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Last of The Oldtimers

It’s half a century since a music phenomenon

cruise ships. Ahead of the anniversary of the band’s first performance in 1975,

recalls the characters who shared their music and stories. STORY - PAGE 15

WHAT WE

WEEKEND rain could potentially mean millions of dollars still being produced for the Loddon economy.

Farmers who had taken the punt on dry sowing crops while waiting for a break in the weather recorded up to 30mm over three days.

“The rain came at the right time and it was nice, steady and soaking,” said Salisbury West’s John Penny.

Rod Kirk, of Longdale Park Merino Stud, Berrimal, said: “We have been feeding sheep since

Weekend ‘inch’ raises prospects for farmers

February last year. Since January feeding has increased and water has become somewhat of an issue with dams drying up.

“We are happy with the condition of our stock and extremely happy with our lambing percentages considering the season we have had.

“It lifts the spirits to see happy stock when things have been so

tough. And finally we have had a nice drop of rain over the weekend.”

Falls that started Friday almost eclipsed totals for the first five months on the year.

But while weekend rains have been welcomed, farmers say they still face challenges with feed over the winter months.

Glenalbyn’s Graham Nesbit

said: “There are many farmers still having to buy in grain and hay.

“The rain will help crops and pastures over the next few months but there is still the need to keep stock healthy,” he said.

“Feed prices remain high and those farmers who had hay or grain in reserve, have had to dip deeply into those reserves over recent months.”

Mr Nesbit said the “weekend inch” had been well timed.

“It’s easily worth millions of dollars that could have been lost.”

GLENDA Hunter is the last of The Oldtimers ... The Wedderburn Oldtimers’ Orchestra that burst on to the national music scene 50 years ago next month, recording albums of traditional folk and dance music that went platinum and playing to audiences on live television, in shopping centres and on

Glenda

LH PHOTO

Graham Nesbit

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Programs accelerate new business ideas

STARTUP Central Victoria is looking for Loddon residents with new business ideas to be part of its pre-accelerator program starting this month.

The 12-week program offers an opportunity for participants to focus on testing their startup idea in a safe and supportive environment.

“For every startup it is a very different pathway, starting at different points,” says Kerry Anderson who manages the program.

“Some already have business experience but have a new idea that they want to focus on. Others have no prior business knowledge or network to lean on but want to have a go.

“This is what Startup Central Victoria offers. Over 12 weeks participants focus on their startup idea through a series of masterclasses delivered by business professionals within the region and supported by experienced business mentors.”

“Until I did the pre-accelerator program, I didn’t realise how little I knew about running a business,” said Simon Taylor from Kurting who participated in 2023. “There are so many facets that need to be considered, and Startup Central Victoria can get you help on all of them.”

Startup Central Victoria has supported 83 startup teams in five years. “Over 70 per cent of the startups have either been launched or are still progressing,” says Kerry.

IN BRIEF

3000 litres stolen

POLICE are investigating the theft of 3000 litres of diesel from a fuel depot in Serpentine on Monday morning. Leading Senior Constable Peter Halpin urged farmers to be vigilant over the winter months. “In winter last year we had a fair amount of diesel stolen from properties in Loddon,” he said. Meanwhile, police impounded a vehicle at Woodstock West last Friday after stopping a Navarre woman, 43, driving while disqualified.

Cropping

workshop

AN interactive workshop hosted by Birchip Cropping Group is happening today. The workshop offers participants the chance to inspect the small farm dams project site and learn about on farm water assessments and water planning. Speakers at the workshop include Adam Buzza and Clem Sturmfels, land management officers at Agriculture Victoria and Alison Frischke, project manager extension and research, Birchip Cropping Group.

King’s honour

FOUR-TIME North Central Football League best and fairest Mick Giddings, of Wycheproof, has been honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday honours list for service to the community.

LOCALS and visitors joined the weekly quiz session at Tarnagulla Post Office last Thursday when the latest edition of the Loddon Herald was delivered. Postal agency owner Mary Wollmering (second right) tested their knowledge. Among the quiz talent were descendants of the Bool family from Noosa, in town for their latest research trip. LH PHOTO

Anti-tax stance backed

TOWN committees are throwing their support behind Loddon Shire Council in the fight to have the State Government axe its controversial emergency services tax.

Inglewood Development and Tourism and Pryamid Hill Progress Association meetings in the last fortnight have passed motions backing council’s stance.

And Wedderburn Development Association has the issue on its agenda for this month’s meeting.

Loddon councillors voted to ask all Victorian councils to unite in opposing collection of the new tax. They have also written to Governor Margaret Gardner asking she not give legislation Royal assent and asked the Government to stop plans for the tax from July 1.

Pyramid Hill Progress Association president Drew Chislett said the tax would take money out of small rural communities. “That’s money that’s needed to keep our communities and businesses alive.”

Mr Chislett said the emergency services tax, that will see businesses hit with a 100 per cent increase on the old fire services levy was a double whammy “with land taxes also going up”.

Inglewood Development and Tourism president Peter Moore said the tax would impact owners of business premises and shop customers.

“It’s a tax that should not have been,” Mr Moore said.

“It’s criminal really - there’s the land tax and now the emergency services tax ... it ridiculous.

“Businesses will have to pass on the increased taxes to customers. A few years ago, Victoria was the lockdown state, now it’s the tax state.”

While farmers have been given a 12-month reprieve from the 150 per cent increase under the emergency services tax, volunteer firefighters last week said they feared the tax could be increased in future years while Fentons Creek brigade member

Ingrid Gould said the Government was taxing country communities but wasting money “and buying votes” in Melbourne.

Wedderburn Development Association president Tammi Martin said members had been discussing the new tax and the issue had been listed on next meeting’s agenda

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said the groundswell of support from local communities for council’s

AJP says Purcell ‘made tax better’

NORTHERN Victoria MP Georgie Purcell has now claimed credit for changes to the State Government’s emergency services tax legislation that reduced the hit on farmers from 187 per cent to 150 per cent.

The Animal Justice Party has put an “explainer” online saying Ms Purcell “used her position as a crossbencher to make it better—and fairer—for the people and communities who would be affected most.”

The bid to take credit for amendments

when the Bill passed the Legislative Council follow Ripon MP Martha Haylett last week saying her advocacy from local communities to Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes had helped achieve the cut and reprieve.

Ms Purcell said a key change had been rebates for CFA and SES volunteers living or working on farms. The Government last December said volunteers’ principal residence to be excluded from the tax

Doesn’t cut with readers

THE State Government’s 12-month reprieve for farmers facing a 150 per cent increase in the emergency services levy has failed to find long-term favour with Loddon Herald readers.

An online poll last week asking whether the Government’s pause diminished rural disquiet over the new tax, found only three per cent agreed.

LATE NEWS

Energy workshops

LODDON Mallee Public Health Unit will hold free workshops in Wedderburn and Pyramid Hill with Enviroshop energy efficiency expertise to help people manage impacts of energy bills.

LMPHU prevention and population health officer Kaz Neilson said the LMPHU works to raise awareness around illness prevention and keeping people warm in winter and cool in the heat of summer.

“You will learn how to lower you gas and electricity use, which energy providers are best value, improve the energy efficiency of their homes at low or no cost and simple tricks to save money on your bills,. This can all help your health and wellbeing” she said.

bold stand was appreciated. “We had hundreds of Loddon people protest in Melbourne ... we are all concerned about the damage this tax will have on our people and communities.” he said.

City of Greater Bendigo last week said its 2025-2026 Budget proposed to reduce the rate in the dollar rural landholders will pay and not increase waste charges for all ratepayers in the new financial year in response to the levy.

Wedderburn Community House co-ordinator Louise Cook said: “As a community house, we believe everyone deserves to live their best life—warm in winter, cool in summer, and free from the stress of rising costs. This workshop is a valuable opportunity right here in our town to learn practical ways to ease the cost of living. We encourage everyone to come along and take a step toward a more comfortable, affordable home life.”

The Wedderburn workshop is next Thursday with Pyramid Hill the following week.

Farmer and volunteer firefighter Ingrid Gould. LH PHOTO

Wine pioneer and a sunny Sunday

WINE connoisseurs and neighbours have praised pioneer winemaker Arleen Reimers as her family’s Old Kingower winery marks 50 years of vintages.

Arleen is regarded as a trailblazer in the wine industry who planted vines and used district stone to construct the winery’s cellar door and other buildings.

Neighbour and fellow winemaker Mark Gilmore said Arleen had been an inspiration over her five decades.

Arleen and David Reimers planted their first cabernet and shiraz vines in 1972. The first vintage followed in 1975.

They say the small familyowned vineyard continues to produce much sought-after classic vintage wines and the cellar door was a hive of activity over the King’s Birthday long weekend.

The reserved Arleen downplayed her pioneering role in the industry but long-time customers including Cheryl Murphy and Deborah Burdidge were quick to praise her wine-making talents.

Originally called Blanche Barkly - named after the gold nugget found nearby in 1857 - Old Kingower wines are estate grown, vintaged and bottled.

Medium to fine grain French oak small casks are the maturation vessels and vintages still have traditional cork stoppers.

“The ancient Cambrian geology provides the deep and complex mineral soils for the old vines to reach down into, as well as ample stone for our other passion, stone masonry,” say the Reimers.

Old Kingower winemaker and industry pioneer Arleen Reimers in the barrel room while (left) customers Cheryl Murphy and Deborah Burdidge enjoy sampling the winery’s 50th vintage release wines on Sunday.

Anniversary weather matches planting experiences

KINGOWER vignerons Mark and Christine Gilmore celebrated 40 years since they first planted vines with the release of their Both Banks 2023 vintages on Sunday.

Mark said the weekend’s weather was similar to their start as grape growers.

“The weather was wet, we were no sooner planting the seedling and they were almost being washed away,” Mark said

as rain fell 40 years later. The couple had planted their first vines when courting and each year their wines capture events of the vintage.

For 2023, the wines have been called Sunny Sunday. The irony was not lost on Mark as guests huddled around fire pits and sheltered under umbrellas.

The Gilmores again had an eclectic ensemble of musicians perform throughout the afternoon.

LH PHOTOS

Natalie Kenely, Daniel and Sherene Mournier with Mark Gilmore. LH PHOTO

SIX youngsters have joined the 1st Lake Boort Scout Group.

Leader in charge Garry Schmidt has already invested four of the new members - Isabelle, Levi and Hayley Melville and Sienna Adams. Cruz Nuttall and Juliette Lanyon will be invested as Cubs next week.

“Our numbers are looking good for the next couple of years but we’re always looking for new members to join,” he said.

“By joining Scouts, you can learn new things, explore, gain new skills, grow in self confidence and find new friends.”

Fee waiver for lighting project

A $1265.50 planning permit fee for four new lighting towers at Boort Park has been waived by Loddon Shire Council.

Councillors adopted the officer’s recommendation at their last meeting to back the initiative by Boort Netball Club.

They were told waiving the fee would help the club increase training and playing opportunities.

Community groups can apply to council for a waiver with fees above $1000 requiring a special motion by council.

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Ex-MP Curnow dies, aged 79

ESMOND Curnow, who represented Loddon communities in State Parliament for six years in the 1970s, has died aged 79.

Mr Curnow won the seat of Kara Kara for Labor at the 1970 election when he defeated Maryborough industrialist and Country Party MP Bill Phelan.

He would hold Kara Kara for two terms until the seat was abolished. Kara Kara included Inglewood, Wedderburn and Boort with Maryborough and St Arnaud the larger communities in the electorate.

In his maiden speech to Parliament in September 1970, Mr Curnow expressed loyalty to the Queen and Governor Sir Rohan Delacombe, saying “this loyalty will be demonstrated in no uncertain manner on the occasion of His Excellency’s visit to Boort in the northern sector of my electorate on October 10”.

The speech questioned the then Bolte Government spending $80 million on Melbourne’s underground railway, the lack of relief for farmers and the pressure on councils to provide services.

Mr Curnow also called for the decentralisation of government department offices to towns in the electorate.

He was born in Bendigo to factory manager Thomas Curnow and Esma Jean Cook. He attended Bendigo High School and became the manager of a bedding store. He joined the Australian Labor Party in 1962 and was a member of the Castlemaine and Moonee Ponds branches. After leaving politics he became a publican, and also the secretary of the Bendigo Trades Hall Council from 1981 to 1983. From 1983 to 1985 he was a training officer with the Trade Union Training Authority, and from 1985 he was a National Union of Workers official.

Mr Curnow’s death was announced by State Parliament last week.

Wait on flood

funds

LODDON Shire is still to receive significant income for flood restoration and Roads to Recovery programs before June 30.

Councillors were told at their last meeting that the Roads to Recovery program was forecasting a likely claim of 85 per cent of its total income.

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have seen council receive just over $5 million to March and is being forecasted to receive anywhere from $1 million and $3 million further by June. “This will fall short of the revised budget income of $20.5 million for the financial year, they were told in the finance report.

Wandering livestock patrols

GANNAWARRA Shire Council will be conducting patrols across the municipality following an increase in the number of reports received about wandering livestock. A drier than average start to the year has contributed to the increase in the number of reports received, with council concerned by the risks uncontained livestock, such as cattle and sheep, pose to motorists.

Lake Boort troop welcoming new members last week

Driving a minefield: Broad’s roo push

URGENT action is needed to manage kangaroo numbers across northern Victoria, amid increasing vehicle crashes, train strikes and damage to farms.

According to Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad, a better kangaroo management strategy is needed with driving on regional roads now like navigating a minefield.

“Aerial and ground surveys were undertaken last year to estimate the kangaroo population across Victoria. The data, which excludes some areas, shows that there are over 2.4 million kangaroos, and nearly 500,000 in the Loddon–Mallee area,” Ms Broad said.

“Kangaroo-related vehicle collisions are the most common wildlife hazards on our roads. These incidents are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who are over-represented in fatal crashes.

“For anyone who drives on regional roads, especially in the early morning or after 5pm, it is like driving through a minefield. You do not know when a kangaroo will jump into your headlights, and the consequences can be devastating.”

Ms Broad said the most reliable statistics on accidents involving kangaroos are from insurance companies and wildlife rescue teams. The RACV and Wildlife Victoria reported last year that

there were nearly 10,000 collisions, but the real number is likely to be higher as many go unreported.

“Recently V/Line acting CEO Warwick Horsley confirmed that kangaroo strikes are now a major cause of train disruptions. This has led to reduced carriage numbers and delays, frustrating commuters and straining our regional transport system.

“There is also a significant impact on our farmers, who are already battling drought. Kangaroos compete directly with livestock for feed and water, and the pressure on agricultural land is growing. The current management tools are slow, bureaucratic and often ineffective.

“I have spoken with local residents who say the author-

ity to control wildlife program is flawed and the kangaroo harvesting program should be expanded. While Victoria grapples with over 2 million kangaroos, only $200,000 has been allocated in the budget for kangaroo harvesting next year.”

Ms Broad said the Government should expand the market for kangaroo leather and meat.

“Sustainable harvesting provides a way to manage kangaroo numbers while also unlocking a valuable source of leather and meat. Kangaroo leather is renowned for its strength, lightness and durability. It is widely used in footwear, gloves and sporting goods, where strong, lightweight leather is important.

“Our communities are doing their best to coexist with native wildlife, but it is time for a more balanced and proactive approach that prioritises community safety. Labor cannot manage our kangaroo problem and regional Victorians are paying the price.”

Earlier this year, the Victorian Farmers’ Federation pushed for higher kangaroo harvest quotas in requests to the State Government for drought support measures.

That call came weeks after Newbridge professional shooter Glen Cole said there should be a lift in roo harvest numbers to help disaster-hit land recover earlier.

Winter’s brekky warmer

PORTABLE heaters were wheeled in to Pyramid Hill’s Kelly Park last Friday for the progress association’s winter breakfast.

Dozens of residents attended the regular event aimed to bring the community together and celebrate the town’s friendly lifestyle and while temperatures were barely above zero, president Drew Chislett said the atmosphere was warm. “It’s always wonderful to bring people together in our town ... the breakfasts are a great way to keep us connected.”

Gaelle Broad

Mark Wilkinson, Cheryl and Geoff McKinnon at Friday’s breakfast

Freight track capacity up

THE railway passing loop at Korong Vale has been lengthened to hold bigger trains which carry about $1.3 million worth of produce.

The work, part program to re-rail track, replace sleepers, lengthen passing loops and improve track geometry, is almost complete on the Korong Vale to Manangatang line, one of Victoria’s busiest grain corridors with a growing container train service from Ultima.

The program comes on top of a major siding extension commissioned at Boort in February. Boort’s GrainCorp siding was extended to 840 metres allowing 50-wagon freight trains upgraded three culverts, boosting speed and efficiency for heavier trains

Additional works will allow trains to operate with heavier loads at higher speeds, cutting times as longer-trains carry greater loads for domestic and export markets.

Works to connect a new grain terminal at North Shore are imminent and final planning is underway for a similar project to follow at Tocumwal, which will further increase volumes of grain moved by rail to port.

In April, V/Line leased 10 NClass locomotives to a private freight operator on a long-term agreement and they are now hauling freight across the net-

work to support the significant growth in grain and intermodal haulage. Additional locomotives will enter lease arrangements later this year.

The State Government said this initiative and major government investments were improving operational capacity and efficiency and supporting deployment of longer trains delivering benefits for primary producers and freight operators.

Minister for Ports and Freight

Melissa Horne said: “Rail freight investments drive the movement of goods across the state – we’re listening to and working with industry to focus on priority projects resulting in faster, longer and heavier trains.’

“Delivering more capacity for longer freight trains with higher axle-loads that can carry more grain and containerised goods benefits farmers, operators and producers and takes more trucks off our roads.’’

According to the State Government, three per cent more freight was carried on the V/line network this year than last financial year despite a smaller grain harvest.

Regional rail freight upgrades have seen a $470 million investment since 2020, including the most recent $103 million package in the 2025-2026 Victorian Budget.

Grant will help youth celebrate fest week

YOUTH Fest activities will be rolled out in Pyramid Hill in September after Northern District Community Health was last week awarded a State Government grant.

The Pyramid Hill Youth Fest funding was one of two grants received by NDCH for events during the state-wide month of celebrations.

Pyramid Hill and a laser tag and music festival at Kerang Technical High School will be among 44 events in regional areas.

Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman said: “Youth Fest is all about delivering more free and low-cost events that give young people and local communities a chance to enjoy themselves.”

Design and concept plans of the Inglewood Streetscape Project can be viewed on Council's website, for the public to have your say. Loddon Shire Council is seeking feedback on the plans as part of community consultation on the project.

The significant streetscape project will enhance the safety, accessibility and character of Inglewood's town centre and will support local business, celebrate cultural heritage and improve liveability for residents, as well as appeal to visitors.

The design and concept plans can be viewed on the Loddon Shire Council website from Friday, 13 June - go to the home page at www.loddon.vic.gov.au and click on the "Connect@Loddon" tab.

As well as seeing detailed versions of the plans (similar to that on the right), you can also have your say on the website. Alternatively, hard copies will be available to view at Council's Customer Service Centre in Wedderburn.

Council is also preparing an application to the Federal Government to fund the project.

Cr Dan Straub - Mayor

Cr Gavan

Newbridge Wines’ Andrew Simpson pours a local drop for Gerry Verdoorn at Inglewood IGA on Friday when the supermarket held a wine tasting promoting district wineries. Gerry, a retired CFA officer, was visiting family in Inglewood for the long weekend. LH PHOTO

Street plans out tomorrow Polly wants a drink ... thirst of smart birds

CONCEPT designs for Inglewood’s proposed multi-million dollar streetscape project will be released tomorrow.

Loddon Shire Council says designs prepared by Bendigo-based Aboriginal enterprise Djandaak will be released on its website.

Early plans seen by the Loddon Herald include development of the former community petrol co-operative site at the southern end of Brooke Street with garden beds, paths and trees.

The Calder Highway bend is

one of eight sections earmarked for beautification - seven in Brooke Street and the area linked to the town hall in Verdon Street,

The Djandaak concept plan says Loddon Shire is exploring putting existing powerlines underground.

“Removing frequent power poles and lines would create more space for a street tree avenue on both sides of the street,” according to plans.

“Undertaking the works alongside major streetscape upgrades

will be more efficient and cost effective. Underground power will improve power reliability and maintenance requirements and remove modern infrastructure in a heritage streetscape.”

Council has already allocated $1 million towards the project that “involves collaborating with local artists and cultural experts to authentically integrate public art and First Nations elements into the streetscape design, adding a unique cultural dimension to the project”.

PESKY cockatoos and corellas are working up a thirst expanding their horizons.

The birds that continue to strip trees on the Loddon River at Bridgewater and Newbridge, nibbling on street lights for desert, are showing their smarts, according to new research.

Sydney’s crafty cockies, spotted prying opening wheelie bins to forage for food, have now been spotted cooling off by learning how to turn the handles on public drinking fountains.

Research by Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University and Australian National University published in the international journal, Biology Letters, has tracked populations of sulphur-crested cockatoos in Western Sydney and filmed their behaviour as they learned to turn the handles on water fountains and help themselves to a drink.

Across a number of local reserves and sports fields in the Western Sydney area, the cockatoos were observed over a number of weeks successfully starting the fountain’s water flow and obtaining a gulp of water 41 per cent of the time.

“We watched the cockatoos operating the drinking fountain using coordinated actions with both feet. More often than not, the bird would place one foot – mainly the right –on the

twist-handle or the valve, with the other foot used to gripping the rubber spout or bubbler. Sometimes they would also use both feet on the valve,” said Dr John Martin.

“The weight of the bird would then be lowered to turn the twist-handle clockwise and keep it from springing back. We would observe the bird then turning its head to access the flowing water.”

Dr Martin said the findings show that wild cockatoos are highly successful at adapting their behaviours to the challenges and opportunities that come from living in big cities and urban areas.

Meanwhile, Bridgewater on Loddon Development says its efforts to have better management of bird numbers had hit roadblocks.

“We’re finding there needs to be a state-wide approach and that needs the support of the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and the State Government,” said president Jill Hobbs.

“A few of our members are now talking to people in other areas (impacted by corellas) to see if a bigger voice can be formed and see a real statewide strategy to control them.

“These birds are smart. they’ll eat anything ... they nibble on the trees, the lights, anything they can land on,” Mrs Hobbs said.

Concept plans for the old service station corner

TCV hits council brick wall

TRANSMISSION Company Victoria has been hit with a third council voting to oppose the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project “in its current form”.

The vote by Stawell-based Northern Grampians Shire follows decisions earlier in the month by Gannawarra and Buloke councils.

The three with Loddon and Yarriambiack Shire had been part of a five-council alliance along the route that fractured last month. Talks between Loddon and local landowners on the West route have been held but no formal stance taken by council.

Northern Grampians said it would advocate to the State Government for an alternative to the VNI West project, remind the Government of its responsibilities under the Paris Agreement, where it specifically protects farming land from alternative

energy projects and advocate to the State Government on the importance of food security in Victoria and the wellbeing and mental health of our community.

Cr Murray Emerson said his notice of motion followed the council completing due diligence on the project, which travelled through large sections of prime farming land.

“I have been directly involved in closely monitoring its progress for approximately two-and-a-half years. There have been numerous discussions over this time, with community, people who are affected by the path of this transmission line, and the so-called experts on this topic,” he said.

“I am unable yet to understand what benefit this development brings to our shire and its constituents. Yes, we need energy as the coal stations are closing, but not at the expense of prime farming land.

Pair swapping some old yarns

IT WAS a blast from the past when the Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, bumped into Boort’s Hazel Whitmore.

The woman who, with her late husband Reg, founded Whitmore’s Bus Lines in 1964, the bus line which had the contract to deliver students to Boort High School –Mr Walsh’s alma mater.

The Whitmores began their business by purchasing the Leaghur bus contract in Boort from Harry Frampton.

Which was followed by the acquisition of a second school bus contract to Whychitella from Bert Rodgers three years later.

The company then gradually expanded into charter and touring – with the Quambatook run later purchased from Willis

Nunn. In 2000, Whitmore’s was the first northern Victorian operator to introduce both air conditioning and seat-belts – well ahead of mandatory legislation.

Today the business has grown into the Whitmore Group with locations in Boort, East Loddon, Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Maryborough and is run by Hazel and Reg’s son Jamie.

“It was a real pleasure to bump into Hazel, who I hadn’t seen for ages,” Mr Walsh said.

“Whitmore’s was such as part of life for so many families who went to school in Boort, and then in other areas as well, now generations of families,” Mr Walsh said after the happy meeting.

“We, as public representatives need to robustly advocate to the government, both state and federally, for this development to cease forthwith and seek a better outcome for all.”

Cr Emerson said councillors were of the opinion that alternative projects and transmission lines were required for the benefit of Victoria.

“However, due to the overwhelming objection by our local farming community over an extended period of time I believe we should be taking a stance against the project,” he said.

Northern Grampians also said it was dissatisfied with elements of the consultation process. Cr Justine Hide said: “Our officers are engaging at all available levels to obtain the fullest information possible and to keep both councillors and residents informed.”

It will be ‘business as usual with shires’

THE loss of support from three shires for the VNI West project will not change Transmission Company Victoria’s approach to talks with councils.

Spokesperson Claire Cass said on Tuesday: “We acknowledge and respect the decisions made by Buloke, Gannawarra and Northern Grampians Shire Councils.

“Councils play a crucial role in representing their communities, and we remain committed to collaborating with them.

“We engage regularly with all councils along the VNI West route and will continue to address concerns raised, particularly regarding the impacts on land use, benefits, community engagement, and cumulative project pressures.”

TCV has been criticised for its style of consultation and engagement since the abrupt change of preferred route for the project between Stawell and Kerang.

The Railway Hotel BOORT

Peter Walsh and Hazel Whitmore remember days on the school bus

IN OUR SCHOOLS

EAST Loddon P12 College Year 9 and 10 outdoor education

Camp students have braved undulating hills to ride 60km from Mansfield to Molesworth along the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Day two involved a 20km ride from Molesworth to Yea via the Cheviot Tunnel, an impressive 200 metre red brick railway tunnel built in the 1880s.

RIGHT: East Loddon’s Year four, five and six agriculture students including Ilah Penny have given new wicking beds a green thumbs up. The college received funding through the Loddon Shire backed Healthy Schools Grant for additional wicking beds and other supplies to expand their vegetable garden.

Through gardening and sporting hoops

CROQUET, swimming and gardening have kept Bridgewater Primary School students busy over the past week.

Thirteen students picked up the mallet and tried their hand at croquet last Wednesday while Thursday’s outdoor classroom had students preparing their vegetable garden for winter with new

and frost

seedlings

hardy native plants. Miss Emalee Deane’s junior students have been learning Auslan and practicing signing colours with their rainbow song. Inglewood library agency storytime specialist Ange Graystone has visited the school’s playgroup for a session, complete with singing, dancing and bubbles.

Assistance must be meaningful

FARMERS must be given meaningful drought relief under State Government assistance packages.

Nationals’ deputy leader Emma Kealy said last week that freight assistance for fodder, water and livestock agistment should be part of assistance.

Ms Kealy made the call as members of the Government’s drought response taskforce were having their first meeting in Camperdown last Friday.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking and Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh are members of the taskforce formed after all of Victoria was included in the state’s drought zone

Ms Kealy also said farmers across the state should have access to affordable stock water from all possible water points, including the desalination facility as well as treated waste water from Western and Eastern Water Treatment Plants.

She said access to existing mental health supports across the state should be extended, including allowing the family members of students to access the mental health practitioners in schools program to support farming families, and to work with

Mental Health Victoria to unlock and expand both professional and evidence-based grassroots mental health support and resilience programs.

“These measures will provide much needed support to primary producers as they battle ongoing drought conditions,” Ms Kealy said.

“These drought conditions are impacting now and anticipated to last for the foreseeable future.

“The Government must stand ready to immediately fund all recommendations put forward by the drought response taskforce and assist producers with meaningful and ongoing support in a timely and effective manner.”

Initial measures offer farmers a matching $5000 infrastructure grant.

However, Loddon farmers have said their most pressing need is feed.

National rural aid charity Hayrunners last week told the Loddon Herald it wanted the Government to provide funds for transport of hay, matching the support from the South Australian Government for convoys currently taking hay into that state’s drought-ravaged areas.

Thomas appointed to key role

CHARLIE Thomas has been appointed the Victorian Farmers’ Federation new chief executive officer.

President Brett Hosking said he was excited to welcome the wealth of experience and knowledge that Mr Thomas would bring to the organisation.

“Charlie’s experience and reputation representing farmers and rural Australians over the past 15 years is second to none and we’re incredibly excited for him to hit the ground running,” Mr Hosking said.

“He’s known for his work improving member-based organisations through strategic partnerships, successful advocacy and genuine engagement with key stakeholders.

“With prolonged drought, a looming state election and a number of critical issues facing farmers, having Charlie’s expertise, guidance and contacts will be invaluable in helping to represent the interests of farmers and regional Victorians,” Mr Hosking said.

Mr Thomas said: “Many farmers are doing it tough at the moment and my focus will be demonstrating a strong value proposition for members that enables the VFF to continue to drive positive change for Victorian farmers and our regional communities.” With a state election on the ho-

Charlie Thomas

rizon in 2026, Mr Thomas joins the organisation at a key time.

“Our farmers and regional communities deserve to be heard. From day one, I’m looking forward to meeting key stakeholders and the government to help ensure farming communities are a priority and a legitimate focus for decision makers,” Mr Thomas said.

The Australian wool market has recorded a small overall loss last week, the overall result heavily influenced by weakness in the merino fleece market, particularly in the 18.0-to-19.5-micron range. Fremantle did not sell with only Sydney and Melbourne in operation the national offering was just 22,806 bales. This was the smallest national offering since September 2020, this was during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the opening day buyer sentiment was best described as cautious, although the smaller offering was well supported and the market opened solidly. The prices being achieved were generally within 10 cents of those on offer at the close of the previous week. By the end of the day the movements in the individual AWEX Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece ranged between positive 18 cents and negative 8 cents. A strong crossbred market, helped to push the benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) up by 2 cents for the day. On the second day buyer sentiment had weakened, this weakening was quickly felt in the sale room and prices began to fall. By the end of the second day, the MPG movements ranged between unchanged and negative 31 cents.

The crossbred sector held up well compared to the merinos, recording a generally unchanged market, this helped to soften the downward impact on the EMI, which fell by 7 cents for the day. The EMI ﬁnished the series at 1,199 cents, down 5 cents on the previous close. A marginal increase (0.16 cents) in the Australian dollar com pared tothe USD, meant that in USD terms the EMI movement was slightly more positive, the EMI dropped just one cent, closing at 775 US cents.

Fremantle returns to the selling program this week, bolstering the oﬀering. There is currently expected to be 30,187 bales on oﬀer nationally.

Source: AWEX

With cap in hand to get our money

Is there equity in the grant bid process, asks Miki Wilson

MANY years ago, amongst my parents’ friends, there was one particular couple; he was a wellknown theatre critic in Melbourne, and she was a career academic.

My parents would host big Sunday lunches with lots of friends and wine involved and these friends would invariably be invited.

This couple where consummate users of government grants; they wrote books with grants; wrote plays with grants, wrote academic dissertations with grants; travelled on scholarships and generally had a highlife – quite often on other people’s dime.

At one of these such Sunday lunches the wife arrived with a bag of knitting, which she proceeded to do throughout the meal.

On being asked why she was knitting, she explained that she had quit smoking, and the knitting was helping her kick the habit – another quick-witted guest at the lunch asked ” Did you do it on a grant darling?” roars of laughter ensued.

I am often reminded of this today as apart from this couple I had never really come across the

notion of grants, and the extensive dependence and reliance we have on them to fund things in our communities today.

The idea that we need to go cap in hand to government to ask for money (our money) that we have paid in tax seems strange.

To get a grant, we (the community or local government) need to fill in an application; provide a business case in many instances, justify the case, explain ourselves, provide costings, project deliverables and cost benefits and of course (as should be) the ultimate benefit to the community.

A big job – that then goes to an assessment team who may or may not read the application thoroughly, rank them against the other applications and their own criteria (which we may or may not know), maybe take into consideration where in the political scheme of things your community is placed (did I say pork barrelling) and choose one or some applications to get the grant money.

Good luck if you get the money – but what if you don’t? The community is let down, all the effort was wasted, expectations are dashed, and the project is de-

yOuR ONLINE WORDS

WEDDERbuRN TODDLER’S SuRGERy WaIT

Rebecca Buschmann wrote: I was supposed to wait 13 months for hernia and carpentunnel operation on both hands and I’m still waiting and trying too seek when operation will go ahead especially my hands as daily life is becoming hard with the pains I endure from the carpentunnel ... we have sent referrals and a followup letter and still waiting even to receive a letter to get in to see someone..

Jane Rowley wrote: That’s sad, Louise Bewley wrote: Disgusting Victoria’s state of affairs will see people moving away from this place.

Joelene and Chris Simsen wrote: Bendigo Health is always doing this to people, its not good enough! I hope the family get the help needed soon.

Verneece Woodman wrote: Absolute disgrace. I hope you guys get this sorted soon.

EMERGENCy SERVICES TaX FuRORE CONTINuES IN THE COuNTRy

James McCloskey wrote: Bearing in mind both Symes n Allan were raised in regional Victoria, now they are both Melbourne centric, they couldn’t care less about Regional Victoria.

MT Scott wrote: Got to love this government, increasing a tax for emer-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com

OPINION PIECES

layed or even abandoned, it can be hard, and disappointing.

When did this dependence on government replace things like community fundraising? when did my special interest and desire for money mean I will go after your money? – because that is what its about.

My community’s special interest – let’s say, settling on Mars –could see us getting a grant that is made up of money from taxpayers in Western Australia whose special interest is something else – they in turn get grant money that is made up of our taxes.

Does this make sense? I’m really not sure – but I do worry that some communities have expert ‘grant winners’, while other communities do not – so they miss out.

Being competitive in life is fine, but there is always a loser – and then how does their community fair? I am not suggesting we don’t apply for grants – it’s how we fund most things in local government, but I can’t help thinking there is some inequity in the whole process.

Miki Wilson is the Loddon Shire’s Inglewood Ward councillor

gency services and cuts $165 million from the CFA, SES and FRV funding.

Mark Singleton wrote: This is a disgrace when the government attacks its own people.

Miki Wilson wrote: It will be interesting to see if Brad Batten follows through with dumping it if he is elected next year - for a state in such a dire financial state. Tricky decision, hope he sticks to his word

FORMER HOSTEL WILL bE GIFTED TO PyRaMID HILL COMMuNITy

Robyn Vella wrote: What a brilliant outcome.

Alex Holt wrote: How marvellous!

Robyn Michelle wrote: That is sensational news.

1. What ocean is Hawaii located in?

2. A Honda car model has the same name as which genre of music?

3. Name the sport that requires a map and a compass to find checkpoints?

4. Which famous playwright is sometimes referred to as “the bard”?

5. Name the only country to begin with the letter Y in English?

6. The Wright brothers are famous for inventing which mode of transport?

7. Vaca is the word for cow in which European language?

8. The statue of Sir George Lansell in Bendigo has him holding what?

9. What is the second layer of soil called?

10. P is the chemical symbol of which element?

11. Who is the Tasman sea named after?

12. In writing, what does a pilcrow represent?

OTF loves popping along to reunions ... the stories told when the notebook is put away would surely make even the most animated angler blush more than a redfin. And so it was at Bridgewater on Saturday when the premiership “fivers” assembled to compare their eras. Sadly, we’re told what’s said at reunions stays at reunions. What OTF can report is that, according to former team mates, the degree of exaggeration in the tales told surpassed any feats ever played out on the ground.

ONCE thing is for certain, there’s been no need to gild the lily when it comes to anglers on the nearby Loddon River. As we reported last week, some whopping cods have been pulled from the waters of late to rival the popping eyes of punters seeking a good old vanilla slice in town.

THE King’s Birthday weekend turned on classic weather. Chill factor was almost off the scale. One devoted football widow was wise and stayed within the confines of her vehicle.

Spent the afternoon sending text messages to people she wanted to chat

buSHy TaLES BY IAN JONES

13. What is Australia’s tallest mountain?

14. Wombats are a part of which group of mammals?

15. Christopher Robin is the human friend of which bear?

16. In which city would you find the Wizard of Oz?

17. At what event would you be asked to spell words correctly?

18. What is the border between tectonic plates called?

19. Construction of The Lodge (Australian PM’s Canberra residence) was finished in which year?

20. Cria is the name for offspring of which animal?

with., “I’m the fourth car from the scoreboard,” came the summoning missive.

I N THE CBD of Kingower, the smoke signals were out to make sure people arrived to taste the new vintage release wines. Backyard pit fires did a better job of shrouding the landscape than the rain.

A NYWAY, while many had Monday off for the official King’s birthday hopliday (his real one is in November), fans of Michael J Fox and Johnny Depp could have spent the day rugged up indoors watching old movies and TV shows on their birthdays.

MONDAY was also the birthday of Peter the Great (born 1672).

50 YEARS ON FROM OUR OWN BUSH LARRIKINS TAKING THE STAGE BY STORM

Last of The Oldtimers

By CHRIS EARL

AUSTRALIA was mid-way through the rapidly-changing and challenging 1970s when a bunch of musos from Wedderburn gave tradition a shot in the arm.

With an assortment of instruments and musical skills honed in delicensed hotels and farm backyards, the Wedderburn Oldtimers’ Orchestra was formed for what was meant to be a single performance.

It will be 50 years ago next month that Lindsay Holt led the ensemble of legends, larrikins, characters and the greatest entertainers the bush had ever seen through the tunes in the Wedderburn Mechanics’ Institute Hall.

They played for hours, attired in tartan waistcoats and bowler hats, as dancers strutted the floor for old-time dances - the Lancers, Gypsey Tap, Maxina, St Bernard Waltz.

Lindsay on the button accordion, Daisy Sutton from Wehla and Lionel Collison on violin, Elma Ross at the keyboards and husband “Grummy” on drums.

They were among the originals. Over the next 20 or so years other members of the ensemble joined what would be a whirlwind for Wedderburn and their style of music.

Appearances on the big national television shows of the day, tours and cruise ships, gold and platinum records.

Traditional country music that took off after a track or two had been played on radio. So popular, recalls Lindsay’s son Gavan, that the Wedderburn telephone exchange went into meltdown as people tried to book this old-time orchestra of seasoned musos mostly aged in their 70s.

With the passing last month of Morrie Gierisch who joined on button accordion following the death of Lindsay in 1994, Glenda Hunter remains the last surviving member of The Oldtimers.

Glenda, Lindsay’s sister, had often stood in for Elma and later became a permanent member on piano.

“Elma was a beautiful piano player, you could not find better,” Glenda recalled this week. “I learnt a lot from watching Elma’s hands.”

Elma and Glenda were among the few women in The Oldtimers. But being country women they were fine with that.

“They were the most wonderful, funniest group of fellas to be with,” she said.

“We had very good musicians, funny men with a sense of humour and every one of them an entertainer, great story tellers.”

Glenda said that after Lindsay’s passing, Campbell Holmes took a leading role in continuing the group’s musical journey. Campbell had returned to his home town of Wedderburn after spending several decades in Western Australia.

In the 1950s, the trombone toting Campbell spent a few years in England and was been a member of the Ferodo Works Band when it won the British Brass Band Open Championship.

Glenda and Campbell often played duets. “One year, were in St Augustine’s Church in Inglewood, Campbell with his trombone and I was playing the Fincham organ<” she said.

I’ll never forget that day with neither of us using sheet music and Campbell’s sweet sounds playing Bless This House.”

She said that wherever The Oldtimers played, people always wanted the music to keep going.

“They were wonderful days,” said Glenda who, in her 90s, still plays organ for the Uniting Church services in Wedderburn.

Gavan recalls the orchestra’s first record released months after that July 11 night 50 years ago reportedly had sales for the producer of more than $1 million.

“The band members were given $50 each so the old man decided they would in future produce their own records,” Gavan said.

“The Oldtimers is a phenomenal story. They came along at the right time in history when so many people had fond memories of country dances right across Australia.”

Over the next month, the Loddon Herald will run a special series on the chart-topping Oldtimers 50 years on from the first performance. Have memories to share? Send them to loddonherald@gmail.com

“They just didn’t want us to stop,” she said of performances in shopping centres or halls from Fentons Creek to the bigger cities.

NEXT WEEK - DAISY LEAVES TOWN FOR BIG SMOKE AND THE SKY

Gavam Holt and Glenda Hunter in Wedderburn’s Soldiers’ Memorial Park where a plaque honours The Oldtimers. LH PHOTO

MORESI - MURRAY CYRIL

Passed away 7-6-2025 at Tocumwal NSW, aged 92.

Husband of Agnes (Henderson) (dec)

Father of Darren, Tania, Brett and Ashley Grandfather of 11 and Great-Grandfather of one.

Now at Peace

A private funeral will be held at Terrappee

MORESI - MURRAY CYRIL

4-4-1933 - 7-6-2025

Brother and brother-in-law of Graeme and Thelma

Loved uncle of Kathryn, Roger and Tracey

Rest in Peace

Notiﬁcation by Buyer Intention to Apply for the Intention to apply for the Permanent Transfer of a Licence to Take and Use Groundwater

GMW Reference No: BPTWE0013-25

I, Lynda Cartwright, Bungaree Raywood Pty Ltd, of 3024 Pyramid Yarraberb Road, Raywood Vic 3570, refer to VIc Roads Map 30 D9, intend to make application to permanently transfer entitlement to my existing Licence to Take & Use Groundwater and increase the licenced volume from 515.0ML/Year to 715.0ML/Year.

The volume sought in this application is 200.0ML/Year.

The water will be used for the purpose of irrigation. To be used on lands described as :

Volume Folio Crown Allotment Section Parish

5456 099 4,7 15 Salisbury 11378 932 8-13 14 Salisbury

Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the transfer of this Licence including any intended Surface Water use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notiﬁcation.

To make a submission please read the information available to download from Make a submission about a licence application - Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.

SALT PROCESSING WORKER - MAINTENANCE

Due to increase in production, Pyramid Salt Pty. Ltd., require a person with maintenance and welding abilities to fulﬁl the above salt production position. Applicants should posses the following qualities:

 Physically Fit

 Ability to work with a small team

 Work Unsupervised

 Ability to work shift (afternoons or night) if required

 Current Drivers Licence

 Own Transport

 Current Fork Licence would be an advantage.

 Some rostered weekend work may be required.

All applications to be in writing with details of past employment, and can be made by sending resume via email to; admin@pyramidsalt.com.au or dropping oﬀ resume to:

Pyramid Salt Pty. Ltd. Boort Pyramid Hill Rd. Pyramid Hill VIC 3575

Careers ar Loddon

Loddon Shire Council is inviting passionate, proactive and results-driven individuals to join our team. If you’re looking to make an impact and play a role in shaping the future of our community, we encourage you to apply for the following opportunities:

Land ll/Transfer Station Attendant

 Permanent, part-time position

 An attractive salary package of $36.45 per hour plus employer superannuation is on o er

 Working at the Boort and Pyramid Hill Land lls

Tractor Operator- Loddon Plains

 ·Permanent, full-time position

 An attractive salary range of $68,174.72-$70,528.47 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Work a 9-day fortnight based in the Loddon Plains team.

Applications for the positions above close Monday 16 June 2025 at 5pm. Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received. For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

Bridgewater shrugged off a spirited Mitiamo and persistent rain for a 78-point victory in Saturday’s Loddon Valley Football League clash

in season’s top teams

SHELBY Giorlando has topped off her regional cricket season by being named in two teams of the year.

Juggling cricket and hockey commitments, Shelby produced the form to be selected in both the Bendigo District Cricket Association team of the year and the Northern Rivers team.

She won Tayla Vlaeminck trophy for women’s club champion for Strathdale Maristians Cricket Club and the Bendigo Cricket Association keeping award with seven dismissals.

And at the weekend Shelby, who earlier this year represented Australia in international hockey, was part of the North Central team competing in state championships in Bendigo along with sister Sam. Father Steve and Wedderburn Redbacks teammate Scott Polkinghorne were part of the North Central team contesting the veterans’ division.

Six make play in championship Shelby

SIX golfers braved the wet weather in Boort on Saturday for the first round of the club championship.

President Damien Lanyon made the most of the early, dry conditions starting with two birdies in his first three holes.

However, like everyone else, he dropped a few shots towards the end of the round after the nasty weather settled in.

Despite this he still managed to top Peter Eicher by one point to win the day. Stuart

Tweddle won the countback for third to round out the ball pool.

Andrew Kane picked up two nearest the pins, as well as a bonus ball for chipping in for a two on the 1st, while Peter, Karen and Julie claimed the rest.

In the championships, Andrew took a six-shot lead in A Grade, while Peter has a comfortable lead in B Grade. In the Weaver Cup, Damien leads by two over Peter, with Stuart a further three behind.

FROM PAGE 24

Wilson’s 200th senior game

Wilson says the rise of Boort started under coach Andrew Hawker and had continued with Dale Cameron at the helm.

“Dale’s brought a few former locals back to club, recruited players like Jhye Baddely-Kelly and Jayden Dick and we’ve seen some big improvements this year,” he said.

“We’re all mates looking out for each other.”

Wilson said his preparation for Saturday’s 200th senior game will follow the normal routine.

“Coffee and Weetbix and try to relax,” said the Boort defenders.

Nathan Twigg (left) and Justin Laird (right) were among Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s best against Calivil

Bridgewater goal shooter Louise Dupuy wins the ball against Mitiamo in the A Grade clash

Back in love, Seb is going steady

AT THE end of 2023, Seb Erharter had fallen out of love with footy.

An injury ruined year with Bentleigh in the Southern Football League in Melbourne had him contemplating his playing future at just the age of 21.

A conversation with a school mate in 2024 changed all that.

Erharter’s friend invited him to join Loddon Valley Football Netball League club Inglewood.

While he was unsure at first, Erharter thought a change of scenery might do him good. Plus, he had family living in Bendigo who he could stay with at weekends.

The move to Inglewood was the best football decision Erharter has made.

After testing the water in the reserves, he played the final four games of the 2024 home and away season in the seniors and he knew he’d found his new footy home.

After a big pre-season working on his fitness and strength, Erharter has been a revelation for the Blues in 2025.

Only Bridgewater star Lachlan Sharp (53 goals) and Bears-Lagoon Serpentine spearhead Josh Mellington (43) have kicked more goals than Erharter, who has 42 goals at the halfway mark of the season.

A brilliant effort considering Erharter played all his football in Melbourne as a defender.

“When I started with Inglewood I just wanted to have some fun and find my love

By ADAM BOURKE

for footy again,’’ 23-year-old Erharter said.

“Inglewood has been great for me. Everyone at the club has been unreal and the playing group across the seniors and reserves are a young group… it’s a great bunch of blokes.

“I’m having a lot of fun and we’re winning some games, it’s great.”

Erharter is the height of a mid-sized forward, but his strength and marking ability, coupled with his speed at ground level, makes him a match-up headache for opposition defenders.

“It’s the role I need to play to help the team win games,’’ he said.

“I still have some learning to do in the role, but I’m enjoying it.”

Someone else who is enjoying it is Inglewood senior coach Fergus Payne.

Erharter’s presence inside forward 50 has added an extra dimension to the Blues’ attack.

“He fits in seamlessly with the group,’’ Payne said of Erharter.

“He’s our focal point and he kicks lots of goals, but at the end of the day the main thing is he’s having fun and he’s a great part of our group. That’s what I love about him the most.”

Inglewood goes into the second half of the season in fifth place on the Loddon Valley ladder with a 4-4 record.

The Blues would love to claim at least one scalp in their next three matches against league-leader Marong (away), fourthplaced Bears Lagoon-Serpentine (home) and third-placed Bridgewater (away). They lost to that trio by a combined margin of 24 points in the opening three rounds of this season.

“When we’re up and firing our best footy can match it with anyone,’’ Erharter said.

“Our starts were horrible in the first three games of the season and that cost us in those close losses to some of the best teams.

“Our ability around the contest to win the footy is the big difference when you compare last year to this year. We’re in a good position halfway through the year.”

Doing it by fives, flag stars back together

FROM mascot to premiership player, Chris Pollock was among Bridgewater flag stars with stories to tell when the Mean Machine honoured former players on Saturday.

Pollock was mascot for the club’s 1965 under 17 premiership side.

Twenty years later, he was part of the outfit that held the senior cup aloft.

Onballer Pollock had won the league best and fairest in 1984, also a senior premiership year for Bridgewater.

He swapped stories about his illustrious career with 1965 junior flag player Geoff Collins.

“I played in the centre that day ... we beat Inglewood,” Collins said.

While past players huddled

around the barbecue cooked by Alex and Andrew Collins for warmth, it was the half-time comfort in the clubrooms that brought more stories to the fore.

Richard Smith from the 1985 premiership side held court while team mate Ken Collins caught up with Loddon Valley league vicechairman Glenn Catto, a member of the club’s reserve flag side the same year.

There was loud applause for Barry Baines, coach of that reserves side and also league best and fairest as he regaled the old flag stars with his memories of a season undefeated.

But the biggest roar came just before the start of the senior game when one of the Mean Machine’s more recent flag stars Jarrod Keeley tossed the coin.

Seb Erharter is bobbing up every week with goals for the Blues.

LH PHOTO

Jarrod Keeley tosses the coin before Saturday’s reunion round at Bridgewater for the call from skippers Harry McKinley and Josh Martyn and the Superoos Ryan Duncan. LH PHOTOS

Chris Pollock and Geoff Collins

Barry Baines

Glenn Catto and Ken Collins

SENIORS

Marong 5.5 10.10 14.12 16.14 (110)

Newbridge 1.0 2.1 3.1 4.2 (26)

GOALS – Marong: K. Robins 7, M. Lowery, K. Thomson 2, L. Lee, S. Knott, R. Taylor, J. McCaig, S. Geary. Newbridge: T. Constable 2, B. Shilling, B. Carr.

BEST – Marong: M. Willox, K. Robins, N. Devanny, J. Ede, S. Geary, J. Gadsden. Newbridge: A. Padbury, W. Copland, B. Carr, C. Argus.

Maiden Gully 2.1 2.3 4.4 4.7 (31)

Pyramid Hill 2.4 11.6 14.8 16.9 (105)

GOALS – Maiden Gully: T. James 2, T. Jackson, K. Franzini. Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 4, B. Bisset 3, J. Cheesman, S. Gunther 2, H. Goodes, B. Gibson, B. George, K. Daniels, B. Knight.

BEST – Maiden Gully: M. Hill, E. Crisp, L. Pigdon, D. Russell, T. Webster, T. Jackson. Pyramid Hill: M. Langan, B. Knight, K. Daniels, G. James, L. Moss, B. Bisset.

BL Serpentine 2.3 4.7 5.12 8.20 (68)

Calivil 5.2 6.3 7.5 7.6 (48)

GOALS – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: F. Priest 4, J. Laird, H. Gadsden 2. Calivil: L. Stephens 3, L. Rudden, S. Maher, L. Williams, T. Piazza.

BEST – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: T. Miles, F. Priest, C. Draper, N. Twigg, J. Laird, D. Poulter. Calivil: R. Sheehan, R. Lourie, R. Walsh, S. Green, L. Rudden, T. Piazza.

Bridgewater 6.3 11.4 17.9 1 8.12(120)

Mitiamo 4.0 6.3 6.3 6.6 (42)

GOALS – Bridgewater: L. Sharp 10, O. Muggleton 2, J. Martyn, J. Roberts, H. McKinley, N. Naughton, L. Ellings, J. Neylon. Mitiamo: B. Baines, A. Lloyd 2, S. Wright, Z. Morrison.

BEST – Bridgewater: L. Sharp, L. Ellings, H. McKinley, J. Neylon, D. Wood, H. Conway. Mitiamo: Z. Morrison, C. Tuohey, L. Lougoon, Z. Myers, R. Duncan, M. Gilmour.

Marong 8 8 0 0 1 225.42 32

Pyramid Hill 8 7 1 0 1 200.42 28

Bridgewater 8 6 2 0 1 142.24 24

BL Serpentine 8 5 3 0 1 133.39 20

Inglewood 8 4 4 0 1 131.79 16

Maiden Gully 8 2 5 1 1 69.02 10 Newbridge 8 2 6 0 1 51.13 8 Mitiamo 8 1 7 0 1 45.07 4 Calivil 8 0 7 1 1 40.65 2

RESERVES

BL Serpentine 4.1

GOALS – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Podosky, M. Frecker 4, D. Tineo, F. Holland 2, J. Gladman. Calivil: K. Blow, L. McAllister, E. Ritchie.

BEST – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: T. Clarke, F. Holland, H. Catto, J. Podosky, Z. Hollis, M. Turvey. Calivil: L. McAllister, B. Jenkin, J. Lea, J. Manderson, D. Canfield, K. Blow. Bridgewater 2.5 8.7 12.15 1

Mitiamo 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 (1)

GOALS – Bridgewater: A. Pollock 4, B. Holt, T. Naughton 3, O. Macfarlane 2, D. Daldy, C. Woodhatch, D. Maher, J. Naughton, O. Horan.

BEST – Bridgewater: T. Naughton, A. Pollock, C. Woodhatch, J. McKinley, J. Higgins, D. Maher. Mitiamo: J. Osborne, B. Miller, J. Hann, A. White, C. Pearson, L. Shiell.

– Newbridge: D. Slater.

BEST – Marong: P. Gretgrix, T. Grant, C. Hale, L. Hale, G. Dowler, M. Grant. Newbridge: A. Moore, K. Bertuch, T. Wilson, T. Fox, N. Gray.

M. Thomp-

3, M. Dingwall, B. Coates, R. Pollock, R. Delamare. BEST – Maiden Gully: K. Nicholls, B.

J. Morgan, J. Thompson, W. Anderson, R. Crothers. Pyramid Hill: D. Lovell, G. Quinn, J. Simpson, M. Thompson, J. Douch, M. Dingwall.

UNDER 18

Thornbury, K. Shay 4, T. Brook, D. Bown. Pyramid Hill A. Sims 2, J. Perger-Jude.

BEST – Maiden Gully: J. Wittingslow, Z. Turner, L. Hancock, O. Taylor, E. Thornbury, H. Carter. Pyramid Hill: A. Sims, T. Caine, J. Gould, H. Ray, O. Tonkin, C. Gould.

GOALS – East Loddon: A. Addlem, A. Roulston. Marong: R. McNamara 8, C. Murphy 3, M. O’Donnell, W. Thomson, J. Gribble 2, B. Hale.

BEST – East Loddon: R. Wagner, A. Roulston, D. King, M. Gray, K. Maxted. Marong: J. Taylor, C. Murphy, R. Doorty, H. Wilson, L. Henson, J. Miller.

A Grade

Marong 3, 8, 15, 30, (30) lost to Newbridge 13, 22, 31, 40, (40). Maiden Gully 11, 25, 31, 39, (39) lost to Pyramid Hill 20, 37, 55, 70, (70). Bridgewater 13, 19, 29, 40, (40) lost to Mitiamo 10, 26, 37, 48, (48). BL Serpentine 20, 29, 37, 45, (45) lost to Calivil 17, 29, 40, 48, (48).

Mitiamo 32

Pyramid Hill 28

Newbridge 24

Bridgewater 16

Marong 16

BL Serpentine 12

Maiden Gully 8

Calivil 8

Inglewood 0

A Reserve

Maiden Gully 12, 20, 30, 37, (37) lost to Pyramid Hill 11, 27, 41, 60, (60). Bridgewater 11, 26, 35, 47, (47) d Mitiamo 14, 20, 30, 43, (43). Marong 12, 23, 30, 38, (38) d Newbridge 6, 14, 24, 30, (30). BL Serpentine 8, 14, 23, 31, (31) lost to Calivil 15, 30, 38, 52, (52).

Bridgewater 28

Pyramid Hill 26

Marong 24

Maiden Gully 20

Mitiamo 18

Newbridge 14

Calivil 10

BL Serpentine 4

Inglewood 0

Grade Marong 5, 14, 20, 31, (31) d Newbridge 8, 16, 21, 30, (30). BL Serpentine 8, 14,

d Mitiamo 4, 9, 12, 13, (13).

Maiden Gully 6, 12, 27, 35, (35) lost to Pyra-

Hill 12, 21, 32, 39, (39). Bridgewater 11, 24, 33, 48, (48) d Mitiamo 1, 3, 11, 14, (14). BL

7, 21, 30, 37, (37) lost to Calivil 10, 24, 33, 40, (40). Marong 8, 17, 26, 35, (35) lost to Newbridge 18, 27, 39, 47, (47).

Serpentine 4

Under 17

Maiden Gully 11, 29, 37, 55, (55) d Pyramid Hill 8, 16, 26, 34, (34). BL Serpentine 2, 10, 19, 31, (31) lost to Calivil 19, 34, 48, 63, (63). Bridgewater 18, 33, 56, 74, (74) d Mitiamo 5, 9, 15, 23, (23). Marong 17, 28, 36, 46, (46) d Newbridge 1, 6, 13, 21, (21).

Calivil 28

Marong 24

Maiden Gully 24

BL Serpentine 16

Pyramid Hill 12

Mitiamo 8

Inglewood 4

Newbridge 0

Under 15

Bridgewater 12, 26, 42, 52, (52) d Mitiamo 3, 8, 11, 17, (17). Marong 12, 25, 41, 59, (59) d Newbridge 2, 6, 8, 10, (10). Maiden Gully 2, 8, 16, 24, (24) drew Pyramid Hill 6, 10, 15, 24, (24). BL Serpentine 3, 8, 14, 17, (17) lost to Calivil United 21, 29, 40, 56, (56).

Calivil 32

Marong 28

BL Serpentine 24

Bridgewater 20

Maiden Gully 14

Inglewood 12

Pyramid Hill 10

Mitiamo 4

Newbridge 0

Under 13

Marong 7, 9, 14, 16, (16) lost to Newbridge 7, 18, 25, 32, (32). BL Serpentine 1, 8, 10, 15, (15) lost to Calivil 4, 11, 18, 23, (23). Maiden Gully 4, 16, 26, 30, (30) d Pyramid Hill 6, 12, 20, 23, (23). Bridgewater 7, 13, 26, 38, (38) d Mitiamo 6, 8, 9, 11, (11).

Newbridge 32

Marong 24

Maiden Gully 24

Calivil 16

Pyramid Hill 16

Inglewood 12

Bridgewater 8

BL Serpentine 8

Mitiamo 4

LODDON VALLEY

LODDON VALLEY NETBALL

GOALKICKING

Points straight to the bank

BANK the four points and move on.

It was mission accomplished for the three top teams in a cold and wet round nine of Loddon Valley football.

Top-of-the-table Marong completed a perfect first half of the season by defeating Newbridge 16.14 (110) to 4.2 (26), a big second quarter was the catalyst for Pyramid Hill’s 16.9 (105) to 4.7 (31) victory over Maiden Gully and third-placed Bridgewater outclassed Mitiamo 18.12 (120) to 6.6 (42).

After an even first term, Pyramid Hill blew Maiden Gully away with a sensational nine-goal second quarter burst.

The Bulldogs dominated the midfield contests and gave key forwards Zac Alford and Ben Bisset plenty of opportunities.

Priest

LODDON VALLEY

Maiden Gully v Calivil Marong v Inglewood

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Bridgewater Pyramid Hill v Newbridge Mitiamo bye

NORTH CENTRAL

Wedderburn v Sea Lake Nandaly Calder United v Donald Birchip Watchem v Charlton Boort v St Arnaud

League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au

By half-time the margin was 57 points and, as the heavens opened, the second-half was a

slog with the Dogs adding 5.4 to 2.3 to win by 74 points.

“The second quarter was probably one of our better quarters of footy for the year,’’ Pyramid Hill coach Nathan Fitzpatrick admitted.

“It was already a bit slippery at that point, so to take some of the marks we did inside 50 was impressive. Zac Alford and Ben Bisset were very clean (with their hands) compared to everyone else.

“It was pretty hard to gauge too much out of the second half because it was stoppage after stoppage.”

Mitch Langan was named best for the Dogs after an impressive four-quarter performance across half-back. Ben Knight was the best midfielder for Pyramid Hill and recruit Kai Daniels continued his impressive form.

The Eagles were best served by Mitch Hill, who has put together

Handy breaks have top three with edge

THE LODDON VALLEY A grade netball ladder took shape after an eventful round nine.

At the half-way mark of the season it’s now hard to see the top three teams being displaced.

Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Newbridge all won in round nine and the third-placed Maroons now hold a handy two-game advantage over fourth-placed Bridgewater.

Newbridge took care of business in a professional manner against fifth-placed Marong.

In a contest seen as a danger game for Newbridge, the 40-30 win was arguably the Maroons’ best four-quarter performance of the season.

The 10-goal defeat did come with a silver lining for the Panthers.

Even though they lost, Marong maintained its one-game lead over Bears-Lagoon Serpentine in fifth place after the Bears went down to Calivil United in a thriller.

The Demons upstaged the Bears 48-45 to record their second win of the season.

Serpentine launched a 7-0 run to turn a four-goal deficit into a three-goal lead at quarter-time.

The Demons showed great resilience to level the scores at 2929 by half-time.

Momentum swung in tricky conditions in the second-half, but it was Calivil who made fewew mistakes with the wet ball.

The Demons deserved their three-goal win and go into the second half of the season with renewed confidence.

Mitiamo outlasted a plucky Bridgewater 48-40 to consolidate top spot on the ladder.

The Mean Machine put together some great patches of netball, but Mitiamo’s consistency over four quarters proved to the difference.

Mitiamo has a perfect 8-0 record at the halfway mark – one game clear of second-placed Pyramid Hill.

The Bulldogs outclassed MGYCW 70-39 in round nine to extend their winning streak to five games.

It will be a much tougher encounter this Saturday when Pyr-

a string of good games, while Ed Crisp and 16-year-old defender Lewis Pigdon battled hard.

Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp bagged 10 goals in a best on ground performance against Mitiamo.

The left-footer took his season tally to 53 in the Mean Machine’s 18.12 (120) to 6.6 (42) scoreline.

The Superoos were more than competitive in the first half, but once the conditions became heavy Bridgewater’s experience and bigger bodies took over.

Bridgewater kicked 7.8 to 0.3 after the main break to win convincingly.

Sharp aside, Luke Ellings, Harry McKinley and Jack Neylon were the standouts for Bridgewater.

Ely Woodhatch made his senior debut for the Mean Machine.

Zac Morrison, Cody Tuohey and coach Luke Lougoon were best for Mitiamo.

Marong’s eighth win from as many games was one of its best defensive performances of the season.

The Panthers held Newbridge to one goal in each quarter, while in attack co-coach Kain Robins kicked seven goals.

Ruckman Matt Willox produced his best game of the season for the Panthers.

Marong, which hasn’t lost a home game for three years, will defend that streak when it hosts the improving Inglewood this Saturday.

The other key round 10 clash is at Serpentine where the fourthplaced Bears tackle the thirdplaced Bridgewater.

In other games, Newbridge travels to Pyramid Hill, while Maiden Gully should regain former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward Angus Monfries for its home clash with Calivil.

- ADAM BOURKE

Mitiamo’s Amelia Ludeman ... again a crucial cog in the centre when the Superoos took the points against Bridgewater as rain fell and temperatures barely hit double figures. LH PHOTOS

amid Hill hosts Newbridge in the netball match of the round.

The Bulldogs defeated the Maroons by seven goals when they met in the opening round of the season.

Last weekend’s loss to Calivil was a body blow to the Bears’ finals chances.

Claiming the scalp of a top-five team would put the Bears’ season back on track.

The other intriguing game in round 10 is at Serpentine where the home side plays fourth-placed Bridgewater.

Farran

It was a spirited Mitiamo in the first quarter against Bridgewater on Saturday when Ely Woodhatch (right) made his senior debut for the Mean Machine

Darcy packs a return

By ADAM BOURKE

AS BEARS Lagoon Serpentine players walked off the ground following last Saturday’s hardfought Loddon Valley win over Calivil, Darcy Poulter was pushed to the front of the pack.

Poulter reluctantly accepted the honour to lead the team off and Bears’ supporters gave the midfielder a cheer.

The reaction of his team-mates and supporters was a testament to Poulter’s standing at the club. It wasn’t his 200th senior game or a traditional milestone as such, but it was Poulter’s first senior game for two years.

Poulter hadn’t played a senior game since round 10 of the 2023 season. He underwent a knee reconstruction, which sidelined him for 12 months, and then further complications with his knee put paid to the remainder of the 2024 season.

Poulter and the Bears decided to take a “better be safe than sorry” approach to the 2025 season.

His first game for the year was in the reserves in round six and, after completing three-straight games in the twos, Poulter was named in the seniors to play Calivil.

Much to the delight of his team-mates, Poulter was one of his side’s better players in the 20-point win over the Demons.

“It was amazing (to be back out on the ground),’’ Poulter said.

“All the work and dedication I’ve put in to get back. I’ve had a lot of support from the club and my family and friends and, to be

honest, I couldn’t have got back without them.

“It was a relief to finally be playing senior footy again.”

After two major surgeries on his knee, Poulter was unsure if he’d play the game he loves again.

He had mixed emotions as he watched on from the sidelines as the Bears charged into finals footy in 2023 and 2024.

“It wasn’t looking good at one stage,’’ Poulter said of his injury rehab. “I found myself in quite a dark place at that point. For me, footy is an outlet in life and not

having it for two years… it was a missing puzzle piece.

“I love football more than anything and I love Bears LagoonSerpentine Football Club more than anything.

“As hard as it was over the last two years to just watch, it was good to see the club have some success and see the younger players improve their game.

“It helped me want to get back to be part of it again.”

One person who is elated to have Poulter back on the park playing senior footy is Bears’ sen-

ior coach Jake Wilkinson. “Darcy had a hard road to get back, so it was really pleasing to see him back out there,’’ Wilkinson said.

“He did so much hard work in his rehab and he deserved some rewards for that. I thought he was pretty good for his first game back and he’s only going to get better.

“He’s like a new recruit for us. We won’t put too much pressure on him because after such a long break you just want him to be back out there and enjoying his footy.”

Demon intensity puts heat on flag fancies

FOR the first three quarters of Saturday’s Bears Lagoon Serpentine versus Calivil clash it appeared as though the young Demons would cause the upset of the Loddon Valley season.

The flag fancy Bears struggled to match the winless Calivil intensity around the footy and, despite conceding some big scores through the opening eight rounds, the Demons’ backline held up well.

When Calivil youngster Liam Stephens kicked a goal of the year contender with a right foot snap from up against the boundary in the right forward pocket, the Demons led the Bears by 12 points half-way through the third quarter.

In the heavy conditions, that two-goal point lead felt more like a four-goal lead and the young Demons could sniff their first win of the season.

A crucial moment followed that gave the home side Bears some momentum going into the final term.

A long kick into the Serpentine forward line should have been punched through for a behind, but the Calivil defence failed to

touch the ball and Bears’ forward Farran Priest marked the ball between the goal post and the point post.

He calmly snapped a goal around the corner to cut the deficit to one goal and by three quarter-time the margin was five points in favour of Calivil United.

The final term was one-way traffic.

The young Demons ran out of legs and the Bears’ bigger bodies took over on an increasingly heavier surface.

After two early behinds slashed the deficit to three points, Priest

showed his class in the wet by collecting a loose ball and curling home a left foot snap to give the Bears the lead.

The ball basically lived in the Bears’ front half of the ground for the rest of the quarter.

Priest kicked his fourth goal of the game from a free kick, while Justin Laird sealed the deal with a long-range set shot.

The home side added 3.8 to 0.1 in the final quarter to win 8.20 (68) to 7.6 (48).

Four points in the bag for the Bears, but it was a game that had more positives for Calivil United.

OKAY, things get a bit more serious from this weekend in Loddon Valley football.

Hard to find an easy prediction going into the second half of the season ... apart from Pyramid Hill a raging red-hot bet to take the chocolates against Newbridge.

The Maroons will be hoping for a sunny day to give them something to smile about on what otherwise looks to be a dismal trip north to Pyramid Hill.

So, with one tip in the bag, let’s see how I go with the rest.

At the Camel Hump, Maiden Gully is at home to Calivil. The Eagles put in a spirited show a couple of weeks back against Inglewood, the Demons gave Bears Lagoon Serpentine a fright and a half.

Demons showing a bit more potential but not enough to ground the Eagles.

A toss up for match of the round. Probably cannot go past Marong and Inglewood at the Panther Pit, At the start of the season, Marong was getting used to a new coaching structure and were more than pushed by a resurgent Blues.

Inglewood will enjoy its trip down the Calder, for sure. Reckon they can take the points in the twos but the seniors might still be too much of a challenge. They’ve got a few injury worries.

I’d love to see the Blues pull off an upset. That won’t be this week with Marong winning by a few goals and remaining undefeated in the quest for a fourth straight flag.

“Calivil really put the pressure on us and we didn’t play as well as we should of,’’ Serpentine coach Jake Wilkinson said.

“I don’t think any of our players really played to their best, but it was good to see the way they finished off in the final quarter.

“Calivil showed us up with their pressure and early in the game they controlled the ball out of stoppage a lot cleaner than we did.

“We’re a good team when we all play our role and we play team footy. When we go away from that we get brought back to earth pretty quickly.”

Wilkinson and key forwards Josh Mellington and Andrew Gladman didn’t play against Calivil, but they’re expected to return for next week’s big clash with Bridgewater.

If Saturday’s performance was anything to go by, Calivil United will be singing the club song sooner rather than later.

You could mount a strong case that defender Rhys Lourie was the best player on the ground, while Ronan Sheehan, Riley Walsh and Sam Green were also key contributors.

There’ll be interest at Janiember Park when the Bears host Bridgewater.

First time around, it was Bridgey who did the job on a very clunky Bears - more skill, more pace as well.

Now that winter has hit, the grounds are a bit heavier and that will even things up a fair bit.

- GLENN CATTO

PREDICTIONS

GARY WALSH

Maiden Gully v Calivil

Marong v Inglewood

BL Serpentine v Bridgewater

Pyramid Hill v Newbridge Progressive: 30.5

GLENN CATTO

Maiden Gully v Calivil

Marong v Inglewood

BL Serpentine v Bridgewater

Pyramid Hill v Newbridge Progressive: 28.5

CHRIS EARL

Maiden Gully v Calivil

Marong v Inglewood

BL Serpentine v Bridgewater

Pyramid Hill v Newbridge Progressive: 29.5

Darcy Poulter ... delights Bears with his senior return

Calivil’s Rhys Lourie

Loddon HERALD sport

THE LOYAL PIE

KIEREN Wilson has worn the black and white strips of Boort since first donning the jumper during one of the club’s great junior eras.

This Saturday, the classy North Central defender will run onto Boort Park for his 200th senior game when the Pies meet St Arnaud and continues its flight for a return to finals action in August.

Wilson has been a crucial cog for Boort in its rise over the past four years. “We had some good junior sides when I started in the under 14s - played in three grand

Top defender Wilson set for 200th milestone

finals,” he said. “We all looked up to coach Billy Streader, to all the junior coaches and learnt a lot from those who were in the senior side.”

Wilson remembers making his senior debut in 2011 when Neville Messina was at the helm. “We won that day and while there have been years like 2018-2020 when we have been light on for

good players, we have kept going because we’re all mates.

“Sure, I’ve had offers from other clubs but I’ve wanted to stay at Boort with mates.”

Recognised as one of the league’s leading defenders, Wilson said he was at his football best across the half-back line.

“In some of the years we were struggling, I was being played

some times in the midfield ... even have a just few goals to the name,” Wilson said.

Wilson has played more than 270 junior and senior games for Boort. In almost half, he has been named in the side’s best players. Like when he and brother James graduated to the seniors, Wilson is now seeing another good young crop of players stepping up at Boort. Some have already experienced his guidance and influence from his stint as a junior coach.

CONTINUED PAGE 19

League, clubs waiting on review report

THE future structure of football across northern Victoria remains uncertain with the review into the Golden Rivers league still to be released.

Recommendations from the review chaired by Swan Hill’s Stuart King were to be unveiled last week.

That report is believed to back merging the six-team Golden Rivers with Central Murray to create a 17-club competition.

However, Macorna has had informal talks with the Loddon Valley league for a move south.

The Loddon Herald believes AFL Central Victoria’s regional council could offer Golden Rivers clubs more than the league merger option.

Golden Rivers clubs have already been given an extension on the June 30 deadline to nominate their league for 2026.

Wandella has also been mentioned as a club that could consider coming south in any league restructure.

At least one other Golden Rivers club faces an uncertain future for survival.

Nullawil left Golden Rivers for North Central three years ago and merged with Wycheproof Narraport to form Calder United this season.

Loddon Valley chairman Richard Hicks and deputy Glenn Catto watched a Macorna home match earlier in the season.

Golden Rivers has a twotier junior competition - under 15 and under 18 - while Loddon Valley has just the under 18s.

Meanwhile, the Bendigo league’s immediate expansion plans have only Broadford entering the competition next season.

Steph and Kieren Wilson with their children Grace, Harry and Frank ahead of Saturday’s milestone game. LH PHOTO