Loddon Herald 11 February 2021

FREE EVERY THURSDAY

www.loddonherald.com.au

Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 3 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

CARNIVAL ORGANISERS PREDICT ...

150 MUST WAIT TH

THE 150th Rheola Charity Carnival celebrations are expected to be put on hold for another year.

Organisers say it is highly likely the traditional Easter gathering will be cancelled for a second consecutive year because of COVID event restrictions.

The major community fundraiser for district charity, including Inglewood Districts Health Services, the Rheola carnival may be the latest long-running regional event forced to skip another year.

Committee president Peter Mason said: “It’s looking very unlikely that we will be able to hold the carnival this year.

“The current restrictions of the (State) Government for events are pretty onerous on volunteers,” he said.

“They’ve already defeated bigger places than us and make it impractical for an event like ours to be held.”

Mr Mason said Rheola or-

By CHRIS EARL

ganisers had reviewed the 19 pages of rules and guidelines required to followed prior to submitting an event application for government approval.

“It’s really unlikely that we would get permission, even if we applied,” he said.

Rheola’s committee is expected to make a final decision in coming days.

The first charity carnival was held at Tyler’s Rush Cricket Ground. in 1871 on Queen Victoria’s Birthday and raised funds for the Inglewood Hospital.

Five years later the carnival was moved to its now traditional Easter date. Last year was the first time in history the carnival had been cancelled.

Among a slew of events across the Loddon and central Victoria cancelled in coming months are Wedderburn’s Detector Jambouree in March and Bendigo events including Scots Day Out, the Madison and Easter parades.

Paddock to plate and a better supply of water

ANN-MAREE Davis (right) shared her passion for local produce and securing a better water supply in Campbells Forest with Sue Brown and other members of Kooyoora Women’s Network last week.

The Amicus CEO and Sangria Spanish Tapas Bar coowner with husband Gary was guest speaker at the network’s dinner in Campbells Forest Hall with the meal provided by the local CWA. Ann-Maree and Gary live on 10 hectares at Campbells Forest and champion paddock to plate in their restaurant.

LH PHOTO

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021

Farm IT grant trial deadline extended

R

EADER Hazza reckons he’s found the ideal car if “original Aussie larrikin” from the Boer War, Harry “Breaker” Morant, was ever to come back in the motorised world. He sent us the story of spotting a bright red little set of wheels a few years ago. The registration plate: RSL-303.

H

AZZA, we reckon, has a quirky, or is that vivid, interpretation of car registration plates. He notes the diversification of one independent supermarket group into the car market. “I keep seeing all these newer vehicles starting with 1GA,” he told us. Ahh Hazza, it’s a one not an I. Unless we’ve missed something in the second aisle next to the motoring care products at the supermarket.

N

ow talking about Breaker Morant (the bushman soldier not the movie), got us thinking about some of the more weird moments in Australian history. Like the first police force in Australia being made up of the best-behaved convicts when, in 1789, the Night Watch and the Row Boat Guard were appointed

by Governor Arthur Phillip..

W

E love to chat, too, about Aussie names and history trivia. What about Glenelg (in Adelaide), Tumut (in NSW) and Parap (in Darwin) — they are all palindromes - but poor old Wagga Wagga has been given the short shift to just a single Wagga for the average Aussie.

A

ND DID you know the Australian Constitution still includes provisions for New Zealand to join Australia as its seventh state.

The Manuka area of Canberra (named after the New Zealand tee tree) was named by Walter Burley Griffin in 1912 when there was still some optimism that the Kiwis might change their mind and join the Federation. Guess

there’s still hope our Kiwi friends could add to the pool of players available for Australian test team selection!

S

PEAKING of cricket, Billy was at school and the teacher asked all the children what their fathers did for a living. All the typical answers came out, Fireman, Policeman, Salesman, Chippy, Captain of Industry, etc. etc. but Billy was being uncharacteristically quiet, and so the teacher asked him about his father. ‘My father is an exotic dancer in a club”. The teacher quickly set the other children some work and took little Billy aside to ask if that was really true. ‘No’, said Billy, ‘he plays cricket for England but I was just too embarrassed to say’.

W

E may love cricket rivalry with England but what about the Poms and Scots at soccer? Tensions were high at Wembley Stadium in 1977. After the Scots scored a 2-1 victory over the normally dominant English side, Scottish fans ran onto the field to grab themselves some long-lasting turf mementos of the triumph.

Have a funny story to share with readers.

Email it to loddonherald@gmail.com

Do you need to protect the things that matter most?

It’s time to talk.

Will and Powers of Attorney Complex Estate Planning and Testamentary Trusts Estate administration Farm succession planning Disputed estates

Far from being the simple life, farming is a complex mix of land, equipment, relationships and knowledge, all carefully and strategically managed for generations. Robertson Hyetts have the experience and knowledge to help secure your legacy now, and plan for the future with confidence.

Call us on 03 5434 6666 or visit us at robertsonhyetts.com.au

RHY9074 Succession Advert.indd 1

8/2/21 12:51 pm

FARMERS in the Loddon Shire have been given extra time to lodge applications for grants of up to $25,000 in the second round of the On-farm Internet of Things trial.

Grants are available to help farmers invest in digital Internet of Things (IoT) technology on their farms.

Agriculture Victoria industry technology co-ordinator Mark Gould said the trial was designed to test IoT technology on sheep, dairy, horticulture and cropping farms in the trial regions, including Loddon.

“Farmers who participated in the Round 1 trial are testing technology including security, logistics and stock monitoring systems, soil moisture probes, livestock trackers, milk vat monitors, security cameras and surface level monitors for troughs and dams,” he said.

“By investing in IoT technology, farmers can understand the nitty-gritty of what works and what doesn’t work on their farms.”

The grants are based on a two-for-one co-contribution.

Every dollar a farmer invests will be matched by two dollars from the Victorian Government up to a total of $25,000.

As part of the Internet of Things trial, IoT network connectivity is also provided until the end of the trial in late 2022 to farmers taking part in the trial.

‘Now that the deadline for applications has been extended, we’re encouraging farmers in the eligible local government areas to consider investing in digital technologies that will support their enterprises and submit their applications for funding,’ said Mr Gould.

Council rates are due Monday LODDON Shire Council rates are due Monday.

The date applies for ratepayers making a single payment.

Council says the next payment date for residents making quarterly instalments is February 28.

Council says: “If you think you may not be able to pay by the due date and you believe

you will have difficulties paying either the third instalment or in full, please contact council’s rates office on (03) 5494 1200 as soon as possible.

“Council has a number of options available to assist those facing genuine financial hardship and would be happy to discuss these with you in a confidential manner.”

Fruit flourishes in summer PYRAMID Hill College’s school orchard has flourished over the summer under the care of groundskeeper Bill Quinn and staff member Helen Garchitorena.

Since returning to school, students have been picking and eating apricots and plums. The fresh fruit is distributed to students at recess time.

Students are also learning to cook and preserve the fruit in their food technology classes.

Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021 | 3

2021 SEASON

IN BRIEF

STARTS MAY 26 8am ENDS JUNE 14 - 30 minutes after sunset

Dancing back in the hall

20 DAYS TWO BIRDS A DAY CAP

CUTS ‘BY STEALTH’

DUCK hunters fear for the future of recreational activity after the State Government imposed new limits for the 2021 season.

The season has been cut from 12 weeks to just 20 days and shooters limited to two birds a day.

Duck hunting season provides an economic boost across the Loddon with locals and visitors trying their luck around Boort, Pyramid Hill and other district.

The Government’s weekend announcement has been criticsed by Victorian Duck Hunting Association and local MP and Nationals leader Peter Walsh.

Association president Dan Straub said: “This has been

New bag limits stir duck hunter anger

death by a thousand lashes.

These constant calculated, predetermined, premeditated decisions are knowingly made to deter the hunting community from taking part.

“The biggest loser is rural Victoria,” he said. “Duck hunting is an integral part of our society. Hunters are a community of people who continue to be subjected to on going harassment, bullying and neglect.”

The association wants a 12week, 10-bag daily limit season.

Mr Walsh said the declara-

tion of a severely restricted 2021 duck season was the clearest message yet that the State Government had turned its back on regional Victorians.

He said heavy restrictions pointed to “the season to declare when you are moving to destroy hunting in Victoria by stealth”.

“With current data showing duck numbers are at a sustainable level and following above-average rainfall in eastern Australia in the past 12 months, the hunting community had looked forward to

Fitness fad for farmers LOCAL farming families are using weekly exercise to keep physically and mentally fit.

Claire Harrison is running the Active Farmers at Bridgewater, one of just two Victorian locations for the national program.

She says the program aims to build stronger and more resilient farming communities in rural Australia.

“By coming together through regular group fitness, participants improve their physical health, social connection within their communities and naturally improve their mental health,” Claire said.

Plans for 2021 include the start of a free four-week fitness session on Monday and a proposed trail run from Inglewood to Bridgewater for Active Famer participants.

a full 12-week season – as legislated,” Mr Walsh said.

“Instead, the Andrews Labor Government has ignored the science and moved to regulate a recreational activity that generates $356 million for our state,” he added.

“For those who think this is just about duck hunting – it’s not. The Andrews Labor Government will sell out any Victorian to secure radical green votes in the city.”

Hunting start times will be delayed until 8am for the first five days of the season. Hunters will be prohibited from shooting the Blue-winged Shov-eler.

Grey Teal and Chestnut Teal hunting will be banned north of the Princes Highway.

OPINION - PAGE 8

THE DANCES are back! Friday night saw people from Loddon and Bendigo again dance on the floorboards of Inglewood Town Hall.

They were part of the first Loddon Community Travelling Dance, originally planned to launch last year but delayed by COVID. Greg and Dede Williams, a Dancesport qualified instructor, are organising the monthly dances.

Next month, they will take the night of old-time, new vogue and other dance forms to Tarnagulla with future dances planned for Pyramid Hill, Wedderburn, Boort and Newbridge on the first Friday of the month.

“We danced from 7.30 till 11,” Greg said, “and all the dancers said they will spread the word and be back for the next one.”

Vaccine checks BENDIGO-BASED Murray Primary Health Network says it is reviewing data from region against the Department of Health eligibility requirements to ensure it has optimal geographic coverage (equality of access) and vaccine throughput (effective use of limited vaccine stocks) in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations from next month.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has said the Government is working with groups including primary health networks to ensure people living in regional, rural and remote locations have access the vaccine.

Water talks

Brendan Slattery is one of the locals attending weekly Active Farmers sessions run by Bridgewater’s Claire Harrison (inset)

LODDON Shire representatives met with Coliban Water last Friday to discuss securing a recreational water supply for Skinners Flat reservoir at Wedderburn.

Council says an update will be provided to councillors in the Review of Actions Sheet at their next meeting on February 23.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORT LOCAL JOBS

Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021 | 5

Survey aims to help guide reconnections A COMMUNITY survey on mental health during COVID will help guide strategies to keep people connected.

Loddon Shire’s director community wellbeing Wendy Gladman said the survey throughout February was important for receiving community feedback.

“We are talking to people in our communities and want to hear what has been happening for them,” she said, “We are keen to know how they have been impacted throughout the COVID response and restrictions.

“We can then look into actions to more support the community, getting people reconnected with local groups.”

Wendy said there had been anecdotal information that some people were still hesitant to resume local activities.

“At the moment there are still some restrictions for some groups ... and people’s habits change over time,” she said.

“We’re hoping people do again make these community connections, maintain con-

IN BRIEF Algae warning for Loddon GOULBURN-MURRAY Water has warned people to avoid direct contact with water in the East Loddon Water District.

The blue-green algae warning also applies for all channels east of the Loddon River in the Loddon Valley Irrigation Area.

GMW water quality coordinator Bianca Atley said it was not possible to predict how long the algae would remain at high levels.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep customers up-todate,” Ms Atley said.

Back at the bar TERRY Miller is back behind the bar at Newbridge Hotel as licensee.

The hotel’s owner returned to running the hotel last Thursday after taking on day-to-day operation of the business. Newbridge Football Club had run the hotel for five years.

Miki Wilson fills in the survey for Loddon Shire’s Mark Gibson. LH PHOTO nections and that they don’t fall away. We are encouraging people to let us know how they have been impacted and also how they have gone about

maintaining good mental health.”

Council’s Mark Gibson started visiting towns across the Loddon last week conduct-

ing face-to-face surveys while residents can also complete the survey online.

The survey continues throughout February.

Preps impress in their first week of school

STARTING OUT: Inglewood’s prep students.

SIX prep students have started at Inglewood Primary School this year.

Principal Lex Johnstone said the youngsters were being taught by Jayne Lawson who had been impressed with their determination and persistence in the first week of school.

Mr Johnstone said that this year the role of school captains would rotate through the class “with all Grade 6s provided an opportunity to develop their leadership and public speaking skills”.

“Our first two school captains in 2021 are Riley Mur-

phy and Tate Van de Ven. Tate and Riley led their first whole school assembly last week and performed admirably.

“All senior students will be attending junior leadership conferences this year to further develop their skills.”

The Library for Littlies program started yesterday where pre-schoolers hear a story read by senior students and have an activity with a Grade 4/5/6 buddy. Mr Johnstone said core to learning at the school were Respecting Others, Respecting Yourself an Respecting the Environment.

CWA conference THE CAMPBELLS Forest branch of Country Women’s Association tonight hosts this year’s CWA Bendigo Northern Group Conference and annual general meeting.

Archive open TARNAGULLA History Archive Old Tarnagulla in Colour exhibition is open on Sunday.

Visitors can also have local and family history questions answered by a local historian.

Canoe trail THE canoe launching pad at Laanecoorie has been finished, marking completion of the Laanecoorie Canoe Trail.

The canoe trail was originally designed by the La Trobe University Outdoor Education students in 2017 and 2018.

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021

Town health services back soon - IDHS

INGLEWOOD and Districts Health Service says it is in the final process of planning the return of its services to the Wedderburn community at the town’s community centre.

IDHS CEO Tracey Wilson said the services would include physiotherapy, diabetes education, social work, counselling and exercise classes.

She said face-to-face appointments at Wedderburn ceased last March due to COVID-19 restrictions. These services were continued virtually by telehealth.

Representatives of the health service met last week with community centre leaders to discuss services in the town.

Tracey said IDHS was “very grateful for the support and assistance from the community centre staff and volunteers to allow us to return services for the Wedderburn community.

“IDHS has not been able to recommence services due to the restrictions imposed by the Department of Health and Hu-

man Services resulting from the COVID19 pandemic.

“IDHS has reviewed the spaces within the centre that IDHS uses to make sure that they are COVID safe for our clients and staff.

“Once services are returned, there will be some changes introduced including the same registration processes as in place at IDHS.” Tracey says clients attending the Wedderburn centre will need to access appointments and groups through the main entrance, register with the community house, and complete the attestation and temperature checks before progressing to the group or individual appointments.

The health service will hold its annual general meeting next week at Inglewood Town Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend. RVSP is essential as attendee list limited due to COVID density requirements.

Zac Poxon

Hannah Streader

Assembly marks achievement and change

2021 captains Ella Lanyon, Acacia Vernon and Sophie Cockerell.

BOORT District School formally recognised its 2020 Dux Zac Poxon last week.

Zac studied specialist maths, maths methods, English, physics, chemistry and geography and this year plans to study a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at RMIT. Hannah Streader, a 2020 school captain, was presented with her citizenship award.

The assembly was the first official function for this year’s captains Ella Lanyon, Acacia Vernon and Sophie Cockerell.

Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021 | 7

From the ute to the channel, the amazing life of Zac RIDING in the back of a ute for 150km was the start of Zac the donkey’s amazing adventures in Pyramid Hill.

After our report in the Loddon Herald last week of Zac’s death at the great age of 35, Vaughan Herrick shared the stories and memories of the loveable donkey with perhaps a larrikin streak.

Vaughan said Zac arrived in Pyramid Hill in 1985 in the back of a ute having been purchased from a farm at Talbot.

“His new owner Mary Herrick had plans to keep him in the large backyard in town but after a couple of weeks of noisy braying he got moved to a channel bank south of town,” he said.

“Mary would walk down to him and lead him back to town where he was taught how to be ridden and pull a gig behind him.”

But unknown to the Herrick family, Zac would also be down the the channel bank where local footballers would sneak down and ride him at night after a home function, Vaughan recalled.

Zac also would lead the church procession through local streets on Palm Sundays.

“After 15 years he was

People would stop to feed him, pat him, take photos with him, one lady even sat there and painted a picture of him moved to the edge of town on another channel bank beside a main road and this is where his popularity started.

“People would stop to feed him, pat him, take photos with him, one lady even sat there and painted a picture of him.

“While he was here he was befriended by a sheep called Basil that got across the channel and spent many years living with him.

“Zac escaped from the channel bank one day, jogged into town to the hotel, turned around then jogged back to

the channel where he was put back behind the fence.“ Vaughan says Zac’s time on this channel bank came to an end about five years ago when was found standing in the channel unable to move.

“After being lifted out, he and Basil went to a paddock at the back of the farm for a month before being moved to a paddock just beside the Bullock Creek.

“He spent the last five years here, with a shed for shelter, green grass, lucerne and chaff twice a day, and still getting

visitors once they found out where he was.

“Another sheep, Rambo a stud ram, found his way into the paddock and after Basil died, kept Zac company till the end.“ Vaughan said that about six months ago Zac developed arthritis in his front leg, and had to be given daily medication.

“But a couple of weeks ago it got worse and finally took him out. He had his own Facebook page and was very popular with grandparents, parents and kids.”

Paddock risk checks urged to protect yields VICTORIAN grain growers have been urged to identify disease risk in their paddocks before seeding this season.

Agriculture Victoria senior research scientist Dr Grant Hollaway said a proactive disease management strategy was key to protecting yield.

“There are a few important steps to take at this time of year to avoid crop diseases and production losses, such as identifying paddocks at risk of disease and avoiding planting them to vulnerable crops.

“It’s crucial to be aware of

soil-borne and stubble-borne diseases that might be present “Growers can do this by checking paddock history and considering using a soil test to inform which diseases are likely to affect crops in 2021,” he said.

In the absence of disease control, soil and stubble-borne diseases can often decrease grain yield by 25 per cent.

When considering paddock selection for cereals, growers should consider soil-borne diseases such as crown rot, Rhizoctonia and nematodes and stubble-borne diseases

such as yellow leaf spot in wheat and net blotches and scald in barley.

Dr Hollaway encourages growers to complement their nutritional testing with a PREDICTA B test.

This is a DNA-based soil testing service that helps grain growers identify which soilborne and stubble-borne pathogens pose a significant risk to their crops before seeding, so steps can be taken to minimise risk of yield loss.

PREDICTA B is delivered by the South Australian Research

and Development Institute, the research division of the SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions, through Grains Research and Development Corporation investment.

Soil samples provided for PREDICT B testing should include stubble, to identify the risk of stubble-borne diseases such as crown rot.

By using PREDICT B, combined with advice from an accredited agronomist, disease pathogens can be detected and managed before losses occur, Agriculture Victoria says.

IN BRIEF Rainfall tips VICTORIA can expect wetter to neutral rainfall and neutral temperature forecasts for the next three months, according to Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey.

He made the assessment after reviewing current climate models.

Stormy rainfall at the start and end of January led to a wetter than average month for much of the state, interspersed with some pretty stable weather.

Maximum temperatures were cooler than average south of the Divide and warmer than average to the north but all within the realms of normal, he said.

Works start DEMOLITION of buildings at East Loddon P-12 College has signalled the start of a multi-million capital works program.

Buildings were demolished over the summer break following a State Government announcement in December of an additional $4.05 million funding to the college.

Work throughout 2021 will see construction of a new library, multi-purpose room, canteen and staff work room.

Well supported LODDON Shire’s Australia Day school literary competition received many entries from students across the region.

Awarded highly commended certificates were: Emily Henderson, Amelia Hosking, Liam King, Alena Edwards, Desiree Leersen, Anna Lanyon, Giselle Noble, Gracie Noonan, Sophie Pickles, Tia Gould, Lilly Broad, Matt Policarpio, Thomas Hercott, Laura Poole, Zeb Gould, Svea Apostol, Aysha Rose Sullivan, Ben Cunningham, Violet Stephenson.

Due to space constraints, the Loddon Herald held over these awards from last week’s edition.

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021

OPINIONS & QUIZ

Hunting traditions, culture shape human existence DUCK hunters in Victoria are constantly made to feel like second class citizen’s.

We are verbally abused, discriminated against and talked down to.

This behaviour does not just come from extreme animal activist protesters, this behaviour is imposed on us by the vast majority of the current Victorian Labor Government, along with extreme left political parties such as the Animal Justice Party and the Greens.

Never have I seen such disregard in modern times against a group of Australian men, women and children, for going about their lives and continuing their culture and traditions that have shaped and sustained our human existence, (Hunting).

As a duck hunter now in my late 30s, I look back and reflect on the continued efforts of past and present hunters to maintain a sustainable future for all.

If it was not for the decisions of our duck hunting community in the late 1950s to self impose a hunting/game license structure to generate funds that would buy and maintain what we now know as our 199 state game reserves, covering 60,000 hectares, the majority of these pristine habitats and the water birds that inhabit them would have been lost to infrastructure and water diversion.

We are constantly told by antihunting groups that game bird species are declining due to hunting practices, this cannot be further from the truth.

University of New South Wales Professor Richard Kingsford conducts the THE country life is appealing to more people looking to escape Melbourne and even big regional cities like Bendigo.

They see open spaces, lots of bushland and a quieter existence, even if only at the end of a working day or at weekends.

The COVID lockdowns of 2020 hastened thoughts of a bushland retreat (the cost of buying a seachange home has relegated that thought to just a dream).

Local PERSPECTIVE Eastern Australian waterbird survey each year and has previously stated, and I quote: “All scientific studies indicate that hunting has no effect on waterfowl populations “ Duck populations move and migrate, following freshwater and food, this sees mobs of native ducks disappear and appear overnight.

From my own personal experience surveying our water availability and game-bird numbers in late December of 2020, in preparation for the duck hunting submission process, I counted and documented thousands of game-birds across an area from Kerang to Koondrook to Cohuna to Dingee.

Further to this, a survey conducted by the Victorian Duck Hunting Association shows there are between 315,000 and 1,898,000 game-birds estimated on dams across Victoria unaccounted for in any decision making process to determine any one season.

(Environment, Land, Water and Planning Victoria shows data of there being 450,000 dams equating to a storage capacity of around 3,400,000 mega litres of water.)

The VDHA survey found an average of 70 per cent of dams hold water at any one time, with a conservative estimated figure of a minimum of one gamebird per dam = 315,000 to an average of 6 game-birds per dam = 1,898,000.

This strengthens the fact of native game-bird abundance in Victoria, and discredits the unjustified announce-

ment from the Victorian Agricultural Minister last Saturday of a 20-day twoduck bag limit starting Wednesday May 26 through to June 14 2021.

In closing, it has to be said that not just our 26,000-strong duck hunting community has been constantly let down by the Victorian Labor Government sanctioned, death by one thousand lashes approach, to deterring hunters participation.

Leaving tens of thousands of people emotionally and physically drained after months of anticipation, planning, preparing and training, to be handed a slap in the face by our governing body and their activist mates.

Rural and regional Victoria will also suffer again at the hands of the Andrew’s Labor Government and his ministers.

After the biggest lockdowns in Victorian history, small country towns and communities need this boost from duck hunting tourism and will now miss out.

In 2019, duck and quail hunters generated a whopping $87 million into our local economy.

Our hunting way of life is under attack from vast groups of people, whom do not and are not willing too understand our lifestyle choices.

Why are we treated so differently to any other community group of people?

Dan Straub is president of the Victorian Duck Hunting Association and lives at Tandarra.

LH Editorial For the first time in more than a century there may be an increasing sense of connection between city slickers and country cousins.

We say 100-plus years because it was in 1914 that things started to change in Victoria - more people for the first time were living in Melbourne than the country.

As the decades have unfolded and less people in

Melbourne have had grandparents or aunts and uncles to visit in the country, appreciation for the country way of life has been diluted.

Decisions are made in Melbourne for all Victorians. There was angst during COVID that virus-free areas of Victoria had the same restrictions as the capital city.

This week, the State Government announced what

can only be called a Clayton’s duck season.

Does this respect a way of life or Melbourne imposing its ‘country vision’ on country people? A duck season decision that is neither one nor the other, If government wants to abolish duck season, do it and face the fall out. If the season stays, end these cuts by stealth and make it a proper season.

1. Who directed ET, Jurassic Park and Jaws?

2 What name refers to a boot and is a Melbourne suburb?

3. What three ingredients are typically used to make pancake batter?

4. Where would you find Mount Kilimanjaro?

5. What is a baby goat called?

6. How many siblings does Justin Bieber have?

7. What’s the capital of Russia?

8. How many colours are in the rainbow?

9. Can you name them?

10. Where was Shakespeare born?

11. What river runs through Paris?

12. What’s the name of The Simpsons’ dog?

13. In Harry Potter, what animal represents Hufflepuff house?

14. Name the three primary colours 15. Who hosted the Olympics in 2008?

16. What university did Stephen Hawking go to?

17. How many miles in a marathon?

18. Typically, what is a PBJ sandwich?

19. What common flower’s lesser known name is Helianthus annuus?

20. How many valves does the heart have?

ANSWERS 1. Steven Spielberg 2 Chelsea 3 Flour, eggs and milk 4 Tanzania, Africa 5 A kid 6 Three - Allie Rebelo, Jazmyn Bieber and Jaxon Bieber. 7. Moscow. 8 Seven. 9 Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. 10 Stratford-upon-Avon 11 The Seine. 12 Santa’s Little Helper. 13 A badger. 14 Red, yellow, blue. 15 Beijing. 16 Cambridge. 17 26.2 miles. 18 Peanut butter and jelly / peanut butter and jam sandwich. 19 Sunflower. 20 Four: The mitral valve and tricuspid valve, which control blood flow from the atria to the ventricles, and the aortic valve and pulmonary valve, which control blood flow out of the ventricles.

By DAN STRAUB

Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY

Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire Contact us For all news and advertising loddonherald@gmail.com or Phone 0419549743 Managing Editor - Chris Earl

Local news from local communities for local people 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, VIC 3690

www.loddonherald.com.au

PICK UP YOUR COPY OR READ OUR DIGITAL EDITION ONLINE Receive your weekly copy by post - $12.50 a month

Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021 | 9

FEATURES

MAILING OUT ...

Trevor and Marie set retirement deadline

TREVOR Ralph is counting down to his philatelic last post.

Come December, Trevor and wife Marie will deliver their last mail around Inglewood and close a 40-year chapter in life running the town’s post office.

After a long postal career that started as a casual telegram boy in Stawell, Trevor is adament that the time for retirement has arrived.

Between moments of nostalgia, there’s also the harsh reality for Inglewood that if a buyer cannot be found for the business now designated a local post office, the doors will simply shut.

And for Trevor and Marie, it’s far from their preferred outcome.

They fear the town that many now see as being of the cusp of an exciting rennaissance will then be left without a vital postal service, or best, a downsized delivery model.

Nibbles So far there have been only a few nibbles for their business.

That has surprised Trevor and Marie.

“Inglewood has a real future - there’s a hospital, doctors, schools and huge demand for houses and property,” Trevor said.

“And we’re a great historic building. It was constructed in 1882 and at times also housed the local police and the Lands Department.”

In their four decades living and working in Inglewood, there have been changes.

Trevor and Marie Ralph on the steps of the historic post office and (below) Trevor sorts mail for private boxes.

By CHRIS EARL “I came here as the postmaster of Inglewood in 1981 and then when Australia Post decided Inglewood would became a local post office, we took on the business,” he said.

“It cost 22 cents to buy a letter stamp back then.”

Trevor had started his postal career a few years earlier in his home town and was sent to postal school in Melbourne where he then spent a “couple of years” before returning to the country as a relieving clerk working in post offices across the Wimmera.

He had been relieving at Charlton, married Marie who had grown up a few kilometres from Stawell at Great Western and took a promotion to Rochester where he had charge while the postmaster was seconded to divisional office in Bendigo.

A similar stint at Elmore brought him closer to Inglewood and once arriving in the town, Trevor and Marie decided to stay, raising a family and becoming involved in local organisations.

“We liked it here from the moment we arrived,” they said.

Trevor became involved with Wedderburn Harness Racing Club as president for three years and secretary for 12 years.

He teamed with Gavan Holt in harness racing administration and as owner, driver and trainer of horses to notch up a few wins along the way.

At one Wedderburn meet-

ing, Gavan drove and Trevor trained the horse that won.

They were president and secretary at the time so presented the trophies to each other, Trevor recalls with a laugh, Trevor also spent two years acting as regional manager for Harness Racing Victoria with responsiblity for clubs at Wedderburn, Boort, Charlton and St Arnaud.

While Trevor was training horses at the track, Marie became a trainer with the local football club for 15 years tending injured or sore players.

She also found time to be an active leader with the Inglewood Craft Group, developing programs and activities.

Trevor and Marie plan to stay in Inglewood after December when the post office business is either sold or closed.

They know the town too well after 40 years. ““When we came here it was just before the manual telephone exchange was automated,” Trevor said.

Enjoy and stay “I reckon there have been 320 hours built in town since we arrived ... only 40 houses in town have not changed hands in that time.

“And there’e probably been as many houses built on the outskirts based on the increase in post office boxes now.

“A lot of people have found Inglewood, enjoyed it and decided to stay.”

He says everyone in town still receives mail “even if it is a bill”. “It’s parcels ... they have trebled and more since COVID with deliveries every week now like Christmas week,” Trevor said.

Trevor and Marie say the post office has been good to them for four decades.

But retirement is set and they don’t want to see the town without the local post office and local knowledge..

Otherwise, never again would a letter simply addressed “Grandma, Powlett” be delivered first up as Trevor once did.

A stamp was just 22 cents when Trevor and Marie arrived at Inglewood Post office

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021

Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS Deadline - Tuesdays 5pm - loddonherald@gmail.com

FOr SALE

GARAGE SALE 9am to 5pm 20th February 2021 9am to 1pm 21st February 2021 151 High Street, CHARLTON

EMPLOYMENT

PUBLIC NOTICES

Louise STALEY MP LIBERAL MEMBER FOR RIPON

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.

You can email your classified advertisements to loddonherald@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED SOLUTIONS forsale meetings wantedtobuy entertainment employment personalnotices

CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT COMMUNITIES

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Careers at Loddon Shire Loddon Shire has a proactive and enthusiastic workforce of approximately 200 employees. The Council is the largest employer in the municipality providing a broad range of services to the community.

Loddon is now seeking applications for the following position from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a difference and help shape our future.

Administration/Customer Service Officer – ref. J/82 • • •

Casual Location – Wedderburn Office Band 3 - $35.80 per hour including casual loading plus employer superannuation Applications for this position close Monday 15 February 2021 at 5.00pm.

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

B Grade tennis victors Rachel Weaver and Joe Kane took out Boort Tennis Club’s B Grade mixed championship on Sunday.

Winning 6-3, 6-4, it was the first title victory for the pair.

Non-voter ‘please explain’ on the way VICTORIAN Electoral Commission has started sending letters to residents who did not vote in last October’s Loddon Shire Council elections.

Non-voters are being asked to provide a reason why they failed to vote in the compulsory election. More than 15 per cent of voters did not return a ballot paper and risk being fined.

Loddon HERALD Thursday 11 February 2021 | 11

Sports NOTEBOOK

Will’s breakthrough gift win YOUNG Bridgewater professional runner Will Stringer has had his first major win since hitting the Victorian circuit a year ago.

Will, a Year 12 student at East Loddon P-12 College, took out the weekend’s Parkdale Under 18 Junior Gift.

The run saw Will begin his surge through the field midway along the 120-metre track before a strong finish.

His Parkdale Gift victory was a big step up on the previous week’s run at Maribynong

where he won the junior gift heat before finishing fifth in the final.

Will was originally trained by father Ian and is a third generation professional athelete.

While attending the famous Stawell Gift as a youngster to watch his father run, it was only last summer that he switched focus from cricket to running.

Now in the Neil McDonald stable, Will heads to Bendigo’s Tom Flood Sports Centre twice a week for training and on oth-

er nights is either at the gym or out running the streets around Bridgewater.

His current focus is races over the 70-metre, 120-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre distances.

While expecting to have a few metres shaved off his handicap after the weekend’s win - he finished two metres ahead of the field - Will is hoping for more success this season and lining up for the starter in under-age races at the Stawell Gift over Easter.

Will Stringer receives his gift cheque.

Final shot clinches club championship KITTY CORNER RUTH Hall has won the Wedderburn Lawn Bowls Club women’s singles championship with her last bowl of the match, Ruth was tied with Glenda Hunter on 24 shots in an exciting final that members say was a great game to watch.

In the men’s championship final, Laurie Witham defeated Bill Morley 25-16, both players putting down some excellent bowls.

BENDIGO PENNANT INGLEWOOD’S Division 1 mid-week pennant side on Monday had a 14-2 win over top of the ladder Kangaroo Flat. The biggest winner was Vicky Tierney’s rink which had a 14-shot win. The win secures Inglewood a finals berth.

RESULTS Division 2: Kangaroo Flat 4 Inglewood 14. Division 4: Golden Square 2 CalivilSerpentine 14, Dingee 16 Bridgewater 0. Division 5: Inglewood 12 Bendigo 2.

Saturday pennant - Division 1: Inglewood 2 Kangaroo Flat 16. Division 3: Strathfieldsaye 14 Serpentine 4. Division 5: Inglewood 2 Kangaroo Flat 16,

CHAMPIONS: Ruth Hall and Laurie Witham.

Harcourt 2 Calivil 16, Dingee 18 Castlemaine 0. Division 6: Kangaroo Flat 16 Bridgewater 2.

PYRAMID HILL IN Wednesday pennant, Division 1, very buoyed after defeating top team Cohuna, gallantly played for a fourth spot position on the ladder, only to be thwarted in their attempt

by Barham Blue who also registered a good win over their opponents.

This means that the ladder was basically unchanged from the previous week. Pyramid still sit just one point shy of that elusive top four spot. M. Scott (S), T. Cantwell, M. Noelker and G. Moon showed consistent form as they steadily

Decade on from tribute to the Loddon legend John Forbes A DECADE ago, cricket stars honoured their friend and Loddon legend John Forbes with a charity match in Bendigo.

The John Forbes Tribute Match raised $100,000 for the Inglewood and Bendigo hospitals.

The T20 match at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park attracted 5000 spectators to watch Australian cricket stars Shane Warne, Mark Taylor, Ian Healy, Merv Hughes and Adam Gilchrist in

action. Before the February 3, 2011, game a luncheon had Roy Higgins, David Parkin, Neil Roberts and Herb Elliott as guest speakers.

The Mitiamo sports ground in the town where John was born now carries his name.

John went on to be national promotions manager with Puma Australia but has always championed sport across the Loddon. A sports museum has been established in Rochester to house his collection of memorabilia.

built their tally to a nine-shot victory – 25-16.

R.Opie (S), M. L’Huillier, T. Carmody and P.Coates recorded a strong win as a consequence of good precise bowling – 23-14.

With those two rinks winning by nine shots each over their opponents, they were able to cover the loss on the third rink where J. Leed (S), I. Bartels, K. Wood and D. Manners found their opponents too strong despite their own valiant effort.

They finished down 13 (821) which still allowed a Pyramid Hill victory.

Division 2 were not able to be victorious over the very strong Cohuna side but they certainly were not outclassed and showed plenty of grit.

The overall result 32-48 was a commendable effort against third placed Cohuna Gold.

In Saturday pennant, Division 2 had another mountain to climb last week as they took on premiership favourites Barham Blue. The winning of two rinks was great but the margins were insufficient to notch up a victor y.

Division 3 found Barham Blue too fortified and impenetrable. T. Bennett (S), R. Fidler, T. Stobaus, and M. Mahoney were the best with an 11-shot loss – 14-25.

IN BRIEF Swim carnival results SCHOOLS across the Loddon are now programming their swimming sessions and carnivals.

For some students, they were able to use the all-age carnival at Inglewood on Australia Day as a warm-up.

Medal recipients were Chloe Taylor (5-6 years), Charlie Ward (7-8 years), Gracie Noonan (9 -10 years), Morgan Lanza (11 -12 years) and Lucy Rollinson (Open age).

The carnival followed the town’s Australia Day ceremony and included a lollipop scramble before medal presentations.

Grant round open APPLICATIONS have opened for the 2021 round of Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, which will invest up to $22 million in projects that develop local sports infrastructure.

The State Government funding aims to boost wellbeing and support through the development of high-quality, accessible sport and active recreation infrastructure.

Cup date set BRIDGEWATER and Marong golf women will play for the Calder Cup at Marong on March 2.

Junior players LOCAL netball clubs have opened registration for junior players this season. Contact your local club if interested in being part of the on-court action.

sport

Loddon HERALD

Thursday February 11 2021

Duo serves up super form to take out mixed championship JUDY Parker and Chris Hatcher have taken out their first Boort Tennis A Grade mixed championship titles.

The pair won Sunday’s championship 6-3 6-3 against Kristen and Nathan Gooding who went straight into the grand in the three-pair section.

Judy and Chris made their way to the play-off by defeating Karen Haw and Tom Smith 6-3, 6-2.

The B Grade championship saw Rachel Weaver and Joe Kane emerge winners.

In the first round they defeated Sam Isaac and Lee Lanyon 6-3, 6-1 while Ros and Natham Wright defeated Eliza Perryman and Jack Potter 6-3, 7-6. The second round saw Rachel and Joe defeat Ros and Natham 6-1, 6-0 and Lynette Clark and Hamish Lanyon defeat Madeline and Craig Scott 6-1, 6-1.

Rachel and Joe then went on to win in the final against Lynette and Hamish 6-3, 6-4.

Boort tennis players took to the courts for the second week of the 2021 draw on Saturday.

Barraport played Marmal but were unsuccessful with Marmal winning 13 sets, 139 games to Barraport’s 8-106.

Alister McDougal and Kristen Gooding defeated Craig Scott and Archie Bear 8-3.

Nikki Lanyon won all her three sets, partnering Max Beattie, Dog Perryman and Sam Toose.

Leaghur defeated Mysia, 13135 to 8-106. Jake Boyd and Karen Haw had a win against Will Toose and Anna Beamish 8-6. Leaghur’s Jacob Moresi, Lynette Clark, Karen Haw and Natham Wright won all three of their sets. Ladder; Marmal 4-107%, Barraport 4-99, Leaghur 4-99, Mysia 4-94.

MIXED CHAMPIONS: JUDY Parker and Chris Hatcher

KNOCK OUT RULES LOCAL country football leagues will continue with their 2017 player concussion policy this season.

The policy says that in best practice management of sportrelated concussion, the priority remains the short and longterm welfare of the player.

AFL regional general manager Carol Cathcart said: “Community football follows the policies and processes provided by AFL Victoria.”

“They have a full list of the

LOCAL LEAGUES STICK WITH INJURY POLICY

guidelines and management of concussion,” she said.

“The guidelines are for trainers, first-aid providers, coaches, umpires, club officials and for the benefit and welfare of the players.”

The AFL has confirmed its elite club players will be sidelined for a minimum of 12 days after suffering a concussion,

under stricter protocols for the 2021 AFL women’s and men’s seasons. AFL clubs previously enforced a minimum six-day recovery period that could see players return to the field for the following game with a medical clearance.

The elite league changes followed revelations the late Richmond footballer Shane

Tuck had a severe case of degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy when he died last year, aged 38.

Under the AFL’s community football policy that includes country and school competitions, any player who has suffered a concussion or is suspected of having a concussion must be medically assessed as soon as possible after the injury.

They must not be allowed to return to play in the same game or practice session.

Any concussed player must

not be allowed to return to sport without a medical clearance.

The policy says the recovery process following concussion varies but in most cases of in Australian Football it is within 10 to 14 days of injury.

The policy also says players should return to football in a graduated fashion.

“If the player is symptomatic for more than 10-14 days (four weeks in children and adolescents), then review by a medical practitioner, expert in the management of SRC, is recommended,” the guidelines say.