Loddon Herald 13 May 2021

FREE EVERY THURSDAY

www.loddonherald.com.au

Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 16 THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

SPECIAL REPORT: YOUNG MUMS LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS

CARE FOR KIDS

By CHRIS EARL

THE LODDON is a family day care black spot.

Young professional mothers are unable to return to work and small businesses owners are struggling to juggle demands of family business.

Some mothers are travelling up to four hours a week to access child care in other towns.

The lack of day care - just four pre-primary daily spots are believed to exist in Wedderburn - means many local families cannot access new assistance measures being offered by the Federal and State Governments.

Wedderburn mothers last week gathered in the town’s park to discuss the crisis and begin the search for a solution.

Supporting them were Wedderburn College principal Danny Forrest and the school’s student wellbeing co-ordinator Kerry Walker.

Wedderburn College has one teacher unable to return from maternity leave because of the lack of family day care and another is working reduced hours.

They are not alone in facing the challenge. While neither government has been able to provide data on family day care places available in the Loddon, a search of a Federal Government care finder website shows none listed.

The local mothers told the Loddon Herald last week that without child care, they were

Young mothers, their children, employers and family ... together in the search for child care. LH PHOTO frustrated at being unable to work. Limited work hours for some are only possible when parents travel from Melbourne and interstate or elderly relatives “come out of retirement”.

One is Shirl Postle, a greatgrandmother called to care for Marigold, 11 months.

“I love looking looking after the young ones but an 86-year-

old can’t go on forever,” she said.

Tammy Martin, who is expecting her second child in August, fears the loss of social interaction for son Ashton, 2½, as she tries to support husband Cameron Steel in their butcher shop. “It’s hard. We have a flexibility that many others do not but it’s really hard,” she said.

“I’m still trying to put in two days a week at the shop but Ashton misses the interaction.”

The Wedderburn mothers believe at least 20 family day care places are needed in the town.

“This is a problem not only for Wedderburn, but Inglewood and every other town in the region,” said Tammy said.

“There are vacant halls that could be used or perhaps linking with schools ... lateral thinking is needed and we can’t put the need for day care places in the too hard basket.”

The mothers believe Loddon towns are experiencing a baby boom with “a lot just starting to establish their families”.

MORE REPORTS - PAGES 4-5

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021

C

ARRYING on from our opening theme of dogs last week, we’d certainly be lost without the loyal companionship of our canine friends. Over the other side of the world - in places we might just be able to visit again next year, or maybe 2024 if this COVID pest is controlled and the risk of snap border closures disappears, you can take your dog just about anywhere.

E

LECTIONS were held across Britain the other day with polling booths far more imaginative than the stock-standard locations for our version of democracy in action at school halls and town halls (and sausage sizzles of course, onions on top bottom if you don’t mind). They use pubs, porta-blocks and other makeshift premises and there, in just about every photograph was a dog. We don’t know what these cute ones thought of the electoral offerings but you could say the canine canterings at the polling booth are just as popular as our sausage sizzles with dedicated websites charting their polling booth visits.

T

HE old saying about mad dogs and Englishman might just explain the canine connection in the Old Dart. Afterall, dogs are allowed on public transport and can sit with their masters in the local pub.

Tommy, described as “an overgrown pup... a big foolish, four-footed mate”. Andy and Dave, fishing enthusiasts, devise a unique method of catching fish using explosives. But the dog picks up an explosive cartridge in his mouth, and runs the fuse through the campfire, prompting the three men to flee. Tommy, thinking it a game, playfully chases down his “two-legged mates,” who try everything in their power to escape the cartridge. Jim tries to climb a tree and then drops down a mine shaft, meanwhile Andy has hidden behind a log. When Dave seeks refuge in the local pub, the dog bounds in after him, causing the bushmen inside to scatter! And ... boom!!

P

E’VE got to leave Spot and friends in the back of the ute when dropping into the local for a thirst quencher. It wasn’t always like that as our balladist Henry Lawson chronicled.

UPPY love is not lost though. There’s been a few moves in recent years, including deep within the gentrified ubran areas of Sydney no less, to allow you to take the family pet to the boozer. Alas, these four-legged living, walking GPS creations are still to find favour at happy hour.

H

U

W

IS Loaded Dog story is a wonderful read (should revisit it when spare time next arrives!). The humorous short story is about three gold miners and their dog, and the farcical consequences of leaving a bomb cartridge unattended. They own a young retriever named

NTIL they do, at least our pubicans across the Loddon do their bit by having watering stations outside for these loyal canines.

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

Rosemary Harrison and Eddie Sydor prepare meals for the community luncheon. LH PHOTO

Roast lunch brings people together LAUGHS and stories are being shared at Inglewood Town Hall when local residents gather for their community lunch.

Twice a month they are served up meal by local volunteers in partnership with the Lions Club.

One of the organisers, Faye Orange, said the lunches started two years ago as a way of bringing people together.

“We’ve a lovely band of helpers who are devoted to what

they do,” Faye said between serving roast lamb and vegetables at the latest lunch.

“It’s another way people are able to meet and chat, whether they have lived here for years or have chosen to retire in Inglewood.

“We’ve seen the lunches go from strength to strength.”

The lunches coincide with Inglewood Community House grocery day providing packs for residents.

THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY

Snooze Bendigo, 86 Mitchell Street, Bendigo 5442 2840 | snooze.com.au It’s amazing what a little snooze can do *Offer ends Sunday 16 May 2021. Advertised prices and savings shown are based on Snooze Management Pty Ltd RRP. Products may be sold below the RRP in some stores prior to this offer. Offer not available on floor stock, clearance, delivery, assembly and recycling services. As our stores vary in size, it is possible that not all products are displayed in all stores but all products may be ordered on request. While we aim to ensure the information provided is correct, sometimes errors occur and we reserve the right to correct any errors. New orders only. Snooze’s standard terms and conditions of sale otherwise apply. © Snooze 2021. W104414

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021 | 3

IN BRIEF

Please, value your health

Market moves after a decade THE monthly Loddon market has moved towns as Inglewood Lions Club looks to grow the event.

The first market was held in Inglewood last Saturday with eight stallholders in the main street.

Club secretary Deb Coon said the market had been held in Bridgewater for more than a decade but members believed a change of town would help the event grow.

There were indications of at least four extra stallholders for the June market, Deb said.

BREAST cancer survivor Robyn Vella joined spritely 92-yearold Betty Higgs for the Mother’s Day Classic on Saturday.

They were among an estimated 100 people who walked or run courses along the Loddon River in Bridgewater raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research, one of a series of events across Australia.

Before setting off from the Bridgewater Hotel, Robyn spoke of her journey and said it was important for women and men to always think about their health.

“We don’t value health ... we have to, to stay on this planet,” she said.

Ambulance boost LH PHOTO

STORY, PICTURES - PAGE 9

Prickle fight spike VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation is sweating on this month’s Victorian Budget for extra funds in the fight against wheel cactus.

The state organisation has backed calls from Wedderburn branch president Graham Nesbit for a concerted attack on the invasive plant again threatening Loddon farmland.

The VFF headquarters’ support follows last week’s Loddon Herald report on the cactus spreading in a line from Boort to Talbot in the south.

In its pre-Budget submission, the VFF wants $40 million be allocated over the next four years to public land managers to invest in pest, plant and animal management.

It says grants should be made available to catchment management authorities “to work with farming communities to develop cross-tenure management programs to reduce the impact of pest plants and animals to the economy and biodiversity”.

Meanwhile, Murray Plains

“The Andrews Labor GovernMP and shadow agriculture minister Peter Walsh has ment, which has trouble seejoined the campaign to get the ing, let alone understanding, State Government to “wake up anything outside Melbourne, and realise the threat of wheel needs to listen to the people cactus and its remorseless who know,” Mr Walsh said.

“Because they would then respread”.

Mr Walsh said it was becom- alise money urgently needs to ing prevalent across north be made available for the cost of chemicentral Viccals needed toria, in arto stop the eas such as threat now. the Loddon, “We also and there need assiswas now a tance for our genuine risk landholders it would beand Landcome estabcare groups lished. who are the He said Last week’s Loddon Herald frontline in once it was, this battle. report. the weed “Wheel grew densely, forming impenetrable bar- cactus is not usually grazed riers with stands having a by stock because of its stout negative impact on growth spines. In dense patches, the and regeneration of indig- plant could limit access to waenous plants, smaller shrubs ter and reduce food available and ground flora, resulting in for fauna ... dense patches may a major setback on lower stra- limit grazing capacity.” tum and a minor impact on Agriculture Victoria says wheel cannot cannot be eradimid stratum flora.

cated. In a statement on Tuesday, a spokesperson said: “Wheel cactus is declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 as a Regionally Controlled Weed in the North Central catchment.

“It is widespread and established across the North Central Catchment and in many parts of Victoria and cannot be eradicated from the state.

“Agriculture Victoria officers have made extensive and ongoing efforts with regards to this issue, continuing to work with both public and private land owners to provide technical advice and facilitate management of the weed in this area. These efforts are continuing in 2021.”

The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions through Agriculture Victoria is responsible for administering the Catchment and Land Protection Act. The Victorian Budget will be handed down in Parliament next Thursday.

A PORTABLE suction unit was handed over this week after Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary op-shop raised more than $2000.

The unit was presented to Ambulance Victoria for use in the region’s single response unit.

The Laerdal Portable Suction unit will be used for pre-hospital conditions to improve patient safety.

Token sales figures BOORT and Wedderburn RSL sub-branches have finalised their ANZAC token appeal sales for 2021.

In Boort, $615 was raised which sub-branch president Paul Haw said was “well down on other years due to the fact that we didn’t have people sitting in the street. The Boort Community has always supported the Anzac appeal well. We hope to be back to normal next year.”

Wedderburn sub-branch president Roger Patterson said more than $800 had been raised through its sales in Wedderburn and Korong Vale.

Community talks DROP-IN sessions have been held in Boort and Wedderburn this week as Loddon Shire Council seeks community input on its 2021-2025 plan.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021

SPECIAL REPORT: YOUNG MUMS LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS

Impacts on school and business WEDDERBURN College principal Danny Forrest has watched the opening of a new purpose-built child care facility in Wycheproof.

He sees that model as an option for Loddon communities and easing the challenge his teachers face returning from maternity leave.

One teacher has had to cut her hours back to just two days a week in the absence of available child care.

Another has put her return on hold for the same reason.

Both are upper primary teachers and Danny wants a solution for teachers and parents of students.

“A lot of families want to be out working but there are not the care options. It doesn’t seem fair for families,” he said.

Wycheproof Early Learning Centre was a $1.22 million project funded by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program Extension ($500,000), the Victorian School Building Authority ($700,000) and the local parents’ group ($20,000).

It is has created a precinct, with Wycheproof P-12 College, for the educational journey of children in the district.

Wedderburn College student support co-ordinator Kerry

FEELING THE EFFECT: Tammy Martin and school principal Danny Forrest. LH PHOTO Walker said the school’s once weekly playgroup was already attracting 30 children. “A lot of grandparents are bringing the children in. So many are relying on grandparents ... it’s a big ask,” she said.

Danny said the school could be an interim location for a family day care centre while other options were assessed.

Tammy Martin said more young families had moved to the Loddon since COVID.

ALSO: Avoca Shire Hall 23 May at 2:00 PM

She said a care facility would give certainty and consistency to business owners and workers.

“There are vacant halls that could be used and working with the school would be a start.”

Facility would bring benefit to economy, says Staley FAMILY day care places would bring big benefits for families and local economies, said Ripon MP Louise Staley.

“Without access to appropriate childcare options in Wedderburn, local parents and carers are being forced to give up hours or drop out of the workforce entirely,” she said.

“This problem primarily impacts women who are often the ones to take leave or give up work when children are born. Having enough care places in Wedderburn would have financial benefits for parents and the economy.

“We need to support women to re-enter and remain in the workforce wherever possible and living in a regional community should not be a barrier to this,” she said.

Loddon mum Rachel Ellsmore said the dearth of child care impacted small business and local professionals in the region.

Studying to become a social worker, Rachel also questioned the outlay required for care accreditation when it brought little return.

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021 | 5

SPECIAL REPORT: YOUNG MUMS LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS Maternal health figures

Maddy, Marigold and Shirl Postle LH PHOTO

Anita Steel and daughter Astrid. LH PHOTO

Local better than travel SOME Loddon families are spending up to four hours travelling each week to drop their children at child care in St Arnaud.

That’s two trips out of town - time lost in an already cramped day to create a few hours of spare or work time.

They drop the children off at 8am and collect at 4.30pm. But as several chorused last week: “And if you get the call that they are sick, you turn around before you’re home and pick them up straight away.”

The young mothers say that for some, relying on parents and grandparents was

not an option with those older relatives still working on local farms.

Tammy Martin says Wedderburn did have two private in-home child care providers until early this year when one closed for personal reasons.

But with only four pre-primary and four primary positions available, there are no vacancies.

In other towns, mothers have told the Loddon Herald that they, too, are faced with travel to a larger city to access child care.

YOU’RE MORE SUITED THAN YOU MIGHT THINK NOW RECRUITING FOR OVER 3000 POLICE POLICE CAREERS

In Wedderburn, Tammy Martin wants to see local services to keep young families in the town.

They worry the fallout could flow onto school enrolments in later years.

Anita Steel and Maddy Postle are local mothers who want to be back at school, teaching and building the next generation in Loddon communities.

“People moving here want to have access to child care facilities,” Maddy said

- CHRIS EARL

THE number of active infant records in the Loddon Shire has averaged almost 200 in the past two years.

Figures provided by the shire council show 205 active infant records for children aged 0-6 in 2019-2020 and 184 in 2020-2020.

More than 83 per cent of those have an average 3.5 appointments at one of the shire’s five maternal and child health service locations in the shire.

The current kindergarten enrolments at Boort, Dingee, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn total 91 while potential enrolments for next year are 86, according to council data.

Four of the five centres are expected to have an increase in three-year-old enrolments next year with Pyramid Hill going from four to seven.

Total enrolments will potentially increase at Dingee and Wedderburn.

Boort, with a large fouryear-old cohort of 16 this year, will drop.

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021

IN BRIEF

New book will recall grand Scottish times

Local GP incentive DOCTORS in Mallee electorate towns would receive an increase to the Rural Bulk Billing Incentive from the current rate of 150 per cent, said MP Anne Wesbter.

Dr Wesbter said the change was investing more than $65 million from January 1 to boost bulk billing rebates and provide more affordable healthcare for patients in regional, rural and remote areas.

While no specific figures were available for Loddon towns, Mildura and Horsham will increase to 160 per cent, doctors in Mallee Track communities 180 per cent and those in other parts of Mallee will receive 170 per cent.

PYRAMID Hill is preparing for the launch of a new book celebrating the town’s caledonian society and pipe band over almost 60 years after World War One. Ewan MacGilllivray, secretary of the Clan MacGillivray Society of Australia and son of the band’s drum major in the 1950s, will launch the book on June 27. The book has been prepared by the town’s historical society and the society is taking pre-orders of the publication..

The caledonian society was formed in 1919 and its band six years later. The band continued to perform until the 1960s. Highland dancing classes were also held and players and dancers would host annual gatherings and Scottish celebrations.

PICTURED: The pipe band in 1954 - Back Row: Ian Bartels, Robert (Bob) MacGillivray, Ed McGowan, Eddie Forster, Barry McArthur. Middle Row: Albert (Sog) Toey, Des Hird, Alan Moss, Graeme Rae, Colin McArthur. Front Row: Unknown, Jock Morrison, Alex Gillies, Malcolm MacGillivray, Herb MacGillivray, Lex Cameron.

Partnership’s pledge for youth A NEW partnership aims to identify opportunities to reduce disadvantage for Loddon youngsters.

North Central LLEN has joined with Loddon Shire Council and Northern District Community Health for the 12-month project across Loddon, Buloke and Gannawarra.

Strong Youth Strong Communities will focus on the creation of a framework and a

model for a ‘place based’ youth support system.

Council director community wellbeing Wendy Gladman said that young people in families experiencing disadvantage in rural areas could face significant challenges. “We know that some rural families have fewer resources and may require additional support to help them identify, access and engage with services,” she said.

Your feedback invited on draft budget Council’s 2021/22 Draft Budget, Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges, and Revenue and Rating Plan are now out for community feedback until Friday 28 May 2021.

Council remains debt-free, with no loan repayments, and a continued strong cash position.

The Draft Budget maintains Council’s approach of being financially responsible, while ensuring its commitment of providing a large range of services to our community.

The Draft Budget includes a rate increase of 1.5 per cent – in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System. The Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges also proposes to increase fees and charges by 1.5 per cent – the same as the rate increase.

The Revenue and Rating Plan proposes the revenue raising framework for Council for the next four years.

The Draft Budget allocates a capital expenditure program of $6.92 million, which includes $3.07 million towards roads, $350,000 for urban and road drainage, and $240,000 for footpaths. The total figure also includes $1.33 million for leisure and community facilities.

Mayor Cr Neal Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

NDCH chief executive officer Mandy Hutchinson said Strong Youth Strong Communities was an an important project for the Gannawarra, Loddon and Buloke areas.

“We need to ensure support is in place to ensure young people have the foundations for healthy and successful lives including access to digital connectivity, health, education, transport, employment and

recreation activities,” she said North Central LLEN Executive Officer Jane Hosking said the Loddon was fortunate to have communities and schools that cared about young people.

“Data shows that more than one third of all young people in our region have low wellbeing, with lower-than-average scores on optimism ... and are leaving/left school early, impacting on their income.”

Additionally, the Draft Budget includes a $300,000 allocation for works associated with the Building Asset Management Plan and full funding of Council’s ongoing commitment to community planning of $750,000.

Council will meet to consider any feedback to the Draft Budget, Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges, and Draft Revenue and Rating Plan at the Council Forum on Tuesday 8 June 2021. It will then consider adoption of these key documents at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 22 June 2021 and will give public notice of its decision.

LIBRARY STORYTIME SESSIONS Inglewood - Tuesday 18 May 10.30am Wedderburn - Wednesday 19 May 10.30am Boort - Thursday 20 May 10.30am

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

GAMES are being played in Inglewood today to celebrate Neighbourhood House Week. The games afternoon follows other activities this morning for the community fun day.

Jeff in focus JEFF Hooley, Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery committee president, was pictured in our report last week. Jeff had presented a certificate to Bert Bradley whose name was under the photograph. Our apologies.

The Prairie West Road (5.8 km East from the Loddon Valley Highway at Calivil Creek) is currently closed while culvert replacement works are completed.

It is expected that the works will will be completed later this month.

Any further changes to the closure will be advised through Council’s Facebook page.

Copies of the Draft Budget, Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges, and Draft Revenue and Rating Plan are available on Council’s website at www.loddon.vic. gov.au/Our-Council/Financial-reports.

Copies are also available for inspection at Council’s Wedderburn office during business hours or can be posted out on request by calling Council’s Customer Service on (03) 5494 1200.

Neighbour week

Living Well in Loddon

Commmunity committee information sessions

Council is currently preparing its Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-25 and we invite you to help shape its development.

Community Asset Committee members are invited to come along to a range of free local information events to be held across Loddon Shire for National Volunteer Week from Monday 17 May until Friday 21 May.

The plan will identify and set out the main health and wellbeing priorities for our community for the next four years. We are keen to know what you think the main health and wellbeing issues facing our community are.

Community Asset Committees consist of dedicated community members and have been created to manage facilities within the Loddon Shire in accordance with Section 65 of the Victorian Local Government Act 2020.

It will only take five to ten minutes to share your thoughts with us and we thank you for your time. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XC99XY5

Community Asset Committee members who would like more information regarding the information sessions can call Council’s Community Asset Committee Project Officer Michael Johnston, on 0429 269 621.

WEDDERBURN 41 High Street Wedderburn 3515

SERPENTINE 37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine 3516

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

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

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021 | 7

Don’t seal us in, say residents RESIDENTS want to keep the gravel surface of a road on the outskirts of Newbridge.

And they’ve gone on the front foot to tell Loddon Shire Council their opposition if there are thoughts to seal Grant Street and Stewarts Road.

It’s a change from the usual road requests councils receive in country areas where residents welcome a top layer of bitumen on their road.

But sixth generation dairy farmer Les Stewart said the two roads, only metres from the Wimmera Highway, were “a different world and we want to keep it that way”.

Les, along with neighbours including Rosie Briscoe and Steve Wait, say there are many more roads in the Loddon that

Network hears helping hands

Rosie Briscoe, Les Stewart and Steve Wait in Grant Street.

LH PHOTO

should be considered for sealing.

“There’s lucky to be three or four cars a day, the milk truck every second day, using these two roads,” Les said.

“We’ve occasionally seen

people accidentally turn off the Wimmera Highway, thinking they are going to Bendigo.

“A sealed road would increase that happening and we could see B doubles getting bogged,” Les said.

“Then they’d say ‘we’re not in Kansas Toto, where are we?”

A report to Loddon Shire said there were no current plans to seal the roads. Council said it would consider residents’ views if sealing became an option.

FOUNDER of national support group Aussie Hands, Elizabeth Borg, was guest speaker at last week’s Kooyoora Women’s Network dinner in Serpentine.

Elizabeth, from Wedderburn, spoke about the formation of Aussie Hands last October to provide support, information and encouragement to people born with a hand difference and their families.

She says differences were congenital hand or upper limb differences ranging from the absence of one or all fingers on a hand to part or all an arm.

Aussie Hands partners with Royal Children’s Hospital and other hospitals and health professionals to raise awareness and refer to support services.

MATES navigate career ideas MENTORING is back for Year 10 students at Pyramid Hill College.

The first MATES events brought together Year 10 students, their mentors and recently matched Year 9 students.

Lead by co-ordinator Katrina Van Eyk, mentors and their mentees in teams built impressive towers out of raw spaghetti and marshmallows, played wink murder and other games while enjoying pizzas and hearing about mentors’ career pathways and advice to their

younger selves. The MATES mentoring program, supported by the North Central LLEN and facilitated by career pathways co-ordinator Barb Bear provides the opportunity for students to get to know an older, experienced and reliable person who can guide them through the final years at Pyramid Hill College.

Karlee Gilmore, Sharolyn Chislet and Marilyn Fernandez shared their career journeys during the evening.

CHECK IN NOW

Click here to check in

CHECKING IN KEEPS US SAFE Victoria, it’s up to all of us to keep checking in.

It’s the best way to stop the spread of coronavirus, and keep protecting our businesses, communities, and each other.

So let’s all keep it up.

Because checking in keeps us safe and open.

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

Network president Colleen Condliffe and Elizabeth Borg.

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021

So, what do you do?

Right now across Victoria there are opportunities for people who want to make a difference in a career that’s meaningful, challenging and rewarding.

From social workers and educators, to communicators and researchers – the family violence sector needs people with different skills, experiences and backgrounds for roles as diverse as the communities we serve.

What if your new job was helping people affected by family violence?

Be part of a team working to make positive change and end family violence.

Visit the jobs hub at familyviolence.vic.gov.au/jobs If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For help and support, call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.

CLEARING SALE Bridgewater on Loddon Saturday 22 nd May 2021 @ 9:30am Sharp Horse Training, Farm Machinery & Sundries A/c The Estate of Mr Collin Redwood (dec’d) 29 Dunolly – Bridgewater Road, BRIDGEWATER ON LODDON HORSE EQUIPMENT 2002 TUZA Db Horse Float (Reg), Regal 2000 Sprint Sulky Quick Hitch, Sulky’s, 2 x Steel Jog Cart, 6 Horse Jogger, Qty Full Set Harness, Harness Bags & Boxes, Qty Horse Rugs, Qty Horseshoes, Farrier Tools, Sulky Parts, Horse Clippers, Feed Bins, Tyre Track Drag 3m Width, Qty Troughs, Hugging Poles & Spreaders MACHINERY VEHICLES 2005 Ford Territory (Reg WDZ257), 2001 Au Ford Ute(Reg RIW371), 1966 John Deere 2130 Tractor (Unreg), Hayliner 317 NH Baler, Sunshine 500 MF Combine, 9’ X 5’3 Trailer (Reg TI5673), 12’ Harrow Bar & Harrows, 6’ Disc Plough, 3 PL Harrows, 8’ Crowder, 9’ Ripper, NH 907 Windrower, 3PL Forks, Poly Pipe Ripper/Layer, 38’ Fught Auger with 3PH Motor, Saw Bench & Elec Motor, Field Bin, 100 bag Silo, Sunbeam “Little Wonder Crutching Machine”, Qty of Gates, Round Bale Feeder, Flat Top Trailer, Hay Loader, Ditch Witch (Parts Only), 3 PL carryall, 3 PL Jib TOOLS, SUNDRIES & COLLECTABLES 2 x Anvils, Sunshine Gate, Qty Concrete Posts, Steel Pickets, Steel Purlins, Steel Sleepers x 40, Fencing Wire, Qty Railway Line, Pneumatic Tool Set, Wire Roller, 15L Knapsack Spray Unit, Pipe Bender, Qty Elec Tools, Steel Benches, Fire pump, Block & Tackles, Qty Grease Guns, Rotary Hoe, Antique Chairs, Stihl Chainsaw, Assort Tools, Pallet of Bricks, Fridges, Timber Statue, 1950’s Ford Headlights, Bailey Ladder, Ped Drill &Host of Sundries too numerous to mention.

Social distancing and COVID 19 protocols apply TERMS: Cash or Personal Cheque, EFTPOS available, Number System Operating, ID Required, No Buyers Premium.

Photos www.fpnevins.com.au DIRECTIONS: Turn left on Dunolly Road, 600m on the right-hand side, follow the signs Further Particulars

92 Brooke Street, Inglewood VIC 3517 Ph: 5438 3041 James Nevins: 0407 302 900

Print news survey: readers have say THE future of local newspapers will be a key issue for regional and rural residents at the next federal election, according to a new national study.

The biggest national survey of local news audiences in Australia, conducted as part of the Media Innovation and Civic Future of Australia’s Country Press project, reveals the passion people have for their local newspaper and has found they want a much bigger say about its future.

The Australian Research Councilfunded project involves researchers from Deakin and RMIT universities with support from Country Press Australia,the peak media body for independent news organisations.

Key findings include: ● There is continued strong demand (and passion) for the printed product in rural and regional Australia. In fact, the majority of audiences prefer a printed newspaper, with younger generations also part of this trend. Country Press readers overall are 2.6 times as likely to read their local paper in print than in digital format. ● Audiences overwhelmingly view a printed copy of their newspaper as an essential service for their community.

This accords with previous research that has advocated for recognition at the policy level of the vital importance of the printedpaper. ● 61% of respondents say policies that affect the future of local newspapers would influence the way they vote at the next federal election.

Other findings include: ● Audiences indicate they are five times as likely to go directly to a local news website for their local news than Google or Facebook, and almost 10 times as likely to go to the local newspaper website over a local council website for their local news and information. Jjust 5% of younger audiences say

they mostly use social media to find out about local news. ● Audiences believe local newspapers should be collaboratively funded by a range of relevant stakeholders, including media companies, advertisers, subscribers, government and philanthropy to ensure their future. ● While some media lobbyists and academics in Australia and internationally have called for newspaper subscriptions to be made tax deductible, 71% of respondents are not in favour of such initiatives. ● Audiences overwhelmingly indicate any additional funding for local news should be directed to employing more local journalists to report news (71%), over increasing digital connectivity (13%) and digital innovation products (17%).

Project leader Associate Professor Kristy Hess, from Deakin’s School of Communication, said the voices and perspectives of everyday audiences were often missing in policy discussion about the future of local media and people had offered innovative ideas to support their future.

“It’s clear that the local newspaper really matters to Australian audiences; personally,I don’tthink that was ever in doubt. But we can see from this survey just how passionate readers are about the sustainability of news that provides good quality local content and keeps them informed about people and happenings in their community,” Associate Professor Hess said.

The survey is part of a three-year project that aims to develop and roadtest a new map to support local news media in the digital era.

Almost 30 per cent of Australia’s population, close to eight million people, live outside major cities in rural and regional areas.

Rural firearm thefts prompt call for better, safer storage LODDON police are urging residents to ensure they secure firearms safely after a number of thefts from rural properties District firearms officer Leading Sen. Constable Mark Wilkinson said many thefts could have been prevented if a little more care had been taken taken.

He said it was important to take appropriate steps to keep firearms safe and prevent illegal gun activity.

“The harder you make it for someone to steal any of your possessions, including a firearm, the less likely it is to occur.”

Sen. Constable Wilkinson said rural properties often had large sheds that were left unlocked, making them an easy target for offenders.

“It may seem inconvenient to lock up your sheds all the time, but these sheds are often located some distance away from the main house on the property,” he said.

“A would-be thief will always look for the easy option, and it is easier to force entry to shed than a house where the owners are more likely to be.”

Among tips from police are: ● If possible, keep your approved firearm storage facility or safe in your house. Do not store your firearm in your vehicle and only remove it from the safe immediately prior to use.

● Ensure the safe is located out of sight of doors and windows and that it is locked and secured to a wall or floor ● If kept in a shed, ensure the safe cannot be seen from windows or doors ● Ensure doors to sheds are locked ● Make sure tools are not left for offenders to use ● Place security lights on sheds and garages ● Remove keys from tractors, quad bikes, motor-bikes and ride-on lawn mowers ● If you are going away, consider having your firearms safely stored with a licensed firearms dealer until your return ● Also if you are going away, fill out an Absence of Residence form at your local police station Anyone with information about theft of firearms should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police also have a farm security checklist tp help safeguard properties.

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021 | 9

MOTHER'S DAY CLASSIC

Morning stroll along the river A CRISP autumn morning had dozens of people walking and running along the Loddon River for the Bridgewater Mother’s Day Classic.

They helped raise an estimated $7000 for breast cancer research and support.

More than 100 people from across the Loddon and visitors took part in the classic as runners, walkers and volunteers.

Organisers were assisted with sponsorship from Hazeldenes and a major fundraiser by Bridgewater Farmware (see On the Land, Page 13).

Splashes of pink were everywhere - from the welcoming signs at Bridgewater Hotel and table decorations in the beer

garden to the finish line tape and specially packaged raffle prizes.

Congratulations to the local Mother’s Day classic team on a wonderful community effort.

LH PHOTOS

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021

FEATURES opinion | quiz

Step up on local roads call to government

OFF the coat tails of good rain in March, winter crops across Loddon are being sown as we speak.

Farmers across the Terrick Ward are optimistic, but rain is needed again to ensure positive outcomes for this year’s harvest.

There has been renewed excitement around our netball courts and football ovals, as the LVFN League hits the ground running after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, crowd participation seems strong bringing a much needed boost to our local economy.

With great weather over Easter and school holidays, tourism throughout the Terrick Ward was a buzz.

Family and friends had a chance to gather and celebrate. Campers, woodcutters, fishers, prospectors, motorcycle riders, hunters, all aspects of outdoor bush users had the opportunity to get out and about in our great bush environments.

They were circumnavigating the Loddon Shire and stopping on their travels to spend money in our local towns, like Serpentine.

Property continues to be in high demand across country Victoria and the Terrick Ward is no exception.

Demand outways availability and work is needed to identify possible GOVERNMENTS have made much of their commitment to better access to child care.

But there is one problem in the Loddon, our towns are without family day care facilities that allow the empowerment of young mothers to return to work and take advantages of the allowances and rebates offered to families in other areas.

It’s clear that governments have dropped the ball when it comes to access to day care facilities in rural towns and communities.

There has been no leadership or investment in those towns, many that have been asset stripped over the last

sites to expand industrial and housing opportunities, without encroaching on productive agricultural land.

All towns in the shire have positive aspects to offer for expansion, but with expansion comes costs, limited funds and resources can be big constraints moving forward.

We need to see a collaboration of private and government agencies continuing to work together, and to see commitments continue from our big industry providers to putting back into the local community.

For our small towns of Dingee and Mitiamo, I have made further contact and met with representatives from Coliban Water to advocate for upgraded water infrastructure and improvements to the towns water supply.

There is a commitment from Coliban Water to improve and re-establish a regular pipe flush to help keep pipes clean and improve pressure, also to look at and improvement their filter system.

Yes, this is a good starting point, but more needs to be done for the long term sustainability of a decent water supply.

I will continue to advocate for a more permanent solution.

Local volunteers are the backbone of

our small communities and I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend working with our varied committees across the shire.

The work of community volunteers is what shapes your towns and organisations and puts forward future vision to work towards.

Community engagement is where I can hear first hand the issues, the wants and the needs of locals, this is paramount to getting your voice heard and I thank all volunteers for their time.

And lastly, with an increase in road traffic from goods transport, tourism and population increases, our road infrastructure comes under demand.

There are differences in road classification which form a list of priorities for funding, this sees a lot of our VicRoads managed roads which crisscross the Loddon Shire being neglected and under funded.

We need a better rural roads budget and a 100 per cent commitment from the State Government and Regional Roads Victoria to keep up their end of the bargain to provide a safe road network.

More needs to be done.

Editorial 50 years yet could be on the cusp of a resurgence.

Young people are again looking to the lifestyle of country Victoria, accelerated in part by the realities borne in COVID lockdowns that not all life resides in the big cities.

Only a few weeks ago, we wrote of concern that governments are at times too intent on cost shifting to local government.

Higher tiers of government have made it an art form in blurring the spheres of responsibility.

It’s says a lot for rural resiliance and creativity that councils in partnership with local communities have been able to fill funding voids created by this practice.

That cannot go on forever and it’s time for the Federal and State Governments to step in with proper support and leadership for the creation of family day car facilities in regions like the Loddon.

There exists a compelling case that includes day care facilities on the list of essential local services in modern

* Cr Dan Straub is Terrick Ward councillor for Loddon Shire. rural communities. To sustain family life and local population retention and growth, these day care facilities are as important as electricity, water, sewerage, health services and good roads.

And then there’s the issue of eradication of wheel cactus that is again spreading from public land to farm land that has been ignored by government, And Cr Dan Straub has raised concerns about government neglect of the region’s road network by government.

Elected and re-elected governments always pledge to “govern for all”. That’s being put to the test in Loddon.

1 The Da Vinci Code opens with a murder in which famous museum?

2. Which insect can indicate the air temperature?

3. What country is the band “The Cranberries” from?

4. Blueberries are native to which continent?

5. Barack Obama wrote “The Audacity of” what?

6. What type of lens has a thin middle and makes objects appear smaller?

7. What is the Hawaiian name for yellow fin tuna?

8. Rihanna banned fans from bringing what to her UK concerts in 2008?

9. Who created the alien rock superstar Ziggy Stardust?

10. Which girl helped drive the English from French soil in the 1400s 11. What US President coined the phrase “Good to the last drop,” referring to coffee?

12. On every continent there is a city named what?

13. Sandwich Islands are known as?

14. What’s the most expensive home in the world?

15. What did the Crocodile swallow in Peter Pan? 16. In ancient Greece, throwing an apple at someone was a declaration of what?

17. Who wrote songs for The Lion King?

18. What is the real first name of Marilyn Monroe?

19. What colour were Melbourne’s W Class trams?

20. What was the real name of bushranger Captain Melville?

ANSWERS 1. Lourve. 2. Cricket. 3. Ireland. 4. North America. 5. Hope. 6. Concave. 7. Ahi. 8.

Umbrellas. 9. David Bowie. 10. Joan of Arc. 11. Theodore Roosevelt. 12. Rome.

13. Hawaii. 14. Buckingham Palace. 15.

Alarm clock. 16. Apple. 17. Elton John.

18. Norma Jeane. 19. Green. 20. Thomas Smith.

Local PERSPECTIVE

By Cr DAN STRAUB

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021 | 11

FEATURES

The churches, shops ... and a brewery

By KEN ARNOLD INGENUITY and an eye for opportunity have long been hallmarks of the Loddon.

We have earlier touched on the craftsmanship of agricultural implement pioneers in the region.

They worked hard and probably worked up a thirst, too, and this is where James Hedley enters Loddon pioneering folklore.

Hedley was employed by James Steward, Albion Brewery, Eaglehawk, as a traveller for a number of years before he formed a partnership with his brother William, during 1872, in readiness to establish the Bridgewater Brewery, trading as Hedley Bros.

The Marong correspondent to the Bendigo Advertiser, whilst en route to Bridgewater, reported on August 25, 1874, that the road between Yorkshire hotel (Marong) and Mrs Wuest’s Half-way House hotel at Leichardt, was such a “slough of despond” as the “glue pot” would puzzle the understanding of Macadam.

He wondered how the Cobb & Co drivers and others managed to force their way through.

On reaching Bridgewater he visited the new bluestone brewery that was in the course of construction.

During November 1879 this small nwspaper report on Bridgewater described a nice little town on the Loddon, with the usual proportion of churches (say two), hotels (say nine), shops and stores (say 20).

The town has a police station and railway station, a brewery, soda-water manufactory, two mills (one steam and one water), and also a branch of the National Bank, the report concluded.

Hedley Bros, exhibited a sample of their ale at the North Western Agricultural Show held at Inglewood in October 1878, likewise, a barrel of Colonial ale and Colonial porter in October 1884, a barrel of Colonial ale in 1885 and 1886, and ales in October 1887.

This brewery also won a gold locket at the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Show held in May 1877.

A prospectus was released by the

Sandhurst Brewing and Malting Company (Limited) in July 1888 which proposed to incorporate the Hedley Bros Bridgewater Brewery with Wm Bruce & Sons, Graham, Johnson & Illingworth, the late Jonathan Wharton and Charles Hoffmeyer (all Sandhurst businesses) however this failed.

It was also in the same month that James Hedley Esq. JP of Bridgewater and Kerang was recorded as a provisional director in the purchase of the businesses of Messrs. C. Yeo and Son and Taverner and Buscombe of Kerang.

Although Hedley Bros brewers, were about to retire, they were offering hotels for sale in the best country towns in 1889 and they still called tenders for the erection of a new Railway Hotel in Inglewood during September 1890.

In the meantime the Hedley brothers sold their brewery to George Elliott and Phillip Holler on April 16, 1890.

Elliott and Holler had originally formed a partnership, around August

1880, they trading as the Riverine Brewing Co. Ltd at Deniliquin.

This business was later floated as a company in December 1883, it then trading as The Riverine Brewery, Aerated Waters & MIlling Co. Ltd. As Margaret Holler, wife of Phillip Holler, died in January 1885 the business was sold the partnership next purchasing the Standard Brewery, Main Street, Campbells Creek which they in turn sold in readiness to purchase the Bridgewater Brewery on April 16, 1890.

This partnership was soon dissolved - May 31, 1890 hence P Holler & Co. continued brewing and manufacturing aerated waters.

The following news report appeared in the Bendigo Advertiser on January 24, 1893: We understand that a company has been formed to erect a new brewery and cordial manufactory at Bridgewater.

The report continued that the lease of the brewery known as Holler’s and

owned by Mr J. Hedley expires in about three months, and the company referred to has been formed in readiness to supply customers with a good article at the lowest possible price. A new plant will be erected in a central position, and every care will be taken to provide ales, aerated waters, etc.

It would appear that the new brewery was never built.

Although Holler had advertised for a partner in April 1893 he must not have been successful as the contents and brewery plant were offered for auction on May 29, 1893, the brewery in Steam Mill Lane being purchased by Cohn Brothers, Bendigo.

It would appear that Holler & Co. may have continued to manufacture aerated waters as he was still listed in business at the turn of the century.

As Cohn Brothers had an extensive brewery in Bridge street, Bendigo it is doubtful if the Bridgewater Brewery continued to brew.

12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021

Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS Deadline - Tuesdays 4pm - Phone 0419 549 743 or email loddonherald@gmail.com WANTED TO RENT

PUBLIC NOTICES

TRIBUTE

RENTAL WANTED

Louise STALEY MP

A tribute to the late

Wes James

Farmhouse and shed Inglewood, Tarnagulla, Dunolly areas

LIBERAL MEMBER FOR RIPON

for his dedicated service as former President and longtime member of Boort Historical Society.

Your astute mind full of memories will be sadly missed Wes.

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

References available

LouiseStaleyRipon

LouiseStaley

Phone Maree 0419 536 813

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

Rest peacefully.

WEDDERBURN SWAP MEET AND MARKET

MEETING

Saturday 15th May Engine Park Racecourse Road

Rheola Public Hall Committee

Bring along your unwanted engine parts or anything else you no longer need, your things may be wanted by someone else!

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 17th May 2021 at the Rheola public hall at 7:30pm.

Entry fee - $2. Stallholders $10 7am start.

Sarah Soulsby Secretary

FOOD AND DRINKS AVAILABLE Contact: Trevor Bailey 0427583341

WANTED TO BUY

CHURCH NOTICE

OLD CAR SUITABLE FOR A PROJECT OR PARTS Valiant, Volkswagon, Holden, Ford, Datsun, Landcruiser or anything pre-1985.

Can be complete, rusty or wrecked.

SUNDAY 16TH MAY SUNDAY 30TH MAY

CASH PAID Matt 0477 580 096

CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY \

Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire

VERY THURSDAY

loddonherald@gmail.com or Phone 0419549743 Managing Editor - Chris Earl

ADVERTISING DEADLINES Display advertising bookings - 5pm Friday prior Display advertising artwork - 5pm Monday prior Classified advertising - 4pm Tuesday prior NEWS AND SPORT 5pm Monday prior The Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by Newsprinters Pty Ltd McKoy Street, West Wodonga, VIC 3690

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

MITIAMO STORE NEWBRIDGE HOTEL PYRAMID HILL POST OFFICE TARNAGULLA POST OFFICE TARANAGULLA COUNTRY CAFE TARNAGULLA SUPPLY STORE SERPENTINE POST OFFICE SERPENTINE SERVICE STATION WEDDERBURN NEWSAGENCY WEDDERBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE WEDDERBURN FISH AND CHIPS BENDIGO CENTRE NEWSAGENCY DUNOLLY FRIENDLY GROCER

www.loddonherald.com.au

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

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

Call me to discuss all your real estate needs

ADVERTISE IN THE DIRECTORY - $66 A MONTH

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021 | 13

SPORT

Scrappy start before goals WEDDERBURN Redbacks entered Saturday’s North Central game with a clean sheet and were keen to keep that intact but knowing Wycheproof-Narraport will always put up a good contest.

The opening term did not reward either side with a major score as there was pressure being presented by both sides.

The Redbacks had their opportunities but could not convert which resulted in their total score to seven behinds at quarter time. WycheproofNarraport were also unable to break through the solid backline of the Redbacks and registered just three behinds.

In the second term, the home side found their legs, led

by Jackson Guan who was in everything and gaining many possessions to support the Redbacks’ cause.

Redbacks’ Isaac Holt was the first to post a major for the game and then Will Holt brought up their second to get the team going. Midway through the term the Redbacks struck again with captain Corey Lowry goaling and this was quickly followed by a great goal when Damon Boag kicked from outside the 50.

The Demons backs were under constant pressure and when they were able to push the ball beyond the centre it was the likes of Rosengren, Guan and Winter-Irving sending the ball back into the Redbacks attacking zone. At halftime, the Redbacks lead was 25 points and the Demons remained goalless.

After the main break, the Demons had a task or two with the first being to put some respectability on the scoreboard.

Sam Turner got the message

THE CHASE IS ON: Mitch Manley, of Calivil, in the Bridgewater Auskick match on Saturday. Eager youngsters took to the ground at half-time. LH PHOTO and soon after the restart to play he was able to get possession of the Pink Sherrin and run through the lines to post the first major score for the second half and the Demons first the game.

Wedderburn through Will Holt responded with two goals to keep the Demons at bay. A forward move from the centre bounce saw a strong mark

by Corey Jones who brought up the Demons’ second in the term. Shortly after the restart Redbacks Joe Lockhart received a free and he had no trouble converting.

The Demons were determined stick to their task, and

they were rewarded with a goal to Tom Trewin who let go from outside 50 and covered the distance with ease. With three-quarter time approaching the Redbacks were again in attack and Will Holt goaled for the home side to take his tally to three for the term and give them a 30- point lead.

With a clean record to retain, the Redbacks were in no mood to take their foot off the peddle and they were quickly into attack and a strong mark to Tom Campbell resulted in the first goal of the quarter. From this point Wedderburn were again able to take control of the game and goals to Lowry and

Guan extended their lead. A bit of push and shove with players from both camps getting involved saw the yellow card produced and the Redbacks were a man down, but this did not appear to give the Demons an advantage as the Redbacks were soon to convert again thanks to Isaac Holt for his second. The Demons Jordan Bish chimed in late in the final quarter to kick their only major score for the quarter.

Joe Lockhart, who had played a serviceable game, closed the scoring out for the game with a goal to give the home side a win of just under 10 goals.

Superoos counter flag hope doubters IT WAS billed as a seasondefining game at John Forbes Oval on Saturday and Mitiamo comprehensively stamped their credentials for a successful Loddon Valley league flag defence.

There had been talk the Superoos would be overpowered by the brute strength of Marong after the Panthers’ took points in a nail-biting and heartbreaking match the previous week against Pyramid Hill.

But with key players back in the lineup, the Superoos took control in the second half, booting 10.9 and holding Marong to 2.4 and a solitary behind in the final term.

The return of Tyrone Downie saw him kick four goals while Ryan Wellington chimed in with three.

The Panthers were without bigman Adrian Pappin who copped a one-week ban after being reported for striking in the Pyramid Hill clash.

Meanwhile, Pyramid Hill has bounced back with a 10-goal plus win over Maiden Gully YCW, the Bulldogs’ goalkicking dynamic duo Dickens and George contributing eight majors to the victory.

The Eagles’ season has faltered against top sides and serious question marks hang over their top level competitiveness. For now, Mitiamo have emerged as an ultra-competitive flag contender midway through rounds where the 2021 big teams are going head to head.

Environmental flow for Lake Leaghur

Good grain in classic pink FARMERS across the Loddon have raised $1800 from promotion of pink grain storage bags in a Bridgewater Farmware fundraiser for the Bridgewater Mother’s Day Classic.

Farmware’s Dave Edwards said pink grain bags were used to store more than 40,000 tonnes of grain across the Loddon this year, “With over 40,000 tonnes of grain stored in pink grain bags across the Loddon region this

past harvest 2020, we had fantastic support from our grain farmers ... with many prepared to give the pink bags a go.

“A 75-metre long hot pink grain bag in your front paddock certainly is a talking point and it’s surprising how many people have been touched in some way by breast cancer. The pink bags fundraiser is a great way to support the Bridgy MDC crew,” said proud sponsor Dave.

NORTH Central Catchment Management Authority will release 300 megalitres over three days into Lake Leaghur and the Loddon River.

The flow will move through the region in coming weeks, wetting banks and helping seeds germinate while improving water quality for fish and water bugs, and allow fish and platypus to move between pools safely.

Program delivery executive manager Rachel Murphy said: “Lake Leaghur just north of Boort is one of those wetlands that has changed and suffered over the years due to the changes in the landscape and climate. ““This time of year, we would have historically expected some nice constant flows down

the Loddon, and even into some creeks and wetlands,” She said spring was usually when there were larger flows across the catchment, but the region would have been well and truly primed by then.

“River regulation and climate change means that doesn’t happen as often as it once did, and more intense floods can damage the rivers and communities, as we saw in 2010-11.

“So, we’re excited to be delivering a small flow to Leaghur this winter, for only the second time in more than a decade.

“The aim is to prime the wetland for a planned fill in spring.

“We’ll focus on the health of the redgums in and around the wetland, as well as other key vegetation species in the lake, which the birds love.”

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021

SPORT NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

Wedderburn Boort Charlton Birchip Watchem Sea Lake Nandaly Donald St Arnaud Wycheproof-N

MEN: Birchip-Watchem lost to Donald. Charlton lost to Boort 5, St Arnaud 11 d Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 0. Wedderburn Redbacks 2 lost to Wycheproof-Narraport 7.

Boort Men St Arnaud Wycheproof-Narraport Charlton Donald Birchip Watchem Wedderburn Redbacks Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers

Donald Wedderburn St Arnaud Boort Charlton Birchip Watchem Sea Lake Nandaly Wycheproof-N

13 12 10 7 7 6 3 0

13 10 10 9 9 6 0 0

Donald Sea Lake Nandaly Wedderburn Boort Charlton St Arnaud Birchip Watchem Wycheproof-N

Under 12: Charlton d 6 Boort 0. St Arnaud 3 d Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 0.

Marong 43. Pyramid Hill 12 lost to MGYCW 59. Newbridge 37 d BL Serpentine 31.

St Arnaud Charlton Donald Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers Birchip Watchem Wycheproof-Narraport Boort

Bridgewater Mitiamo Calivil United Marong Newbridge Pyramid Hill Inglewood MGYCW BL Serpentine

MGYCW Bridgewater Newbridge Mitiamo Marong Calivil United BL Serpentine Inglewood Pyramid Hill

LODDON VALLEY NETBALL A GRADE: Bridgewater 48 lost to Calivil United 69. Mitiamo 57 d Marong 48. Pyramid Hill 32 lost to MGYCW 36 Mitiamo MGYCW Bridgewater Pyramid Hill Calivil United Marong Newbridge Inglewood

137.06 118.45 132.58 126.49 96.50 95.41 59.80 55.29

20 16 12 12 8 4 4 4

B GRADE: Bridgewater 45 d Calivil

16 16 16 12 12 12 0 0

129.27 116.10 133.53 126.22 112.50 79.41 82.11 72.47 61.61

16 16 12 12 12 8 4 0 0

C GRADE: Bridgewater 37 d Calivil United 35. Mitiamo 39 lost to Marong 56. Pyramid Hill 13 lost to MGYCW 48. Newbridge 40 d BL Serpentine 26.

Bridgewater MGYCW Newbridge Marong Mitiamo BL Serpentine Calivil United Inglewood Pyramid Hill

145.22 151.13 120.61 135.80 104.05 93.94 78.07 56.45 61.90

16 14 14 12 12 4 4 4 0

C RESERVE: Bridgewater 53 d Calivil United 28. Mitiamo 55 d

253.66 160.55 112.74 101.84 102.63 73.79 94.16 90.77 28.92

16 16 12 12 8 8 4 4 0

17 under: Bridgewater 42 d Calivil United 27. Mitiamo 38 lost to Marong 42.

MGYCW Bridgewater Calivil United Newbridge Mitiamo Marong Inglewood

436.36 241.18 110.00 53.08 70.20 51.33 33.33

16 16 12 12 8 8 8

15 under: Bridgewater 38 lost to Calivil United 39. Mitiamo 13 lost to Marong 58. Pyramid Hill 18 lost to MGYCW 32. Newbridge 44 d BL Serpentine 26.

Newbridge

177.42

16

MGYCW 148.39 16 Marong 136.72 12 Calivil United 109.15 12 Bridgewater 143.56 8 BL Serpentine 60.90 8 Pyramid Hill 61.24 4 Mitiamo 30.92 4 13 under: Bridgewater 11 lost to Calivil United 12. Mitiamo 14 lost to Marong 41.

Calivil United Bridgewater MGYCW Marong Inglewood BL Serpentine Mitiamo Pyramid Hill

200.00 200.00 186.67 109.88 88.64 58.49 51.25 62.50

193.70 173.28 127.78 127.65 97.01 100.88 63.47 26.76

20 16 14 12 10 4 4 0

16 under A: Birchip Watchem 18 lost to Donald 50. Charlton 15 lost to Boort 44. St Arnaud 55 Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 7.

Alyssa Talbot (Bears Lagoon Serprentine) is edged out by Newbridge’s Taylah Lindrea in Saturday’s encounter. LH PHOTO United 38. Mitiamo 46 d Marong 41. Pyramid Hill 29 d MGYCW 28.

Newbridge 43 d BL Serpentine 23.

12 9 8 5 5 3 0

185.51 158.48 148.53 165.08 91.01 79.02 61.88 22.03

C GRADE: Birchip Watchem 22 lost to Donald 65. Charlton 31 lost to Boort 43. St Arnaud 14 lost to Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 34. Wedderburn 51 d Wycheproof Narraport 27.

Under 15: Charlton lost to 2 Boort 3.

St Arnaud 8 d Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 1. Wedderburn Redbacks 0 lost to Wycheproof-Narraport 5, Boort St Arnaud Donald Charlton Birchip Watchem Wycheproof-Narraport Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers Wedderburn Redbacks

20 20 12 10 8 6 4 0

B GRADE: Birchip Watchem 26 lost to Donald 59. Charlton 19 lost to Boort 50. St Arnaud 41 d Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 29. Wedderburn 77 d Wycheproof Narraport 14.

15 15 9 6 4 4 3 2

WOMEN: Birchip-Watchem 13 d Donald. Charlton 3 drew with Boort 3. Wedderburn Redbacks 7 d Wycheproof-Narraport 5.

Charlton Birchip Watchem Boort Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers St Arnaud Women Wedderburn Wycheproof-Narraport Donald

177.40 169.27 112.68 92.92 96.70 91.91 48.06 56.76

20 12 8 8 8 8 8 4

NORTH CENTRAL NETBALL A GRADE: Birchip Watchem 44 drew with Donald 44. Charlton 44 lost to Boort 60. St Arnaud 24 lost to Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 65. Wedderburn 73 d Wycheproof Narraport 4.

St Arnaud Donald Boort Charlton Birchip Watchem Wycheproof-N Sea Lake Nandaly

440.48 306.78 224.68 57.43 85.05 41.04 22.41

16 16 16 6 4 2 0

16 under B: Birchip Watchem 10 lost to Donald 41. St Arnaud 22 lost to Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 23.

Boort St Arnaud Donald Sea Lake Nandaly Wedderburn Birchip Watchem

305.26 162.50 135.53 59.82 64.00 48.85

12 8 8 8 4 4

13 under: Birchip Watchem 16 lost to Donald 24. Charlton 2 lost to Boort 35. St Arnaud 16 d Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 0. Wedderburn 21 lost to Wycheproof Narraport 2.

St Arnaud Donald Boort Wedderburn Birchip Watchem Wycheproof-N Sea Lake Nandaly Charlton

436.84 187.04 231.11 138.78 107.81 96.15 17.39 4.13

20 20 16 8 8 4 4 3

AROUND THE LINKS WEDDERBURN SANDRA Steel has been celebrating after a hole-in-one at Wedderburn.

She achieved the golfer’s dream on the 17th and finished competition eight up for the day.

Her card also included an eagle and an ace. Club members said Sandra was on fire for play on the day.

Captain Owen Bailey lead from the front with an impressive 43 points (69 off the stick) in the match against the President’s team at the course on Saturday.

The final score was Captain’s team 175 d President Tony Holt’s team 169.

Winner of the day was Byron Bird with 45 stableford points (78 off the stick).

In the previous week’s stableford, Cam Steel won with 44 points.

The ladies’ monthly medal and first round of the silver spoon was won by Sandra Steel. NTP on the 7th was Susie Lockhart.

BOORT

Sandra Steel ... hole-in-one.

Ball pool winners: Owen Bailey 43, Graham Nesbit 37, John Donaldson 37. NTP: Keith Lewis.

BEAUTIFUL blue skies greeted the dozen players in Saturday’s stroke competition and some excellent scores were recorded.

The hottest player in the club repeated his win from last week, and in doing so, Doug Couper also collected the Privilege Cup for the month with his nett 67.

Kevin Linehan and Andrew Kane were only one behind and together with Damien

Lanyon, rounded out the ball pool.

In the nearest-the-pins, Margaret Nelson did her bit to represent the ladies with her fine shot on the 9th holding up over the week, while Stuart and Andrew took out the other prizes.

In the singles knockout, Kevin Linehan played his first round match against the journeyman in Jamie Sutton, outplaying the much younger opponent for an easy victory.

Meanwhile, Alister and Damien decided to go ahead with their second round match, with defending champion, Damien cruising to a comfortable win and cementing his place in the semi-finals.

This Saturday will see a return to a stableford event.

Ladies pennant was in Birch-

ip last week where Boort had a win against Wycheproof in the morning 3-2, but lost to Charlton in the afternoon 2-3.

Boort ladies are sitting in third on the ladder.

Results in the Bogey competition - Winner: Di Johnston (Square). Ball competition: Isabel Loader (-1) Gaye Sim (-3).

NTP: 9th Marg Nelson, 15th Nola Cocking and winner of the Ewan and Ian Collins-sponsored 1st hole was Gaye Sim. Kara Kara ladies pennant continues next week with Boort playing Birchip and Wedderburn meeting St Arnaud.

Email your sports news to loddonherald@gmail.com by 4pm Mondays

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 13, 2021 | 15

SPORT LODDON VALLEY GOALKICKING

SENIORS Bridgewater Calivil United

4.4 1.2

17.8 1.3

23.12 31.16 (202) 3.3 3.5 (23)

SENIORS

GOALS - Bridgewater: Alex Powell 7, Joshua Martyn 6, Lloyd Needs 4, Liam Jacques 4, Andrew Collins 4, Jarrod Fitzpatrick 3, Harry Mckinley 3. Calivil United: Brady Childs, Benjamin Baker, Jake Lawry.

Braidy Dickens (Pyramid Hill) 5 ......... 31 Joshua Martyn (Bridgewater) 6 ..........24 Bailey George (Pyramid Hill) 3 ............23 Ryan Wellington (Mitiamo) 3 ...............18 Alex Powell (Bridgewater) 7 ................17 Kain Robins (Marong) .........................15 Tyrone Downie (Mitiamo) 4 ..................14 Lloyd Needs (Bridgewater ) 4..............14 Timothy Brooks (Mitiamo) 1 ...............12

BEST - Bridgewater: Alex Powell, Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Liam Jacques, Jack Symons, Andrew Collins, Harry Symons. Calivil United: Brady Childs, Blair Richards, Mitchell A’Vard, Tim Lloyd, Jayden Manderson, Jordan Lea.

Mitiamo Marong

2.0 3.3

4.2 5.5

7.8 7.8

14.11 (95) 7.9 (51)

RESERVES

GOALS - Mitiamo: Tyrone Downie 4, Ryan Wellington 3, Lucas Matthews 2, Michael I’anson, Luke Lougoon, Dylan Clohesy, Kyle Patten, Timothy Brooks. Marong: Adam Ward 2, Benjamin McKinley 2, Richard Tibbett, Cory Jacobs, Nathan Devanny.

Rowan Pollock (Pyramid Hill) 2 ...... 21 Brayden Baines (Mitiamo) 2 ........... 14 Cameron Berry (Marong) 0 .............. 12 Nicholas Harris (Bridgewater) 5 ....... 10 Kyle Pentreath (Mitiamo) 0 ................ 9 Joseph Doolan (Maiden Gully) 0 ...... 9 Xavier Ryan (Pyramid Hill) 1 .............. 9 Michael Brooks (Bridgewater) 0 ....... 9 Mitchell Dingwall (Pyramid Hill) 0 ..... 9 Alex Chapman (Mitiamo) 0 ............... 9

BEST - Mitiamo: Maxwell Simpson, Lucas Matthews, Lee Dale, Ben Bacon, Luke Lougoon, Ross Turner. Marong: Nathan Devanny, Corey Gregg, David Johnstone, Adam Ward, Corbin Fleming, Jacob Ede.

Pyramid Hill Maiden Gully

5.4 4.2

8.7 6.4

12.14 16.19 (115) 6.6 6.6 (42)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: Braidy Dickens 5, Matthew KleinBreteler 4, Bailey George 3, Mitchell Cheesman 2, Adrian Holland, Adrian McErvale. Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Wayne Mitrovic 2, Sean Moyle 2, Brayden Aitken, Samuel Barnes.

THIS WEEK

BEST - Pyramid Hill: Matthew Ladson, Scott Mann, Billy Micevski, Bailey Goodwin, Trent Barri, Bradley Ladson.

Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Grayson Brown, Edward Crisp, Travis Mercadante, Tori Ferguson, Nat McLaren, Nathan Murley.

BLSerpentine Newbridge

5.5 3.0

9.6 5.1

10.8 7.3

12.10 (82) 9.5 (59)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Tannar Cerrone 3, Christopher Lewin 2, Dane Stone 2, Orion Downing 2, James Rippingale, James Bailey, Jordan Shelton. Newbridge: Harry Whittle 4, James Oliver 2, Austin Fithall, Ashley Mayo, Thomas Hobson.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Ryan Prendergast, Zachary Stone, Anthony Lewin, Bailey Harrison, Tannar Cerrone.

Newbridge: Harry Whittle, Ryan Burt, Aidan Moore, Brandon Etherington, Dylan Lloyd, Liam Nihill.

Mitiamo Bridgewater Pyramid Hill Marong BL Serpentine Maiden Gully Newbridge Inglewood Calivil United

5 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 5

5 4 4 3 2 2 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 2 2 5 4 5

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

651 707 623 403 331 320 186 96 88

158 151 188 212 309 304 527 720 836

412.03 468.21 331.38 190.09 107.12 105.26 35.29 13.33 10.53

20 16 16 12 8 8 0 0 0

RESERVES Bridgewater Calivil United

5.5 0.1

8.6 1.1

14.8 18.14 (122) 1.2 2.2 (14)

GOALS - Bridgewater: Nicholas Harris 5, Dylan Robinson 3, Hamish Terry 3, Matthew Bourke 2, Jake Wilson, Declan Maher, Angus Hernon, James Naughton. Calivil United: Rhys Lourie, Corey Henson.

BEST - Bridgewater: Nicholas Collins, Jake Higgins, Jack McKinley, Brendan March, Angus Hernon, Nicholas Harris.

Calivil United: Rhys Lourie, Jordan Bonanno, Keelan Beattie, Peter Whelan, Elias Ashman, Braydn Murley.

Marong Mitiamo

2.4 1.0

5.5 3.5

9.8 4.6

10.9 (69) 5.7 (37)

GOALS - Marong: Bradley Matthews 5, Philip Loomes 2, Lachlan Baker, Thomas Wilson, Jarrod Harris. Mitiamo: Brayden Baines 2, Aaron McKean, Sean Hanrahan, Thomas Grant.

BEST - Marong: Max Campbell, Bradley Matthews, Zach-

Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Josh Frilay weaves the pack in the reserve side’s six-point win over Newbridge on Saturday. LH PHOTO ary Webb, Benjamin Langridge, Harry Baker, Aaron Collins.

Mitiamo: Garth Boldiston, Jack Vinnicombe, Aaron McKean, Sean Hanrahan, Brayden Baines, Robert Lawry.

Maiden Gully Pyramid Hill

4.0 1.2

5.2 1.3

8.3 3.4

11.8 (74) 4.4 (28)

GOALS - Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Damien Moyle 5, Cody Wright 2, Corey Walsh, Toby Hudson, Jordan Crisp, Thomas Harrington. Pyramid Hill: Rowan Pollock 2, Xavier Ryan, Alex Harper.

BLSerpentine Newbridge Calivil United Inglewood

4 5 5 4

2 0 0 0

2 5 5 4

0 0 0 0

259 139 30 18

194 436 719 633

133.51 31.88 4.17 2.84

8 0 0 0

UNDER 18 Maiden Gully Marong

2.0 2.5

10.1 3.6

11.2 6.8

16.2 (98) 8.9 (57)

15.6 0.3

21.10 23.13 (151) 0.3 2.3 (15)

BEST - Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Mitchell Dean, Toby Hudson, Matthew Cusack, Damien Moyle, Corey Walsh, Haidyn Minnis. Pyramid Hill: Xavier Ryan, Mitchell Dingwall, Gregory Quinn, Connor Gibbins, Jackson Douch, Matthew Moon.

DETAILS NOT SUPPLIED

BL Serpentine Newbridge

GOALS - Bridgewater: Darcy Wood 4, Toby Naughton 2, Tate Woodhatch 2, Cale Woodhatch 2, Lewis Williams 2, Harrison Wrigglesworth 2, Mitchell Flood, Kai Lister, Ashley Carmichael, Jack Langtree, Riley Dole, Hunter Daldy, Hayden O’Toole. Inglewood: Riley Murphy.

2.1 0.3

3.4 1.4

5.4 4.5

6.6 (42) 5.6 (36)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Joshua Hutton 4, Jaye Farnsworth, Orion Downing. Newbridge: Jirah Dawkins 3, Matthew Harris, Ethan Wright.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Joe Stuart, Charlie Treseder, Simon Tuohey, Joshua Hutton, Jaye Farnsworth. Newbridge: Keelan Bertuch, Jack Teasdale, Joshua O’Neill, Jirah Dawkins, Thomas Wilson, Matthew Harvey.

Bridgewater Mitiamo Marong Pyramid Hill Maiden Gully

4 5 4 5 4

4 4 4 3 3

0 1 0 2 1

0 0 0 0 0

404 589 362 562 294

90 156 108 172 149

448.89 377.56 335.19 326.74 197.32

16 16 16 12 12

Bridgewater Inglewood

6.1 0.2

BEST - Bridgewater: Lewis Williams, Hayden O’Toole, Tate Woodhatch , Riley Dole, Ashley Carmichael, Hunter Daldy.

Inglewood: Jye Rasmussen, Jaxon Addlem, Tyler Murphy, Jackson Luckman.

Maiden Gully Marong Bridgewater Inglewood

5 5 5 5

5 3 2 0

0 2 3 5

0 0 0 0

489 407 338 113

163 228 304 652

300.00 20 178.51 12 111.18 8 17.33 0

* Under 18 clubs are using a special draw this season

THE moment of truth arrives for Bridgewater this Saturday.

Undefeated after four games, the Mean Machine faces their first real test of the season at Malone Park, taking on the Panthers.

Marong were looking the goods with strength and speed until outclassed at John Forbes Oval by Mitiamo.

Martin is firing with reasonable accuracy for the Mean Machine and the team growing in strength. A win will have flag favouritism down to two sides and pose doubts for the Panthers.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine hosts Calivil United and while on paper should win, the tenacity of Calivil must not be under-estimated.

They led Mitiamo early in the game two weeks back and put up early resistance against Bridgewater. This could be one of the surprise packets on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Maiden Gully bubble has been burst well and truly and Mitiamo at full strength should continue undefeated while Newbridge should edge out Inglewood.

Marong v Bridgewater, MGYCW v Mitiamo, BL Serpentine v Calivil United, Inglewood v Newbridge

NORTH CENTRAL GOALKICKING SENIORS Billy Mcinnes (Sea Lake Nandaly) ..... 17 Daniel Castellano (Birchip Watchem) ..15 Will Holt (Wedderburn) .................... 15 Cody Gunn (Boort) ......................... 14 Rhys Thompson (Charlton) ............. 13

RESERVES Daniel Needs (St Arnaud) ................ 20 Gerald Riley (Wedderburn) .............. 17 Matthew Ryan (Birchip Watchem) .. 13 Nathan Wight (Sea Lake Nandaly) .. 12 Samuel Griffiths (Boort) .................. 12

UNDER 16 Frasier Holland (Boort) .................... 18 Max Cahoon (Sea Lake Nandaly) ... 11 Noah Berry (Donald) ....................... 11 Thomas Cox (Sea Lake Nandaly ..... 10 Rory Bigmore (St Arnaud) ................. 9

SENIORS Charlton Boort

1.0 3.4

4.2 5.7

9.4 6.10

12.7 (79) 8.12 (60)

GOALS - Charlton: R. Thompson 5, J. McGrath 3, A. Judd 2, B. Roberts, T. Finlay. Boort: C. Gunn 4, J. Falconer 2, W. Perryman, B. Knight.

BEST - Charlton: R. Thompson, A. McKenzie, D. McKay, B. Roberts, T. Finlay, B. Walklate. Boort: B. Leonard-Shannon, A. Davis, M. Buchanan, M. Chisari, K. Wilson, A. Trethowan.

Wedderburn Wycheproof-N

0.6 0.3

4.8 0.7

8.8 3.8

13.12 (90) 4.12 (36)

GOALS - Wedderburn: W. Holt 4, J. Lockhart 2, C. Lowry 2, I. Holt 2, T. Campbell, J. Guan, D. Boag. Wycheproof Narraport: T. Trewin, J. Bish, C. Jones, S. Turner.

BEST - Wedderburn: J. Guan, J. Rosengren, M. McEwen, J. Lockhart, H. Winter-Irving, D. Jackson. Wycheproof Narraport: S. Turner, S. Faure, G. Chisnall, L. Allison, R. Duncan, A. Zuk. Sea Lake Nandaly Wedderburn Birchip Watchem Boort

5 4 5 5

5 0 3 2

0 1 2 3

0 0 0 0

628 371 384 265

153 232 234 411

410.46 20 159.91 18 164.10 12 64.48 8

Charlton Donald Wycheproof-N St Arnaud

5 5 5 5

2 1 1 1

3 3 4 4

0 1 0 0

252 247 263 206

396 363 351 476

63.64 68.04 74.93 43.28

8 6 4 4

RESERVES Charlton Boort

2.1 2.1

2.3 8.6

5.4 12.8

6.4 (40) 17.11 (113)

GOALS - Charlton: K. Clifford 6 , Boort: P. O’Rourke 7, N. Gooding 6, F. Holland 2, E. Lanyon, R. Knight.

BEST - Charlton: L. Holmesbrown, C. Good, D. Whykes, K. Clifford, J. Durie, M. Campbell. Boort: T. Dewhurst, W. Toose, N. Gooding, C. O’Rourke, P. O’Rourke, J. Knight.

Wedderburn Wycheproof-N

4.4 1.0

9.7 4.0

16.10 19.12 (126) 5.2 9.5 (59)

GOALS - Wedderburn: G. Riley 7, S. Johnston 5, J. Leach 3, A. Brett 2, K. Wright, M. Lockhart. Wycheproof Narraport: A. Tormey 3, K. Henshaw, J. McHutchison, R. Jones, S. Essex.

BEST - Wedderburn: J. Leach, G. Riley, M. Lockhart, C. Lang, L. Ritchie, A. Younghusband. Wycheproof Narraport: A. Tormey, N. Kerr, S. Essex, S. Rodda, J. Pardella, K. Kennedy.

Birchip Watchem St Arnaud Boort Wedderburn Donald Sea Lake Nandaly Wycheproof-N Charlton

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

5 4 4 3 2 1 1 0

0 1 1 2 3 4 4 5

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

422 384 341 354 286 320 203 85

143 217 207 277 300 302 435 514

295.10 176.96 164.73 127.80 95.33 105.96 46.67 16.54

20 16 16 12 8 4 4 0

UNDER 16 Charlton Boort

0.0 3.3

1.1 6.3

1.1 7.8

1.2 (8) 11.8 (74)

GOALS - Charlton: B. Dixon. Boort: F. Holland 3, A. Cockerell 2, B. Wagner 2, D. Leersen, B. Arnold, M. Beattie, N. Scott.

Best - Charlton: N. Zagame, H. Connolly, B. Dixon, H. Conroy, A. Soulsby, O. Bourke. Boort: J. Mulquiny, A. Cockerell, D. Leersen, J. Potter.

Boort 4 Sea Lake Nandaly 5 St Arnaud 4 Birchip Watchem 5 Donald 4 Charlton 4 Wedderburn 4

4 4 2 3 1 1 0

0 1 2 2 3 3 4

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

285 330 264 262 231 178 132

79 190 233 289 164 217 510

360.76 173.68 113.30 90.66 140.85 82.03 25.88

20 16 12 12 8 8 4

Loddon HERALD

PHEW: PIES GET A BREAK

THE first break in this year’s North Central league has come at the right time for the improving Boort Magpies.

The injury-depleted Pies were denied a third straight win by Wycheproof Narapoort on Saturday.

A mounting injury list will give the Pies times to regroup before the home and away season resumes with a home match against St Arnaud.

The current senior injury list has James Wilson, Sam Dewar, Matt Hodoras, Pat Bogers, Levi Moss, Rhys Brown, Jesse Muscatello and Harry Weaver.sidelined.

Coach Andrew Hawker said: “We were very competitive early-on Saturday but the quality of ball use by the Charlton mids gave them some very nice forward entries in the second half.

“I think we will have a very light week, we are walking

wounded at the moment. The break has come at a good time,” Hawker said.

The Pies have three players in the league squad that trained last night in Wycheproof ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sunraysia in Sea Lake - Keiran Wilson, Matthew Chisari and Jack Smith.

Will Holt and Jordan Rosengreen are among six Redbacks in the squad with nine Sea Lake Nandaly players in the 33-member squad. Other Redbacks are Tom Campbell, Jordan Hargreaves, Jackson Guan and Corey Lowry, Redbacks co-coach and league selector Danny Benaim said: “All our players are keen to participate in inter-league and as a club we really encourage our players to push themselves to play at that level.

“The clubs involved in North Central have always been very proud to be part of the league.”

Football and netball matches will be played on Saturday.

sport

Thursday May 13, 2021

LH PHOTO

Paris jumps the benchmark HANNAH Hecker riding standard-bred Paris takes out the D Grade showjumping at Loddon Pony Club’s first competition at its Powlett grounds on Sunday.

The club, formed in 2012, hopes to make

the showjumping meeting an annual event.

Officials said they had wonderful support from 27 businesses to make the day possible.

“It was a huge effort by our little club to make a fun-filled day,” said president Rachael Taylor.