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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 20 THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

LOCAL BREAK By CHRIS EARL

REGIONAL visitors are expected to converge on Loddon towns for the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Local caravan parks have reported late bookings as country people jump at the opportunity to travel after another lockdown. COVID restrictions ban Melburnians leaving the metropolitan area until at least Monday night.

Country Victorians have our region on itinerary

That has not stopped some city people trying to make it to the Loddon where businesses are now required by the State Government to check the home address of customers. The Loddon Herald has been told Melburnians still hoping for a Loddon getaway weekend. Boort Lakes Holiday Park

TREECHANGER TURNS OVER AN OLD LEAF RICHARD Jeney and canine companion Hux are right at home in the Loddon. They are among new residents coming to the region, deciding a treechange is the future after reflecting on life during last year’s lockdowns. Richard used that time to make up a checklist for the ideal country property and turn over a new leaf. He quickly found the property that ticked the boxes ... and then more. “It’s been a bit of a treasure trove,” Richard said while walking through the bush. And the greatest find has set Richard off on a new business enterprise using eucalyptus leaves. Read the good oil on Richard’s move from city to bush in this week’s special feature story - PAGE 9 LH PHOTO

owner Wendy James said cabins were fully booked for the weekend. “And as country people become more comfortable that we’re not going back into lockdown, I would not be surprised if we have more last-minute bookings for caravan sites,” Wendy said.

“What we’re hearing is that people are looking forward to enjoying the weekend in their country backyard.” At Bridgewater, the caravan park is also bouncing back from lockdown. Manager Darren Marshall said cancelled long weekend bookings from Melbourne campers had been filled by regional visitors and he was hopeful a late rush would bring the park close to capacity. And in Inglewood, where Saturday’s Lions market will be one of the few organised events this

weekend, owner Pauline Wellman said the park was headed for capacity. “We’ve had bookings come in as far away as Warrnambool and Gippsland,” she said. “Regional people can’t travel to Melbourne so they are supporting regional areas.” Visitors are also expected in the Loddon’s northern communities for the final days of Victoria’s 2021 duck season. The truncated season, further reduced by lockdown, officially ends at 30 minutes after sunset on Monday.

LATE NEWS

Sport gets go-ahead THE State Government late yesterday morning announced the go-ahead for senior sport in regional Victoria this weekend. Acting Premier James Merlino also said the cap on public gatherings would increase to 20 in regional areas from midnight tonight. While Melbourne’s 14-day lockdown ends tonight, residents can only travel within 25km of their home. Other regional changes include allowing two visitors to the home each day, plus dependants. Face masks remain compulsory at indoor venues and outdoors when social distancing cannot be observed.

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021

Bridge works send traffic on detour

S mere country folk have been left scratching the heads again during the latest “COVID crisis” as the wise heads of Melbourne instantly set off to their nearest supermarket to strip shelves bare of toilet paper. It’s been quite bewildering each time a lockdown has been put in place. Why? Surely there’s a thesis down the track charting the sanitary infactuations with toilet paper and the evolution of our WC (water closet) habits.

HE softness of four-ply paper stamped with soothing patterns is a far cry from days of the outhouse. There’s still many a monument to reflective times away from the house proper in our Loddon districts, still withstanding those gusts of wind that whip through in a storm. Built of timber are some, others of more elaborate mudbrick or better. The hand-made hook still there to hold old copies of newspapers neatly cut into foldable squares. And if we look closely enough, there may even be a few discarded bottles of phenyle that were emptied in early attempts at sanitary improvement. You can still buy the cleansing liquid with its own unique smell. The sales blurb today says: “Phenyle is a heavy duty outdoor cleaner, deodoriser and disinfectant. This product can be used to clean drains, toilets, paths, concrete, paving, outdoor furniture and wooden fences. Also can be used to disinfect kennels, poultry sheds and garbage bins.”

OW toilet paper is also a pretty handy material for use in arts and crafts and there are online tutorials covering everything from origami to painting. Even more popular is to use the discarded cardboard roll holders to shape creations. We’ve heard about one chap, back at his parents’ country home during last year’s lockdowns - he put aside every empty roll used over many months, stacked one on top of the other, promising a special creation. When the juices had not flowed by Christmas,

his mother decided enough was enough and out into the rubbish bin they went ... all 100 of them.

E mentioned about the importance of the outhouse sanctuary. It was a spot for catching up on the news too. It was a real art turning the pages of a broadsheet size newspaper in the confined space. Probably explains why grandmas and mothers opted for the glossy magazines as their preferred reading material.

he first modern flushable toilet was described in 1596 by Sir John Harington, an English courtier and the godson of Queen Elizabeth I. Harington’s device called for a two-foot-deep oval bowl waterproofed with pitch, resin and wax and fed by water from an upstairs cistern. We used to know the toilet as the water closet but how did the toilet get its name. ... The Middle French word ‘toile’ (“cloth”) had a diminutive form: ‘toilette’, or “small piece of cloth.”

UESS we’ve been flushed with trivial information this week.

Share your stories with Over the Fence email loddonherald@gmail.com

GOULBURN-MURRAY Water has started works on a channel bridge crossing at Pyramid Hill. The project is part of GMW’s $8 million winter works program which sees maintenance and upgrades take place across the water delivery network during the irrigation shutdown. The bridge crossing over the No.1 channel along PyramidYarraberb Road will be closed to until July 2. Localised road access will continue to be available to residents. An alternate route will be signposted during the closure period, with traffic from the north diverted along the Boort-Mitiamo Road, through Mitiamo onto the Bendigo-Pyramid Road, and then south west onto Echuca-Serpen-

tine Road. Traffic management signs and electronic information boards have been installed. GMW general manager infrastructure delivery services Warren Jose said GMW had liaised with local services to ensure residents would not be impacted during the road closure. “To reduce unnecessary impact on residents, we have liaised with essential services such as Australia Post, school bus services, emergency services and waste collection so they can adjust their services accordingly,” Mr Jose said. “We ask that drivers take extra care when travelling on these roads, as there will be increased traffic and heavy vehicles in the area.”

Interim CEO announced JUDE Holt has been appointed interim chief executive officer of Loddon Shire from next month. She will take on the role when CEO Phil Pinyon retires on July 3. Jude has been acting director infrastructure and development with Mount Alexander Shire. She is on the boards of Western Water and Inglewood and Districts Health Service. Until 2016, Jude was Loddon’s director corporate services during 20 years with the council and then general manager policy risk and compliance with Coliban Water.

Jude Holt

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Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021 | 3

Crown land camping access anger grows ANGER is growing across the Loddon at State Government plans to give campers access to their licensed Crown water frontages. Farmers with Loddon River and other waterway frontages will be required to allow campers to stay up to 28 days on their agricultural land from September 28. A protest rally was held in Melbourne last week against what Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said would be flawed camping regulations. Mr Walsh said the Nationals’ state conference had just passed a motion condemning the policy. “If The Nationals are elected to government next year we will amend this flawed legislation to allow landholders to opt-in to allowing camping on licensed crown water frontages,” he said. “That means it will only occur on licensed Crown water frontage where landholders actively choose to have people camp.” Mr Walsh said the Government was actively encouraging people to camp on farm land. He said it had been developing an app to show people where licensed Crown water frontage existed and unmarked roads that

IN BRIEF Town turns pink in tribute INGLEWOOD yesterday farewelled Lesley Morrison who tragically died last month. A private service was held for Lesley at St Mary’s Church before a service at St Arnaud cemetery. The town’s community neighbourhood house encouraged residents to decorate the front of their homes with pink balloons in tribute to Lesley who had been a neighbourhood house board member. Lesley is survived by husband Scott and children Jaspa, a Year 10 student at Marist College Bendigo, and Olivia and Lucy who are in Years 2 and 1 at St Mary’s Inglewood.

AV doses for region MARONG Medical Practice’s Inglewood clinic is scheduled to begin vaccinating Loddon residents with AstraZeneca from June 21 when the clinic becomes an official COVID vaccination site.

Youngsters camping on the Loddon River near Salisbury ... with permission of land licence holders. LH PHOTO

Reunion date could be used to access to that frontage. “In plain English or bureaucratic double speak the message is the same – the anomalies existing in the regulations were unworkable and unacceptable,” Mr Walsh added. “Landholders are not allowed

to collect firewood from Crown land reserves they hold under licence; yet campers will be able to use this land at any time – and collect and burn firewood the adjoining owner will be fined for if he or shew so much as touches a single twig,” he said. “Not only do these changes

Poll complaints headed to tribunal, VEC tells council COMPLAINTS from last year’s Loddon Shire Council elections will be heard by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Victorian Electoral Commission has reported to council. The post-election report was tabled at the last council meeting. VEC said eight written complaints, questions or suggestions had been received during and after the October 2020 election, including complaints about election material. “Following the Loddon Shire Council general election, three applications were lodged with the VCAT,” the report said. “The applications were separately made by Boort Ward candidate Ken Pattison, Wedderburn Ward candidate Regi-

nald Stanley Ormond Holt and a group of 14 voters also in the Wedderburn Ward.” The VEC said the applications concerned operation of council policies, actions and decisions of previous council and election material. It said VCAT inquiries remained active. In its post-election report, the VEC said voter participation in the Loddon elections was 86.45 per cent, higher than the state average of 84.12 per cent. The cost of elections in four of the five Loddon council wards was $111,396.04 , according to a council report. No election was required in Terrick Ward where only nomination was received. Council elections are held every four years.

expose landholders who face industrial manslaughter charges if there is a fatal accident to legal liability, but Labor MPs are also closing their ears to concerns about the risk of biosecurity breaches, bushfires, litter and the destruction of habitat,” Mr Walsh.

NOVEMBER 14 has been set as the 2021 date for a reunion of people who lived in Boort between the 1950s and 1970s. Organisers had been forced to cancel last year’s event.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021

Commission draws new boundaries

DRAFT new Victorian electoral boundaries will be released this month. Electoral Boundaries Commission will detail proposed seats to be contested at the 2021 Victorian election on June 30. Currently, the Loddon is mainly split between the Murray Plains electorate of Nationals leader Peter Walsh and Ripon held by shadow treasurer Louise Staley. A small area is in the Bendigo East electorate of senior State Government minister Jacinta Allen. In its submission to the commission, the Liberal Party has suggested Inglewood, Bridgewater and districts be moved from Ripon to Bendigo West. The Liberal Party also wants Boort moved from Murray Plains to Ripon along with Birchip and Wycheproof. And it suggested Murray Plains gain Prairie, Dingee, Tandarra, Kamarooka North and part of Kamarooka from Bendigo East However, the Labor Party has advocated to commissioners that parts of the Loddon Shire still in Bendigo East and Bendigo West be moved into Ripon, along with

Boort, mirroring consolidation of council and federal boundaries in 2018. “Community of interest objectives are best met when more local government areas, LGAs, are able to be united within a single district.” It says that under the Labor proposal “Bendigo East loses its share of Loddon Shire to Ripon which also picks up Boort, from Murray Plains, thereby consolidating most of Loddon in Ripon”. The Nationals have urged a cautious approach by the commission in considering pre-COVID-19 population projections that forecast a relative loss in share of regional voters against urban voters. ”With COVID-19 altering the ways in which we live and work, there are also strong indications that the intrastate migration equation may tip to the region’s favour. This is illustrated in an ongoing boom for regional property markets and the high potential that workplaces will provide greater entrenched flexibility for remote working. The Nationals urged the commission to have regional interests at front of mind.

IN BRIEF

We’re worth a cool $3b PROPERTIES in the Loddon are worth almost $3 billion, according to the latest valuation. The capital improved value of rural properties is $2.021 billion. The annual valuation of the Loddon Shire also shows the value of residential properties at $456 million and commercial properties more than $195 million.

□□□ LODDON Shire Council has awarded a tender to One Stop Civil for the culvert replacement project in Godfrey Street, Boort.

□□□ LODDON Shire Council will continue with allowances set at $21,049 a year for councillors and $62,884 for the mayor, The setting of allowances had been on public review and one submission was received.

□□□

Robyn’s COVID quick return ROBYN Kennedy had barely arrived in Queensland when her mobile phone started being bombarded with messages ... Victoria was going into lockdown and they could isolate in Logan or return to Victoria. The Boort woman had flown north with her husband for a nephew’s wedding.

But not fancying time in isolation, that would have meant missing the wedding anyway, they quickly organised return flights to Melbourne. “It was so disappointing to miss our nephew’s wedding,” said Robyn back home and at work at Boort Newsagency last week.

ROD Baker has been appointed chair of Loddon Shire Council’s audit committee following a recommendation from the committee to councillors.

□□□ CONSTRUCTION has started on female-friendly changerooms at Bridgewater recreation reserve, Meanwhile, an update of the Korong Vale public toilet block is scheduled to be completed by June 30.

Reusable masks available Mental health support during restrictions at post offices

Following the easing of restrictions by the State Government for regional Victoria, including the end of lockdown requirements, the council office in Wedderburn has re-opened to the public. Customers are reminded of the COVIDSafe practices being observed, including the requirement of QR code sign-in.

With the reintroduction of the requirement to wear a face mask, Council has distributed a supply of reusable face masks across a number of locations within the Shire. Residents can collect a new face mask from: ● Boort Post Office ● Bridgewater Post Office ● Dingee Post Office

Our libraries have also re-opened and again, users are required to sign in with the QR code.

● Tarnagulla Post Office

The Service Victoria QR code check-in app for your phone can be downloaded from service.vic.gov.au/check-in or from an app store.

Mayor Cr Neal Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

Loddon Healthy Minds Network www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au

● Mitiamo Post Office ● Pyramid Hill Post Office

Council’s website (which includes the list of all Loddon Community Service agencies).

● Serpentine Post Office ● Wedderburn Post Office More information regarding wearing a face mask is available from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria website: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

If you are seeking some information on looking after your mental health, here are some links you might find useful: Lifeline - www.lifeline.org.au

● Inglewood Post Office

Our staff can assist visitors to the office in meeting this requirement.

The Loddon Healthy Minds Network is reminding our community about the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing, and to keep an eye on those around us during these uncertain times.

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

The Lifeline telephone call service is also available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week on 13 11 14.

WEDDERBURN 41 High Street Wedderburn 3515

SERPENTINE 37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine 3516

T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003 E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

T: 5494 1202 F: 5437 8407 E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

PLEASE NOTE: Office currently closed

Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021 | 5

Young professionals face accreditation challenge SOME Boort mothers are concerned they will struggle to retain professional accreditation while the region remains without family day care providers. Midwife Anna Balzer and secondary school teacher Lacey Verley are in the Loddon’s cohort of mothers faced with few care options for their children. Lacey says she had been fortunate to date with some flexibility in working up the minimum 20 years needed in a year to keep her English teacher accreditation. But Anna, who works in Bendigo Health’s MAMTA midwifery team, faces resigning from what she describes as her dream job unless care options can be accessed for daughter Maggie. Anne and Lacey are part of the town’s playground that meets on Friday mornings - children from 20 families in the district. “There’s been a baby boom around Boort the last few years and we’re not sure if the local kindergarten will have the capacity for an influx of children in the future,” Lacey said. “I am a secondary teacher and am required to teach 20 days per year in order to maintain my registration. I have been for-

CARE CHALLENGE: Lacey Verley and Violet, Jess O’Donohue and Toby, Anna Balzer and Maggie. LH PHOTO tunate enough to obtain casual teaching days at my local school. “However, I am very limited in the number of days I can accept since I have no childcare for my daughter. “I am lucky that my partner Alister is able to take Violet (17 months) with him on the farm on some of these days but there are many families who do not have such flexibility.” Alister says the child care dilemma is more challenging at

peak times of harvest and sowing. “We’re working seven days a week at those times.” Lacey said: “I have two sisters-in-law who live in Bendigo. Their children attend childcare so that both parents have the opportunity to work, earn extra income, and further develop their careers. Child care is taken for granted in the city and so it should be.” Anna, who had planned to return to the MAMTA team, is

faced with only being able to take casual shifts. “We love the lifestyle here but there are lots of people who need help,” A petition to State Parliament to provide child care in Loddon communities. has been launched by MPs Louise Staley and Peter Walsh. The State Government says child care is a federal responsibility. Some Loddon families are travelling to St Arnaud, Wycheproof or Kerang for child care.

Care, work times can be ‘out of kilter’ JESS O’Donohue always planned to return to work as a nurse at Kerand hospital after the birth of son Toby. But that has meant partner Heath Saunders juggles his commitments managing a crane business and sign writing. “I start work at 6.45am, day care in Kerang doesn’t open until 8am ... so my partner does the drop-off of Toby before heading to his work, that some days starts well before I do,” Jess said.

Boort business owner Roxy Train has not been as lucky finding child care in Kerang. “I am so restricted with the hours I work due to no child care. I have a six-year old and a twoyear-old and rely heavily on my mum who works part time and husband who works full time, as I have no other option for my two-year-old,” Roxy said. “I have tried to get him into our closest child care which is in Kerang and is currently full.

“I currently don’t advertise my business at all aside from having a fairly inactive Facebook page as with the limited hours I can work, I’m always fully booked and cannot take on more.” Amy Fay had luck securing a spot in Wycheproof for her first daughter Sadie but says that town’s child care is fully booked, perhaps until 2023, and without a place for second daughter Harriet, a planned return to work next month is in doubt.

“I am an agricultural consultant and have seriously struggled with the lack of child care in the region,” she said. “I have been searching for a nanny but I can’t find anyone suitable, and it is cost prohibitive.” Amy said she had set up her career to be flexible to work in with my husband’s career but that was impossible to do safely when the young children were in the home.

Partnership focus in two regions AN EARLY years facilitator has been appointed to boost the region’s Strong Families Strong Children partnership. North Central LLEN said Jess Turner from Wycheproof would steer the program which focussed on supporting children to have the best start in life across Loddon and Buloke Shires. North Central LLEN executive officer Jane Hosking said Jess brought diverse skills and networks to the role, and as the parent of a young child, had hands-on experience on how important it was to have support in the early years to ensure your child had a great start. “The Strong Families Strong Children program recognises that it takes a village to raise a child and focuses on supporting families and children, strengthening the services available to help them, and building on our existing community capacity to ensure the benefits of the project are long lasting and sustainable,” she said. “We will use learnings from each child/family to make the service system more responsive, to develop and build on the strengths of our local workforce and support them to better meet all children’s needs, and to advocate to create system reform,” said Ms Hosking. Ms Turner said she was excited to be taking on the role because she was passionate about early childhood development, having previously worked for Mallee Family Care and the Mallee District Aboriginal Corporation. She is looking forward to using her skills to support her local community. “After the last 18 months in particular, it is more important than ever that we support children and families, making them aware of the range of support services available to assist them in their parenting role, as well as to listen to what is needed for them to feel empowered, connected and safe.”

Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need. Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

F R E E D E N TA L

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021

Jeff takes up the Pyramid Hill beat MEET Pyramid Hill’s new policeman, Sen. Constable Jeff Saville. Jeff has spent the last month settling into town, meeting with local organisations and residents. And he has been quick to also follow the fortunes of the town’s football and netball teams. He comes to the Loddon after being stationed in the Mallee town of Underbool,

near the South Australian border. Originally from Nyah, Jeff has also been stationed at Swan Hill during his career. He says with family in the region, it was great to be in Pyramid Hill. Jeff said he looked forward to being part of the local community and keeping it safe. The one-man Pyramid Hill station is part of Victoria Police’s Loddon cluster that includes seven local stations. LH PHOTO

Lions get names on the board EAST LODDON Lions Club has unveiled its honour board, recognising service by members over almost four decades. Loddon Shire’s Cr Dan Straub unveiled the board at the club’s recent PhotoFest photographic and craft exhibition. The board lists presidents, secretaries, treasurers and award recipients since the club was formed 38 years ago. “It was great to have Lions and community members join together for this special occasion,” said secretary Jo Guthrie. The club currently has four members.

Club members Allan Guthrie, Jo Guthrie, Helen O’Donoghue and Jim Hercus at the unveiling.

Learner drivers get access to new test VICTORIA’S the new online learner permit test became available across the state this week. More than 10,000 aspiring young drivers who have had their learner’s test postponed due to COVID restrictions have

been given priority access to sign up and register for the test online, without having to re-book. Rollout of the test - a mix of theory, interactive videos and graphics to reinforce road safety messages - started in April.

Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021 | 7

‘Ponies’ bring best price GEOFF Weston had plenty to smile about after last week’s Bendigo sheep sales. The Wedderburn Junction farmer topped the sale price for crossbred ewes with an average of $298 for 95 head. Bidding took Geoff’s pen to the day’s highest price, well ahead of other vendors on the day. “It’s definitely the best price ever,” Geoff said. “I sold some about the same time last year and got $290 for them, so I was fairly happy.” The March-shorn lambs had been described by stock agents McKean McGregor an “exceptional pen of ponies”. “We weighed each lamb before they were sent to market and the average weight was 82.5kg ... some were over 100kg,” Geoff said. Before organising their sale through McKean McGregor’s livestock agent Will Holt, the lambs had flourished in what Geoff said was a good season. “There were some exceptionally good rains and they had grazed on lucerne since weaning,” he said. With his best price, Geoff had only one regret. He and wife Karen usually make sure they take

Geoff Weston at his Wedderburn Junction property and (inset) the lambs at shearing earlier this year. LH PHOTO a photograph of the mob headed to the saleyards. “Don’t know why but this time we completely forget about taking a photo,” he said.

Geoff runs 3000 head and breeds Merinos for his self-replacing flock. He has been farming since leaving school almost 50 years

ago and the 2000-hectare property is augmented by the lease of another 800 hectares. The property is also used for growing grain crops.

main export run of 30kg plus lambs made from $235 to $269/ head for a similar average of 750c/kg cwt. The best pens of heavy and medium trade lambs made from $185 to $215/head. There was still a significant price spread from 730c to 800c/kg cwt over a lot of heavy and medium trade lambs depending on size and quality. Buyers still gave solid support to well finished Merino lambs, but were selective on plainer pens lacking consistent fat cover. Heavy Merino lambs sold to a top of $240, with the average run of score 2 and 3 trade weights making from $155 to $185/head. There was little competition from restockers on light lambs, with processors dominating the better farmed and covered types that made from $100 to $150/head.

The 4000 sheep were mixed for type and condition, with not as many bigger lines of quality Merinos available. Heavy sheep fell by $30 to $40, selling for a top price of $220 compared to $294/ head a week ago. Good lines of heavy mutton made either side of 600c, with neater trade Merinos averaging 650c/kg cwt.

Echuca (5) $245, MJ & BH Lloyd Echuca (18) $243, A Hamilton, Echuca (48) $238, L & H Parry Powlett Plains (112) $236, S & R Snelson Tongala (78) $233, DI & CL Palmer Bamawm (77) $227, Kevin Cain Moama (27) $226, WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (34) $223, B & F Moon, Pyramid Hill (53) $220, Elysian Downs Raywood (47) $204.

Grain dumping risks region biosecurity AGRICULTURE Victoria has warned of roadside grain dumping in the Loddon. The warning comes after reports in the region, including on the Calder Highway near Wedderburn. The department’s grains industry biosecurity officer Jim Moran said with the increased movement, there was potential risk that some transporters were concerned about having excess weight and compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law . “Dumped grain can be a food source for birds and vermin such as mice and pest animals which build in number and damage nearby crops and grain storages,” he said. “As the grain germinates it provides an ideal green-bridge for the early build up of fungal diseases such as rusts which causes substantial yield loss. “There should be no residual grain left in the trailer that then needs to be dumped prior to picking up a new delivery. “Biosecurity is maintained if everyone along the grain supply chain follows their Chain of Responsibility and implements good hygiene practices,” Mr Moran said.

MARKET REPORT LAMB supply lifted at Bendigo on Monday to 15,000 with no sale next Monday due to the Queen’s Birthday holiday. Another fairly plain yarding, with only the lead pens off grain showing good fat cover and finish. A couple of export companies were buying again, although several other processors were still not fully active and there was very little restocking support. Prices for heavy crossbred lambs were similar to a week ago, while some of the best ideal sized domestic pens gained a few dollars on limited supply. Merino lambs were cheaper, with plainer quality a factor. The sheep sale was significantly cheaper than last weeks very dear mutton market. The heaviest export lambs made to a top of $278 while the

AVERAGES CROSSBRED LAMBS JD & KJ Steel Newbridge (54) $278, A & T Cole Neilborough (35) $270, R & F Moon Pyramid Hill (27) $270, T Casey Birchip (80) $269, RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (85) $267, PN Brown Pompapiel (122) $265, MF Ryan Colbinabbin (34) $260, RF & SY Wearne Echuca (33) $258, SJ & JM Wilson Campbells Forest (3) $257, JM RM Ryan Colbinabbin (10) $257, K & S Canfield Salisbury West (32) $256, RA & A Weston Borung (45) $256, A & C Branson Colbinabbin (115) $255, L Mulquinny Serpentine (51) $255, AR & JM Wiltshire Prairie (40) $255, AB & KB Broom Nereeman (50) $253, E & B Cox Rochester (155) $250, TJ & AB Dixon

MERINO LAMBS T Casey Birchip (71) $240, McRae Oaks St Arnaud (119) $213, AJ Isaac Borong (135) $196, JR & SL Addlem Serpentine (60) $190, BR & TJ Strachan Calivil (46) $170. .

MERINO WETHERS Colvin Family Trust Eppalock (100) $215, A Pogue & K Jones Echuca (46) $215.

CROSSBRED EWES SJ & JM Wilson Campbells Forest (9) $225, Matt Hall Myers Flat (74) $225, S & A Baker Baringhup (30) $220, John Rathbone Marong (10) $205, A Kulpinski St Arnaud (10) $200, A,B & L Mann Pyramid Hill (38) $200, Hanaby P/L, Bears Lagoon (38) $196, AR Davis Kyneton (9) $196, OS & LE Kirk Undera (71) $195, Hilton Park Lagoon Bears Lagoon (72) $189.

MERINO EWES GJ & JF Hayes Wedderburn (56) $210, Mingawalla Ag Echuca (59) $204, McRae Oaks P/L St Arnaud (64) $203, Laradoc Moama (138) $200, Guinan the Springs Mathoura (128) $191 .

CATTLE A better yaring this week with 130 coming forward. Quality and competition was very good and held very firm across the yarding from the previous market .Bullocks made to a top of $3.80 per kilo, Vealers sold extremely well reaching a top of $4.91 per kilo. Trade cattle ranged from $4.10 to $4.30 per kilo . Cows sold to a top of $3.00 per kilo. Steers: P Ellis Heathcote $1949.50, Vealers: C & E Butler Tooborac $1462.48, P Ellis Heathcote $1394.25. Heifers: P Ellis Heathcote $1493.50. Bulls: R Caldwell Maiden Gully $1568.70. MARKET REPORT SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021

FEATURES OPINION | QUIZ

By MELANIE TANNER WHAT a wonderful surprise Wedderburn is. During Lockdown restrictions, it really limits what you can do on the weekend. So, within an hour’s drive from Bendigo, along the Calder Highway heading north, I came across Wedderburn. Now growing up in the Loddon Shire and attending my final year at Boort Secondary College, Wedderburn was a place I had heard of. Driven past the signs to Wedderburn thousands of times, however I had never made Wedderburn my destination of choice. A Facebook friend of mine was living in Wedderburn and seeing it was only a short drive, I thought why not. Gee am I glad I made this choice. You know those spontaneous decisions you make from time to time, that make you feel happy that you did that. Certainly came up trumps over a day on the couch in front of the tele. A stroll up the main street on a Saturday afternoon, on

PERSPECTIVE

a cold June day may not be every-one’s cuppa tea, but my dog Meg sure was having the best day. What really caught my eye was the beautiful murals that were spread over town. A bird lover myself, I could not help but be amazed at the display of brilliantly painted birds and wildlife that were

on show over the buildings. My personal favourite was the church. The cute white Uniting Church in the main street was now this wonderful artpiece. I could picture the wedding photos now, with a bride and groom posing out the front. It was just magic. Further along the street,

coffee was calling. Nothing better to warm you up on a winter’s day than a coffee and sausage roll, right? The 24 Karat Café was a favourite with the locals and it was easy to see why. The gorgeous courtyard out the back was again, painted with wildlife all over the corrugated iron, giving a rustic country ambience to the café. The sausage roll was 10/10. Well Wedderburn, you certainly have impressed me, leaving an imprint of country hospitality, artistic murals and a vibrant community. Well done to Wedderburn, for putting Loddon Shire on the map. A beautiful place I highly recommend it as worth the drive to visit this weekend.

* Melanie Tanner is a Loddeon Herald reader., who grew up in Pyramid Hill but now lives in Bendigo. “My parents are still there, the Loddon Shire is home to me,” she says.

EDITORIAL LIKE most other long weekends since New Year 2020, this Queen’s Birthday weekend will be a bit different. No visiting convoys of caravans, motorcycles or vintage cars out of Melbourne, traversing the highways and propping in our Loddon towns. Those little economic boosts for our local accommodation and hospitality businesses tempered once more as Victoria continues to adjust to the COVID menace. The State Government’s decree prohibiting travel by Melburnians into the regions, until at least Tuesday, places greater responsibility on us country folk to look after our own.

As Melanie Tanner relates in her story on this page today, she took time to come back into the childhood Loddon patch and discover the vibrancy of one of the region’s town. Blown away with what she saw and the welcome received. This long weekend is another chance for local Loddon residents to take a drive for an hour or so and also discover their own wonders - those treasures perhaps overlooked in the bustle of daily life. We can support local businesses. We may not have been hit as long as Melbourne, but every day a business cannot trade to capacity takes many more to make up for the temporary downturn.

It is pleasing to see the State Government is planning another round of travel rebate vouchers. Let’s hope more are redeemed across the Loddon than in earlier tranches. And, too, that people who hover on the internet ready to pounce and claim the moment these vouchers becomes available, actually use them, unlike the tens of thousands never redeemed from previous offerings. Sharing those country smiles in Loddon towns over the weekend is the best vaccine for local businesses and local jobs after another challenging few weeks. The least we can do is support each other in having a right royal time!

1. Who is the only Australian to have won the Nobel Prize for literature? 2. Which American author wrote a book about Australia called “Down Under”? 3. Which Australian author wrote “The Secret River”? 4. Which Australia author wrote “Possum Magic”? 5. What is the name of Australia’s most prestigious literary prize? 6. Who is often credited with creating the world’s first car? 7. Which animal can be seen on the Porsche logo? 8. What does BMW stand for (in English)? 9. What is the common name for dried plums? 10 What name does deer meat go by? 11. What other name does “corn” go by? 12. What’s the primary ingredient in hummus? 13. Which organ has four chambers? 14. In which body part can you find the femur? 15. What is your body’s largest organ? 16. What kind of cells are found in the brain? 17. Which bone are babies born without? 18. In what year was the Kurting Mechanics’ Institute built? 19. How high is Pyramid Hill above sea level? 20. When is the next Australian census to be conducted?

ANSWERS 1. Patrick While (1973). 2. Bill Bryson. 3. Kate Grenville. 4. Mem Fox. 5. The Miles Franklin. 6. Karl Benz. 7. Horse. 8. Bavarian Motor Works. 9. Prunes. 10. Venison. 11. Maize. 12. Chickpeas. 13. Heart. 14. Leg. 15. Skin. 16. Neurons. 17. Knee cap. 18. 1918. 19. 180 metres. 20. This year.

Right choice in Lockdown drive

Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021 | 9

FEATURES

By gum, good oil on great bush escape MORE than 300,000 Australians have turned their backs on the big smoke of capital cities for a rural and regional lifestyle in COVID times. Country Victoria has been the favoured destination for 60,000, among them some of the 26,000 Melburnians making the exodus from lockdowns and restrictions. Westpac House Pulse data released last month said Melbourne’s exodus figure had jumped from just 1000 in 2019. Richard Jeney is one who has escaped to the Loddon as price and demand for local property reaches news highs. “For decades I had wanted a rural property. Being locked down last year finally triggered the move,” said the businessman now winding down his Melbourne company that has specialised in building projects and balcony rebuilds. “I had a list - off the main road, backing onto forest, already with a dwelling and a dam.” Richard’s search eventually brought him to 30 hectares at Kurting “and as I walked around the property, everything I wanted was there ... it was calling me to make it home”. He began the transition to country life, getting to know the neighbours, enjoying meals at local hotels on a Satur-

TREECHANGE: Richard Jeney enjoys the local bush and producing oils from its trees LH PHOTOS

day night and spending less time in Melbourne. “It’s all happening quite quickly.” Weekends were also spent exploring the property, taking Hux the dog on long walks in the bush and watching the sun rise and set from the verandah. It was on one of those first walks that Richard came across eight hectares of Southern Blue Gum eucalyptus saplings. “One of the neighbours said the area used to be harvested for its eucalyptus leaves,” Richard said. “So I started exploring how to use these trees, how hard it was to do eucalyptus distilling. “Next thing I had bought a distiller and spoke with a friend who designs scents and perfumes.” Richard’s eye for opportunity, and being in the right place at the right time, soon had the builder from Melbourne harvesting the leaves of the Loddon bush. Last week, Blue Eucy oils was launched with a range of oils for use in natural remedies, aromatherapy or simply to savour the scent of the Australian bush “We are handpicking every harvest and distilling the same day,” he said, “When we say we are small batch, we really mean it! In fact, each distillation produces only around 20 bottles at a

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loddonherald@gmail.com or Phone 0419549743 Managing Editor - Chris Earl ADVERTISING DEADLINES Display advertising bookings - 5pm Friday prior. Display advertising artwork - 5pm Monday prior Classified advertising - 4pm Tuesday prior. NEWS AND SPORT 5pm Monday prior

Pick up your copy from BOORT NEWSAGENCY BRIDGEWATER BAKEHOUSE BRIDGEWATER & BENDIGO BRIDGEWATER CARAVAN PARK CAFE BRIDGEWATER POST OFFICE BRIDGEWATER SERVICE STATION CHARLTON NEWSAGENCY DINGEE STORE EDDY’S GARAGE EDDINGTON

INGLEWOOD IGA INGLEWOOD POST OFFICE KANGAROO FLAT POST OFFICE MARONG GENERAL STORE MITIAMO STORE NEWBRIDGE HOTEL PYRAMID HILL POST OFFICE TARNAGULLA POST OFFICE TARANAGULLA COUNTRY CAFE

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time. At Blue Eucy we are all about quality, not quantity. “We’re high grade. It’s a very manual process to remove the leaf by hand. “Our trees are 100 per cent organic and every harvest is hand-picked to ensure trees are not degraded. We are farming for our future. Richard said his treechange had been the best move. “Everything just fell into place,” he said. “And really, I have fallen into eucalyptus distilling by accident ... a wonderful accident. I love it. “We love the fact that we own the entire process. From the early morning harvesting of leaves, to the meditative nature of the distillation process. Blue Eucy oils are a chance for us to share the beauty of the Goldfields bushland with the world. “We have a number of distinct eucalyptus species on the property and look forward to experimenting with their unique properties, fragrances and benefits over time,” he said. Richard says he loves sharing life in Kurting with kangaroos, wedgetail eagles and echidnas. “It’s the Australian bush at its very best,” Richard said.

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021

Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS Deadline - Tuesdays 4pm - Phone 0419 549 743 or email loddonherald@gmail.com DEATH NOTICES

TOPPIN- Glenn Robert 65 years old, passed away 3rd June. 2021 in the loving arms of his family, at home in Violet Town after a long battle with cancer. Loved husband of Wendy (Slatter). Father of Lee and Penny. Adored step-father of Allison and Richard.

RETURN THANKS

JOHN PICCOLI Sonia Piccoli and families would like to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy and condolence at this sad time of John’s passing. It has been overwhelming and special.

Pop Pop of Liam, Emily, Henrietta and Felix, and Cameron.

All gifts of ﬂowers, food, visits, phone calls and social media tributes have also been greatly appreciated.

The kindest, most genuine man who was loved by all who knew him.

I have been fortunate to have shared 40 wonderful years with John.

Sadly missed.

He was such an inspiration to us all.

FUNERAL

EMPLOYMENT

Careers at Loddon Shire Statutory Planning Coordinator – ref no. J/100 Come and join Loddon Shire Council and experience an interesting and complex range of planning applications. The type of land use varies from one end of the Shire to the other, with applications ranging from day-to-day dwellings, small lot subdivisions to multimillion dollar agricultural developments so no two days will be the same. Loddon Shire is also home to many other activities such as quarries, mining and events, ensuring there is plenty of scope for you to determine positive outcomes for the community.

PUBLIC NOTICES

MORRISON A PRIVATE service for Mrs. Lesley J. Morrison was held at St Mary’s Catholic Church Inglewood on WEDNESDAY (June 9th). The cortege then left for the St Arnaud Lawn Cemetery. For condolences please go to lifelived.com.au KELL FUNERALS St. Arnaud 5495 1043

CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

Louise STALEY MP LIBERAL MEMBER FOR RIPON

Be part of an organisation that understands the importance of work life balance and offers a variety of policies and practices to support you with this. At Loddon we firmly believe in the importance of investing in our staff and if you are traveling from Bendigo there is a carpool that is available.

Shadow Treasurer | Shadow Minister for Economic Development LouiseStaley.com.au

LouiseStaleyRipon

LouiseStaley Authorised by Louise Staley MP, 177 High Street, Maryborough 3465. Funded from Parliamentary Budget.

The position is offered with the opportunity to be flexible, with the offer of either full-time or part-time, with some opportunity to work remotely for the right candidate.

REVELATION The last book of the Bible is a prophetic vision given to the apostle John 2000 years ago.

Further enquiries regarding this position may be directed to Glenn Harvey, Manager Development and Compliance on 5494 1241.

This book needs to be read and wherever possible understood

Assessment of applications for this position will begin on Tuesday 22 June 2021.

The Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by Newsprinters Pty Ltd McKoy Street, West Wodonga, 3690.

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Experience counts. Thousands of properties sold across the region in the last 30 years - houses, bush blocks, weekenders and farm land. I will endeavour to achieve the best result for you. Call me to discuss all your real estate needs

For further information in regard to this position including a detailed position description please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

Careers at Loddon Shire Municipal Building Surveyor – ref no. J/99 A generous salary package is negotiable based on qualifications and experience of the successful applicant for this position. You will be supported in meeting your obligations to provide proper administration of the Building Act, Regulations and Council policies to ensure public safety. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, enthusiastic registered Building Surveyor to join a rural Council whilst still within an easy drive to major regional centres. The position is offered with the opportunity to be flexible with the offer of either full-time or part-time with some opportunity to work remotely for the right candidate. Further enquiries regarding this position may be directed to Glenn Harvey, Manager Development and Compliance 5494 1241. Assessment of applications for this position will begin on Thursday 17 June 2021.

ADVERTISE IN THE DIRECTORY - $66 A MONTH

Loddon HERALD Thursday June 10, 2021 | 11

SPORT

Routine blip heals niggles

Izzy Zerk sends Bridgewater into attack on Saturday while (inset) Makayla Watts makes play for Mitiamo. LH PHOTOS

FOOTBALL clubs across the Loddon are working to maintain season momentum as they wait for the all-clear to resume their matches.

Clubs in the North Central and Loddon Valley leagues had seen injury room lists grow over the first seven rounds.

The enforced season hiatus is allowing those clubs time to have injured players back to fitness through limited training for the teams. Wedderburn Redbacks’ cocoach Danny Benaim said: “Having a break has its good and bad

points. You do get into a nice routine once you’re a few rounds into a season, especially if you’re playing well, so an extended break can upset that. “On the plus side you obviously get to freshen up and the time allows players with niggles and injuries to recover and not miss games. “Almost all of our side is based locally so we are still able to train as a large group while Melbourne is locked down which enables us to do more game type training and also makes the time off more enjoyable,” Benaim said.

LODDON VALLEY NETBALL 17 under: Bridgewater 62 d Mitiamo 25, MGYCW 76 d Inglewood 13, Marong 24 lost to Newbridge 40. MGYCW Bridgewater Calivil United Newbridge Marong Mitiamo Inglewood

356.76 177.14 159.15 105.49 55.88 51.20 21.76

28 24 20 20 12 12 8

15 under: Bridgewater 60 d Mitiamo 3, Pyramid Hill 32 lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 47, Marong 40 lost to Newbridge 52. MGYCW Newbridge Calivil United Bridgewater Marong BL Serpentine Pyramid Hill Mitiamo

170.83 165.85 120.00 166.67 119.92 63.54 91.44 23.20

Kye Lister, Nicholas Verley and Will Stringer battle it out for Bridgewater in Saturday’s junior game. LH PHOTO

28 24 20 16 16 12 8 4

GOLFERS PUT EVENTS ON HOLD

13 under: Bridgewater 23 d Mitiamo 2, Pyramid Hill 7 lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 16, MGYCW 34 d Inglewood 4.

Calivil United MGYCW Bridgewater Marong

Young Machiners bridging the gap BRIDGEWATER is edging closer to the top sides in Loddon Valley under 18 football. After a lop-sided start to the season and just four clubs taking the field, the young Mean Machine kept pace with Marong for three quarters on Saturday in their best effort of the season. Inaccurate kicking for goal in the third term ultimately denied Bridgedwater victory against one of the top two sides. Marong Bridgewater

2.2 1.1

3.3 3.4

5.6 4.7

8.7 (55) 5.10 (40)

GOALS - Marong: J. Cummins 3, B. Chapman 3, C. Miller-Govett, F. Stewart. Bridgewater: H. Pidoto 2, D. Wood, E. Woodhatch, H. Wrigglesworth. BEST - Marong: B. Chapman, J. Holland, T. Farrelly, S. Bell, T. Rowe. Bridgewater: C. Woodhatch, S. Hoskin, H. Wrigglesworth, W. Stringer, M. Flood, E. Woodhatch. Maiden Gully 5.4 Inglewood 1.2 No details supplied Maiden Gully Marong Bridgewater Inglewood

8 7 8 7

8 5 2 0

10.5 16.9` 24.11 (155) 3.2 3.2 4.3 (27)

0 2 6 7

0 0 0 0

920 519 448 165

261 292 509 990

352.49 32 177.74 20 88.02 8 16.67 0

THIS WEEK - Inglewood v Marong (at Inglewood, Saturday)

241.18 277.08 173.02 105.00

28 24 20 16

BL Serpentine Mitiamo Inglewood Pyramid Hill

63.73 50.34 48.08 61.67

12 12 12 4

BRIDGEWATER Golf Club has postponed the Water Wheel Shield ladies teams of three and men’s 18-hole stroke events. The events had been scheduled for next Tuesday but because of COVID restrictions will now be in August. Tarnagulla’s Queen’s Birthday weekend bash event has also been cancelled, the club announced on Tuesday.

Loddon HERALD

sport

Thursday June 10, 2021

Monique Gavriliadis was in the thick of action for Newbridge in their junior netball victory over Marong on Saturday. Junior netballers and footballers were able to proceed with their Loddon Valley league season and were cheered on by parents and club officials at Bridgewater, Maiden Gully and Marong. Clubs had COVID-tracing QR code registration at ground entrances and court-side as part of current restrictions that allow junior sport to be played. For Newbridge, it was a good trip into Bendigo, winning their 17 and under and 15 and under matches. Junior football and netball will continue for Loddon Valley clubs this weekend, playing the aborted round from a fortnight ago. LH PHOTO

CLUBS READY FOR QUICK CALL ON PLAY

WAITING GAMES LODDON Valley league clubs are ready for a quick return to play.

League executive officer Laura Naughton said most clubs were training on the assumption games would be played unless they were told otherwise. Loddon Valley officials and clubs are this week awaiting an

update to State Government directives that have banned senior games for the past fortnight and only allowed training to resume last week. Some clubs reverted to online physical training sessions during lockdown. If play is allowed over the Queen’s Birthday weekend, the aborted round eight games will be contested.

That round would see Pyramid Hill meet Bridgewater, Bears Lagoon Serpentine against MGYCW. Inglewood up against Marong and Newbridge at home to Calivil United. The league last Friday announced no points would be awarded for any round nine senior football and netball grades. Meanwhile, no matches were

played in any North Central grades or codes last weekend. The league’s round seven matches have been moved to June 19 and rounds eight and nine matches removed from the fixture. North Central has also decided that while Melbourne players are unable to participate due to restrictions in place between

Melbourne and regional Victoria, all clubs matches for seniors and reserves will be played for two premiership points not four. Wedderburn has two senior players resident in Melbourne while Boort has five. However, some clubs have half or more of their senior list travelling to the region each weekend.