Loddon Herald 11 May 2023

QUICK ON DRAW

Population growth spurs ward review

LODDON Shire ward boundaries will be redrawn after a population jump in Inglewood and Bridgewater.

The ward now has an enrolment outside the 10 per cent variation allowed between the shire’s five electoral areas.

A date has not been set for the review but it will be done before next year’s October general election.

A Victorian Electoral Commission spokesperson said: “The ward boundary reviews aim to ensure all wards within a local council have approximately equal numbers of voters.”

They said enrolments in each ward last month were: Boort 1187, Inglewood 1325, Tarnagulla 1027, Terrick 1202 and Wedderburn 1082.

It will be the first time boundaries of existing single-councillor wards have come under the mi-

By CHRIS EARL

croscope since 2011. The VEC said Loddon was one of 10 councils to have ward reviews on top of another 39 councils that do not meet changes to the Local Government Act in 2020 requiring rural council ward boundaries are unsubdivided, multicouncillor wards with equal number of councillors or singlecouncillor wards.

The VEC on Monday confirmed the Loddon review had been initiated after Local Government Minister Melissa Horne last month told council of the need to redraw boundaries.

“The reviews are conducted by an independent electoral representation advisory panel. This panel is an independent body appointed by the Minister for Local Government to advise on the most suitable electoral structure for councils that need to be reviewed,” a spokesperson said.

“Although the VEC provides administrative and technical support to the panel it is not responsible for conducting the reviews or appointing the panel members.”

However, a Government spokesman said on Tuesday: “There is no panel. Ward boundary reviews are undertaken by the VEC.”

Last year’s Census showed that Loddon Shire’s population had increased for the first time in 20 years to 7729 with town growth highest in Boort and along the Calder corridor.

Thanks Mum ... it’s tradition

THOUSANDS of chrysanthemums are blooming on time at Serpentine ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday.

Helen Garchitorena was joined by daughter Feliz at the weekend picking blooms in The Chrysanthemum Yard’s Loddon Valley Highway patch for her roadside stall and sale to florists across northern and central Victoria.

“It’s always a Mother’s Day gift to help mum pick

the flowers ... it’s our family tradition,” said Feliz, a former Pyramid Hill College student now teaching VCE chemistry and biology in Melbourne and studying for her masters in secondary education.

Helen first planted her chrysanthemums seven years ago and hopes this year’s bunches will bring joy to mothers on Sunday when received as gifts of thanks from family for Mother’s Day.

240V power

floor.

One of Inglewood’s lovely modern homes, built in 1985, this excellently positioned family home offers quality fixtures and fittings, all within an easy functioning family home. Offering 3 big spacious bedrooms with the Master bedroom having a deep walk in robe & Ensuite, the other bedrooms with built in robes. Large bathroom with separate Shower, Bath & Vanity along with a big Laundry with separate Toilet. Heating & cooling is from the Reverse Cycle, ducted units. Outside is a lovely patio on the East side & a small fernery on the West side. Coupled with a large double carport with enclosed fencing in the backyard, this home is very Pet friendly. A 6m x 7.5m Colorbond shed in the rear yard, compliments the home with full

& cement

Loddon’s current wards

LH PHOTO

WITH the eyes of the world on London at the weekend for the coronation of King Charles - Bradley of Boort certainly made sure everyone remembered the date with his latest Treemendous sign - still some attention has strayed more towards Australia’s regal winter pursuit of football.

MORE of that later in this week’s OTF. First, though, we must diligently report on the missive received from our northern correspondent, none other than Stinga. The good Stinga, back from visiting the Old Dart for lessons of improvement in the game of genteel lawn bowls (a very regal summer pursuit), has linked the coronation to his equally regal Scottish roots. Powering up the pedal generator to get sufficient internet connection, Stinga wrote: “Morning to the editor or should I say God Save the King. With all the talk going on in Australian about land rights and use, perhaps Charlie boy will say sorry, gives us a voice and give us back our highlands.” Bigger question, is Stinga putting in an application to be the King’s next official piper serenading outside the window at dawn?

AND you may have last week read about the queen of cooking in Bridgey, Our Jany, turning a magical age on coronation day and earning a special regular payment from King Charles. We

heard Jany was left home in front of the TV on Saturday night, eating coronation quiche of course, while her consort head off to the pub and indulged in watching a bit of football (Aussie version - not that round ball stuff).

LEADS us into an important snippet regarding the Good Doc, now thawing out in the sunny climes of Queensland. We have been told, most reliably, that the Good Doc was so convinced his beloved Pies would be defeated the other weekend, he headed into the bush at three-quarter time for a run, unable to sit through the telecast. As it turned out, it’s been a case of he with little faith.

AND thawing out on Sunday in Bridgewater on the Run for Resilience course were St Patrick’s Pyramid Hill principal John O’Connor and his St Mary’s Inglewood counterpart Stephen O’Shannessy. John, who has a sandpit named in his honour at St Mary’s, was certainly the more competitive type back at the finish line. “Did I finish before Steve? I left him behind somewhere along the river.”

LOTS of new cafe signs popping up around the Loddon at the moment. Like this one: “Men say women should come with instructions but what’s the point of that? Have you ever seen a man actually read instructions?” OTF is not venturing any deeper on that one. The good wife may demand having a few words in a future column.

ON THE GRAPEVINE Kevin Poyser has quietly done his bit to preserve the historic grapevines growing on the verandah of Inglewood’s dormant Royal Hotel. The community contributor has spent several days in the past week pruning dead branches from vines, some more than a century old. Meanwhile, sections of the hotel verandah have been replaced and made safe after a series of court orders gained by Loddon Shire Council last year but owners have not brought them returned to the same finish as the Brooke Street parts of the verandah. H PHOTO

Weight on local, Aboriginal tender

TENDER bids by Loddon businesses will have a 20 per cent weighting under the latest shire council procurement policy.

A five per cent weighting will also be applied to bids by Aboriginal enterprises.

The policy update was adopted at council’s last meeting.

It says: “Where practicable, council will fully examine the benefits available through pur-

chasing goods, services or works from suppliers contractors within this category by applying a recommended weighted score of 20 per cent component for this category in tenders and quotations where sustainable procurement values are identified as an evaluation criteria”

Public tenders are recommended for projects costing more than $300,000.

Old mine reserve work community partnership

REHABILITATION of Inglewood’s Morning Star mine area has stepped up in a partnership between Landcare and St Mary’s Primary School.

Students have planted about 300 trees and shrubs in the bush reserve along Verdon Street.

Loddon Plains Landcare Network facilitator Will Sanson spoke to students about the importance of caring for the land and the significant environmental benefits this brings, including improved air and water quality and reduced soil erosion which protected native flora and fauna.

The students worked hard, digging holes and carefully planting the trees while others staked and watered them.

Principal Stephen O’Shannessy said: “The students were proud of what they had accomplished and are already talking about their next project. They realised it was possible to make a real difference in their community with just a bit of hard work and dedication”.

Will said “Landcare, particularly our local network, takes a collaborative approach to promoting sustainable land management practices in its local area.

“The organisation works closely with farmers, landowners, and other community members to provide education and support for sustainable land use practices.

“If you are interested in getting involved with Landcare in your local area, the best way is to contact your local Landcare group or the network and find out about volunteering opportunities.

“Volunteering for Landcare is a great way to make a difference in your local community and learn more about sustainable land management practices.

“By getting involved, you can meet like-minded people, develop new skills, and contribute to the preservation and enhancement of your local environment.

“You don’t need to be able to plant a tree or drive a tractor there is many ways to be involved that doesn’t involve getting your hands dirty.”

Will said Landcare was important for local communities.

“First and foremost, it helps to protect the natural environment and preserve biodiversity by promoting sustainable land management practices,” he said.

“In addition to its environmental benefits, Landcare can also have social and economic benefits for local communities.

“By working together, community members can share knowledge and resources, build social connections, and create economic opportunities related to sustainable land management practices.”

Budget bad news for farmers and families, says Webster

THE Federal Government’s Budget on Tuesday night will introduce a new food tax on Australian families in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

Federal member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster labelled the new tax on farmers to pay for the biosecurity risk of international importers as “senseless”.

“This will of course be passed on to consumers, which means even higher food prices at the checkout, right when families are struggling to put food on the table,” Dr Webster said.

“It is unfathomable the Labor Government would ask farmers to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers from other countries – you have to ask what other country would impose this on their own?”

IN BRIEF

Formal release

MURRAY Primary Health Network has formally released its report on The Way Forward to Sustainable Rural Health. The network last November shared details of projects for Loddon, Buloke and Gannawarra to build health system sustainability in the Buloke Loddon and Gannawarra region for workforce advocacy, recruitment and strengthening, integrated primary care services and innovative employment models and models of care. Boort District Health and Inglewood and Districts Health Services are part of the program.

Firey’s first aid

COUNTRY Fire Authority is running first aid courses for members across the Loddon this year. The first will be in Inglewood on May 21 with sessions at Boort and Wedderburn in July and Pyramid Hill in October.

Swamp burn

FOREST Fire Management

Victoria last week conducted a traditional owner burn of 41.8 hectares at Wooldshed Swamp, near Boort. Misfortune twice MISFORTUNE has struck former Wehla resident Herb Hemley a second time within months. Herb’s home at Tilpa was flooded last year and now fire has destroyed the house.

“The Albanese government is also increasing the road user charge on truckies by six per cent, compounding each year, another cost that will eventually find its way to hit the family budget.

“If a trucking company has to pay more, they will need to recover it somewhere,” Dr Webster said.

Meanwhile, the Government’s infrastructure review threatens to put a razor gang to the $120 billion infrastructure pipeline, putting all regional programs in doubt.

“Not only is the Albanese Government making us pay for their spending, they are also taking away our future by ripping away the tools we need to produce more and get it on your table cheaper,” she said.

Will Sanson (second left) with Adelle Sheahan, Abby Wilson, Ryan Isaac and Cruze Morley at the Morning Star mine reserve. AP PHOTO

The

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Social Darts Night

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Saturday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

Sunday – Open Midday

All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm

Scampering off with the snags

MEAT is back hanging in the window of a former Inglewood butcher’s shop and already a dog is scampering out the door with a string of sausages.

Local house painter and magazine cartoonist Noel Kilner was commissioned by owners Pauline and Jerry Wellman to design and paint Brooke Street mural.

Noel, who once drew for the former Australasian Post magazine, perhaps inspired by Henry Lawson’s The Loaded Dog, came up with the shop front mural.

Unlike The Loaded Dog where man’s

Active April just start of journey

PARTICIPATING in Active April had only been the start of boosting health and wellbeing, said Inglewood and District’s Health Service dietician and health promotion office Kellie Nguyen.

“We want to encourage all our staff and community members to continue prioritising exercise,” she said.

“Whether it’s fitting in 10 or 30 minutes a day, every minute counts towards improving your physical and mental health.

Eat in our Lounge or Dining Room

WIN $1,000 in our monthly Cash Draw!

Love your local pub!

“Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be as simple as taking a walk around the block, dancing to your favourite tunes, or trying out a new yoga routine. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and that fits into your daily routine.

“Remember, taking care of your health is not a one-time event, it’s a lifelong journey. So, let’s keep moving and striving towards a healthier, happier future together.”

Kellie said participation in Active April had celebrated fitness in the community and also involved IDHS staff. Cindy Gould and Shanaye Alexander took top spots in the IDHS staff challenge.

Tokens raise $8300

MORE than $8000 has been raised by two Loddon RSL sub-branch to assist its welfare work for veterans and their families.

The second Sunday of each month from May – August

Sub-branch president Paul Haw said last month’s ANZAC token appeal collected $4215.90.

“This amount is way above the state average and reflects the community’s attitude towards the soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice from Boort and surrounding districts,” Mr Haw said.

And Inglewood-Bridgewater subbranch secretary Bill Concol said his members had raised $4170.45 from token sales.

best friend picks up a stick of dynamite and takes it to his owner relaxing in the pub, Noel cast sausages gritted between canine teeth.

The mural has brought back happy memories for nonagenarian Phyllis McEwan who with her late husband Ken opened the butchers in 1957.

“Ken wasn’t a butcher but wanted to open a shop and we hired a butcher ... I could do the sausages and count the money,” said Phyllis.

“We ran the shop for five years before

leasing it. When I first saw the boards go on the front, I had to ask Noel what was happening.

“He told me about the mural, showed me his design ... it’s wonderful.”

Pauline said: “That corner of Brooke Street has been very neglected for the past decade, so we didn’t want to leave it as bare boards – that’s why commissioned Noel to paint a mural on it.

“I am so grateful that we have a local person like Noel that can create such a wonderful image.”

Sausages are king ... Phyllis McEwan says the new mural brings back great memories running the butcher’s shop. LH PHOTO

Oil yield hopes high as olive picking starts

A SIGNIFICANTLY higher yield is tipped for the Boundary Bend olive grove at Boort as picking gets underway.

Cobram Estate expects the delayed 2023 harvest will take two months.

Joint CEO Leandro Ravetti said cool and wet weather spring conditions meant the full bloom period in November took place 10 days later than historical average leading to a delay in fruit development and the start of oil accumulation.

“Cooler than average temperatures during autumn, particularly late in March and early in April did not allow the oil accumulation to reach historical average levels despite the decision to start harvest a week later than normal,” he has told investor.

“Analysis of samples from different varieties and management areas currently indicates that the oil accumulation this season is likely to be approximately 15 per cent lower than historical average.

“At this point there are no meaningful fruit volume indicators although this financial year is still expected to deliver

a significantly higher yielding olive crop compared with 2021-2022.”

Harvesting at Boort has the new $22 million processing plant in operation for the first time.

Cobram Estate’s latest statement to the Australian Stock Exchange says that grove input costs were about 10 per cent lower than internal budgets.

“This is predominantly due to the combination of less water application with the cooler and wetter than average season, and softening of costs, particularly in relation to water,” the company said.,

“The company is expecting key grove input costs such as water, fertilizer, and electricity to remain soft into 2023-2024.

“Sales for the March 2023 quarter have been strong.

“Packaged goods sales for the quarter were higher than each of the September and December 2022 quarters in both the Australian and the USA operations,” Cobram Estate said.

Shares in Cobram Estate were trading at $1.35 on Tuesday.

Delivering

Inglewood and Districts Health Services would like to share with the Community an expansion of its services.

Inglewood

Cindy and Daryl will be available to answer questions

Delivering better care

With restoration works completed, Korong Vale Mechanics’ Institute Hall is again hosting functions. Gary Yorston, Frieda Godfrey and Ruby Yorston attended last week’s gathering in the hall.

Show assembles organising team

THE community has stepped forward after a call for more volunteers by Boort Agricultural and Pastoral Society.

The response means the town’s annual show has a full team to organise the popular event.

“We are so excited to have new members,” said president Madeleine Scott.

“And that means we are forging ahead and the show is shaping up nicely.”

Joining the organising team this year are Sharon Pickering, Jess Lee, Lois Mitch-

ell, Kelly Henderson Jane Hosking, Grace Hosking and Sohpia Harrington.

“I would like to thank our committee Kelly Hird, Al and Amanda Wilson, Greg and Tammy Boyd, Stacey Streader, Sue Gould, Marj Potter, Isabelle and Ken Loader, Maree Stringer, Molly Meadows and Sam Isaac,” Madeleine said.

Heath Saunders will again organiser the truck show at October’s event.

“We are so pleased to have the show up and running for another year,” she said.

Gauges finish month above average

RAINFALL up to double monthly averages has been recorded in Loddon towns for April.

The biggest fall was in Inglewood where 65.6mm fell for the month, including 18.6mm on April 13. The early break in that district was twice the normal fall.

Boort received its highest daily rainfall of 24.2mm over a 48-hour period on

April 17 and finished with a monthly total of 49.6mm while Wedderburn tipped 48.8mm from its official gauge.

Other official district rainfall totals included Mincha with 46.8mm, Prairie West 56.8mm, Dunolly 56.4mm and Charlton 45.4mm.

Almost half the Prairie West total fell on April 16.

Tuesday 23rd May Wedderburn Community House 11:30 am- 12 pm

Inglewood and Districts Health Services would like to share with the Community an expansion of its services.

IDHS will now be providing the following services

Thursday 25th May Inglewood IGA 10 am- 11 am

Personal Care

Friday 26th May

Meals on Wheels

Home Maintenance

Social Support Group

Social Support Individual

If you would like to find our more about the services or employment opportunities in this area please phone Daryl Rowley - Community and Home Support Team Leader on 0354 317006

Daryl Rowley - Community and Home Support Team Leader on 0354 317006

Contact us 3 Hospital St, Inglewood VIC 3517 http://www.idhs.vic.gov.au admin@idhs.vic.gov.au (03) 5431 7000

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

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

MONDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

TUESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM PARMA NIGHT

EXTENDED PARMA MENU

WEDNESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

FULL MENU AVAILABLE

THURSDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY - OPEN MIDDAY LUNCH FROM 12.00

LUNCHTIME SENIORS DAY

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE

FULL MENU AVAILABLE

SATURDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

A fine pub with 100 years of trading – supplying you with friendly service, cold beer, spirits & wine, great meals, restaurant, accommodation & bottle shop.

84 Godfrey Street, BOORT 03 5400 9650

railwayhotelboort

Confirmed option days away

AUSTRALIAN Energy Market Operator is expected to release its confirmed VNI West inconnector route within days.

Victorian planner manager Nicola Falcon told last Friday’s Loddon Herald forum in Wedderburn that release of the confirmed route would be quickly narrowed down to a corridor “so we can start talking to landholders”.

“We need to narrow it down quickly because the questions that you want answered around farming practices and what you can do under your lines and around your easements,” she told more than 60 people in Loddon Shire chambers and many more watching online.

Ms Falcon said talks with landowners would start in June. “We want to provide clarity to you as quickly as possible.”

However, a national draft transmission expansion options report released by AEMO last week only includes its preferred option five through the Loddon Shire and not other options in its VNI West report released in February.

Ms Falcon and executive general manager systems design Merryn York were also questioned why recent consultation had not been conducted on other options in that report.

Murray Plains MP and Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh later said it was to AEMO’s credit that it sent representatives to the Loddon forum.

“But despite that, everyone still left the meeting/screens feeling frustrated about how the process of consultation on Option 5 has been handled – and what is going to happen in the future,” he said. Questions from Victorian Farmers’ Federation Wedderburn branch president Graham Nesbit on what AEMO defined as western Victoria where there could be benefits for community and landholders went unanswered.

Mr Nesbit also questioned why AEMO had used old technology for its planned interconnector, backing a report co-au-

thored by Professor Bruce Mountain that said AEMOI’s cost analysis was flawed.

Professor Mountain told Friday’s forum that the cost of solar energy was one tenth of that a decade ago and wind power a third cheaper.

“The benefits (claimed by AEMO) do not pass muster,” he said. Professor Mountain said battery storages could be built in Victoria without the need for an interconnector linking Victoria and New South Wales.

Professor Mountain said he would be publishing an alternative plan once AEMO released its final report on the VNI West route.

Energy Grid Alliance director Darren Edwards told the forum of his experience with Western Renewables Link that had seen people affected by the project kept out of the loop until decisions were made.

He said that project failed to have best practice planning and community engagement.

Mr Edwards said there needed to be change in renewable transition project processes to consider impacts on community and not just market and consumer benefits.

“That needs to change before any form of social licence could be acquired,” he said.

Farmer Kathryn Myers said that AEMO had to take on board feedback from landowners and not just draw lines on maps.

Haylett joins push for greater detail on AEMO proposals

WITHOUT detail, AEMO’s limited consultation opportunities would not yield helpful information, Ripon MP Martha Haylett has told AEMO CEO Daniel Westerman.

Ms Haylett has sent the Loddon Herald a copy of her letter to Mr Westerman saying “there has been an insufficient level of detail provided to the community about the project, including information about timing, designs, proximity to homes, property access rights, land values, biosecurity and

permitted farming practices”. The local MP, who did not attend last Friday’s forum due to prior diary bookings with ministers, also told Mr Westerman AEMO’s plans for VNI West had no detail or understanding as to how this project benefits the communities that bear the brunt of it, including any information about community benefit schemes.

“I am concerned that the project is on a path to losing social license like similar en-

ergy infrastructure projects in my region.

“The VNI West Project will be one of the biggest rural energy infrastructure projects built in the last century. It must be done properly – with genuine consultation and timely answers provided to those whose livelihoods it will impact most.”

A copy of Ms Haylett’s letter was sent to Energy Minister Lily d’Ambrosio who declined the invitation to speak in Wedderburn last Friday.

Bruce Mountain

AEMO’s Merryn York and Nicola Falcon at Friday’s forum in Wedderburn. LH PHOTO

Crowning celebration

LAKE Boort Cub and Scouts on Monday planted a commemorative gum tree to mark the coronation of King Charles.

Leaders Garry Schmidt and Matt Doyle organised the special planting in Commonwealth Jubilee Park, Godfrey St, as a link with the town’s planting of a tree when the King’s mother Queen Elizabeth became monarch 70 years ago.

On Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953 almost 1000 people including councillors and Politicians witness the Boort tree being planted.

After the ceremony in Nolen’s Park a bonfire was organised for that night in the Commonwealth Jubilee Park where the King Charles coronation tree was planted on Monday.

Paul Haw, who attended the 1953 event as a school child, said Loddon Shire contributed by preparing the soil and supplying the new tree.

“The gesture of a tree for the new king by local Cubs and Scouts gives a new link to how the Queen’s coronation was marked in Boort back in 1953,”

Paul said.

The Scout leaders helped members Carrie Byrne, Beau Kane, William Haw, Alice Marsh, Luca Lanyon, Riley Beattie, Henry Hawken, Eva Perryman and Floss Rogers place the Sydney Blue Gum eucalyptus saligna during the brief ceremony.

Elsewhere in the Loddon, Inglewood antique store owner Catherine Norman had memorabilia from the Queen’s coronation.

She said there had been a spike in interest in royal collectables following the Queen’s death last year.

And while the Queen’s portrait is still displayed in many halls across the region, Loddon Shire has been quick to place a portrait of King Charles on the wall of its Wedderburn council chamber.

The coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla last Saturday night (Australian time) in Westminster Abbey was viewed on television by millions of people around the world.

Students scale challenges of

outward bound camp

OUTDOOR education students have scaled challenges hiking in Victoria’s east during a six-day camp for ther East Loddon P12 group.

They returned home last week from the excursion taking them to the Snowy Mountains at Buchan and Wilson’s Cave.

Students camped in bivvies - a small tent or temporary shelter or a piece of material set up with two sticks and six pegs.

Senior sub-school leader Sarah Krahe said: “Students carried all their gear plus group gear such as pots, wok, food, bivvies

and more. I estimated the packs weighed about 20kg.

“To add to this physical and perhaps mental challenge were mountains, hills, accents, descents, rain and cooler conditions,” she said.

“We also had the opportunity to paddle along the impressive Snowy River, taking in magnificent views of the cliffs, national parks and farm land. It is truly stunning.”

The school received a State Government Positive Start program grant for the outward bound excursion.

Driving licences will take the digital journey

DIGITAL driving licences will be introduced across Victoria next year.

The Government announce the hightech move this week with the state-wide rollout to follow a pilot program in Ballarat this year.

New technology will give motorists the choice to store a secure digital version of their driver licence in the Service Victoria app or a new my VicRoads app. The licence has a highly secure, timed QR code that can be scanned by licence validators

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

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on

— but most of all we are a community. We are in this together, and together we will get through.

PETER

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

Catherine Norman with coronation collectables. LH PHOTO

Aidan Roulston, Darcy Condliffe, Flynn Ferguson, Harry Noble, Chester Bennett, Colin Murphy, Joe Ketterer, Keira Tuohey and Jorja Lawry scale new heights on their outward bound excursion.

A new coronation tree is planted by Cubs and Scouts in Boort.

Opera starts new season with Poppea

LYSTER Opera launches its 2023 touring season in Tarnagulla on Saturday.

The performance of Claudio Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea in Tarnagulla will be the first five shows in regional Victoria and at Melbourne’s Federation Square.

Dunolly’s Rachel Buckley will also give a brief talk on the opera written in 1643 for the Venice Festival.

Director James Moffat said opera’s score mysteriously disappeared for over two centuries after its premiere and when it was rediscovered, was met with renewed acclaim.

The story is set on Mount Olympus, where three goddesses compete to establish their supremacy over the mortal world. They set into action the story of the Emperor Nero, who is determined to have his mistress Poppea ascend the throne – but needs to remove a few obstacles along the way, including anyone who might stand in the way.

“Monteverdi’s music is sweeping in its emotion, ranging from humour to romance to revenge,” Mr Moffat said.

““It’s a witty and really theatrical work, so we shouldn’t smother it with too much reverence. It clearly wasn’t intended by its creators to be taken literally. At

the same time, we shouldn’t be gimmicky about it. It has survived over the centuries because its story and music are so strong.”

The roles of Poppea and Nero will be sung by soprano Piera Dennerstein and tenor Hew Wagner, with Helen Koehne as the Empress Ottavia, Michael Lampard as Poppea’s discarded lover Ottone and Kerrie Ann

Health exhibition spikes community connections

CACTUS plants have popped up at Boort District Health where student artworks are now hanging from the walls.

Year 7 students at Boort District school completed the paintings in term one and the 18 youngsters are the first group to be part of a rotating exhibition at BDH.

Teacher Nathan Sims said: “The project aims to build stronger ties between the school and the hospital.

“It creates a great opportunity for the kids to experience of having their work on display, in a realistic and professional way, whilst the hospital gets artwork to brighten up the walls and create respite and interest for the people visiting.

“My aim is for the students’ of Boort to have stronger ties to the arts industry and this project will

allow these students to get to that goal.

“We have all intentions of having multiple exhibitions a year with the other senior art classes and the lunch time art group I have running at the moment.

“So there could be up to 100 or more kids’ artworks go through the space during any year.”

Nathan said BDH and the school had been looking for ways on how to collaborate on creative projects. “We thought it would be great having a space in Boort for the students to display their work, in a professional environment, which wasn’t the school. The hospital enthusiastically like the ideas and we planned how we can achieve this.”

Nathan said the school parents’ club had helped buy frames for the artworks.

Bolton as Poppea’s nurse, Arnalta. The goddeses are sung by Mandy Lyn Brook, Angelique Tot and Adelaide Soccio Greenaway, with Troy Castle and Josh Morton-Galea as the soldiers Liberto and Lucano. Audience favourite Pamela Christie returns as musical director and accompanist. Tickets are available at 890 388

Unlocking Loddon’s Growth Potential

Loddon Shire Council is looking for opportunities to attract new residents and grow our amazing community.

The last census (2021) showed that between 2016 and 2021 more people moved into Loddon than out of Loddon. This is a reversal of the trend found in the previous census.

We have seen new housing development, urban subdivisions and a high level of enquiry for residential land as an expression of the growth trend in Loddon.

Loddon Shire has a large supply of vacant urban land in most of its towns, however a lot of this land is currently not available for development. Council has been fortunate to secure a grant from the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) to investigate opportunities to unlock this urban land for growth.

One aspect of this project is understanding why people move to Loddon Shire, what they love and what can be improved. This information will allow Council to be responsive in terms of residential development opportunities, and target initiatives to capture growth as well as retain residents.

Council would love to hear from people who have moved to Loddon within the past ve years, and invite them to participate in

a brief survey via our website (www.loddon.vic.gov.au). The survey will be open until 14th May 2023.

It is crucial that we work together to retain our current community members, and continue to foster a welcoming environment to new residents. Council planning sta also welcome input from other residents regarding their thoughts about unlocking residential land within our towns and encouraging population growth.

The planning department can be contacted on 5494 1200 or planning@loddon.vic.gov.au

Piera Dennerstein and tenor Hew Wagner have the lead roles in Saturday’s Tarnagulla performance of The Coronation of Poppea.

Students with their cactus art ready for Boort District Health\ walls.

High-tech farm research station hooks students

ARGICULTURAL innovation has come to East Loddon P12 College with last week’s delivery of a computerised interactive iFarm science research station.

It’s the 10th station built by designers Steve and Kate Mansur, of Tamworth, for a rollout to 50 schools over the next three months after receiving funds from the then Federal Government in 2019.

College agriculture and horticulture teacher Paula Maxted said iFarm was an impressive agriculture and technology unit.

“The iFarm arrival has been a very exciting day for our agricultural students, teachers and the STEM team at school,” she said.

The iFarm has eight growing beds with subsurface drip irrigation and overhead spray options, a 2000-litre water tank, moisture and temperature sensors, and an in-built digital touchscreen.

The research station is powered by wind and solar, has its own weather station, a composting worm farm and come with both summer and winter shadecloths.

The outer skin of the iFarm is made from recycled plastic and it has fold-down perspex sides to view root growth. Perspex covers over electronic components

help students view and better understand electrical design.

Steve and Kate say the iFarm is “literally a platform designed to capture the attention of students as it showcases a huge range of learning opportunities and future employment possibilities”. Steve

and Kate they aid came up with the concept of the iFarm after realising they wanted to help students learn about agriculture, science, maths and technology in a more exciting and engaging way and also to make the job easier for teachers

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

The yarding was very similar to last week’s market whilst the average per kg across some categories dipped slightly.

SIMILAR supply at 13,000 lambs at Bendigo on Monday but quality was much plainer with a lot of secondary lambs lacking fat cover appearing.

Demand from processors remained subdued with key domestic orders still absent and many buyers quiet.

Of note was a northern exporter which had been dominating Bendigo sales but didn’t purchase many lambs or sheep at all this week.

Price results for lambs were closely linked to quality. The best heavy and trade lambs, which were in limited supply against the volume of secondary stock, held their value to still average between 670c to 710c/kg cwt. However secondary lambs, particularly those under 21kg cwt, were cheaper again loosing $5 to $12.

The toughest part of the sale was mixed lots of very small lambs as restocking interest dropped away heading into winter.

Export lambs over 30kg cwt from $211 to a top of $246 for a large line of crossbreds off grain and estimated to weigh 35-36kg cwt.

Heavy lambs, 26-30kg, $180 to $218 and there was some dearer sales in this category compared to a week ago due to less supply. Heavy trade lambs $164 to $184.

Where the market fluctuated was on plainer trades at $126 to $160, some pens with frame going back to the paddock. Light

lambs under 20kg varied from $14 to $120 depending on size and quality. There was less competition between processors for sheep and most sales lost $5 to $15. Big crossbred ewes $130 to $170 and Merino ewes to $148.

Most mutton was estimated as costing from 400c to 460c/kg cwt.

CROSSBRED LAMBS Bridgewater Park Farming Bridgewater (264) $246, WB Bennett & LW McEway Moulamein (88) $246, Colvin Family Trust Eppalock (31) $238, PA Condely Lake Meran (27) $236, R & D Last Fiery Flat (70) $230, A & C Dalrymple Narrewillock (36) $227, TR Barry Culgoa (24) $226, WJ Matherson Wycheproof (17) $220, B & M Barlow Wanalta (47) $220, F & S Coghlan Bridgewater (151) $220, F & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (61) $220, G & I Watson Rochester (30) $218, JS Parson Elmore (48) $215, Shipps Holding Normanville (40) $214, A & C Branson Colbinabbin (80) $210, B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (42) $202, ME Moon Pyramid Hill (29) $202, T & K Campbell Macorna (27) $200, PA & JM Treacy Kerang (24) $199, Raleigh Estate Rochester (53) $190.

MERINO LAMBS P & T Colvin Powlett Plains (82) $194, Brentlea Warracknabeal (200) $170, Lanelda Ag Wanalta (153) $109.

MERINO WETHERS

Meadow Valley Farms Mia Mia (136) $144, S Woodland Lancefield (14) $144, Willera Merinos Serpentine (41) $132, J & G Ross Mia Mia (22) $130.

CROSSBRED EWES

Jacob Ryan Echuca (64) $170, GF & CM Rathjen Colbinabbin (25) $144, M & R Bennett Mia Mia (152) $141, Glenlyon Past Highlands (30) $141.

MERINO EWES

P & T Colvin Powlett Plains (86) $136, Willera Merinos Serpentine (41) $132, J & G Ross Mia Mia (146) $130, D & S Twigg Pyramid Hill (82) $130, DJ & EN McIntyre St Arnaud (11) $128, T Fernandes Winjallok (66) $116.

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

East Loddon students discover new technology with installation of the iFarm science research station.

Lions to the fore supporting future Opportunities, motivation make a difference

FROM an op-shop in Inglewood’s main street to community officers often acting as first responders, there’s opportunity in the Loddon to support Ambulance Victoria.

The local ambulance auxiliary traces its foundations back several decades when townspeople banded together raising funds to build the town’s original ambulance station and a residence for local ambulance officers.

Through the op-shop, many thousands of dollars have been raised, initially for that new station and now supporting other wellbeing and community safety programs.

It is through the auxiliary, there many defibrillators have been purchased and installed in Inglewood and other towns.

The auxiliary is always looking for volunteers to assist at the opshop managed by Faye Orange. From sorting donations to arranging shop displays, there’s a place for every volunteer.

And the auxiliary is also backing the call for more ambulance

Volunteers make the op-shop a vital ambulance supporter.

community officers to assist the full-time crew stationed in Inglewood.

Community officers are motivated volunteers assisting Ambulance Victoria to provide emergency medical treatment.

One of the leaders of the recruitment initiative is Inglewood’s Deb Coon who can be contacted on 0417 834 342. Deb is happy to chat with prospective volunteers about the important and rewarding opportunity.

FOR almost 50 years, Inglewood Lions Club has been a vital part of the local community.

Members have raised important funds for projects in the Inglewood district, investing in the future of towns and their residents.

That future focus is also shown with the awarding of annual scholarships at local primary schools.

“Lions is about serving the community and our members have always shown a strong commitment to embracing that ethos,” said president Eddie Sydor.

The Inglewood club is renowned for providing barbecues at events and gatherings across the district, from special functions to clearing sales, raising funds to continue its support of the community.

“In the last few months we have ran out of sausages and hamburgers at a clearing sale, catered for a farmer wellbeing

evening presented by Loddon Plains Landcare Network and gave a group of visiting Karen refugees a taste of a traditional Aussie barbecue.”

Inglewood Lions Club is now calling on residents in the district to join and be part of its ongoing community effort.

“We’re a bit light on for numbers at the moment but we so many people moving into the area, we’re keen to involve them in our club and community,” Eddie said.

“It’s a great way to meet people and support the town.”

Eddie Sydor

By GAELLE BROAD

IT’S a great pleasure to be able to acknowledge the incredible contribution of volunteers in our local Loddon Shire communities during Volunteers Week.

I believe it’s extra important to celebrate next week, as most volunteers I know do not seek the spotlight for the valuable work they do. Yet, there’s no doubt our communities would simply not be the same without them.

Volunteering is defined as ‘time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain’.

In my role as the member for Northern Victoria Region, I am constantly amazed at the selfless time and effort that is so ‘willingly given’ by volunteers for the common good.

In the past few days alone, I have met volunteers from the CWA, RSL, op shops, homeless services, disaster relief, health support groups – this is just the tip of the volunteering iceberg.

It has been inspiring to hear the stories of volunteers who generously gave of their time and energy to help regional communities impacted by last year’s devastating floods.

Volunteers are still working with the flood victims in a range of roles.

Individual volunteers are the foundation of our local communities; they bring people together.

Over 2.3 million Victorians volunteer an average of 224 hours each year, and they contribute $58 billion in value to Victoria’s economy.

I may be biased, but I believe volunteering is much stronger in rural and regional Victoria than it is in the city. As a volunteer you can do something you enjoy, to help others, make new friends and learn new skills.

It seems that there is a volunteering role to suit anybody, and interestingly it’s not just the community that benefits. Research suggests volunteering

can actually help you live longer. A Journal of Health Psychology review of the Longitudinal Study on Aging, which compiled data from more than 7,000 Americans aged 70 and older, found that people who volunteered frequently tended to live longer than those who didn’t! Thank you to all those who

volunteer in our local communities in so many different ways, such as at sports clubs, schools, churches, CFA and SES, Scouts, park runs, hall committees, Red Cross, neighbourhood houses, Landcare, ag societies, homeless support services and op shops, Lions, CWA, RSL, refugee and migrant services, disability

support, aged care, Foodshare, animal shelters and community radio.

There is a declining trend in volunteering. Let us work together to change it.

In National Volunteer’s Week, as always, thank you to all our volunteers for making the world a better place.

Gaelle meets volunteers at Wedderburn’s Coach House Gallery.

Living in a rural community means that Emergency, Sporting, Social, Educational, Spiritual, Action and Infrastructure groups all rely on volunteer participation. During National Volunteer Week, we encourage everyone to consider joining one of your local Volunteer Groups or Organisations.

CHECK OUT OUR GREAT LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

Think about your skills, your available time, your physical and mental abilities and your own hobbies or interests, and see if you can align them with any of our local community groups. Then just make contact – it’s as easy as that to get started. We think you’ll be surprised at how rewarding volunteering is and the many activities and social interactions that you’ll encounter, at the same time helping to make our community stronger.

Every endeavour has been made to keep this list up to date so if any of the above information is incorrect, please contact Pauline on 0417 124 275 or email idtcsecretary@hotmail.com

Last updated 6 May 2023

Rare change at store

PIES

THERE have been few changes at the historic Newbridge General Store since John Elliot first purveyed provisions to prospectors along the Loddon River 167 years ago.,

Big floods hurtling over nearby river banks have been as many as the number of store owners who followed in the footsteps of the emigre Scotsman.

In a couple of weeks, one of those rare occurances will happen when Darryl and Beryl Peters, the 17th owners of the store, retire after 20 years.

The store is a popular stopping point for groups travelling the Wimmera Highway, from towns the veteran shopkeepers already have on their itinerary for future exploration across Victoria and into South Australia.

Darryl reckons has cooked up more than 200,000 of his now famous pies over two decades. within the walls of the weatherboard shop moved to Newbridge early last century to replace the original building that had burnt to the ground.

A fire had apparently started in the adjoining match and candle factory one night in 1905, says Darryl who researched the town’s history over eight years with Ken Arnold.

“Newbridge was a pretty selfsufficient place - a cheesery and tobacco factory too until the railway started bringing goods from Melbourne,” he said.

That need to be self-sufficient was again borne out when Darryl and Beryl finally bought the store in 2003.

By CHRIS

Darryl - he knew pies would be an important part of the store’s offering.

All went well at first with suppliers dropping in crates of the Aussie delicacy. Until one day, they could no longer deliver to Newbridge.

At the familiy’s encouragement, a recipe was developed and Darryl even dug out his father’s old pastie recipe.

“I used to come up this way and out to Rheola with my father cutting wood. We’d always call in at the Newbridge pub for a pie on the way back. Publican Phil Hill was always saying I should buy the shop one day. It had been on the market for nine years when I did ... and after 20 years of coming this way.”

And while change was careful and slow - left the interior as it was for the first three months before making alternations, says

“My hobby is cooking so to work and do what I love makes the job easy.

“We put in a coffee machine too. A former owner, Noelene Corry asked why a coffee machine! Have they got a thermos, she said,” Darryl recalls.

“We would go through a bag of coffee beans a week at the start. Built up to four bags and the pies grew too, selling 400 a week.”

Darryl and Beryl said their 20year ownership of the historic store has been a unique journey.

“Once, campers would stay in Newbridge in tents and buy supplies here ... Easter would be 600 bags of ice not its 150,” he said,

“There’s a lot more now stopping in caravans and they bring everything with them.”

Darryl says 80 per cent of customers are now people travelling through the region. Those off to funerals and clearing sales top the list.

Surrounded by walls still displaying old advertising posters for once-popular brands of food and drink, Darryl and Beryl said that the few first days of retirement may mean a little sleep-in, no longer having to open the doors of a shop that also serves as the town’s post office.

They also have their sights set on volunteer work. Darryl has no intention of backing away from chopping wood in the area and there’s an old building he owns in town, marked with ideas of restoration.

He also backs the town push for connection to water and sewerage.

Darryl says there just needs to be investment in infrastructure to see an increase in residential development and population.

“And more people means more rates and less pressure on (Loddon Shire) council,” he said.

Back in January, Darryl notched up 50 years in the workforce, starting on the railways as an electrical fitting apprentice and becoming a project manager in Melbourne.

Beryl earns his praise for her support, working in aged care and also raising five children before they embarked on ownership of the Newbridge Store.

When the store was put on the market last year, Darryl and Beryl hoped to have it sold by the time Darryl reached retirement

age. The sale was done in much quicker time than they expected and certainly the nine years Newbridge Store sat on the market more than two years ago.,

“We will miss owning the store. There are some wonderful people around here. It will be the

end of an area,” he said. In the final weeks, a few things remain for Darryl to do.

Topping the list: sharing his weekly philosophical thoughts with customers and travellers on a blackboard attached to the historic facade.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

How will volunteering look into the future?

Sir, For as longer as l can remember I have been volunteering in Wedderburn and surrounding areas.

As a child growing up l was taught that it is an honour to olunteer for your community.

Volunteering has given me great satisfaction over the years, connecting with like-minded people, making new friends, establishing projects, assisting with events and helping my community of Wedderburn and district.

Volunteers are the backbone behind all communities but to grow and sustain volunteering into the future we need to find out what would attract you to volunteer in your community.

I am interested in the sustainability of volunteering into the future and hoping to get some feedback on the questions below.

What would attract you to volunteer for your community?

What would make it easier for you to volunteer?

It is important that younger people living in our communities have the opportunity to have a say.

If you’re in the age bracket from 18 to 40 how can volunteering be made more appealing for you to be involved?

I would appreciate feedback

RobynVella Wedderburn

Show them we care and tell minister

Sir, Another very successful gathering of caring people in Wedderburn last Friday, following the very successful gathering in Charlton four days earlier, and of course the very successful gathering in StArnaud a couple of weeks ago.

AEMO representatives Meryn York (responsible for designing the energy system of the future), and Nicola Falcon (manager of Supply Planning at AEMO) attended, joining with Peter Walsh, Professor Bruce Mountain, Darren Edwards (director of Energy Grid Alliance - a group that advocates for active community participation and best practice planning for transmission developments), and Kathryn Meyers a young mother of four who has been impacted personally by WRL.

Each person spoke for 10 minutes followed by time for questions. It was interesting to witness the differences in body language.

Four of the presenters were very comfortable, making continuous eye contact with their captive audience. Two dared not raise their eyes.

The applause for each, falling just short of standing ovations for Professor Mountain, Darren Edwards and Kathryn Meyers, couldn’t have contrasted more

starkly. When Kathryn was asked how she finds time for this ‘project’ with four children, simply said “I care.”

There is no monetary gain for either Professor Bruce Mountain or Darren Edwards.

In Professor Bartlett and Mountain’s submission to AEMO it states “AVP (AEMO Victorian Planner) has delivered recommendation that is based on biased, deeply flawed and in parts knowingly dishonest analysis. We appreciate the seriousness of these allegations but we feel our duty to our professions leaves us with no option but to make them.”

These gentlemen are simply doing what is ethically right. It shows they care.

We, too, must continue to show that we care. If AEMO won’t listen, we must find the right people in positions of authority who will.

We need to contact our members of parliament and in particular, the Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio .

I have been assured by our local members that even when we get the automated email reply, our concerns are noted and end up in the right place.

Please show that you care too. The minister needs to know of AEMO’s despicable behaviour, and the professional rejection of AEMO’s proposals by those most highly qualified to do so.

GlendaWatts Charlton

Change of climate needed at council

Sir, After reading about the attitude and behaviour of certain councillors concerning climate dhange and duck shooting (Loddon Herald May 4), has many rate payers concerned including myself.

While talking to a ratepayer this week, his comment was that “Climate Change has always been happening”, this is partly true, Science is telling us a different story - that the last 80 years climate change is human induced.

CS Lewis wrote “One of the most cowardly things that ordinary people do is to shut their eyes to facts”.

A few basic facts on climate science:

„ Since 1950 every decade has been warmer than the decade before.

„ Australia’s warmest year was 2019 with the temperature being 1.52 degrees Celsius above average.

„ The effects of human activities on Earth’s climate to date are irreversible on the timescale of humans alive today.

„ Every little bit to avoid future temperature increases, results in less warming that would otherwise persist for essentially ever.

„ By 2050 average temperatures are predicted to rise 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than today in Australia.

„ Scientists predict floods and droughts will increase significantly and undermine agriculture productivity.

„ In order to prevent catastrophic lev-

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

OUR LEAD STORY LAST WEEK ON TEENAGER TYSON WOODMAN BROUGHT MANY ONLINE COMMENTS

Debbie Bathis wrote: So proud of you Tyson, you have come so far and you are doing an amazing job, keep up the good work mate.

John McLennan wrote: It’s hard to put into words my admiration for this young fella, he truly is an inspiration to every one of us from all walks of life and to any age,

els of Climate Change we have to reduce our dependence on coal, oil and gas which produces carbon dioxide acting as a blanket trapping the heat in.

Cr Beattie said at the Loddon council meeting that changing climate had produced bumper crop seasons, “If this is climate Change - bring it on”.

This comment was a reply to Cr Linda Jungwirth who wanted support of the council for a report into local climate risks.

Through the Loddon flood plain there were very few summer crops sown due to the flood not receding in time to sow corn, tomatoes, lucerne, etc. hardly any hay was cut, most lucerne crops drowned, some farmers lost their entire winter crops.

This century, I have witnessed three of the worst floods and the most severe drought when the Loddon River ceased to flow, just as the scientists predicted.

Up until 1995 we had a severe salinity problem effecting a large proportion of the Shire. If we continue with way above average rainfall, the water table most certainly will rise, there is already a report that north of Pyramid Hill, salinity is stating to show its ugly head. In the last 35 years it is estimated that Boort township has lost over 200 street trees, council should be organising a planting program for all of our streets to help reduce the effects of climate change.

Some councils, when planning tracks and footpaths include tree planting for shelter and shade, it is known that under a tree can be 20 degrees cooler. A good report will point these facts out.

The Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub is concerned about the $60 million flood damage across the shire last October, wanting the Government to give an allocation to pay for most of these costs.

If climate change continues at the current rate we should expect one or two of these large flood events each decade.

Wouldn’t it be wise to reduce the risks? For goodness sake, listen to Cr Linda Jungwirth and Cr Wendy Murphy as they are on the right track. Cr Gavin Holt was concerned about the cost of the climate change report, what is the next flood or drought going to cost the shire?

The Earth is a system, where everything is connected, changes in one area can influence changes in all others. I believe that the report requested by Cr Linda Jungwirth will give clearer facts to make better decisions effecting rate payers, for example, the increased temperatures on sport activities in summer and the predicted risk of grass fires.

PaulHaw Boort

Duck hunting decision ‘complete mess’

Sir, Regarding the article ‘Loddon Shire Duck Shooting Stance’ (Loddon Herald online May 7). I disagree with Council-

keep going Tyson and never give up like you told me you wouldn’t.

Michelle Miller Hargreaves wrote: What a trooper, all the best young man for a long healthy life.

DUCK HUNTING HAS ALSO BEEN A HOT TOPIC AFTER A LODDON SHIRE DECISION BACKING FUTURE SEASONS

Bruce McCahon wrote: Just another example of representatives of the majority presenting common sense and balance.

lors Straub, Beattie and Holt’s proposed submission to the Victorian Parliament inquiry into duck hunting. Council has made a complete mess of this one.

Where is the evidence to support the claim that “duck hunting has a positive economic and mental health impact on the shire”? Can Cr Beattie back his claim of “enormous” economic benefit with some data? Cr Straub, how many respondents were there to the Loddon Herald reader poll you cited? More facts and less hubris please.

Cr Straub, a conflict of interest may be material or perceived. I doubt that I am alone in concluding that by saying “hat’s how we in the duck hunting community look at it”. You have shot yourself in the foot and admitted to a clear conflict. You and your fellow councillors were elected to represent the entire Loddon Shire community, not the duck hunting community. You cannot have it both ways.

In allowing Cr Straub to continue as chair while moving and debating the motion, council, has failed to act appropriately on his conflict of interest.

Did Cr. Beattie really say “there was no difference between shooting rabbits and ducks”? (Hint. For starters, one is a feral pest whose hides make nice Akubras, the other is not).

I note that Cr. Jungwirth is credited with at least questioning the motionthank you!

Councillors should re-consider this ill advised submission, some may find themselves ducking for cover otherwise.

Max Higgs Bridgewater North

‘Sensible petition’ change ignored

Sir, It is imperative that Dan Straub, the Mayor of Loddon Shire and council more broadly are taken to account.

How can it be okay for a mayor, who is the former president and one of the founding members of the Victorian Duck Hunters Association, to use his position to influence the council to support duck shooting at the parliamentary enquiry on this subject.

This statement has no bearing on what the community wants, and the mayor admitted he was using higher level justifications, not local information.

Who asked the local community? Shame on this Loddon Shire Council.

You ignore a sensible petition for a report on climate change, and then at the same meeting vote to support duck shooting, an activity that leads to destruction of wildlife, an environmental loss, and then have the audacity to say, duck shooting is nature-based tourism.

Male coluncillors, it is time for you to remember that you represent the whole shire, not just your wildlife killing mates and your personal agendas.

GlynnJarrett RavenswoodSouth

Mick Korong wrote: I know a few duck hunters that spent hundreds of dollars in rural towns again this weekend. Apparently there’s more than plenty (ducks) to run a full season this year. The antis have lied and bent statistics.

Mick Coleman wrote: They don’t seriously want to stop it do they?

Rylan Anna Adams wrote: Hunting should be stopped.

FROM THE LODDON HERALD FACEBOOK

We’re not a dumping ground

By ANNE WEBSTER

THE message to the Federal and Victorian Labor Governments is loud and clear – Mallee is not your dumping ground for bad policy.

I’ve been contacted by many landholders throughout the electorate – from Loddon, to Buloke, the Wimmera and Northern Grampians - concerned with the fast track of the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector (VNI) West project.

This issue has been covered in depth by the Loddon Herald, and I stand with those concerned about the impact of this project and the tokenistic consultation conducted by the Australian Energy Market Operator Victorian Planners throughout the process.

A Victorian Government Ministerial order and subsequent route change has blindsided farmers and their communities, with the route now impacting Mallee almost exclusively and a great deal of that in the Loddon Shire. This is yet again an example of urban-centric Labor Governments forcing their plans at a cost to the regions.

Be it a State Labor Government signing off on infrastructure, or their Federal Government counterparts backing the projects chasing their expedited agenda, it is ‘wash, rinse, repeat’ when it comes to Labor leadership.

Mallee farmers are not only feeding the nation, but they are also expected to do it while having their valuable land impacted.

I know landholders are worried about what this will mean – from decreased land value which affects borrowing power, to loss of productivity capacity, as well

1. What is a group of crows called?

2. If someone were to mention “the Scottish play”, which play by Shakespeare would they be referring too?

3. Which tennis grand slam is played on clay courts?

4. The catchphrase “get some nuts” belongs to which chocolate bar?

5. Who was the Australian Prime Minister when Queen Elizabeth II was coronated?

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

7. Prior to 1930 what was the Turkish city of Istanbul called?

8. Orecchiette is what type of foodstuff?

9. Which actor portrayed Kenny Larkin in just 4 episodes of Neighbours?

10. Mycology is the study of what?

11. Alfred is the butler to which superhero?

12. The city of Pompeii was destroyed by which volcano?

13. What is a female donkey called?

14. How many consonants are there in the English alphabet?

15. Which AFL team has infamously not won a final since 2004?

16. Regarding radio, what do AM and FM stand for?

17. Apache, Chinook, and Black Hawk

as biosecurity risks and damage to crops during and after the installation of these lines across properties. Let environmentalrisks. I brought Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud to face a community meeting in Charlton last week to hear from farmers and their communities.

We are calling for a Senate Inquiry into transmission lines and their impact on regional Australia and the Energy Market.

Labor, Greens and Independent David Pocock blocked a previous attempt at this instigated by The Nationals, we continue to call on the Government and AEMO to be transparent.

Meanwhile Simon Bartlett AM, previously a member of the National Electricity Market’s Reliability Panel, a professor of electrical engineering and chief operating officer of Powerlink, and Professor Bruce Mountain, director of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre at Victoria University) have submitted a detailed critique of AEMO’s Consultation Report – calling it a ‘Monumental Mistake’.

The professors say AEMO’s new preferred option, ‘option 5’, will be the biggest single energy expense in living memory.

It will double transmission charges in Victoria and lay the foundation for fur ther transmission developments that to gether will triple transmission charges in Victoria.

The project will force new renewable generation along the Western Renewa bles Link-VNI route where AEMO predicts congestion resulting in 50 per cent of the

renewable generation in that corridor wasted through spills.

Snowy 2.0 – supposedly a major reason for building Western Renewables LinkWRL-VNI - will be choked so that it presents no storage value to Victoria.

It will delay the transition to renewable generation until the WRL-VNI is complete in a decade’s time, and waste existing transmission capacity from the Latrobe Valley to Melbourne.

Gippsland is the strongest transmission corridor in Australia. It already has plenty of spare transmission capacity and it can be greatly expanded at low cost.

It is noted that AEMO’s WRL-VNI relies on an outdated 13-year-old blueprint for the development of a 500 kV super-grid from Tasmania to Townsville.

That blueprint has long since been superseded as a result of reductions in solar and wind generation costs, that are now a tenth and third respectively of what they were when the blueprint was written.

And the cost of all this will be paid for by Australian consumers through AEMO’s cost recovery and taxpayers through the Federal Government’s Rewiring The Nation plan which backs projects such as this.

NEXT WEEK

are all types of what aircraft?

18. George Lucas is best known for creating which film series?

19. The stretch of sea between mainland Australia and Tasmania is the Bass ____?

20. Since Brisbane and West Coast joined the AFL in 1987, which expansion team has taken the least amount of time to win their first?

Clue: Question 5

Yung Balug Keeping Place

The Museum is situated on the property of Paul & Cathie Haw.

Well worth a visit to see the amazing Artefacts collected from the Boort Region.

A recent addition is 34 photos taken by John Hunter Kerr in the 1850s. This was made possible by the State Library of Victoria.

Everyone is welcome. but please call or Email before visiting.

Phone - 0417 333 171

Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com

SWAP MEET

Saturday 20th May Engine Park, cnr Racecourse Rd and Calder Highway, Wedderburn

Gates open to the public from 7am Entry (cash only) $2 adults

Children free

BBQ, Pies and Pasties, Pancakes, Soup, Tea, Coffe and slices and more to feast on

Turn your unwanted goods into much needed cash Sites $10

Supported by

Enquires to:

T Bailey 0427 583 341

L Goddard 0438 915 278

Feedback for Proposed Budget 2023/24 (which includes Draft Fees and Charges Schedule)

Loddon Shire Council has prepared a Budget for 2023/24 and after consideration at the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 26 April 2023 is now requesting feedback on the Draft Budget (which includes the Draft Fees and Charges Schedule).

Copies of the documents will be available for inspection from Monday 1 May 2023 to Friday 19 May 2023. Council has made these nancial documents available on Council’s website on https://www.loddon. vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Documents-forpublic-comment. Copies are also available to be posted on request by calling Council’s Customer Service O ce on (03) 5494 1200.

Any person wishing to provide feedback on any of the draft nancial documents is requested to do so before close of business on Friday 19 May 2023.

Feedback should be referenced with ‘Draft Financial Documents Feedback’ and can state whether they wish to provide their feedback in person at the June Council Forum.

Inglewood - 65 Grant Street (cnr Grant & Houston St) Sat, 13th May - 8am to 4pm

Household goods, tools and shed items, furniture

All items are under cover.

AGISTMENT WANTED

65

Call

This feedback can be sent via mail to Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn VIC 3518, or via email at loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Council will meet to consider any feedback at the Council Forum on Tuesday 6 June 2023. Council will then consider adoption of the Draft Budget at the Meeting of Council on Tuesday 27 June 2023. Council will give public notice of its decision.

Lincoln Fitzgerald Chief Executive O cer

Exciting OpportunityBe a Teacher Aide!

Boort District P-12 School is looking for someone to take on the rewarding and fulfilling role of teacher aide.

A teacher aide works in the classrooms with different teachers and students and helps prepare resources, supports the teacher with supervision of students and helps students complete tasks set.

Could this be you?

This role is for 3 days per week (negotiable) with the possibility of increasing time to five days per week. Training in support for Reading Intervention may also be available for the right person.

If you are interested in applying for this job, contact the school for a job description and a list of criteria to address in your application.

Applications close on Monday15th May – 4pm. Send applications to: The Principal Boort District P-12 School 9-27 Malone Street, Boort VIC 3537

Or Email: boort.district.p12@education.vic.gov.au

Subject: Teacher Aide Application

$29m cut to road funding: Webster

MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster has expressed disappointment at reduced roads funding for the electorate.

While the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program has been returned, the Federal Government has announced $27,081,447 in funding for Part A and Part B of the program’s Phase 4 across Mallee’s 12 local government areas.

But Dr Webster said $9.5 million of figure tied to roads only under the conditions of Part B of the program.

“This results in $29,459,701 less funding than provided by the Coalition across Phase 3 and the Phase 3 extension of the program,” she said.

“I’ve done a few thousand kilometres just in the last few weeks in Mallee and the roads are in dreadful condition, so while it is good to see Labor continuing this

worthwhile program by providing some funding it is disappointing to see them reduce their investment nearly $30 million over all in Mallee,” Dr Webster said.

“Labor can dress it up by declaring this ‘extra’ funding for roads, however the numbers don’t lie, this is a significant reduction on the Coalition investment in this electorate.”

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was established by the Coalition Government in 2020 to support local communities during COVID-19.

It is designed to support councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects in their region, creating jobs and long-lasting benefits for communities.

A total of $92,384,200 was delivered to Mallee prior to the 2022 Federal Election across Phases 1-3 and Phase 3 extension.

LODDON HERALD BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

YOUNGSTERS played a dual role at Sunday’s Run for Resilience in Bridgewater. Not only did they tackle the 5km course with gusto, their enthusiasm carried over to picking up pom-poms and cow bells cheering on other participants crossing the finish line. LH PHOTO

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

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

Winners of last month’s competition are Jayne F and Georgia J. Entries for this month’s special England colouring competition close June 2. Send your entries to Bluey, Loddon Herald, PO Box 1188

Kangaroo Flat 3555 or email loddonherald@gmail.com

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

Tamara and Thomas Hayes stride to the finish line.

Grace Kilby and Daisy Stringer ready to hand out ribbons.

Charlie Colquhoun, Kellie James, Heide Tredwen and Georgia Costanzo.

Sidney Niemann, Danni Flood and Piper Normoyle

Jaspa Wendels and Gabe Nevins

Jade Verbaan

Belinda Clymo

Joanne Duffy

Andrea McNally

Alice Leech Kelly Burgess and Julie Marr

Dick lands biggest cup in northern race career

FORMER Inglewood man Dick Leech has claimed the biggest win of his thoroughbred racing career.

Leech moved to the Northern Territory and established a concrete pumping business before venturing into horse training.

He has just trained Write Your Name to the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000 metres) at Pioneer Park. Write Your Name had hardly raced beyond 1400 metres until last month’s cup but hit the front at the top of the home straight.

“I had trotters in Victoria with my fa-

ther Norm and when I moved to the Territory there was obviously no trotters, so I bought a couple of thoroughbreds and that got me away from pumping concrete,” Leech said.

He is based in Darwin at the Fannie Bay racecourse but has also recently established a permanent base in Alice Springs at Pioneer Park, with the satellite stable providing the opportunity to offer variety to his horses as well as target the regular meetings in the Red Centre.

“We always do Alice for the carnival but we have set up a pre-training stable

in Alice now as well where we will do a lot of pre-training and then bring them to Darwin,” he said.

“It is good country for the horses in Alice. They love the country and you have got more facilities to work them. You can work them in the Todd River, at the pool and the track at Pioneer Park.

“You don’t have to be on the track every day whereas in Darwin you have fewer options,” said the successful Northern Territory trainer.

Write Your Name started the Alice Springs Cup the bookies’ favourite.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

LODDON VALLEY

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: B. Gibson, C. McCoy, L. Stubbs, X. Emmerson. Bridgewater: O. Taylor 4, H. Daldy, C. Orton, K. Hewett 2, H. Carter, T. Woodhatch, T. Pidoto. BEST - Pyramid Hill: C. McCoy, L. Stubbs, B. Gibson, T. Fernandez, X. Emmerson, R. Hutton. Bridgewater: C. Orton, K. Hewett, R. Smith, F. Ferguson, O. Taylor, M. Whitton.

- Marong: Z. Rowe 3, H. Cruise, L. Rielley, Z. Conroy 2, H. Roberts, K. McCaig, S. Taylor. BEST - Inglewood: L. Harris, O. Mathews, H. Noble, J. Wendels, G. Nevins, C. Hancock. Marong: J. Hall, L. Rielley, K. Terrill, F. Waters, H. Bourke, J. Bird.

UNDER 17

S. Toose, H. Malone, M. Beattie,

Experience helps Stringer to stableford victory

WITH player numbers finally cracking double figures for the first time this year, it was the experience of Alan Stringer that proved the deciding factor at Boort on Saturday.

Alan claimed 36 points to take out the stableford event.

He finished one point ahead of president Stuart Tweddle with Andrew Kane and Sydney-sider Graeme Ball picking up the remaining balls after tying with

Shelby’s state selection

WEDDERBURN’S Shelby Giolando has been selected in this year’s under 18 women’s development team for Hockey Victoria.

The star youngster will compete at the national under 18 titles in Hobart in July.

Shelby’s path to selection started in February with a draft camp and participation in academy and assessment programs.

The 18-member team now enters the training phase in preparation for July’s tournament.

34 points. Andrew and Graeme also scored a nearest the pin prize each, with Robbie Johnston claiming the remaining two.

In the D & A Lanyon monthly fencing award, both Stuart and Kevin picked up valuable points for their efforts, but in the end it was the sponsor who won his own event after securing a command-

able lead when he won the first two events.

WEDDERBURN

Saturday’s competition again had good numbers and members hitting some good scores.

Winner was Cam Taylor with a 76 and 40 points, separated on a countback from John Donaldson. Tomorrow is the return of the famous chook run with a 4pm assembly for a 4.15pm hitoff.

BOORT men’s side had a convincing win over Donald in Saturday’s North Central hockey.

The victory has the Pies sitting second on the ladder with 12 points, more than other clubs but having also played more games.

Under 12: Charlton lost to St Arnaud 0-7, Donald d Boort 4-0, Wycheproof Narraport d Birchip Watchem 2-1. Ladder: St Arnaud 6, Wycheproof Narraport 12, Charlton 9, Donald 6, Birchip Watchem 3, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, Wedderburn 0, Boort 0.

Under 15: Charlton lost to St Arnaud 0-2, Donald lost to Boort 2-3, Wycheproof Narraport lost to Birchip Watchem 0-5.

O. Brennan, B. Coleman-Young, R. Needs. Boort: J. O’Flaherty.

- Donald: H. Clark, H. Funcke, J. Lydom, L.Stopps. Boort: C. Gooding, R. Chislett, C. Hird, J. Malone, S. McClelland,

LADDER: Sea Lake Nandaly 321.6 16, Donald 216.67 12,

Ladder: Sea Lake Nandaly 9, Donald 6, Charlton 6, Birchip Watchem 3, Boort 6, St Arnaud 3, Wycheproof Narraport 3, Wedderburn 0.

Women: Charlton d St Arnaud 6-1, Donald lost to Boort 1-5, Wycheproof Narraport d Birchip Watchem 3-0. Ladder: Charlton 9, Wycheproof Narraport 12, Birchip Watchem 3, St Arnaud 3, Boort 4, Wedderburn 3, Sea Lake Nandaly 1, Donald 0.

Men: Charlton lost to St Arnaud 0-5, Donald lost to Boort 1-5, Wycheproof Narraport d Birchip Watchem 16-0. Ladder: St Arnaud 6, Boort 12, Wycheproof Narraport 6, Charlton 3, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, Donald 0, Birchip Watchem 0.

Dick Leach (centre) and winning connections after the Alice Springs cup win.

Shelby Giorlando

Redbacks face biggest challenge

NORTH Central powerhouse Wedderburn faces its biggest test against the undefeated Boort on Saturday.

The Redbacks are in rebuilding mode after going through 2022 as premiers and champions, several key players now off on parenting duties.

They have had several close calls this season but still be undefeated and last weekend was the bye.

Boort has momentum going into this Loddon Derby A Grade clash and boasts the best percentage in the association.

That could be the difference on Saturday. But, Wedderburn is a class team with depth that could trouble the Pies who were pushed by Donald in the first half last Saturday.

NORTH CENTRAL

NETBALL | SPORT

C GRADE Sea Lake Nandaly 2, 6, 10, 16, (16) lost to Nullawil 15, 29, 41, 58, (58). Donald 8, 10, 13, 21, (21) lost to Boort 7, 16, 30, 38, (38).

Wycheproof Narraport 5, 10, 11, 16, (16) lost to Birchip Watchem 4, 21, 29, 42, (42). Charlton 5, 8, 17, 19, (19) lost to St Arnaud 11, 20, 27, 35, (35).

with Marong. Mitiamo was challenged by Newbridge in the first quarter before the Superoos’ experience kicked in and they broke away.

LODDON VALLEY

lost to Birchip Watchem 10, 23, 32, 49,

Webb keeps Eagles powering along

GRADE Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 16, 25, 28, (28) lost to Nullawil 14, 22, 30, 45, (45). Donald 13, 23, 34, 41, (41) lost to Boort 13, 23, 36, 53, (53). Wycheproof Narraport 3, 5, 9, 11, (11) lost to Birchip Watchem 9, 15, 22, 34, (34).

Charlton 14, 30, 35, 44, (44) d St Arnaud 6, 14, 22, 32, (32) .

Boort 187.93 12

MAIDEN Gully continues its dominance of A Grade netball in Loddon Valley.

League best and fairest Tia Webb controlled shooting with consummate ease in Saturday’s game against Inglewood.

And while the Eagles are in control, Pyramid Hill is setting the A Grade scene alight.

Undefeated so far this season, the Bulldogs had a 19-goal win over Bridgewater and put in place a buffer as it settles in to a top three place, equal on points

Calivil 12, 18, 26, 35, (35) lost to Marong 14, 27, 34, 43, (43). Mitiamo 9, 13, 20, 25, (25) lost to Newbridge 11, 22, 38, 56, (56). Pyramid Hill 5, 16, 20, 25, (25) lost to Bridgewater 12, 23, 36, 48, (48) .

A GRADE

Pyramid Hill 15, 28, 36, 47, (47) d Bridgewater 8, 13, 22, 28, (28). Mitiamo 13, 28, 44, 61, (61)

d Newbridge 12, 18, 26, 33, (33). Inglewood 4, 9, 16, 19, (19) lost to Maiden Gully 20, 41, 61, 86, (86). Calivil 10, 17, 27, 37, (37) lost to Marong 20, 40, 56, 75, (75).

C GRADE

Inglewood 1, 4, 7, 10, (10) lost to Maiden Gully 20, 31, 45, 70, (70). Calivil 8, 19, 23, 28, (28) lost to Marong 17, 34, 49, 65, (65). Mitiamo 8, 14, 29, 33, (33) lost to Newbridge 9, 21, 29, 38, (38). Pyramid Hill 9, 13, 21, 30, (30) d Bridgewater 12, 17, 20, 23, (23) .

B

Mitiamo 6, 13, 22, 27, (27) lost to Newbridge 15, 24, 36, 47, (47). Pyramid Hill 9, 21, 34, 42, (42) d Bridgewater 10, 21, 29, 34, (34). Calivil 10, 19, 28, 37, (37) lost to Marong 12, 30, 45, 60, (60). Inglewood 5, 12, 15, 23, (23) lost to 22, 42, 59, 75, (75)

Calivil 3, 4, 7, 12, (12) lost to Marong 10, 23, 39, 57, (57). Mitiamo 8, 16, 20, 28, (28) lost to Newbridge 11, 30, 42, 52, (52). Pyramid Hill 6, 8, 14, 18, (18) lost to Bridgewater 10, 21, 31, 43, (43). Inglewood 6, 9, 12, 15, (15) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 24, 43, 59, (59)).

Jayne Norton (Maiden Gully) and Emily Leach in a tight tustle on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Inglewood’s B Grade skipper Rachel Matthews (left) and Chelsea Roberts (right) in the clash against Maiden Gully. LH PHOTOS

Forget ladder! Coaches predict tight ding-dong

LODDON bragging rights are on the line when evolving Boort takes on Wedderburn in Saturday’s North Central match of the day.

Coaches Dale Cameron and Sam Barnes are placing no importance on their sides’ current ladder positions.

They are preparing for a tight dingdong battle with the result likely to define the seasons for both Pies and Redbacks.

Home side Boort should have been sitting 3-1 - a first-up game against Sea Lake Nandaly was always going to be a big ask - if not for a fade against Wycheproof Narraport when the Pies were lucky to

escape with two points from a draw. The Redbacks have been hit with a revolving group of players available for team selection each week.

Boort is expected to have Shane Biggs, Moss and Aitken back in the side for Saturday’s Loddon Derby.

“It’s the old rivalry,” said Cameron. “It should be a good arm wrestle with Wedderburn.”

One of the key match-ups will be ruckman Nathan Twigg up against Redbacks’ veteran Adam Postle who rucked all day a fortnight ago and should be well rested after the Redbacks’ bye last weekend.

Postle has been put back into the ruck

with the suspension and also overseas travel of 2021 Feeny Medallist Jordan Hargreaves.

The Redbacks will also be without Jaran McKay, his season finished with a knee injury in the match two weeks ago against Donald.

Barnes says Luke Holt and Joe Lockhart are more than capable onballers to cover the loss of McKay.

He believes that Wedderburn’s one-onone pressure can see the fight taken right up to Boort.

Cameron, meanwhile, is overseeing a side on the improve each week. Likely to be near full strength, the Pies should win.

SENIORS

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. McInnes 6, W. Donnan, T. Cox 2, J. Summerhayes, J. Wright, W. Simpson. Nullawil: M. Farmer 3, A. Thomson 2, M. Quigley, D. Smith. BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: R. O’Sullivan, B. McInnes, T. Donnan, A. Mertz, W. Donnan, J. Poulton. Nullawil

Seniors: M. Quigley, J. Humphreys, D. Putt, P. Kelly, M. Thomson.

GOALS - Donald: S. Dunstan 3, H. Geddes, C. Anderson, E. Landwehr, N. Berry, R. Young, R. O’Shannessy. Boort: A. Davis 3, T. Potter, J. Fitzpatrick, M. Chisari 2, H. Weaver, J. Muscatello.

BEST - Donald: R. Barrack, R. Young, R. Hards, C. Lynch, H. Forrest, H. Geddes. Boort: J. Lanyon, N. McLaren, J. Fitzpatrick, N. Twigg, J. Muscatello, A. Davis.

Arnaud

(60)

GOALS - Charlton: K. Clifford 4, T. Baird , N. Thompson 3, J. Cowling, H. Taylor 2, S. Woods, R. Thiesz. St Arnaud: J. Hicks 4, K. Torney 2, N. Birthisel, J. Tillig, A. Bourke.

BEST - Charlton: J. Taylor, J. Carey, R. Woods, K. Clifford, A. Judd, H. Taylor. St Arnaud: J. Hicks, K. Torney, N. Birthisel, M. Egan, H. Durward, A. Bourke.

Pies overcome Chisari hamstring blow

THE LOSS of key onballer Matthew

Chisari was soon covered by Boort on its way to claiming the major scalp on Donald on Saturday.

The ruck-rover had kicked two goals when he pulled a hamstring in the second term and will miss at least a week of action.

But the Pies had depth, led by the debut return game of Jono Lanyon, that saw it master windy conditions at Donald and repel attempts at a last-term fightback by the Royals.

Dale Cameron’s outfit was not going to succumb to an opponent for a second week. The lessons of the draw against Wycheproof Narraport obviously ready to be heeded.

Lanyon was masterful in the centre all day while McLaren and Fitzpatrick were no slouches sending Boort into attacked.

The Pies trailed by five points at the first change. Donald kicking with the breeze was inaccurate, missing multiple easy shots.

From the second quarter, Boort stepped up to wrestle the lead and keep an advantage despite Royals’ ruck-rover Ross Young, Barrack and Hards working hard to prevent surges into attack.

The game developed into whose defence could win the turnovers with numbers behind the ball.

Cameron made a few tweaks at the main break, one of the most telling was to switch Alex Davis from full back to the

IN FRONT OF GOAL

- Cody Green - Wycheproof Narraport

- Daniel Castellano - Birchip-Watchem

Adam Thomson - Nullawil

RESERVES

11 - (5) - Patrick O’Rourke - Boort 11 - (4) - Callum Goode - Birchip Watchem

10 - (1) - Ben Brennan - Wycheproof N 10 - (1) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil

8 - (8) - Joseph McGrath - Charlton

7 - (3) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly

7 - (0) - Gerald Riley - Wedderburn

7 - (1) - Jason Perry - Nullawil

forward zone, That netted Davis three goals in the second half.

Ruckman Nathan Twigg was again stellar, running the last two quarters on his own after Wilson pulled a groin.

As hard as Donald tried to clog play, Boort found ways to dictate terms and edge away after holding a one-point lead at the last change.

Cameron said he was happy with the intensity of tackling shown by the Pies last Saturday.

“We wanted the ball more at the end of the day,” he said.

But he sounded a warning - Donald this season remains a better side than its current lowly ladder position and deserves respect from all teams.

THIS SATURDAY

St Arnaud v Wycheproof Narraport Birchip Watchem v Donald Boort v Wedderburn Nullawil v Charlton

(16) Birchip Watchem

(126)

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: C. Green, B. Bish. Birchip Watchem: D. Castellano 5, L. Foott, B. Edwards 3, C. Wilson, N. Gordon, W. Marks, L. Ryan, B. Hogan, M. Rippon, B. Christodoulou.

BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: J. Walsh, K. Hommelhoff, D. Horbury, J. Kenny, L. Van Schaik, A. Bateson. Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, M. Rippon, J. Reid, W. Marks, L. Foott, L. Ryan.

RESERVES

GOALS - Donald: K. Green, A. Schofield, J. Talty. Boort: P. O’Rourke 5, M. Hodoras, K. Streader, E. Coleman 2, W. Toose, C. ORourke, J. Mulquiny. BEST - Donald: B. Walker, G. Beckham, T. Grant, K. Green, J. Talty, D. Hawkes. Boort: M. Hodoras, K. Streader, P. O’Rourke, E. Coleman, C. Ross, J. Sheahan.

GOALS - Sea Lake: D. Hickey, B. Poulton 3, D. Bailey, J. Clohesy. Nullawil: C. Fawcett 2, M. Poyner, S. Goldsmith, J. Perry.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Noonan, L. McClelland, C. Roberts, W. Conlan, J. Trewick, A. Collins.

Nullawil: C. Fawcett, J. Morrison, A. Forrester, D. Kelly, L. Braine, M. Hogan.

Wycheproof N 2.0 4.4 4.4 4.7 (31)

Birchip Watchem 3.0 6.1 9.3 10.6 (66)

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: H. Fawcett 3, B. Brennan. Birchip Watchem: T. Wiantara, C. Goode 4, R. Doran 2.

BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: J. Ison, M. Hall, A. Zuk, D. Murray, H. Fawcett. Birchip Watchem: J. Noonan, A. Noonan, M. Rickard, C. Goode, T. Wiantara.

8.9 12.11 (83)

St Arnaud 1.2 4.2 4.5 6.5 (41)

GOALS - Charlton: J. McGrath 8, D. Whykes 2, B. Sexton, B. Dixon. St Arnaud: N. Coghlan 4, R. Kirk, T. Ward. Charlton: T. Catherine, J. McGrath,

D. Whykes, B. Sexton, R. Welch, J. Lanyon.

St Arnaud: B. Hammerstein, N. Coghlan, J. Kell, N. Gorrie, H. Bryce, S. Elliott.

Dale Cameron

Sam Barnes

Blues blow winning wind

INGLEWOOD could have blown Maiden Gully out of contention in Saturday’s Loddon Valley match in the first 30 minutes.

But the Blues were woeful near goal, unable to find accuracy and notching up seven behinds.

The major scoring seal was finally broken 19 minutes into the term when Nick Silvesto kicked the first of his two goals for the day.

It was 10 minutes and six behinds later before Jack Nevins booted truly on the siren after awarded a free about 40 metres out from the Bendigo end sticks.

Sam Dorevitch and Gabe Nevins were constantly turning over play to send the Blues deep forward, defence and midfield dictating conditions of play.

Damien Wust put in a solid quarter for the Eagles and would continue to be the only consistent contributor for the day. The second term was no better on the

SENIORS

GOALS - Mitiamo: A. Cussen 4, R. Turner, J. Reynolds, Z. Morrison 2, K. Galvin, J. Rasmussen, D. Walters, M. Byrne. Newbridge: C. Sanders 3, M. Giri 2, J. Murray, D. Stevens, C. Dixon, A. Mayo.

BEST - Mitiamo: L. Lougoon, R. Turner, A. Cussen, Z. Morrison, J. Reynolds, D. Clohesy. Newbridge: D. Stevens, D. Lloyd, T. McLeod, C. Sanders, M. Giri, K. Gard.

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall, D. Collis, T. Brennan 3, S. Gunther, J. Woodward 2, B. George, A. Holland, B. Carroll.

GOALS - Bridgewater: J. Martyn 4, E. Pavlich, L. Allison, W. Stringer, B. Irvine, D. Wood.

BEST - Pyramid Hill: D. Collis, Z. Alford, T. Brennan, A. Holland, S. Gunther, J. Woodward. Bridgewater: H. Donegan, J. Symons, B. Derrick, B. Stepien, C. Hindle, N. Hall. Calivil 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (1) Marong 8.5 17.10 22.16 31.21 (207)

GOALS - Marong: B. Grenfell 11, J. McCaig 5, K. Robins 4, N. Devanny 3, R. Taylor 2, M. Riordan , N. McCaig, M. Grant, K. Manley, J. Gadsden, C. Gregg.

BEST - Calivil: B. Richards, E. Ritchie, J. Hynes, J. Lawry, C. Thompson, T. Rial. Marong” R. Tibbett, L. Lee, B. Gregg, J. McCaig, N. Devanny, B. Grenfell, Inglewood 2.7 3.13 11.16 14.18 (102)

Maiden Gully 2.0 3.1 4.3 8.5 (53)

GOALS - Inglewood: K. Payne, N. Silvestro, S. Dorevitch, D. Polack 2, J. Rouse, F. Payne, A. Lowe, C. McGaw, C. Wright, J. Nevins. Maiden Gully: T. Miles 2, C. Walsh, M. Crooks, D. Wust, C. Hale, B. Dimech, B. Green.

BEST - Inglewood: S. Dorevitch, C. Wright, N. Silvestro, F. Payne, A. Lowe, G. Nevins. Maiden Gully G. Brown, M. Crooks, H. McCartney, J. McDonald, E. Crisp, D. Wust.

scoreboard for Inglewood. It solitary goal came off the boot of Charlie McGaw midway through the quarter, bookended by a total of five behinds.

Finally in the third quarter, Inglewood broke clear kicking 8.5 and held the Eagle to a single goal.

Cody Wright showed he could use the wind advantage with a massive 50-metre punt within minutes of the third quarter getting underway.

Rouse, Lowe and Payne were part of the goal spree that was frustrating Maiden Gully.

Tensions boiled over several times later in the term before Eagles’ ruckman Tom Birch was eventually sent to the bench by umpires.

Inglewood was better to settle and reaped rewards with another Payne Goal.

There was early spirit from the Eagles in the final term when vice-captain Cody Welsh goaled but try as they could, Ingle-

wood was not to be deterred from winning a third consecutive win for the first time since 2003.

Coach Darrell Billett demanded more concentration during the quarter time huddle and Inglewood delivered although there were still some moments of loose play that against better sides would have been disastrous.

Depleted by injuries and players unavailable, Calivil was no match for Marong and went down by 206 points, unable to score a goal. Brandyn Grenfell had a day out with 11 goals and now shares the goalkicking lead.

Mitiamo broke through for its first win of the season, accounting for Newbridge by 31 points.

Pyramid Hill was away early in its clash against Bridgewater and won by 46 points. The Dogs’ lineup included recruits Northern Territory league premiership captain Brodie Carroll.

Unlucky Demons chance to push Mean Machine

ON PAPER, Bridgewater is streets ahead of Calivil ... on paper only.

The Mean Machine can expect an ultracompetitive encounter when they clash on Saturday.

The difference could well be Bridgewater’s goal gun Josh Martyn who currently shares the league goalkicking lead with Marong’s Brandyn Grenfell.

Bridgewater, whether winning or losing, has options to goal. something Calivil is yet to develop.

The Demons have shown spirit in most

SENIORS

games and should match Bridgewater for most of the game.

Mitiamo is at home again on Saturday but the opponent is a step up last round. Pyramid Hill continues to bolster its lineup and will simply be too strong for the Superoos.

Collis and Gunther have started well and should again be part of an attack too strong for the home club at John Forbes Oval.

Marong is at home to Bears Lagoon Serpentine and on current rampaging

IN FRONT OF GOAL

29 - (11) - Brandyn Grenfell - Marong

29 - (4) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater

17 - (4) - Kain Robins - Marong

16 - (1) - Charlie McGaw - Inglewood

14 - (1) - Matthew Riordan - Marong

14 - (0) - Andrew Gladman - BL Serpentine

13 - (2) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

12 - (2) - Keelan Payne - Inglewood

11 - (0) - Justin Laird - B/L Serpentine

11 - (4) - Andrew Cussen - Mitiamo

10 - (5) - Jack McCaig - Marong RESERVES

12 - (3) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill

12 - (4) - Joel Pianto - Mitiamo

12 - (0) - Jonty Davis - Marong 11 - (2) - Bradley Matthews - Marong

9 - (2) - Owen Friswell - Newbridge

9 - (3) - Tucker Thach - Marong

9 - (0) - Clay Anstee - BL Serpentine

form, it’s hard to see the colours being lowered just yet.

The Panthers will have to combat the strength of Justin Laird and make sure Orion Downing doesn’t put in a few super minutes in front of goal like he did against Calivil.

There’s spirit in Serpentine but not enough yet to mount a serious challenge to Marong.

The final match pits Maiden Gully against Newbridge. The Eagles are at home and that could be the difference.

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Mitiamo v Pyramid Hill

Maiden Gully v Newbridge

Bridgewater v Calivil

Marong

- Mitiamo: J. Pianto 4, J. Rawlings 2, J. Rawe, C. Milne. Newbridge: O. Friswell 2, K. Koul, J. Dawkins, R. Hipworth, O. Gordon.

- Mitiamo: J. Rawe, J. Rawlings, C. Collins, T. Rasmussen, A. Mckean, J. Pianto. Newbridge: D. Whan, O. Friswell, O. Gordon, R. Hipworth, N. Gray, K. Bertuch.

GOALS - Inglewood: L. Field 2, K. Simpson 2, D. Gorrie, M. Rowe, P. Ingamells, L. Else, B. ReddinJowett. Maiden Gully: R. Strauch 2, J. Magnusson, L. Jones.

BEST - Inglewood: D. Mackay, K. Simpson, C. Martin, J. Lovett, L. Field, M. Rowe. Maiden Gully: J. Magnusson, J. Burns, T. Hudson, W. Anderson, C. Flood, R. Strauch.

Calivil 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 (1)

Marong 5.7 10.12 17.14 23.17 (155)

GOALS - Marong: T. Grant, T. Thach, A. Collins 3, H. Baker, W. Beagley, B. Matthews, B. Stewart, Z. Webb, J. Cummins 2, F. Stewart, R. Gretgrix, C. Stacey.

BEST - Calivil: F. Clymo, B. Columbus, J. Manderson, S. Fawcett, B. Karslake.

Marong: C. Stacey, T. Thach, T. Grant.

Pyramid Hill 1.3 2.5 7.5 10.5 (65) Bridgewater 2.3 3.4 4.5 5.5 (35)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: S. Donat, R. Pollock 3, N. Moon 2, D. Mann, L. Dillon. Bridgewater: J. Roberts

2, J. Campbell, details incomplete.

BEST - Pyramid Hill: G. Quinn, T. Nunn, C. Gibbins, L. Dillon, J. Carroll, M. Carroll. Bridgewater: J. Green, A. McDowell, T. Naughton, M. Bourke, C. Rooke, J. Campbell.

Cornered but not for long ... Inglewood’s victory over Maiden Gully was the first time it has strung together three wins in 20 years. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday May 11, 2023

UNASSAILABLE? Perhaps not so for the all-conquering Marong!

The reigning triple premiers in Loddon Valley football - seniors, reserves and under 18s - have been untouchable in pursuit of repeat flag glory after more than a month of play this season.

Those sides last Saturday had a combined 444-point winning margin - depth and dominance on show.

A year on from the Panthers wanting to leave Loddon Val-

By CHRIS EARL

ley for neighbouring Heathcote league, the Malone Park outfit is stringing together a little dynasty.

One junior coach when asked at the weekend who can beat the Panthers in under 18s, simply replied: “It won’t be us.”

But in senior ranks, depth of players available for selection at Marong is equally admired and acting as a spur to tame the Loddon Valley’s reigning foot-

ball beast that is seen as having a recruitment advantage, based on the outskirts of Bendigo, over Loddon clubs.

Club coaches have been reluctant to talk publicly about big winning margins of Marong this year.

“We can’t make excuses when we don’t beat them,” one of the more experienced mentors said.

“They have depth and that’s a credit to them. But they can be beaten and that’s what we’re plotting to do.

“They can be pushed and return

clashes later in the season will be when we’ll see how good they are as other teams settle their lineups and keep improving.”

The Panthers have held two teams - Maiden Gully and Calivil last weekend - goalless while Newbridge managed just two majors in 120 minutes of football.

Big improver Inglewood stunned Marong in the first term of their round two clash before the Panthers pounced.

And the side still regarded as the best Loddon outfit, Pyramid Hill, also matched on the field

and scoreboard for a quarter a fortnight ago before going down by 42 points.

Marong’s depth and versatility has also seen more than a dozen players kick goals in 2023.

Rivals still have their recruitment antennae on high alert searching for players to connect missing links in team structure before the June 30 registration cut-off.

Another seasoned watcher of Loddon Valley football wryly said: “Marong’s winning the sprint but the season’s a marathon.”

Hundreds take morning runs

HUNDREDS of runners and fitness fanatics headed off on three courses along the Loddon River on Sunday for Bridgewater’s second Active Farmers’ Run for Resilience.

Runners, walkers and strollers on the 10km and 5km courses left the recreation reserve as morning sun was thawing frost and dew.

Jamie Cook was first back from the 10km run in just over 40 minutes. Second was Gabe Nevins in 45 minutes.

Adam Lowery completed the 5km course in 24:14 ahead of James Rollison and Victor Cook in 25.16.

The half-marathon course from Inglewood to Bridgewater had Mitch Coles cross the line first in one hour, 24 minutes.

PICTORIAL SPECIAL - PAGE 19