Sasha Lobb, Riley Fergusson.

Rylan Chislett, Jack Gould, Eloise Walters, Ellesha Ferguson, Jasmine Twigg, Rose Bone, Josephine Marie Ceballos, Ruby-Sue Lawson.

Government adds more river camp sites to list

CAMPING has been allowed on the Serpentine Creek at Fernihurst as the State Government continues rolling out new locations on Crown land licenced to farmers.

In an updated list of Crown land sites, the Government says camping and fishing on the banks of Serpentine Creek in No 2 Weir Road is allowed.

The sites have been described as “Fernihurst camping area 1”.

Local farmers were told last year their licenced land was being assessed as a possible camp sites.

They claimed the land was infested with the noxious weed silver nightshade and camping would pose biosecurity risks.

A camp area has also been formally declared for the Serpentine Creek at durham Ox.

And four sites have been listed on the

Come and join us during our winter trading times. We will keep you warm with a range of specials and classic pub meals.

Government website for the Bul-a-Bul Creek at Arnold, Sloans Road Bridgewater and off Bridgewater-Serpentine Road.

There are 21 sites on the Loddon River between Baringhup and south of Kerang. More district farmers have received assessment letters this year.

The Government has listed just one site on the Bet Bet Creek, between Dunolly and Timor.

$1.5m price tag on highway change

RE-ALIGNMENT of a dangerous Wimmera Highway intersection will cost $1.466 million.

The State and Federal Governments last Wednesday released details of the project, a fortnight after work started at the intersection with Bridgewater-Maldon Road and more than five years after the fix had been promised.

“More than 2000 vehicles use this section of the highway each day, including more than 240 trucks and other heavy vehicles. This upgrade will ensure the Wimmera Highway can continue to safely support the industries in the region including agriculture, viticulture, mining and tourism,” their statement said.

The intersection is being widened and remodelled from a “Y” into a “T” intersection, improving driver visibility and allowing vehicles to safely enter and exit the Wimmera Highway.

The works also dedicated right and left turning lanes, a new raised median on the continuation of the Highway towards Bendigo, and installing safety barriers and street lighting.

Works have a total project cost of $1,466,000, with the Australian Government contributing $1,172,800 and the Victorian Government $293,200.

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Vivi Reid, Lucy Buckingam and Lilith Angelo receive their certificates at Australia Day celebrations in Tarnagulla. LH PHOTO

Road works at Newbridge. LH PHOTO

Words, rhymes get you moving

PYRAMID Hill Neighbourhood House connects community through its weekly programs for people from across the district.

Co-ordinator Kim Bennett says every day brings smiling faces to the neighbourhood house in Kelly Street.

“Whether youngsters with their parents or our senior members of the community, there’s always fun and smiles abounding at our weekly activities.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone coming together or dropping in to just say hello.”

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House Business Services also offers printing, simple desktop publishing, and design services and use of computers and wifi.

It is the local access point for government services, including Services Australia for Centrelink and Medicare while Kim said the house has been busy assisting district residents apply for the $250 government Power Saving Bonus.

“Many people who attend our weekly Word Thursdays or check

Regular activities

books at the exchange also pop into to the library. Goldfields Library makes regular weekly visits and books can also be ordered for borrowers,” Kim said.

“This is an amazing service that visitors to the neighbourhood house really appreciate.”

One of the neighbourhood house’s big achievements in 2022 was securing a State Government grant to purchase a community car.

The car, named, Cleo-patra, is now taking residents on regular shopping trips, to the Blood Bank or to an important appointment.

“Thanks to our amazing local volunteers, Cleo is providing an important service for local residents and it’s a door-to-door service!

But because Cleo is so popular, bookings are essential.”

A community organisation expo last year was an initiative supported by the neighbourhood house and raised awareness of the many clubs and groups in town and opportunities for people to volunteer.

“Our small meeting rooms are well

z Community Pantry. A free service with a range of items from pantry staples to toiletries. Open 24 hours.

z Fridays at 9.30am. Musical program for mums and dads, babies and toddlers.

z Moderate Movers. Tuesdays at 9.30am. Seniors Rooms, McKay St. Bring your own exercise mat, towel and drink bottle. This is an active exercise group!

z Ar t, Craft and Coffee. First Thursday of the month at 9.30am. Drop in to learn watercolour techniques or bring a project to work on and get some guidance.

used by the community and also ideal for small businesses looking for a meeting place in town.

“We offer the meeting room at no charge to our local community groups and not-for-profits.”

Another important service provided by Kim through the neighbourhood house is grant writing services for community groups

“We look to support the unbelievable group work of local people and organisations,” she said.

z Social Coffee Mornings. Tuesday mornings we catch up over a cuppa and some morning tea.

z Book Swap. We have a Little Library out the front of Neighbourhood House. Come and choose a book, or donate a book!

z Book Club. Our popular last Wednesday of the month club for book lovers!

Coming in 2023

z Community Garden and Seed Bank

z Community Lunches

Pyramid Hill Christmas Market

z December ... yes we will do it again!

“Rural groups are always looking for vital funding opportunities to get important local projects started.

“We can assist you with finding appropriate grants for your projects, mentoring you to write your own grant applications, we can be your auspice organisation. It’s all about helping and strengthening the community.”

And Kim says there’s a great year ahead for Pyramid Hill Community House.

“The neighbourhood house website will have a revamp, we’ve some exciting announcements coming on a community garden and seed bank and there will be activities and events with guest speakers,” she said. “A welcome pack for new community members is being prepared and there will be weaving workshops and more to keep bringing smiles to the neighbourhood house.”

“Our little neighbourhood house is the heart of the town!” said Kim.

Part of drive helping rural towns flourish

AS THE staff at the Wedderburn Community House prepare for the giant Town Garage Sale and Plant Clearance on the March long weekend, it is easy to understand why it is referred to as the hub of the community. Wedderburn Community House has certainly come a long way since its inception back in 1991.

The neighbourhood house was initially established in a small shop front on the High Street by Josie Williams and a group of local ladies.

Now located in the original primary school built in 1868, with a large extension added in 2014, the house has retained the school’s delightful character with arched timber ceilings, box sash windows and blackboards.

“This is always a talking point for people when they come in to renew licenses through our VicRoads agency,” commented present co-ordinator Marg van Veen.

“The community is very fortunate to have not only a VicRoads office here, but we are also a Centrelink agency, Goldfields Library agency, we have a gymnasium, community garden and nursery, internet café, and throughout the year we run a wide range of courses, activities and events.”

Classes range from weekly patchwork sessions through to food hygiene and RSA certificates.

Last year some of the most popular courses were horticulture and woodwork, giving people the confidence and knowledge to pursue new interests and businesses opportunities. This year learning options are being extended with creek restoration, furniture restoration and virtual reality to name just a few.

“Community is what we are all about,” volunteer Barb said. “It is so wonderful to have the community house back running lunches, bingo, dances, markets and all the other activities bringing the community together to enjoy each other’s company. COVID made us realise just how important community is.”

One of the strengths of the town is groups and businesses partnering for the benefit of the whole community.

Over the past three years the Wedderburn Community House has spearheaded three such projects.

In 2019 Rejoov Salon was an extraordinary project developed from financial donations and renovation works by members in the community.

Since then it has fostered numerous new businesses, trained youth and ensured Wedderburnians are the best coiffed people in the region. The following year the community house was the lead agency in making the

Birds Eye View mural project a reality, bringing visitors to the town and igniting a passion in the community for our local flora and fauna.

Last year the community house took over an empty shop on the High Street and turned it into the much-loved Peppercorn Op Shop.

“It is through ventures like these that small rural towns can flourish, becoming not just destinations for visitors, but places people choose to call home,” said Marg van Veen.

“Wedderburn is a thriving community and I like to think that the community house has had something to do with that,” said Marg van Veen.

Upcoming events

z Giant Town Garage Sale –Sat 11th March

z Massive Plant Clearance, Sat 11th-Sun 12th March

z Community lunch & Malaysian Inn Pop Up Café, Tuesdays

z Spring Dance, Friday 20th October

z Garden Expo, Sunday 22nd October

z Xmas On High, Thursday 7th December

Courses in 2023

z Creek Restoration starting soon

z Annual Shearing School September

z First Aid/CPR

z Patchwork every Monday

z Researching family history

z RSA & Food Hygiene Certificates

z Online banking

z Office Skills & Working in Retail

z Woodworking

z Furniture Restoration

z Horticulture/Gardening

z Basic Bookkeeping

z Digital Essential I & II

z Social Media

z Virtual Reality, experience out of this world

Di Robertson and Meryl Wiseman volunteering at Peppercorn Op Shop

Sue-Anne Hackett and Denise Caulfield

FEATURES

Nourishing character

By Cr WENDY MURPHY

AFTER attending Australia Day Celebrations in both Bridgewater and Inglewood I reflected on the volunteers in Loddon Shire.

The Community Vision 2031/Council Plan 2021-2025 describes the Loddon community as “a community of communities. Our identity is drawn from our people and their strength. Our character is born of the land and how it nourishes our community and provides for the economic, social, and recreational pursuits of our community’.

This description rings true for what I have seen particularly over the past few months. Communities getting things done. People have got in there and whether you call it volunteering or just doing what comes naturally and supporting each other, the recent events have not stopped the people of Loddon. Many have taken time out to rest and refuel. It can be difficult to recognise when you need that time and put yourself before the expectations of others, particularly those visiting and staying in our towns.

Whether a business shut its doors for a few days or farmers find a day or two to get away, self-care is important.

The Volunteering Practices in the Twenty-First Century Report (Millora, 2020) captured a key change in volunteering

Acknowledge of country

Sir, I note with concern the article in the Loddon Herald (February 2) regarding Loddon Shire debate on acknowledgement of country.

Quite frankly I find it an affront to the traditional owners for the matter to be debated without any input from the traditional owners themselves.

The Dja Dja Wurrung should be asked for their opinion on what they consider to be right and proper in terms of acknowledgement. Such opinion should be tabled at council and considered in any debate.

Full credit to councillors Murphy and Jungwirth for demonstrating a more appropriate level of thought to this issue.

As for the polarising opinions mentioned in the article, I am sure there are still people around who believe the earth is flat, the White Australia policy should still be in place and women should not have the vote.

Such people are in the minority but usually simply more vocal than the majority. Leadership is what is called for here and not continuing to exist in anachronistic mentalities. As I have

with volunteering being shaped by broader social issues and patterns: disasters, climate change and humanitarian volunteer efforts. This leaves people tired, worn out and wanting to take time out not wanting to take more on. Are we facing more of this in the future with extremes in weather, disease outbreaks (in humans, animals, plants) and social shift patterns and need to adjust?

What is the future of volunteering though? What is the future of formal groups? The Volunteering in Loddon 2022 survey captured the voices of 170 volunteers. Informal (58 per cent) and projectbased volunteering (46 per cent) were the highest preferred ways to volunteer with the under 25 age group almost twice as likely to want to volunteer informally compared to other age groups.

Time needed to commit to being on the executive of groups is ever increasing. Time is one of the barriers keeping people from volunteering; 61 per cent of volunteers who filled in a survey were volunteering for two or more organisations/ groups.

Then there is the need for insurance, registering online, filling in this form and that form, finding funding opportunities and filling out applications. Throw in organis-

travelled around Australia, I see so many shires acknowledging at the entrance to the Shire the traditional owners of the country which you are entering. Such acknowledgement is demonstrably absent in Loddon and should be considered. Our society is well past the time for colonialist attitudes and it is high time for a far more enlightened and inclusive approach, which for me would also mean shifting the celebration of Australia Day away from January 26.

RicRaftis Wedderburn

Local duck numbers low

Sir, I noticed two letters printed (Loddon Herald February 2), most likely from Field and Game Australia, promoting duck shooting explaining what great environmentalist and caring people that duck shooters are. As far as I know, neither gentlemen live anywhere near the Loddon Shire.

I have just visited some of our wetlands including Lake Boort, Lake Lyndger and Yando Swamp, I have never seen duck numbers so low.

A local identity paid me a visit last week

ing events, projects, reporting, assessing, monitoring, oops you did that wrong, do it again….throw your hands up, yell at the computer and walk away.

Is it time to look at sharing resources and working together? Why try to go it alone when many hands make light work? Seek assistance from other groups who may have expertise to help out.

Don’t expect dozens of people to put their hands up to join a committee, but put something in front of people that they can think about helping out with. Don’t make things too big that they get out of hand and scare people away. Be open about what it is your group does and what might be expected if they join up.

Council supports volunteers across programs/groups that it directly manages i.e. Visitor Information Centre, Community Asset Committees, Meals on Wheels and committees of management for Crown land facilities as well as offering support to a range of other community groups operating in Loddon. How much more can we expect of our volunteers when many people are finding it difficult to find the time to find time for themselves, let alone find time to volunteer.

*WendyMurphyLoddonShire InglewoodWardcouncillor

concerned about the few ducks that are left are breeding at the moment and for this reason alone, duck shooting should be banned this year. He said “If the duck shooting season goes ahead many nests and chicks will be abandoned”.

Both he and I were keen duck shooters in the past and now have a different view because of the decline in bird numbers across Victoria. I am surprised how many other shooters have the same opinion around Boort.

Last season, I was shocked how much firewood disappeared from Yando Swamp and Lake Leaghur, all taken home by duck shooters, not to mention the large camp fires burning destroying the habitat while locals can’t collect firewood from the wetlands throughout the year. I get so disappointed when I see duck shooters camping on Aboriginal cooking mounds and many scarred trees go missing, there needs to be training and respect for the past.

Recently I had a meeting with some ecologists to plan planting thousands of red gums as the water recedes in our wetlands to restore them. If Field and Game was genuine, they would come and help.

PaulHaw Boort

1. In which part of your body would you find the cruciate ligament?

2. What is the name of the main antagonist in the Shakespeare play Othello?

3. What element is denoted by the chemical symbol Sn in the periodic table?

4. How many of Henry VIII’s wives were called Catherine?

5. What is the name of the 1976 film about the Watergate scandal, starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman?

6. Which popular video game franchise has released games with the subtitles World At War and Black Ops?

7. In what US State is the city Nashville?

8. What is the currency of Denmark?

9. Which Tennis Grand Slam is played on a clay surface?

10. In which European country would you find the Rijksmuseum?

11. How many films have Al Pacino and Robert De Niro appeared in together?

12. What was the old name for a Snickers bar before it changed in 1990?

13. Who was the head of state in Japan during World War Two?

14. What is the smallest planet in our solar system?

15. Who wrote the novels Gone Girl and Sharp Objects?

16. Which legendary surrealist artist is famous for painting melting clocks?

17. Continental United States has four time zones, can you name them?

18. What was the Turkish city of Istanbul called before 1930?

19. Name the Coffee shop in US sitcom Friends.

20. From what grain is the Japanese spirit Sake made?

ANSWERS

1. Knee. 2. Iago. 3. Tin. 4. Three. 5. All the -Presi dent’s Men. 6. Call of Duty. 7. Tennessee. 8. Krone. 9. The French Open (Roland Garros). 10. Netherlands. 11. Four (The Godfather Part 2, Heat, Righteous Kill, The Irishman). 12. Marathon. 13.

Emperor Hirohito. 14. Mercury. 15. Gillian Flynn.

16. Salvador Dali. 17. Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern. 18. Constantinople.

19. Central Perk. 20. Rice.

CHRIS EARL LOOKS AT THE HISTORY OF A VITAL LOCAL HEALTH SERVICE

IN THE first decade of a new century for a new nation, country communities were being encouraged to tailor local health care to suit their needs.

The fourth Governor General of Australia, Earl Dudley had a wife with vision for rural towns.

Lady Dudley was the first champion of what would become a map of Victoria dotted with bush nursing centres.

From Gippsland to the Mallee and Wimmera and along rivers and creeks that produced the first gold creating new wealth for what on January 1, 1901, would become the Commonwealth of Australia.

By 1910, the Victorian Bush Nursing Association was formed to “stimulate communities” to employ a nurse. The first centres opened the next year in Buchan, Beech Forest and Gunbower and eventually more than 155 would operate at some time over the following decades.

And in the first years after the return of soldiers from World War One, the Dingee community stepped up to open its bush nursing centre.

Other centres in the Loddon would follow at Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn. Time and change in government policy would see those centres close but Dingee, despite a close call itself, has just entered its 100th year of service and care to the district.

January 24 1923 saw Sister Becker operate from a rented room in a cottage owned by Mrs Cliff - ironically on the land in King Street where the centre has been based for decades. When not riding a bicycle to patients, Sister Becker boarded at the town’s hotel.

A decade later Sister Gold was caring for residents - in January 1933 she had 42 patients generating 72 visits.

Centre landlord Mrs Cliff was asked to repair drainage from the bathroom and it was also arranged for the sister could to take holidays from January 16. But she had to be back in Dingee for the annual sports meeting!

By January 1944, the number of patients had dropped to 20 for the month with Sister Williams making 55 visits. She also visited three schools.

There was annoyance in the community that Dingee Bush Nursing Centre was not receiving support from residents through an annual subscription.

It was reported: “Dissatisfaction was expressed at the way in which nonsubscribers have, in the past, made a convenience of the centre in time of sickness, rather than assist in keeping it in existence by becoming a regular subscriber.

“To supplement the funds, a hare shoot will be arranged when ammunition is available.”

The hare shoot was held and the sale of the skins brought £15.9.5, the ammunition cost 12/3d.

The bush nursing centre board in 1963 set fees at £5 a family, £2 10 shillings a single and £1 five shillings for employees under 18. Non-members were charged £1 10 shillings a visit.

There was a red letter day for Dingee in 1970 when the Governor, Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe, came to town and officially opened the new centre and nurses’ residence.

The centre had two consulting rooms, a waiting room and a threebedroom residence and reflected the strong demand for local nursing services. That year saw 1600 calls on the nurse.

Into the 21st century 2001 saw the official opening of extensions to the centre, which included an access ramp, consulting room, storeroom, bathroom and an enlarged waiting area.

Just eight years later, there was a huge undertaking with a total refurbishment and doubling in size of the current building with $750,000, sourced from Federal and State Governments, opened in 2009 by then Health Minister Daniel Andrews.

Expansion of the centre came during the time Sister Fazulla was more than mid-way through her amazing 36-year stint as the centre’s nurse.

Viv retired in 2014, moved to far west New South Wales and six months later was back on the job. Last year Viv took out the NSW Far West Local Health District Award for Nurse of the Year.

At the same time, the community had rallied to see off talk and plans of closure or amalgamation of their 91-year-old bush nursing centre. Today, there are just 15 bush nursing centres in Victoria.

But the words of Edith Allen in 1936, still ring true about their importance

and value to rural communities. “No praise is too high for the pioneer; settlers - both men and women - by whose toil and patience Victoria has been developed from a tiny colony to a great state.

“Fine cities and prosperous townships bear witness to the marvellous progress of a brief century, and visitors from overseas exclaim in amazement at the beauty and charm of Melbourne homes and gardens, the astonishing development of social services, and the efficiency of the shopping centres, where overseas fashions and utilities are on view within a few weeks of their appearance in London or Paris.

“While, however, city dwellers can enjoy all the luxuries and advantages of modern civilisation, there are thousands of people living in the country, who still have to face trials and privations akin to those of their pioneer forbears.

“Little by little city people are beginning to realise their debt to the men and women of the countryside, and within the last 25 years the Victorian Bush Nursing Association, the Country Women’s Association - and later again - the development of aerial medical services and the advent of wireless, have brought new opportunities and a greater security to the families who are building the foundations of a still greater state.

“In 1924 there were six ambulances and three hospitals assisting and extending the work of the centres. The splendid principle of the bush nursing association, whereby districts and individuals are assisted to help themselves, had by this time gained widespread sympathy, and the work of the nurses was attracting admiring comment.

Today’s bush nursing centres are more than a nurse, providing a base for a range of allied health professionals who continue the vision of Lady Dudley to provide local health care

The modern Dingee Bush Nursing Centre ready to serve into a second century.

The first centre

Viv Fazulla

RIGNEY - Robert “Bob”

Passed away peacefully at Bendigo Health

Husband of Veronica (Dec).

Loving Father and Father in Law of Stephen and Tracy, Susan and Ross, Anne and Stuart (Dec), Glenda and Wayne.

Loving Pop of his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Tears in our Eyes will wipe away, But the love in our hearts is there to stay.

Rigney, Robert

14.12.1940 – 02.02.2023

Loving Father of Susan and Father-in-law of Ross

Loving Pop of Kelly, Jessica & Emma

Loving Great Pop of Aria

Loving Friend of Hayden & TJ Allwehavearememories thatwillneverdie

Rigney - Robert (Dad) 2/2/23

Cherished Father of Glenda and Father-In-Law of Wayne.

Loved Pop of Jordan, Tyler and Anthony. We are blessed to have been left wonderful loving memories that we will cherish forever.

At rest with Mum xoxox

Rigney - Robert

Loved brother in law to Aileen and Ian (dec) Morris

Uncle to Shayne , Rachel and Jammie, Karen and family

RIGNEY - Robert (Bob)

Loved brother of Noelene, brother in law of Brian (dec).

Uncle of Lachlan, Evan, Neroli and Grant and their families.

Rest peacefully

FUNERAL

MEETINGS

RIGNEY

A Graveside Service for Mr Robert “Bob” Rigney

Will be held at the Boort Lawn Cemetery on Friday February 24th at 2PM

BEREAVEMENT T h ANKS

The late Lois Pamela Horne

To Donna, Mubarak and the entire staff at Boort District Health, please except my heartfelt gratitude for the kind and loving way you cared for my darling Pam in the 28 months that she was in your care.

Spencer Horne

MEETINGS

Notice

Monday 27 February 2023 at 5:30pm Inglewood Town Hall 25 Verdon Street Inglewood

Please join us, RSVP essential by Friday 24 February to: Sharon Williams - ea@idhs.vic.gov.au or telephone 03 5431 7000

WANTED

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

Tractor Operator – ref.J/203

 Full-time, permanent position

 Loddon Gold elds team, southern end of Shire

 TOCOM – $64,890.28 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 20 th February at 5pm.

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

OPEN ACCESS MEETING

WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2023 AT 2PM

BOORT MEMORIAL HALL SUPPER ROOM

Members of the public are asked to email questions to the meeting organiser prior to the event at Kathryn.Velleley@bdh.vic.gov.au

Alternatively, there will be an opportunity to submit questions during the meeting.

Guest speaker: Claire Edwards, Strategic Plan Consultant

For more information please contact Kathryn Velleley on 5451 5204 or email Kathryn.Velleley@bdh.vic.gov.au

2021-2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2023 AT 3PM

BOORT MEMORIAL HALL SUPPER ROOM

Please join us as our Board Chair Wendy Gladman looks back on another extradordinary year at Boort District Health

Including service award presentations and guest speaker Simone O’Brien, Nurse Practioner at Boort District Medical Clinic

Afternoon tea will be available.

CLEARING SALE

CLEARING SALE

CHARLTON - WOOROONOOK

Friday 3rd March 2023 10.30am

Farm Machinery, Equipment & Sundries

A/C Jeff D Cox

Onsite: 159 Cox’s Road, Wooroonook, Charlton

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT: Cougar Steiger ST 280 Tractor (13064Hrs), 325 HP, 1982 “Snoopy” 3388 Case Tractor (9000Hrs), 2008 Case Puma 140 tractor with Howard Q65 FEL (5750Hrs) FWA, complete with Trimble Ez Pilot auto steer &1050 screen, 1970 Chamberlain MK4 FEL 236 Perkins MTR, 1971 686 International tractor (not going), 2003 Case 2388 exclusive Axial Flow Header with Case 1042 36’ front, 2009 Goldacres Prairie 4500 Ltr Tritech Boom Spray (100 ft) with controller, Ellsworth 12 Wheel V Rake, Goldacres 2000 Ltr 42 ft Boom Spray Shearer 5-160 scari bar (72 tyne), Connor Shea + 8 33 tyne Scarifier with roller Harrows, Simplicity 4500 Ltr Bin/ Howard Bagshaw 31ft seeder bar (41 tyne), New Holland 1431 mower conditioner 13ft, Shearer 33’ Springtyne Fieldspan Cultivator bar, Horwood Bagshaw 42’ Harrows, Leith hydraulic 30’ Pea Plucker, Melway 15’ stubble mulcher, John Berends 6’PTO Slasher, 4 wheel fowler trailer, 28 plate offset disc. Hurschfeld Drain Former, 3PL post hole digger, Hardi 30’ Boom Spray, Roller Bar Hay Rake, Bates portable 800 Ltr fuel tank, 2 X o’head fuel tanks Swingsaw BSA motor, Peerless Air Compressor, 5HP B-S reduction motor.

GRAIN HANDLING & EQUIPMENT: Sherwell 42 ft PTO Auger 9.5”, GBH Grouper 14 ft, 10 ton, with roll over tarp & 6HP motor, 3 X Sherwell 28 ton Field Bins with Augers, Ackland 28 ton Field Bin with Auger, Sherwell 240 bag Field Bin, 20’ 4” Pencil Auger with electric motor, Jachmann portable grain cleaner with 5HP Mitsubishi motor, 1973 2050A Acco Tray Truck with 18’ tipper (Hoist- Not going) & 120 bag bulk bin. 1964 Bedford (44,000 Miles) with 14’ tray (telescopic hoist), silo sprayer, QTY crop lifters. QTY lentil lifters, Bottom Riddle (Case 2388), Cowra stock feeder, Addlem stock feeder, Peerless 240AMP arc welder.

COLLECTABLES & SUNDRY: Sunshine McKay 8’ Header, old bag loader, Dray swivel arms, 2 X Trewella jacks, old grain thrower, leg vice, old heavy duty vice, bag truck, Qty Jute bags, Qty garden tools, roll out irrigation flume, Qty farm gates, tow cable, Harland 6” pump, poly tank (13,500 Ltr), 2 x Lister Shearing Plants, Ajax single box wool press, Hay Caps (25), fire lighter, 6 x electric fence coils & energiser, oversize safety signs, jerry cans, Qty rubber belting, assorted il filters, lamb feeder (5 nip), 2 X RHS steel (8m), water pods, redgum stumps, pellet solid bricks, Polymaster water troughs (2), Qty gal iron & host of sundries.

TERMS Numbers system operating - I.D required. Cash, Cheque payment accepted & EFTPOS available. Light luncheon available.

DIRECTIONS: 159 Cox’s Rd, WOOROONOOK.

Take Donald Rd, 10km turn right onto Cox’s Rd - Follow signs.

FULL DETAILS &PHOTOS www. fpnevins.com.au

92 Brooke Street, Inglewood

Office: 03 5438 3041

Agent: Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166

Agent: Doug Finlay: 0407 927 573

Vendor: Jeff Cox:0409 915 273

THE final round of the home and away season of Upper Loddon junior cricket commenced on Saturday with Bridgewater taking on Kingower and Wedderburn hosting Arnold.

Both away teams have batted themselves into good positions.

Kingower batted after winning the toss and most batsmen were able to spend time at the crease.

Although enjoying a touch of good fortune, Evan McCoy and Jackson Luckman did best scoring 30 and 38 respectively before retiring.

Riley Murphy chipped in with 15 to help Kingower reach three for 153 at stumps.

For Bridgewater, Lewis Lonsdale made the initial breakthrough with Blake Smyth and Harry Kilby also picking up a wicket each.

Xavier Power bowled an economical six-over spell conceding just nine runs.

Ladder leaders Arnold, took

first use of the turf wicket at Wedderburn and took full advantage, scoring seven for 222.

All of the top order got among the runs with Flynn Lock and Campbell Hancock registering 50s.

Kale Hewitt keep the runs ticking over contributing 38 with Mitchell Whitton giving good support. The Young Wedderburn team did well to dismiss seven of the Arnold players with Blaz Cramp taking bowling honours with three wickets.

Edwin and Lannon Sellick both claimed their first wickets and Aihen Turner was the other successful bowler.

LODDON HERALD

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Newbridge’s Angus Waller returns serve in his mixed set during Saturday’s Marong Tennis Association match against Derby. LH PHOTO

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Bluey says hello to all the young readers of the Loddon Herald ... hope you’ve had a great start to the school year and enjoying being with friends.

Winners of last month’s competition are Tilly N and Mollie N. Entries for this month’s insect colouring competition close March 1.

Send your entries to Bluey, Loddon Herald, PO Box 1188

Kangaroo Flat 3555 or email loddonherald@gmail.com

And remember to include your name, age and address so Bluey can pick the right prizes for our lucky winners of the colouring competition.

Rearrange these letters to make insect names

Grass hoppers can hop walk and fly There are about 10,000 different species of grasshoppers

’ ’

Jason Sampson: Auspac Media

Lions rip through ladder leaders

MARONG

LADDER leader Wilsons Reef fell victim to the roaring Harcourt in Saturday’s Marong association round.

Harcourt is now within striking distance of claiming the coveted top sport with three rounds left before finals.

Wilsons Reef could only take out four sets for the afternoon.

And Derby lifted its hopes with with a vital victory over Newbridge.

Derby overcame some poor scorelines in A Ladies and A Men to finish 10 games ahead. The strength of Derby’s play on Saturday came out in the mixed encounters.

Marong 6-60 lost to Lockwood 12-85

A LADIES: R. McCaig G. Turnbull d D. Wells T. Miller 6-1. R. McCaig J. Cornish d

D. Wells R. Coutts 6-1. G. Turnbull J. Cornish lost to T. Miller R. Coutts 5-6.

B LADIES: H. Turnbull S. Thompson

d K. Mannix A. Wells 6-4. H. Turnbull S.

Turnbull lost to K. Mannix R. Pettifer 1-6.

S. Thompson S. Turnbull lost to A. Wells R.

Pettifer 0-6.

A MEN: L. Frankel Z. Turnbull lost to L. Nixon A. Doyle 4-6. L. Frankel P. Leersen lost to L. Nixon J. Coutts 1-6. Z. Turnbull P.

Leersen lost to A. Doyle J. Coutts 3-6.

B MEN: M. McCaig N. McCaig lost to R. Wells T. Jensen 1-.6. M. McCaig K. McCaig lost to R. Wells B. Wells 1-6. N. McCaig K. McCaig lost to T. Jensen B. Wells 1-6.

MIXED: R. McCaig D. Turnbull lost to D. Wells L. Nixon 4-6. G. Turnbull M. McCaig lost to T. Miller A. Doyle 2-6. J. Cornish P.

Leersen d K. Mannix J. Coutts 6-1. S. Turn-

LODDON VALLEY

Raywood 1 (72) lost to Calivil North 4 (108)]

MEN: M. Collins J. Sinclair d R. Maxted

C. Smith 7-4. M. Collins A. Demeo d R. Maxted D. Rogers 7-4. J. Sinclair A. Demeo d C. Smith D. Rogers 7-4. A. Wall L. Straugn lost to J. Smith O. Balic 4-7. A. Wall A. Lister lost to J. Smith K. Maxted 5-7. L. Straugn A. Lister d O. Balic K. Maxted 7-5.

LADIES: S. Demeo P. Wall lost to M. Balic

C. Rogers 0-7. S. Demeo J. Demeo lost to M. Balic L. Straugn 2-7. P. Wall J. Demeo lost to

C. Rogers L. Straugn 1-7. C. Sinclair H. Vinnicomb lost to K. Lawry G. Maxted 1-7. C. Sinclair J. Smith lost to K. Lawry A. Maxted

3-7. H. Vinnicomb J. Smith d G. Maxted A. Maxted 7-3.

MIXED: S. Demeo M. Collins lost to M. Balic C. Smith 3-7. P. Wall J. Sinclair lost to

C. Rogers R. Maxted 4-7. J. Demeo A. Demeo d L. Straugn D. Rogers 7-4. C. Sinclair

A. Wall lost to G. Maxted J. Smith 0-7. H.

Vinnicomb L. Straugn lost to K. Lawry O. Balic 4-7. J. Smith A. Lister lost to A. Maxted K. Maxted 3-7.

Serpentine 4 (103) d Yarrawalla 1 (98)

MENS: S. Tuohey J. Addlem lost to L.

Roberts M. Scott 4-7. S. Tuohey C. Tuohey

d L. Roberts H. Emmerson 7-4. J. Addlem

C. Tuohey d M. Scott H. Emmerson 7-6. N. Cockerell A. Addlem d R. Broad X. Emmer-

son 7-1. N. Cockerell T. Twigg d R. Broad R.

Forster 7-5. A. Twigg T. Twigg d X. Emmer-

son R. Forster 7-5.

LADIES: P. Cockerell K. Addlem d C. Em-

merson C. Broad 7-5. P. Cockerell N. Rose

d C. Emmerson K. Broad 7-5. K. Addlem N.

Rose lost to C. Broad K. Broad 5-7. J. Cock-

erell M. Twogg lost to G. Scott J. Broad 2-7.

J. Cockerell A. Cockerell lost to G. Scott M.

Schmidt 3-7. M. Twigg A. Cockerell lost to J. Broad M. Schmidt 5-7.

MIXED: S. Tuohey P. Cockerell d L. Rob-

erts C. Emmerson 7-4. J. Addlem K. Addlem

d M. Scott C. Broad 7-5. C. Tuohey N. Rose

d H Emmerson K. Broad 7-5. N. Cockerell

A. Cockerell lost to R. Broad J. Broad 3-7. A.

Addlem M. Twigg d R. Forster G. Scott 7-4.

T. Twigg J. Cockerell lost to X. Emmerson

M. Schmidt 4-7.

Lake Meran 1 (82) lost to Mincha West 4 (107)

MEN: T. Robinson C. Chamberlain d

D. Mann D. Stewart 7-6. T. Robinson A. Chamberlain lost to D. Mann S. Mann 1-7.

bull Z. Turnbull lost to R. Coutts R. Wells

1-6. S. Thompson N. McCaig d R. Pettifer

T. Jensen 6-4. H. Turnbull K. McCaig d A. Wells B. Wells 6-2. Woodstock 13-92 d Woodvale 5-55

A LADIES: F. Curnow J. Leversha d K. Greives J. Pearse 6-1. F. Curnow N. Earl d

K. Greives V. Battersby 6-0. J. Leversha N. Earl d J. Pearse V. Battersby 6-1.

B LADIES: A. Andrews-Stone H. Stone d

S. Trew partner 6-1. A. Andrews-Stone K. Punton d S. Trew L. Edwards 6-5. H. Stone

K. Punton d L. Edwards partner 6-1. A MEN: D. Heather G. Leach lost to R. Trew M. Trew 3-6. D. Heather N. Punton d

R. Trew C. Nanere 6-3. G. Leach N. Punton lost to M. Trew C. Nanere 2-6.

B MEN: T. Heather L. Stone d G. Yoong partner 6-2. T. Heather A. Curnow lost to T. Strybosch partner 4-6. D. Tolley A. Curnow lost to G. Yoong T. Strybosch 4-6.

MIXED: F. Curnow N. Punton d R. Trew partner 6-5. J. Leversha D. Heather d L. Edwards M. Trew 6-2. N. Earl G. Leach lost to J. Pearse C. Nanere 1-6. A. Andrews-Stone

L. Stone d V. Battersby G. Yoong 6-2. H. Stone D. Tolley d S. Trew 6-2. K. Punton T. Heather d S. Trew T. Strybosch 6-0.

Harcourt 14-95 d Wilsons Reef 4-65

A LADIES: E. Landy W. Kelly d G. Thompson J. Taylor 6-1. E. Landy K. Walters d G. Thompson J. Fitzgibbon 6-1. W. Kelly K. Walters d J. Taylor J. Fitzgibbon 6-3.

B LADIES: M. Atkin S. Blake d B. McKimmie E. Molenaar 6-0. M. Atkin P. Erny d B. McKimmie C. McKinstry 6-4. S. Blake P.

Erny d E. Molenaar C. McKinstry 6-4.

A MEN: N. Kelly S. Gearing d B. Taylor H. Taylor 6-5. N. Kelly L. Tunn d B. Taylor S. Taylor 6-5. S. Gearing L. Tunn d H. Taylor S. Taylor 6-4.

B MEN: L. O’Brian D. Gearing lost to J. Taylor Z. Porlai 1-6. L. O’Brian A. Manning

d J. Taylor J. Wilkinson 6-2. D. Gearing A. Manning lost to Z. Porlai J. Wilkinson 2-6.

MIXED: W. Kelly N. Kelly d J. Fitzgibbon H. Taylor 6-1. S. Blake S. Gearing lost to J. Taylor B. Taylor 5-6. M. Atkin L. Tunn

d G. Thompson S. Taylor 6-5. K. Walters

L. O’Brian d B. McKimmie J. Taylor 6-2. P.

Erny D. Gearing lost to E. Molenaar Z. Por-

lai 3-6. E. Landy A. Manning d C. McKinstry

J. Wilkinson 6-4.

Derby 11-80 d Newbridge 7-70

A LADIES: M. Simons L. Naughton lost to A. Sherlock S. Wallace 2-6. M. Simons F. Dangerfield lost to A. Sherlock N. Jenkyn

0-6. L. Naughton F. Dangerfield d S. Wallace N. Jenkyn 6-2.

B LADIES: D. Normoyle K. Galea d T. Higgs M. Atkins 6-1. D. Normoyle T. Hayes d T. Higgs A. Broom 6-3. K. Galea T. Hayes d M. Atkins A. Broom 6-3.

A MEN: S. Saunderson M. Dineen lost to

S. Atkins J. Sutherland 1-6. S. Saunderson

N. Pollock lost to S. Atkins A. Broom 0-6. M. Dineen N. Pollock d J. Sutherland A. Broom

6-4.

T. Hayes partner d A.

C. Chamberlain A. Chamberlain lost to D. Stewart S. Mann 5-7. E. Moresi B. Moresi d V. Herrick T. Stevens 7-5. E. Moresi R. Fawcett lost to V. Herrick J. Pepperell 0-7. B. Moresi R. Fawcett lost to T. Stevens J. Pepperell 6-7.

LADIES: C. Moresi C. Downs lost to E. Prout M. Stewart 2-7. C. Moresi E. Chamberlain lost to E. Prout Z. Stewart 2-7. C. Downs E. Chamberlain d M. Stewart Z. Stewart 7-1. I. Hosking T. Pickering lost to C. Mann E. Farrar 4-7. I. Hosking J. Stewart d C. Mann J. Gould 7-2. T. Pickering J. Stewart d E. Farrar J. Gould 7-4.

MIXED: T. Robinson C. Moresi lost to D. Mann E. Prout 1-7. C. Chamberlain E. Chamberlain lost to D. Stewart Z. Stewart 6-7. A. Chamberlain C. Downs lost to S. Mann M. Stewart 5-7. E. Moresi I. Hosking lost to V. Herrick C. Mann 2-7. B. Moresi T. Pickering lost to T. Stevens E. Farrar 6-7. R. Fawcett J. Stewart d J. Pepperell J. Gould 7-5.

Calivil 0 (25) lost to Dingee 5 (102)

MEN: J. Clymo R. Hicks lost to A. Hocking R. Lawry 1-7. J. Clymo F. Clmo lost to A. Hocking. M. Harvey 4-7. R. Hicks F. Clmo lost to R. Lawry M. Harvey 0-7. N. Marlow

N. Verley lost to M. Lister B. Duncan 1-7. N. Marlow M. Hocking lost to M. Lister J. Diss 4-7. N. Verley M. Hocking lost to B. Duncan J. Diss 0-7.

LADIES: L. Clymo B. Clymo lost to C. Whitfield A. Hay 0-6. L. Clymo K. Pay lost to C. Whitfield N. Hocking 3-6. B. Clymo K. Pay lost to A. Hay N. Hocking 2-6.

B MEN: B. Galea N. Naughton d D. White

D. Jenkyn 6-3. B. Galea partner lost to D. White A. Waller 5-6. N. Naughton partner lost to D. Jenkyn A. Waller 4-6.

MIXED: L. Naughton S. Saunderson lost to A. Sherlock S. Atkins 2-6. M. Simons

N. Pollock d S. Wallace J. Sutherland 6-2.

D. Normoyle N. Naughton d N. Jenkyn A. Broom 6-4. F. Dangerfield M. Dineen d T. Higgs D. White 6-1. K. Galea B. Galea d M.

Clashes crucial to settle final four

iNGLEWOOD

TWO season-defining matches loom in Inglewood association tennis this Saturday.

Co-tennants Powlett and Loddon Eagles will clash to determine who heads into the finals sitting atop the ladder.

And Wedderburn Junction has a must-win match against Korong Vale.

The Vale is 11.5 points higher on the ladder and with a superior percentage.

However, a loss would put Junction into the box seat to cause trouble to higher teams in the finals. Loddon

Boort back from long break

BOORT tennis kicked back into action on the weekend after a mid-season break.

defeated Leaghur 109 to 87. And it looks like the extend-

ed break did no favours for Mysia as they could only manage to win four sets on their way to defeat at the hands of Marmal who took out honours 112 to 71.

Serpentine’s Penny Cockerell. LH PHOTO

Tamara Hayes made a clean sweep of her sets for Derby on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Burn in shock loss on eve of finals

WEDDERBURN has suffered a two-shot defeat in North Central bowls division one on the eve of finals.

The Burn went down to St Arnaud, its opponent this Saturday in the semi-final to be played St Arnaud Country. Wedderburn finished the home and away season third, eight points ahead of St Arnaud on the ladder.

In division two, Wedderburn meets Donald Golf in the semifinal.

INGLEWOOD

Wow! Where did the division one team come from at the weekend with a performance streets ahead of previous weeks showing what is required to compete in the high standard premier division.

Congratulations to Tim Birthisel on playing his first division one game. Acquitted himself well and sure there will be many more to come.

This week’s against Eaglehawk will be played at North Bendigo due to the Inglewood green not being ready yet.

BENDIGO

Division 1 – South Bendigo 65-2 lost to Inglewood 81-16. P Frawley, J Wiffen, B Traill, B Holland (s) lost to V Tierney, J Nevins, W Roberts, M McMcLean (s) 13-25. W Marwood, B Gould, G Conforti, L Crapper (s) lost to D Garrett, J Jackman, D Vanston, L Kelly (s) 15-19. G Ryan, D White, D Rowley, M Robertson (s) d B McClymont, T Birthisel, G Jackson, R Day (s) 22-15. N Rowley, D Oddy, T Zimmer, M Rowley (s) lost to M Chamberlain, D Wilson, G Wilson, I Chamberlain (s) 15-22.

Ladder: Moama 202, Bendigo 188, South Bendigo 172, Golden Square 170, Bendigo East 167, Eaglehawk 161, Kangaroo Flat 91, Castlemaine 91, Inglewood 88. Division 3 – Serpentine 57-2 lost to Bendigo East 87-16. S Rollinson, A Bish, D Walker, D Anset (s) lost to F Pekarsky, S Vowles, K Gloster, D Judge (s) 9-29. K Canfield, L Cadzow, S Rudkins, B Gladman (s) lost to B Bradley, R Miller, C Findlay, D Johnson (s) 13-19. W Gladman, F Maher, B Long, R Gladman (s) lost to L Frank, D Clough, J McDermott, A Clough (s) 17-22. J Collinson, B Tuohey, J Stuart, N Tonkin (s) d R Clough, M Fuller, G Pithie, S Hocking (s) 18-17.

Ladder: North Bendigo 155, Strathfieldsaye 135, South Bendigo 132, Kangaroo Flat 121, Bendigo East 108, Heathcote 89, Serpentine 68, Bendigo 56. Division 5 – Marong 69-4 lost to Calivil 77-14. A Puyo, W Bramley, W Gason, M Corry (s) lost to R Lourie, H Miles, G Ray, G Maxted (s) 13-25. J Addams, B Hayes, M Kelly, N Tate (s) d I Mansbridge, M Dennis, A Dennis, N Dennis (s) 25-10. S Hayes, L Williams, C Coghill, R Williams (s) d K Richards, R Boyd, J Pickles, L Gronow (s) 21-18. D James, J Balkin, B Rumbold, R Wearne

Pups have first training run

PYRAMID Hill was last night holding the first training run for its under 18 football side under coach Bryden Morison.

The Bulldogs will join four other Loddon Valley sides in the new AFL Central Victoria competition starting in two months. They last had a junior side in 2019, winning the premiership.

AFL Central Victoria says it is in talks to attract more clubs to the new competition.

The division five team was again the story of the week and is delighting everyone with its determination and desire to do well.

It was a very impressive win against Strathfieldsaye with all rinks up which keeps them on top of the ladder and 12 points in front of the third team to keep hold of the double chance in the finals, so keep up the good work.

Blake and David Smyth must be thinking how easy is this game with another win in their second pennant game.

In midweek pennant last week, Inglewood found out why Eaglehawk are on top of the ladder in division one as they proved too consistent, especially on their own green which was running quicker than greens we are used to.

Now sitting in sixth spot, on the ladder, and need to win the last two games to have any chance of playing in the finals.

Division five are starting to stall a little, in its quest for another finals appearance, as other

(s) lost to B Meighan, G Lourie, W Miles, A Leech (s) 10-24.

Strathfieldsaye 58-0 lost to Inglewood

79-18. M McCarthy, C Rogister, R Finch, K Toomey (s) lost to P Lyndon, T Schill, H Leech, I Bradley (s) 12-20. A Hingston, N Johnston, M Filan, J Cummins (s) lost to B Smyth, D Smyth, A Noonan, A Harrison (s) 16-24, B Toomey, D Curnow, R Rogister, S Curnow (s) lost to P Kelly, K Stewart, C McEwan, D Rowe (s) 15-19. E Sheen, J Dole, P Hingston, V Sabaliauskas (s) lost to G Sommers, B Moffat, D Whitehead, J McClymont (s) 15-16.

Dingee 76-15 d Campbells Creek 68-3. K Pollock, M Grieves, K Murphy, F Grieves (s) lost to R Harding, C Bull, M Rhodes, P McKendry (s) 19-21. A Hay, J Monaghan, R Thompson, B Lawry (s) drew L Leanne, J Harding, M Holland, D Goulding (s) 19-19. T Kavanagh, L Hocking, B West, N Lister (s) d B Van der Horst, C Gallagher, T Woodman, J McMennemin (s) 18-11. G Clarke, A Sproull, Lyn Demeo, Leo Demeo (s) d W Whitehead, B Ellis, K Delmenico, I Brooks (s) 20-17.

Ladder: Inglewood 157, Kangaroo Flat 151, Calivil 145, Marong 136, Castlemaine 85, Dingee 77, Strathfieldsaye 61, Campbells Creek 52. Division 6 – South Bendigo 88-18 d Bridgewater 69-0. S Doull, W Pell, M Kirkpatrick, J Geldart (s) d I Clutton, D Grant, R Broadbent, J Fagan (s) 27-23. A Howe, J Pell, S Bryan, M Poulter (s) d P Gath, C Brooshooft, B McNaught, R Smith (s) 23-16. T Lansdown, B Mott, J Griffin, S Pickering (s) d B Bajada, V Wilson, N Saunders, B Oughtred (s) 21-17. D Kennedy, C Dillon, L Cairncross, T Watson (s) d F Shea, G Catto, R Brown, G Managan (s) 17-13. Midweek - Division 1: South Bendigo 7816 d Inglewood 39-0. S Marsili, J Rooke, M

teams are strengthening their line-ups in preparation for the finals.

BRIDGEWATER

The weekend pennant team played South Bendigo, on their main green. It was a terrific tussle.

Three of the teams each went down by four shots. John Fagan’s combination, took the IGA Inglewood incentive vouchers, as they had the highest total score.

The points after round 12 show it is now not possible for Bridgewater to finish on the bottom of the ladder.

Wonderful to see so many new faces at Napier Park twilight bowls opening night last week56 bowlers filled the green, with 14 teams of 4 players.

The usual popular barbecue commenced proceedings, with special effort draws rounding out the night.

River Rats were the round one winners with joint runners-up Browns Plains and Mangos Mayhem.

PENNANT RESULTS

Houghton, M Robertson (s) d R Gallagher, B Taig, V Tierney, L Kelly (s) 23-17. S Driesen, L Rowley, D White, B Holland (s) d C McEwan, H Leech, A Caserta, M McLean (s) 30-9. J Adams, D Conley, G Ryan, D Rowley (s) d M Chamberlain, P Lyndon, I Chamberlain, L Witham (s) 25-13. Division 4 – Dingee 51-3 lost to Bendigo VRI 55-13. K Pollock, V Sproull, K Murphy, M Grieves (s) lost to J Dullard, E Wilkinson, V Evans, S Huggard (s) 15-20. S Ellis, T Kavanagh, B West, F Grieves (s) drew J Hawkins, G Allen, M McMahon, B Hawkins (s) 18-18. N Thomas, S Lawry, Leo Demeo, Lyn Demeo (s) d M Thomson, M Gorrie, P Simmons, P Williams 18-17. Calivil Serpentine 38-0 lost to South Bendigo 79-16. J Wiltshire, H Gronow, K Richards, D Walker (s) lost to R Challinor, A Howe, T Doolan, M Kirkpatrick (s) 11-23. L Dennis, L Lister, N Ralphs, C Mitchell (s) lost to W Pell, M Grogan, L Cairncross, S Bryan (s) 12-27. Ladder: South Bendigo 181, White Hills 124, Golden Square 108, Dingee 101, Calivil Serpentine 87, Harcourt 84, Bendigo VRI 75, Campbells Creek 72. Division 5 – Bendigo East 23-0 lost to Inglewood 48-14. E Johnson, J Watts, J Logan, C Findlay (s) lost to J Roberts, K Stewart, A Harrison, P Kelly (s) 12-24. R Clough, M Pysing, R Hoffman, W Schmidt (s) lost to E Patterson, P McEwan, D Garrett, D Whitehead (s) 11-24. Bridgewater 32-0 lost to White Hills 3914. F Shea, B Catto, R Shea, M Wright (s) lost to J Tynan, H Neil, J Stiles, K Churchill (s) 17-20. J Oughtred, B McNaught, J Hosking, R Brown (s) lost to J Austin, N Crothers, B Carter, G Julius (s) 15-19. Ladder: South Bendigo 125, White Hills 114, Inglewood 108, Strathfieldsaye 106,

Indoor push to lift fitness, boost player numbers

A FIVE-WEEK indoor hockey competition in Boort is aiming to lift player numbers ahead of the 2023 North Central season.

Hockey club president Chelsea Challis-Broad says sessions for juniors and seniors would start this month.

“We thought it would be a good way to interest new players in the game, perhaps bring some back from retirement and give opportunities to young people who may not want to play football,” she said.

“The indoor competition will also help with pre-season training and fitness of players. Our field is a few weeks away from being ready so this will certainly help with pre-season.”

The indoor season will be held at Boort District School stadium on Wednesday afternoons for juniors and in the evening for seniors.

“We‘ll see how it goes and it might be that we can start a regular indoor competition,” Challis-Broad said.

Bendigo East 87, Bendigo 78, Eaglehawk 57, Bridgewater 53.

NORTH CENTRAL

Division 1 – St Arnaud 71-10 d Wedderburn 69-2. J Prendegast, P Duncan, C MArchment, P McRae (s) d A Noordennen, L Holt, B Hargreaves, A Caserta (s) 29-20. T Amos, K Dyke, M Wood, G Hancock (s) lost to A Holt, C Mills, R Montebello, A Jackson (s) 17-28. G McNally D Shepherd, S Zsigmond, A Dyke (s) d D Stephenson, L Standfield, I Hall, L Witham (s) 25-21.

Boort 64-2 lost to Donald 68-10. I Merce, G Gardner, T Moresi, K Ritchie (s) lost to H Wingfield, J Aitken, R Collins, W Hegarty (s) 21-22. D Gibson, K Walton, J Gibson, K Depiazza (s) lost to B Brennan, E Adams, W Meyer, I McEwen (s) 20-24. P Waters, J Maxted, L Maxted, S Morris (s) d M Harris, L Kelly, N Barber, N Hollis (s) 23-22.

Ladder: Wycheproof 139, Donald Golf 125, Wedderburn 104, St Arnaud 96, St Arnaud Country 76, Donald 61, Charelton 42, Boort 29.

Division 2 – St Arnaud 64-2 lost to Wedderburn 70-10. A McNally, M McRae, C Cheesman, W Rourke (s) lost to R Ashley, K Griffiths, W Roberts, A Roberts (s) 20-27. F James, T Robertson, G McIntyre, C Coates (s) d H Stepehenson, S Steel, S Standfield, R Hall (s) 30-8. G Smith, D Ostarcevic, S McIntyre, G Shinners (s) lost to R Guelfo, A Benaim, D Mason, G Burnside (s) 14-35. Boort 67-10 d Donald 63-2. R Taylor, J Nelson, A Gould, G Hudson (s) d J Subprom, B Milne, T Farrer, M Hollis (s) 25-23. J Earl, J Hampson, G Tweddle, T Noles (s) lost to J Wood, K Wyllie, M Quick, G Davidson (s) 1720. P Gould, I Allison, Y Cashen, A Matley (s) d F McConville, D Romeo, J Howley, P Wyllie (s) 25-20.

Ladder: Wycheproof 125, St Arnaud Country 108, Donald Golf 106, Wedderburn 92, Donald 82, Boort 75, St Arnaud 60, Charlton 24.

Midweek: Boort 65-10 d Wedderburn 63-2. P Gould, A Matley, D Gibson, T Moresi (s) d S Standfield, R Little, L Standfield, A Roberts (s) 26-14. L Gardner, P Baker, J Maxted, L Maxted (s) d R Witham, G Hunter, J Murnane, L Witham (s) 29-15. Y Cashen, G Tweddle, T Noles, I Merce (s) lost to H Stephenson, S Steel, R Hall, A Jackson (s) 10-34. Ladder: Wedderburn 103, Boort 96, St Arnaud 92, Donald 83, Wycheproof 79, Charlton 72, Donald Golf 58, St Arnaud Country 41.

NORTHERN

Division 2- Barham 73-12 d Pyramid Hill 38-0. M Laursen, G Lake, S Baker, T Keegan (s) d G Tate, J Mann, K Wood, L Mann (s) 29-13. P Madeley, J Goodwin, I Fasham, V Kendell (s) d G Moon, W Boyd, E Carmody, M Scott (s) 18-17. G Archard, J Laursen, K Ashton, C Bragg (s) d R Harris, C Cauchi, M Noelker, I Bartlels (s) 26-8. Midweek – Division 1: Pyramid Hill 6610 d Cohuna 2 49-2. P Coates, M Noelker, M Scott, R Opie (s) d C Jones, M Main, B Main, P Van der Zande (s) 32-14. R Harris, L Dingwell, I Bartels, A Cantwell (s) lost to K Foreman, M Mooney, V Dehne, W Brooks (s) 1518. G Moon, K Wood, E Carmody, M L’Hullier (s) d M Smith, M Maud, N Hosking, T Dehne (s) 19-17.

Division 2: Pyramid Hill 37-0 lost to Barham 47-8. C Cauchi, D Kaye, J Cauchi, T Strobaus (s) lost to J Cunningham, L Mues, M McNeill, H Archard (s) 21-26. A Fidller, R Fidler, W Boyd, D Miller (s) lost to I Bartlett, H Bray, A Larpent, C Gent (s) 16-21.

Club’s ready for return of play on home pitch

CRICKET will make its competitive return to the Boort District School oval.

Boort Yando club on Monday told Upper Loddon Cricket Association its home ground was ready to host games for the first time this season.

The club has installed an irrigation system that president Al Knight says ensures “we will have the best playing surface in the district”.

Boort has played all matches

at away grounds but will be at home from February 18 with games against Arnold, Wedderburn and Bridgewater.

Association secretary Michael Rose said: “The league would like to thank the four other clubs for the use of their facilities and understanding over this period so that the season was not affected.”

Knight said a strong relationship with the school had made works possible.

Serpentine’s Frank Maher at the Boort Australia Day tournament. LH PHOTO

Injured but still dominant

INJURED skipper Braydon Welsh still made his presence felt in Kingower’s big win over Boort Yando on Saturday.

The association’s top bat had a suspected ACL injury at football training but was cleared to play.

Batting down the order, Welsh did little running between wickets as most of his 36 runs came from belting deliveries to the boundary.

By the time he was bowled by Alex Cockerell, Kingower sat on 154 runs and looking to set Boort an even higher target.

Opening Will Deason top scored for Kingower. His 39 came off 54 balls and had an element of luck with several drops in the outfield that allowed the home side to build a defendable target.

Matt Rowe was the first of Cockerell’s three wickets for the day. Rowe had hit a big four followed by three dot balls before coaxed into taking a swing that saw him caught off square leg by a quick-sprinting Gould.

Two overs later and Cockerell struck again when Jayden Leach went for the hook shot. Fergus Bear just twisted his body for the catch and Kingower was 2-25.

Kyle Simpson’s stay at the crease was short-lived, bowled for a duck by Matthew Hodoras.

Blake Pickles and Deason put the Kingower show back on track with Boort again missing chances in the field.

Bear’s first over with the ball had Pickles caught and bowled on the fourth delivery,

a feat repeated soon after when Lachlan De Jong was sent back to the sheds after making 10 runs off seven balls. Deason and Welsh took Kingower from 5-85 to 105 when Deason was dismissed.

McNeil came for a short stay at the crease, scoring an almighty six from the first ball of 10 deliveries faced. An attempt to give a Matthew Hodoras delivery similar treatment ended when Jarrod Hodoras took the catch.

Kingower veteran David Rose out of retirement for a second week injured a groin in the innings.

Boort had a wobbly start at the crease with opener Bear dismissed lbw by Simpson for 10 before skipper Jarrod Hodoras again showed leadership and propelled the scoreboard to 54 when Pickles caught and bowled him for 31.

Next over had DeJong with the ball and immediately claimed the scalp of Boort’s other opener Smith. Cockerell and Slatter showed some spirit in the middle order until McNeil took both wickets in quick succession.

With numbers short, Boort did not have a full line-up and was soon all out for 115.

Saturday’s loss puts Boort Yando in a precarious position four games away from the finals series.

With the bye this week, there is a chance Boort could be leapfrogged on the ladder in the tightening race to seal a top four spot.

It faces Arnold, Wedderburn and Bridgewater in the final home and away season encounters.

One win could seal a spot, no wins will leave its fate to the luck of other clubs.

THIS WEEK

Low-scoring Bulls home by seven runs

BRIDGEWATER has ripped through the Arnold tail to stake its claim for a share in Upper Loddon cricket finals’ action.

The Bulls defended a total of just 88 runs scored in 32 overs. Rowan Fox contributed 23 as he faced 33 deliveries in 28 minutes at the crease.

Opener Jay Bowen was dismissed early for a single run off a Ryan Metelmann delivery while partner Tom McKinley stayed around to make 10 when Jaspa Wendels took his first wicket of the day.

Metelmann went on to also dismiss Pickering and Naughton cheaply while Wendels teamed with bowler Phil Davies for the wicket of Tom Staniforth.

Naughton, however, had his revenge with the ball finishing with four wickets in the afternoon and applying the pressure needed to prevent Arnold taking the points.

Anderson and Scholes went in quick succession, the departure of the Redbacks’ openers having the score at 2-35.

Another Naughton delivery had Metelmann caught by Lister facing only his second ball of the innings and Arnold was in trouble, the jubilant Bulls sensing momentum.

Skipper Cam Dale’s arrival at the crease momentarily changed the game’s dynamic as he and Wendels chipped away at the target.

But Chas Pickering’s dismissal of Wendels and a blitz by Jay Bowen in the final balls of his second stint stopped Arnold in its tracks.

Bowen bowled Drew and Power, sitting on a hat-trick but with no overs left in his allocation.

The crowning moment for Bridgewater came when Pickering caught and bowled Cam Dale with athletic enthusiasm.

Dale had stayed long enough to lift Arnold from 65 runs in the 30th over before falling seven short in the 33rd over.

Naughton’s seven-over stint was the best for Bridgewater and included two maidens with just 17 runs conceded.

Veteran’s somewhat impressive statistics

GREG McKinley came out of cricket retirement a fortnight ago when Bulls’ skipper and son Harry called for conscripts to fill team vacancies.

Batting at the tail in the match against Boort Yando, father Greg finished three not out.

One the eve of last Saturday’s clash with Arnold, he again answered the call and imbued with confidence, Greg was elevated up the order and found even better form with the bat.

All was going well until he ran out the skipper. But there was

more ... Greg pulled not one but two hamstrings scampering back to the wicket.

He managed to stay at the crease for the remainder of Bridgewater’s innings and finished undefeated on seven runs.

The veteran, who had padded up for the first time in three seasons, said he was now unlikely to play further matches in 2023 to qualify for the finals.

Bridgewater’s other veteran conscript at the weekend Ian Stringer batted at the tail but did not score off two balls faced.

Bowling averages

LADDER

O M R W B Av Str

Tom McKinley (Bridgewater) 62 10 169 19 5/22 9.84 19.58

Fergus Bear (Boort Yando) 69 4 326 19 5/49 17.16 21.79

Kyle Simpson (Kingower) 68 11 246 18 4/10 13.67 22.67

Jayden Leach (Kingower) 62.5 21 124 16 3/17 7.75 23.56

Lachlan DeJong (KIngower) 54 3 223 14 3/16 15.93 23.14

Batting averages

M NO HS Runs Av

Braydon Welsh (Kingower) 8 2 133* 413 68.83

Harry McKinley (Bridgewater) 9 1 110 300 37.50

Tom Kirk (Wedderburn) 5 3 112* 226 113.00

Alex Cockerell (Boort Yando) 10 2 57* 208 26.00

Matthew Rowe (Kingower) 9 0 54 198 22.00

Greg McKinley

Will Deason top scores for Kingower. LH PHOTO

All over: Chas Pickering seals the fate of Arnold with the catch of Redbacks’ skipper Cam Dale. LH PHOTO

Juniors enter the home straight

Thursday February 9, 2023

sport

SUSTAINABILITY TALKS WILL BE IN BENDIGO

ROOS SKIP TOWN

TALKS on Mitiamo’s sustainability in the Loddon Valley Football League will be held in Bendigo this weekend.

It’s the second time in a fortnight the Superoos will hold a major club event away from their John Forbes Oval base.

The Superoos held their season launch in Eaglehawk.

Sunday’s club sustainability and think tank has been billed as offering ideas “to help keep us viable and sustainable”.

The Superoos have engaged former Bendigo Pioneers and Golden Square administrator Steve Sharp to lead the session.

“Topics of discussion will range from immediate club management and how it can improve, to having plans in place to keep us viable well into the future,” the club announced.

“The club belongs to us all and if we can find ways to continually progress we will remain a successful and vibrant club well into the future.”

Superoos president Mick Draper said Bendigo had been chosen as a central location for both the launch and Sunday’s seminar.

Draper said the Superoos would begin training at Mitiamo’s John Forbes Oval headquarters a fortnight before the Loddon Valley season start on April 1.

He said the club had 50 footballers on the books including Tandarra’s Zac Morrison and Prairie’s Lincoln Hocking.

“They both played their junior football in Bendigo and are now coming home to us for their senior games,” he said.

“We also have a number of youngsters with the East Loddon Rams aligned to our club.”

Draper said the Superoos would continue Monday night training sessions in Bendigo with plans for an Echuca pod combining Superoos from that district with players lining up with Strathmerton and Moulamein.

Mitiamo has also recruited players from Melbourne and Geelong.

- CHRIS EARL

Kingower junior cricket team opening batsmen Evan McCoy and Tyler Murphy discuss tactics after the opening over in Saturday’s Upper Loddon association fiinal home and away two-day match against Bridgewater where McCoy made an unbeaten 30 runs. REPORT, SCOREBOARDS - PAGE 19