Loddon Herald 12 September 2024

000 DROP OUT

MICK and Monique Ward faced harrowing minutes trying to phone for an ambulance last week.

“The first call cut out and the second call was momentarily in and out due to the lack of reception,” said Mick who had a haemorrhage in his mouth.

The Glenalbyn man was recuperating from tonsil surgery last Wednesday when wife Monique battled reception to call an ambulance for a trip to Bendigo Health.

“These 4G network towers are supposed to have a 17km range each way. I live in Glenalbyn half-way between Inglewood and Wedderburn. 15km approximately from each tower. When the traffic gets busy on these towers we lose out,” he said.

“It’s been happening here for 12 years that we have been here.”

Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said: “We’re not aware of any network issues last week in and around Inglewood, Glenalbyn or Wedderburn.

“A number of environmental factors can affect mobile coverage, such as the type of device being used, the distance from a tower, terrain (hills and valleys), vegetation or buildings.

“We continually investigate new opportunities to further expand our mobile coverage, including co-investment opportunities.”

Residents complained about connectivity when storms hit on Christmas Day and cut service for up to eight hours. Mr Ward said poor service continued in the district.

AUCTION: House & Land Opportunity

Pyramid Hill is awash with red, white and blue as excitement reaches fever pitch ahead of the Bulldogs heading to Mitiamo on Saturday for the 2024 Loddon Valley league grand finals. Pyramid Hill will be looking for its first senior football flag in 74 years and cheering on the local champions this week have been Raiden Forster Lauren Gould and Katie Muldowney, even enlisting the cut-out of their favourite singer Lee Kernaghan. GRAND FINAL PREVIEWS - SPORTS PAGES

Mick Ward ... searching for service at Glenalbyn. LH PHOTO

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Lamb roast and lamingtons were on the menu in Boort on Friday night for the latest Moving Feast dinner that brought together the town’s multicultural communities. Naazneen Arshad, Emmanuel Sinu, Pranvi Deven, Wafa Mubarak and Angel Sinu were in the lamington making team while adults honed skills preparing the roast before 25 people sat down to enjoy the fare.

Seeing is Believing: trail’s new theme

LODDON Arts Trail on Monday unveiled its 2024 theme - Seeing is Believing.

Popping up in towns on the first weekend of October, organisers say the “choose-your-own-direction” trail puts flair, imagination, colour and joy on the map.

17

Saturday 16, Sunday 18

This year’s trail opens with a free community barbeque and live music evening on October 4 in Tarnagulla.

Artists are opening their studios, cafes and halls are having

pop-up exhibitions, and for the first time the stately Nimmitabel house in Inglewood opens its doors for visitors to see the staircase mural by Melbourne artist Shawn Lu and hear house-owner Lisa Calandro talk about the commission and the decade-long restoration of the house.

Julie Benaim, proprietor of 24 Karat café in Wedderburn is opening a new gallery space in time for Arts Trail, where artist Len Dierickx will be installing

his work.

“We’re really looking forward to the weekend, ready to welcome lots of visitors to our town and region,” Julie said.

“We love the way our community gets behind these events, so we’re proud to be part of Arts Trail and hope people come and enjoy Len’s new installation.”

Mayor Cr Gavan Holt said the program aimed to build connections right across the shire and the theme invited everyone to take a look at what’s on show.

MP’s baby welcome

RIPON MP Martha Haylett has given birth to a son. Liam was born at Bendigo Health on Monday. The first-term MP said: “We weren’t expecting you for another six weeks, but you couldn’t wait to join us.” Liam is the first child for Ms Haylett and husband Sam Lynch.

Swooping season

PEOPLE have been warned to be alert to swooping birds this spring. ““While swooping is unsettling, it’s normal behaviour for a range of native birds, warning people and animals not to come near their young. It’s rare for birds to make contact, according to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Native birds swoop in urban and rural areas, parks and gardens, along bike tracks or anywhere that birds are nesting. Species that may swoop commonly include magpies, masked lapwings and butcherbirds.

Skipping school

STUDENTS at Tarnagulla Primary School will be skipping the day next Thursday ... skipping with ropes raising funds for the Heart Foundation.

History month

OCTOBER officially marks the celebration of history month in Victoria with local groups being asked to be activities.

Comeback Colleen?

By CHRIS EARL

SALISBURY West farmer Colleen Condliffe will attempt a return to the Loddon Shire council chamber.

Mrs Condliffe will challenge sitting Inglewood Ward councillor Wendy Murphy in next month’s council elections.

Cr Murphy defeated Mrs Condliffe, who had represented the ward for 16 years, by a margin of 43 votes at the 2020 poll.

Previously on council for 16 years, Mrs Condliffe said she had maintained a strong passion for the ward’s communities over the last four years.

She was part of community efforts to stave off demolition of the former Inglewood ambulance station that fell to the wrecker’s ball last September and has been part of the Bridgewater on Loddon Development push for State Government action to tackle the explosion in corella numbers along the Loddon River.

Mrs Condliffe is also president of Kooyoora Women’s Network and led a local team that hosted the annual Women on Farms Gathering in Inglewood two years ago. She is president of Loddon Plains Landcare Network.

“I have remained a member of many community groups, working for good outcomes in our communities,” she said.

“I have been asked by residents to stand again. If people had not asked, I would not have considered putting in a nomination.

“I want to keep working with

local groups to find ways to make good things happen.

“Our local towns need to have a strong voice for the whole of the ward and for the shire.”

Mrs Condliffe’s entry into the council race means there will be elections in at least two wards.

day. Other declared challengers to Cr Jungwirth are Carly Noble and Charmain Shepherd.

Nominations close next Tuesday.

Ballot packs will be mailed to enrolled voters October 7. The Victorian Electoral Commission says completed ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by 6 pm on October 25.

People away during that time can vote early from 10am September 18 at the VEC’s Loddon election office, 37 Peppercorn Way, Serpentine.

Enrolment statistics released this week by the VEC show the Boort Ward will have an elector count of 1188 people on the roll, Inglewood Ward 1246, Tarnagulla Ward 1124, Terrick Ward 1180 and Wedderburn Ward 1095.

„ The Loddon Herald has invited candidates in contested wards to participate in live forums on September 22. Details of the events will be announced next week.

IN BRIEF

Top butchers

ARNOLD Family Butchers has won gold at the Australian chacuterie awards. The Boort butcher’s hickory and peppercorn bacon picked up the top medal and came within two points of being crowned champion when forced into a countback with a competitor. Medals were also given for the butcher’s traditional boneless ham, traditional ham on the bone and chicken, cheese and chilli kabana. Wedderburn’s Steel’s Butchers won medals for its bacon, traditional ham on the bone and kabana.

Coach hit

A V/LINE coach with no passengers on board had its windscreen damaged after farming equipment on the back of a utility travelling in the opposite direction swung and struck the coach at Mysia. V/Line said the coach was not running a passenger service at the time and the driver was not injured. A replacement coach was used for the scheduled V/Line services.

Rally no show

Former mayor and sitting councillor Dan Straub (Terrick Ward) and Cr Linda Jungwirth (Tarnagulla Ward) lodged their nomination on Monday morning.

Laanecoorie’s Nick Angelo lodged his nomination on Tues-

Nominations for the October council elections opened on Monday.

„ Loddon Shire Council will hold its final meeting before elections when councillors gather in the Wedderburn council chambers. The agenda for the meeting had not been released yesterday morning.

September’s meeting was brought forward to be held before the official caretaker period starts next Tuesday.

Last month’s meeting was the longest during the current council term, running for almost two hours.

PRIME Minster Anthony Albanese refused to attend the National Farmer Rally outside Parliament House, ignoring farmers who travelled from Mallee to plead with the Government to stop its anti-farming agenda, said Mallee MP Anne Webster.

Colleen Condliffe announces bid for council return. LH PHOTO

VNI West licence bid as farmers ‘give access’

TRANSMISSION Company Victoria has made its bid for an electricity transmission licence for the controversial VNI West renewable energy project.

The bid, first touted more than nine months ago, comes as TCV says its community reference group has started talks on “create lasting benefits for the community” along the route between Stawell and Kerang and through northern areas of the Loddon Shire.

TCV also says more than 100 landholders have now given the company land access.

Community reference group members met last month where they were given an update about the land access agreement, transmission license application, Environmental Effects Statement, Transmission Network Service Provider tender and route refinement processes.

According to TCV, the group also discussed concerns about the project, including the level of compensation for hosting transmission lines versus hosting renewable energy infrastructure.

A transmission licence would allow TCV to operate transmission infrastructure and transmit electricity in Victoria.

“Applying for a transmission licence is a regular part of delivering a project such as VNI West. The licence would support the land access, planning and envi-

ronment approvals works underway as TCV proceeds with its plans to develop, design, build and operate the VNI West project,” the subsidiary of Australian Energy Market Operator said.

Consultation on the licence will be open for about six weeks and the Essential Services Commission says a decision will come two months later.

Meanwhile, Gannawarra councillor Garner Smith has launched his own push for better community benefits from the project.

Cr Smith said: “Personally, I do not see an overall long-term benefit for Communities like Gannawarra, out of either the VNI west power line or the renewable projects.

“Little to no long-term employment, unattractive infrastructure on a scale that the community does not comprehend and a benefits package that lacks detail and sound more like welfare than an opportunity.

“There has been a lot of hollow statements about VNI west and renewables being ‘Game changers’ and the ‘biggest development since irrigation’ ... it is time we turn empty promises into practical reality. If we cannot, then we should oppose this project.”

“In September 2023 I gave (Gannwarra) council the platform to negotiate a lasting benefit for Gannawarra when I moved that our support for VNI west de-

pended on Gannawarra getting the electricity produced in Gannawarra at the feed in Tariff. According to wind turbine proponents that was 5 cents a kilowatt hour when the wind blew. Even if we add on retail administration, that will provide power for Gannawarra at a fraction of what we pay now. Instead, we got a motion with weak direction that ignored the lack of benefit of VNI west. I have recently learned that council has achieved nothing from that motion. It was a waste of a motion.

“Local use of power benefits everyone. People, business and industry will make use of a cheap resource and relocate to Gannawarra. The generators will get paid the same, we export less power to capital cities hundreds of kilometres away, reducing transmission losses and feeing up capacity on existing and new infrastructure.”

Cr Smith said a panel at the recent Rural Council Victoria forum in Trawool discussed renewable energy proposals for rural Victoria.

“The key points ... there was inequity in story – community was not benefitting from renewables, What is in it for us?

“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to negotiate real benefits for. If we get it wrong, that opportunity will be lost forever.”

Energy companies ‘dipping toe in Loddon land water

DRAFT transmission grid guidelines released by the State Government could be spurring approaches to Loddon farmers.

Consultation on the draft is expected to closed last month and the final report is expected within days.

Spanish-owned Acciona Energy has met with some farmers in the Boort district to discuss proposals for wind turbines.

While the company has questioned the touted 150-turbine figure, several farmers have told the Loddon Herald the number could be greater.

They are preparing for further talks with Acciona this month.

Acciona Energy’s Victorian development manager Cairan Dillon said: “Acciona Energy team members visited Boort and other areas last week scouting potential sites along the VNI West route that might be suitable for potential projects in the future.

“As part of this activity we’ve been looking at wind and solar resources along the length of

VNI West and evaluating these and the possibility of developing a large-scale renewable energy project”.

However, one farmer in the Boort disrict has said he was not invited to the first meeting. Josh Lanyon said: “This seems to have been a very secretive meeting, with a map showing our property ... but definitely not invited ourselves.”

Acciona is the second energy company to have been engaged with Loddon Shire in recent months.

It is undertstood another firm has already met with shire councillors with Loddon included in the draft tier one renewable energy zone.

According to one farmer: “They are all starting to dip their toe in the water around hear.”

The Government says renewable energy zones will be areas of the state that not only have abundant renewable energy resources but are also appropriate for development.

The area near Boort that has the eye of renewable energy companies

Strictly fun on streets of old Tarna town

HUNDREDS of people flocked to Tarnagulla on Sunday for the annual Strictly Vintage Fair.

People from across the region meandered stalls, vintage cars, motorcycles and caravans lining Commercial Road for the fourhour celebration of the quirky and daggy.

Sisters Holly and Jayde Glistener took out the pinny competition, beating off a strong challenge from Robyn Johns.

Robyn had crafted her apron from clay target shooting championship sashes won by her uncle George Hayman in the 1960s.

She said the treasured sashes were a special tribute to a vintage era.

Youngsters enjoyed traditional games and the local golf club held a putting competition.

Gold enthusiasts shared their stories with TV star miner Brent Shannon. One even brought along a replica of a nugget found by his uncle in the district 30 years ago.

The fair was organised by Southern Loddon Tourism with co-ordinator Frances Clarke bringing together a team of volunteers who started from 7am to have the event ready to roll.

“It’s been another great day ... a crowd that has been up on previous years,” said Frances.

Bishop will lead anniversary day

BISHOP Andrew Curnow will lead the 160-year celebration of St Augustine’s Anglican Church Inglewood on Sunday.

St Augustine’s Anglican Church the anniversary with a Festal Eucharist presided by Reverend Darcy Vaughan and Bishop Andrew Curnow. Bishop Curnow retired from his position as the ninth bishop of Bendigo in 2017, after 14 years of service.

A presentation of the church’s history will follow the service. Notable in the church is its 1878 Fincham organ, which was heritage listed in 1997 and is one of the few Fincham organs that remain intact in Victoria.

Start the engines

VINTAGE engines will be revving in Wedderburn this weekend with the Wedderburn.

The Historical Engine and Machinery Society Rally be running for its 32nd year. Society president Trevor Bailey said: “The rally will showcase a variety of vintage engines, trucks, tractors, machinery and tools.” There will also be a range of market trade and exhibit stalls will be on show.

The old school building at Engine Park will display patchwork quilts.

Caitlin Verlinden and Caroline Minchie ready for the vintage fashion parade. LH PHOTOS

Harry Schlegel came from Nyah West Robyn Johns, Lola Brown, Holly and Jayde Glistener and Marlene Quay

Casey Wilson and Francs Clarke Nicola and Mark Opie

Jack Glistener takes a tumble

Sand miners locked out

FALCON Metals have been refused access to Mysia farms for testing of minerals sands.

Landowners last week told the exploration company it would be locked out of their farms.

The decision came just days after Falcon told the Australian Stock Exchange the earlier test analysis showed high-grade sands in the district.

Farmers met early last week before talks with Falcon broke down.

They have not made a statement but Falcon updated the ASX last Thursday.

Managing director Tim Markwell said the expected date of recommencing drilling to test

the extent of the high-grade Farrelly Mineral Sands Deposit, initially targeted for the final three months of 2024 was at risk of being delayed.

“Falcon has been in communication with several of the landowners at the Farrelly deposit regarding consent for the upcoming drilling, and despite constructive initial discussions, they have decided against providing consent to access their respective properties at this time,” Mr Markwell said in the ASX statement.

“Falcon will continue to engage in good faith with these landowners to understand and address their concerns with the aim of resolving this matter amicably.

Pools should come ‘before profits’

COMMUNITY conversations have been ignited with the release of Loddon Shire’s draft recreation, open space and aquatic strategy.

Loddon Herald readers have been among the first to express views, many calling for the retention of the shire’s five swimming pools at Boort, Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn.

Bridgewater’s Jill Hobbs says the future of pools should not be about profit.

“I learnt to swim in Inglewood’s pool. I taught numerous children to swim in Inglewood’s pool. It was built by the Inglewood community ... yes men (and) horses, shovels,” she said.

“A vital part of a small community and ‘the pool’ also serves a much wider community in the neighbouring towns and rural areas.

“There are some things in life that shouldn’t be based solely on profit. The swimming pool is one of these. If there’s money to be spent on aesthetics then there’s money to maintain pools,” she said.

Former Korong Shire president Helen Leech has also joined the conversation.

“I also taught many children to swim in the Inglewood pool, from babies to bronze. Whether it was cold or hot.

“It was fantastic when my dad Cr Bill Needs had the foresight to push for solar for the pool, using the roof of the football pavilion. Sad to see that has been gone for a few years.

“We never had lifeguards and we never had any drownings. The odd cracked tooth, or slip on the concrete. That was when everyone took responsibility for themselves and their children.”

Feedback on the draft strategy closes on Sunday.

Look at options, committee told

OTHER options should be considered before a decision is made to remove the historic pioneer memorial gates at Rheola Recreation reserve.

Matt Catto, president of the town’s charity carnival who started a petition to preserve the gates and not have a cattle grid installed, received the news last week from Ripon MP Martha Haylett.

Mr Haylett told Mr Catto that she had received advice from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action that the reserve committee had been “ encouraged to think of other options” to improve entrances at the reserve.

She said DEECA had also told the committee of management it must consider public response to the proposal before submitting an application to the department.

The committee received $70,484 for reinstatement and resurfacing of the main entrance, a cattle grid, playground and toilet plumbing repairs following the October 2022 flood emergency.

“Since Falcon listed on the ASX in December 2021, it has undertaken in excess of 120,000 metres of low impact exploration drilling throughout central Victoria, working in a respectful and responsible manner in all aspects of its activities, including the previous drilling at Farrelly.”

Mr Markwell had told the ASX a week earlier: “It is still early days for the high-grade Farrelly discovery, however it is highly encouraging to see the sighter test confirming the deposit is amenable to conventional processing methods without any notable issues.

“It is also pleasing that the slimes are easily separated from

the heavy minerals and settle well using conventional methods, and that the grain size is considered coarser than is often the case with other Victorian deposits, which should translate to a streamlined flow sheet,” Mr Markwell said.

“With no major material processing issues identified in the scope of the test work to date, Falcon’s focus will return to continuing exploration to determine just how large this deposit is.”

Mr Markwell told the Loddon Herald on Monday that Falcon Metals wanted to resume good relationships with landowners.

Future talks would aim to know their concerns, he said.

Police put deal message on road

POLICE across Victoria, including Loddon officers, are stepping up their campaign for a better pay deal.

Police will warn drivers to speed cameras and cover patrol cars with union slogans in a fresh wave of industrial action Police Association has adopted the slogan Over Worked, Under Valued, Always There as police push 24 per cent rise over four years, along with the introduction of 8.5-hour shifts to account for the unpaid time. A second phase of action is also planned.

Science works on track at college

THE new science building, secondary toilet block and outdoor café are taking shape at Wedderburn College.

Principal Danny Forrest said it was likely that these new facilities will be handed over to the school before the end of the year which is good news.

“The two new wheelchair ramps have been completed and handed over to the school to use,” Mr Forrest said.

“This means that we have disability access to every area of the school.”

80kmh signs erected

THE speed limit has been put on a sweeping bend crossing the Loddon River at Eddington.

New 80kmh signs were erected on the Bendigo-Maryborough Road last week, almost 12 months after local residents and business owners called for a speed limit reduction.

Eddington Engineering’s Simon Morrison contacted federal MP Anne Webster and member for Ripon Martha Haylett with their concerns.

Mr Morrison’s business is one of three flanking the sweeping bend near the Loddon River.

Backing for action also came from Southern Stockfeeds’ di-

rector Brett Caddy. “We have 10 semis a day, sometimes more, coming to our Eddington mill and when harvest ramps up next month, that could be 30 a day,” said Mr Caddy as the push for a cut on the 100kmh zone was launched last October.

“We need turning lanes as a minimum. I would rather be proactive than reactive.”

Mr Morrison on Monday said the erection of 80kmh signs was good news.

“Now we just need turning lanes and a guard rail,” he said.

Mr Morrison said B-Double traffic on the road had increased with expansion of the Southern

Stockfeeds’ mill and said the new speed limit had been a win for residents and businesses concerned about safety on the busy road.

The Eddington speed limit reduction is the third on Loddon in less than a year.

Community campaigns saw the Calder Highway speed zone reduced to 40kmh in Brooke Street, Inglewood, and Wedderburn’s High Street.

The State Government has also allocated funds for pedestrian crossing lights in Wedderburn. Designs and a decision on its location are still to be announced by the Government.

CONSTRUCTION of a new boat ramp at Laanecoorie Reservoir began on Tuesday. Brownbill Recreation Reserve will be closed for a month and water levels will be temporarily lowered. The boat ramp at Anchors Causeway will remain open but will be unusable while the water is lowered.

The new ramp at Brownbill Recreation Area will be about 160 metres west of the existing one. This project funded by the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Better Boating division as part of its infrastructure upgrade program, will also include additional car parks, foreshore improvements, and upgrades to the navigation aids.

Goulburn-Murray Water Loddon-Campaspe storage manager Paul Wakenshaw said: “This will enhance safety and reduce congestion by separating high-speed boating areas from foreshore bathing zones, while also improving overall site accessibility.

“We are communicating with irrigation and domestic and stock customers who draw water from the reservoir.”

SCHOOL kids will have a chance to CATCHuP with creativity when the school bell signals the end of term later this month.

Wedderburn Community House backed by Inglewood Community Bank will bring an art-based holiday program to the Loddon Shire for the September school holidays.

Connecting Art Through Children’s Holiday Programs (CATCH-uP), will focus on hands-on activities such as painting, gardening and sculpture, led by experience art instructors, to encourage children to express themselves creatively and think outside the box.

The fun and enriching program provides a safe and inclusive environment for children to develop their artistic skills, social skills and self-confidence. CATCH-uP offers families a local option for holiday enrichment, reducing the need for out-oftown travel.

The program will run from September 30 to October 3 for primary school children in Years 4, 5 and 6.

Police investigating cafe burglary

GOLDFIELDS detectives are investigating an overnight burglary in Boort last week.

Police said cash was taken from Godfrey and Bear Cafe, Godfrey Street last Thursday night.

They believe thieves entered through the rear of the building.

Anyone

New school centre opened

BISHOP of Sandhurst Shane Mackinlay

blessed and opened the new Nano Nagle Centre at St Mary’s Primary School Inglewood last week.

Principal Steve O’Shannessy said the centre in the former Presentation Sisters convent had been three years in the making.

Former principals were among guests, recognising their involvement in the project. The convent foundation stone was layed on February 26, 1907, and opened in September of the same year.

The current school building was opened in 1927. The Presentation Sisters were in charge of St Mary’s School until 1974.

Bush walk connects, supports residents in district towns

MORE than 50 people walked the 8km from Tarnagulla to Newbridge on Saturday to connect residents and foster community wellbeing.

They have recently experienced the unexpected loss of three lives in the tightknit district and the One Step Forward walk aimed to encourage conversation and care.

While some walked the bush route, long-time Tarnagulla resident Wendy Sutton arrived for the start on her gopher.

Accompanied by daughter Cheryl Keane, the mental health awareness event had added significance for Wendy who displayed photographs of family and friends lost over the years.

The walk was organised by a group of residents who wanted to bring communities together.

“All it takes is a community coming together to make a difference! Caring and sharing, lending an ear, a smile and a hug,” they said.

Saturday’s walk, that also attracted visitors to the district for the next day’s Tarnagulla Strictly Vintage Fair, was followed by music and comedy performances at the Newridge Recreation Reserve.

The walk also came ahead of RUOK Day that will be marked across Australia today.

Inglewood and Districts Health Service will have a pop-up stall at Inglewood IGA to promote the mental health wellbeing message.

This year’s theme is Ask RUOK? Any Day because life happens every day, encouraging conversations with other people every day.

What’s next for VNI West? Refining the route, environmental assessment and field surveys

Here’s a brief update on some key activities as we move into the next phase of planning, design and approvals for the VNI West transmission project.

Preferred easement announcement

Conversations with landholders, engineering studies and field surveys are part of the ongoing work to narrow down the VNI West draft corridor to a preferred easement 70-120 metres wide. We expect to have more detail to share soon with communications planned for September, subject to the EES process. We will do our best to make sure that landholders with property in the preferred easement are informed first, ahead of a public announcement.

Environment Effects Statement (EES) consultation

The regulatory EES assessment process is now underway, overseen by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). We are working with DTP on the “draft scoping requirements”, a document that outlines the technical studies to be carried out on a range of matters as part of the project impact assessment. In coming months, the draft scoping requirements will be released by DTP for public comment, providing the community with the opportunity to provide feedback. We will communicate more details once the consultation timing is confirmed.

Access agreements with landholders

TCV continues to seek access to land in the corridor to carry out field surveys, which are important to inform project planning by providing us with a better understanding of the local environment. If we need to access private property, we will request consent from landholders. Any terms for access or farm rules will be set out in a formal land access agreement with the property owner. TCV follows strict biosecurity protocols including thorough boot, equipment and vehicle washdowns using disinfectant cleaner on entry and exit from properties.

Contact the TCV team

Freecall: 1800 824 221

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au Website: transmissionvictoria.com.au

Wendy Sutton and Cheryl Keane ready for the to walk to Newbridge. LH PHOTO

Bishop Mackinlay with students at St Mary’s last week. LH PHOTOS

Kim Carter, Fr Stephen Bolling, John O’Connor, Marg Brohm and Stephen O’Shannessy

HILL

VICTORIA HOTEL

VICTORIA

Love our local!

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm  Dinner from 6.00pm

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Prepping popular lake for big summer influx

WORK has started to prepare Little Lake Boort for the busy summer tourist season. Committee of management member Kevin Sutton was last week assisting contractor Stewart Coutts with the annual maintenance program.

Mr Coutts has already transplanted River Club-Rush plants around the lake bank to prevent further erosion.

The River Club-Rush came from the Serpentine Creek and is native to Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands.

It is a tall perennial sedge with a rhizomatous root system with stems between

100cm and 200cm high, smooth and hairless. It is a good habitat for birds and fish. Mr Coutts has removed the weed Spiny Rush which is sharp and dangerous.

A retaining wall at the caravan park has been completed.

Works this week will see beach areas with high traffic strengthened with rocks and more sand added.

The lake is expected to be filled at the end of September and will be kept full all summer when Boort hosts thousands of visitors through the holiday season and the caravan park at capacity.

Talks with owner on fire clean-up

Lunch from 12.00pm

Trading hours

Dinner from 6.00pm

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Dinner from 6.00pm

Thursday – Open Midday

Social Darts Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

LODDON Shire Council has started talks for the clean-up of Inglewood’s historic W. Jennings store destroyed by fire two weeks ago.

Friday – Open Midday

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Lunch from 12.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Fire broke out in the 1866 building about 3pm and the facade had to been knocked down that evening after it had become unsafe.

Protective fencing was placed in front of rubble of the Brooke Street property in the hours after the authorised demolition.

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Pot’n’Parma Night

Thursday – Open Midday Dinner from 5.30pm

Saturday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Midday

12.00pm

5.30pm

–

Eat in our Lounge or Dining Room

WIN $1,000

Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm The second Sunday of each month from May – August

A council spokesperson said on Tuesday: “Council is working with the landowner who will be required under the building regulations to obtain a building permit to carry out the clean-up and any further works if required, to make the building structurally sound.

“The works will require a registered building practitioner in the category of Demolition. These contractors are experienced in the required disposal of the demolition materials.”

A gofundme appeal started by Inglewood

Mr

resident Dean Lonza has raised $1430 to assist building owner David Oakley after the fire.

Oakley, who had operated his general hardware store from the building for more than 30 years is continuing to sell chickens to customers.

Kevin Sutton and Stewart Coutts complete a new retaining wall at Little Lake Boort

Water wait puts stress on crops

FARMERS are waiting up to a week to receive their water orders, less than a month into the new irrigation season.

Dingee’s Adrian Hocking said the extended wait was putting crops at risk on warm and windy days.

“Normally the wait after placing an order is two days,” he said.

“We just want the normal standard of flow in Goulburn Murray Water delivering out orders.

“We could potentially lose two to three bags of yield unless the water comes when we need it. And it’s needed when the temperature hits 20 degrees.”

GMW manager water resources Mark Bailey said: “The lack of rainfall in recent months along with strong water availability has led to an exceptionally high amount of water orders being placed at the start of the 20242025 irrigation season.

“At this stage of the season, we have received approximately the same amount of water orders

Adrian Hocking

as the same stage in the previous four irrigation seasons combined,” he said.

“With this being the case, it is not physically possible to deliver all orders within our usual timeframe due to channel capacity, however, we have so far avoided rationing and provided orders in full.

“We are working closely with customers and appreciate their patience and co-operation during this time. We encourage customers to place their orders early to help with planning.”

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Very strong market in a plain quality yarding. Mutton remained firm with a significant increase in numbers.

September 9th,

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

MORE than 100 farmers from across northern and central Victoria attended last Friday’s annual Wheelhouse AGnVET field day in Bridgewater. Among them were Trevor Grigg, Mal Isaac, and Jim Younghusband (pictured above) talking with Alan Coldwell and Boort’s Wayne and Laurie Maxted and Steve Rodger of Burke’s Flat. They were given demonstrations of new equipment and rural products. LH PHOTOS

Equipment demonstrations at the Wheelhouse AGnVET field day on Friday.

Rural exports dip

RURAL Bank’s Australian Agricultural Exports Report has found that the value of Australian agricultural exports fell by 8.5 per cent to $72.4 billion or $6.7 billion lower than the record high achieved in 2022-2023.

States with large cropping industries saw the most significant declines, with Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia most impacted by the dip in this sector. Year-on-year decreases in Australian agricultural export value were recorded across the majority of Australian states in 2023/24 with Victoria and Queensland the only states to see export growth.

Strong show finish

TERRICK West Merino Stud collected multiple champion sashes at last week’s Royal Adelaide Show.

The stud exhibited the Champion March Shorn Fine Wool poll ewe, Reserve Champion march shorn poll ewe of the show, Champion March Shorn Fine Wool poll Ram, Champion March Shorn Medium Wool poll Ram Reserve Champion March Shorn poll Ram of the show and was named the White River Breeders group Champion

More buyers bid at ram auction

LOCAL buyers dominated bidding at Friday’s Kerrilyn Merino and Poll Merino Stud’s on-property sale.

Top price for the second year was paid by Brendon Lanfranchi, of Mt Hooghly, near Dunolly.

He was one of 25 registered bidders for Helmsman-style auction where farmers bid silently against the clock.

Kerrilyn’s Norm Weir said it was the largest number of bidders in the stud’s sale history.

Mr Lanfranchi said his only purchase was selected for its traits of soft and white wool crimp.

”I’m chasing the wool cut in my flock that averages 19 microns,” he said.

The April 2023-drop ram had 19.1 micron wool, standard deviation 2.5 per cent, co-efficient of variation 13.1 per cent, spinning factor 17.5 per cent and he had a comfort factor of 99.8 per cent.

The ram, a twin win, weighed 90 kilograms.

“Norm’s sheep are renowned for being heavy wool cutters,” Mr Lanfranchi said. The ram will be part of his farm’s program joining 3500 ewes.

Mr Lanfranchi is a regular buy-

er of Kerrilyn rams. Mr Weir said he was generally pleased with the sale’s result that saw a clearance of 31 of 43 rams offered, for a $1564 average.

He said local support was again to the fore with most buyers coming from central Victoria.

There was one new buyer from Ararat at the sale.

Mr Weir said farmers liked the

Helsman-style auction. “We got up to offering over 60 rams at one stage, things were going well and we went to the open bid style auction,” he said.

“After a couple of years, two or three, the buyers had a voted and we went back to Helmsman..”

Mr Weir said he had been pleased with the stud’s sale offering this year.

“The rams all presented well, they had a finer average than last year and were also bigger,” he said.

“They were also generally stronger with more weight ... they had come from better lambing.”

Mr Weir also said he was pleased with the increase in registered bidders.

“There have been quite a few around the area move out of sheep and into cropping,” he said.

Multiple buyers took home two rams from the auction.

The lower clearance rate reflected this season’s ram auctions across the Loddon.

Poor seasonal conditions and weak wool prices have impacted sales in Victoria, New South Wales and Victoria throughout the spring selling season.

Glenn Heather and Darren Alexander, both of Murphys Creek, were among local buyers.

Brendon Lanfranchi, Elders’ Tim Hill and Kerrilyn stud’s Norm Weir with the top selling ram at last Friday’s sale that had a record number of registered buyers. LH PHOTO

The Australian wool market recorded a small overall increase last week. The first day of selling buyer activity was subdued, with sale results mixed across microns and centres. The movements in the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece ranged between plus 15 and minus 19 cents, varied results in the other sectors resulted in the benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) falling by one cent for the day. This was the fifth consecutive selling day where the EMI dropped. A weaker Australian dollar meant the fall was larger in USD terms, the EMI dropped by 7 US cents to 732 US cents. The second day of selling was in complete contrast to the first. Buyer sentiment was buoyant, and bidding was noticeably stronger. By the end of the day the movements for the merino fleece MPGs ranged between unchanged and plus 26 cents, only the 17.5-micron MPG in the North falling (by 10 cents). The EMI ended its downward run, adding 5 cents for the day. This rise pushed the EMI into positive territory for the week, the EMI closed 4 cents higher at 1,091 cents. This was just the second weekly rise in the EMI for the current season. With the finer microns recording larger falls than the medium to broad microns over the last few months, the differentials between microns has continually reduced. This is best displayed by comparing the 17and 21-micron MPGs in the South. The current difference in these MPGs is 368 cents. If we go back 12 months these MPGs were trading at 1,767 cents and 1,277 cents respectively, a difference of 490 cents.

Wet weather continues to disrupt shearing in the West, limiting quantity, Fremantle will only require one-day of selling. Despite this the national offering is expected to rise slightly, there are currently 33,830 bales on offer.

Source: AWEX

BENDIGO

109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM

Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 5448 3936

Branch Manager & Senior Agronomist

Craig Sharam 0408 188 351

Wool - Adam Millard 0400 499 064

Livestock - Nigel Starick 0408 528 322

Wade Broadstock 0427 337 231

Lachie McAlister 0428 717 403

Chris Anderson 0408 921 540

Merchandise - Glenn Jackson 0429 076 459

Agronomy - Anton Mannes 0499 708 044

Josh Mcleod 0447 678 609

SHEEP AND LAMBS

SEASONAL influence was evident at Bendigo on Monday with just as many sheep yarded as lambs. There was 12,700 sheep and 12,630 lambs penned, agents suggesting producers are selling ewes earlier and keeping the young lambs which are just not making the grade this early spring.

All regular buyers attended and the lamb market opened very strongly before settling down and loosing some momentum. main runs of new season lambs still managed to average dearer overall then a week ago, the price for good processing types from 830c to 950c/kg cwt with some isolated higher sales early in the auction. Bidding for old season lambs was dearer., particularly for any well presented trade and heavy types off feed. there was little change to the plainest old lambs in rough skins.

The lead pens of new season lambs, 2630kg cwt, from $230 to a top of $280/ head and this section tended to have some of the dearest carcass price results due to limited runs at these weights. The main run of heavy trade young lambs, 24-26kg cwt, from $213 to $243/head to average close to 900c/kg cwt.

Medium trade young lambs, 22-24kg cwt, from $189 to $235 at a ballpark 875c/kg cwt; followed by the 20-22kg cwt pens at $171 to $190 at an estimated cost of 840c/ kg cwt. The results show how young lambs with weight and hard carcass finish received the best support from processors in this sale. Any fresh conditioned light MK style crossbred young lambs were well supported at $120 to $156/head to also trend above 800c/kg cwt. The old lamb yarding was very mixed for quality with less good heavy lambs available. There was some dearer results for neat trades off feed at $170 to $222 to be costing well over 800c/ kg cwt at times. Very limited selection of export weights sold to $266/head. Mixed pens of secondary old lambs still in the 720c to 780c/kg cwt range. The verdict

from the mutton market was it had held up fairly well under the pressure of numbers, although the general run of trade to heavy sheep did ease $5 to $10/head on a week ago. The cost estimate for most grades of mutton was 330c to 380c/kg cwt.

SUCKERS

C Graham Family Arnold (66) $280. A & C Branson Colinabbin (129) $279. GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (40) $268. P & B Meighan Mitiamo (57) at $262. Pompapiel Pastoral Pompapiel (62) $250. Raleigh Estate Rochester (79) $241. Woomboula Pastoral Moama (29) $240. B Allen Wycheproof (54) $240. RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (42) $238. Brossy Downs Pyramid Hill (62) $235. Nelson Farms Boort (49) $234. Blake Forster Cohuna (24) $230. DL & TM Jensen Diggora West (66) $225. G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (109) $222. MG & M Filmer Barham (62) $218. JM & PJ Darker Boort (74) $215. ST & A Cain Moama (67) $197. CROSSBRED LAMBS I & P

(123) $125. DL & TM Jensen Diggora West (66) $121. JA & KL Head Moama (34) $120. G &C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (45) $120. JM Hiscock & Sons Pyalong (16) $120. Chartwell Farms Romsey (68) $118. B Allen Wycheproof (85) $112. MERINO EWES

A & B Bear Boort (63) $122. RH JD & R McNutt Knowsley (74) $120. Mirnee Partnership Hunter (47) $117. Blake Forster Cohuna (92) $111. Nelson Farms Boort (181) $108. I Macdonald Dumosa (59) $108. J & G Ross Mia Mia (79) $107. GE KM & NE Harrop Knowsley (28) $105. Glengower Charlton Yeungroon (76) $104. Kiriwina Pty Ltd Durham Ox (93) $104. B Weaver & Co Boort (109) $103. Fairfields @ Mysia Boort (62) $102.

Serpentine Rd, TANDARRA

Opportunity to purchase an established mixed farming property, currently used for cropping, fodder and livestock. Offering 170.6 Hectares/ 421.53 Acres of fertile Tandarra loam soil. 6 paddocks plus 3 containment paddocks. 40kms North of Bendigo, 8km South of East Loddon P-12 College

Extensive improvements including: Brick Veneer home4 bedrooms, master with large walk- in robe and ensuite; Light filled, large open living areas with polished floor boards throughout.; Large modern kitchen with stone benchtops and 900mm oven; Separate home office/ parents retreat; -Covered outdoor entertaining area overlooking well established gardens; -Ducted electric heating/ cooling throughout with addition of a solid fuel fireplace; -6.4 watt solar system with additional solar hot water system

Extensive shedding includes: 32m x 20m machinery shed; 8m x 11m workshop with pit; 15m x 28m hay shed; Shearing shed/ machinery shed/ grain shed with 2 stand raised board (12m X 13m cement; floor. Power supplied by 15kva single/ 3 phase diesel generator; Steel sheep yards/ adjustable loading ramp. 2 X 10,000 Ltr tanks; -9 grain silos (600+ tonne)

Ample rainwater catchment- 60,000 Ltr tanks at house/sheds, 80,000 Ltr tank set up for spraying. -Water supplied by S/D bore to garden and paddocks- troughs in all paddocks

E.O.I Opens 7/09/2024. E.O.I Closes 10/10/2024 at 4pm at the offices of F.P Nevins & Co Inglewood. Settlement 30 th January 2025. Options on working rights available

Documentation/ Inspections by appointment through Agents. Contact James Nevins 0407 302 900 OR Nicki Henderson 0429 796 054 Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Invest beyond metro bubble

By GAELLE BROAD

REGIONAL Victoria, the heart of our state, is being slowly suffocated by the Allan Labor Government’s neglect and inability to manage money.

In the last month farmers and landowners from across the state have voiced their fury at the government’s lack of consultation on high voltage power lines and renewables, as well as a range of other key issues hurting rural and regional Victoria.

The Reset Victoria Rally in Bendigo attracted around 500 people. Speakers at the rally said rural and regional Victorians are being treated with contempt and have been left feeling like second-class citizens.

Despite the Premier attending a Rural Press Club of Victoria lunch at the venue on the day, she did not meet with protesters to discuss the issues that had been raised so strongly.

The next week a Bush Summit had similar concerns raised.

I attended an event at Parliament and heard the Premier say that when you listen to people and understand people, you get better outcomes.

I formally asked the Premier to extend the same courtesy and meet farmers, landholders and key stakeholders to listen and discuss the direct impact of renewables in Northern Victoria.

A face-to-face discussion would be a good start, but we also need a change of direction. This year’s

Changing times

State Budget showed the state debt will rise to $187.8 billion by June 2028 and we will be paying $26 million every day in interest. That is over $1 million every hour just in interest repayments!

Labor cannot manage money, and they’ve introduced over 55 new or increased taxes to pay for their mistakes. Over $600 million wasted on the failed Commonwealth Games, and major projects have blown out by over $40 billion.

Premier Allan continues to focus on Melbourne and ignore the warnings, tunnelling ahead with the expensive Suburban Rail Loop without the funds to pay for it.

Regional Victoria bears the scars of systemic underinvestment by the Labor State Government. Our population continues to grow, yet figures released by the Parliamentary Budget Office reveal that per person asset investment in metropolitan Melbourne is more than double regional Victoria.

The burden of state debt plays out in daily life across regional Victoria. With $26 million in interest payments draining the state’s coffers every day, the opportunity cost is immense.

This is money that could otherwise be invested in the infrastructure and services that regional communities desperately need.

There has been much written lately about progress, politically correct ways of addressing each other, apparently gone are the Mister and Mrs greetings.

When I started work in 1960 with the then PMG country communications were on partylines, known as country RAXs (several around here). Each Monday morning check that copper wire of the part line had not been pinched. The girls on the manual town switboad knew more about yourself , than you did.

The friendly post office staff and the postie delivering your mail each day with a blow of the whistle to let you know you had mail (not to mention the alert to all the dogs in the neighbourhood.) The street letter boxes where you could post a letter, Wedderburn had four.

Our local shire concillors serving localised areas, they knew our problems, even had a pothole book. Now you have trouble getting to the CEO even via your councilor, a possible 10 or more councillors for each shire now reduced and talk of even more reductions. A shire so big you need a good horse and water bag to get from one side to another.

Our local bank branches have now been amalgamated. Lucky if we have a branch in our town let alone be on personal terms wth the manager. Mod-

Every day, I speak with people across Northern Victoria and hear about the growing list of infrastructure and services that our region desperately needs.

Healthcare in regional Victoria is in a state of crisis. Hospitals are underfunded, understaffed, and ill-equipped to handle the demands placed on them, and residents often have to travel long distances to access basic medical services, let alone specialised care.

Transport infrastructure in regional Victoria is another area where the neglect is very real. Roads that connect regional towns to each other and to Melbourne are deteriorating, with potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage becoming the norm.

The lack of investment in road maintenance and upgrades not only compromises safety but also hampers economic activity by making it difficult for farmers, businesses, and tourists to move around the region efficiently.

The people who live in these communities are resilient, but we should not have to put up with the government’s neglect. We need a state government that sees beyond the metropolitan bubble and recognises the value and potential of our regional communities.

*GaelleBroadisthemember forNorthernVictoriaRegion

ern banking is now done with a plastic card, through a hole in the wall. Have a password they say! Somebody in the US scams your account and spends your money on an air ticket to Mexico

Remember when the local paper boys would deliver the paper and the early home delivery of the milk.

Education, gone are the localised district schools to be replaced with buses bringing pupils many miles to a combined school.

What did we do to deserve our “mobile smartphones”, a room full of people all talking at once on their “phone” there is only two things in life they dont do, we won’t mention them emails sent from one desk to another, in the same office situated side by side.

Footy, the loyalty to your town’s team can now change, the makeup of the league and geographical area , the old “enemy “ now becomes your team. The days of the VFL Melbourne teams , now it’s Australia wide.

Going are the cars of our day, now electric is considered the answer. You might say: does it matter, that’s progress.

Thank god for “gophers”. I could go on! Country living is still the best! I leave it with you.

PeterNorman

Wedderburn

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. Which Australian was the most recent to win the Women’s Australian Open golf tournament?

2. Placentals, monotremes, and marsupials are the three broad groups of which class of animal?

3. Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta star in which 1970’s movie musical?

4. Which paper size is larger: A4 or B4

5. Greengage, Davidson, and Damson are all types of which fruit?

6. Complete this saying: A bird in the hand is worth two in the ____?

7. Doreen is a suburb of which Australian capital city?

8. The Great Fire of London occurred in which century?

9. In the medical industry, what does NBM stand for?

10. In which game can you attain a rank of Grandmaster?

11. What is the nest of a squirrel called?

12. Name the two tools that appeared on the flag of the former Soviet Union?

13. The name of which European country’s name means “black mountain” in English?

14. “The Big Show” is a nickname for which Australian cricketer?

15. Cordelia is a character in which Shakespeare play?

16. The 1980s/90s British sitcom ‘Allo Allo’ is set in which country?

17. How many days did Liz Truss serve as British Prime Minister?

18. Also the term for an unlikely chance occurrence, which word is also the name of a whale’s tail?

19. How many sides does a hendecagon have?

20. Johannes Gutenberg invented what piece of machinery in the 15th century?

BRADLEY of Boort is already getting his eye in the the season of summer sport. Nicknames and puns abound with a cricket conuNdrum in the first of his new-style Treemendous Signs.

ONE good thing about summer sport is the afternoon teas. Saw a few surprised faces at the football in Charlton on Saturday - paying $7 for a pie. One of the upper price points for the footy favourite. Even more than than MCG where this year’s price is a “bargain” $6.50.

OF COURSE, the soft drinks at our country

grounds are an absolute bargain compared with the hallowed turf in Melbourne where the cost for a sugary fix this year has been $6.20.

O TF did a bit of overseas comparison on pie prices. In Britain, the dearest pies at the round ball football is when Manchester United is at home, charging £4.20 for the UK version - that’s about eight of our hard-earned Oxford scholars. The cheapest is with Liverpool, £3.40.

WE reckon, however, that water must be cheap at local footy grounds at the moment. The clubs in finals have been well served by many “water boys” filling a slot on the ground, at times even wearing attire that makes them look like umpires.

Auxiliary’s 90 years of service and support

WOMEN united in supporting Boort have this week marked the 90th anniversary of the town’s auxiliary.

Tuesday afternoon brought together present and former members of the Boort District Health Service auxiliary.

They were praised for the care, support and service spanning the decades.

For some, like current president Judy Perryman, membership of the auxiliary has come in two stints ... only separated by 35 years as a member of the hospital staff.

“Dot Evans was president and (first) talked me into joining the auxiliary,” Judy said.

“In those days we used to do caterings and high teas. Today the op-shop is our only income to support Boort District Health,” said.

“I had a time as secretary of the auxiliary before joining the staff and when I retired, I wanted to again be involved and give back to the town.

“We don’t get a lot of young ones. People seem to join when they are in their 60s ... people who have some spare time.”

Isobel Loader joined the hospital auxiliary in 1986 after seeing first-hand the care two aunts and uncles received in the nursing home. She soon became auxil-

iary secretary and after 20 years in the role, served five terms as president before stepping down last year.

But there’s no hint of retirement from community service with Isobel still on duty every week sorting clothes donated to the op-shop that the auxiliary has operated for 20 years and is its main revenue raiser to support BDH.

“The community is wonderful with donations and we would be lost without them,” she said. “And I would be lost without the auxiliary.

“Joining the auxiliary has been my way of repaying the hospital for their care of my aunts and uncles.”

The auxiliary’s recent donations have included $35,000 for seven new acute beds, $18,000 for mobile storage units, $18,000 for electric remote control wheel chairs and a two-seater gopher and $7400 for shade structures.

“Many people don’t realise just how much we donate,” Isobel said. “We’re very proud of our op-shop,” she last year after stepping down as president.

Boort District Health chief executive officer Donna Doyle said the hospital’s archives contained many photographs and newspaper clippings charting the auxiliary’s support over 90 years.

Among them is a clipping from last century when 400 children and adults took to the stage for a fundraising variety concertthe Boort Brass Band, ballerinas Melissa McClelland and Julian Smith, Brownies and Guides. Then auxiliary president Jan

Rawlins was full of praise for the performers. The night raised $9000.

Over the years, the hospital auxiliary has contributed many hundreds of thousands of dollars more to assist with buying new equipment for the hospital and hostel. “Many people don’t realise just how much we donate,” Isobel said.

In the last decade alone, members have raised over $360,000. Donna Doyle said: “It’s a milestone we were keen to celebrate and recognise.”

Isabel Loader, hostel supervisor Dawn Cooper and auxiliary vicepresident at the time Edna Weaver

Auxiliary members supporting Boort District Health through the decades as captured in newspaper clippings and photographs in the hospital’s archives

BOORT

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER

DINGEE

FOUR

INGLEWOOD

INGLEWOOD

STEVE’S

INGLEWOOD

KANGAROO

VICTORIA

VNI West probe move blocked

Alan “John” Schultz

John passed away peacefully aged 85.

A loving family man who will be sadly missed by Jenny, Dianne, Wendy, Kaye, Bob, Carol, Abbey, Jack, Paige, Michael, Sam, Tom, Cody and Max.

The Memorial Service for Mr John Schultz will be held on Tuesday the 17th of September at 2pm.

If you would like to view the service https://tobin.5stream.com/ webcast/130795&bm=1

There is limited space for those wishing to attend in person.

Please register your interest with events@westernbulldogs.com.au by 5pm on September 14th 2024.

Scholes – Tony (Peter Anthony)

Alan and Jill Scholes, Laurelle, Philip, Elissa, Jesse and Families and Blake and Luke, wish to thank CFA Chaplain David Poole, Commander Tony Hope, BASO Erica Potter, CFA members, local and Bendigo Police, SES Marong, those who formed the guard of honour and Napier Park staff, for their professional commitment recently.

To our families & friends, thank you for your loving support, condolences, flowers & donations to Lifeline (Loddon Mallee).

We appreciate your kindness on the tragic loss of our Son, Brother, Uncle and Father.

Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com public NOT ic Es

Wedderburn Patchwork Group Inc. presents The Wedderburn Community Christmas and Arts Festival

Friday 29th & Saturday 30th November 2024

Wedderburn Mechanics Institute Hall

High St. Wedderburn

Entries close: Thursday 28 th November

Stall Holders Welcome

Contact: Irene (0458 073080) or Hilary (0409 549433)

POLLOCK REUNION

20th OCTOBER

MARONG HALL 11am BYO lunch

Combined afternoon tea More information Rob Pollock 5435 2295

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

m EET i N gs

Rheola Charity Carnival

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 6th October 2024 at Rheola Reserve Hall starting at 10am.

A general meeting will also be held.

All are welcome

Community Garage Car Boot Sale

September 14th from 8am

At East Shelbourne Recreation Reserve Bendigo–Maryborough Rd Stallholders welcome Chris 0488 992 714

Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens

Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens have not been active in recent times. A new committee has been elected and will welcome anyone interested in becoming a member

The Club has activities planned from 1pm on the second Friday of each month in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. On the fourth Friday of each month, a light meal will be available costing $10 -00. Again in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. You are welcome to pop in even if you would prefer just a cup of tea/coffee and a chat. There is no pressure to participate in the available activities. Membership fee is $5-00 annually. The above will be in place until the Club moves to the new building currently being constructed in McKay St. Terry Wood email tp.wood@bigpond.com Ph 0429843479

MURRAY Plains MP Peter Walsh said the State Government had used its legislative muscle to strip away people’s rights to appeal decisions on the use of their own land for big bucks projects such as VNI West. He says that at the same time as the government has bulldozed its gagging legislation through the Parliament this week, the proponents of the VNI project also failed to be transparent and proactive operators.

Mr Walsh said: “This is a blatant disregard for the individual’s rights, something previously enshrined in our governmental system, legal system and our very way of life.

“The people behind the VNI project have been incredibly poor at how they have engaged with the individual families, and whole communities, which will be impacted by this massive development,

“And in some cases they have been quite dismissive and disingenuous of those who have raised concerns.

“The Liberals and Nationals fought hard to get this inquiry through the Upper House so the voices the Allan Labor Government has tried to stifle will be heard – and I urge everyone concerned to make the most of this hard-fought opportunity and put in submissions so they can have a say.”

Old bottles with town or company names.

Marble bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons

Any old bottles - single items or box lots

CASH PAID ON DAY Phone 0452 264 661

WANTED TO BUY

Delivery share or part delivery share for Waranga Western channel Zone 1B Boort area.

$30,000 for full share

Contact 0487 278 045

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETIN

HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT

Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.

Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and con dential nancial support - Call 1300 735 578

Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au

Orange Door - You have a right to be safe

- Call 1800 512 359

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area.

1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732

Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.

Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au

Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au

Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821

Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au

Translation and Interpreter Services

Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au

National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Health/Hospitals

Boort District Health

3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200

Inglewood and District Health Services

3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000

Northern District Community Health P: (03) 5451 0200

Boort Medical Centre

2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309

Marong Medical Practice

8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308

Wedderburn Health Clinic

25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511

Legal Services

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909

Neighbourhood Houses

Boort Resource and Information Centre

(BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort P: (03) 5455 2716

Inglewood Community

Neighbourhood House

Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood P: (03)5455 2716

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House

43 Kelly St, Pyramid Hill P: (03) 5455 7129

Wedderburn Community House

24 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3489

Farmers’ Day Out

Wednesday 28 August was a terri c day of talking farms, ood fences, lentils and looking after your number one farming asset – yourself!

Special mention and thanks to our special guest speaker, Wayne Schwass and the local farmers who helped pull this great event together.

Aaron McNulty (pictured above, left) discussed ood fencing options with farmers on his property at Fenton’s Creek

Tiny Towns Funding

A new round of the Victorian Government’s $20 million Tiny Towns Fund is now open with grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to boost tourism, livability and community pride in towns with up to 5,000 people.

From new barbecues, bike tracks and walking trails to club and community hall upgrades, the grants will support towns to bring to life projects that celebrate community spirit and make a positive di erence to locals.

Townships that have worthy project ideas to boost community resilience, recovery and economic growth are encouraged to apply.

For more information and to apply visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund

Applications close at 5pm Friday 25 October 2024.

Flood and Bush re Preparedness Surveys

Researchers at UNSW are conducting a project about ood and bush re preparedness in Australia.

Two surveys are part of a PhD research project titled “Measuring and improving individual preparedness in response to ood and bush re emergencies.” All residents over 18 years old are invited to take part.

To complete the Flood preparedness survey go to:

https://unsw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_08sulUePUZqqkXc

To complete the Bush re preparedness survey go to: https://unsw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MISfZ9qSy7Xohg

Photographic Exhibition, Coach House Gallery,

Wedderburn, from 25

September

A free photographic exhibition will be on show for six weeks in the Coach House Gallery, Wedderburn, from Wednesday 25 September. Husband and wife - lm photographer Greg Wane and smartphone photographer, Heidi Wane - are bringing their 30 piece photo exhibition featuring the two di erent technologies to Loddon as part of the Loddon Valley Arts trail. Phone the Gallery on 5494 3342 for more information.

2024 Loddon Valley Arts Trail launch –Friday 4 October

Loddon Valley Arts Trail kicks o this year’s ‘Seeing is Believing’ weekend with a free community celebration, at Tarnagulla Public Hall from 5pm on Friday 4 October. Barbeque, live music, all welcome. For information visit: https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-loddonvalley/loddon-valley-arts-trail

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS

Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love to hear from you and assist you through your ood recovery.

Please get in touch if you would like to chat about ood recovery for you and your community.

Call Mal: 0499 978 145 or Josie: 0474 911 783

Wednesday 9 October

Amber Joy Poulton will deliver ‘Honky Tonk Queens’ – a show that celebrates the rst Queens of Country Music – Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn.

Amber is known best to audiences for her amazingly successful theatre show, “Coal Miner’s Daughter”.

Join us from 10:30am at Boort Memorial Hall for some fun interactive activities, stalls and lucky door prizes, followed by a sit down lunch with the concert commencing at 1:00pm.

Free event, registrations essential: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-seniors-festival-gala-day or call 5494 1200.

Coach transportation available contact Loddon Shire on 5494 1200 to book a seat.

For up-to-date information regarding ood recovery and council services:

 Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au

 Call our o ce between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or

 Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/

Loddon Shire Council 2024 Seniors Festival Gala Day, Boort,

Boort contested the North Central reserves, under 17 and under 14 finals at Charlton with the younger Pies advancing to the grand final this Saturday. LH PHOTOS

Lee Coghland was best for Bridgewater in the Loddon Valley preliminary final against Marong

Wedderburn’s Danny Benaim takes a screamer in the last quarter against Sea Lake Nandaly

Mitiamo broke away from Bridgewater in the A Grade netball after a tight first half

Boort A Grade’s Grace Hosking

Walsh puts end to Pie hopes Superoos switch in second half

CHARLTON have earned their spot in the North Central A Grade Netball Grand Final with a 21 goal win over Boort.

After going down in the second semi-final to Wedderburn, Boort knew Saturday’s preliminary final against Charlton, at Charlton, was going to be tough.

Boort’s goal defence, Roxy Train didn’t shy away from battle, despite the tough gig against Charlton’s impressive shooter, Chloe Walsh. Boort’s goal shooter, Georgia Haw, worked hard to put Boort in front, but Charlton held their lead until the final siren.

The final term was destined to be a battle with Charlton playing their best netball when driven by passion and emotion.

Roxy Train and Georgia Haw received umpire’s best on court for Boort, along with Chloe Walsh and Megan Bruns for Charlton.

Saturday’s preliminary final fall for Boort meant the Pies, last year’s runners-up, dropped out of the race in straight sets.

The previous week, Loddon rival Wedderburn was at its dominant best in the second semi-final.

Boort this year has played a mix of experience and talented youngsters in its A Grade side.

BOORT has dropped out of the North Central men’s hockey race after going down to Wycheproof Narraport in Saturday’s intense preliminary final at Charlton. Wycheproof Narraport generated several opportunities in the first quarter, but Boort’s defence, led by Finn Poxon, cleared the resulting free hits effectively.

Both teams’ defenders were effective in shutting down attacks. The man-to-man defence employed by both sides stifled their usual style of play, limiting scoring opportunities.

Early in the third quarter Wycheproof Narraport’s, Angus Connolly, secured the first goal of the match, with Steve Giorlando managing to score shortly after, extending Wycheproof Narraport’s lead. Corey Harrison further solidified their

advantage after being awarded a penalty stroke. In the final three minutes of the match, Zac Poxon scored Boort’s only goal of the game.

Wycheproof Narraport 3 d. Boort 1. Goals - Wycheproof Narraport: Angus Connolly, Steve Giorlando, Corey Harrison. Boort: Zac Poxon. Best - Wycheproof Narraport: Padraic Eccles, Nick Rowley, Declan Anderson. Boort: Finn Poxon, Zac Poxon, Harry Malone.

Women - St Arnaud 2 d Charlton 1. Goals - St Arnaud: Addison Wright, Jenny Bibby. Charlton: Jo Southcombe. Best - St Arnaud: Sophie Male, Brylea Swanton, Nicola Kirk. Charlton: Xanthe Fitzpatrick, Tessa Fitzpatrick, Jessica White.

Underage - Donald 2 d Charlton 0. Goals - Donald: Oakley Brennan 2 Best - Donald: Baylee Pearse, Oakley Brennan, Bayley Cumming. Charlton: Murphy Fitzpatrick, Tully Bourke, Amali Fitzpatrick.

Under 12 - Birchip Watchem 2 d Charlton 0. GoalsBirchip Watchem: Archie Tyler 2 Best - Birchip Watchem: Denly Tyler, Archie Tyler, Frankie McClelland. Charlton: Grace Morghem, Isaac Roberts, Toby Bourke.

MITIAMO A Grade netball coach Jen Wilson says, with a note of frustration, that her players occasionally don’t know how to switch on their best form.

Fortunately for the Superoos, somebody found that switch and turned it on in last Saturday’s preliminary final, converting a half-time lead of four goals into a 20-goal victory over Bridgewater.

They now progress to the grand final to face Pyramid Hill, the only team to defeat them this season – on two occasions.

Wilson said the team “just lifted to another level” after half-time.

“I know they can do that, but sometimes they just don’t know how to switch it on.

“It’s something I have openly discussed before. When we’re up against it, we don’t pull ourselves out that easily.”

It was goal for goal early in the game, with Mitiamo ahead by one at quarter-time, and Bridgewater hitting the lead in the second term.

However, the dominance of the second half, with two quarters of 14-6 goals, showed why the Superoos finished the home-andaway season on top.

Goal attack Laura Hicks, who finished third in the league’s best-and-fairest award, was again outstanding against the Mean Machine, combining beautifully with Carly Scholes, whose shooting was unerring.

Centre Amelia Ludeman controlled the mid court against a Bridgewater team that fought bravely but was overwhelmed after the main break.

The Mean Machine can be proud of a season in which they rose from sixth to third, winning two finals, with recruit Carly Van Heuvel taking out the Helen Ward Medal for the competition’s best player.

LOddON vALLeY NeTBALL

Emmerson Doyle has been one of the key young players in Boort’s A Grade side this season. She is pictured in action at Charlton on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Boort’s Roxy Train in battle with Chloe Walsh. LH PHOTO

Let it hurt! Best to come Breeze blows in favor of Tigers

WEDDERBURN battled for 15 minutes to gain the upper hand over Sea Lake Nandaly in Saturday’s North Central league preliminary final.

It would be another 80 minutes before the Redbacks showed they can have the measure of any side in the league.

A stirring final quarter that was battled gallantly by both sides saw Wedderburn outscore its fancied opponents and bridge the final margin to 32 points.

The Redbacks’ season was over. The loss hurt and first-year coach wanted players to feel the hurt after the loss..

He told them them straight after the game the best was still to come.

Metherell, who had been a dashing presence in defence all day, praised the tight-knit team for what had been achieved in a season that saw the Redbacks on the road for two months while Donaldson Park’s upgrade was completed, battled injuries and pushed for inject consistency in a game play where they dictated terms.

When they had the upper hand in the preliminary final, the Redbacks were able to replicate some of the form that saw it keep in touch with the top for all season and account for Donald in successive weeks to finish the home and away season in third spot.

Hamish Lockhart was one whose season showed improve-

By CHRIS EARL

ment, capped off by being named the Redbacks’ best on Saturday.

Skipper Joe Lockhart was also bobbing up in the mix as Weddeburn struggled to negate the influence of Wade Donnan and Jackson McMahon who finished the day with five goals.

Jordan Hargreaves matched opponents in the ruck in what had been his most consistent season since winning the Feeny Medal three years ago.

There was a glimmer of hope when Junior Miller snapped a goal as the siren was sounding for half time.

A stunning fourth-quarter screamer by Danny Benaim, the oldest player on the ground, was a spark as Wedderburn refused to stop in the final minutes.

Benaim played a direct hand in Oscar Holt’s two goals for the day. Tommy Campbell was not on the goalkicking list. But it took two and three Tigers to diminish his influence.

When Sea Lake needed spark, crucially in the third term, it came from Thomas Cox who kicked two goals for the day. It was the term when the Tigers punished every mistake made by Wedderburn.

Darcy Jackson was another of the good players for Wedderburn. But there was no doubt that Metherell was in the Redbacks’ top handful across four quarters.

Released for comment

Recreation, Open Space and Aquatic Strategy

Council has placed the draft Recreation, Open Space and Aquatic Strategy (ROSA) on display and invites interested community members or groups to provide their feedback.

ROSA is a 10-year strategic plan that establishes a clear direction for providing, developing and managing its sport and recreation, open space and aquatic facilities.

How you can provide us with your feedback

 You can get more information about the Strategy and provide feedback at: https://connect.loddon.vic.gov.au/recreation-open- space-and-aquatic-strategy

 Hard copies of the Strategy are available by contacting Council’s customer service team on 5494 1200.

 Other ways to provide feedback: Email: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au Mail: P.O. Box 21, Wedderburn 3518. Feedback

closes Sunday 15 September

SEA Lake Nandaly came storming home in the second half to deny Boort a spot in the reserves grand final.

The Pies had gone to the main break with an 11-point lead off the back of strong work by Mitch Buchanan and the dogged determination in the forward zone by Alex Cockerell whose tackling was a hallmark of the game.

Two third quarter goals from Joel Clohesy had the Tigers with their nose in front before Boort’s Frasier Holland sprung to life and kicked the first of his three for the day.

Cockerell, who also finished with three, continued to battle on the final term but Boort was unable to conquer the increasing breeze that sent kicks askew.

Billy Poulton’s mid-term goal for Sea Lake Nandaly had the hint of game over.

The Tigers played safe for the last 10 minutes as they booked a grand final berth. „ Lachie Hall and Cooper Goulding put in four-quarter efforts for Boort under 17s.

The pair worked the ground and had good help from Brodie Arnold and Harold Malone, only for the Pies to be overrun in the final term by Sea Lake Nandaly, inspired by the wizardry of Cruz O’Sullivan as the Tigers won by seven points.

Hamish Lockhart in full flight on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Midfield puts Mean Machine key cog into a goal desert

AS THE clock wound down in the senior preliminary final at Inglewood, Marong was playing with just 16 on the field.

No disrespect to Bridgewater, but an 85-point lead in the last minutes of the final quarter meant the Panthers had one eye on Saturday’s grand final against Pyramid Hill.

The grand final that seemed pre-destined all season is now reality.

The preliminary final was an even contest early, with the teams trading goals before Marong flicked the switch and took advantage of the breeze –worth a couple of goals – to end the first quarter with a 45-point lead.

A spectacular mark and long goal to the Mean Machine’s Darcy Wood early in the second term raised hopes of a resurgence by the men in red and white, but Marong replied almost immediately after a goal square scramble.

Wood’s goal was Bridgewater’s only major for the quarter, while the Panthers added three against the wind, going into the long break with an unassailable 56-point margin.

Bridgewater’s cause wasn’t helped by a knee injury to star full-forward Lachlan Sharp in

By GARY WALSH

the second quarter, who was strapped up and barely able to walk after half-time, although he battled bravely and kicked his only goal for the game in the third term.

Sharp ended the season on 138 goals, but he managed only five in three matches against Marong, whose midfield dominance starved him of supply.

The evenness of the Panthers’ effort was highlighted by having 13 players contributing to their 21-goal tally. Having multiple goalkickers has been a hallmark of their season, with Kain Robins, Ryley Taylor and Ryan Wellington combining for 159 goals.

The third quarter saw Marong pile on another five goals to Bridgewater’s two, and the final quarter lacked urgency given the margin.

The Panthers kicked three goals to start the last term, pushing their lead to 95 points before Bridgewater brought some respectability to the score with four in a row before Marong kicked the last two of the game.

Nippy rover Jimmy Gadsden was outstanding for the winners, with his speed and defensive efforts effective all day, while Jai Gretgrix and Jack and Noah Mc-

Jack Neylon worked tirelessly in the Bridgewater midfield, al-

SENIORS

Marong 8.4 11.6 16.11 21.14 (140)

Bridgewater 1.1 2.4 4.7 8.7 (55)

GOALS - Marong: R. Taylor, K. Robins 3, J. McCaig, M. Bradbury, N. Devanny, R. Wellington 2, N. McCaig, L. Lee, J. Davis, C. Gregg, B. Gregg, R. Tibbett, S. Knott. Bridgewater: L. Coghlan 3, D. Wood 2, J. Neylon, L. Sharp, J. Martyn. BEST - Marong: J. Gretgrix, J. Gadsden, J. McCaig, N. McCaig, L. Lee, B. Hartland. Bridgewater: L. Coghlan, J. Neylon, H. Conway, J. Mayes, D. Wood, J. Coghlan.

RESERvES

Marong 2.3 5.5 9.8 10.9 (69)

BL Serpentine 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.2 (20)

GOALS - Marong: K. Manley, C. Hale, B. Matthews, D. Blume 2, Z. Turnbull, T. Grant. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Anstee, S. Gladman, J. Gladman.

BEST - Marong: F. Waters, C. Hale, B. Stewart, H. Baker, L. Jongebloed, K. Manley. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. O’Shannessy, D. Boulton, J. Wingrave, O. Amy, Z. Stone, M. Frecker.

UNDER 18

Marong 5.3 9.10 12.17 16.24 (120)

Inglewood 0.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 (7)

GOALS - Marong: W. Thomson 3, R. Doorty, J. Bird, C. Murphy, M. Lowery, R. Kerr 2, T. Jennings, S. Vinnicombe, J. McMurray. Inglewood: T. Murphy.

BEST - Marong: K. Thomson, J. Bird, R. Kerr, K. Harris, M.

Bridgewater’s Darcy Wood among the Mean Machine’s best.

Curator cuts a fine surface

FROM mud, to sand, to billiard table – the state of the grounds at Loddon Valley finals venues this year has been a major talking point.

Maiden Gully’s centre square was a quagmire and Marong’s was like a beach after being strewn with thick sand.

However, Inglewood’s surface was pristine for last Saturday’s preliminary final and looked as good as new even after three matches in a day.

Credit goes to retiring curator Gordon McNaughton, who has looked after the ground for 18 years, and Alan Last, a long-time member and past president of the Inglewood Community Sports Centre.

Mitiamo is tipping its ground will be spot on for the grand final.

The Panther crush A WEEK after Marong’s dominant depth across all three Loddon Valley grades was shattered, the Panthers bounced back with crushing form in the preliminary finals.

Marong booked grand final spots for a third year, starting with the strong win over Inglewood in the under 18s on Saturday.

though he too was hampered by injury later in the game, and Lee Coghlan stepped up with three goals against the tide.

lan, E.

The Panthers also accounted for Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the reserves.

T. Cox 2, B. Delmenico, C. Tait. Wedderburn: O. Holt 2, J. Miller, L. Holt, D. Jackson.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Donnan, J. McMahon, J. Poulton, M. Cahoon, T. Cox, J. Wright. Wedderburn Seniors: H. Lockhart, D. Benaim, J. Lockhart, J. Hargreaves, D. Jackson

RESERvES

(53)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Poulton, F. Warne, J. Clohesy 2, N. Wight, W. Landry, Z. Wemyss, C. O’Sullivan. Boort: F. Holland, A. Cockerell 3, H. Weaver, C. O’Rourke. BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Allan, J. Clohesy, W. Landry, F. Warne, Z. Wemyss, I. Durie. Boort: A. Cockerell, F. Millar, H. Weaver, C. Ross, J. Dowling, M. Buchanan.

UNDER 17

Boort

(54) Sea Lake Nandaly

(61)

GOALS - Boort: L. Hall 3, C. Gooding, S. McClelland 2, B. McPherson. Sea Lake Nandaly: E. Ellis 5, H. Warne 2, C. O’Sullivan, J. Cox.

BEST - Boort: L. Hall, J. Bird, B. Arnold, H. Malone, C. Gooding, S. Toose. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. O’Sullivan, B. Allan, J. Durie, E. Ellis, C. O’Sullivan, J. Newic.

UNDER 14

- Boort: B. McPherson 3, C. McNally, H. Clapp, D. Perryman. Donald: D. Cooper.

BEST - Boort: J. Malone, T. Broad, N. Howe, C. Hird, C. McNally, C. Gould. Donald: M. Hollis, D. Cooper, R. Needs, O. Brennan, N. Clapham, J. Reillyn.

Lowery, J. McMurray. Inglewood: W. Schepers, K. McClel-

McCoy, C. Hackett, T. Murphy, R. Murphy.

NORTH CENTRAL

LODDON vALLEY

Caig also impressed in a fine team performance.

Bid to end final storm

WEDDERBURN A Grade netball

coach Emma Lockhart is wary of a Charlton side that has “hit their straps” ahead of Saturday’s grand final.

The Redbacks have the score on the board this season against the Navy Blues, with wins by 17 and 16 goals in their two clashes. But Lockhart said it was difficult to know where the two sides stood after not meeting since early July.

Charlton has stormed through the final series with commanding wins against Nullawil and Boort, while Wedderburn went straight into the grand final after dominating Boort in the second semi-final.

“We have to always keep our guard up,” Lockhart said. “If we come to play our best game, we can win.”

Charlton goal defence Kate Burton was in great form and Wedderburn needed to minimise her impact, Lockhart said.

But she backed in Redbacks goal attack Holly Lockhart as a good match up for the Navy Blues star.

Charlton goal shooter Chloe Walsh was another major threat whose influence needed to be quelled.

The match will be played at

Donald’s indoor court, which Lockhart hoped would be an advantage to the Redbacks, who had played their past two games there.

She said the wooden surface played differently to outdoor concrete courts, with the pace of the game slower, and it was a matter of adjusting to the conditions.

The Redbacks are back in familiar territory playing in the grand final - last winning the flag in 2022.

Wedderburn also features in the B Grade grand final against Birchip Watchem, while Boort plays Nullawil in C Grade and hoping to defend its title.

A Grade - Wedderburn v Charlton

B Grade - Wedderburn v Birchip Watchem

C Grade - Nullawil v Boort

C Reserve - Sea Lake Nandaly v Nullawil

17 & Under - Nullawil v Birchip Watchem

14 & Under A - Birchip Watchem v Donald

14 & Under B - St Arnaud v Birchip Watchem

Juniors celebrate winter season

Hill

Organiser Luke

“The

next year in the golf season,” Luke said.

WEDDERBURN

KEITH Bird came out on top in the second round of Wedderburn Golf Club’s social club four-ball aggregate competition. He finished on 34 points along with Tony Holt but won on countback.

Yellow and black will

be on show all day

SEA Lake Nandaly will be the constant in Saturday’s North Central league football finals at Donald.

The defending senior premiers have made the season decider in all four grades.

The seniors took the long way to the grand final after falling two points short in the second semi-final against Birchip Watchem.

Sea Lake came storming home, aided by a strong wind that day at Donald, had its chances but recorded more behinds than goals.

Expected to be strengthened by the return of Trent Donnan and Jenkins, the Tigers will not want to let another one slip.

Birchip Watchem won the pair’s first encounter this season - by 13 points back in round four.

The Tigers were also upstaged by Donald when the Royals snuck home by a point six weeks ago.

Minor hiccups to a season that has shown Sea Lake to again be a club of dominance and depth.

The Tigers, who were comfortable winners over Wedderburn in the preliminary final, will need to keep the foot on the acceleraor against the Bulls.

Nicholas Rippon and Ben Edwards will act as focal points

for the Bulls. In the reserves, all eyes will be on Nullawil in what will be the Maroons’ last game before merging with Wycheproof Narrapport to form the Calder Giants next season.

The Maroons have been the edgier side all season in the seconds and could deny victory to Sea Lake.

In the under 17s and with Boort out of the race, St Arnaud is a a real chance to cause an upset against Sea Lake and avenge last year’s loss to Boort.

Meanwhile, the Magpies have a chance at flag success in the under 14s.

The Pies’ two losses this season have been against the Tigers although the first encounter was decided by just two points. Boort showed good system, skill and pace winning the preliminary final and will make the day’s first battle a game worth watching.

THIS SATURDAY AT DONALD

Seniors - Sea Lake Nandaly v Birchip Watchem

Reserves - Sea Lake Nandaly v Nullawil

Under 17s - Sea Lake Nandaly v St Arnaud

Under 14s - Boort v Sea Lake Nandaly

PYRAMID

junior golf sessions wrapped up for the season on Sunday morning followed by a celebration barbecue.

Roberts thanked junior golfers who participated, the parents and families for supporting the program and the volunteers from the golf club for the course preparation and coaching.

program will run again

Scores: T. Holt 34, B. Bird 29, D. Bailey 32, J. Chandler 27, K. Lewis 27, K. Bird 34, G. Nesbit 27, A. Hargreaves 29, C. Olive 25, G. Weston 32.

Nikki Lockhart ... one of the Redbacks’ key players this season. LH PHOTO

Youngsters at the end of their winter golf sessions at Pyramid Hill

Bench strengthened for season’s grand finale

PYRAMID Hill has proven to be Mitiamo’s nemesis in A Grade netball this season, but will home court advantage help the Superoos turn the tables on the Bulldogs in Saturday’s grand final?

Two of the three clashes between the teams this season have been won by the Bulldogs – the only defeats Mitiamo has suffered in 2024.

Oddly enough, both Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill lost at home before the Bulldogs prevailed in the second semi-final at neutral venue Bridgewater.

The Superoos had to go the long

way around to make the grand final but ran away from Bridgewater after half-time in the preliminary final for a 20-goal victory.

Playing at home, the Superoos is set to have the whole town there in support, but Pyramid Hill fans will also be out in force, with the A Grade netballers joining the senior and reserves football teams in grand finals.

Pyramid Hill coach Chelsea Emmerson said the whole community was behind the town’s teams in the finals.

“Even a couple of weeks ago walking into one of the finals I met an older guy. I asked him

who he was supporting, and he said Pyramid Hill. He had travelled three hours just to get to that final,” Emmerson said.

Having a week’s rest had been beneficial, she said, and while it was regretful that the Bulldogs’ B Grade side lost its preliminary final, the defeat meant A Grade had a strengthened bench for the grand final.

By contrast, Mitiamo coach Jen Wilson said playing consecutive weeks after losing the second semi-final was a good thing for her team.

“Having a week off never does work for us. We always come

out and find it quite difficult. We worked hard to get the double chance, and we do play better when we have continuity.” Wilson did not believe playing on their home court was necessarily a plus for the Superoos: “For me, a netball court is a netball court.”

2024 Loddon Valley netball rising star and runner-up in the Helen Ward Medal, Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Ava Francis, Helen Ward and medal winner Carly Van Den Heuvel (Bridgewater) at Monday’s presentation dinner. LH PHOTOS

B Grade netball Joy Lawry Medal winner Brittany Hercus (Marong), Joy Lawry and runner-up Simone Edgley (Pyramid Hill)

Under 18 football Stephen Dowling Medal winner Brodie Wagner and 15 and under netball best and fairest Teagan Vinnicombe

Chelsea Emmerson

Jen Wilson

GARY WALSH

PREVIEWS SATURDAY’S LODDON VALLEY FOOTBALL GRAND FINAL

The battle of midfield

SATURDAY’S Loddon Valley grand final between Pyramid Hill and Marong will be won in the midfield.

And when it is won, it will either be a first flag in 74 years for the Bulldogs or a third-straight premiership for the Panthers.

Despite both teams boasting potent forward lines and resolute defences, coaches Nathan Fitzpatrick and Linton Jacobs agree the onball battle will decide the outcome.

This season, Pyramid Hill has inflicted Marong’s only two defeats in three years and will enter the grand final brimming with

confidence after a 13-point win in the second semi-final.

On the other hand, the Panthers come into the decider on a high after an 85-point shellacking of Bridgewater in the preliminary final.

Pyramid Hill coach Nathan Fitzpatrick said the midfield with the better outside run, and which was able to translate that into goals would win the game.

“The midfield with the ability to get out and get to the next contest can go forward and kick goals,” he said.

Fitzpatrick said the Bulldogs’ long wait for premiership success

Classic clashes of 2024

Round 3 at Malone Park, Marong

Marong 3.3 8.6 10.9 11.13 (79)

Pyramid Hill 5.2 6.4 8.8 10.11 (71)

GOALS – Marong: R. Wellington 3, K. Roberts 2, R. Taylor 2, J. Davis, L. Frankel, L. Lee, B. Stewart. Pyramid Hill: B. Carroll 4, J. Sheahan 4, Z. Alford 2.

BEST – Marong: M. Willox, L. Lee, T. Davies, R. Wellington, M. Bradbury, N. Devanny. Pyramid Hill: B. Carroll, D. Hemphill, G. James, L. Sidebottom, Z. Alford, S. Gunther.

Round 12 at Mitchell Park, Pyramid Hill

Marong 2.2 5.4

Pyramid Hill 2.3

(66)

(71)

GOALS – Marong: K. Robins 5, B. Gregg 2, C. Gregg, L. Lee. Pyramid Hill: B. George 3, D. Collis 2, J. Sheahan 2, Z. Alford, D. Hemphill, B. Morison, S. Relouw.

BEST – Marong: B. Hartland, L. Frankel, B. Gregg, K. Robins, C. Gregg, N. Devanny. Pyramid Hill: T. Mcgregor, B. George, B. Knight, D. Hemphill, B. Morison, D. Morison.

Second Semi Final at Bridgewater Recreation Reserve, Bridgewater

(54)

(67)

GOALS - Marong: S. Knott 3, N. Devanny, C. Gregg, K. Robins, R. Taylor. Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 2, J. Burns, J. Cowling, B. Dickens, B. George, S. Gunther, G. James, B. Knight, B. Ladson.

BEST – Marong: M. Riordan, M. Bradbury, M. Willox, J. Gadsden, T. Davies, J. McCaig. Pyramid Hill: G. James, S. Gunther, B. Ladson, T. Mcgregor, J. Cowling, B. Knight.

was a factor in the run up to the grand final.

“It’s in the back of your mind,” he said. “A lot of us have been around for a while.

“We all know the history there, and the potential we have to be a part of history ourselves.”

Marong’s coach Jacobs was full of praise for the Bulldogs.

“They have recruited well again, and they’ve got more power through the stoppages and contests,” he said.

“Who can win the midfield battle is key, and that seems to be their strength. If we can halve that battle, we’ll back in our forwards.”

Jacobs said Marong’s mix of smalls and talls up forward gave the attack potency and flexibility.

“We’ve got a good blend, and the smalls give us good pressure up there. We have got plenty of avenues to goal.”

Marong will give midfielder and premiership captain Corey Gregg, who won the most votes for the club in the league best-and-fairest award, up until the last minute to prove his fitness after injuring a calf against Bridgewater.

“He’s pretty optimistic,” Jacobs said. “It was almost like a cramp. He’s been a really good player for a long time, so we’ll wait and see.”

Pyramid Hill and Marong will also clash in the reserves grand final, while the Panthers’ under 18 side will take on East Loddon.

All three Marong teams had to come through the preliminary final to reach the deciders, to be played at Mitiamo.

When Pyramid Hill took on Marong in last year’s grand final, the siren margin was 16 points. Fast forward 12 months, another epic encounter looms.

Like dogs with a bone ...

FOR the good part of a decade, we had watched with admiration the evolution of Pyramid Hill on the football field and the netball courts.

The family-friendly club that has pioneered a warm feeling for players, supporters ... and even opponents.

The Bulldogs have earned tremendous respect. They honour their legends and give nourishment to a new generation.

I am tipping Pyramid Hill to end possibly the longest drought in football this Saturday.

There can be an amazing synergy. John Carroll, a wonderful gentleman who has just turned 90, is the only surviving member of the Dogs’ last flag side back in 1950.

Running onto the ground this Saturday will be his grandson Brodie, while living these days in the Northern Territory, honours the past by playing for the future with the Mitchell Park boys.

Pyramid Hill has shown it can deliver the goods. Three meetings against the Panthers and

three victories. Tight they were but they were wins.

Nathan Fitzpatrick has been able to structure the backline around Tom McGregor in such a way as to shut down the potent midfield of Marong.

There are players across every Bulldog line capable of turning the game - Bailey George, Bryden Morrison, skipper Steve Gunther.

But what has been most impressive in 2024 is that the Bulldogs are not about any one player - they are a team hungry to bring some silverware to Mitchell Park.

The job on Saturday will not be easy. Marong is going for a rare hat-trick. But shut down a

couple of key players and Pyramid Hill can do the job. The ground, John Forbes Oval, will suit Pyramid Hill better.

The Bulldogs will be fresher from having taken direct entry into the grand final.

If there’s added luck, they may even win the toss and show they are real masters of the winds that blow across the Prairie plains.

For the sake of football, I’m sticking with the Bulldogs - my tip remains true back when the finals started.

Might only be a couple of kicks in it. Let’s hope the result comes down to skills and not left to an umpire’s decision or a kick for goal hitting the post. I’ll be close by the boundary for four gripping quarters that will decide the top team in Loddon Valley for 2024.

John Carroll will be parked up close, too, watching the Bulldogs in action. And hoping his small and exclusive premiership player club rapidly grows in membership.

- GLENN CATTO

Flashback to a year ago ... Linton Jacobs is embraced by Brandon Grenfell after the Panthers’ flag win. LH PHOTOS

In the goals for Pyramid Hill ... Bailey George

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

LAIRD OF OUR TIMES

LODDON Valley bestand-fairest winner by the length of the straight, and now captain of the Loddon Valley Team of the Year, Justin Laird has had a season for the ages.

The Bears Lagoon Serpentine star’s latest accolade came on Monday night, when he also was presented with the Frank Harding Medal after his runaway win by 10 votes in the league award.

Laird, the former Bears coach was chosen as ruck-rover in the team, with Mitiamo’s new coach Luke Lougoon named as vicecaptain and picked on a half-back flank.

After eight years at Janiember Park, Laird said on Monday night he saw himself as a Bear forever.

Serp’s Josh Mellington, who kicked 93 goals in nine games before a season-ending injury, was named full-forward, with Bridgewater’s Lachlan Sharp, who fin-

ished with 138 goals, chosen in the forward pocket.

The four finalists dominated the team, with Pyramid Hill, Marong and Serp all with five players picked, and Bridgewater with four.

Along with Lougoon, Calivil’s Sam Maher and Newbridge’s Tyler McLeod, both named on the bench, were their team’s sole nominees. Inglewood and Maiden Gully were not represented in the side.

Marong’s Linton Jacobs was named as coach of the year.

THE TOP TEAM,

B: Tyler Myles (BL Serp) Matt Willcox (Marong) Joe Mayes (Bridgewater)

Kain Robins (Marong) Ryley Taylor (Marong)

F: Farran Priest (BL Serp) Josh Mellington (BL Serp) Lachlan Sharp (Bridgewater)

Combatants head netball top picks

MITIAMO’S star Laura Hicks has been named as captain of the Loddon Valley’s netball Team of the Year.

and Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Ava Francis, who was runner-up, were both selected. Mitiamo’s Jen Wilson was named coach.

HB: Luke Lougoon (Mitiamo) Tom McGregor (Pyramid Hill) Jack Neylon (Bridgewater)

C: Bailey George (Pyramid Hill) Ben Knight (Pyramid Hill) Jack McCaig (Marong)

HF: Zach Alford (Pyramid Hill)

Foll: Nathan Twigg (BL Serp) Justin Laird (BL Serp) Boden Alexander (Bridgewater)

Int: Damon Hemphill (Pyramid Hill) Sam Maher (Calivil) Tyler McLeod (Newbridge) Nathan Devanny (Marong)

Pyramid Hill’s goal shooter Jess Holdstock was named as vicecaptain, with the Bulldogs and the Superoos to face each other in Saturday’s A Grade grand final.

Helen Ward medallist, Bridgewater’s Carly Van Den Heuvel,

Team of the Year - forward: Laura Hicks (Mitiamo) Jess Holdstock (Pyramid Hill)Ava Francis (BL Serpentine). Centre: Danielle O’Toole (BL Serpentine) Amelia Ludeman (Mitiamo) Hayley Martiniello (Newbridge) Olivia Collicoat (Bridgewater). Defence: Carly Van Den Heuvel (Bridgewater) Abbey Dingwall (Pyramid Hill) Megan Jennings (Newbridge).

Best and lauded ... Justin Laird. LH PHOTO