ICONIC Loddon faces could be beaming from vacant shop windows under a new concept out for tender by the shire council.
Tenders were to close yesterday for the Loddon Street Scenes project that council has told consultants will enliven commercial areas of Loddon Shire.
Council wants to engage a contractor to deliver a project to- transform vacant retail shop windows into vibrant photographic displays.
It says there will be collaboration with property owners to
create a dynamic and engaging environment, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the streetscape, celebrate the local community and stimulate economic activity.
The tranformation project will feature “vibrant photographic displays featuring the faces and stories of local people”.
Tender documents say: “By
presenting the artworks, that will be reproduced as decals on these empty storefronts, the initiative seeks to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the streetscape, celebrate our local community, and stimulate economic activity.
“The project will involve collaboration between property owners of vacant retail spaces
to create a dynamic and engaging environment that reflects the cultural richness of the region.”
A second tender closing next week has council looking for a consultant to report on redeveloping a vacant shop in Bridgewater and the Loddon Shed to showcase local produce.
Tender documents say the consultant will collate and consider current and future visitor information servicing, conduct targeted consultation with relevant potential business partners, key stakeholders, benchmark similar
business and operational models across Australia’s visitor information centre network and identify any potential Government funding programs or private sponsors, to contribute to capital costs.
Loddon Shire this week was guarded on detail about the two projects. “Confidentiality in council procurement processes is essential for fairness, probity and compliance. Council will be in a position to respond to questions after the tender process is concluded,” a spokesperson said.
Circulating in the communities and districts of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Laanecoorie, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.
Also available in Dunolly, Charlton, Wycheproof, Kerang, Marong, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Phone 0419549743
Email loddonherald@gmail.com
Web www.loddonherald.com.au
TECHNOLOGY and inventions were the topics 15 students spoke about for East Loddon’s public speaking competitions.
Ilah Penny was the winner in the grades 3/4 category with a speech on her creative invention, a rollercoaster to replace busy roads.
Other inventions presented included a never-ending Tim-Tam machine, a machine to take care of chickens and a changing pencil.
Judges, Sue Bennett, Phillip Britton and Nathan Collins,
placed Ilah first as she had made thoughtful, inclusive considerations in her design of the Rollercoaster, including cars for babies and wheelchair access, and for those who live out of town. They also noted that Ilah spoke clearly, used great expression, and was able to make eye-contact and connect with her audience due to her well-rehearsed speech.
In the grades 5/6 category students argued that technology was moving too fast for humans to keep up. Speeches included discussion about the rise of AI, pri-
vacy breeches and the impact on the environment.
Emily Lister was awarded first place with her speech acknowledging the potential benefits of technology.
She also spoke on the inventions that have improved our lives throughout history, while still making a convincing argument about the negative impacts of current technological change.
Judges said her speech was passionate and engaging and wellsupported with evidence and an effective structure.
Track walkers
FOUR Wedderburn College students are this week walking the Kokoda Track. Dakota Martin, Indi Simpson, Tyson Blair and Chantelle Badenhors, recipients of new RSL sub-branch scholarships, left for the World War Two battle site last Friday. Also on the walk is Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh for a second Kokoda experience and occasional Loddon Herald writer Andrew Mole.
BULOKE Shire chief executive officer Wayne O’Toole has quit after three years in the role for a position in the not-for-profit sector “where his operational expertise, balance of corporate acumen and community focus will continue to serve the broader Victorian community”.
VICTORIA’S environmental watchdog has some handy tips for everyone who has a wood burning heater keeping their toes warm this winter. EPA Victoria says the condition of the heater, the flue and the fuel you’re using all contribute to seeing more, or less, smoke from your chimney. Chief environmental scientist Jen Martin says you’ll get less smoke and more heat for your money, if you do it right. “Have your chimney professionally cleaned every year, only burn dry, clean wood, and extinguish your fire before going to bed.”
THE historic Fincham organ at Inglewood’s St Augustine’s Anglican Church is now complete.
The missing swell oboe pipe has been installed ahead of this month’s performance during the inaugural Keys of Gold festival across central Victoria.
Melbourne organ builder Daniel Bittner climbed into the organ loft to fit the pipe made in the same decade as the organ.
Festival founder and organist Thomas Heywood said: “This wonderful instrument is now complete ... the organ is a testament to the quality colonial manufacturing of George Fincham.”
Mr Heywood said a chance discussion with Daniel had led to finding a set of Fincham pipes not use.
“They were in Hobart and I asked whether there was a swell oboe and yes, there was,” he said.
“This pipe completes a wonderful organ and we can’t wait to be performing here for the festival.”
Completion came almost 150 years after the organ made by renowned goldfields musical instrument maker George Fincham was installed.
St Augustine’s Sue Brown said the organ had cost £350 when installed and retained its original mechanism, pitch and conetuned pipeworks.
The organ was moved to its present chamber, to the south of the chancel, in 1884 and a new piccolo stop was added in 1886.
Mr Heywood said the historic organ would be valued at more than $2 million today and re-
mained in good condition, able to still be used for church services and other events.
The Keys of Gold festival is a month-long series of boutique recitals in the region.
Mr Heywood said: “The pro-
gram of unique concerts explores the region’s historically significant churches and the keyboard instruments hidden within them.
“Our acclaimed musicians bring to life spectacular pipe organs, Steinway concert grand
Swell to be an oboe stop ... Thomas Heywood at the historic keyboard. LH PHOTO
ALL eyes are on the Victorian Agricultural Shows Convention this Saturday night as Boort Show waits to hear if it will be crowned the winner of the People’s Choice Award for Best Victorian Agricultural Show.
Boort has made it into the top 10 finalists — a huge achievement and a reflection of the community’s pride, hard work, and support.
Now, the big question remains: will it take out the top spot?
Local committee representatives Maddie Scott, Sharon Pickering, and Marjory Pottery will be at the awards dinner to represent the Boort Show and share in the excitement.
“This is fabulous recognition for such a great event that showcases our town year after year,” said Boort Show President Maddie Scott.
pianos and more, complemented by supporting instruments and voices.”
Mr Heywood and soprano Merlyn Quaife will feature at the late morning Inglewood recital on July 26.
The People’s Choice Award celebrates the most-loved agricultural show as voted by the public — and Boort’s place among the finalists is testament to the warmth, energy, and spirit that defines this much-loved event, said Maddie
PROFESSIONAL kangaroo shooter Glenn Cole believes a new State Government rebate for farmers wanting to mitigate kangaroos damaging their land could provide crucial relief as numbers rise across central Victoria.
The Newbridge resident has spent decades as a commercial kangaroo shooter and wants to help Loddon farmers manage kangaroo numbers.
“There’s no doubt the numbers of roos around our area is on the rise, in fact it’s exploding,” he said.
Mr Cole said farmers, already in challenging times after a dry start to the year and uncertainty for rain, could benefit from the rebate.
The Victorian Government is providing $1.8 million to help drought-affected farmers control eastern and western grey kangaroos under an approved authority to control wildlife (ATCW).
Farmers whose livestock are competing with kangaroos for fodder can apply for rebates to engage professional harvesters to manage kangaroos under an ATCW.
Farmers can claim a rebate of $450 three times and are required to contribute a min-
imum 25 per cent of the cost of the authorised shoot.
Agriculture Victoria says: “The initiative will also fast-track the assessment of ATCWs for kangaroos through the Conservation Regulator – reducing average processing time for applications to less than one week. Applying for an ATCW for kangaroo control is free.
“There are about 130 professional harvesters accredited under the commercial Kangaroo Harvesting Program across Victoria.
“The rebate will support a managed reduction in kangaroo numbers while Victoria faces challenging drought conditions.”
The kangaroo rebate was one of the first announcements from the State Government’s drought response taskforce.
Mr Cole, one of the state’s accredited shooters, has long been an advocate for greater control of kangaroos and allowing harvesting across the state.
“Kangaroos damage farmland, they eat the ground cover and can damage crops. This new rebate is possibly a way to see better management of numbers in country areas,” he said.
FOOD and grocery support and more funding for mental health are among latest announcements from the State Government’s drought taskforce.
The food support funding of $2 million will be administered through the Country Women’s Association while there will be $5.9 million in funding for community programs, such as the Look over the Farm Gate.
Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said that after three regional meetings, Premier Jacinta Allan’s drought response taskforce might have got its solutions package “about half right”.
Mr Walsh, who was invited onto the taskforce by the Premier, said her announcement funding to the drought declared shires would see farming council rates cut as much as 40 per cent in the next billing cycle was a step in the right direction – but only a small step.
He said the cuts should have been at least 50 per cent to have some genuine impact on the bottom line of drought devastated farmers.
“I would have thought the Premier could
have made sure farm rates were cut by 50 per cent – with the precedent being the millennium drought – using rates is a proportionate response and a great way to relieve financial pressures, we just haven’t gone far enough.
“The overall drought package is worth $75 million – which covers the rate cuts and includes $2 million to the CWA to run food relief programs and a further $6.3 million for other fees and charges to be waived, with those details still to come.”
Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said: “We’re in this for the long haul and whilst we thank the Victorian Government for their support, by no means are we out of the woods just yet. VFF has employed a drought support officer to be on the ground to speak with farmers and rural communities and we will continue to monitor conditions and ensure government is informed to provide further support to farmers.”
Rural Councils Victoria chair Rob Amos said: “Farmers and rural communities across the state will need sustained support.”
LODDON Shire rate notices will have a different look when they are issued within months.
The shire has been at the forefront of opposition to the State Government’s controversial new emergency services tax that will hike ratepayer bills.
The Government is forcing councils across Victoria to collect the tax and compelling them to send the money to Spring Street since last Tuesday.
While farmers have had a 12-month reprieve from a 150 per cent increase, Premier Jacinta Allan has linked consideration of a further extension to drought conditions.
But Loddon Shire says its new look rate notice will make ratepayers aware of the impact the tax has on the total bill that modelling by CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald showed could be a 25 per cent hike.
A shire spokesperson said: “Loddon is preparing a rates notice template that will make it clear for ratepayers what component of their rates notice is made up of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy. “An information flyer regarding the ESVF will also accompany rates notices this year to ensure ratepayers are informed about the change.”
Rural Councils Victoria has produced a guide rates notice template to help councils clearly show ratepayers which charges are actually Victorian Government requirements.
In the template — which has been developed with input from member councils — a new red box is used to signify Victorian Government-imposed charges.
The demonstration notice also includes words plainly explaining what the tax is.
The tax is expected to rip tens of mil-
lions of dollars out of rural municipalities alone, though the Victorian Government has announced a series of exemptions for drought affected zones, said RCV.
Individual councils are responsible for the final design of their rates notices.
Chair Cr Rob Amos said: “This is a rotten tax that should be scrapped. Rural Councils Victoria will keep pushing for the ESVF’s repeal.
“In the meantime, we want everybody to know just how much the Victorian Government is slugging them.
“It’s disappointing the Victorian Government is forcing councils to collect this unjust tax on its behalf.”
Loddon Shire has requested a meeting with the Victorian Governor to discuss its opposition to the new tax and is waiting on confirmation of a date.
PYRAMID Hill Progress Association is expected to formally take possession of keys to the town’s former aged hostel at the end of the month when legal processes for transfer of ownership are completed.
Respect Aged Care in May announced that it would be gifting the empty facility to the community after talks with the association that started after the fifth anniversary of the hostel’s closure in 2019.
Association president Drew Chislett said the property “became titled” last week and it was expected final settlement would be 30 days later.
group doing early work on developing a community vision for the former hostel and hope to have further conversations on that once the transfer of property deed is legally completed,” he said.
Talks to secure local ownership started ast November.
Mr Chislett and former president Neville Miller inked the deal six months later with Respect managing director Jason Binder, ending community uncertainty about the building that started as the town’s hospital in 1959.
“We currently have a small working
The 24-bed hostel has sat empty since its closure.
Long-time teachers
WEDDERBURN College has honoured its history and the legacy of staff over 160 years during its weeklong celebrations last week.
Classrooms and buildings have been named to recognise their service to the community and follows the earlier naming of the revamped leisure centre as Steel Stadium.
The primary centre now carries names of Tanya Chalmers and Diedre McKenzie who principal Danny Forrest said were “without question, the heart of Wedderburn College—two extraordinary educators whose passion, loyalty, and lifelong friendship have left an indelible mark on our school community”.
“Across decades of dedicated service, their commitment to the students, families, and staff of Wedderburn has never wavered.
“Remarkably, both remain as enthusiastic and passionate today as they were when they first stepped into a classroom.”
The science centre honoured former student Jo White is currently
the director of Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, where she is inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Jo was guest speaker at Thursday night’s official dinner where she paid tribute two teachers Moira Moody and Bridget Verwey for inspiring her to follow a career path in science.
The principal’s office recognises Margaret-Anne Wright who worked in senior leadership roles at the college for more than 20 years.
Mike Hanrahan, who was principal for 12 years was given the honour of cutting the 160th birthday cake and later saw a new award recognising long-serving staff jointly carry his name,
The traditions of Wedderburn were not forgotten during Thursday’s dinner when new staff were presented with a copy of the Albert Jacka biography. Jacka, from Wedderburn, was the first Australian awarded the Victoria Cross in World War Two.
Celebrations also had an eye to the future with an official sod turning for the new early learning centre at the college expected to open next year and end the Loddon Shire’s child care drought.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: “Local mums, dads, and grandparents have championed getting the new early learning centre in Wedderburn and I have been so proud to work with them to get it done. It will be a game changer to finally have child care options in the Loddon Shire, and to help local kids get the best start in life.”
“As a working mum, I know how much it takes a village to raise a child and how necessary child care is to help juggle it all. I cannot wait to see the new centre complete, so more local parents can enjoy the benefits of affordable childcare close to home.”
Principal Danny Forrest said there were plans for a history book on education in Wedderburn with Daryl Arnott and Alan Mulraney contributing to a planned 2027 release.
MALLEE MP Anne Webster has seized on the two-year delay to finishing the controversial VNI West renewable energy line as an admission that social licence and landowner consultation had been substandard.
“Mallee constituents have been telling me they are very unhappy with how they have been treated by TCV and VicGrid, the Victorian Government’s deployment arm for VNI-West,” Dr Webster said after last week’s announcement had been pushed out.
“As I wrote last month, Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and VicGrid’s CEO received frosty receptions in the electorate due to the division their plans are causing in our communities. Mallee residents feel their evidence of personal and local impacts simply has not been listened to, to date.
“Mallee residents strongly believe farmers and landowners deserve, and are not getting, a fair go. They are horrified to hear the Victorian Government are threatening fines of up to $12,000 if landowners do not comply with the railroading of energy projects, through a radical new bill in State Parliament.
“The two-year delay announcement on VNI-West follows the late April announcement the Western Renewables Link (WRL) which VNI-West connects with will, itself, be delayed until after the November 2026 state election while the public are consulted on environmental effects and planning approvals.”
SHORT-LISTED sites for worker accommodation while building the VNI West transmission line will be assessed as part of the project’s environmental effects statement.
TCV said: “In early February, community members from the Loddon, Gannawarra, Northern Grampians, and Buloke Shires shared their interests and concerns with TCV to help shape planning for workforce accommodation on the VNI West project.
“The expression of interest process to identify potential sites for accommodation and construction laydowns across the broader project area has now closed, with more than 15 detailed submissions received.
“Sites were assessed based on a range of criteria, including Proximity to the Project Easement main road connections, Potential for legacy benefits, Flood overlay and ecological considerations, Bushfire risk and topography, Access to services, Cultural heritage matters and Proximity to towns and existing homes.
“Workforce accommodation refers to the temporary lodgings and infrastructure needed to house project employees and contractors. Laydown areas will be used to store construction materials and equipment, and may also include stockpiling facilities, vehicle and equipment storage, demountable offices, and on-site amenities.”
THE last fortnight has marked the completion of the Bridgewater railway station planting project that saw Loddon Plains Landcare Network working with the Kooyoora Women’s Network.
The project that includes a sensory garden and links with the community garden culminating with a planting by the Bridgewater Primary School students.
“The precinct now links the new estate, school, railway, township and river the outdoor space provides a recreational and rest stop for visitors and residents alike,” said Kooyoora Women’s Network president Colleen Condliffe
BOORT District School’s vocational students took over Boort District Health last Friday as a part of North Central LLEN’s Youth Take Over program.
“The program aims to make students more employable and provide structured learning that allows them to pass their vocational major units and participate in something meaningful,” said NCLLEN’s team leader Jacinta Sutton.
Students worked in various areas of the hospital over the last term and created a presentation on what happens in the area they
worked in, ways young people can interact with the area and what recommendations they had thought of to improve the area.
Year 11 students were tasked with examining signage around the hospital. They presented their redesigned signs at the launch for the hospital to consider implementing.
Year 12 students reviewed the hospital’s communication strategies and presented an overview of the current strategies and provided suggestions on how these could be improved.
“It’s all about youth perspec-
tives on industry and getting the students involved which then helps with workplace shortages as the students have had experience in different areas and can find what interests them,” Jacinta said.
Vocational major teacher, Tom Bleicher said: “The Youth Take Over is extremely worthwhile for students and myself, the aim is to find a way to make literacy engaging and relevant.”
“It’s a really good experience for students at school. It is better than being in the classroom. It is more practical learning about
stuff in the workplace that you didn’t know” said students Caitlyn Zanker and Lauren Gawne. Jacinta said: “Boort District Health and Boort District School’s commitment to giving students opportunities to have hands-on, valuable workplace-based experience is fantastic.
“Students have been able to build their confidence, create industry & community connections while learning transferrable skills to set them up for their future pathways.”
Youth Take Over program has been running for several years.
FROM the green revolution after World War Two to GPS-guided tractors and today’s explosion of sensors, satellites and AI, agriculture has undergone significant technological transformations at key points in time.
Birchip Cropping Group’s Ag Tech Expo at Charlton Park on Wednesday will open with a keynote address that captures this evolution, and looks ahead to what the next 200 seasons could hold for Australian agriculture.
Hamish Munro, co-founder and CEO of Pairtree Intelligence will lead the thought-provoking session that exploring how far farming has come and why data, and the stories it tells, will define the farmers of the future.
“We’ve come through Ag 2.0, the post-war green revolution, through to Ag 3.0 and 4.0, where GPS, sensors, robotics and AI have entered the scene,” Munro said. “But if we want technology to work for us in the future, we need to feed it the right information now.”
BCG’s Jess Bidstrup said Munro’s message would resonate with growers across the Wimmera and Mallee.
“This isn’t just about the latest tech – it’s about combining our lived experience .”
FEARS have been raised that new footpaths as part of Inglewood’s $6 million streetscape project could be quickly damaged if gum trees are planted in Brooke Street.
The final draft plan by DJANDAK released for community feedback last month by Loddon Shire has yellow gum and dwarf yellow gum trees in the streetscape plant palette.
But main street business owner Denise Gartside said: “Gum trees will dig up the new footpath and hinder people exiting their vehicles.”
Her concerns have been backed up by several other Inglewood residents with Deb Coon saying: “I agree about the trees, it’s difficult enough now in some spots to let passengers out of the car and well the footpath would be another issue.”
And Debbie Musgrove said: “The trees are absolutely ridiculous. How will people get out of their cars?”
Dwarf yellow gums, known as ‘eucy dwarf, typically grow to a height of five to seven metres and can be up to four metres wide.
The streetscape draft plan has triggered community conversation since its release three weeks ago with proposals to have the Mallee fowl as the town sign signature, and multiple indigenous murals,
However, Mrs Gartside said: “It would be nice to see the streetscape reflect the pioneers of Inglewood who worked so hard in farming and businesses, to grow a strong community.”
Plans have been online since the release with Loddon Shire and able to be viewed at its Wedderburn offices. They are expected to be displayed in Inglewood later this month.
Council this week said it would be publishing responses online to questions received as part of the community feedback phase.
The Loddon Herald understands the current background information online about the council project was prepared by DJANDAK, a business entity of Bendigobased Djaara Corporation.
We are excited to announce we are opening later during the week and now OPEN
TERRICK West Merino Stud’s Claire McGauchie has put out the call for volunteers to assist with penning the nations top sheep when they go on display next week at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
“We need people next Tuesday to help with setting up pens and putting straw out ready for the arrival of the top sheep from not only our Loddon Valley studs but from across Australia,” she said.
Claire is among the next generation of Merino studmasters making their contribution at the nation’s biggest sheep show and she wants to encourage more people to be involved.
“It would be wonderful to have a strong group from the Loddon Valley part of the effort ahead of the show’s opening day on Friday.”
Claire said volunteers could contact her on 0438 368 270.
8am - 5.30pm 8am - 5.30pm 8am - 5.30pm 8am - 5.30pm 8am - 5.30pm 8am - 12pm
By DAMIAN MORGAN
LAST week, I stepped up as President of Country Press Australia, ostensibly to represent the best interests of independent regional newspaper publishers. But the responsibility is far greater than that.
The future of regional news publishing is inextricably linked to whether regional communities will continue to have a say in shaping the future of regional Australia.
In fact, regional newspapers are the metaphorical canary in the coal mine - their health signals the health of the voice of the communities they serve. And both are under threat.
The toxic combination of ever-expanding corporations and surging city populations dominating our politics is reducing regional communities to branch office status, with their futures determined by powerful elites in our CBDs.
With every small business that’s bought out and “rolled up” into a corporate machine - or shut down to make way for a bigbox competitor - a local business owner is replaced by a corporate manager. The profits are siphoned off in the first electronic transfer back to the city, and a small part of the soul of our communities dies.
As our capital cities grow, the weight of our democracy and decision-making drifts further away from the regions - away from where much of our nation’s wealth is generated, by the way.
Even local government is losing its voice. Many locally elected
councillors now fear speaking out on behalf of their communities, worried they’ll be reported by bureaucratic staff to increasingly powerful, city-based governance bodies. When this happens, our democracy is weakened.
Regional news publishers are among the last lines of defence against these forces.
At our best, we rally and amplify the collective voice of our communities. We stand up to power and fight for a fair go.
There’s a saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease - but in regional Australia, it’s mostly the silent, hardworking wheels that keep the whole country moving. That’s why regional newspapers promote local communities and give those doing the heavy lifting a voice.
We unapologetically champion independent regional businesses - the ones who make, grow, and fix things. The ones who only sell what they believe in and are proud of.
We’re also here for the bush cops, schools, the nurses and doctors who are always on duty, and the junior sports coaches who drive the bus three hours each way so kids can get a game on the
weekend. We’re up for the fight. But it’s getting harder.
A decade ago, regional newspapers were thriving. Classifieds, display ads, and community notices funded large local newsrooms filled with trained journalists.
But the landscape has changed. When news went online - and we’re online too - global tech giants like Facebook quickly came to dominate the advertising market, using their monopolistic power to take an overwhelming share of digital ad revenue.
Yet these platforms don’t produce news. They don’t employ journalists. And they certainly don’t hire anyone in regional communities where they glean enormous profits from the attention of local people while contributing nothing back to local newsrooms or communities.
In fact, they profit from our content, created by local journalists, without paying fairly for it - undermining the very business model that sustains local news.
Like frogs in warming water, too many Australians are unaware of the growing danger of letting corporatism control our communities - and the new media platforms and AI systems that (mis)inform them.
My top priority as President of CPA is to fight for the publishers who, in turn, are fighting for their communities. We’ll be wearing out the boot leather lobbying governments to protect our people from exploitation by tech platforms that profit from harmful content. We’ll push back against bureaucracy that strips power from local leaders. We’re proud to take on these battles.
Inglewood Streetscape
Enhancement projectyour questions answered
Council has received lots of responses to the draft design and concept plans for the Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement project, and there is still time to have your say - to do so, simply scan the QR code on the left or visit the Council website.
As we have been receiving submissions and questions, we are taking the opportunity to answer some of the most common ones on the project page.
Please take the time to have read of these FAQs.
And remember, if you have any other questions, you can ask them on the project page.
IN AN inspiring show of community spirit, East Loddon P12 College took part in The Push Up Challenge, raising funds and awareness for mental health.
The goal? Complete 3214 push-ups—one for each life lost to suicide last year. The result?
A staggering 5795 push-ups in one day!
The event was especially meaningful following the loss of beloved teacher Shane Rudkins earlier this year. It became a powerful way to honour his
memory and open conversations around mental health.
Students from all year levels joined in, with standout efforts from Peter Harrison (400 push ups), Ewan Ray, Miles Guthrie, Alex and Oli Lister, and Isaac Ferguson. Year 10 topped the class leaderboard, followed by Years 9 and 4.
The school also raised $385 for Bendigo Headspace, with local support from Bridgewater Bakehouse and Inglewood IGA keeping participants fuelled.
MORE than 14 million litres of olive oil have been milled by Cobram Estate in a bumper harvest season.
Cobram Estate wrapped up its harvest last Thursday, saying the 80 tonnes of olives from its groves, including Boort, had been a 10.2 per cent higher harvest than the last “on-year” harvest in 2023.
“Due to the natural biennial cycle of olive yields, 2025 was, as expected, a higher-yielding crop year in most of our Australian olive groves,” said joint CEOs Leandro Ravetti and Sam Beaton.
They said the result was pleasing “considering the short-term yield reduction following the completion of our replanting program after the 2023 harvest.
“The removal of approximately 100,000 mature trees (271 hectares) led to a temporary reduction in production, as these trees had previously contributed meaningfully to our output,” they said.
“These trees have since been replaced with ultimately higheryielding varieties, positioning us for stronger long-term performance. It is worth highlighting that our most recent development at Boort—comprising nearly 150,000 trees across 410 hectares—has not yet commenced production.” Cobram Estate said the olive oil quality produced was “very good, and the company will have sufficient supply to meet
the requirements of its packaged goods sales plan through to the 2026 harvest”.
“Following an on-year, the 2026 Australian harvest is considered an ‘off-year’, however the company’s olive trees are in good condition, and when combined with our maturing grove age profile we currently anticipate the 2026 crop will only be moderately lower than that of 2025,” Mr Ravetti and Mr Beaton said.
“The two-year rolling average production from our Australian owned groves is expected to exceed 20 million litres when the currently planted trees reach full maturity.
“These projections remain subject to the usual variables inherent in agricultural production.”
Cobram Estate told the ASX on
Monday that sales in both Australia and the United States continued to remain strong in the second half of the financial year, driven by the demand for high quality, locally produced extra virgin olive oil.
“We continue to see strong sales results from our premium brand, Cobram Estate, which has been responsible for most of the company’s sales growth in both Australia and the USA. In Australia, we commenced bottling and selling our 2025 harvest … in April 2025, and by June 30, we have sold over 2.7 million litres of 2025 harvest extra virgin olive oil.
Cobram Estate also announced on Monday that due to the rapid growth of its business in the US and the significant opportunities in that market, Mr Ravetti
will relocate to California from September 2025. “This decision made by the company, is aimed at increasing the support provided to the outstanding executive team in the US, better positioning CBO to take advantage of emerging opportunities, and enhancing the interaction between the two locations that are expected to become similar in terms of strategic and economic importance to the business in the medium term,” the announcement said.
Cobram Estate has sealed a $5 million deal to buy Mildura-based Leda Ag, the company building most of the company’s Colossus harvesters. And it anticipates paying a fully franked dividend of 4.5 cents per share in late November compared with last year’s dividend of 3.3 cents.
THE nation’s record for the top price for lambs is back in central Victoria.
A pen of 65 white Suffolk-Dorset cross lambs sold for $435 at Bendigo on Monday, three weeks after a new state record was set at the regional selling centre. That earlier state record of $426 was paid for a pen from a Swan Hill feedlot. It was one of five pens to smash through the $400 price and all sold by stock agents McKean McGregor.
Two of the pens were from Bridgewater district farmers. Stock agent Will Holt said Lachlan Wilson and Brent and Peter Rothacker fetched the high prices for their crossbred lambs.
In 2021, Bridgewater’s Chris Pollock set a new national record of $332 for a pen of 49 first and second cross white Suffolk lambs sold at Bendigo.
McKean McGregor’s Alex Collins said last Monday’s sale had brought good returns for Loddon farmers.
“Lambs bought in the New Year for $100 and fed were going for an average $268. So it’s good local farmers are enjoying the spoils of the strong markets and being rewarded,” Mr Collins said. And he expects the new Australian record could hold for a while. “There are now not too many heavy lambs sitting in paddocks,” he said.
The Australian wool market has started the new 2025/26 wool selling season last week, behaving in a similar fashion what has transpired over recent months, smaller than normal offerings and currency the largest driver on market movements. The opening sale of the season is traditionally one of the larger sales on the program, as this is the first opportunity for sellers wanting to offer in the new financial year. This year that was not the case, there 27,716 bales on offer, this was the smallest opening sale of the season since AWEX records began (1997). This was 6,525 bales less than last season’s opening, a reduction of 19.1%. The small offering received strong support across multiple buying houses; however, currency was expected to play a large part after the US dollar (USD) hit historic lows during the week. Considering the currency fluctuations the market held up remarkably well. In the merino sector results were mixed, a buying squeeze of wool broader than 20.5 micron, resulted in spirited bidding on these types, pushing prices higher for the week. The movements in the merino fleece Micron Price Guides (MPGs) ranged between positive 16 cents and negative 30 cents. Wool finer than 17.5 micron also selling well.
The crossbred sector has again been the leading light, adding further price increases to those recorded over the previous few months. The crossbred MPGs gained between 16 and 25 cents. These gains combined with a generally unchanged skirting market and a stronger carding market played a large role in the one cent rise in the benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI). The EMI closed at 1,208 cents. Viewed in US terms the news was more favourable, the EMI added 11 US cents for the series. This week is expected to of a similar size, there is currently 29,015 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.
Source: AWEX
Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064
Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333
Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior
Agronomist | 0408 188 351
Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044
Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
BIG day at Bendigo for lamb as the best processing stock keep getting dearer to a new national saleyard record of $435/ head.
The price was for a pen of extra heavy grain feed lambs estimated at 40-42kg cwt which were part of a line of 375 second-cross lambs out of a Swan Hill feedlot which averaged $424/head.
Overall 7 pens of heavy export lambs sold over $400/head in this sale. The price trend was dearer for the best quality processing lambs as they become harder to find in these wintery yardings as more clean-up tail-end drafts come through. Plainer and mixed lambs sold at similar rates to a week ago.
On the demand side not all buyers were active with some shut for winter maintenance or operating at reduced capacity. Of note was some very strong domestic orders for neat lambs in the 23-28kg cwt range which recorded some of the highest carcass rates of the sale at 1200c/kg plus.
Most export lambs from $330 to $390/ head with just the 7 stand-out extra heavy pens from $400 to a top of $435/head.
Heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs from $286 to $335, with domestic buyers active as they pushed up into bigger weights to access quality.
Best trade lambs $250 to $310/head. The estimated cost for runs of quality processing lambs was 1050c to 1150c/kg with select trades over 1200c/kg. Plainer wintery lambs and light lambs mostly 900c to 1050c/kg cwt.
Decent light lambs mostly $150 to $200/ head. Fed Merino lambs sold to $254/head and pens displaying shape and fat cover were well supported at over 1000c/kg.
The sheep sale had a weaker trend for price outcomes which were just firm to $5 to $20/head off. Not all exporters were ac-
A dearer market again on best quality lambs, including a national record of $435. Sheep were slightly cheaper.
Monday, July 7th, 2025 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 10,000 | Sheep - 6,000
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.
Alex Collins - 0408 314 768
Will Lowe - 0498 381 584
Will Holt - 0417 686 814
Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844
Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371 Lachie McAllister - 0459 310 797
Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832
Henry Bugge
tive on heavy ewes, most big meat ewes from $200 to $245 to a sale top of $260/ head. Best Merino ewes $177 to $238. Most trade sheep $130 to $175/head; light ewes $90 to $130, plainest down to $60/head. The estimated range for mutton was 650c to 750c/kg cwt.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
AR Strang Tallygaroopna (103) $400. AR Strang Tallygaroopna (64) $375. GF & CM Rathjen Colbinabbin (29) $365. D & S Harbour Elmore (8) $365. AB & KB Broom Neereman (20) $350. CN & DW Slatter Boort (34) $342. G Montgomery Shepparton (135) $330. Little Haven Bunbartha (21) $317. O’Sullivan Trading Elmore (533) $317. DI & CL Palmer Bamawm (80) $316. Pyalong Park Pyalong (42) $297. MV & HM Nicholas Eppalock (3) $296. Richmond Park Rural Lancefield (113) $275. D & F Graham Moama (72) $265. AB & L Mann Pyramid Hill (27) $245. AJ & C Gibbins Powlett (43) $245. Bardeen Axedale (13) $231. Hope Avon Pty Ltd Kurting (49) $210. DORPER LAMBS H & M Miles Yambuna (12) $232. MERINO LAMBS P & N Durrant Moama (7) $260. Elms Grove Powlett Plains (72) $254. RS & NE Kirk St Arnaud (24) $227. G & L McGurk Charlton (35) $200. Potters Hillside Pty Ltd Barraport (109) $179. CROSSBRED EWES B Allen Wycheproof (125) $260. T Viney Rochford (7) $260. P & P Ryan Family Trust Pyalong (7) $260. P Kerber Echuca (18) $240. Burnewang Nth Elmore (55) $240. MERINO EWES Potters Hillside Pty Ltd Barraport (36) $198. Bradford Hills Maldon (91) $190. Bear & Twigg Reedy Lake (64) $188. G & L McGurk Charlton (13) $188. P Safstrom Mount Camel (41) $186. G Repper Glenloth (57) $186. H Milne Giffard (56) $180. B Mulquiny Wooroonook (32) $176. CROSSBRED RAMS Bear & Twigg Reedy Lake (41) $150. MERINO RAMS Pine Hill Rural Myrtle Creek (3) $123. Order of sales next week - McKean McGregor, Elders, Nevins, Nutrien, Nuttall.
WHAT happens on July 19 2025?
The WHO International Health Regulations - We loose it all?
In today’s farming world, we face a huge range of, lets call them, challenges.
There is all the usual like droughts and floods, the long days that at times can be seven days a week, with not much rest or time for a social life.
Farming for many comes with a lot of pressure and many worries. It is hard enough dealing with some of the things that nature throws at us, but dealing with policies that governments attack us with is another level of problem all together.
One of these government created disasters that many farmers in Victoria and across Australia have to deal with is the transition from coal-fired electricity to the horrendous failure known as renewable energy decimating so many family farms across our agricultural food producing regions.
These projects have now created enormous friction and confrontation between old family friends and many farming neighbours.
Farmers and communities from all over Australia, in fact all over the world are now fighting many other battles for their very survival against governments who are committed to destroying them.
It certainly seems that governments are now waging war against our family farmers and
our food supply. Is this just a coincidence? Are they really trying to get rid of our farmers, and if so, why?
It is terrific to see more people asking these questions, and realising that something is very wrong, and that our governments are now actively working against us and causing us harm. So who are they working for?
Over the last 70 years, we have seen organisations like the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and the World Economic Forum be created.
What our local farmers and, in fact all farmers are fighting against, is a specific plan, a global plan, set up by the three global organisations that I have just listed.
These organisations, the UN, WHO and WEF, believe that there are billions of people on the planet that cannot be sustained, and that population reduction is the only thing that must be done, and that the economic system and structure will collapse.
How will they do this? For decades now, Australian governments have signed us up to treaties and agreements with these unelected bodies to give them the power to make population reduction happen.
Have you noticed that most things that happen, that destroy us, fall under the heading of fighting climate change or fighting pandemics?
Farmers across the globe are being shut down and industry,
WIND FARMS AND SPORTING SPONSORSHIP
Tyler Nelson wrote: To those heading up sports clubs, community groups and community events, there is and likely will be Sponsorship money offered by developers proposing controversial renewable energy and mining projects.
These projects are not operating yet, often don’t have planning approval, don’t employ anyone local, they don’t need you as a customer now or in the future, the developers are not based
locally, developers won’t be around long term and profits from developers won’t be staying locally.
So why would they be splashing sponsorship money around town now? Why, because they are looking to buy community support. Why are they looking to buy community support?
Because the developers know their projects will do harm to individuals, family’s, community’s and the environment. Instead of addressing these issues it’s easier for them to enter communities and buy support from clubs, community groups and events.
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
The Loddon Herald
business, society, energy production etc is being wound up.
One treaty of maximum concern is the WHO International Health Regulations, which includes the WHO One Health strategy. In short, this gives the WHO the full legal control of everything in our country. Australia has until July 19 to withdraw from this treaty, or WHO, the UN and WEF get full control to completely destroy us with climate change and pandemic shut down and destroy powers.
Protesting after this will be virtually impossible.
This is “The Great Reset”. Lock us down permanently, arrest, imprison, forcibly inject us and forcibly disposses and remove people from their properties.
We will have absolutely no rights of any kind under this treaty.
Our only option now is to put maximum pressure on all federal politicians to to haver the Government officially withdraw from this catastrophic disaster if we are to save our country and our kids and grand-kids.
The reason that no one knows about this is because your politicians, don’t let you know and don’t mention a word of it.
Wade Northausen is a rural advocate who founded the organisation Billboard Battalion
When this sponsorship money is accepted they use this acceptance of this sponsorship money as “positive community feedback” to promote the community’s approval of their proposed project.
By taking the money you are condoning their behaviour. And then who wants to speak out against a major sponsor of a local club or event?
Please give some thought to developing a policy for your club/group that outlines who it is appropriate to accept sponsorship money from in the current environment.
1. A type of dessert is a sticky what pudding?
2. What is the tallest mountain in Africa?
3. How often does a leap year occur?
4. How many moons does Mars have?
5. Which running event involves jumping over a hurdle into an ditch filled with water?
6. James Bond is the creation of which English author?
7. Famous singer-songwriter Johnny Cash was attacked in the 1980s by which animal?
8. What is the capital city of New Zealand?
9. What name is given to the object hit in badminton?
10. And how many feathers are used in making that object?
11. Which country has the smallest population in the world?
12. The equation E=mc2 was created by which scientist?
13. What is the fear of heights called?
IRST there was Dame Nellie Melba and a century or so later, John Farnham. More farewell tours and on-stage comebacks that a football tragic still lining up with a country football seconds side. Now there’s another name that can be added to such an illustrious list. Alister of Boort, featured prominently in last week’s Loddon Herald on the occasion of his retirement, was last Friday ... you guessed it, back on the job selling newspapers and Tatts tickets.
THINKING of Nellie (btw, OTF has some distant family connection to the great Australian operatic lyric coloratura soprano, according to keepers of the ancestral stories), Wedderburn College principal Danny Forrest would have fitted in well with the Nellie era last week. Danny was kicking more goals than his local football team when dressed complete with braces and cap for the college’s 160 years of education celebrations.
THERS said Danny was more like Peaky Blinders, the detective character in a British period crime drama.
14. In ‘The Hobbit’ what type of creature is Smaug?
15. How heavy is the shotput at a men’s Olympic event?
16. If someone were to cachinnate, what would they be doing?
17. What is the name of the pub in the Australian soap opera ‘Neighbours’?
18. Venice is known for which mode of transport?
19. Romulus and Remus founded which city according to mythology?
20. The Spirit of Tasmania boats are painted in which two colours?
THE boundary banter is on the build as winter sports head towards finals. Our very own The Oracle reported that the Bridgey bandwagon is now chugging along faster than a Ben Hur chariot. “They’re winning and my phone’s buzzing at all hours of the night as the fans castigate me for not picking their team.”
TO A different type of tipping, in some overseas countries it is not only customary, but an obligation, to leave a tip after eating at restaurant or cafe Coming out of the US of A is data showing that Millennials are the most reliable tippers, leading in almost every category, especially at restaurants, hotels, and personal services. The tightest tipppers are Baby Boomers. Not high for any generation is leaving a tip at fast food joints.
By RUBY HYLAND
PLAYING music was a family affair for Wedderburn Oldtimers’ member Glenda Hunter. Her brothers Lindsay and Trevor Holt were both members in the band when Glenda joined and the trio often sang together.
Glenda officially joined the band on the piano after Elma Ross retired but she had performed with them many times before either on the piano, singing or playing the guitar.
“They all had such music in them, every one of them could get up and perform an item on their own and it would be wonderful,” Glenda said.
“When I heard Elma play on the piano it was like magic, I almost didn’t want to take over from her because I thought I could never play like that.”
Glenda joined the band for their Hobart tour in 1981 as well as many of the coach tours they did.
After a performance at the Mildura Senior Citizens home, Glenda was surprised to see a photo of Lindsay, Leslie Dow and her in the Mildura paper which named her as Leslie’s sister.
“From then on he always called me Sis,” she said.
As many of the original members retired or passed away those remaining still played small shows together. Peter Ellis and Morrie Gierisch would perform with Glenda at various events across Victoria.
“Peter and Morrie used to come up here often and we would just sit in the loungeroom and play and play all afternoon,” Glenda said, “We played at St Arnaud’s seniors citizens centre, in Birchip and Charlton and so many others.”
“The Bus Crowds” as Glenda called those on touring coaches would come from New South Wales and South Australia to watch them play even when it was only the three playing.
“The full band used to play at motels to entertain people staying there on coach trips and we kept doing that as well.
Everyone loved it including us. Peter would always put on a show for the audience, I remember him dancing around while playing his button accordion at the same time. It was so impressive,” she said.
Glenda remembers this being one of the last performances the band did as Peter passed away a few weeks later and after gradually winding down over the years, the Oldtimers had had their final performance as a band.
However, Glenda’s love for playing the piano never dwindled.
“I still play for church and if someone needs some music for something I’m happy to do that too,” she said while looking over old photographs of the group
Over the years she has kept newspaper clippings, photos and poetry about the band, “I’m a bit of a hoarder of things like this but it’s nice to have it all. It was such a fun time, all the members were such characters, and we all loved playing together,” Glenda said.
Stories and memories that have become more cherished in the 50 years since the Wedderburn Oldtimers’ Orchestra made its debut on the stage of the Mechanics’ Institute Hall on July 11, 1975.
ELMA and Grummy Ross were legends in The Wedderburn Oldtimers - one a lady, the other a larrikin. But for Kathy Bradley (pictured), they were her grandparents.
“Nan was very doting, loved us all and we knew it,” said Kathy this week. “And we loved the way she played the piano.”
Kathy said Elma’s other great skill was crochet. She would always wear one of her own shawls, but never when playing.
“Apparently one time they were on television - either the Mike Walsh or Don Lane Show - she has taken the shawl off and left it on a chair. Singer Renee Geyer walked on as the next act performing and wearing Nan’s shawl,” she said.
“Grummy (the band’s drummer) was a naughty larrikin, Nan a lady, they complemented each other.”
ANNUAL/GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday 22nd July 2025
8.00pm
School Building Engine Park
Racecourse Road WEDDERBURN
Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens 8/10 McKay Street Pyramid Hill
Notice of Senior Citizens Annual Meeting to be held after Christmas in July lunch.
Lunch a two course meal, cost $12 Date 25th July 2025
Lunch 12 noon in the New Community Centre All welcome.
Please advise if attending for lunch Terry 0429 843 479 Lyn 0428 564 006
Notice of intention to apply for a Licence to Construct Works (Bore) for a Licensable Purpose
GMW Reference No: BGW0199-25
We Peter, Dianne & Brent Rothacker of Sebastian Road BRIDGEWATER VIC 3516
Refer to Vic Roads Map 43 H3
Intend to make application to Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) for a Licence to Construct Works (Bore), and if successful:
- This is our notice to amend our existing Licence to Take and Use Groundwater to include the bore and extract existing licensed volume of 960.0ML/Year
The application is for 1 Bore to be constructed to a proposed depth of 100 metres
The water will be used for the purpose of: Irrigation
To be constructed and used on lands described as:
Volume Folio Lot No Plan No Plan Type Crown Allotment Parish 4616 063 13A, 13B, 14B Bridgewater 1231 113 16
9516 133 14A
9268 187 15
9335 931 2 127582 LP
Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the issue of this Licence including any intended groundwater use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.
To make a submission please read the information available to download from Make a submission about a licence application - Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) refer to the Groundwater section or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.
Temporary Road Closure
– Hospital St, Wedderburn
The following road will be closed to through tra c from 11th July to 26th July 2025 for the duration of the stormwater installation works on Hospital St, WEDDERBURN. Detour routes will be in place.
Hospital St, WEDDERBURN will be closed between Godfrey St & Chapel St.
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- Loddon Gold elds
Permanent, full-time position
An attractive salary range of $68,174.72 - $70,528.47 per annum plus employersuperannuation
Work a 9-day fortnight based in the Loddon Gold elds team.
Applications for the position above close Sunday 20 July 2025 at 5pm.
Maternal and Child Health Nurse
Casual position
An attractive hourly rate of $73.15$78.84
Based at our Wedderburn O ce with carpooling services available between Marong and Wedderburn Applications for the position above will be considered as they are received For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s OrganisationDevelopment Unit on (03) 5494 1200.
From junior drop-offs to premierships, Boort’s footy mums reflect on their pivotal role in the club and community
By FIONA HALL
IT’S a typical winter Saturday at the footy oval.
The smell of hot chips and hotdogs drifts through the crisp morning air. The roar of the crowd, the beep of car horns, and the cheers from the netball court create a familiar soundtrack to country sport.
But while the players battle it out on the field, it’s the footy mums who keep everything ticking along behind the scenes.
For the Boort football Club mums, last Saturday was an away game at Sea Lake, just a short 125km drive each way.
Still an early start that is typical on home day games when, long before the first siren sounds, footy mums are already hard at work in the club kitchen.
That’s when from 8am, the canteen comes alive with mums prepping sandwiches, buttering rolls, and stirring steaming pots of soup.
It’s a quiet but vital ritual — fuelling hungry players and spectators and creating a warm hub on chilly winter mornings.
Their early start sets the tone for the day and ensures everything runs smoothly from the first bounce to the final whistle.
“It’s busy, there’s always something happening, duties to do,” says Nikki Barraclough, proud footy mum to Sam.
“But you feel that connection when you do a job. It feels like your way of giving back and contributing in a meaningful way.”
Being a footy mum isn’t just about being a glorified taxi driver.
It means washing muddy guernseys, filming games, volunteering in the canteen, cheering from the sidelines — and sometimes doing all that before lunch.
Many mums also step into formal volunteer roles such as timekeeping, scoring, providing first aid, managing teams, or helping as trainers on game day.
And it doesn’t stop on Saturdays — there are the countless hours spent during the week driving to and from training sessions, often juggling work, family, and other commitments to make sure their
kids get the chance to play the sport they love.
All up, footy mums might clock up 10 to 15 hours a week — often with little recognition, but lots of heart.
Nikki Barraclough doesn’t just watch the game — she captures it, filming Boort’s senior footy matches most Saturdays. “I love being able to use my skills to give something back,” she adds.
For many mums, watching their children grow through the ranks is a privilege.
“To watch your son run out onto the field with their teammates and have the anticipation of what is to come — it’s exciting,” says Maddie Scott, whose son has played from juniors right through to seniors.
A theme many parents talk about today is how valuable it is to see their kids involved in team sport.
Not just about fitness or fun — it’s about learning resilience, respect, and responsibility. Learning how to win and lose graciously teaches them a lot about life, and being part of a team helps build character in ways that go far beyond the scoreboard.
And it’s not just about the football. “Everything about being part of the Boort Footy Club is special,” Maddie says.
“It’s inclusive — from babies to grandparents. It’s a place where everyone comes together to connect, catch up, and support each other.
“The club teaches so much —
health, wellbeing, mental health, teamwork, leadership, volunteering, and just having a go.”
Boort Football Netball Club is more than a sporting organisation — it’s a community hub and a classroom for life.
“There are so many great role models at the club,” Maddie continues.
“It’s welcoming and supportive, and it wouldn’t function without volunteers.”
While there are many incredible dads, grandparents, and club supporters who help out too, it’s often the mums who quietly carry the lion’s share week in, week out.
But being a footy mum isn’t without its challenges, especially when the physicality of senior
football comes into play. Kim Potter says: “The only hard thing is watching your son get crunched. Senior footy is tougher, and you’re always hoping they’ll walk off the field each Saturday without any major injury.”
Kim has watched and felt every bump and bounce on the journey of her sons with Tom now a regular player in the senior team.
Mums may chat and cheer from the sidelines, but their eyes are always on their own. “
My son Lachie has bright orange boots. They make it easier to keep track of him — especially when I get distracted talking.
Sometimes you miss a great mark or goal if you look away for just a second. The orange boots help me find him again quickly! From early mornings to late finishes, the commitment is real. With kids playing across different age groups — from under 14s to seniors, many mums are at the ground from 9am until well after the final siren.
And it’s not just football. The North Central Football League is unique in that it brings together footy, netball and hockey under one umbrella.
“It becomes a full-day affair,” one mum says. “But it’s also a chance to catch up on local news, connect with friends, and be part of something bigger than yourself.”
At the end of the day, footy mums don’t do it for the recognition. “
We do it because we love it — and we love them,” says Maddie. “There’s nothing better than seeing your kid out there, doing what they love, surrounded by community.”
So next time you’re at the game, take a moment to appreciate the footy mums in the canteen, on the sidelines, or behind the camera, keeping the heart of the club beating, one Saturday at a time.
Fiona Hall is a post graduate diploma student in strategic communications at the Universitry of Tasmania. She has been on placement wioh the Loddon Herald over the past week
Pyramid Hill 2.2 8.6 12.7 15.9 (99)
BL Serpentine 2.1 6.1 6.3 8.7 (55)
GOALS – Pyramid Hill: B. Bisset 4, R. Semmel, M. Dingwall 2, M. Cheesman, Z. Alford, H. Goodes, B. George, B. Gibson, B. Ladson, M. Gunther. BL Serpentine: J. Bailey 3, R. Turner 2, J. Starr, J. Laird, C. Draper.
BEST – Pyramid Hill: B. Ladson, A. Hildebrandt, M. Langan, B. George, G. James, B. Knight. BL Serpentine: N. Twigg, J. Addlem, T. Miles, R. Turner, C. Draper.
Maiden Gully 3.2 5.3 6.5 11.6 (72) Mitiamo 2.4 3.9 3.12 7.13 (55)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: T. Delahey 3, T. James, M. Lines 2, N. Murley, A. Monfries, L. Deslandes, T. Jackson. Mitiamo: K. Galvin, Z. Myers 2, Z. Morrison, A. Huismann, S. Wright. BEST – Maiden Gully: D. Russell, M. Hill, T. Jackson, A. Robins, E. Crisp, N. Murley. Mitiamo: L. Twigg, D. Marshman, Z. Morrison, B. Laird, L. Lougoon, C. Tuohey.
Marong 3.2 6.4 8.7 10.10 (70) Bridgewater 3.3 7.4 12.8 15.9 (99)
GOALS – Marong: K. Robins 5, M. Lowery, J. Davis, J. Gadsden, L. Lee, R. Taylor. Bridgewater: N. Naughton 5, L. Sharp, T. Estrada 2, O. Watt, O. McKinley, B. Derrick, J. Symons, L. Ellings, J. Roberts.
BEST – Marong: K. Robins, S. Geary, B. Hartland, B. Gregg, M. Willox, R. Taylor. Bridgewater: N. Naughton, L. Ellings, J. Milligan, J. Neylon, H. Conway, B. Derrick.
Inglewood 6.2 10.9 17.13 19.17 (131)
Newbridge 2.3 4.5 4.5 7.8 (50)
GOALS – Inglewood: L. Marciano 4, K. Cavallaro 3, C. March, H. Veitch, S. Erharter, L. Harris 2, T. Murphy, W. Allen, B. Cotchett, F. Payne. Newbridge: B. Dimech, M. McArthur 2, C. Dixon, B. Carr, A. Willett.
BEST – Inglewood: K. Cavallaro, B. Cotchett, T. Kennedy, H. Veitch, L. Marciano, W. Allen. Newbridge: W. Copland, B. McKinley, B. Carr, R. Cathie, C. Sanders, A. Willett.
Marong
(160)
Bridgewater 2.2 (14)
GOALS – Marong: R. McNamara 6, R. Doorty 5, J. Miller, J. Taylor, B. Hale, W. Thomson, H. Bennett, M. O’Donnell 2. Bridgewater: H. Daldy, M. Ferguson.
BEST – Marong: W. Thomson, R. Doorty, J. Miller, L. Henson, B. Hale, H. Bennett. Bridgewater: W. Salau, D. Cullen, O. Salau, T. Waters, T. Woodhatch, R. Hobbs.
Inglewood 4.7 8.9
Pyramid Hill 0.1
(89)
(34)
GOALS – Inglewood: M. Pickering 4, H. Noble 3, T. Lovett, R. Murphy, R. Smith, E. McCoy, W. Schepers. Pyramid Hill: J. Mitchell, T. Pritchard, D. Coussa, J. Mitchell, S. Battiscombe. BEST – Inglewood: R. Smith, W. Schepers, K. McClellan, R. Murphy, J. Penrose, M. Pickering. Pyramid Hill: S. Battiscombe, J. Hercott, T. Caine, B. Smith, D. Coussa, E. Ray.
Marong
Gully
Charlton
(56) BL Serpentine
(26)
GOALS – Pyramid Hill: R. Pollock 4, T. McIntosh, J. Simpson 2. BL Serpentine: J. Gladman 2, B. Finlay.
BEST – Pyramid Hill: D. Lovell, G. Quinn, J. Douch, B. Reaper, K. Quinn. BL Serpentine: C. Davies, O. Downing, J. Wingrave, T. Clarke, L. Murley, D. Tineo.
Maiden Gully 2.6 5.10 6.11 12.11 (83)
Mitiamo 0.2 1.2 2.3 2.3 (15)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: R. Crothers, J. Doolan, J. Berry 2, J. Wittingslow, J. Thompson, D. Downing, K. Kerrison, W. Anderson, L. Budge. Mitiamo: K. Coatsworth, K. Pentreath.
BEST – Maiden Gully: M. James, J. Berry, J. Wittingslow, R. Crothers, D. Downing, J. Doolan. Mitiamo: K. Coatsworth, J. Cassells, J. Rasmussen, D. Hall, J. Price, A. Lloyd. Marong 2.1 3.3 6.5 7.7 (49) Bridgewater 1.2 2.5 2.6 3.6 (24)
GOALS – Marong: C. Hale 3, B. Matthews 2, K. Manley, P. Gretgrix. Bridgewater: H. Terry, J. Campbell, C. Hindle. BEST – Marong: B. Matthews, G. Reade, S. Taylor, H. Baker, C. Hale, R. Gretgrix. Bridgewater: J. Higgins, N. Bibby, J. Naughton, C. Woodhatch, Z. Hoiles, J. Wild.
Inglewood 3.3 7.5 8.10 13.13 (91)
Newbridge 1.0 2.0 2.2 2.3 (15)
GOALS – Inglewood: K. Simpson 5, R. Tresize 4, T. Kendal 2, R. Murphy, D. Gorrie. Newbridge: R. Hipworth, A. Moore. BEST – Inglewood: J. Sleep, J. Nevins, K. Simpson, R. Tresize, T. Kilcullen, B. Smyth. Newbridge: D. Whan, O. Friswell, C. Van Aken, N. Davis, E. Spark, C. Saunders.
Marong 12 12 0 0 1 462.81 48
Bridgewater 12 9 3 0 1 193.14 36
Inglewood 12 9 3 0 1 178.57 36
Pyramid Hill 12 8 4 0 1 140.52 32 BL Serpentine 11 4 7 0 2 105.56 16 Maiden Gully 12 4 8 0 1 81.03 16
Newbridge 11
GOALS – Charlton: L. O’Keefe 2, R. Thompson, S. Zagame, B. Lanyon. Wedderburn: M. Jensen 10, O. Holt, A. Smith 3, N. Furlong 2, M. McEwen, M. Robinson, J. Mortlock. BEST – Charlton: L. O’Keefe, B. Lanyon, R. Thompson, M. Collins, B. Xiriha, E. Fitzpatrick. Wedderburn: J. Mortlock, N. Furlong, M. Jensen, Z. Pallpratt, C. Lowry, D. Benaim. Calder United 4.5
Birchip Watchem 4.4 10.8
(63)
(105)
GOALS – Calder United: D. Pearce 3, R. Smith 2, D. Munro, K. Hommelhoff, Z. Keighran, S. Kennedy. Birchip Watchem: J. Christie 3, T. Gibson, R. Conboy, B. Edwards 2, W. Lee, N. Rippon, J. Reid, D. Bell, M. Rippon, L. Foott. BEST – Calder United: O. Madden, K. Hommelhoff, J. Walsh, M. Trzeciak, D. Pearce, R. Smith. Birchip Watchem: T. Gibson, N. Rippon, D. Bell, B. Lakin, D. Hinkley, J. Noonan.
Donald 0.1 2.2 2.3 5.5 (35)
St Arnaud 2.7 5.11 6.16 8.16 (64)
GOALS – Donald: D. Bell-Warren, J. Talty, B. Arho, R. Walker, D. Pearce. St Arnaud: M. Hungerford 3, J. Tillig 2, Z. Phillips, K. Torney, L. Bridger.
BEST – Donald: R. Walker, D. Pearce, D. Bell-Warren, J. Talty, C. Campbell, T. Reekie. St Arnaud: J. Needs, O. Lowe, K. Torney, D. Schilder, H. Saunders, M. Hungerford.
Sea Lake Nandaly
(71)
(60)
GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: A. Pattison, T. Donnan, B. Delmenico, W. Donnan 2, M. Cahoon, C. Michael. Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly 4, K. Rutley, J. Keeble 2. BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: A. Pattison, W. Donnan, T. Donnan, J. Wright, B. Delmenico, J. Clohesy. Boort: M. Austin, K. Wilson, J. Baddeley-Kelly, A. Chamberlain, J. Dick, C. Egan.
Birchip Watchem
St Arnaud
GOALS – Donald: N. Donnellon, J. Johnson, D. Hollis. St Arnaud: J. Hicks 5, H. Torney, T. Ward, Z. Notting, J. Kell 2, H. Meagher, B. Greenaway, G. Gorrie, L. Ezard. BEST – Donald: B. Harrison, J. Lopes, G. Burke, N. Donnellon, G. Meulendyks, K. Trollop. St Arnaud: Z. Notting, J. Kell, R. Bigmore, S. Elliott, R. Burke, B. Greenaway.
Sea Lake Nandaly
GOALS – Charlton: K. Clifford 6, L. Dunne, A. Johnstone, C. Boyle 2, E. Needs, A. Soulsby. Wedderburn: R. Holt, A. Younghusband.
BEST – Charlton: L. Dunne, K. Clifford, P. Soulsby, A. Johnstone, C. Boyle, T. Salmon. Wedderburn: A. Younghusband, R. Holt, R. Tonkin, R. Dole, S. Carroll, D. Caruana.
Watchem
GOALS – Calder United: B. Barker
GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Mitchell, T. Mitchell. Boort: A. Cockerell 5, C. Hatcher, F. Millar, M. Coleman, P. O’Rourke. BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: T. Considine, L. Martin, W. Landry, J. Tait, N. Wight, N. Barbary. Boort: A. Cockerell, B. Hewlett, F. Millar, C. O’Rourke, J. Hall, A. Trethowan.
(44)
(82)
D. Murray, D. Kelly. Birchip Watchem: J. Lee 3, S. Simmons 2, L. Sirett, R. Hogan Jr, S. Pye, N. Ryan, A. Hay, C. Boyle.
BEST – Calder United: J. Turner, R. Botheras, B. Barker, J. Morrison, A. Hogan, J. Bish. Birchip Watchem: H. Cook, B. Hogan, J. Lee, S. Pye, T. Colbert, R. Hogan Jr.
Watchem: O. Cook, C. Barber, J. Knights, T. Atkinson.
BEST – Donald: J. Borden, H. Funcke, C. Burke, M. Hollis. St Arnaud: J. Batters, A. Lowe, S. Bridgeman, H. Tannock, F. Donald, R. Leach.
Lake Nandaly
(28) BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: N. McClelland, B. Allan, S. Barbary, C. Wight, C. Symes, Z. Wight. Boort: R. Wagner, C. Gould, L. Boyd, B. McPherson, D. Perryman, C. Gooding.
(98)
J. Wright, E. Soulsby,
Van Boven, S. Zagame, M. Fitzpatrick, M. Dempster. Wedderburn: J. Smith, D. Tansley, B. Cunningham, T. Lowe, W. Cunningham.
H. Humphreys, S.
L. Poyner, J. Harrison, V. Harrison, G. Vearing. Birchip Watchem: D. Tyler, R. Ryan, A. Norton, T. Kemp, W. Ryan, A. Tyler.
BEST – Charlton: C. Mcgrath, R. Gahan, C. Dixon, H. McGrath, F. Schofield. Wedderburn: J. Dierickx, A. Clarke, Z. Polkinghorne, N. Turnbull, J. Laverty-Smith.
BEST – Donald: J. Hepworth, E. Geddes, J. Embate, D. Burke, R. Clark, S. Mortlock. St Arnaud: F. Wilson, L. Lowe, S. Greenaway, N. Hando, B. McNaulty.
Lake Nandaly
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Wight, H. Cox, M. Conlan, R. Allan, S. Pearce, H. Landry. Boort: S. Muller, M. Soumelidis, L. King, B. Gilmore, T. Trinchi.
MITIAMO Golf Club’s annual tournament had a strong turnout each day with perfect playing conditions other than some Sunday showers.
Day one’s ladies 4BBB saw Deb Bish & Jenny Holt with 46 points come out as division 1 winners, followed by Deanne Free & Jean Youl on 44 points. Division 2 Winners were Helen Hayes & Phil McFarlane with 48 points, they were also winners of the Jean Hellsten Memorial Trophy. Marilyn Morrell & Marilyn Butcher came second with 44 points on countback from Gail Barker & Faye Reid. Nearest the Pin winners were Kath Conners and Jan Conder, 2nd Shot Hole winners were Lorna Wilson and Robyn MacRae.
Friday’s men’s 4BBB had 64 pairs playing, division 1 winners were Leigh Ayson and Shannon Waters on 49points. Runners-Up were Paddy and Shane Carmody on countback and Steve Gibson & Wayne Maxted 46. Division 2 went to Wayne Williams and Dick Ballantyne on 49p. RunnersUp Blake Gibson and Harrison Goodes followed close behind with 48. Nearest the Pins were Sam Neuth, Ady Doint, Caleb Smith, Kevin Humbert and Sean Murphy. Longest Drive on hole 3 went to Will Janky in the 0–18 Handicap and Kyen Maxted in the 19+ Handicap.
Saturday’s ambrose Men’s Event named Ant, Nathan and Allen Dennis as winners with 56.84 and Runners-Up Ted, Paul and Shane Carmody on 58.84. The mixed event had Kim & Karl Harrison and Brad Everall in first place with 58.66 and Ray Boyd, Helen Hayes and Graham Maxted in second with 61.5. Nearest the Pins was Lyn Richardson, Jeanette Naylor, D. Tindall.
Sunday’s 36-Hole event
A Grade Scratch winner was Craig Burns on 139 after a 2-hole playoff with Simon Sheedy. The nett winner was Luke Price on 135. B Grade Scratch Gavin Kerr 166 and nett Blake Gibson 133.
The 18-Hole A Grade AM Nett was Tyler Oliver on 66 and the PM Nett was Matty Miles with 64. B Grade was AM Nett Jake Price 68 and PM Nett Paul Kuiper 68. Nearest the Pins were Craig Burns, Gavin Kerr, Simon Ray, Anthony Masters and Jake Price. .
Golfers at Tarnagulla enjoyed a day of blue skies and sunshine for the club’s “Lucky Five” event. Jill Sharpe won the women’s event on a countback with Robyn Ravenhill in second place. Daniel McNamee was the winner in the men’s category. Longest drive was award to Garry Harwood and Jill Sharpe was nearest the pin.
Winners of the Jean Hellsten Memorial Trophy Phil McFarlane and Helen Hayes and (right) Gavin Kerr who took out the B Grade 36 holes scratch with A Grade 36 holes scratch victor Craig Burns
MORE than 20 enthusiastic young golfers teed off at the Inglewood Golf Club on Monday as part of the two-day MyGolf clinic.
The junior golf program had first-timers and those with a few rounds under their belts taking part in the fun and educational program.
The clinic was led by Paul Condliffe, who learned to play the game on the very same course. Now a qualified coach, Paul returned for his second year running the program, keen to share his skills with the next generation.
“It’s all about teaching the kids the basics — how to strike with
standard irons, as well as chipping and putting,” Paul said. “You never know which one of them might fall in love with the game like I did.”
MyGolf is endorsed by Golf Australia and aims to make golf more accessible to children and promote the sport as a fun, inclusive and life-long activity.
But beyond the technique and terminology, the focus of the clinic was about something even more valuable — community.
Long-standing club secretary Dave Vanston, who has been involved in organising clinics for more than two decades, said the real goal was to give youngsters
the chance to try something new.
“Whether they take up golf long-term or not, it’s about getting them involved, teaching them new skills, and giving them the confidence to have a go,” Dave said.
The event also drew praise from locals like Paul’s mother Colleen. “It’s fantastic to see them outside, away from screens and doing something active — especially in the school holidays,” she said.
With a strong turnout and positive feedback, the Club is hopeful that the clinic sponsored by Inglewood IGA will help it attract new junior members.
WEDDERBURN Golf Club champion Byron Bird has been making his mark since returning from a 15-year break from the sport. Byron has just won his third consecutive title and is playing off a handicap of five. The hat-trick of wins add to a pair of titles he took out more than 20 years ago. “I had 15 years away from the sport and only came back five years ago.” However, Byron’s feat remain a long way behind uncle Keith Bird who has more than 20 club titles to his name. LH PHOTO
The Redbacks are carrying all before them, remaining unbeaten after 11 rounds this season.
Wedderburn made short work of Charlton on the weekend, winning by 57 goals on the back of a consistent four-quarter effort.
Boort, on the other hand, struggled to score against the Tigers, losing 44-28 after trailing all afternoon.
Indeed, the Magpies struggled to field a team, with coach Carly Isaac saying the club was close to forfeiting the match.
Illness, holidays and other reasons meant that only 12 senior players were available for selection.
It was comfortably Boort’s lowest goals tally of a season in which it has easily disposed of struggling sides but has battled to overcome the better teams, also losing to Calder United and Wedderburn.
The scoring disparity was particularly stark in the third quarter, when the Magpies could only muster four goals to Sea Lake Nandaly’s 13.
The two teams halved the last term, but the game was already decided.
Isaac took some of the blame for the lack of scoring, as she was forced to play as a goaler because of the personnel issues.
“That’s how short we were,” she quipped.
On a positive note, Isaac said the absence of senior players gave the club’s juniors a chance to play at a higher level, with some 13- and 14-year-old net-
FOUR junior netballers from the Loddon Valley league and two from North Central have been named to trial later in the year for spots in Netball Victoria’s elite development programs. The players were selected after their performances in regional competitions in the northern zone.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine has two players who will take part in the trials, Abby Twigg and Lexi Coates.
Marong’s Ashleigh Medhurst and Pyramid Hill’s Cecily Farrar have also been selected for the trials.
Medhurst finished second in last season’s 15-and-under league best-and-fairest award, while Farrar was a runaway winner of the Bulldogs’ 15-and-under best player award.
Donald’s Milla Adams and Birchip Watchem’s Lana Angel will represent North Central at the trials.
The trials will help to chose players for the 2026 Talent Academy and state team under-17 and under-19 programs.
ballers getting a run in D Grade. The Magpies are still second on the ladder ahead of the league’s final bye weekend but are ahead of Sea Lake only narrowly on percentage and 12 points behind the runaway Redbacks.
Top two means the all-important double chance in the finals, so there is much riding on the remaining games.
In bad news for the other clubs, Wedderburn’s A Grade coach Susie Lockhart believes her team still has more to give.
“They’re improving every week and really starting to gel,” she said.
“They’re getting better and better each week, which is nice to see.”
Goal attack Holly Lockhart was named best for the Redbacks, but the victory was based on a solid performance by the whole team.
Aliza Lockhart, the 2022 league best-and-fairest winner, has returned to play in B Grade after recovering from an ACL tear and knee reconstruction last year.
She has been added to the A Grade squad for the rest of the season, giving the Redbacks even greater depth approaching finals.
In other matches, Calder United defeated Birchip Watchem 55-42 in their battle for fourth spot and a finals place.
The Bulls hold fourth position over the Lions by a tiny percentage margin after their loss.
Playing on its home court, Donald beat bottom side St Arnaud 69-39 for its third win of the season.
A Grade
Inglewood 5, 6, 13, 17, (17) lost to Newbridge 22, 42, 51, 67, (67). Pyramid Hill 16, 30, 44, 57, (57) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 10, 23, 29, 41, (41). Marong 17, 28, 38, 54, (54) d Bridgewater 12, 28, 42, 52, (52). Maiden Gully 15, 20, 30, 34, (34) lost to Mitiamo 17, 43, 65, 83, (83).
Reserve
Inglewood 4, 7, 10, 13, (13) lost to Newbridge 21, 34, 51, 62, (62). Pyramid Hill 13, 33, 42, 54, (54) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 4, 5, 12, 16, (16). Marong 7, 19, 30, 41, (41) lost to Bridgewater 13, 30, 41, 52, (52). Maiden Gully 8, 22, 32, 42, (42) d Mitiamo 5, 11, 18, 24, (24).
Hill 34 Newbridge 22 Mitiamo 18 Calivil 14
BL Serpentine 8
Inglewood 0
B Grade
Inglewood 6, 12, 18, 21, (21) lost to Newbridge 9, 20, 25, 30, (30). Marong 12, 22, 29, 32, (32) d Bridgewater 7, 14, 24, 31, (31). Maiden Gully 11, 21, 28, 36, (36) d Mitiamo 8, 14, 20, 28, (28). Pyramid Hill 12, 21, 32, 44, (44) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 11, 18, 23, 31, (31).
Bridgewater 44
40
32
Hill 30
Gully 26
Serpentine 16
12 Mitiamo 4
4 B Reserve
Inglewood 4, 9, 14, 27, (27) lost to Newbridge 4, 12, 21, 34, (34). Maiden Gully 13, 26, 38, 47, (47) d Mitiamo 2, 8, 12, 16, (16). Marong 10, 22, 33, 48, (48) d Bridgewater 7, 15, 31, 43, (43). Pyramid Hill 12, 28, 41, 55, (55) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 8, 14, 20, 30, (30). Pyramid Hill 40 Bridgewater 40
Gully 40
28
20 Inglewood 20 Calivil 16
BL Serpentine 4 Mitiamo 0
Under 17
Inglewood 10, 17, 25, 30, (30) drew Newbridge 5, 10, 22, 30, (30). Maiden Gully 10, 23, 42, 57, (57) d Mitiamo 6, 15, 15, 19, (19). Marong (31) lost to Bridgewater (36). Pyramid Hill 3, 7, 10, 19, (19) lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 8, 19, 30, 40, (40).
Bridgewater 44
Calivil 40
Marong 32
Maiden Gully 32
BL Serpentine 24
Pyramid Hill 16 Mitiamo 12
Inglewood 6
Newbridge 2
Under 15
Inglewood 8, 24, 31, 38, (38) d Newbridge 4, 9, 13, 20, (20). Maiden Gully 15, 32, 43, 55, (55) d Mitiamo 7, 11, 18, 27, (27). Marong 6, 13, 21, 26, (26) lost to Bridgewater 8, 18, 21, 27, (27). Pyramid Hill 2, 11, 18, 19, (19) lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 12, 21, 32, 42, (42).
Calivil 44
Marong 36
BL Serpentine 36
Bridgewater 32
Maiden Gully 22
Pyramid Hill 18
Inglewood 16
Mitiamo 4
Newbridge 0
Under 13
Inglewood 1, 1, 7, 11, (11) lost to Newbridge 12, 22, 33, 39, (39). Maiden Gully 6, 13, 21, 25, (25) d Mitiamo 2, 2, 3, 6, (6). Marong 4, 10, 13, 21, (21) lost to Bridgewater 5, 11, 15, 23, (23). Pyramid Hill 5, 16, 20, 30, (30) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 7, 13, 16, 21, (21). Newbridge 44 Marong 32 Maiden Gully 32
Calivil 28
Pyramid Hill 24
Bridgewater 20 Inglewood 16
BL Serpentine 8 Mitiamo 4
A Grade
Charlton 7, 13, 20, 27, (27) lost to Wedderburn 19, 41, 62, 84, (84). Calder United 13, 24, 43, 55, (55) d Birchip Watchem 8, 22, 32, 42, (42). Sea Lake Nandaly 15, 23, 36, 44, (44) d Boort 8, 16, 20, 28, (28). Donald 16, 33, 50, 69, (69) d St Arnaud 11, 21, 28, 39, (39).
Wedderburn 44
Boort 32
Sea Lake Nandaly 32
Birchip Watchem 24
Calder United 24
Donald 12
Charlton 6 St Arnaud 2
B Grade
Charlton 9, 16, 20, 27, (27) lost to Wedderburn 11, 29, 45, 61, (61). Calder United 11, 21, 28, 38, (38) d Birchip Watchem 5, 9, 22, 28, (28). Sea Lake Nandaly 3, 13, 23, 34, (34) lost to Boort 8, 17, 32, 41, (41). Donald 14, 27, 41, 57, (57) lost to St Arnaud 18, 32, 46, 62, (62). Wedderburn 44 Boort 40 Calder United 32 Birchip Watchem 28 St Arnaud 20 Donald 6
Sea Lake Nandaly 6 Charlton 0 C Grade
Charlton 12, 22, 34, 46, (46) lost to Wedderburn 18, 34, 49, 63, (63). Calder United 15, 32, 42, 59, (59) d Birchip Watchem 6, 10, 17, 23, (23). Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 23, 35, 52, (52) d Boort 11, 20, 32, 43, (43). Donald 8, 16, 30, 40, (40) lost to St Arnaud 13, 23, 31, 48, (48).
Calder United 40 Wedderburn 32
Calder United 10, 21, 30, 37, (37) d Birchip Watchem 5, 9, 14, 14, (14). Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 12, 24, 27, (27) lost to Boort 10, 20, 26, 37, (37).
32
Sea Lake Nandaly
Boort 24
Calder United 20
Wedderburn 8
Birchip Watchem 8 St Arnaud 0 17 & Under
Calder United 10, 21, 33, 49, (49) lost to Birchip Watchem 9, 26, 40, 51, (51). Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 12, 16, 23, (23) lost to Boort 8, 21, 35, 48, (48). Charlton 15, 21, 30, 36, (36) d Wedderburn 2, 9, 15, 20, (20). Donald 9, 22, 36, 47, (47) lost to St Arnaud 25, 44, 64, 81, (81).
Calder United 40
Birchip Watchem 36
Boort 34
St Arnaud 30
Sea Lake Nandaly 20
Charlton 8 Wedderburn 4
Donald 0 14 & Under A
Charlton 11, 18, 23, 32, (32) d Wedderburn 1, 8, 10, 16, (16). Donald 6, 16, 27, 36, (36) d St Arnaud 6, 10, 13, 16, (16). Calder United 2, 4, 7, 9, (9) lost to Birchip Watchem 7, 14, 18, 25, (25). Sea Lake Nandaly 4, 8, 11, 12, (12) lost to Boort 8, 21, 30, 38, (38).
Donald 1, 1, 1, 2, (2) lost to St Arnaud 10, 18,
72 - (2) - Lachie Sharp - Bridgewater
59 - (4) - Benjamin Bisset - Pyramid Hill
48 - (0) - Josh Mellington - BL Serpentine 47 - (2) - Seb Erharter - Inglewood
37 - (1) - Ryley Taylor - Marong
32 - (5) - Kain Robins - Marong 27 - (0) - Billy Schilling - Newbridge
WEDDERBURN coach Tom
34 - (0) - David Blume - Marong 31 - (4) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill
31 - (0) - Sebastian De Napoli - Marong 27 - (3) - Cooper Hale - Marong
Doolan -
Gully UNDER 18
- (6) - Raymond McNamara - Marong 44 - (4) - Mitchell Pickering - Inglewood
39 - (0) - Lincoln Hancock - Maiden Gully
35 - (5) - Riley Doorty - Marong U18
21 - (2) - Wilhelm Thomson - Marong
19 - (0) - Tyler Murphy - Inglewood
16 - (2) - Max O’Donnell - Marong
16 - (0) - Fynn Clymo - East Loddon NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS
76 - (2) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem
59 - (4) - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort
44 - (0) - Jack Exell - Calder United Lions
38 - (10) - Mitch Jensen - Wedderburn
29 - (1) - Max Cahoon - Sea Lake Nandaly
29 - (2) - Kayne Rutley - Boort
25 - (1) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem
22 - (1) - Joseph Reid - Birchip Watchem
20 - (2) - Adam Pattison - Sea Lake Nandaly
20 - (0) - Lachy McClelland - Sea Lake Nandaly RESERVES
36 - (5) - Alex Cockerell - Boort
27 - (0) - Matthew Berry - Birchip Watchem
23 - (0) - Zachary Wemyss - Sea Lake Nandaly
23 - (0) - John Summerhayes - Sea Lake Nandaly
22 - (1) - Alexander Hay - Birchip Watchem
LODDON VALLEY - SATURDAY Newbridge v Calivil
Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Marong Bridgewater v Pyramid Hill Mitiamo v Inglewood Maiden Gully bye
NORTH CENTRAL - JULY 19
St Arnaud v Sea Lake Nandaly
Charlton v Donald Wedderburn v Birchip Watchem
Booort v Calder United
League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au
Metherell is confident finals football remains in reach for the Redbacks after a big win over Charlton last Saturday.
His side is fifth, two games and percentage behind fourth-placed Sea Lake Nandaly and three games behind fierce rival Boort.
Despite that gap Metherell says Wedderburn has shown its best “is good enough to match it with any team” and the side has hit form at the right time.
This weekend is a bye for the North Central competition, after which the Redbacks face unbeaten Birchip Watchem and winless Donald before a critical clash with Boort.
They also have a crucial match against Sea Lake.
While playing the top teams presents a massive challenge, Metherell says “if you want to be in the finals you have to beat these sides”.
The 112-point win over Charlton could have been much bigger, with the Redbacks having 21 scoring shots to the Navies’ nine.
Spearhead Mitch Jensen kicked 10 for Wedderburn, the second time he has reached double figures this season.
Sixteen-year-old debutant Aaron Smith kicked three goals as a small forward but may not hold his place in the side with several senior players set to return after the break.
“He’s only a small kid, so it depends on what our situation is.
We’ve got four blokes to come back,” Metherell said.
“Aaron played a few games in the pre-season and showed a lot of talent, and he’s been play-
ing under-17s and then reserves most weeks.”
Jye Mortlock was named Wedderburn’s best against Charlton, along with Noah Furlong and Jensen.
Pies enter
tough stretch
BOORT has begun a stretch of four tough matches in a row with a narrow loss to reigning North Central premiers Sea Lake Nandaly.
The Magpies face Calder United, unbeaten Birchip Watchem, and traditional rivals Wedderburn in the three matches after the league bye this coming weekend, a run that will test their credentials in the lead up to the finals.
Last Saturday’s defeat reversed the result from earlier in the season when Boort beat the Tigers by eight points at home.
It was one of two matches which coach Dale Cameron missed with illness.
Sitting third on the ladder, Boort is now just a game ahead of the Tigers, with an inferior percentage, and three matches ahead of the Redbacks in fifth.
Four goals on the trot saw Sea Lake jump the Magpies after Boort kicked the first goal of the match, with a 19-point margin at the first change proving pivotal in the win.
Boort fought back strongly to trail by just a point at half-time after hitting the lead late in the term but could only manage five behinds in the third quarter to Sea Lake’s 3.2.
The Magpies outscored their opponents in the final term but
fell 11 points short after closing to within four points at the nineminute mark.
The ultra consistent Jhye Baddeley-Kelly kicked four goals for Boort, taking his tally to 59 for the season.
Only once has he kicked fewer than three goals in a game.
Matt Austin and Keiren Wilson also impressed for Boort, while Feeny medallist Wade Donnan and Adam Pattison were best for Sea Lake.
BRIDGEWATER has clung on to fourth place on the Loddon Valley A Grade netball ladder despite a heart-breaking two-goal defeat to Marong on Saturday.
The Panthers won 54-52 after the Mean Machine led by four goals at the last change of ends.
It was a match of ever-shifting momentum.
Marong led by five goals at quarter-time, while scores were level at the half before Bridgewater established what looked like a winning lead at three-quarter time.
However, the Panthers stormed home with 16 goals to 10 in the final term to seal the thrilling victory.
Coach Bridget Willox, who was ill with the flu and missed the game, said all reports had Bianca Garton at the heart of the win.
Garton switched from wing attack to goal attack in the last quarter when the Panthers got on top, one of a number of positional changes that seemed to click.
Marong is now on the same number of points as Bridgewater, with the two sides looking destined for finals as they are three games ahead of Bears Lagoon Serpentine in sixth place.
Willox said the battle for the make-up of the final five might come down to the last game of the season against Newbridge, and she felt
her side was capable of beating anyone on its day.
“The last time we played Pyramid Hill, who are comfortably second on the ladder, we only lost by seven goals, and we know we have the capacity to take those top teams,” she said.
Mitiamo’s unbeaten season goes from strength to strength, with the Superoos torching Maiden Gully by 49 goals.
The Eagles were more than competitive in the first quarter, trailing 15-17 on their home court.
But Mitiamo switched gears in the second term, piling on 26 goals to five to kill the contest. Another 40 followed in the second half, with Maiden Gully held to 14 goals.
Star goaler Laura Hicks shot 60 of the Superoos’ goals.
Mitiamo is at home to winless Inglewood this coming Saturday, which shapes as the mismatch of the season.
Pyramid Hill kept up the pressure on Mitiamo with a comfortable win over Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
The Bulldogs set up their win with a dominant third quarter in which they scored 14 goals to six to lead by 15 goals at the final change.
They ran out winners 57-41, with last season’s best-and-fairest winner nailing 41 goals.
The Bears appear fated to miss the finals as they sit three matches and percentage behind fifth-placed Marong, although they have a game in hand.
Newbridge thrashed struggling Inglewood 67-17 at the Woodies’ home.
Inglewood could manage only six goals in the first half to Newbridge’s 42, which set up the Maroons’ huge win.
Newbridge now sits third on the ladder behind Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill, while Inglewood is yet to taste victory in 2025.
MAIDEN Gully remains in fifth spot on the Loddon Valley ladder after a 17-point win over Mitiamo at Marist College on Saturday.
The Superoos were left to rue poor kicking for goal in the first three quarters and ended with 20 scoring shots to the Eagles’ 17.
At the last change Mitiamo was 3.12 to Maiden Gully’s 6.5, and while the Superoos’ kicking boots were back on for the final quarter, their 4.1 was trumped by the Eagles’ 5.1.
The win keeps Maiden Gully half a game ahead of Inglewood in fifth place, and they are only two points behind a faltering Bears Lagoon Serpentine, although the Bears have a game in hand.
With a draw against Calivil at
By GARY WALSH
the start of the season, a poor percentage is not an issue for the Eagles – keep winning and they will make the finals.
Daniel Russell, Mitch Hill and Tyler Jackson were best for the winners, while Lachlan Twigg, Dylan Marshman and Zach Morrison stood out for the Superoos, who are second last on the ladder, narrowly behind Newbridge on percentage.
Maiden Gully has the bye this weekend, with Mitiamo at home to Inglewood. Inglewood’s push for finals continued with a big win over Newbridge.
Both sides have been hard hit by injury, but the Woodies controlled the match all day to secure an 81-point win.
After leading by 40 points at half-time, Inglewood poured on 7.4 to no score in the third quarter before coasting to victory.
The winners shared the spoils with 10 goalkickers, Liam Marciano kicking four and best-afield Kai Cavallaro three.
Seb Erharter managed two to climb to 47 for the season, which sees him fourth on the goalkicking table.
Billy Schilling, who with 27 goals has carried the Maroons attack this season, missed the clash, so Newbridge turned again to veteran Chris Dixon, who had
ANOTHER cracking round in Loddon Valley football and with the great Gary Walsh back from his overseas sojourn, I’ll have to be switched on with the tipping again.
Bridgewater boys’ have been ribbing and ringing me for weeks when not tipping them but this Saturday, on home turf, the Mean Machine will continue their purple patch that has now snapped the run of wins for Marong.
There’s no love lost between Bridgewater and Pyramid Hill and while Nathan Fitzpatrick’s boys are good, the home ground will work in favour of Sharp’s shooters.
This will tight and close ... but for me it’s Bridgewater (pleasant phone calls being answered!).
It’s the heritage round up at John Forbes Oval. I’m going through the drawers to find some old umpiring gear - probably the orange type - for a run around with whistle for the Magoos.
stepped back from senior football this season.
Dixon kicked one goal in his third senior game for the year as a ‘break glass in case of emergency’ call up.
Bregon Cotchett and Tom Kennedy also starred for Inglewood, while William Copland, Ben McKinley and Brodie Carr were best for the Maroons.
Newbridge hosts bottom side Calivil this weekend.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine, with key forward Josh Mellington still sidelined indefinitely and star Farren Priest injured in the warm-up against Pyramid Hill, are battling to hold on to fourth spot on the ladder.
A 44-point loss to the Bulldogs, in which the Bears could manage only eight goals, highlighted their lack of scoring power.
The Dogs kicked eight goals to two after half-time to maintain second place on the table ahead of Bridgewater.
Marong’s loss to the Mean Machine sees Pyramid Hill just a game behind the Panthers, with a slightly superior percentage.
Brad Ladson, Archie Hildebrandt and Mitch Langan were named as the Bulldogs’ best, and Ben Bisset kicked four goals to move to 59 for the season, second only to Bridgewater’s Lachlan Sharp.
Veteran ruckman Nathan Twigg was best for the Bears, with Jaxon Addlem and Tyler Miles also prominent.
Serp has a big task this weekend in taking on Marong, which will be hurting after its first loss for the season, while Pyramid Hill has a massive clash against Bridgewater, with the winner to end the round in second place.
In the seniors, Miti will be competitive for a while before visiting Inglewood powers away and shows why it’s the Blues who will deserve to finish the home and away season in fifth spot.
Haven’t been too many occasions for the Newbridge boys to belt out the song this season. The Holland boys will remind them of the words of needed as a win is on the cards against Calivil.
Newbridge is a taller and bigger side, may be still hit with injuries. Should finish in the superior scoreboard position.
The final match is between Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Marong.
Really, Serp is yet to prove themselves against the teams they must beat to be taken seriously.
Can’t see them getting close to Marong on the rebound. Could even be a 40-point margin.
- GLENN CATTO
GARY WALSH
Newbridge v Calivil
BL Serpentine v Marong
Bridgewater v Pyramid Hill
Mitiamo v Inglewood
Progressive: 42.5
GLENN CATTO
Newbridge v Calivil
BL Serpentine v Marong
Bridgewater v Pyramid Hill
Mitiamo v Inglewood
Progressive: 40.5
CHRIS EARL
Newbridge v Calivil
BL Serpentine v Marong
Bridgewater v Pyramid Hill
Mitiamo v Inglewood
Progressive: 40.5
Thursday JULY 10, 2025
BRIDGEWATER has turned the Loddon Valley football season upside down with a stunning 29-point win against previously unbeaten Marong.
Not only was it the Panthers’ first loss for 2025 it was also their biggest defeat for three seasons.
The Mean Machine became only the second team to beat Marong since 2022, following Pyramid Hill’s two wins last season and one in 2023.
The Panthers are searching for a fourth consecutive premiership, and until Saturday looked well on track for another flag.
Bridgewater led all day at Malone Park and despite the best efforts of Marong playing coach Kain Robins, who kicked five goals in a lone hand on the forward line, always looked like getting the points.
Goalkicking giant Lachie Sharp, Bridgewater’s playing coach, relished his role further up the field than usual, and turned provider
rather than scorer. He finished with two goals, but his outstanding ground ball skills and pinpoint kicking created many opportunities for others, and Nic Naughton cashed in with five goals as the deepest forward.
The win may have come at a cost for Bridgewater, with forward Ollie Watt badly injuring his AC joint. If surgery is required, he will miss the rest of the season.
Watt has been a consistent goal scorer since being moved forward, with 18 goals for the season.
The Mean Machine led by 31 points late in the third quarter, but a goal after the siren to Robins, followed by another after a strong mark at the beginning of the final term cut the margin to three goals.
The gap was trimmed further after a running goal to Marong, and the Panthers looked a chance to surge home over the top of Bridgewater.
However, Sharp kicked a critical goal on the run and followed
that with a brilliant pass to Tyler Estrada for another major.
A goal after the siren was icing on the cake as the Bridgewater players celebrated a rare victory over the league’s best team.
Sharp’s contribution was even more meritorious as he was battling the flu, which was one of his reasons for playing further up the field.
“The win has given our players a taste now of what we can do,” he told the Loddon Herald.
“Consistency has been the hardest thing for us to nail this year, especially for the young guys,” Sharp said.
“Now they’re owning the big moments and it’s not just the old hands doing it all.”
Bridgewater faces another stern challenge this week, taking on second-placed Pyramid Hill – a win would see the Mean Machine move into second spot.
Marong travels to Bears Lagoon Serpentine, whose season is faltering in the absence of star forward Josh Mellington.
YOUNG Inglewood star Gabe Nevins is a chance to return this week against Mitiamo.
Nevins, last season’s Loddon Valley Rising Star, has missed six weeks with a serious foot injury, the latest in a string of setbacks in the past two years.
However, coach Fergus Payne is hopeful Nevins will be one of a handful of senior players able to prove their fitness to face the Superoos as the Woodies push for a finals spot.
Last season, Nevins suffered a fractured fibula and kneecap, and also missed multiple weeks with concussion after an incident against Newbridge.
After a strong pre-season it
was hoped he could have a good run at staying fit for 2025, but against Calivil at the end of May he again broke down.
“Poor young fellow,” Payne lamented. “He had the fractured leg and concussion last year but had a really good start to this season.
“Hopefully there will be no more setbacks, and we can get him fit and firing.
“As a footballer you want to be playing football, so we want to get him back and involved.”
Payne said Nevins’ versatility was among his strengths and made him an indispensable component of the senior team.
“Gabe can settle in multiple positions. We love his run off half-
back and he can also play in the midfield.
Payne’s focus is on getting his team healthy so he can have consistency at the selection table as well as consistent football on the field.
The Woodies are sixth on the ladder, half a game behind Maiden Gully. Five rounds remain, but Inglewood has the bye in the last round.
The side would be expected to beat Mitiamo and last-placed Calivil but has a tough match against Pyramid Hill before meeting Maiden Gully in the team’s final match. That clash may well determine the make up of the final five.
