Loddon Herald 13 October 2022

EYES are on the Indian and Asian markets for Wedderburn manufactur ers Turf Engineering.

The company has sent Bruce Moffat to a major golf exhibi tion in New Dehli promoting the Graden verticutting machines.

Golf course and bowling green specialists, Turf Engineering wants to boost its presence in the export market.

Owner Geoff Burnside said: “The company has been export ing throughout the world with our traditional products but this venture is something new to promote a new brand Graden.”

Turf Engineering started man ufacturing the verticutter under licence after Graden went into liquidation and was wound up in 2019.

Mr Burnside said: “Our Graden is a solidly-built product, well made and robust for not only the golf industry but also contrac tors and councils maintaining turf to a high standard.”

“The Graden range consists of both pedestrian and tractormounted versions of the verti cutter machines used to thin out the couch-type grasses and stop thatch build up to reduce dis ease and develop a fine carpet of grass,” he said.

Mr Burnside said Bruce flew out on Tuesday ahead of the New Dehli trade show today.

“Bruce is one of our employees who not only makes Graden but has a vast knowledge on the ma chine’s use,” Mr Burnside said.

“From the trade show, we

hope Bruce is able to secure new agents in that part of the world for a product which has huge po tential for sales.

“We want to develop new mar kets for the product which is no easy task in a new country for us ... we know the Graden is a good

product and when shown the benefits, we’re sure there will be buyers in India and across Asia.

“We have been exporting to other countries for some time and the opportunity to send Bruce to India can help position us for export growth.”

Mr Moffat is due back in Wed derburn on next week after at tending the five-day trade fair.

Turf Engineering has been manufacturing equipment for more than 25 years and last week was packing another ship for Britain.

Michael Hayes and Bruce Moffat with the Graden machine Turf Engineering hopes will see it break into the Indian market.

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NOT the Loddon Herald but the learn-toswim certificate that showed you had swum 25 metres in a pool without stopping or touching the bottom.

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ANS of Harrison Ford in Indianna Jones movies will recall the line from the Last Crusade: You have chosen wisely! Was this the inspiration for Bradley of Boort as he waded out to the tree and erected a new sign at the weekend? Poor ol’ Mr Treemendous is getting more than a bit water logged at the moment but Bradley gave him a makeover to brighten the spirits.

NOW talking about choosing wiselymultiple reliable sources scattered over the broad expanses of the Loddon have been vying for payments of the good news tip kind. They have insisted that we praise the lifesaving skills of none other the chairman of selectors, The Oracle, who threw rope into Loddon River the other day after No 1 son (not the great friend of weather lady Jane Bunn) decided he just had to bring his canoe up onto soggy terra firma as the river rose. The Oracle was able to draw on his aquatic skills tested back in the days good swimmers received their “Herald”.

AND continuing on the wisely theme, we hear some property assessments of late have required Indianna Jones-type deci sions on whether to take the left track or the right ... or risk becoming bogged.

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OR stories of real playground fun, you should have been at the Mysia school centenary celebrations on Sunday. The ex-students had some hilarious stories to share. For us, the one that took the cake was a scallywag student arriving at school with a white mouse ... never before had a sight such as this been seen in Mysia. Turned out, by the time the school bell was rang for end of the day’s lessons, white mouse was again brown. The “owner” was compelled to admit he found the rodent in a store’s flour bin on his way to school.

T

HOUGHT it would be wise to finish with the funny this week. Did you hear about the shepherd who drove his sheep through town? He was given a ticket for making a ewe turn.

LOCAL HEARTESTS!

Nash, Narelle and Lucy Taylor joined in making hearts at Tarnagulla library last Friday for the 1000 Hearts of Kindness project. Goldfields Library Corporation held the heart-making demonstration and is encouraging residents to be part of the project that was started by Tasmania’s Sarah De Jonge in 2016 and has seen the original target long surpassed. The pocket hearts have made their way across Australia and to Britain, the United States, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Vietnam, Hong Kong, This year’s hearts will be distributed next month.

Carry on Cleo ... after the rain

RAIN forced the postponement last Friday of Pyramid Hill’s of ficial introduction to its commu nity car.

Now named Cleo, the commu nity car has been transporting residents to medical appoint ments in other towns since the neighbourhood house received $75,000 grant under the State

Government’s flexible local solu tions program.

Community care co-ordinator Penny Caspani said the planned community car-becue had been planned to coincide with the Seniors Festival and include a ribbon cutting.

Cleo will now be introduced to the community on October 28.

Farmers are nervous

LODDON farmers are today brac ing for heightened flood levels with the Bureau of Meteorology predicted up to another 100mm falling in the region.

Flood warnings are in place along the Loddon River between Laanecoorie and Kerang.

Stockpiles of sand and bags have been delivered to Durham Ox, Jarklin and Serpentine after a request from State Emergency control centre to Loddon Shire for assistance.

Fernihurst farmer Ken Pattison said: “We dodged last weekend ... anything bigger and our property would have been covered.

“Everything is full and yet it looks like we are going to cop it this week. I can only hope they (forecasters) are overcooking the situation but we’re nervous.”

Mr Pattison said he had re paired infrastructure damage ready for the predicted big dump.

“We worked flat out on Satur day and Sunday restoring the in tegrity of our infrastructure,” Mr Pattison said.

Goulburn Murray Water said about 140GL had passed over the Laanecoorie spillway since Au gust 24.

“Tullaroop and Laanecoorie Reservoir are both spilling,” said water storage services general manager Martina Cusack. “We are currently releasing about 4000ML a day from Cairn Curran to make room for further inflows.”

Loddon Shire director opera tions Steven Phillips said: “Coun cil was kept busy over the week

end with 20 callouts for water over road as well as trees down.

Well over 100 water over road signs have now been put out. At the peak over the weekend there was 18 roads closed within the Loddon Shire.”

“Council continues to monitor the situation, inspecting our road network and opening roads back up as safe to do so. We ask that the public take care when trave

ling, drive to the conditions and obey the traffic warning signs.”

Wedderburn State Emergency Service has had four callouts in the past week to rescue drivers and motorists when vehicles be came stuck in floodwater.

And Marong SES, patrolling between Bridgewater and New bridge at the weekend, was also involved in a rescue when rap idly-rising floodwaters trapped

campers on the Loddon River near Newbridge. Flooding also closed the Newbridge recreation reserve camp area and Bridgewa ter caravan park.

The walking path along the Loddon River at Bridgewater was also closed at the weekend.

Farmers continue to move stock to higher ground with flocks at times separated by rapid rises.

Dam warning

GOULBURN Murray Wa ter wants customers with dams on their properties to prepare for further rain fall in the coming months. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting above median rainfall from October to De cember, and many of GMW’s storages are already at ca pacity. GMW water storage services general manager Martina Cusack said intense rain and flood events could lead to the rapid filling of dams or overtopping, in creasing the risk of private dam failure.

Wine fiesta

CENTRAL Victorian winer ies, including Bridgewater’s Black Wallaby, are part of Bendigo’s Spring Wine Fiesta this Saturday.

Early offer

BRIDGEWATER’S Tom Brown has received an early tertiary offer to study agricultural business at Charles Sturt Uni versity, Wagga Wagga. Tom is currently preparing for his final VCE examinations at Marist College, Bendigo.

Reading list

YOUNG readers in Loddon Shire are set to benefit from $5678 in funding for librar ies from the State Govern ment’s 2022-23 Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund to purchase books on the suggested reading list.

Xavier, Sheena and Harry Power at the barricades in Bridgewater on Saturday and (inset) sand stockpiled as a precaution at several Loddon locations. LH PHOTOS

Crowd gives show return thumbs up

BOORT Show organisers are buoyed for the the future after a record gate on Saturday.

Crowds began arriving early for the agricultural and pastoral society’s show and stayed until the final fireworks exploded in the sky at night.

While wet weather forced the cancellation of horse events and dog trials, it did not dampen en thusiasm of people from across the Loddon.

Locals were joined by family and friends visiting for the week end, soaking up the atmosphere of the Loddon’s only agricultural show.

Society president Madeleine Scott said the large crowd had been a real boost to the volunteer committee.

“After two years of COVID can cellations, a wet week and in creased costs to make the show possible, we were delighted with the large crowd,” she said.

“The committee is really buoyed and already looking at next year.”

The 2022 show appealed to all ages. Not only were youngsters enjoying carnival amusements,

some like Madeleine Lanyon had entered cooking events where she claimed first prize on the decorated cupcake section, ea gerly showing her kitchen craft to friends between rides.

Boort District School parents had one of the most popular stalls selling showbags and Boort Yan do Cricket Club swapped bat and ball for tongs on the barbecue.

Ringing the trotting track at Boort Park were more than 100 big rigs for the second Boort Truck Show.

Organiser Heath Saunders said the show had a tremendous re sponse, acknowledged by owners who had come from across Victo ria and interstate.

The biggest smile was shown by Ben Gierisch and daughter Georgie when Ben’s Kenworth T909 was named best truck on show. Always a Kenworth man, Ben only took delivery of the new rig three months ago . When not spick and span and on show, the truck is used by Ben and brother Nick in their business started 10 years ago carting bitumen in the Geelong region.

Even Boort bus legend Ha

zel Whitmore was coaxed into checking out the big rigs, joined by Transport Women Australia president Jacquelene Brotherton.

“I’ve not defected,” Hazel later quipped.

For many patrons, however, the quirkiest sight of the day was a poodle trying her luck in the dog jumping competitions.

A show for the community, Boort’s return was given the thumbs by people of all ages.

More reports and full show resultswillbepublishedinnext week’sLoddonHerald.

Healthy Minds Network Art Competition

Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Loddon Healthy Minds Network Art Competition.

The 2022 Best in Show was awarded to Wedderburn P-12 Year 12 student Samantha Arnup for the theme Tune into your mental wellbeing. The title of Samantha’s work was First Thing in the Morning: Taking time in the morning to set yourself up mentally (Spotify).

A full list of the section winners is available from the Loddon Healthy Minds Network website at https:// loddonhealthyminds.com.au/ events/2022-art-competition

Registrations close next week

The September Council Meeting saw a number of items presented for Councillors’ consideration. This included the endorsement by Council of modi cations to the Community Grants program guidelines, to provide a structure that will improve the grant experience for community groups. These modi cations include applications to the community grants program to be received at any time, with assessment and approval rounds conducted on a minimum quarterly basis (as opposed to current yearly applications from 1 March to 1 May). Council also approved the holiday closure of the Wedderburn o ce during Christmas/New Year. The Wedderburn o ce will close from

midday Friday 23 December 2022 and reopen at 8.15 am on Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Additionally, Council approved the schedule of Council Meetings for 2023, with the rst meeting next year to take place on 24 January 2023.

Council Meetings will continue to start at 3pm, and take place in the Council Chambers, o Peters Street, Wedderburn. Council Meetings will again be open to the public. To view the September Council Meeting agenda and minutes, visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/ Agendas-and-minutes/Agendas-andminutes-2022

Samantha Arnup’s winning entry in the Health Minds competition

Eddie Moresi gives the 2022 Boort Show a big thumbs up.

PHOTO

Millicent Scott, Emma Malone and Pheobe Henderson congratulate Madeleine Lanyon (right) on her cupcake success. LH PHOTO

VICTORIAN HOMEBUYER FUND

It could be the key to owning your own home sooner.

To make owning your own home more affordable, the Victorian Government has introduced the Homebuyer Fund.

If you have a 5% deposit, the Victorian Government will contribute up to 25% of the purchase price, in exchange for an equivalent share in the property. This can help you reduce your mortgage.

Find out if you’re eligible at vic.gov.au/homebuyer

Authorised

STUDENT CELEBRATIONS

Welcome back to our final term for the year!

Last week we held an assembly to recognise the success of students at our athletic sports. We also acknowledged our Loddon Healthy Minds Art Competition award winners. We were excited to announce that Sam Arnup won best in show, Brianna Sanderson won 1st prize in the senior section and Rachael Humphrey won second prize in the senior section.

Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee

The Andrews Labor Government has introduced the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee

In an Australian first this will mean Victorians who work in casual or other insecure jobs will no longer be forced to choose between a day’s pay and looking after your health –or the health of a loved one.

More than 150,000 workers will be eligible to receive up to five days a year of sick or carer’s pay at the national minimum wage. Workers are now able to register for the two-year pilot program which is fully funded by the Victorian Labor Government.

For more information and to sign up visit: service.vic.gov.au/services/sick-pay-guarantee or scan the QR code:

Chris Rothacker and Wendy Mills after launching the school history book.

Peg Mitchell and Robert Rollinson unveil the centenary plaque.

Jeanette Wagner plants the Lone Pine tree in the old school yard.

Dawn Reddick, the oldest former student at the reunion, with Susan Gould.

Former student Gwen Parker (right) pins a centenary badge on Karen Rothacker at the souvenir stall.

Connections and community

By CHRIS EARL

DELAYS have never dampened the spirit of Mysia War Memorial School.

Wendy Mills, who compiled the school’s history for Sunday’s be lated centenary, told former stu dents and local residents that the original opening had been post poned by floods in October 1921.

Victorian Governor Lord Strad broke was to have opened the district’s tribute to soldiers after earlier attending the Boort Show.

Instead, Wendy told more than 100 gathered for celebrations postponed last year by COVID restrictions, the two 1921 events finally went ahead a month later.

“Nothing has changed,” she said on a weekend when the Loddon was again experiencing floods.

“The extra 12 months (to mark the centenary) has allowed us time to make more connections.

“There have been many con versations with people whose family left the district many years ago.”

Wendy said the district’s orig inal school was opposite the Farmer’s Arms Hotel but by 1914 when World War One was del cared, the building in poor repair.

The district raised £1200 for the war effort and sent 4000 parcels to soldiers on the Front.

The same people then raised £500 for the new school, built as a tribute to those who served.

Wendy said residents wanted the school to be a lasting memo rial to those people.

Following the school’s closure in 1970, it became a community centre.

As former students gathered on Sunday, among them was Dawn Reddick, 95, who attended from 1932 to 1934. She recalled her grandfather was the local black smith and her mother, Kiri Ver non, would later become the first

woman appointed a park ranger in Victoria.

The centenary plaque was un veiled by former students Peg Mitchell and Robert Rollinson while Boort RSL sub-branch treasurer Jeanette Wagner plant ed a Lone Pine tree near the school’s memorial arch entrance.

A centenary organiser Chris Rothacker said: “This school means a lot to me and my fam ily. My dad, brothers and sisters

went here ... it closed before I started school. The school took education seriously but also took a rounded, rural education seri ously. And I remember the school bringing the community together for ANZAC Day and Christmas celebrations. While the school’s use has changed in 100 years, it still reflects the community.” Sunday’s event also honoured the school motto of Begin Well, End Better.

SPECIAL MEDAL Betty Thompson started at Mysia War Memorial School in 1945, the year World War Two ended.

At Sunday’s centenary celebrations, Betty had an extra piece of local history - the gold medal presented to her father Harold when Mysia played off in the Gladstone Football Associa tion grand final of 1934 against Bears Lagoon.

Betty said: “I think I came to school here to keep the numbers up. My brother was to dink me on his bike ... but he didn’t and I always walked.”

Centenary organisers said it was the first time they had seen a 1934 football team medal.

Former students gather at Mysia’s war memorial school after Sunday’s official ceremony.

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Towers signal mobile ‘game changer’

FIFTEEN new and upgraded mobile phone towers across the Loddon have been an nounced by the State Government.

The Government last Thursday said a partnership with five telco providers would invest more than $250 million to deliver 1108 mobile infrastructure projects to give better mobile coverage across 23,500 square kilometres.

Towers in Loddon will be at Arnold, Ar nold West, Boort, Bridgewater, Derby, In glewood, Kurting, Laanecoorie, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Tarnagulla, Waanyaara, Wed derburn and Woodstock West.

Better service has also been promised at Eddington.

Labor candidate for Ripon Martha Hay lett said: “This is a game changer for many of our communities including Wedder

burn, Inglewood and surrounding areas.

The new and upgraded mobile towers will improve connectivity and community safety, and strengthen our local econo mies too,” Ms Haylett said.

“It will make it easier for locals to run a business, work or learn from home, get in touch with loved ones, or seek help in emergencies.

“The Andrews Labor Government lis tened to rural and regional Victorians’ frustrations about a lack of mobile cover age and is getting on with the job of im proving our connectivity.”

The Government announcement said: “Together with Axicom, ENE.HUB, Optus, Telstra and TPG Telecom, the Govern ment will build 309 new mobile towers, upgrade 492 towers to 5G, adapt 170 tow

ers so they can be used by multiple telco providers and make 137 towers more resilient during natural disasters, all by 2026.

“Mobile connectivity plays a critical role in the lives of Victorians, providing access to healthcare, education, flexible working and emergency information and services,” the Government said.

“At many sites, the telecommunications providers have agreed to share infra structure, which will give more Victori ans a choice of mobile provider, helping make data costs affordable.”

Ms Haylett said work would be carried out to implement these projects between 2023 and 2026. “People in some areas could start to see improvements as early as 2023,” she said.

Coalition’s $10 billion to fix roads

THE Coalition has committed to “fund and deliver the road maintenance that is desperately needed” under its $10 billion roads policy announced last Wednesday.

Ripon MP and Liberal candidate Louise Staley said: “Every state government road in Ripon needs work.

“That’s the result of a city-centric Labor Government ignoring the needs of my electorate for years.”

Ms Staley, said the state of roads in the electorate was one of the major issues raised by constituents.

The Coalition announced it would im plement a $10 billion commitment to road maintenance over 10 years and conduct an audit of all state-managed roads with in six months of forming government if it wins November’s state election.

“Victorians have a clear choice between Daniel Andrews and Labor making you drive slower or the Liberals and Nation als fixing your roads properly,” Ms Staley said.

“When the cost of Labor’s major pro jects in Melbourne blows out, it’s regional Victorians that miss out.

“Despite the pleas from the regions and a warning from the Auditor-General

Your questions for candidates

IN JUST over six weeks - November 26voters go to the polls to elect the next gov ernment in Victoria.

Most interest for the Loddon will be the seat of Ripon that Liberal MP Louise Sta ley retained by just 15 votes in 2018 but has been made notional Labor following a boundary redistribution.

Known challengers for Ms Staley are Martha Haylett (Labor) and Earl James (Greens).

The Loddon Herald will present a special Ripon candidate forum on November 7 at 7pm. Loddon Shire has made available its council chambers for the forum that will be open to the public and also live streamed.

The three declared candidates have al ready accepted invitations to take part in the forum.

And the Loddon Herald is asking local residents to submit questions to candi dates for the forum. You can email your questions to loddonherald@gmail.com.

It will also be possible to submit ques tions on the night.

in 2017, Labor cut the road maintenance budget by 10 per cent when it came to government and cut a further $215 mil lion over the past two budgets.

“Whether it’s major arterial roads such as the Western, Sunraysia and Murray Valley Highways, or less travelled roads vital for smaller townships and farm ing communities, only the Liberals and Nationals have real solutions for better roads right across the state.”

Liberal leader Matthew Guy said re gional Victorians were being left behind as the State Government sent $30 billion “down the drain on city infrastructure cost blowouts”.

“When roads crumble in regional Vic toria, Daniel Andrews lowers the speed limit.”

Loddon Shire Council has included road funding in its election year wishlist.

The council had been advocating for work on the dangerous Wimmera High way intersection on Bridgewater-Maldon road.

Five years after first announced, Re gional Roads Victoria last month con firmed work would start this year.

Nationals leader and Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh has raised the crumbling state of Dingee-Raywood road in State Parliament.

Mr Walsh asked Bendigo East MP and Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan to raise lo cal concerns with Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll.

No response has been received from Ms Allen to Loddon Herald inquiries.

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area with window servery

Chinese company wins auction to build solar

CONSTRUCTION is expected to start next year on a solar farm at Derby producing 250GWh of electricity a year.

The State Government on Fri day announced Chinese compa ny Sungrow Renewable Energy would build Derby farm follow ing Victoria’s second renewable auction.

Sungrow spokesman ZhaoJie Yan said the Derby site was se lected as it was “adjacent to grid as well as its abundant solar irra diance”.

He said Sungrow has 16 pro jects in Australia, all in Victoria.

Sungrow also has operations in Spain, Chile, Vietnam, Kazakh stan, Indonesia.

Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio said successful pro jects from Victoria’s second re newable auction would drive down power bills for Victorian families, lower emissions and create jobs.

Mr Yan said construction at Derby was expected to start midnext year and the company was committed to the Government’s local jobs first plan.

It is not known, however, what employment there will be at the farm when it becomes operation al.

The Government said the six new solar farms would provide 623 megawatts of new renewable capacity and four big batteries help meet Victoria’s target of 100 per cent renewable electricity across government operations by 2025.

“Together, the projects will generate nearly 1,460 gigawatthours of new renewable energy per year, the equivalent of pow ering 300,000 homes.

“The projects are expected to support 920 direct jobs, create around 290 positions for appren tices, trainees and cadets and de liver $1.48 billion in investment.”

Other solar farms will be built at Fulham, Ouyen, Traralgon, Horsham and Glenrowan.

Friday’s announcement also said four battery projects would be started to double the state’s current storage with 365 MW and 600 MWh of dispatchable energy for the grid – which is equal to the capacity of all cur rent big batteries installed in Victoria.

“The projects will support Vic toria’s new Renewable Energy Storage Targets of 2.6 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 6.3 GW of stor age by 2035,” the Government said.

“The auction will also boost the economy by increasing Victoria’s renewable electricity supply, putting downward pressure on power prices and helping cut Vic toria’s emissions from our energy sector.

“The projects will be supported for 10 years and will be devel oped across four Victorian Re newable Energy Zones in West ern Victoria, the Murray River, Central North and Gippsland.

“Victoria surpassed its first Victorian Renewable Energy Target for 25 per cent renewable electricity by 2020 – and we’re well on our way to achieving our remaining targets of 40 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said: “We’re powering every Government building with cheap, clean re newable energy – boosting in vestment in the state by over a billion dollars and creating hun dreds of jobs as we combat cli mate change.”

“Victoria is the nation’s clean energy powerhouse – cutting emissions by more than any other state, tripling the amount of renewable energy and cre ating thousands of jobs,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

Water recovery ‘pushes price’

WATER recovery had pushed up water prices on average $72 a megalitre by re ducing supply, according to a report from from Frontier Economics.

And the Murray River Group of Councils, including Loddon Shire, said the report “clearly shows the impact of (Murray) Ba sin Plan water recovery on communities across northern Victoria”.

The report said that in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District, farmers faced increased risk with more reliance on the allocation (temporary water) market.

MRGC spokesman Cr Bill Moar said: “In Victoria, over 800GL of mainly High Reli ability Water Share has been transferred to the Environmental Water Holders.

“This report is the latest in a long line that shows that this has come at a cost to our region, to our farmers, to our towns, to our communities.

“It confirms the findings of the previous

report and shows why we need real so cio- economic criteria to show the impact on people and communities of recovering water.

“We want (water) ministers to recognise the hard work that has gone into recover ing water for the environment and have the wellbeing of communities front and centre of their minds when they meet.

“People are nervous when they hear about more buy-backs and shortfalls and 2024 deadlines because they know the im pact that more water recovery will have. They live the reality of higher farming risk and its impact on mental health, of man ufacturing jobs lost to our towns when plants shut.

“Agriculture and food manufacturing provide one in four of jobs in and across our region and are the real economic driv ers for us and produce high quality food and fibre to the nation.”

V/Line ticket costs will be slashed, says Staley

THE Coalition on Tuesday promised to slash V/Line fares in half if it wins November’s election.

The policy announcement followed the weekend’s re lease of a commitment to cap metropolitan public transport fares at $2 a day for four years.

The regional public trans port policy also says that V/ Line replacement bus services will be free.

“Rewarding hard working families is a key part of our Long-Term Economic Plan and is made possible because we will rein in Daniel Andrews’ spiralling debt and wasteful spending,” said Ripon MP and Liberal candidate Louise Sta ley.

“This commitment is in ad dition to the Liberals’ $2 flat fares for train, tram and bus travel in Melbourne and local buses in regional Victoria.”

Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Danny O’Brien, said halving V/Line fares would be a real solution to reward and support regional Victorian families.

“By halving V/Line fares, our plan will keep more money in regional Victorians’ pockets while at the same time stimu lating tourism in regional Vic

toria,” Mr O’Brien said. “Travel costs shouldn’t be a barrier to going about everyday life and under the Liberals and Nation als plan, regional Victorians will get the cheap, easy travel they deserve.

“We also know and share the frustration of regional Victo rians who turn up expecting a train, only to be greeted all too frequently under Labor by a coach. When this occurs, we’ll make that travel free.”

Ms Staley said: “A Matthew Guy Liberal Government will give Victoria the fresh start it needs so that we can fix the health crisis, drive down the cost of living and deliver real solutions for all Victorians.”

Fare comparisons released by the Opposition show a Ben digo-Melbourne peak return ticket being cut from $68.80 to $34.40 and the concession fare to $17.20.

The off-peak fare would be $24.08 and concession $12.04.

Meanwhile, the Govern ment on Tuesday announced a $181 million broad-gauge rail freight network investment at Geelong that it says will pave the way for longer 800 metre freight trains to run from the Sea Lake and Manangatang lines to the Port of Geelong.

Volunteers be aware Chopper check duck numbers in region

EMERGENCY service volunteers have been urged to be alert for signs of symptoms that affect mental health and wellbeing.

Critical incident and trauma counsellor Shannon Hood gave the advice to more than 80 Lod don firefighters and ambulance responders at an Emergency Ser vices Foundation workshop in Bridgewater last week.

Mr Hood said it was important for volunteers to have support networks in place before expe riencing fallout from attending traumatic incidents.

“When things are going well, that’s the time to put your sup port crew in place,” he said. “When you are down, that’s when the support crew kicks in.”

And he said a volunteer’s part ner was key to the support crew as they “usually bear the brunt” during stressful times.

Bridgewater brigade captain Tim Ferguson, who assisted with organising the workshop, said the attendance was outstanding with people registering right to starting time.

GAME Management Authority this week started its annual helicopter survey of the re gion’s game duck population.

GMA says the survey will “monitor the abundance of game duck populations, to help improve our knowledge of waterfowl ecology”.

The aerial survey will be conducted by wildlife biolo gists recording the presence, species and number of game ducks on waterbodies across Victoria.

Satellite imaging will then be used to determine how much water is in the landscape, which will inform an estimate of the total abundance of each game duck species in the state.

GMA research principal Ja son Flesch said it was the larg est and most comprehensive survey of game ducks under taken in Victoria.

“This is the third year the monitoring program has been conducted which provides critical data on the abundance of game ducks in Victoria,” Dr Flesch said.

“This year the survey will be expanded to cover more wet lands, sewerage ponds, farm dams, irrigation channels, creeks and rivers. In total, 800 waterbodies will be sur veyed by air and another 66 by ground crews”

“Results from this research give a better understanding of game duck populations and will be used in the future to inform adaptive harvest man agement.”

The 2022 survey is sched uled to continue until October 28.

A report containing the find ings of the survey will be pub lished next year.

Kindergarten at capacity

KINDERGARTEN enrolments

will have Dingee’s pre-school centre at capacity next year.

Eleven youngsters have been enrolled for three-yearold classes and 10 for the fouryear-old sessions, according to information released by Lod don Shire on Tuesday.

The highest enrolment of the shire’s five kindergartens is at Boort where there will be 12

three-year-olds and 10 fouryear-olds.

Wedderburn has enrolments of seven and 11 for the age group sessions while at Pyra mid Hill there will be four in the younger session and nine in four-year-olds. Inglewood has a total enrolment of 12.

Limited places are available at all kindergartens except Dingee

Campbells Forest’s Fred Shea, Judy Wilson, Lachy Wilson and Don Wilson at the workshop. LH PHOTO

Tim Ferguson and Dickie Stephenson of Fentons Creek.

Shannon Hood

Prospectors chip in to help cancer foundation

MORE THAN $41,000 was raised for Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation at the weekend’s Laanecoorie Gold Bash.

The 10th gold bash attracted more than 490 competitors trying their luck at detecting and gold panning.

Bendigo Prospecting Club’s Ray Swinnerton took out the Jim Stewart Memorial Award.

Organise Di Hodgson said: “The bash started off a bit bumpy due to bad weather and road closures, other than that it went well.

“We had an amazing team of committee members, vol unteers and sponsors from all over Australia,” she said.

Much of the money was raised in an auction of more than 50 lots donated that in cluded detecting equipment, mine tours and hospitality vouchers.

Other donated items were among the weekend’s raffle.

TV show The Weekend Pros pector presenter and geologist Andrew Bales gave a talk to prospectors on finding gold in previously worked ground and a presentation was given by Raymo Shaw, of Victorian His torical Mine Chasers.

The gold bash was started a decade ago for prospectors who regular explore bush around Laanecoorie.

Community Bank Inglewood

Huntly’s George Hay and Jim Fox of Llanelly with gold bash organiser Di Hodgson trying their luck at gold panning during the weekend while (left) Shirley Jankovic and Ann-Louise Williams were kept busy on the registration desk as more than 490 detecting enthusiasts arrived for the 10th running of the event.

Connection of culture drives field trip

WOMEN’S Health Loddon Mallee has taken a field trip to “deepen understanding and connection to local Dja Dja Wurrung people and culture”.

Staff and volunteers were in Boort on Tuesday for what CEO Tricia Currie said was to cele brate the recent endorsement of the group’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by Reconciliation Aus tralia.

“The Reflect RAP provides a framework for strengthening self-awareness and collective understanding of First Nations histories and cultures and sup ports the continuous building of respectful relationships with lo cal First Nations communities,” she said.

“Women’s Health Loddon Mal lee is committed to achieving a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.

“Embedded in WHLM’s organi sational values; Respect, Cour age, and Diversity, is a strong commitment to reconciliation and enhancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.”

Tuesday’s visit included a smoking ceremony and “walk on country” strenghening staff con nection to Lake Boort.

Festive options

PYRAMID Hill is looking at a new location for its Christmas street party. With streetscape works in Kelly Street unlikely to be fin ished this year, the community is being asked its thoughts on an alternative venue.

We deliver the products and technology

bank,

Feel good about who

bank

Big on products. Big on service. And big on local banking

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL

FROM show bags and rides to traditional displays of shearing and

of course the big trucks, the 2022 Boort Show had something for everyone.

The huge crowd had a perpetual smile for hours as people wandered Boort Park with family and friends.

Locals welcomed family and friends back to Boort for what is often a town reunion weekend.

And the Loddon Herald was there capturing the moments ... the people and their smiles to the fore.

Evie Burgess, 4, enjoys the bunge jumping

Tarryn McKenzie and Elodie Free

Sharon Pickering. Megan Crilly and Shelby Henderon

Heath Saunders, Ben and Georgia Gierisch

Jesse and Belle Tilburn

Alice McKay in the shearing shed

YOUNG SHOW STARS - Arya Brooks; Mitchie Gardner wth grandmother Cheryl Hosking; Sienna Adams, Juliette Lanyon and Sophie Gardner; Olivia Mansell, Jasmine Keating, Zoey Hempenstall, Scarlett Crilly and Lucy Lanyon.

Coralie Chapman, Hazel Whitmore and Jacquelene Brotherton

WONDERS OF CREATIVITY

AN ARTS trail created by artists for artists is set to highlight talented individuals across the Loddon Valley region.

To be held from 22 to 23 October 2022, the Loddon Valley Arts Trail will feature 17 artists hosted by a variety of venues, with one featuring multiple artists as part of an art competition.

Art will vary from paintings (in a range of different mediums), knitting, wearable art, metal and wood craft, mosaics and garden art – to name but a few.

A joint project between Arts of Olde in Bridgewater on Loddon and Loddon Shire Council, the idea for the local event initially came via an arts trail in Bendigo.

The arts trail had piqued the interest of some Loddon-based artists who enquired about joining the arts trail. Unfortunately, as these artists did not reside in the City of Greater Bendigo, they were unable to join the event.

This encouraged the artists to

local arts trail – establishing the foundations for the Loddon Valley Arts Trail.

The group of artists then put the idea to tourism staff at Loddon Shire Council, who, together with the artists, began planning for the

Originally scheduled to be held in October 2021, the arts trail was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the much-anticipated Loddon Valley Arts Trail has returned in 2022 – and is set to

artists from across the Loddon Valley in a variety of venues.

Venues will be in locations across the region – Bridgewater on Loddon, Boort, Calivil, Dingee, Dunolly, Eastville, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.

Among the many highlights of the Loddon Valley Arts Trail weekend will be the Calivil Paint and Sip Fundraiser at the Calivil Hall on 22 October from 7pm to 10pm. For just $75, the evening will include everything needed to create your own kookaburra artistic masterpiece, as well as a drinks (including a complimentary glass of wine) and nibbles on arrival.

Funds raised will go towards the completion of the mural trail at the Calivil Recreation Reserve.

Further complementing the arts trail weekend will be the Pyramid Hill Art Competition presented by the Pyramid Hill Progress Association and on display at the town’s Memorial Hall.

With $4,100 in prizes, the competition, titled A Major’s Vision –

fulfilling the vision, will feature both an open section and junior section.

Categories for the competition include The Hill, Pyramid Hill and surrounds, landscapes, portraits, and birds and animals.

To be judged by renowned Bendigo artist Geoff Paynter, winners of the competition will be announced at an awards night at the Memorial Hall on the evening of Friday 21 October before the arts trail weekend gets underway.

This special Loddon Valley Arts Trail feature profiles the artists taking part on our inaugural event. Why not make a weekend of touring the Loddon experiencing our wonderful creatives.

For accommodation options and must-see sights and attractions while visiting the Loddon Valley, go to www.visitloddonvalley.com. au or contact the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5494 3489.

Cardinal Studios - 42 Pondage Road, Bridgewater on Loddon

Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday

Artist: Diane Cardinal

Charcoal

Artist: Lynda Williams

Using

Arts of Olde - 7 Main Street, Bridgewater on Loddon

Opening hours:

Artist:

Sunday

W:

Godfrey and Bear116 Godfrey Street, Boort

Blake

Opening

Exclusive

W:

Calivil Hall - Prairie West Road,

The

Paint

to 4pm

www.dianecardinal.com/lyndawilliams

DINGEE

Secret Platypus - 19 Main Street, Bridgewater on Loddon

Opening hours: Thursday – Sunday 10am to

DUNOLLY

Opening hours: Saturday and Sundays 12pm-4pm

John Moir

An

EASTVILLE

Kerry Punton’s Studio -

Eastville Road, Eastville

Artist:

Originally

Lions Club of East Loddon - Pyramid

Road

Main Road, Dingee

Alvah Art Gallery -

DunollyBridgewater Road, Dunolly

A

INGLEWOOD

Opening hours: 11am to 3pm, other

Traditional Australian landscape artist of more than

features artworks from past to most recent.

W: malgilmourstudio.com E: malgilmourstudio@gmail.com

Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery Museum - 20 Grant Street North, Inglewood

Opening hours: Thursday – Sunday 10am to 4pm

Artists: Lynda and Paul Vater | Yellow Dog Vintage and Design

A brother and sister creative collaboration embracing recycled treasures, our mediums are ecycled and found objects used to cre ate art & glass mosaics.

F: www.facebook.com/yellowdogvintageanddesign

PYRAMID HILL

Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall - 30-32 Kelly St, Pyramid Hill

Opening hours: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October 10am to 4pm

Monday 24 - Friday 28 October. 10am – 3pm

Pyramid Hill Progress Associa tion presents the Pyramid Hill Art Competition.

Judged by renowned Bendigo artist Geoff Paynter, the compe tition will feature both an open section and a junior section with categories including The Hill, Pyramid Hill and surrounds, landscapes, portraits and birds and animals.

at the Memorial Hall on Friday 21 October.

E: tp.wood@bigpond.com W: www.pyramidhill.net.au/events

TARNAGULLA

Tarnagulla Community Centre - 8 Sandy Creek Lane, Tarnagulla

Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm

Displaying Mary-Ann Sculls unique art work of leather sculptures, wood carved heads, ceramic heads and lino carved embossed leather prints.

F: www.facebook.com/TarnagullaCommunity-Centre | P: (03) 5438 7455

Artist: Karin Iob | Extravagant abstract artworks in a variety of me diums including fluid and alcohol paints and hand painted jewelry.

E: karin@ppu.com.au F: www.facebook.com/redballoonfarm/

Artist: Eddie Iob | Farmer and creator of metal and garden art F: www.facebook.com/redballoonfarm/

Artist: Rosemary Pamic | Squirrel Gully Saffron

Producer of sustainably grown saffron and unique saffron products such as saffron infused honey, quince paste and greeting cards.

Squirrel Gully Saffron has also created a Loddon Valley Arts Trail Pic nic Hamper featuring Squirrel Gully Saffron and local produce. For more information or to pre order a picnic hamper, visit the Squirrel Gully Saffron website. Pre order closes on Friday 21 October. W: www.squirrelgullysaffron.com.au

WEDDERBURN

Coach House Gallery and Museum - 51 High Street, Wedderburn

Opening Hours – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 10am to 3pm

Artist: Cheryl Bailey | Rosella Cottage Creations

Realist artist creating oil paintings of Austral ian vistas, wildlife, and iconic buildings from Australia’s colonial past.

F: www.facebook.com/Rosella-Cottage-Crea tions/

Cuzz’s Studio45 Wilson Street, Wedderburn

Opening hours 10:30am to 4:00pm other days via appointment only

Artist: Ross Currie

| Cuzz’s Studio

| F: www.facebook.com/ CuzzsStudio

Inspired by nature, Ross Currie creates stunning and unique pieces in a mix of mediums including pyrography, charcoal drawings, naturally formed wooden sculptures, andnumerous road side art pieces. Demonstration of pyrography on request.

Mal Gilmour’s Studio Gallery - 7 Tarnagulla Road, Inglewood

Artist: Mal Gilmour

Come and join us at the Victoria Hotel in Pyramid Hill

We offer classic pub meals, ice cold drinks, clean accommodation and a stocked bottle shop.

STAR AFTERNOON Seniors’ Festival celebrations kicked off for Loddon communities last week with the gala concert in Boort Memorial Hall featuring Australian country music leg end Tania Kernaghan.

More than 200 people attended the concert and also browsed displays by Boort District Health and Inglewood and Districts Health Service.

On Tuesday, Inglewood Historical Society staged one of

Extra hours to view local art

INGLEWOOD and District Health Ser vice has added an extra session to its art show.

The show will be officially opened to morrow morning by CEO Dallas Coghill.

But interest in the event has seen a session from 4pm to 7pm today added to the opening schedule.

Community, consumer and volunteer engagement officer Cindy Gould said: “We have local artists, three schools, our local kinder and over 100 of our resi dents’ art from the last two years and tributes to some local residents.”

its popular re-enactment performances while today Pyramid Hill and District Historical Society was presenting a morning tea and a tour of its museum.

Next week, a virtual treasure hunt at Wedderburn Commu nity House will bring local festivities to a close.

Yoga, computer skill classes and a community lunch have also been part of the calendar of activities across the Lod don Shire for the festival.

FRIDAY

FROM 5.30PM

POKER 5.00-8.00

TRAY RAFFLE

SATURDAY

Residents have been preparing their art works during regular classes and some works have since been printed as greeting cards raising funds for the health service.

OPEN MIDDAY

FROM 12.00

5.30PM

Well done message from shire Mayor

LODDON Mayor Dan Straub has con gratulated volunteers behind recent events in the shire.

“It’s great to see a number of events in Loddon Shire continue to be well at tended by community members and vis itors alike,” he said.

“This includes the launch of parkrun in Boort earlier this month, which saw around 67 people take part, including visitors from other towns. These visi tors were impressed with the track and its scenery – as well as Boort itself. The Nolens Park parkrun, which is run by volunteers, takes place every Saturday morning.

“I’d also like to congratulate all in volved in other major events on the weekend – the Boort Show, Laaneco orie Gold Bash and Mysia War Memorial School centenary.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Well done to all our young readers for their amaz ing colouring efforts. Bluey has had a very busy month selecting the best. Winners of last month’s competition are Mollie M, Emily C and Anna S. Entries for this month’s fruit and vegetable colouring competition close October 30. Send to Bluey, Loddon Herald, PO Box 1188 Kangaroo

Flat 3555 or email loddonherald@gmail.com and remember to include your name, age and address so Bluey can pick the right prizes for our lucky winners.

Bluey hopes you enjoy this month’s puzzles and activities from his friend Penclhead. Have a great week and lots of fun enjoying the activities on your special page.

Spon S ored by

Inaction and silence a concern

FOR THE past few weeks, the Loddon Herald has been publishing stories on the dangers of roadside growth in our part of the world.

The height of grass and weeds is now above that of guide posts, as Loddon Shire councillor Neil Be attie said in a story last week.

But worse, the grass is now also towering over some floodway markers - depth markers installed for the safety of drivers in times we are experienc ing at this very moment.

The Loddon Herald has contacted the Depart ment of Transport, the department responsible for government authorities like Regional Roads Vic toria that oversee programs such as roadside fuel reduction.

We understand, too, that Loddon Shire has acted as a matter of urgency on the issue with the relevant authorities.

Disappointingly, neither council nor this news

paper has received a response from the depart ment. Our readers have also joined the chorus of concern and are wanting action not next month or the one after, but now.

It is an appalling situation when risks are obvi ous to all but those making decisions and as Cr Be attie has said, the danger posed could have a tragic outcome.

This is not the first time apparent tardiness re ducing roadside growth has popped up. It’s virtu ally a repeat of 2021 when similar concerns were raised.

But there is a difference this year. The growth is greater and more rapid, the risks posed are higher. With just weeks to the fire danger season, time is ticking for action.

in the main street, l would be getting a lovely letter to tell me to cut it.

Tracey Cox wrote: Totally agree and the pot holes are deeper than guide posts on the Dingee to Bendigo Road. Not to mention the road through the Terrick Terrick National Park is a death trap.

Daniel Nolan wrote: No hope getting pot holes fixed if they can’t keep the freeway open.

Bruce Moffat wrote: Yep Labor at its best again. I can’t wait for election hopefully they get booted.

Kel Stewart wrote: Huge issue.

From the Loddon Herald facebook page

THE WALSH REPORT

By CHRIS EARL

THERE’S the bush yarn that Peter Walsh was pretty fiece on the football field.

Boort’s Laurie Maxted chose to remind the Murray Plains MP and Nationals leader of his tenacity only recently.

Laurie had lined up for Yarrawalla against Peter when the one-time Leaghur tomato grower was wearing the colours of Calivil.

The long-time friends joked about their on-field encounters that were probably in contrast to the more gentile approach to sport on the new synthetic bowling green opened that day.

Peter Walsh’s friendship with many Lod don residents stretches back to his begin ning. He was born in the old Boort hospital - a now vacant block he was quick to point out as we headed to Boort Park, a scene of later on-field and off-field exploits.

The former Fernihust Primary School and Boort Secondary College student was reflecting on the area where he was born, grew up and farmed before reaching a ca reer fork 20 years ago.

Growing tomatoes, cereals, oilseeds and legumes at Leaghur, Peter was president of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation and faced with either progressing up the agripolitics ladder or head to Spring Street, Melbourne, as a member of Parliament.

With the retirement of long-time Na tionals MP Barry Steggall, Peter Walsh chose to pick up the baton of rural commu nities and represent people he had worked beside as president of Boort’s Apex club and in farming and rural businesses.

“One of the things I think a politician should have is a number of life experienc es before they go into Parliament, obvious ly in their own community and in business employing people and investing money, understanding the responsibilities and the issues you are actually making legislation on,” Peter said.

“I’m not a big fan of having too many politicians that have gone to university and then worked in a politicians’ office and then gone into Parliament.

“I think they lack some of the life expe riences that people who have actually in vested money and employed people and taken the risks appreciate.”

Peter said his sense of community in volvement started with Apex, extended with a return to football as a runner and then Boort president during the club’s cen tenary year after building his tomato busi ness.

It was tomatoes that saw Peter venture into agripolitics and then make what he

describes as a pivotal decision for a tilt at state politics.

Peter said he was swayed by a winnable seat (Swan Hill) becoming available to rep resent his local communities.

“People talk about safe seats but you only get the votes if you deliver and care for your communities.

“I like to think that every community has benefited in some way with me as their member of Parliament,” he said.

“If you are not there for the community you won’t be re-elected ... it’s a culture we have instilled in the National Party.”

In Government for one term during his 20-year Spring Street career, Peter said within weeks of the Coalition winning in 2010, the first in a series of summer floods started.

In fact, the first heavy downpour came that November came on election night.

“We did a lot with (local) communities rebuilding post floods,” he said. “It was for tuitous being in government that I could help do that and as minister for water we

You should never forget your roots and your home community

did a lot of work on future flood prepared ness.”

But he said later governments had dropped the ball on being flood ready.

That post-2011 flood period also saw in vestment in new country hospitals with Peter particularly proud of the new facil ity built at Boort.

“You should never forget your roots and your home community,” he said. “The Boort hospital was in desperate need of a rebuild.

“There was a push from the bureaucracy to scale it down ... which we resisted in government and made sure we got the in vestment to rebuild.”

Peter said that working with communi ties and putting forward logical arguments meant local towns had benefited during his 20 years as MP, whether in govern ment or opposition - “it just takes longer when you are in opposition”.

Peter, Nationals leader since 2014, said government had not sufficiently embraced investment in rural communties.

He said the Coalition’s commitment for 25 per cent of all state infrastructure investment to be directed to rural and regional Victoria was about addressing that failure. “Twenty-five per cent of the population lives in the regions. We think it’s only fair 25 per cent of the investment goes into the regions.”

He said COVID lockdowns had changed dynamics in country communities and they needed infrastructure to grow.

Peter lamented the change in level of re spect for the Parliament and its processes over his 20 years as an MP, slating respon sibility for that with current premier Dan iel Andrews who he claimed viewed the Parliament as a nuisance.

While Peter Walsh has seen electorate boundaries and name change since his election two decades ago, he says the com mitment to representing people has not.

When Victorians go to the polls in six weeks, the boy from Boort will have his name on the ballot paper to go into a third decade representing the area.

Peter Walsh at Boort Park reflecting on two decades in Parliament. LH PHOTO

David keeps wife happy Crop pioneer booked for field day

DAVID Moyle left Friday’s Derby Downs Poll Dorset Stud auction knowing there would be a warm welcome when he returned home.

The Hamilton farmer had just paid top price of $3600 at the stud’s on-property sale for its Royal Melbourne Show junior champion.

David had been given instruc tions by wife Donna to bid for the champion ram.

“The ‘cook’ told me she want ed this ram and didn’t care how much,” David said.

The Moyles have been buy ing from Derby Downs for eight years and David said his annual return to the stud was because of its “good selection, good team, good genetics”.

They will use the ram to breed over their first-cross border Leicester and Merino ewes for the self-replacing flock that is sold over the hook.

The most prolific buyer at Fri day’s auction was Randall Park, of Hamilton with seven lots while Geoff and Craig Weeks, of Serpentine, picked up five rams,

The Weeks have been buying from Derby Downs for the past decade.

“They are good rams with good figures and clean heads,” said Geoff.

Like the Moyles, Geoff and Craig will join the poll Dorset rams with first cross Merinoborder Leicesters.

The sale average was $1455 which Derby Downs’ Paul Brown said was slightly up on last year.

sheep

THE lamb market was dearer at Bendigo on Monday as wet weather continues to play havoc with stock movements and sup ply.

Bendigo yarded 20,000 lambs, back 2000 head on a week ago.

It was interstate based export processors which led the bid ding, and heavy young lambs averaged $6 to $12 dearer with some categories showing gains of up to $20/head.

Demand was strongest for well finished lambs over 26kg cwt.

There was more quality vari ance in the trade lamb run and buyers were still selective at times.

More restocking activity with agents from Ballarat, Echuca, Bendigo and Swan Hill operat ing, however well bred lines of genuine store weighted lambs were in limited supply.

A stand-out pen of extra heavy December drop crossbred lambs unshorn and weighing over 40kg cwt topped the sale at $298.

Most export weighted young lambs above 30kg cwt from $230 to $270 to average $252/ head.

The best presented heavy young lambs, 26-30kg cwt, $215 to $249 to average $230; and the 24-26kg $182 to av $213.

These good heavy processing lambs were estimated at 780c to 830c/kg cwt. There was more price variance evident on the general run of trade lambs at $171 to $203 for the 22-24kg cwt pens, uneven finish an issue on some lines.

Ballarat lamb finishers paid to $195 for trade lambs to shear, with the general run of lighter young lambs with frame cost ing $135 to $168 to the paddock.

The smallest store lambs $100 to $130.

Heavy mutton continued to dominate the sheep yarding and prices were cheaper.

SUCKERS

Monmore P/L Laanecoorie (77) $280, DJ & ED Lees Rochester (62) $268, Waverly Farming Birchip (91) $263, WJ Whatley Goornong (47) $256, Strathfillan Past Stuart Mill (196) $255, A,L,B & R McIntosh Wan alta (61) $254, W & G Perry Nagambie (109) $252, C Tobin Mt Camel (16) $242, Waverly Farming Birchip (135) $241, IM McDonald Dumosa (33) $240, F Shea Campbell’s Forest (22) $240, D & J Buchnall Cotswold (52) $238, B & J Weeks Echuca (40) $235, LJ & PM Cooper Strathfieldsaye (31) $235, DJ & BA Kearley Tamleugh (66) $234, W & G Perry Nagambie (53) $231, Little Haven Bunbartha (111) $230, WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (45) $230, RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (71) $227, Les T Lowndes Emu Creek (32) $226, KJ & SR Smith Runnyme

de (30) $218, Jacki Brown Colbinab bin (58) $216, DL & Tm Jensen Dig gora West (64) $216, P & B Meighan Mitiamo (60) $214, C Graham Fam ily Arnold (68) $211, Viewpoint Farm Rheola (34) $210, Whinfield Farms P/L Macorna (26) $207, J & J Wright Charlton (41) $195, R,R & K Wright Emu (66) $195.

MERINO SUCKERS

CM & W Neyland Euston (190) $167.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

L Soulsby Rheola (26) $228, J & K Rorke Bamawm (161) $220.

CROSSBRED WETHERS

Neyland Euston (10) $190, B & M Barlow Murchison (5) $190, Brown Bros Ag Shepparton (25) $175, Ost Elmore Moama (8) $170, C Tobin Mt Camel (15) $161.

CROSSBRED EWES

Monmore

A PASTURE cropping workshop and field day will be held in the Loddon this month.

Loddon Plains Landcare Net work is bringing the creator of Pasture Cropping, an innovative land management technique, Colin Seis to Inglewood for the field day.

Colin and his son Nick run 3500 Merinos, grow cereal crops and harvest native grass seed on the family’s 840-hectare prop erty Winona, 20km north of Gul gong. He says: “Pasture cropping enables integration of sheep and crop production, optimising pro duction of both while minimising chemical inputs and machinery use and improving soil structure and fertility

“While conventional cropping methods require that all vegeta tion be killed prior to sowing and while the crop is growing, with pasture cropping there is no need to kill competing ground cover vegetation, and yet adequate pro ductivity can still be achieved.”

Colin’s technique sees winter cash crops sown into existing summer active pasture.

Economy ‘hit by Basin plan’

VICTORIAN Farmers Fed eration wants state and federal water ministers to avoid causing further pain to northern Victorian farm ing communities when they meet this week to discuss the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Water council chair An drew Leahy said analysis re leased by the Victorian Gov ernment last week showed reduced water use in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District had already cost the community millions of dol lars in lost economic produc tion and jobs.

“We will be asking that the Victorian Government re mains opposed to water buy backs and on-farm projects that reduce the consumptive pool and ensure no changes are made to the social and economic test.”

& I Watson Rochester (21)

Daldy Karramomus (4) $145,

Barlow Murchison (4) $140, Coolawoola Nagambie (39) $134.

&

MERINO EWES

Monmore P/L Laanecoorie (73) $168, Colvin Family Trust Eppalock (57) $144, Richmond Park Echuca (35) $130, GH Coching Donald (6) $130, BT Coates & Sons Traynors Lagoon (7) $105, Riversdale Past Myall (6) $100.

GRAIN

BOORT Grain Co-op prices Tues day.

Wheat - H1 $431 FIS. H2 $428 FIS. APW $381 FIS. ASW $375 FIS. GP1 $355 FIS. Barley - PL1 ISCC $345 FIS. SP1 ISCC $345 FIS. Bar1 $314 FIS. Pulses - Faba 1 $308 FIS.

Season22-23 deld site - APW MG $415. ASW $366. Bar1 MG $303.25. GM can $710.00 +/- AOF. Faba1 $300. Faba2 $280.

TOP BUY: Derby Downs’ Paul Brown and Don McKinnon with David Moyle (centre). LH PHOTO

Auction action (left) and Geoff and Crasig Weeks with their buys.

LH PHOTO

YORSTON

William Thomas “Bill” 26.01.1925 – 10.10.2022

Passed away at Inglewood and District Health Services.

Aged 97 years

Loved husband of Ruby, father of Gary, father-in-law of Helen. Grandfather of Alan and Jes, James and Stephanie, Roger and Lo-Anna. Pa Bill of Rachel and Mitchell Yorston, Evelyn Yorston, Fergus and Cedric Flynn, friend to Finn and Calvin Fisher.

Loved son of James and Norah (both dec.), brother of Leslie (dec.), May and Jack (dec.) Flannery and Neville. Loving uncle of his nieces and nephews.

A life well lived!

YORSTON

The Funeral Service for Mr. William Thomas “Bill” Yorston will be held by the graveside at the Wedderburn Lawn Cemetery on MONDAY (October 17) at 11:30 am.

25 Brooke Street, Inglewood. 5438 3189

PUBLIC NOTICES

A celebration and farewell for RON WHYKES & his beloved son STEVEN RONALD WHYKES will be held on Sunday 16th October at the Boort Angling Club from 2pm. BYO drinks & chair.

NOTICE OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXCLUSION ZONE

Marine Safety Act 2010 Section 208(2)

Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for the Loddon River (at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeneys Lane), hereby gives notice under section 208(2) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) that all persons and vessels not registered to take part in the 2022 Bendigo Cup – Marathon and Sprint race events are prohibited from entering and remaining in the following waters.

1. Bendigo Cup – Marathon event Waters of Loddon River – between Bridgewater Calder Highway Bridge to the boat ramp at Sweeneys Lane

The exclusion zone will be in e ect from 8:00am to 2:00pm Sunday 23 October 2022

2. Bendigo Cup – Sprint event Waters of Loddon River – between Bridgewater Calder Highway Bridge to Bridgewater Caravan Park Boat ramp

The exclusion zone will be in e ect from 8:00am – 4:00pm Saturday 19 November 2022

BY ORDER OF LODDON SHIRE COUNCIL Dated: 5 October 2022

St

Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited

school

Inglewood.

and

Yung

Meeting of Council: Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2022

Council has prepared the Annual Report including Financial and Performance Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022 and in accordance with Section 99 of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act).

Auditor reports for the Financial and Performance Statements have been received in accordance with Section 98 (12) of the Act and are included within the Annual Report.

Copies of the Annual Report can be inspected at Council’s Wedderburn O ce and on Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au.

In accordance with Section 100 of the Act, Council will hold a meeting to consider and discuss the Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2022. Details of the meeting are:

Venue: Loddon Shire Council Council Chambers Kerr St, Wedderburn Date: Tuesday 25 October 2022 Time: 3.00pm

Members of the community are welcome to attend or can live stream via the Facebook link provided on the Council page. Strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place where necessary.

Performing

are

current

a

CAREERS AT LODDON

Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a

erence and help shape our future.

Management/Systems Accountant - ref.J/182

permanent position

in Wedderburn o ce with exible work locations available

7 salary range between $95,329.52 –$105,912.56 plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 24 October 2022 at 5pm.

Early Childhood Activity Group Leader

(Roving Position) – ref.J/160

Part-time (32 hours per week), xed-term position until 20 December 2023

Work in all kindergartens across the Shire, with a Council car available for use

Salary in line with the Early Education Enterprise Agreement

Early Childhood Educator – ref.J/180

(21.75 hours per week), xedterm position until 23 June 2023

at the Pyramid Hill kindergarten

Salary in line with the Early Education Enterprise Agreement

for the positions above will close on Monday 17 October 2022 at 5pm.

Project Development Coordinator – ref.J/179

Full-time, xed-term position for two years

Based in Wedderburn o ce with exible work locations available

Band 7 - $48.24 per hour plus employer superannuation

Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99

Permanent, full-time position

package negotiable

Community Care Workers – ref.J/102 and J/105

Casual and part-time positions

Band 3 - $28.64 per hour ($35.80 for casuals inclusive of loading)

Early Childhood Educator – ref.no J/123

positions at all kindergartens

ECEC1.1 - $29.75 (inclusive of casual loading)

Early Childhood Teacher – ref.no J/124

Casual positions at all kindergartens

ECTC1.1 - $40.05 (inclusive of casual loading)

for the positions above will be assessed as they are received.

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply,

visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic. gov.au or contact Council’s Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

Old bottles with town or company names.

Marble bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons

Any old bottles - single items or box lots

Children’s Services Authorised Officer

Position Number: 20003571

Employment Type: Ongoing / Fixed (Multiple roles)

Job Function: Education

Classification: VPSG4

Closing Date: 24/10/2022

Salary Range: $90,067 - $102,192 + Super

Contact: Joanna Wysocki (quality.assessment.regulation@education.vic.gov.au)

Children’s Services Authorised Officer, Loddon Mallee Area/ Barwon South West Area/ Grampians Area Quality Assessment and Regulation Division/ Department of Education and Training

An exciting opportunity exists for highly motivated team players with demonstrated knowledge of quality in early childhood education and care and/or demonstrated experience working in a regulatory environment undertaking quality assurance, compliance and investigative activities.

The Children’s Services Authorised Officer will play a key role in promoting quality improvement in services by conducting compliance visits, undertaking investigations and conducting assessment and ratings of Victorian early childhood education and care services.

There are multiple fixed term and ongoing positions that are full time at the VPS4 level. The positions are based in multiple locations (Bendigo, Belmont or Ballarat DET offices) and the position location will vary between working in the office, conducting service visits in the designated regional area (Barwon South West Area, Loddon Mallee Area or Grampians Area) and other flexible work locations. The position will occasionally include overnight stays, undertaking visits in other metropolitan areas and cross regional work as required.

For further information regarding this position contact Joanna Wysocki, A/Senior Program Officer at quality.assessment.regulation@education.vic.gov.au.

To apply, please visit the following website: https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/jobs/VG-VG-DET-ECE-20003517.

Applications Close: 24 October 2022

LINEWORKER APPRENTICESHIP

BASED OUT OF OUR CHARLTON DEPOT

Central Power P/L is a family-owned business (approx. 40 employees) managing the powerlines in regional Victoria for the last 23 years. Our main o ce is based in Maryborough but we have depots in Ararat and Charlton. We are looking to put on an apprentice for 2023 to become a Distribution Lineworker.

Suitable candidates must;

good physical health

and self-motivated

physical hands-on and outdoor work

driving licence (minimum

afraid of heights!

Cover Letter and

Annual General Meeting 2022 28 October 2022 5:30pm

Dinner at 6pm

Special Guest speakers including Paul Foreman from Biolinks Alliance and Landcare Victoria. Learn about the Landcare activities in your local area.

Where: LPLN Goods Shed, 28 Station St Inglewood, 3517, Victoria

RSVP: Attendance and any dietary requirements by Friday 21st October to lpln.facilitator@gmail.com or 0490 412 430

R30389

BOORT NEWSAGENCY

BRIDGEWATER BAKEHOUSE

BRIDGEWATER & BENDIGO

BRIDGEWATER CARAVAN PARK CAFE

BRIDGEWATER HOTEL

BRIDGEWATER

Addlem first best, fairest

Jaxon

Experience call gives Woodies opening win

MARONG had its green in good condition for Saturday’s season opening Bendigo division one match against Inglewood.

Adverse weather had ham pered green preparations and also limited practice time for the clubs.

Marong put up a good showing and at the 12-end break, Ingle wood were five shots down and still six shots down after 18 ends were completed by all rinks.

Some experience got the Woodies home over the last three ends where they gained 10 shots to eventually win by four shots.

An excellent win to Inglewood under much pressure and a cou ple of standout performances from the rinks of Mal McLean, Jack Nevins, Steve McLean and Daniel Garrett, winning by 12 shots and also from the rink of Rob Day, Ian Chamberlain, Denis Wilson and Merilyn Chamberlain who had an eight-shot win after being down 8-0 after the first four ends of the game.

It was welcome back to week end pennant to David Vanston, after 12 months in the hinter land and a welcome to the club to John Jackman, who will fit in very nicely.

There are no easy games and this week Inglewood looks for ward to hosting Castlemaine.

Some social activities over the next few weeks have been ar ranged.

After the games, at home to Moama and Kangaroo Flat, on October 22, a Thai Food extrav aganza will be supplied by Noi Rochester.

On November 1 (Melbourne Cup Day), Inglewood club is hav

ing a “come and try” day at the bowling club starting at 11am.

And on November 18, from 6pm, the club will be running a skins bowls tournament. Played in three-bowl pairs, two ends per game and numerous games. Open to all, including beginners, CALIVIL

Calivil’s opening day last Sun day had good matches of two bowl triples.

Fresh from a win in division one pennant at Marong on Sat, Inglewood’s Lindsay Kelly skip pered Glenn Rae, Calivil and Kevin Pollock, Dingee, to be the only three-game winners.

Runners up with Graham Maxted, Calivil as skip, Megan Greaves, Dingee and Shane Gret grix, Serpentine.

Bridgewater, Dingee, Ingle wood and Serpentine were the only visiting Clubs.

Vicky Tierney, Inglewood, treasurer of the Bendigo, Cam paspe, Goldfields Region, rep resented that organisation. Her trio won two games.

BRIDGEWATER

At Bridgewater, there was a keenly contested Saturday after noon social competition.

Six fours were selected. Good to see bowlers who previously played, in Darren Futter and Peter Williams, returning to the club. Also good to welcome Chris Wattie for midweek pennant.

Only three-game winners on Saturday was the team skip pered by Rae Broadbent with Darren Futter, Chris Wattie and Gordon Addlem.

The last Saturday of social bowls is this weekend at 1.30pm.

BENDIGO

Division 1 - Marong 78-4 lost to Ingle wood 82-14. G Farnsworth, J Lee, D Mar shall, M Dickens (s) d M Roberts, J Jackman, G Wilson, L Kelly (s) 20-17. G Fawcett, A Spence, C Fry, A Whatley d B Jackson, D Vanston, W Roberts, G Jackson (s) 28-15. S Fulton, J Lindrea, P Mylon, C Bramley (s) lost to D Garrett, S McLean, J Nevins, M McLean (s) 14-26. R Farrell, D Fulton, W Gn iel, T. Hayes (s) lost to M Chambderlain, D Wilson, I Chamberlain, R Day (s) 16-24. Ea glehawk 64-4 lost to South Bendigo 81-14. Castlemaine 73-4 lost to Bendigo East 77-14, Golden Square 80-2 lost to Bendigo 86-16.

MIDWEEK - Division 1: Golden Square 54-3 lost Inglewood 55-13. S Drummond, C Bowland, D Cheeseman, G Downie (s) lost to M Chamberlain, P Lyndon, I Chamberlain, L Witham (s) 11-31, P Pain, Y Robinson, N Bowland, J Ross (s) drew G Wilson, B Taig, L Kelly, M McLean (s) 16-16, M Cusack, J Rob ins, W Robins, B Marron (s) d A Caserta, C McEwan, R Day, H Leech (s) 27-8.

Division 4: Dingee 38-0 lost to South Bendigo 76-16. K Pollock, V Sproull, F Grieves, M Grieves (s) lost to R Challinor, C Dillon, A Howe, C Adams (s) 16-25, S Ellis, P Plant, B West, S Cail (s) lost to M Grogan, D Roberts, L Doolan, M Kirkpatrick (s) 16-24. N Thomas, S Lawry, G Devanny, L Demeo (s) lost to I Murrell, K Presley, L Cairncross, S Bryan (s) 6-27.

Calivil Serpentine 45-2 lost to Golden Square 65-14. B Meighan, J Hercus, N Ralphs, D Walker (s) lost to A Schultz, C Hutchinson, R Collins, L Eeles (s) 12-25. K Richards, J Clymo, H Gronow, S Hope (s) lost to J Watson, J McKinstry, L Bell, L Power (s) 12-24, L Dennis, L Lister, L Gronow, C Mitchell (s) d F Davies, J Brennan, M Peters en, J Holcombe (s) 21-16.

Strathfieldsaye 37-1 lost to Inglewood 40-13. J McGregor, P Neander, R Riley, G Wells (s) lost to J Roberts, D Andrew, A Har rison, P Kelly (s) 19-22, R Clemson, F Cum mins, R Tickner, S Curnow (s) drew E Pat terson, P McEwan, D Garrett, V Tierney (s) 18-18.

Division 5 - Bridgewater v Bendigo. D Smith, M Gath, R Shea, M Wright (s) lost to Bendigo M Murray, R Capener, D Penfold, A Mott (s) 11-31, J Oughtred, J Hosking, B McNaught, K McNaught (s) d L Thiele, KL Obudzinski, E Obudzinski, B Bell (s) 18-15.

NORTHERN DISTRICT

Division 2 - Pyramid Hill 50-3 lost to Barham 3 55-9. R Harris, J Cauchi, E Carmo dy, M Scott (s) drew A Henery, L Ashton, R Baker, P Goudier (s) 15-15. G Moon, W Boyd, M Noelker, I Bartels (s) lost to G Keane, C Cassidy, D Potter, A Larpent (s) 11-30. G Tate, J Mann, K Wood, L Mann (s) d J Orr, R Scott, G Lake, P Orr (s) 24-10. Barham 2 61-9 d Cohuna Golf 3 54-3, Cohuna 2 96-12 d Kerang Golf 2 35-0, Cohuna Golf 2 55-2 lost to Kerang 2 60-10.

Division 3B - Pyramid Hill 49-2 lost to Barham 66-10. R Boyd, T Strobaus, L Ding wall (s) lost to D Gross, K Lake, B French, G Kennedy (s) 12-27. M Mahoney, D Demaine, A Fidler, P Reynolds (s) d S Slingo, G Graeme, E Fasham, E Schelbert (s) 22-17. C Cauchi, G Godward, R FIdler, A Bennett (s) lost to K Lohner, N Martin, H Archard, P Nash (s) 1522. Cohuna lost to Kerang Golf on forfeit, Last week’s midweek pennant games were abandoned by rain.

NORTH CENTRAL

Division 1 - Charlton 51-0 lost to Wed derburn 86-12. J Ong, R Porter, D McCal lum, L Southwell (s) lost to A Holt, C Mills, R Montebello, A Jackson (s) 12-29. J Headon, J Cox, P Watts, K Willey (s) lost to R Guelfo, A Noordennen, D Stephenson, L Witham (s) 22-27. N Cossar, M O’Brien, S Perry, W Keenan (s) lost to L Holt, G Burnside, A Ca serta, N Holt (s) 17.30.

Boort 45-0 lost to Donald Golf 101-12. P Waters, D Gibson, J Gibson, K De Piazza (s) lost to W Livingston, G Stopps, T Hollis, D Pettifer (s) 14-38. I Mercer, J Maxted, L Max ted, S Morris (s) lost to D Peake, A Bayles, R Reseigh, G Rigby (s) 19-32. A Matley, G Gard ner, K Ritchie, T Moresi (s) lost to B Bayles, G Geddes, S Hollis, P Hibberd (s) 12-31.

St Arnaud Country 74-2 lost to St Arnaud 75-10. Donald 54-2 lost to Wycheproof 7810.

Division 2 - Charlton 54-2 lost to Wed derburn 90-10. D Beaty, B Chester, G Wain (s) lost to S Steel, A Benaim, J Murnane, L Standfield (s) 8-43. B Laffin, W Southwell, E Rosewall (s) d R Ashley, B Green, R Hall, A Roberts (s) 26-13. G Barnard, B Catherine, G Bateson (s) lost to R Little, K Griffiths, N White, I Hall (s) 20-24.

Boort 68-2 lost to Donald Golf 71-10. R Taylor, J Nelson, T Noles, G Hudson (s) d C Stopps, J Hollis, M Frank, L Borden (s) 2721. Y Cashen, M Nelson, K Birt, J Hampson (s) lost to C Raynes, R Adams, J Pearce, S O’Shea (s) 20-23. L Cameron, G Moresi, J Earl, G Tweddle (s) lost to S Donnellon, J Slater, P Raynes, G Wood (s) 21-27. St Arnaud Country 72-8 d St Arnaud 634. Donald 46-0 lost to Wycheporoof 86-12. Midweek - Boort 64-12 d Donald 55-0. Y Cashen, G Tweddle, T Noles, I Mercer (s) d P Wyllie, M McEwen, M Harris, I McEwen (s) 27-15. P Gould, M Nelson, D Gibson, T More si (s) d J Wood, W Hegerty, M Quick, B Milne (s) 25-19. L Cameron, P Baker, J Maxted, L Maxted (s) d K Wyllie, A McEwen, R Collins, L Morgan (s) 22-21. Wedderburn 57-2 lost to St Arnayd 6410. R Little, G Hunter, L Standfield, J Mur nane (s) lost to H Stevenson, M McRae, W Rourke, C Marchment (s) 15-29. R Witham, S Standfield, R Hall, A Roberts (s) d D Ostarce vic, B Eccles, G Shinners, S McIntrye (s) 2413. H Stephenson, S Steel, I Hall, A Jackson (s) lost to T Robertson, G Smith, D Goddard, P McRae (s) 18-22.

Wedderburn Junction brothers Jayden and Brodie Keller have finished first and second at the Heathcote Park Raceway Burnout competition. Jayden, a mechanic at Loddon Shire, won the event with Brodie, a mechanic at Esmore’s Garage St Arnaud close behind. They have been competing for several years after building their cars from old Commodores, spending many hours in the shed after

and on weekends.

Ian Mercer (above) sends down his bowl in Boort’s match against Donald Golf while Kevin de Piazza directs play. LH PHOTO

Pies put faith in Sheahan with key coaching role

BOORT has appointed Georgia Sheahan as its A and B Grade netball coach for 2023.

Sheahan was a key player for the Pies in North Central this season.

Pies’ netball secretary Kris ten Gooding said; “ Georgia has played two seasons with the Pies, after playing and winning premierships for Nullawil and Wyche- Narraport.

“She brings enthusiasm, intel

ligence and fantastic leadership. Georgia is already encouraging pre-season running and skill development and is looking for ward to new faces and seeing the development of junior players.

“Georgia is incredibly driven and we can’t wait to see what comes next for the Pies.

Sheahan was reunner-up to Carly Isaac in the club’s A Grade best and fairest, Isaac taking honours by a single vote with 15.

The result was also close in B Grade with Erin Twigg polling 16 votes to finish ahead of Kazzan dra Adams and Montana Twigg on 14.

C Grade: Kaley Ritchie 21, Brooke Arnold 17.

Under 17A: ElIza Perryman 30, Annie Perryman 16. Under 17B: Ella Streader and Britney Sykes 14, Jessica Minogue 13. Wally Manallack incentive award: Phe obe Henderson.

Doctor delivers a double

CHARLTON brother and sister Ryan and Abby Sanderson were victorious during the week, with Ryan landing a driving double at Mildura last Tuesday.

First to arrive was the Andrew Vozlic (Mildura) trained 4Y0 Dev ilish Smile-Armbro Iris gelding Doc Harvey in the Euston Club Pace over 2190 metres. Given the run of the race from the pole trailing the poleline leader and stablemate Lets Go Exclusive, Doc Harvey after coming away from the inside approaching the home turn, raced clear on turning to score by 5.4 metres from Taki dah (three pegs) returning a mile rate of 2-02.1. Lets Go Exclusive was third 1.3 metres away.

Ryan’s other winner came about after 4Y0 SportswriterHayley Brogden gelding Starvin Marvin snared the Tasco Petro leum Pace over 2190 metres. Trained by Noel (Lucky) Cam eron, Starvin Marvin (gate four) sprouted wings along the inside from three back the markers on turning to blouse a death-seating Two Sock Creek by 3.1 metres, with leader Real Dash third a half head away. The rate 1-59.6.

At Bendigo on Wednesday,

Ryan was victorious aboard Stawell trainer Chris Blake’s 5Y0

A Rocknroll Dance-Ideal Tact mare Tic Tact in the 1690 metre APG – Bringing The Sales & Rac es To Owners Pace. Settling four markers from inside the second line, Tic Tact was taken away from the inside in the last lap and after easing wide approach ing the home turn, raced clear shortly after to defeat Markleigh Caz (three pegs) and Be The One which led. The margins 6.9 by 1.2 metres in a mile rate of 1-56.7.

Both Ryan and Abby each pro vided winners at Ouyen on Sun day, Ryan taking the Ouyen & District Plumbing Pace over 1654 metres and Abby the 2040 metre O’Connors Ouyen – Your Local Branch Pace.

Ryan was to team up again with Andrew Vozlic driving 8Y0

Sportswriter-Cunning Kate mare Valbarran to victory. Settling three pegs from inside the second line, Valbarran when taken away from the inside in the last lap, ran home strongly to record a half head margin over a death-seat ing Impetuoso which looked all over a winner on turning. Woody Nightshade was third a metre back after trailing the weaken ing pacemaker Mexican Standoff. The mile rate 2-00.4.

Abby partnered the Julie Doug las (Strathfieldsaye) trained 8Y0 American Ideal-Tuapeka Pocket gelding Pocket Thedeal who was dropping significantly in class. Settling mid-field in the moving line from gate two on the second line, Pocket Thedeal after going forward three wide in the last lap finished fast on straighten ing to score by 1.3 metres from Nineteenth Man along the sprint lane off the back of the weaken ing leader Daggy Lamb, with out sider Linxx (three pegs) third 3.1 metres back after coming away from the inside to look a chance at the straight entrance. The mile rate 1-59.3.

Stepping up to serve

LODDON Valley and Inglewood

associations are scheduled ead off tennis competition in the region when the season gets underway this Saturday.

However, clubs are watcxh ing the impact of rain on their courts and will make a deci sion whether to player ahead of game time.

Calivil North plays Dingee, Raywood is at home to Lake Meran while Yarrawalla meets Calivil and Mincha West is drawn to play Serpentine. And in the draw released this

week for Inglewood, the two Wedderburn club teams will play at home in the opening round.

Fentons Creek will play Lod don Eagles and Wedderburn Junction takes on Powlett. Ko rong Vale has the bye.

Inglewood has also an nounced this week that its as sociation championships will be played at Wedderburn with a date still to be set.

Inglewood has set finals eli gibility at three games in the home and away season.

INGLEWOOD TENNIS DRAW

OCTOBER 15

Fentons Creek v Loddon Eagles Wedderburn Junction v Powlett Korong Vale bye

OCTOBER 22

Wedderburn Junction v Fentons Creek

Korong Vale v Powlett Loddon Eagles bye

OCTOBER 29

Powlett v Fentons Creek

Loddon Eafgles v Korong Vale Wedderburn Junction bye

NOVEMBER 5

Korong Vale v Wedderburn Junction

Loddon Eagles v Powlett Fentons Creek bye

NOVEMBER 12

Fentons Creek v Korong Vale Wedderburn Junction v Loddon Eagles Powlett bye

NOVEMBER 19

Loddon Eagles v Fentons Creek Powlett v Wedderburn Junction Korong Vale bye

NOVEMBER 26

Fentons Creek v Wedderburn Junction Powlett v Korong Vale Loddon Eagles bye

DECEMBER 3

Fentons Creek v Powlett Korong Vale v Loddon Eagles Wedderburn Junction bye

DECEMBER 10

Wedderburn Junction v Korong Vale Powlett v Loddon Eagles Fentons Creek bye

DECEMBER 17

Korong Vale v Fentons Creek Loddon Eagles v Wedderburn Junction Powlett bye

JANUARY 21

Fentons Creek v Loddon Eagles Powlett v Wedderburn Junction Korong Vale bye

JANUARY 28

Wedderburn Junction v Fentons Creek

Korong Vale v Powlett Loddon Eagles bye

FEBRUARY 4

Powlett v Fentons Creek

Loddon Eagles v Korong Vale Wedderburn Junction bye

FEBRUARY 11

Korong Vale v Wedderburn Junction Loddon Eagles v Powlett Fentons Creek bye

FEBRUARY 18

Fentons Creek v Korong Vale Wedderburn Junction v Loddon Eagles Powlett bye

FEBRUARY 25

Semi finals

MARCH 4 Grand final

UPPER LODDON JUNIOR CRICKET DRAW

OCTOBER 15

OCTOBER 22-29

Bridgewater

Kingower

NOVEMBER 5-12

NOVEMBER 19

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER 3

DECEMBER 10-17

Kingower

JANUARY 21-28

FEBRUARY 4-11

FEBRUARY 18-19

New coach driven ... Georgia Sheahan takes charge at Boort. LH PHOTO

Loddon

sport

WORKING ISSUES

THE future of junior foot ball across central Victoria is expected to be revealed within weeks.

AFL Central Victoria had set August to complete consulta tions on options that included merging local competitions into one structure.

While no announcement has been made, it is understood that talks with Loddon Valley league clubs continue.

They come as premiers Marong

BOWLERS KEEP UP THEIR END

SUMMER sport was disrupt ed across the Loddon at the weekend when rain forced some matches to be aban doned.

Upper Loddon senior and junior cricket was cancelled, the scheduled two-day junior round now becoming oneday encounters this Saturday. Senior points from the week end were shared.

However, last week’s rain did not affect bowls fixtures with Boort’s Joan Earl and Gil lian Tweddle keen to discuss tactics between ends.

Boort was at home to Don ald Golf on Sunday, both clubs agreeing to change playing days as their home towns hosted agricultural shows.

The visitors took honours in both division one and division two matches.

Junior structure key to club discussions

last Friday night announced it had ditched plans to apply for a switch to the Heathcote league next season.

President Danny Tyler said talk of a change had been “can celled for 2023 season”.

“We have been in meetings

with both AFL Central Vic and the Loddon Valley regarding our issues, in particular the situation surrounding junior football and netball,” he said

“After taking in all informa tion brought forward and weigh ing up the pros and cons, we

have decided to work with AFL Central Vic and the Loddon Val ley in striving for a strong future for our club.

“Both the league and commis sion are working hard behind the scenes with our clubs on im proving both the junior football and netball competitions contin uing in the future.”

Marong and Maiden Gully had cited concerns about the future of Loddon Valley junior compe titions for wanting a move into the Heathcote league.

Maiden Gully’s formal appli cation was rejected by Loddon Valley and rejected on appeal by AFL Central Victoria.

Loddon Valley this season had four under 18 sides, includ ing the new East Loddon Rams drawn from players at Serpen tine, Calivil and Mitiamo.

Talks are also underway among parents at Bridgewater to form a Loddon under 10 or 12 side to compete in Bendigo Jun ior Football League next season.

- CHRIS EARL

LH PHOTO