Loddon Herald 10 August 2023

Loddon HERALD

RETIRED textile and home economics teacher Diane Robertson has spearheaded a triumphant Country Women’s Association state creative arts exhibition debut for the Wedderburn branch.

Diane was awarded four first prizes and a coveted green star award for exceptional craft for her felt and silk jacket that she modelled with a nod of approval from her Arabian quarterhorse Chantel at the weekend.

Wedderburn branch reformed six years ago after a hiatus of more than 30 years.

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WHERE does one start and finish? Bradley of Boort got off to another ripper start stencilling his latest Treemendous Sign. Until ... was it the phone, the sudden recollection of failing to complete a chore required for marital bliss or ...? He got distracted, sidetracked or simply headed in another direction.

DETAILS are scarce ... there was a road trip made with some speed by junket-seeking farmers last week. We have been told, most reliably of course, that even before the ignition key was turned in the trusty farm utes, there had been a divergence of opinion on travel arrangements. The northern cohort had fears of actually making the destination of Speed Machinery Field Days and opted to travel “independently”, wisely taking one younger head to operate the GPS. Did the southern cohort make its way without the aid of modern technological devices. We’re still to hear how many dirt tracks were traversed on their trek to Speed. We do hear, though, they were impressed with the big beasts on display.

WE’RE also hoping to receive a report on whether the ute heaters were in full oper-

ation - the departure at dawn being shrouded in a bit of fog and a fair bit of Jack Frost dangling from fence posts. That’s a segue to how to combat rising energy prices. Lot’s of talk about big bills arriving for electricity and gas used to keep the homes warm in the bleak mid-winter. Should we step back in the pages of history to beat the price hikes? Could be a burgeoning revival of demand for the good old athletic singlets and long Johns once the favoured under attire of ancestors but discarded in the age of modern comforts?

TALKING of Jacks - there’s one young Jack far from sheepish in making sure everyone knows he is now a megastar after having photograph appear in not one (including the Loddon Herald) but three publications the last few weeks. He was even on the gate at a local football match on Saturday with pen poised to autograph the day’s program. Can’t say whether patrons gave a frosty reception or not.

THESE cold days of the Jack variety reminds of the “expected” gifts purchased for Father’s Day back in the day. Underwear and socks were the stock standard, or for something special (every two years), a new pair of slippers. Usually Grosby. You can still buy them - dull winter colours for the blokes. Unlike the Mother’s Day versions that were (and still are) much more colourful.

A ND in case you need reminding, Father’s Day is less than a month away!

Reconnect for recovery journey

ENCOURAGEMENT of people to reconnect in their communities would assist flood recovery, a dinner in Bridgewater was told on Friday night.

Melbourne-based natural disaster recovery and preparedness consultant David Younger said recovery from last October’s flood emergency could be a long

journey. Mr Younger told a Loddon Shire flood recovery dinner that strength could be gained from being connected with the community.

He also encouraged people to put thought into what they would do on the anniversary of local floods, where they would be and who they would be with.

Scarce falls make barren mid-winter

RAINFALL in Loddon communities for July was almost half historic averages.

However, falls were still well above the driest July of the past 30 years recorded in 1994.

At Inglewood, last month’s rainfall was 21.4mm compared with the average of 45mm.

The region’s biggest falls were at Wedderburn and Dunolly where 29.4mm and 28.8mm was tipped from gauges compared with the monthly average for those towns of 48.6mm and 48.8mm.

Boort measured 20.2mm for the month while Mincha saw 18mm fall and Prairie West 17.4mm.

Cairn Curran reservoir over the weekend was at 97.97 per cent capacity while water continues to spill at Tullaroop where the level was officially 101 per cent. Laanecoorie has fallen 1.38 per cent to be at 97.75 per cent.

Loddon River downstream of Laanecoorie rose slightly last week while Serpentine Weir had dropped from 1.45 metres to 1.2 metres.

Salisbury West’s Sonya and Neil James with David Younger at Friday’s dinner. LH PHOTO

Protest demand: release ambulance station report

By CHRIS EARL

DISGRUNTLED residents have demanded the State Government releases building safety reports on Inglewood’s old ambulance station it has slated for demolition within weeks.

More than 30 people made the call when they rallied waving placards outside the Hospital Street building on Sunday morning.

The signs calling for a halt to demolition plans were left attached to the 1980s brick building after the protest.

“If they say the building is unsafe, then release the engineer’s reports,” said retired bricklayer Bert Bradley who worked building the ambulance station 40 years ago.

Residents have threatened a sit-in to prevent demolition and Northern Victoria Region MP Gaelle Broad in Parliament last week asked for Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas to meet Inglewood and Districts Health Services.

Ms Broad said: “Local residents are willing to stage a sit-in protest to save the building from demolition, but I ask the minister to step in to delay the demolition and facilitate a meeting between Ambulance Victoria and the Inglewood and Districts Health Service to see if a more amenable solution can be found.

“At a time when building costs are going up and materials are in short supply it seems sensible to make use of the building, which I am told is in good condition, rather than knock it down and

take the scraps to the tip just to plant lawn on the site.”

Protesters say the building could have a multitude of uses for the community.

“The building could be converted into accommodation for families visiting relatives at the hostel across the road,” said Wade Roberts.

“Or it could be used by the health service as office accommodation.”

The health service last month employed additional staff as it

took on in-home aged care services in southern Loddon communities.

Mr Bradley believes any faults with the building could be fixed to avoid “the agenda to demolish a good building”.

Andrew Penna travelled from Bendigo to attend the protest in his ancestral home town.

Mr Penna was critical of government authorities demolishing buildings when there was a housing crisis.

Sunday’s protest was the sec-

Hair-cutting times

NEWBRIDGE has raised

$4000 to assist community members after local Jimmy Davidson shaved his beard for the first time in five years on Saturday night. “We raised $4000 for the Newbridge community. The town went nuts and we had the best night,” he said. Besides losing a beard, Jimmy’s head of hair and pony tail were also snipped, alone raising $1500.

Water rebate offer

COMMUNITY groups in Boort can apply for $5000 rebates as part of Coliban Water’s customer and community rebates program.

ond time placards calling on the Government to halt demolition plans had been erected. Howard Rochester said the first signs, placed outside the building late last week had been removed. Howard and Colleen Condliffe have started a petition to have the building retained and say all options should be considered.

The State Government has built a new ambulance station next door to the 1980s building with paramedics expected to move in this month.

We won’t be backing down, says government

A STATE Government spokesperson on Monday said there would be no backdown on plans to demolish the old Inglewood ambulance station.

“To protect the safety of paramedics and to ensure they can continue to provide emergency care, the decision was made to demolish the old branch once the new branch was complete – this decision remains unchanged,” they said.

The response came three hours after the Department of Health claimed a 2016 report “highlighted ongoing safety issues for paramedics with asbestos found in the building”

although paramedics are still using the building seven years later.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: “To ensure the new Inglewood ambulance branch is safe for paramedics and delivers the required amenity and functionality for paramedics to quickly respond to local emergencies, the difficult decision was made to demolish the old Inglewood ambulance branch.

“The condition of the existing buildings onsite, including the old Inglewood Ambulance branch are poor and no longer fit-forpurpose.

“The ongoing yearly costs to maintain the

buildings and keep them safe and functional is significant.

“Demolition of the old Inglewood ambulance branch will get underway in the coming weeks, once Inglewood’s hard-working paramedics move into their new, multi-milliondollar facility,” Ms Haylett said.

The old station is the only remaining building on the site after demolition last year of the ambulance residence before construction of the new station.

The department has been asked for further information on the 2016 report and maintenance costs over the last seven years.

Executive general manager customer and stakeholder experience, Lauren McLean, said the latest round of community rebates was being offered following a review of Coliban Water’s performance in 2022-2023. “Our community rebates are designed to provide the whole community with a financial benefit through support for community-directed projects.” Applications close on September 1.

Barley tariff lifted CHINA’S agreement to drop 80 per cent tariffs on Australian barley was a win forfarmers, said Malle MP Anne Webster. The tariffs were introduced in May 2020 after Beijing accused Australia of selling the grain below the cost of production and subsidising farmers, however the Chinese Government announced they would be dropped on Friday. According to latest Boort Grain Coop prices, the offer price for barley has lifted since last week’s decision.

Protesters outside the old Inglewood ambulance station on Sunday morning. LH PHOTO

Clean-cut Jimmy Davidson

If you're interested in learning more about working in the community and providing care in people's homes, please don't hesitate to reach out for an interview or a casual chat. Anna and Shae are more than happy to share information and answer any questions you may have.

Switch off will deliver town phone upgrade

MOBILE phone connectivity will be upgraded in Boort next week.

Telstra said there would be no 3G and 4G coverage from the mobile base station for four days from Monday.

“Work will continue on Friday, August 18, with only temporary interruptions during the day as we conduct the network testing and integration required to complete the works,” said Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker.

Mr Tinker said landlines, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers would not be impacted. Triple Zero calls from a Telstra mobile would be diverted to any working mobile network.

Exceptional exhibition entries

FEW in numbers but strong in community spirit - that’s how Wedderburn CWA craft co-ordinator Diane Robertson reacted to the success of members at the Country Women’s Association state exhibition.

Reformed six years ago and with just 13 members, the branch collected five firsts and four seconds at the annual exhibition contested by CWA branches from across Victoria.

Rosie Isaac claimed a first for her pastel painting enhanced with natural and felted leaves.

“Di taught me how to make felt leaves,” said Rosie of her work

with a frog as the focal point. “I love frogs.”

Rosie had a good teacher in Diane who picked up four first and a green star award recognising exceptional handcraft for a felt jacket.

Diane spent 35 years as a teacher of textiles and home economics but has only taken up felting in retirement.

“We took the plunge to enter the state exhibition for the first time this year,” said Diane.

“Five members entered a total of eight items ... not bad at all.”

Pam Turnbull gained a pair of seconds for her melting mo-

ments and ginger fluff in the cookery sections, Lilian Riley second in the freehand machine embroidery and Moira Moody second in linoprints.

President Julie Benaim said: “When we reformed the branch, the idea was to help people new to town meet others.

“We may only be a small branch in terms of membership but our talented members have certainly made their mark at the state exhibition.

“Their efforts and expertise is wonderful and members are always willing to take on new challenges with their crafts.”

“There is never a good time to do this sort of work, however we need to turn the Boort site off because our tech needs to perform the significant work required to provide the new 5G upgrade which will improve connectivity and capacity on the tower,” he said.

“The upgrade is intended to improve mobile connectivity in the existing coverage footprint.

“The roll out of 5G connectivity for the first time in Boort means customers with Telstra 5B mobile devices will be able to enjoy a better mobile experience.”

4G capacity would be increased by the upgrade, Mr Tinker said.

$1 million road funding flows

AN EXTRA $1 million has been given to Loddon Shire Council for road repairs after last October’s flood emergency.

Council said contracts had been awarded and works were to be finished by November 30.

At Bridgewater North, the extra funding will pay for gravel resheeting of Bridgewater Road North and culvert replacement on Old Bridgewater-Serpentine Road. Works at Wedderburn in-

clude gravel resheeting and new culverts on Old Boort Rd

There will be gravel resheeting of Maxwells Lane and Hamiltons Lane, Korong Vale, Woolshed Flat Road, Woolshed Flat, Hewett and Eucy Roads, Korong Vale.

The extra money will also be used for gravel resheeting of Foleys Road, Creek View Road and Longs Road, Serpentine.

Money came from the federal-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

CWA happy: Pam Turnbull, Moira Moody, Diane Robertson, Paula Atherton, Lilian Riley, Julie Benaim and Rosie Isaac. LH PHOTO

Stay close, go further.

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TRANSMISSION LINE PLANS

Cost blowout fears raised

THE $3.3 billion cost of VNI West has been questioned after major State Government infrastructure project blowouts and Victoria’s decision to bail out of the Commonwealth Games.

Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad has asked for Energy and Resources Minister Lily d’Ambrosio to provide latest cost projections as Transmission Company Victoria starts contacting landowners in its preferred route corridor.

“Residents across the region have contacted me to raise concerns about this project. Like the Commonwealth Games, the Labor government may be rolling out a plan without first doing their homework on how much it will cost,” Ms Broad told Parliament last week.

“The State Government has promised to generate 95 per cent of electricity from renewable sources and have 6.3 gigawatts of battery storage connected to the grid by 2035.

“The minister has sought to fast track the development of VNI West – a pro-

posed new high-capacity overhead transmission line.

“According to news reports, the project is expected to cost $3.25 billion. I trust the State Government’s business case for this project put a cost on the social, environmental, economic and mental health impacts of this project on local communities.”

However, a Government spokesperson said on Monday: “Australian Energy Market Operator is the national transmission planner. In May, AEMO released the Project Assessment Conclusions Report for the VNI-West project, including a detailed assessment of the costs of the project.

“Environmental, social and economic impacts will be assessed as part of the environmental effects statement.”

Ms Broad told Parliament: “There is the cost of declining land values and the loss of prime agricultural land, the cost of lost tourism to the region and the cost to the community that is harder to measure.”

Meanwhile, a proposed community ref-

erence group is still to be named by TCV. A spokesperson said: “We have extended the expression of interest period based on feedback from community members that more time would be appreciated.

“TCV is seeking expressions of interest from residents who are active members of their communities in the local government areas of Buloke, Gannawarra, Loddon, Northern Grampians, and Pyrenees.

“A maximum of 20 members will be appointed to the group. We are seeking to establish a diverse panel of current residents, landholders and members of community groups, who will be willing to represent and communicate the interests of the local community in the project area.”

The spokesperson did not say how many expressions of interest had been received for the group that was to have started meeting this month.

“We will hold the first meeting once we have spoken to all the applicants and processed the applications,” the spokesperson said.

Don’t ask us, says TCV on its house demolition claim Kerang area to get first calls

TRANSMISSION Company Victoria will first contact landowners in the VNI West northern corridor as the route is refined to 1km wide.

A project update last week said TCV had determined a preferred corridor north of Kerang and in nearby surrounding areas.

“Work continues in the central and southern section to identify the best location for a preferred corridor,” TCV said.

“TCV will begin landholder engagement in the north, around Kerang and nearby surrounding areas from early August.

“Engagement with landholders in the central and southern areas is planned to start from late August once a corridor has been identified.”

A spokesperson said on Monday that the Boort district was not in the northern section.

“To protect the privacy of individual landholders, we have not made public any details of our contact plans.

“Landholder contact details have been sourced from public records, such as land titles and community phone books, and where we have identified a contact number, the initial contact will be by phone.

“We will make every endeavour to contact landholders, including via multiple attempts at direct calls, email and via post.

“TCV will mail a letter of introduction to those we have not been able to be reach directly. It is our intention to speak to as many landholders as possible before any information about the preferred corridor is released publicly.

“We expect that discussions with Landholders, including access for field surveys, land use and compensation, will take place over many months.”

CLAIMS by Transmission Company Victoria that houses would be demolished around Bendigo and Ballarat under the Plan B alternative to VNI West were based on its observations.

TCV was unable to quantify the demolition scenario after its quick response to last Wednesday’s release of Plan B by Professor Bruce Mountain, Simon Bartlett and Darren Edwards at the Victorian Energy Policy Centre.

The Plan B report advocates ditching VNI West and Western Renewables Link, instead upgrading and extending lines on existing easements and saving an estimated $5 billion in energy transmission transition projects.

TCV said: “The statement that the implementation of Plan B would likely require the demolition of homes is based on the observation of the proximity of existing transmission to homes on the outskirts of Ballarat and Bendigo.

“VEPC and Darren Edwards are better

positioned to comment further in regards to their assessments re the assessed impacts of Plan B,” the spokesperson said.

AEMO attended the launch of Plan B. The spokeperson said AEMO “offered to provide a response but was not called upon”.

Professor Mountain has since said: “We are aware of 14 homes in the outer Ballarat suburb of Mount Helen that have been built within five metres of the southern side of the easement for a distance of 400 metres with the closest house 10 metres from the existing Wemen to Ballarat line. There is sufficient room on the northern side of the easement to widen the easement on that side”.

“Our report provides the detail to support our conclusions that Plan B would have significantly lower impact on landholders, regional and rural communities and the renewable generation investment required to give consumers reliable and affordable power supply than VNI-West.”

Real green means towing colour line

A GREEN generation solution requires a green transmission solution, according to the organiser of next Tuesday’s protest on the steps of State Parliament.

Yeungroon’s Glenden Watts is expecting dozens of Loddon landholders to be part of the Stop the Towers Spring Street Tractor Rally.

Regional Victoria Power Alliance is drawing support for the protest from across northern and central Victoria.

“Of course the Alliance supports renewable energy, supports action on climate change and supports protecting the environment. But we want the transition away from fossil fuels to use environmentally sustainable energy solutions,” he said.

“A green generation solution requires a

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green transmission solution. Constructing more overhead electricity transmission lines using century old technology is not in Australia’s strategic national interest, nor cost-effective given its irreversible environmental, social, and economic impact.

“We want our politicians to see and hear us, we want the people of Melbourne to see and hear us. Landowners and communities throughout regional and rural Victoria should not be expected to bear the burden of these enormous transmission line projects – they should be a central part of the conversation to help devise better solutions that suit different situations.”

The alliance wanted the Government to look at more environmentally sustainable energy solutions, he said.

Farmers’ petition wants immediate halt to projects

VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation has launched a petition calling for the VNI West and Western Renewables Link projects to be scrapped.

“We’re hoping to deliver a message to government from hundreds of people that these projects must be stopped and re-assessed, before it’s too late,” said president Emma Germano.

“It’s clear the Victorian Government has failed to adequately plan for the transition to renewable energy and this will have big

impacts on food and fibre production and regional communities.

“What’s worse is the appalling treatment of farmers and regional communities and the failed consultative approach undertaken by energy authorities and the government.”

Ms Germano said action needed to be taken by the State Government to properly plan for the renewable energy transition.

“As the VFF has repeatedly said, a statewide plan for transmission infrastructure

that protects agricultural production and the rights of landowners must be developed.

“We want to see the planning powers of the Australian Energy Market Operator rescinded and for the government take full responsibility for planning of transmission infrastructure.”

The VFF wanted “political leaders to take notice of decisions that are impacting Victorian farmers and their communities”, Ms Germano said.

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Swiftly modern debutantes

PRESENTATION dances at Boort District Health debutante ball on Friday night had a modern touch.

The 10 debutantes and their partners danced the Carousel to the Taylor Swift hit Love Story sung by Elias Lanyon.

Elias had co-ordinated the night’s music for the debutantes to dance before a packed memorial hall after their presentation to BDH representatives, CEO Donna Doyle and Carolyn McAllister.

The debutante set had also learnt a modern dance to the song Footloose where they had choregraphed the dance with trainer Sherryn O’Flaherty.

The flower girls and page boys also joined this modern dance and the Chicken Dance was included as part of the presentation dances. Other dances in the set were Killarney, Balmoral Blues and the Pride of Erin.

The party’s official flower girl was Kiarah Young and page boy

Emmanuel Vincy

Jess Lee was MC for the debutante set’s presentation.

One of the organisers, Brooke Chamberlain said: “It was a great social event with many people attending and dancing the night away and dance trainers Sherryn and Chris O’Flaherty were wonderful in preparing the girls and their partners.”

Debutantes were Alice Lanyon partnered by Jett Hird (flower girl Juliette Lanyon);Tayla Gooding, Nick Scott (Bethany

Lanyon); Ella Maxted, Brady Whykes (Keira Henderson); Eliza Perryman, Frasier Holland (Mae McNally); Lucy Malone, Zak Macintosh (Marlia Baulch); Jess Minogue, Alex Cockerell (Whyatt Brooks); Guessey Ocaya, Eddie Moresi (Pippa Nelson); Britney Sykes, Beau Herrington (Xander Train); Isabelle Hosking, Alex Chamberlain (Emma Sutton); Lily Caine, Ryan O’Flaherty (Daisy O’Flaherty).

The Railway Hotel

ALEX Prestney will run through Loddon towns from this weekend on a 550km odyssey raising awareness of road safety and funds to assist road trauma victims.

The policeman brother of Josh, one of four officers killed in Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway tragedy in 2020, left Mildura last week.

He is due to arrive in Charlton on Saturday before reaching Wedderburn on Sunday and Inglewood on Monday following the Calder Highway and train lines.

Alex will leave Inglewood next Tuesday for Bendigo and plans to arrive at the Victoria Police Memorial in Melbourne on August 24.

“My goal is to help make our roads a safe environment for everyone who uses them and to prevent tragedy occurring, as it is absolutely avoidable,” the senior constable said.

“As road users whether it be in a car, on a bicycle or motorcycle; only we have the power to enact better behaviour and decision making that can avoid disaster.

“Whether its your partner, your son,

your husband or your daughter - help make a difference so the doorbell remains untouched, and the key slides into the lock after returning home instead.

“No one deserves to be injured or killed on our roads - help me make a difference to make our roads a safer place for everyone.”

Funds raised will go to Amber Community, formerly Road Trauma Support Services Victoria.

Subsidy ‘useless in child care desert’

THE Federal Government’s $5.4 billion Cheaper Child Care subsidy has been exposed as poor policy with skyrocketing fees and no relief for Mallee’s child care deserts, according to local MP Anne Webster.

The member for Mallee said: “So many regional communities are crying out for teachers, nurses and others, most of whom are younger mothers that simply can’t get back into the workforce due to not being able to access child care.”

Dr Webster said Labor’s ‘one size fits allpolicy on the run’ approach had failed Mallee parents.

“Billions of dollars in subsidies makes for good, quick headlines – but where was the mechanism to prevent that subsidy being eaten up by higher fees and the answer to towns with no child care?” she said.

Meanwhile, state MP Martha Haylett said discussions on the delivery of a government-owned early learning centre were ongoing with the Loddon Shire Council.

The Loddon site to end the shire’s care desert was promised during last November’s state election campaign and the centre to open in 2026. The site is yet to be selected.

Alex Prestney (right) is running to honour brother Josh (left).

Sherryn and Chris O’Flaherty trained the debutante set (above) for this year’s Boort District Health ball held last Friday in the memorial hall. The 10 debutantes and their partners were joined by flowergirls and page boys for the formal presentation to BDH representatives Donna Doyle and Carolyn McAllister

Medals recognise service

FIVE current and former Wedderburn State Emergency Service unit members have been honoured with medal presentations.

Senior Assistant Chief Officer Sharon Unthank presented SES service medals at a dinner in Wedderburn last week.

Volunteer Richard Lancaster was the recipient of both the National Medal and SES service medal recognising his 15 years with the unit.

Ms Unthank was assisted by operations manager Brad Dalgleish and acting unit controller Mike Bagnall, of Gisborne.

Shane Lidgerwood was awarded a five-year service pin.

Former controller Paull Gordon-Cooke and wife Dianne were honoured for 10 years of service and former deputy controller Reg Holt for 25 years.

Mr and Mrs Gordon-Cooke and Mr Holt resigned from the SES earlier this year in disagreement with several regional office directives.

The SES is currently running a recruitment drive for the Wedderburn unit.

Boundary redraw in seat shave

BOUNDARIES for the federal seat of Mallee could be in for change at a redistribution announced by the Australian Electoral Commission.

Victoria will be reduced by one seat to 38 in the Federal Parliament after the redistribution expected to be finished in late 2024.

Mallee includes all communities in the Loddon Shire and is the largest electorate in Victoria covering 83,412 square kilometres, more than double the next biggest Wannon.

According to the AEC, Mallee’s current enrolment is within two per cent of the required 110,000 people.

However, with one less seat in Victoria, the required number may change.

Public submissions on the redistribution will open from September and proposed boundaries released from March.

Anne Webster has held Mallee for the National Party since 2019.

New water season opens Better management at Cairn Curran needed: Trimble

GOULBURN Murray Water has started refilling channels for the new irrigation season opening on Tuesday. The offseason has seen a GMW staff refurbishing more than 30km of channel and treating more than 200km of channel for weeds. GMW customers can place orders for water from today. Throughout the irrigation season, orders can be placed up to 10 days in advance.

SOUND proactive management of water levels at Cairn Curran reservoir would help avoid a repeat of last October’s Loddon River floods, the Victorian Parliament flood inquiry has been told by Newbridge’s Ron Trimble.

His submission to the inquiry calls for “reducing water levels based on weather forecasts allowing more time for early water release to reduce flood levels” with

future reservoir management again including reasons for its construction over 10 years to 1956 - flood mitigation, irrigations and town water security.

“Capacity of Cairn Curran at 96 per cent leaves no opportunity for flood mitigation given the catchment area. The main gate was not opened until late the day prior to the flood suggests to me that none of the forward rain forecasts were considered

and rainfall data was not analysed to understand what the water levels were going to be and affectively leaving the Loddon River in an uncontrolled state,” he has said, claiming there was no mitigation last October.

The Legislative Council inquiry will hold hearings in Echuca on August 24. Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub has been called to speak at the inquiry.

Onsite Wastewater Management Systems (OWMS)

OWMS (including septic tank systems) are used on residential, community and business premises in unsewered areas. They treat, recycle, or dispose of wastewater from bathrooms, kitchens, and toilets.

Poorly installed or maintained systems (especially older systems) can pollute nearby creeks and rivers, contaminate land and give o o ensive odour. If you own or use an onsite wastewater management system, there are laws that apply.

You must:

 operate the system correctly, such as not overloading it

 make sure the system does not over ow

 notify your council if there is a problem with the system

 maintain the system in good working order (this doesn’t apply to renters)

If you’re a landowner, it’s recommended you get your system serviced regularly. You must also provide information to renters about how to use your system.

Council permits for installing or altering a system

Before you install a new system, or alter an existing one, contact Council to apply for a permit. Failure to get a permit can result in a ne. Councils regulate systems up to 5000L capacity. Larger systems are regulated by EPA.

Read more about how to manage your OWMS at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/ environmental-information/water/aboutwastewater/how-to-manage-your-own-septicsystem or by calling 1300 372 842.

Volunteer Grants Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible not-for-pro t community organisations to support the e orts of Australia’s volunteers. If you or your organisation’s sta are at least 40% volunteers and you are in the electorate of Mallee, nd out more in Council’s Mayoral Column (3 August 2023).

Sharon Unthank presents Richard Lancaster with his National Medal and (left) service award recipients Shane Lidgerwood, Reg Holt, Paull and Dianne Gordon-Cooke. LH PHOTOS

First Take Over heroes

SIX Boort District School students have become the first in Loddon Campaspe region to be part of a unique work experience program.

The Youth Take Over program saw them paired with staff at Boort District Health as part of their Vocational Major Literacy studies.

Showcasing their health sector heroes, the students last Wednesday launched stories of experiences gained with BDH staff.

The North Cenrtral LLEN initiative had students working like investigators, interviewing the staff and learning how to tell their stories in an engaging way and from a personal lens.

They told how the hospital had a diverse range of staff that made it a unique and exciting place to work - from cleaners and gardeners to administration and the people who run the cafe - every staff member matters.

After touring the hospital and getting to know the workforce, their task had been to choose one employee to connect with and interview to tell their story and showcase the valuable work they are doing.

Each student produced a writeup about the life of their chosen staff member and snapped a photo of them, which was showcased at the launch.

Allowing the young people to showcase their work is an important part of the Take Over program, as it helps the young people work on presentation skills, and gives them a chance to feel proud of their achievements.

Boort District School assistant

principal Tom Bleicher said the Take Over program was exactly what he had been looking for to use their Vocational Major Literacy as a way to get into the workplace and out of the classroom.

“My mind has been constantly ticking over in terms of how we can make this an ongoing part of the curriculum ... to leave the classroom and engage with a range of industries,” he said.

The final work produced by the young people will be used by the hospital to showcase their health sector heroes, and in turn, help BDH attract their future workforce by putting the life stories of their people first.

While the project has opened the participants’ eyes to the range of careers available in their hometown, it has also given the staff at the hospital a new outlook.

Boort District Health CEO Donna Doyle said that one of the benefits for the organisation was to see the Hospital from a youth perspective, which could help better engage with young people.

“The biggest win for us is going to be being able to showcase all the different types of career pathways that people have an opportunity to explore at BDH.

“The materials the students have created show young people

Patchwork of festival funds

WEDDERBURN Patchwork Group last Wednesday made good its promise to make a community donation.

COVID and later lockdowns had prevented group members from handing over a $1000 cheque to Inglewood and Districts Health Service after the annual Wedderburn and Community Christmas and Arts Festival in 2019.

The cheque was presented to IDHS director of clinical and community services April McKenzie by president Irene Finch, secretary Hilary Mackay, treasurer Suellen Campbell and vice-president Gayle Sutherland.

IDHS will use the donation to support art and craft programs enjoyed by the residents.

Planning is underway for the 2023 Wedderburn Community Christmas and Arts Festival in November.

Irene said: “This year the festival proceeds will be donated to the Wedderburn Band Cricket Club because of their support of school-age children.

“After not being able to field a junior team last year, the club members are working to resurrect the team.

“Members are positive role models to young players. The coach and players are working with girls and boys, to ensure the junior team members enjoy the benefits of playing a team sport over the summer.”

Irene said the group had a proud history of supporting community groups.

“Over the years, they have supported Wedderburn College, the Wedderburn Community House, historical society, CERT ambulance, the Bendigo Wig Library, Swags for the Homeless, the Rex Theatre in Charlton to name a few,” she said.

that the hospital offers a rewarding career that challenges them, that they get to do relevant and interesting and important things in their day-to-day work, but also then how that transpires into their work-life balance,” Donna said.

YTO Project Director Ryan Hale, said what made Take Over special was that young people entered the workforce as a group, which could bring down the barriers some young people feel about starting their careers or entering a new work environment on their own.

“While one focus of this Take Over was for students to achieve

curriculum outcomes in VCL, they have also improved their ability to work in a team, communicate effectively across an age gap, and work to a client brief, which are all transferable work skills,” he said.

“So while they are achieving their curriculum outcomes, they are also developing community and industry networks, honing their teamwork, communications and project management skills and getting out of the classroom and into a hands-on learning environment, giving them a real insight into the world of work.”

Take Over projects are now being rolled out across the region.

Boort District School students and their “heroes” gather after the launch of their work at Boort District Health last Wednesday. LH PHOTO

Peter snaps his perfect record

PETER Walsh has just missed his first day of work as a state politician since he was elected to State Parliament 21 years ago.

And it has taken a lot to stop local Murray Plains MP from maintaining his perfect parliamentary record. Such as a ruptured Achilles tendon, the aftermath of some over-senthusiastic training for his recent assault on the Kokoda Trail with fellow Nationals MPs Mel Bath and Tim Bull.

“I strained it tackling the 1000 Steps at Tremont and I started doing physio straight away, but time was getting tight so the doctor recommended some antiinflammatory injections to help improve it,” Peter explains.

“It certainly improved it a lot, so I was hoping it was all good to go,” he says.

“Unfortunately, I was a little premature in my optimism, by the halfway mark of the trek it had flared up again, and was being compounded by some bad blisters, so the last few days required some very strong painkillers to keep me going.”

And they did, with Peter finishing the trek up and down and up and down the towering peaks of the Owen Stanley Ranges at the same time as the rest of his group and heading home.

Where some kind of relief for the Achilles problem was a priority – after he had rested it.

But bad was unexpectedly well on its way to getting a whole lot worse when soon after returning

home, Peter missed his footing when stepping back from a car park to avoid a car he saw coming his way and his strained Achilles was immediately ruptured.

“Now that was a very different scale of hurt, and from there it was a bit of a blur with scans, tests, doctors, surgeons, and an unexpected opening for repair barely 72 hours after seeing the first doctor,” Peter recalls.

“One minute I had been planning the resumption of Parliament after the winter recess and the next I was on my way to the Epworth Richmond for an operation on Monday night,” he says.

“The surgeon, Will Edwards, ran me through the procedure at some length, and emphasised the

duration – and difficulty – of the rehab I am now facing.

“Which starts with two weeks in bed, basically flat on my back so my leg is level with, or above, my heart. Two weeks, without exception. That’s not even on the couch in the lounge or sitting at a desk with my foot on a chair.

“He warned me going brain dead would be the hardest challenge, and after just two days in hospital, never mind two weeks in bed, he is spot on.”

Peter is not even allowed to use crutches to move from point A to point B – he has been issued with a knee scooter on which to prop his injured leg for the minute or two he is allowed to be vertical from time to time. Then

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Heavy lambs sold to stronger competition, whislt mutton had little demand.

begins the laborious process of six weeks in a plaster cast, then a moon boot with a heel, the start of physio, of working to ever so slowly stretch his slightly shortened Achilles tendon to match the length of the good one in his right foot.

Which begins with the heel, then with wedges in his shoes, with walking to emphasise working the repaired tendon, and then toe raises, and gradually, as the months tick by, the tendon will stretch millimetre by millimetre without compromising the delicate surgery required to put it back together.

The second he cut open the back of Peter’s leg, Will declared the damage was not as bad as feared – there were already plans in place to harvest tendons from his big toe to help rescue his Achilles.

Instead, with incredible speed, Will set about pulling the body’s biggest tendon back together. But just before he committed to the final stitches, he made several attempts to check both feet would be the same length post-op as they were before injury.

As he juggled the tension he was creating on the exposed tendon, he was seeking a result where the left leg would be slightly tighter than the right, ensuring the tendon would have the room it needed to stretch during rehab.

Peter missed all that excitement, blissfully anaesthetised

throughout, but his prize on discharge last Wednesday morning was a shopping bag chocka-block with medications, from painkillers of various strength to anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and other things with large Latin names (and fortunately dosage instructions in English).

Told by his surgeon there are no medals for the person who takes the fewest painkillers, and guaranteed his foot was really going to hurt, Peter was ensconced in his bed, his home for the next fortnight by mid-afternoon Wednesday, quite knackered by the long drive from Richmond.

“Yes, the foot does hurt a bit. It was numb initially, but all the feeling has come back and once the extended anaesthetic had worn off you knew you had been through some heavy-duty work,” Peter confessed.

“But I know I have no option but to follow the doctor’s orders to the letter, or who knows what sort of a mess I could end up in – but he’s given me a very colourful description of what I can expect if I don’t get it right.

“And no, I don’t have any plans to head back to the Kokoda – it was a spectacularly amazing opportunity, I met so many marvellous people, and I have come home very humbled by the whole experience, and feeling a bit of a fraud by my small injury compared to what happened there more than 80 years ago.”

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

Peter Walsh with surgeon Will Edwards just before being wheeled into the operating theatre.

Group taking lead in farm risk talks

RISK has been the key focus of Birchip Cropping Group’s farm advisory meetings with the farmer-driven organisation taking a lead role across the region in the Grains Research and Development Corporation Riskwi$e research project.

BCG Senior manager research Dr Yolanda Plowman heard from farmers on what they saw were among the biggest areas of risk on farm.

The participatory action research will be used to inform work to help growers manage risk in a future growing in uncertainty. A key finding from the meetings was farmers’ identifying health and wellbeing, as well as relationships, being key areas of risk on farm.

“A clear message from the meetings ... was that health and wellbeing need to be prioritised to reduce financial risk onfarm,” Dr Plowman said.

“It cannot be all work and no play as this not only reduces farmers’ abilities to perform at their best on farm, but work life balance can also affect relationships with those around us, particularly family members.

“As many farms are family businesses, we heard how maintaining good relationships is imperative to the survival of the business with fractures detrimental to a business’s bottom line.”

Dr Plowman said elements raised which are affecting risk levels within the farm business were input costs and the need for more sustainable, less input farming:

“The need for varieties with high resistance to disease, for example, would have several benefits: reduced risk of yield impacts from the disease, which means less inputs which equated to less economic risk.

“Advances such as resistant varieties also reduce in-season decision making which eases pressure on the farmer who is already weighed down by the plethora of decisions needed on farm,” said Dr Plowman.

RiskWi$e is a five-year national initiative running until 2028.

It seeks to understand and improve the risk-reward outcomes for Australian grain growers by supporting grower on-farm decision-making.

Four top Merino ribbons at Sheepvention

KERRILYN Merino and Poll Merino Stud has been awarded four top prizes at Hamilton Sheepvention this week.

The Dunluce stud of Norm Weir took out the champion medium ram, medium ewe, strong ewe and medium poll ram. Kerrilyn also sold three rams at the Sheepvention

auction conducted on Tuesday. Among judges at Sheepvention was Terrick West stud’s co-principal Claire McGauchie who tomorrow will answer questions from prospective buyers before the Loddon’s first on-property ram sale of the season at the Prairie West property.

SHEEP

THERE was a slight lift in supply to 9450 lambs at Bendigo on Monday, the increase coming from around 1500 new season young lambs.

It was another winter yarding of varying quality that drew mixed support from the regular field of buyers.

The best trade and heavy old lambs were firm to $8 dearer, but any odd lots or drafts in long seedy skins continued to wear harsh discounts.

The market for plain trade and light lambs also remained under pressure and nearly all lamb categories under 22kg cwt trended lower.

Merino lambs were also caught up in the cheaper trend, buyers questioning selling agents about possible carcass seed issues on several lines.

New season lambs are starting to dribble in, with two stand-out heavy trade lots estimated 24-26kg cwt selling for $150 and $154 at close to 600c/kg cwt.

One agency also had a big run of very small and immature young crossbred lambs, consigned from southern NSW, which sold from $22 to $58/head.

Export grade old season lambs $150 to a top of $180; heavy crossbreds 26-30kg cwt $132 to $158, and neatest trades $120 to $133.

All these good processing lambs estimated at 470c to 520c/kg cwt.

There was a lot of light and plainer lambs which sold from $30 to $116 at varying rates, spreading from 200c to 400c/ kg cwt.

The mutton market was cheaper, heavy sheep affected the most to drop $30/head.

Big crossbred ewes to processors $55 to $82, with restockers paying to $118.

There was a lot of sheep priced from $30 to $60, with the most secondary light

sheep down to $3 and rams as low as $1/ head. Most mutton was estimated between 150c to 250c/kg cwt.

SUCKERS

R & C Glen Mathoura (104) $154. W & R Farming Macorna (68) $150. D & D Scott Bunnaloo (20) $144.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

W & H Ladson Mincha West (42) $168. A & T Cole Neilborough (57) $164. FS Cockcroft & Sons Myall (55) $157. Lehmann Family Trust Kerang (147) $155. WF & V Bourke Charlton (23) $155. JM Hiscock & Sons Pyalong (113) $150. S Dorrington, Marong (40) $149. Ian Whatley Goornong (44) $146. DJ & EN McIntyre St Arnaud (37) $134. AJ Sands Corack East (58) $134. F & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (42) $133. Slater Farming Corack East (40) $132.

MERINO LAMBS

O Toose Boort (61) $132.

MERINO WETHERS

WA & M Thompson Tooborac (95) $76.

CROSSBRED EWES

D & D Scott Bunnaloo (56) $80. JM Hiscock Pyalong (48) $80. SJ & MV Trewick Elmore (40) $70. F & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (66) $65.

MERINO EWES

D & C Gunther Pyramid Hill (234) $75. WD & BJ Jones Donald (132) $75. Ravenshoe Ravenswood (21) $60. D & F Williams St Arnaud (23) $56.

Order of sales next week: Nevins, Elders, McKean McGregor, Nuttall, Nutrien.

GRAIN

Boort Grain Co-op prices Monday.

Wheat – H1 $381.25 FIS . H2 $362.25 FIS.

APW1 $352 FIS. ASW $345 FIS. AGP1 $342 FIS. SFW1 $342 FIS. FED1 $330 FIS.

Barley - PL1 $328 FIS. SP1 $328 FIS. Bar1 $302 FIS. Bar2 $274 FIS. Bar3 $260 FIS. Bar4 $255 FIS. Faba1 $385 FIS. Faba2 $385 FIS. Canola- Non GM ISCC +/- AOF $688.50 FIS. NON GM CANOLA +/- AOF $678.75 FIS. *GM CANOLA - ISCC +/- AOF $663.75 FIS. *GM CANOLA +/- AOF **CANGS $654 FIS.

ON PROPERTY RAM SALE

ON PROPERTY RAM SALE

FRIDAY 18 TH AUGUST 2023

FRIDAY

FRIDAY 18 TH AUGUST 2023

Genomic tested and ASBVS available on the top 80 Rams

Genomic tested and ASBVS available on the top 80 Rams

Also see us at: Victorian State Merino Field Day Marnoo - 28th July

Also see us at: Victorian State Merino Field Day Marnoo - 28th July

FEATURES

Cost of keeping a building

ANOTHER order from “head office” has been poorly handled by the State Government. Still struggling in the perception stakes over imposing 80-metre tall transmission line towers cutting a swathe through the Loddon Shire, the powers in Spring Street have decided the old Inglewood ambulance station will cop the wrecker’s ball.

No community information about the future of a building owned by the people of Victoria and with potential uses for the local community. It’s unsafe, says the Health Department, citing only on Monday a 2016 report of asbestos.

If the cost is reasonable to remove asbestos, then it makes no sense to demolish buildings at a time when construction workers are on overtime and

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

Loddon Shire satisfaction survey shows dip in approval, particularly in southern wards

Harold Shipston wrote: It’s a bit more than a ‘dip’.. try the words ‘catastrophic dive’. The guys and gals that ride the mowers, work the shovels, bake in the sun and freeze in the cold to get things done, do their best. They can only work with what they are given and told to do. The ones up the top of the heap would not have a clue what needs doing or how it should be done. If you want to see satisfaction from the southern wards improve send them on a free trip to the Arctic (extended stay?) and let the real workers hold the reins for a while.

Nick Angelo wrote: I wonder why? If you don’t live in one of the

materials in short supply (and highly priced), when the very Government itself is talking about a housing crisis and the Commonwealth Games cancelled because Spring Street no longer has enough money. The knock-it-down mentallity might just have to go on hold while the state’s finances recover. And that means repurposing buildings to solve just a few challenges.

We’ve been doing that in the country for decades. Not everything has to be, or can be, palatial and new all the time. With all the cost blow outs, is it cheaper to save the old ambulance station?

exercise equipment at the park, climate change reports and the like but not enough money to grade a bloody road!

1. The flag of Turkey is red and white with two celestial objects, what are they?

2. In the tale ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, Jack trades what for handful of magic beans?

3. The name of which dinosaur means roof lizard?

4. What is the Spanish word for ‘hat’?

5. How many blank tiles are there in a standard Scrabble tile bag?

6. The Gideons place what in hotel rooms?

7. Who was the only Australian Prime Minister whose electorate was in Tasmania?

8. The Dodo Bird was found on which island?

9. What is the capital city of Canada?

sneeze in your sleep.

14. By length of text, which country has the longest national anthem in the world at 158 verses?

15. What is the full name of the famous dog Scooby Doo?

16. Scotland was known by what name to the Romans?

17. Which nuts are used in marzipan?

select towns nothing gets done. We are still waiting for a gutter to be put in four-plus years later.

Ash Isaac wrote: Do you blame us. Their idea of fixing a road is putting a rough surface sign up and just leave it there for months.

Glynn Jarrett wrote: Why am I not surprised.

Chris Young wrote: Plenty of money to waste on rainbow flags,

Bruce McCahon wrote: For decades responsibility have been down shifted to local councils with absolutely no corresponding increase in revenue. Local councils are on a hiding to nothing. Having moved from Loddon to a neighbouring council I can vouch that Loddon is definitely a step ahead. Get used to the destitute state of Dankakistan.

Local shooter Glenn Cole criticises move by one central Victorian council to ban kangaroo harvest Karren Chuter wrote: They have right to live and are our symbol. Luke Holt wrote: Shoot them all.

10. Toilet paper in France is mostly what colour?

11. A question mark immediately followed by an exclamation mark is called a what?

12. What were the first ice hockey pucks made of?

13. True or false – you can

Time for a home loan health check!

18. The BBC banned which song by The Beatles shortly after its release for one particular line?

19. Which main character of a Disney film never talks?

20. What were the names of each of the four Teletubbies?

ANSWERS

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

If

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

1. Crescent moon, and star 2. The family cow 3. Stegosaurus 4. Sombrero 5. Two

Bibles 7. Joseph Lyons

Pink

-Inter

Frozen cow pats and leather liver pads

Greece

Almonds

I Am the Walrus

Dumbo

20. Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Po.

Honour and service Membership crusader becomes just second life member

By CHRIS EARL

WHEN Michael Hobson moved to Inglewood in 2008, he looked around for an organisation to join.

The new policeman in town thought he was too old to play football. Instead, he joined the Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL sub-branch.

Within two months, the policeman and part-time soldier in the Army Reserve was made appeals and welfare officer.

The appointment was not meant to have lasted long. The sub-branch was down to nine members, all veterans of World War Two apart from Korean veteran Arthur Alsop.

Wheels had been put in motion to close the sub-branch with its own hall on Brooke Street and bring an end to the group providing support to veterans in the district since 1919.

But Michael Hobson saw there was still a need for the RSL sub-branch and set about boosting membership of veterans from later conflicts, affiliate member descendants of veterans and associate members drawn from supporters in the community.

Today, Inglewood-Bridgewater subbranch has more than 100 members and Michael Hobson is the face of the exservice organisation at Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations in Inglewood, Bridgewater and now Rheola.

Transferred as a police officer, first to Bendigo and now in Melbourne as a tactical intelligence operative with the sex industry co-ordination unit, Michael has remained part of the RSL sub-branch.

And on Sunday, he was surprised with the presentation of life membershiponly the second to be awarded in the subbranch’s 104-year history.

One of the first to congratulate Michael after the presentation by Ripon MP Martha Haylett was the other life member, Arthur Alsop,

As the life membership citation said: “Michael arranges his employment shifts to be able to conduct his RSL duties.”

The life membership process was started by secretary Bill Concol back in March to gain approval from the state and national headquarters.

“Michael recognised the InglewoodBridgewater RSL sub-branch would dissolve unless aggressive recruiting was undertaken,” RSL chiefs were told.

“Michael conducted face to face recruiting of the Inglewood and Bridgewater communities. In 2012 his efforts resulted in the Inglewood-Bridgewater sub-branch receiving an RSL Victoria award for the fastest growing sub-branch in category 51–100 members, with a 25.7 per cent increase. Now annually the sub-branch consistently has over 100 members.

“The membership growth enabled Michael to then take on other responsibili

ties which have included president, secretary and treasurer.”

The citation said that during COVID lockdowns, Michael held services with being the only person at the service. He maintained all traditions and procedures. He recorded some of these services.

He also instigated having a formal Vietnam Veterans’ Day service in Inglewood, the Bridgewater Dawn Service, and this year the Rheola 8.30am Anzac service, which is the first time in 45 years Rheola has had an Anzac service.

In 2016, Michael initiated the annual Anzac weekend football game between Inglewood and Bridgewater.

And since 2010, recognising the local RSL had historical documents including enlistment certificates and framed photographs that required preservation, he has organised the originals to be placed into suitable storage and duplicated docu-

ments to be placed on display. Michael did the foundation work to establish a military museum to preserve military artefacts of members of our community.

Bill Concol says Michael has been hands on with maintaining facilities.

“He has built and supplied materials for a fence, fixed doors, laboured for air conditioning tradesmen, maintained the RSL yard and patched up walls. Michael recognised that our facility did not comply with essential safety measures and regulations. He organised the facility to be inspected and then to be compliant.”

“Michael shows compassion and care whether he is the current welfare officer or not. Michael has visited those in hospital and phoned those who have been unwell on many occasions.

“Michael does what he does, out of respect for those who have served and those who have died whilst serving. Pres-

ervation of military and RSL traditions and history is also important to Michael. Michael is modest and always diverts the praise he receives to other people.”

And so he did again on Sunday, choosing to salute others who serve within the sub-branch.

The former 15 Transport Squadron corporal and 30-year Victoria police veteran said: “Being a member of an organisation is being invested in the local community.”:

“Even now, I still get phone calls from local people about police matters,” he said.

One of his proudest achievements with Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL was removing the stigma that it was only for veterans.

“We now have affiliate and associate members welcomed into the sub-branch and upholding the traditions of those who served in wars, conflicts and peace,” Michael said.

Michael Hobson becomes just the second person to be awarded life membership.

Sub-branch life members Michael Hobson and Arthur Alsop

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Bluey says hello to all the young readers of the Loddon Herald ... with special activities on our young reader’s page this month.

Winners of last month’s competition are Tilly N and EJ. Entries for this month’s special arts colouring competition close September 5.

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

Kangaroo Flat 3555 or email loddonherald@gmail.com

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

Artists in ancient China were forbidden to paint women’s feet

DEATH NOTICES

ISAAC Keith

In loving memory of our cousin. Audrey and family.

NEWSTEAD (Nee Bawden)

Nola Jean

Passed peacefully, Aged 87. Loved wife of Bruce (dec).

Loving mother & mother-in-law of Faye & Paul, Chris & Colin, Jill & Steve.

Cherished Nanna of Leigh & Emma, Lauren & Ian, Kalista & Rhys; David & Em, Scott & Caitlyn, Chelsea & Tom; James, Darcy & Keeley. Great Nanna of Charli, Quinn, Airlie; Alyssa, Sophie, Xavier & Thomas; Hendrix & Ronnie; and Oscar

For further details please see: www.adamsfunerals.com.au

MEETING

2024 Australia Day Competitions

Entries are now open for Loddon Shire 2024 Australia Day colouring, literature and photographic competitions.

All competitions are free to enter, with entries closing on Friday 20 October 2023. Entry forms and further information, including eligibility criteria, is available on Council’s website, www.loddon.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, email a request for further information to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Diploma (AQF Level 5) Consul�ng Arborist  Tree Assessments – Health, Condi�on and Risk etc. 

Reports – Management Plans, Development etc.

GIS Mapping, Data Collec�on etc.

0431 245 131

Careers at Loddon

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.

Customer Service O cer - ref.J/229

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce

 Band 4 - $64,566.32 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 21 August 2023 at 5pm.

Tractor Operator - Loddon Plainsref.J/227

 Full-time, permanent position, working a 9-day fortnight

 Loddon Plains team, northern end of the shire

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

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 14 August 2023 at 5pm.

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

LODDON HERALD BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Cash payments

Wool buyer

On-farm appraisals

92 Rowena Street, East Bendigo

Ph 5406 0629

Clearing Sale – Gredgwin Farm Plant & Machinery A/c Peter Furey

On property auction Thursday 24th August, 10.30am Selected lots available on AuctionsPlus

Farm Machinery & Vehicles: Case IH STX375 tractor; Case IH 2166 header, 5430 eng hrs, 4369 rotor hrs, c/w 1010 bat reel 30ft front & Vibramat; Ford L series prime mover, day cab, White tri-axle steel tub; Fordson Power Major tractor; Smale 20ft pea plucker front; tandem trailer c/w stock crate; single trailer c/w stock crate; Suzuki 4WD motorbike; ute tray; tractor weights.

Cropping & Cultivation: Goldacres 5030 sprayer, 5000ltr, 30 mtr boom, Raven controller; Shearer 36ft bar, 6.5in spacings; Shearer 40ft hyd fold harrows; Kirby straw spreader; linkage grader; channel delver/cleaner; straw mulching 40ft harrows; fire harrows; Janke press wheels.

Grain Storage & Handling: Sherwell 30T field bin c/w fert cone; Sherwell 25T field bin; Grainline 30ft auger c/w hyd 3rd wheel; 50ft auger; PTO 35ft auger; bunker tarp; grain moisture meter.

Hay: Renne V-line hay rake; New Holland small square baler; hay loader, small bales; Massey Ferguson PTO hay rake; Bamford hay rake; UFO mower; Leith 15ft mower; inline hay rake; hay moisture probe.

Sundry Farm Equipment: 1250ltr fuel cart; PTO generator & welder; Baitcaster (1 yo); hyd bearing puller; fencing wire cart; Hardi spot sprayer; small stock ramp; stock trough; hammer mill; swing saw; small spray tank; air seeder hoses; grain feeder; jib crane; pipe bender; culvert PTO pump c/w pipe; PTO post hole digger; pump; pump c/w suction hose, fire fittings and spot spray hose & reels; Licoln arc welder c/w access; anvil x 2; metal dropsaw; steel racks; grain pickler; 2 x endless chains; 3500ltr poly tank; 2700ltr poly tank; tow cables – 2 x 10ml 25mtr, 1 x 15ml 50mtr; steel racks; v-belts; bearing press; poly fittings; asst fencing gear; cyclone wire; barb wire; posts; tap & die sets x 5; oil cans (new & old); jerry cans x 5; hyd bearing puller; elec winches; DeWalt power tools & chargers; hyd hoses & rams; work lights; qty nuts & bolts; tow balls & pins; battery charger; battery test unit; grease guns; trolley jack x 2; bottle jack x 4; elec fence, 2 base units plus tape; oversize signs; theodolite (1 new, 1 old); post borer; lengths railway iron; qty steel, car ramps; cement mixer; 44 gall drums; qty tools & workshop equipment; dog kennels x 2. Antique farm equipment: McKay gates; Ajax woolpress; belt driven flour mill; bale elevator; rippers x 3.

Directions: 88 Mosquito Weir Road, Gredgwin; 25km from Boort on Boort Quambatook Road, continue on Mosquito Weir Road 1km or 18km from Quambatook on Boort-Quambatook Road, turn right onto Mosquito Weir Road 1km, signs will be erected.

Conditions of sale: strictly cash/cheque/EFTPOS on day of sale; buyer registration system will operate, ID required; GST will apply.

Light luncheon available at sale.

Sale details & photos may be viewed at www.eldersrural.com.au

Vendor: Peter Furey 0402 209 739

Agent: Greg Boyd 0428 328 928

Elders Wycheproof 03 5493 6400

FARM CHEMICAL USERS’ COURSE NEWBRIDGE HALL

Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th September, 2023

8.30am to 4.00pm

Morning tea, Lunch and Afternoon tea provided by the Inglewood Anglican Ladies’ Guild at $15 per day

This course covers the necessary training required to obtain an Agricultural Chemical User Permit

*Cost $50.00 (to cover cost of AusChem manual)

Enrolments limited to 18 places

This course is subsidised under Victorian ‘Free TAFE’ funding of Agricultural Chemicals ‘skills sets’, for approved applicants.

Enrolments close on Friday 1st Steptember, 2023.

Karl Liffman. Mob: 0428 507 610 karlliffman@gmail.com

ANGLICAN PARISH OF INGLEWOOD presents AusChem(Vic), AgVet,

Stewart double wins McCarthy Shield day

MITIAMO Golf Club’s annual McCarthy Shield was contested on Sunday by 25 pairs.

The event was well attended by competitors from the local football club and also attracted interstate players.

Shaun McCarthy represented the family and presented trophies while also organising a bus from Bendigo for some competitors.

Handicap winners with 50 points was Don Stewart and Jed Stewart.

Runners-up with 44 points were Jamie Lister and Dale Anderson.

Winners of the non-handicap were Jake Price and Bryce Laird with a 53 points.

Runners up were Chris Lloyd and Brett Holmes 46 points on countback from Kenny Bell and R Bell.

Nearest the pins were Matty Miles and Kenny Bell.

Long drive in division one was Matty Miles and division two was Bryce Laird.

PYRAMID HILL

TEN golfers contested the single stableford event at Pyramid Hill on Sunday. Winner: John Kennedy (25) 38 points.

The semi final of the single

knock out event was conducted in conujnction with the day and saw Wayne Maxted beat Rod Wilkinson on the last hole.

Wayne will now play Dave Mann in the final.

The club’s annual tournament starts today with the men’s fourball best-ball stableford.

The men’s 27-hole stroke will be played on Saturday along with 18-hole stroke for men and women and the ambrose on Sunday.

BOORT

ANDREW Kane has completed a hat-trick of Kara Kara tournaments by winning the Charlton event.

After taking honours at Boort and Wedderburn, Kane took our the division one 30-hole Charlton event with 47-71-118.

There had been no competition play at Boort for a fortnight as players attended district tournaments.

However, last Saturday saw four members enter the stableford comp and also battle it out for the Privilege cup. Upon his return after holidaying interstate, it was Kevin Linehan who made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle with his solid 38 points.

It was then left up to Damien Lanyon to claim the only ball up for grabs in the ball comp with his reasonable 34 points.

Damien also picked up a host of minor prizes when he not only took out the nearest the pins for the 1st and 8th but also struck his drive onto the green on the 1st hole to pick up the bonus prize. Scott Rollinson was nearest the pin on the 15th and Sally Kedeble on the 9th.

Results - Kevin Linehan 18-38, Damien Lanyon 10-34, Scott Rollinson 29-32, Peter Eicher 27-27.

TARNAGULLA

TARNAGULLA will holds its annual championships on Saturday with tee-off between 9.30am and 10am.

Members have the option of playing 18 holes in a single session of nine holes in the morning and afternoon.

A social nine-hole event will also be played in the afternoon Clubs across the Loddon have all reported the excellent condition of their courses as the season begins to wind down.

All courses were well-prepared by club volunteers for annual tournaments with special working bees held.

PYRAMID HILL

THE Boort quartet (from left) of Ian Potter, Allen Stringer, Aileen Morris and Alister McDougal took at the North Central Bias Bowls Association rinks title in St Arnaud on Sunday. Boort defeated Charlton in the semi-final 17-5 and then accounted for St Arnaud in the grand final 11-7. Sunday’s competition completed the association’s 2023 championships with St Arnaud winning the triples contested at Wedderburn last Wednesday.

Extra race meeting

KERANG Turf has gained a transferred TAB Race meeting from Mildura.

Saturday’s seven-race program is expected to start at 11am.

Racing Victoria said: “Mildura Racing Club is currently undergoing repair works to their amenities which were required following the flooding earlier this year.

“While the track is progressing well in its recovery from flood damage, the racecourse facilities are still being repaired with the construction works not due to be completed in time for the club’s August meeting.”

Bowls division allocations

BENDIGO Campaspe Goldfields bowls division has confirmed team allocations for the new season.

Inglewood will be in the newly-named premier division for the men’s competition. Inglewood will also enter a team in division four as will Dingee and Calivil.

Serpentine is again in division three while Bridgewater has been allocated to the two-rink division seven competition.

In Monday’s “midweek” competition, Inglewood is again in division one and division five. Calivil and Serpentine will combine in division four also to be contested by Dingee.

GOLF CLUB

ANNUAL TOURNAMENT

11th to 13th AUGUST 2023 Entries

Don Stewart (left) receives the Mitiamo victor’s shield from Shaun McCarthy with winning partner Jed (right).

Sisters side by side

WEDDERBURN was bolstered for its North Central hockey clash against St Arnaud with the return of Tahlia Hargreaves. And Tahlia’s inclusion in the team made history. It was the first time she had played in the same Redbacks’ team as sister and coach Chelsea.

The Redbacks also had the services of former best and fairest Emma Green for the match.

Wedderburn went down 1-3

with Cassandra Marr scoring the home team’s only goal. Meanwhile, Boort had the big win of the men’s round against Birchip Watchem as the Pies continue to challenge for a top two finish.

Harold Malone finished with three goals and Joshua Smith and Jason Pink two each. Singles were scored by Seamus Meadows, Finn Poxon, Ben Lee and Richard Boswell.

NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

Under 12: Boort lost to Birchip Watchem

0-5, Wedderburn lost to St Arnaud 0-6, Wycheproof Narraport d Sea Lake Nandaly

2-0. Ladder: St Arnaud 94, Wycheproof Narraport 74, Charlton 64, Birchip Watchem 64, Donald 39, Sea Lake Nandaly 33, Wedderburn 15, Boort 0.

Under 15: Boort d Birchip Watchem 1-0, Wedderburn lost to St Arnaud 0-6, Wycheproof Narraport lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 15. Ladder: St Arnaud 92, Sea Lake Nandaly 78, Birchip Watchem 87, Boort 56, Charlton 39, Donald 39, Wycheproof Narraport 8, Wedderburn 8.

Women: Boort lost to Birchip Watchem 0-4, Wedderburn lost to St Arnaud 1-3, Wycheproof Narraport d Sea Lake Nandaly 4-1.

Ladder: Charlton 94, Wycheproof Narraport 87, Birchip Watchem 62, St Arnaud 56, Boort 38, Sea Lake Nandaly 28, Wedderburn 23, Donald 0.

Men: Boort d Birchip Watchem 11-0, Wycheproof Narraport d Sea Lake 4-0.

Ladder: Wycheproof Narraport 88, St Arnaud 83, Boort 82, Donald 40, Sea Lake Nandaly 24, Charlton 23, Birchip Watchem 3.

NORTH CENTRAL JUNIORS

GOALS - Wedderburn: A. Noordennen, B. Treuel. St Arnaud: C. Hendy 7, Z. Green 3, C. Baldwin, A. Reyne, S. Kay, A. Reyne. BEST - Wedderburn: C. Gault, B. Cramp, B. Treuel, J. Laverty-Smith, A. Noordennen. St Arnaud: Z. Green, C. Hendy, J. Batters, B. Donald, F. Green, J. Wait.

GOALS - Not supplied.

- Boort: B. McPherson, S. McClelland, D. Perryman, J. O’Flaherty, N. Howe. Birchip Watchem: C.

S. Gardiner-Paikea, E. Dean, A. Tyler.

Weekend milestones

z Dylan Morison played his 150th game for Pyramid Hill

z Nathan Gooding played his 400th game for Boort

z Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Patty

Russell took to the ground for game 200.

HAVE A MILESTONE GAME: Let your local Loddon Herald know at loddonherald@gmail.com

Ladder: Sea Lake Nandaly 52, Donald 52, Boort 40, Charlton 32, St Arnaud 28, Nullawil 20, Birchip Watchem 20, Wycheproof Narraport 8, Wedderburn 4. UNDER

GOALS - Wedderburn: Not supplied. St Arnaud: J. Needs, T. Funston 3, H. Meagher 2, B. Donald, C. Zander, H. Darby, F. Burke, O. Lowe, K. Torney.

- Wedderburn: N. Winslett, R. Whyman, M. Punguika. St Arnaud: F. Donald, J. Needs, T. Funston, R. Bigmore, B. Greenaway, A. Wickham.

GOALS - Not supplied.

BEST - Boort: R. Wagner, L. Hall, A. Cockerell, B. Wagner, J. Hird. Birchip Watchem: C. Frank, R. Hogan, J. Woods, H. Cook.

CENTRAL VICTORIA

GOALS - Marong: Zachary Conroy, Lochie Hale 4, Deon Tannock 3, Jett Bird, Spencer Taylor 2, Harry Cruise, Joshua Hall, Kobe McCaig, Liam Rielley, Harry Roberts, Kai Terrill. BEST - Marong: Liam Rielley, Lochie Hale, Kepler Thomson, Harry Roberts, Jett Bird, Deon Tannock. Bridgewater: Cale Woodhatch, William Hope, William Salau, Tate Woodhatch, Sam McMahon, Tarrant Pidoto.

THIS WEEK

Inglewood v Pyramid Hill at Calivil Bridgewater v East Loddon at Serpentine Marong bye

Wedderburn’s Tate Lovett takes on his under 17 St Arnaud opponent. LH PHOTO

Tahlia Hargreaves egdes her stick in front of St Arnaud’s Kate Gifford in Saturday’s women’s hockey match. LH PHOTO

NORTH CENTRAL Bulls finding right form

BIRCHIP Watchem has claimed its second major scalp in a fortnight as the Bulls press for North Central A Grade netball premiership favouritsm.

The one-goal win over Wedderburn was followed up on Saturday with a two-goal victory over Boort.

The Pies have now lost two games in the past month after having been undefeated. But they retain top spot with a superior percentage to Birchip Watchem. Wedderburn meets Nullawil this weekend and will need to reverse the result from their last encounter as they head into the finals. 14

Plucky Blues push Pyramid

PYRAMID Hill has snuck home by three goals after trailing Inglewood most of the day in the Loddon Valley A Grade clash on Saturday.

Inglewood had scoreboard control of the match until the final minutes as the fast-finishing Bulldogs overcame a seven-goal deficit at the final break.

The close call has made it difficult for Pyramid Hill to regain a top three spot, percentage likely to keep the Dogs in fourth spot as they play fellow top five finisher Newbridge this Saturday.

And Inglewood has the chance to finish its return season in A Grade with the clash against Calivil.

The A Grade thriller was not the only close finish between the two teams. Inglewood and Pyramid Hill went goal for goal in the under 13 match to end in a draw and the under 15 Blues won by three goals.

13 AND UNDER

Maiden Gully 4, 15, 20, 25, (25) lost to Calivil 10, 26, 42, 53, (53). Marong 6, 11, 16, 21, (21) lost to Bridgewater 7, 17, 25, 34, (34). Inglewood 2, 5, 10, 10, (10) drew Pyramid Hill 2, 2, 6, 10, (10). Mitiamo 3, 6, 10, 12, (12) lost to Bears

Wedderburn d St Arnaud 52-28.

lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 12, 28, 45, 60, (60). Maiden Gully 19, 30, 43, 54, (54) d Calivil 8, 17, 22, 32, (32). Inglewood 4, 7, 11, 11, (11) lost to Pyramid Hill 15, 27, 38, 46, (46).

Inglewood and Pyramid 15 and under teams played out a thrilling finish. Pyramid’s Cecily Farrar is pictured in a last quarter bid to get the points.

Defender Lauren Spence intercepts for Wedderburn in the B Grade match against St Arnaud. LH PHGOTO

Redbacks’ quick march leaves Saints stunned

WEDDERBURN’S superiority over a struggling St Arnaud was on show from the opening bounce of Saturday’s North Central league clash at Donaldson Park.

The Redbacks went straight into attack with an offline shot at goal by Danny Benaim immediately followed by Sam Barnes and Robert Whyman kicks part of the early inaccuracy.

Then Benaim cracked the goal-kicking code two minutes in, then was part of an exciting passage started by Whyman on the flank that brought up another behind, Soon after, Tom Campbell found Jordan Rosengren who slotted accurately through the sticks.

Three minutes into the game and Wedderburn had six scoring shots. The Redbacks were tackling hard, able to keep play deep in their forward zone.

Rosengreen, Mitch McEwen, Benaim and Hamish Lockhart were creating play and often space.

A sloppy turnover in the centre allowed Harley Durward to send St Arnaud forward for the first time only to see the ball back in Wedderburn’s zone and two quick goals off the boot of Barnes.

Another brief foray forward by St Arnaud was quickly turned over and had McEwen hooking a major.

Wedderburn’s dominance in the centre - Jordan Hargreaves on top in the ruck, Lowry and Rosengreen always at the ready - had Barnes finding goals again as he signalled the march to a grand day that would see him with a haul of 11 goals.

Durward would kick St Arnaud’s only goal - and only score of the term - at the 18 minute mark.

Play was so one-sided in the first term, that all 36 players were in the forward half as the quarter played out.

St Arnaud tried to bottle play in the centre from the second quarter bounce and limited space available to Wedderburn.

Both sides would add two goals and, again, accuracy was plaguing Wedderburn as it went against a two-goal breeze.

Benaim’s early goal on the turn was vintage splendour - mark not paid, immediate recovery and snap.

SENIORS

GOALS - Donald: S. Dunstan 4, R. Young 2, R. McGough, R. Bath, J. Talty, B. Grant. Nullawil: J. Humphreys 3, D. Smith 2, Z. Caccaviello, A. Thomson, M. Quigley.

BEST - Donald: R. Young, D. Bell-Warren, J. Wallin, J. Potter, H. Geddes, J. Papalia. Nullawil Seniors: D. Isbister, P. Kelly, J. Casey, D. Smith, J. Bamford, D. Watts.

St Arnaud also lifted when the Redbacks were temporarily unsettled when forward Rhordan Holt left the ground with an injured shoulder.

Anthony Bourke was a livewire for the Saints and was rewarded with a goal.

Whatever vigour was still left in the Saints’ engine evaporated in the second half.

They were held to one goal in the third term as Wedderburn piled on an accurate and tidy 11.3.

And the final term brought even less comfort with the Redbacks holding their visitors scoreless and adding six goals and the offline nine behinds.

Owen Lowe, Matthew Goode and Wil-

liam Bertalli were also among the Saints who tried hard to combat Wedderburn’s systematic disposal of a side that has struggled all season.

z The return from injury of Matthew Chisari and Shane Biggs was not enough for Boort to combat Birchip Watchem.

The Pies were reasonably competitive in the opening term against a Bulls outfit shaping up for a tilt at the premiership. However, still without Nathan Twigg and their other bigman Cam Ross also out on Saturday, the Pies were always facing a tough task.

Chisari and regular best players McGhie and Davis were in the action all day. Biggs finished with two goals.

Stick to plan and upset could be on cards

DEBUTANTE club Nullawil’s season could have an attack of the jitters heading into finals.

The Demons on Saturday face off against a Wedderburn outfit playing better than when the two clashed back on the King’s Birthday weekend at Donaldson Park.

Nullawil set up a seven-point win that day with a better second quarter. Adam Thomson kicked six of the side’s 11 goals.

In this week’s penultimate home and

SENIORS

75 - (4) - Sam Dunstan - Donald

round, Nulliwil is coming off a second slender loss to Donald, the Redbacks from an even more comprehensive win over St Arnaud.

What sets Wedderburn of August apart from the side two months ago is the form of coach Sam Barnes in front of goals, the return of ruckman Jordan Hargreaves and a settled line up.

Last weekend, the Redbacks showed the massive gulf between mid-sides in the league and the bottom by sticking

IN FRONT OF GOAL

69 - (11) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

50 - (10) - Sam Barnes - Wedderburn

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

38 - (1) - Nathan Gordon - Birchip Watchem

36 - (0) - Nick Thompson - Charlton

36 - (1) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil

32 - (2) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn

31 - (7) - Joshua Jenkins - Sea Lake Nandaly

29 - (5) - John Summerhayes - Sea Lake N

29 - (2) - Daniel Castellano - Birchip Watchem

RESERVES

44 - (0) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly

38 - (4) - Callum Goode - Birchip Watchem

35 - (1) - Patrick O’Rourke - Boort

32 - (0) - Ben Brennan - Wycheproof,

30 - (5) - Gerald Riley - Wedderburn

27 - (0) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil

mostly to their plan. Saturday’s encounter is the chance to demonstrate they are possibly the best side outside the four.

The tough run for Boort should come to a end when the Pies take on St Arnaud at Lord Nelson Park.

It will be the opportunity for Dale Cameron’s charge to put together four good quarters.

The Saints will try but even an injurydepleted Boort will have the edge in skill and speed.

LODDON HERALD TIPS

St Arnaud v Boort

Nullawil v Wedderburn

Sea Lake Nandaly v

GOALS - Wedderburn: S. Barnes

J. Rosengren 4, D. Benaim 3, J. McEwen, H. Lockhart, T. Campbell 2, R. Whyman, L. Holt, M. McEwen, C. Lowry. St Arnaud: A. Bourke, H. Durward 2.

BEST - Wedderburn: J. Rosengren, J. Jones, I. Holt, M. Mcewen, T. Campbell, S. Barnes. St Arnaud: O. Lowe, M. Goode, W. Bertalli, H. Durward, D. Gifford, R. Burke. Boort

Watchem

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GOALS - Boort: S. Biggs 2, L. Dowdle, J. Fitzpatrick, H. Weaver, E. Coleman. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 11, M. Rippon, D. Castellano 2, D. Hinkley, P. Sheahan, N. Gordon, S. Simmons, N. Rippon.

BEST - Boort: M. Chisari, R. McGhie, A. Davis, A. Trethowan, S. Green, M. Hodoras. Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, M. Rippon, P. Sheahan, S. Simmons, N. Gordon, S. Hogan.

Wycheproof N 1.1 2.2 2.4 2.5 (17)

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GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: R. Allan, G. Hommelhoff. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 7, J. Summerhayes 5, T. McKenzie 4, B. Poulton, W. Simpson 2, R. O’Sullivan, J. Wright, M. Farrelly, C. Cox.

BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: G. Hommelhoff, T. Trewin, J. Walsh, S. Allan, R. Allan, J. Bateson. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins, T. Cox, M. Farrelly, J. Summerhayes, J. Poulton, T. McKenzie.

RESERVES

C. Tait, R. Mcclelland, J. Hatcher, J. Donnan, E. Ellis 2, J. Newick, C. Allan 1, J. Trewick, C. Elliott, R. McGarry.

BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: D. Murray, X. McKersie, R. Jones, L. Bish, H. Fawcett, B. McCarthy. Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Conlan, J. Donnan, C. Tait, D. Hickey, C. Elliott, A. Collins.

- Wedderburn: G. Riley 5, J. Piccoli, C. Hargreaves, A. Younghusband 2, G. Herbert, L. Price, A. Roberts, C. Lang, R. Butters. St Arnaud: N. Gorrie 3, C. Snell.

BEST - Wedderburn: D. Keuken, C. Lang, R. Butters, J. Piccoli, G. Riley, A. Brett. St Arnaud: R. Burke, R. Kirk, J. Patching, H. Darby, W. Deason, J. Needs.

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GOALS - Donald: S. Sellick 2, T. Letts, T. O’Shannessy. Nullawil: N. Williams 4, M. Barry, B. Forrester, G. Forrester, J. Taylor 2, A. Forrester.

BEST - Donald: B. Griffiths, E. Landwehr, N. Clark, K. Green, J. Adams, D. Gowlett. Nullawil: J. Taylor, D. Kelly, J. Barry, M. Hogan, N. Williams, M. Barry.

Boort 2.0 2.1 4.2 6.2 (38)

Birchip Watchem 3.1 5.2 9.4 14.5 (89)

GOALS - Boort: N. McNally 3, J. Coleman, D. Hatcher, P. O’Rourke. Birchip Watchem: C. Goode 4, D. Batarilo 3, T. Batarilo, J. Goldsmith 2, L. Randall, B. Baxter, J. Ryan.

BEST - Boort: N. McNally, J. Sheahan, C. Ross, J. Kerr, M. Buchanan, J. Coleman. Birchip Watchem

Reserves: T. Batarilo, D. Batarilo, T. Colbert, J. Ryan, J. Noonan, M. Finster.

Not quite the mark ... Wedderburn’s Hamish Lockhart. LH PHOTO

Mind the gap: it’s now smaller

FOR years Pyramid Hill has been dominant against Inglewood - the top Dogs from Mitchell Park always the more polished and skilled outfit.

This year’s Loddon Valley season indicated things would be no different when the Dogs romped home by 10 goals in May.

Fast forward to the final fortnight of the home and away season and Pyramid Hill has had one of its worst injury runs in that two decades of superiority over Inglewood and many other teams in the league.

And while the team is coming back at the right time - Steven Gunther, Billy Micevski and Lachlan Sidebottom were weekend inclusions for the league match of the round - the Dogs had key players like Dylan Collis and Zac Dingwell missing.

The Blues are building momentum and that showed on Saturday when they came within three goals mid-way through the quarter before going down by 25 points.

Every time they started to get a run-on, usually through the work of Fergus Payne who kicked three goals and was named the Blues’ best, Pyramid Hill responded.

Seb Relouw was crucial in defence for the Dogs, snuffing out multiple forward lunges by Payne, Lowe and Cotchen.

Will Perryman, Steven Gunther and Billy Micevski linked in around the midfield and up forward to keep the buffer.

Cotchett, Bowen Cauchi and Payne

League adopts new vote count format

LODDON Valley football and netball best and fairest count will be pre-recorded this year.

The league has ended its arrangement with a Bendigo radio station and will instead upload the pre-recorded count to its online platforms on August 28.

Votes will be counted and the recording made that afternoon.

Discussions are continuing to include the AFL Central Victoria under 18 football competition in the count presentation.

And the league this week decided to also name teams of the year across its top netball and football grades.

These will be announced later this month.

SENIORS

- Maiden Gully: B. Dimech

2, C. Walsh, J. Doolan, D. Wust. Calivil: M. Avard 3, T. Piazza 2, B. Mensforth, J. Lawry, J. Lea. BEST Maiden Gully: T. Miles, S. Keneally, B. Dimech, C. Walsh, H. McCartney, M. Crooks. Calivil: J. Lawry, C. Thompson, M. Avard, R. Lourie, K. Newton, J.

GOALS - Inglewood: F. Payne 3, A. Lowe, K. Payne 2, T. Kilcullen, J. Leach, D. Polack, C. Wright. Pyramid Hill: W. Perryman 6, Z. Alford, J. Woodward 2, A. Holland, H. Goodes, B. Micevski, S. Gunther.

BEST - Inglewood: F. Payne, D. Polack, B. Cotchett, C. Stobaus, J. Leach, J. Wendels. Pyramid Hill: S. Relouw, W. Perryman, Z. Alford, T. Mcgregor, T. Hetherington, L. Sidebottom.

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teamed well for Inglewood to secure a much-needed goal for Inglewood late in the third only to see Perryman feed the ball to Jack Woodward for a quick Bulldog response.

Perryman booted another from 45 metres out coming off the bounce and Harrison Goodes showed his top skills near the siren, scooping the ball from the ground and giving Pyramid Hill a six-goal lead at the final break.

Inglewood, after recovering from a sluggish start to the match, was facing a customary blowout against Pyramid Hill.

They started the final term peppering goals - kicks falling short or being rushed through.

Alex Lowe broke the ice for a goal that would be the first of four for Inglewood as the Blues outscored Pyramid Hill.

Daniel Polack was dynamic in defence but the Dogs were delivering effective tackles with Zach Alford on fire.

The super 50-metre roost from Jayden Leach put Inglewood back within three kicks before Alford kicked his second for the day and, for now, kept Pyramid Hill as top dogs.

Just enough may spell danger

THE scoreboard showed Bears Lagoon Serpentine easy 10-goal winners over Mitiamo on Saturday.

Looks good against a team that has improved from a disastrous start to the season but was without Kobe Galvin, Rhys Varcoe and veteran Doug Thomas.

The Superoos matched Justin Laird’s Bears in the first quarter where Luke Lougoon, a likely frontrunner for the league best and fairest, was setting up another strong performance in a losing side.

Accuracy in the second term allowed the Bears to skip to a three-goal lead.

Laird was leading the way again with Gadsden, Bailey and Roy-Clements making important contributions.

It would be the same story in the third quarter when Mitiamo actually had more scoring shots but could not convert.

The Superoos ran out of legs in the final term. Not enough depth and pace to match

the Bears who did enough to win but with a performance that triggers questions of whether that will be enough in the highoctane pressure cooker of finals.

Brandyn Grenfell brought up his 100th goal of the season in the first quarter against Bridgewater.

Grenfell had a dose of the nerves early in the term with multiple shots only bringing up one flag.

The Panthers brought up another 100-point plus win and has now defeated every side in the league by such large margins in the past two months.

Maiden Gully pulled off a minor upset to defeat Calivil. The Eagles were two goals down at the first change as fortunes went on to fluctuate before breaking clear in the final term.

The win, however, was not enough to lift them off the bottom, only drawing level on points with Calivil.

Setting scene for next stage and season goodbyes

IT’S hard to see any final round upsets in Loddon Valley football on Saturday but there could still be spirit from sides about to bow out of the 2024 race.

Inglewood, after last week’s gallant performance against a still-regrouping Pyramid Hill, has momentum ahead of its first appearance at the cutting end of the season in 20 years.

The Blues challenge will be to keep the focus and not ease off against Anthony’s Dennis’ Calivil, a team that has shown grit this season but still short a couple of key players.

SENIORS

The Demons will try everything to unsettle Inglewood but that will not be quite enough.

Pyramid Hill has been dogged by injuries and player availability for weeks. The bite has been retained to stay in the top three and with more players expected back on the field this week, will be too strong for Newbridge who have played the last half of the season on home turf.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine needs a solid four-quarter workout going into the finals. The Bears cannot afford to keep letting sides get back within a couple of

IN FRONT OF GOAL

103 - (4) - Brandyn Grenfell - Marong

46 - (1) - Kain Robins - Marong

42 - (4) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

39 - (0) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater

34 - (6) - Will Perryman - Pyramid Hill

34 - (0) - Matthew Riordan - Marong

33 - (2) - Justin Laird - BL Serpentine

30 - (2) - Keelan Payne - Inglewood

30 - (0) - Andrew Gladman - BL Serpentine

30 - (1) - Jay Reynolds - Mitiamo

30 - (0) - Charlie McGaw - Inglewood

28 - (2) - Zach Alford - Pyramid Hill RESERVES

69 - (4) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill

36 - (4) - Bradley Matthews - Marong

28 - (5) - Tucker Thach - Marong

25 - (4) - Jayden Gladman - BL Serpentine

24 - (0) - Clay Anstee - BL Serpentine

22 - (1) - Reece Gretgrix - Marong

22 - (0) - Joel Pianto - Mitiamo

goals - in finals that spells danger, against Maiden Gully on Saturday it would be simply poor form.

The season has turned out better than predicted for Mitiamo but will end with the Superoos the latest victim of the Marong steamroller that has annihilated every team on the scoreboard for two months. The Panthers, for now, remain untouchable.

Newbridge must defeat Pyramid Hill in the reserves to make finals and rely on Maiden Gully going down to the Bears. A result to watch!

THIS SATURDAY

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Newbridge v Pyramid Hill

Calivil v Inglewood

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Maiden Gully

Marong v Mitiamo

Bridgewater bye

GOALS - Mitiamo: A. Cussen 3, B. Baines 2, J. Reynolds, T. Campbell, R. Turner. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Rippingale 4, H. Gadsden 3, J. Bailey, J. Laird 2, C. Draper, C. Anstee 2, K. Paxton, K. Zass, L. Mott. BEST - Mitiamo: L. Lougoon, Z. Morrison, D. Walters, A. Cussen, W. Draper, R. Turner. Bears Lagoon

H. Gadsden, J. Bailey, J. Laird, A. Lewin, J. Rippingale, B. Roy-Clements.

(17) GOALS - Marong: J. Ede 5, R. Taylor, B. Grenfell 4, K. Manley 3, R. Tibbett 2, N. Devanny, K. Robins, B. Gregg, P. Gretgrix, C. Gregg. Bridgewater: N. Naughton, T. Estrada.

- Marong: J. Ede, B. Gregg, R. Taylor, R. Tibbett, M. Grant, L. Lee. Bridgewater: Not

RESERVES

GOALS - Maiden Gully: N. Murley, N. Johnston 5, L. Burns, T. Hudson, M. Dean, C. Sungalis, I. Holden, W. Donaczy, J. Baum, R. Strauch, J. Covington. Calivil: B. Masson, J. Manderson, S. Fawcett. BEST - Maiden Gully: N. Murley, T. Fitzpatrick, N. Johnston, I. Holden, T. Hudson, W. Anderson. Calivil: D. Canfield, S. Fawcett, H. Cartwright, B. Coates, N. Dennis, J. Manderson.

GOALS - Marong: T. Thach 5, B. Matthews 4, N. McCaig 3, A. Collins, T. Grant 2, L. Frankel, T. Wilson, G. Dowler, W. Beagley, R. Gretgrix, Z. Turnbull, C. Thiesz, B. Langridge, R. Hender. Bridgewater: L. Harrison.

BEST - Marong: T. Wilson, J. Harris, J. Gretgrix, L. Frankel, S. Taylor, H. Baker. Bridgewater: L. Harrison, J. Higgins, J. McKinley, E. Woodhatch, S. Harrison, J. Wild.

Inglewood 3.2 6.6 7.7 9.10 (64)

Pyramid Hill 1.1 2.2 5.6 5.6 (36)

GOALS - Inglewood: D. Gorrie 3, L. Field 2, T. Sawers, K. Dundas, M. Jeffrey, E. Wright. Pyramid Hill: R. Pollock 4, A. Dye.

BEST - Inglewood: S. Dundas, T. Stevenson, D. Gorrie, E. Wright, K. Dundas, E. Ashman. Pyramid Hill: M. Moon, D. Hetherington, N. Moon, R. Pollock, G. Quinn, N. Skinner.

Mitiamo 1.0 2.0 3.1 4.1 (25)

BL Serpentine 3.4 6.4 10.9 13.12 (90)

GOALS - Mitiamo: C. Milne 3, J. Watt. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: D. Niemann 5, J. Gladman 4, C. O’Shannessy, D. Tineo 2. Mitiamo: M. Storey, M. Watson, J. Pianto, J. Rasmussen, C. Milne, A. McKean. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: D. Tineo, A. Edwards, D. Niemann, M. Quinn, Z. Hollis, O. Amy.

Within arm’s length ... Inglewood pushes Pyramid Hill on Saturday. LH PHOTO

SUPER SAM

WEDDERBURN coach Sam Barnes has become a late-season goal juggernaut and on Saturday against St Arnaud kicked 11 majors as the Redbacks charged to victory.

Barnes, who made a return to the field this season to cover key position shortages in the lineup after an eye injury ended his playing days in 2019, has kicked 26 goals in the last four matches and has emerged as one of the Redbacks’ consistent and best players for this season.

Match report, photos, scoreboards - PAGE 22

COMMISSION’S ‘NEW PATHWAY LEAGUE’ IDEA COMES ...

OUT OF NOWHERE

AFL Central Victoria has dusted off a 40-year-old discarded football structure in a bid to reshape football in the region.

And the commission’s talk of a new competition for clubs “who feel that the league they are currently competing in is not aligned to their short- and longterm goals” caught leagues and clubs off-guard late Friday afternoon.

An email to Loddon Valley, Heathcote and Bendigo league officials and clubs came days after a hastily convened AFL summit and just before Heathcote considered league switch pitches from Marong and Maiden Gully.

By CHRIS EARL

News of the AFL Central Victoria’s stand-alone proposal was broken online by the Loddon Herald within half hour of general manager Craig Armstead telling clubs the new structure was on the table for 2024.

Several club presidents later told the Loddon Herald: “No idea where this has come from. It certainly wasn’t discussed when we were all together at the summit.”

Loddon Valley president Simon Tuohey, who with other league leaders had not been invited to the summit, said all options had to be considered for the future of football in the region.

AFL’s other proposal for a two-

tier promotion and relegation league mirrors what existed in Bendigo when the Golden City League was rolled into the Bendigo League after a 1980 Victorian Country Football League report predicted local football would wither without change.

According to some sources, the two options seem pitched at struggling Bendigo league clubs Kangaroo Flat, Maryborough, Castlemaine and Kyneton. Reigning Loddon Valley premiers and 2024 raging favourites Marong and Maiden Gully are also on the radar.

The restructure of Bendigo football later saw Marong and Maiden Gully come to Loddon Valley league in the 1980s.

Neither Panthers’ chief Danny

Tyler or Maiden Gully’s Chris Garlick returned phone calls on whether the new AFL Central Victorian proposal would alter their bids to join Heathcote. Heathcote clubs were meeting last night to decide their fate.

Armstead said: “While clearly at very early stages of development, a new competition would include senior, reserves and thirds football teams and both senior and junior netball teamsthe exact number of teams to be confirmed.

“One possible operating model would be a new stand-alone competition - eg Central Vic Football League - and another model could be a second division of the Bendigo Football Netball League with a promotion and

relegation system operating. The BFNL, HDFNL and LVFNL would all continue to operate,” he said. AFL Central Victoria this year started an under 18 football competition but only attracted five Loddon Valley junior sides.

Maiden Gully, that has cited junior pathways as a reason to switch leagues, has not fielded a junior team for two seasons.

However, Maiden Gully junior club, still a formal separate entity to YCW, held a special meeting of parents last week to discuss team age group options for 2024 including Loddon Valley and Heathcote leagues.

The meeting was attended by an estimated 20 parents. The junior entity has made no comment on the meeting.

LH PHOTO