JUST A SMELL
By CHRIS EARL
IRRIGATORS have been hit with tougher rationing and northern Loddon lakes are draining quickly as the big dry extends into autumn.
Piles of rotting European carp are building at Lake Lyndger while Lake Boort’s level is down to 300mm.
Most Loddon districts have barely had 20mm of rain this year and storms Sunday night were patchy.
While 14mm was recorded at Tarnagulla as a dust storm whipped through the district, Bridgewater had about 5mm and Bridgewater North just 2mm.
Further north there were no falls. Boort-Quambatook farmer and Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said: “We went to bed with the smell of rain in the air ... that was it.”
The desperate wait for rain was heightened for irrigators late last week when Goulburn Murray Water tightened rationing of the delivery share for irrigators in Boort, Dingee and Calivil by 30 per cent to 120 per cent.
GMW says 10-day rationing cycles will continue. GMW incident controller Mark Bailey said the cut was “due to ongoing dry conditions and increasing irrigation demand.
“Adjusting the percentage of delivery share will help GMW maintain reliable service and reduce potential delays in customers receiving their orders.”
Major Boort district irrigator Tony Sawers said better investment was needed to develop water allocation software and to maintain and widen the Waranga Western Channel.
Mr Sawers said the 120 per cent ration limit could prove optimistic as farmers in the district make
adjustments to their watering schedules.
“Rationing impacts productivity,” said Mr Sawers whose farms are mid-way through their tomato harvest.
“The dry has suited tomatoes but not anything else.”
Mr Sawers says a solution for future irrigation seasons would be to widen a 16km stretch of the channel at Bears Lagoon.
VFF water council chair Andrew Leahy said questions had to be asked of GMW on how it could
run the irrigation system at capacity.
Mr Leahy said the amalgamation of delivery shares held on the same property could address farmers “not getting caught out”.
The South West Loddon pipeline continues to be a saviour for farmers between Wedderburn and Newbridge.
They said at the weekend that despite low rainfall since November, access to the supply had again been a lifeline.
Meanwhile, levels at Boort
lakes are dropping fast. “Lake Lyndger only has about 150mm of water left and by next week will be down to a puddle,” said Paul Haw.
“Practically all of the fish have died and there are thousands of fish skeletons around the perimeter. All of the fish are European carp above 3kg as the pelicans eat anything under 3kg.
“At the moment there are about 600 pelicans working the wetlands around Boort,” he said.
Lake Boort has about 300mm
of water left in it. “The fish are expected to die in about 10 days as the salinity and the water temperature rise. There could be up to 100 tonnes of carp on Lake Boort when this happens,” he said. “At the moment there are 20-plus Aboriginal cooking mounds coming out of the water on the east side of the lake, indicating the first people came to eat the fish in the past before they died.“
Irrigation underpins community wealth - Page 16
A rare opportunity to secure a productive property in a very well held and highly regarded district within easy access of all grain facilities and
Myra and Lydia Keith on the mud-cracked bed of Lake Boort at the weekend
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WEEKEND FORECAST
Shire’s seven new Australians
HELENA and Jobrian Trinidad made treechange to Eddington three years ago, the Loddon River hamlet now their base preparing Asian inspired desserts.
But the couple and children Shania, 21, Ivan, 19, Jonie, 15, and Rachel, 12, briefly swapped to Australian cuisine at morning tea on Tuesday after taking the pledge of citizenship at a Loddon Shire Council ceremony in Wedderburn.
The family became the shire’s newest Australian citizens in the ceremony conducted by Mayor
Dan Straub and CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald.
Jobrian said they had come to Australia from the Philippines and lived in Bendigo before the move to Eddington.
He said it was the peace and quiet of the district that prompted them to make the treechange.
The family’s Eddington’s Asian Desserts business made its Loddon debut at last November’s Inglewood Alive and was part of Sunday evening’s Flavours of Loddon event in Bridgewater.
Jobrian said the food van busi-
ness was popping up at events across Victoria, including Bendigo and Geelong.
Also becoming an Australian citizen on Tuesday was Malinee Unprasoet, of Inglewood.
Malinee works at the local IGA supermarket and has lived in Inglewood since 2018.
Originally from Thailand, Malinee had been in Barham and Kerang before the move to Inglewood.
The ceremony was the first conducted by Loddon Shire Council this year.
IN BRIEF
Watch on roos
RESIDENTS on the Calder Highway near the Wedderburn Junction turnoff have erected a warning sign for motorists are increased kangaroo activity in the area. Kangaroos have been crossing the highway in daylight over the past week while several have been killed in overnight hits.
Discovery the craft BRIDGEWATER’S Jenny Hosking was among exhibitors at the weekend’s Lost Trades Fair in Bendigo. It was the first time the felt hat and knitted beret maker has been part of the annual event showcasing lost arts, crafts and trades.
Foodbank theft
FOOD stored to help district residents at the Korong Vale foodbank was stolen last week. The discovery was made when volunteers arrived to prepare hampers.
Tower upgrade
MOBILE phone connectivity in Dunolly will be upgraded to 5G from Monday. Telstra says no service will be available through the tower until March 21 with testing the following day.
Visitor guide
LODDON Valley Tourism has started distribution of its 2025 visitor guide to the shire’s welcome shops and information centres.
New citizens Jobrian, Jonie, Rachel, Sharnia, Helena and Ivan Trinidad and Malinee Unprasoet after Tuesday’s ceremony in Wedderburn. LH PHOTO
DANGERS ON OUR ROADS
Bridge takes 100mm dip
THE TRANSPORT Department has been called to make an urgent inspection after a sudden 100mm drop of a bus route bridge.
Retired bridge and road inspector Barry Kennedy said there could be no guarantee of the Boort-Charlton Road bridge integrity without an inspection.
Mr Kennedy said he had reported the bridge over the Waranga Western Channel near Boort to both the Transport Department and Goulburn Murray Water.
“It dropped all of a sudden. I was there (again) the other day and two trucks went over and I didn’t feel a thing. Then there was a bus and the span was very springy,” he said. “There was a fair bit of movement in the deck.”
Mr Kennedy said GMW had told him it could make an inspection when the channel levels were lowered in May.
“But is needs to be inspected now. It may not drop again but then again, it could,” Mr Kennedy said.
“This bridge is on a school bus route so the problem cannot be ignored.”
A 40kmh speed limit has been put on the bridge, near Henderson’s Road However, Mr Kennedy said the risk remained that the bridge abutment would drop more and put safety in jeopardy.
According to Mr Kennedy, who had been an accredited level two inspector with VicRoads and says he had inspected hundreds of bridges and culverts in his career,
Time
the problem with the Western Waranga Channel bridge was not its surface. “The issue is underneath,” he said. “The bridge is definitely the re-
sponsibility of the Transport Department.”
Department of Transport and Planning data from 2023 shows the section of road is used by al-
most 200 vehicles a day, including school buses. The department has been contacted for comment on works planned for the bridge at Henderson’s Road.
to fix ‘this horror intersection’
NICK ANGELO wants an urgent review of a major Loddon intersection after attending two crashes within weeks.
The Tarnagulla Ward councillor and CFA volunteer has been among the first to multiple accidents at Laanecoorie where Bridgewater-Maldon Road crossing the Bendigo-Maryborough Road.
“There have been some safety measures put in place in recent years - flashing warning signs and an island - but there are still accidents,” Cr Angelo said.
“I have made initial contact with Ripon MP Martha Haylett who said a traffic count could be done but a count is irrelevant and doesn’t fix the problem.”
Cr Angelo said the verges on the Bridgewater-Maldon Road approaches were wide enough to create a step crossing in-
tersection or even install a roundabout.
“The roundabout at the Lockwood Road crossing has been a big help,” he said.
Cr Angelo said there had been several fatalities at the Laanecoorie intersection, the last in 2023.
“I have lost count of the number of accidents we’ve attended,” he said.
“Cars and trucks have ended up off the road and in paddocks.
“This is a key freight route and carries many trucks and cars travelling between Bendigo and Maryborough every day.”
Cr Angelo said: “We need this intersection to be made safer for all vehicles. And to reduce accidents there that put greater demands on volunteers from the Woodstock West Fire Brigade who are invariably first on the scene.”
IN BRIEF
End ‘voting farce’ MEMBER for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, has launched a campaign to end group voting tickets in the Victorian Parliament’s Upper House. Mr Walsh says when a politician can get elected on just 1.53 per cent of the vote “then clearly the system is a farce”. He says the system being continually manipulated by fringe candidates with radical agendas which just as clearly do not have anywhere near the support to justify someone being elected to a role “as serious and as responsible as a member for the Parliament”. “Northern Victoria’s agricultural industry has been blatantly victimised by a Member for the Legislative Council, elected with just 1.53 per cent of the vote,” Mr Walsh says. “When you add that person, a member of the Animal Justice Party, was also working with a known terrorist group – the Farm Transparency Project – before going into Parliament you can see just how dangerously outdated our Upper House election process has become.”
Duck season starts
THE Victorian duck hunting season starts next Wednesday. Duck hunting is permitted at the Gouldburn Murray storages including Cairn Curran Reservoir, Tullaroop Reservoir, Lake Eppalock, Laanecoorie Reservoir, Greens Lake, Lake Eildon, Lake Buffalo, Waranga Basin, Lake Charm, Kangaroo Lake, Racecourse, Lake Nillahcootie, and Lake Nagambie. GMW water storage Services general manager Leonie Bourke said people visiting GMW storages during this time should be aware of where they can and cannot hunt. “Duck hunting is permitted at several of our lakes, dams and reservoirs, but there are still parts of these storages where hunting is prohibited,” she said.
Festival wanderers
PATRONS of Donald’s Esoteric Festival had overnight stops in Loddon communities last Thursday and Friday after the sudden cancellation when Buloke Shire refused an event permit.
Still too many accidents says Nick Angelo. LH PHOTO
Barry Kennedy is calling for an urgent inspection of the bridge after it dipped 100mm
Vandals deface Mitchell cairn
GRAFFITI daubed across a Major Mitchell cairn was removed within hours of being reported to Loddon Shire last week.
Inglewood’s Steve Russell was travelling to Wedderburn about midday when he noticed the cairn on the side of the Calder Highway near town had been defaced.
He was among several people who reported the vandalism - a red cross over the plaque erected in 1930 by the Shire of Korong commemorating the journey of explorer Major Thomas Mitchell through the area on July 7, 1836.
The cairn was also daubed with the words Land Back, the slogan used by Aboriginal activists wanting indigenous sovereignty in Australia.
Mr Russell said: “I had been taking my wife up to Wedderburn for lunch at the hotel when I noticed the graffiti.
“It’s silly vandalism ... you can’t hold a grudge against people now. It’s wrong,” he said.
“We can learn from the past and not repeat it.”
Shire operations director Steve Phillips said graffiti had been removed by a council crew.
“We’re not sure who is responsible for monuments like this. If council didn’t clean it off, not sure anyone else would.”
More than 30 cairns or monuments were erected across Victoria from 1914 marking the journey of Scottish surveyor and explorer Major Mitchell.
His third expedition crossed the Murray River into what is now Victoria, naming the land Australia Felix.
Mitchell’s surveying party fired on Aboriginal people crossing the Murray River, near Euston.
Major Mitchell cairns are also at Pyramid Hill and Fernihurst.
Aboriginal land rights activists have targeted colonial era monuments in Melbourne and Sydney in recent years with a statue of Captain Cook being vandalised and a monument to John Batman sawn in half.
THERE were no serious injuries in a Calder Highway collision at Bridgewater on Sunday evening. Police and ambulances were called to the intersection with Arnold Road shortly after 7.15pm when two vehicles collided. Bridgewater Fire Brigade also assisted at the scene. LH PHOTO
$1.5m
sitting
in council’s community pot of gold
TWO Loddon Shire Wards have six years of unspent community plan funding for local projects.
Council allocates $50,000 to each ward annually for projects backed by community planning committees.
More than $1.5 million is sitting in the fund, according to a report presented to councillors.
Cr Gavan Holt told the council meeting that on the surface, the unspent funds could “raise eyebrows”.
However, he said Wedderburn Ward was setting aside funds for a project endorsed by council.
The town’s development committee wants the money used for a residential housing estate.
Cr Holt said council officers were working towards securing federal funding for the project.
Boort Ward has carried forward $285,000 this financial year and picked up another $50,000 - $335,000 now available for the community planning group to
Are you a landholder who may be impacted by the proposed
VNI WEST TRANSMISSION LINE?
If yes, we are extending an opportunity for you to provide input to the Agricultural Impact study.
The Agricultural Impact study is part of the Environmental Effects Statement or EES which is a process that aims to ensure feedback from landowners is included in project planning and decisions and is a key document informing Government of the projects impacts to assist the decision if the project goes ahead or not.
RMCG is an independent consulting firm with a 35 year history of working in the fields of agriculture, environment, and regional development and we have been engaged to assess the potential agricultural impacts of the VNI West transmission line’s construction and operation.
RMCG are keen to better understand first hand landholder’s concerns related to agricultural impacts caused by both the construction activity, and the ongoing operation of the Transmission lines. RMCG also want to learn from landowners on actions that may minimise these impacts.
Your insights as a landowner along the proposed route will help ensure that the study accurately reflects the potential agricultural impacts this project may cause.
The discussions will be kept confidential and the information gathered will be used to help inform the Agricultural Impact report.
allocate toward projects. Inglewood Ward carried forward $262,000 and now has $189,000 to spend on local projects after funding was provided for a new annexe at the eucalyptus distillery museum and Campbells Forest hydrology report.
Tarnagulla Ward carried forward $190,000 with $169,000 available for community planning groups to allocate. Projects this year including painting of the Laanecoorie Hall, disabled car parking at Newbridge Hall and $30,000 on Tarnagulla Soldiers’ Memorial Park toilets.
Terrick Ward carried forward $172,000 and has a kitty of $206,000 after money was set aside for the Pyramid Hill Lions Park redevelopment and upgrading the Mitiamo sports rooms floor.
Cr Holt asked whether there could be confidence communities had plans to use the money.
Chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said community groups were encouraged to work together and develop local projects.
How to Participate
To register your interest to have a one-on-one discussion at a time and place most convenient for you please call the RMCG at our Bendigo office on 03 5441482. Our senior team members George Warne or Daryl Poole will then be in contact with you to arrange a suitable time and place to catch up with you.
Alternatively, if you simply wish to respond to a survey, please access the online survey using the link or QR code.
Daubed in graffiti ... the monument near Wedderburn
River soiree a hit with hundreds
BRIDGEWATER’S Loddon River walk was crammed with people on Sunday night for the town’s first Flavours of Loddon treat.
Loddon residents and visitors staying at the booked-out caravan park savoured local food and beverages.
Shire tourism co-ordinator Bradd Worrell estimated 500 people were part of the evening’s riperian entertainment.
The event’s Bridgewater success follows hit events in Boort on Australia Day weekends in the last year.
Wedderburn’s Helen Lloyd said: “We came from Wedderburn with family from Morwell. We had a great time will do it again next year.”
Among first-time stallholders was Tarnagulla’s Di Hodgson who was rushed off her feet selling fairy floss while hot food stalls were quickly serving long queues of customers who had taken refuge on the river foreshore from another 30-plus day.
However, threatening winds curtailed celebrations soon after 7pm., Organisers made the call to close early, moments before heavy rain saw some patrons taking cover under food stall gazebos.
Others hurriedly packed up picnic chairs and rugs as entertainers Alli and Andrew unplugged guitars and microphones.
- CHRIS EARL
ONE tree has yielded 40kg of organic apples for distribution by Bendigo Foodshare. Peter and Marlies Eicher picked the golden delicious apples from their Salute Oliva property at Boort and made the delivery to Bendigo last week.
They are part of Foodshare’s Grow a Row, Pick a Branch program that started in 2018 and has seen donations of more than 80,000kg of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Foodshare’s community engagement manager Bridget Bentley said produce came from backyard growers, large and hobby farms, school gardens and community gardens.
Bendigo Foodshare supports foodbanks across central Victoria, including in the Loddon Shire.
Special delivery from Peter and Marlies Eicher
Taylah and Andrew Chard and Lou Green enjoy Sunday’s Flavours of Loddon in Bridgewater. LH PHOTOS
Angus, Sarah and Sonny Jeffs Juanita Halden, Tiffany Playdell, Adam Burn and Mark Halden
Duo will fire hall music
LOCAL musicians Justin Lewis and Chris Dane will warm up the audience when the Small Halls Festival rolls into Inglewood next week.
Billing themselves as The Ruminators, Justin and Chris will share the stage next week with UK folk artist Lucy Farrell and Australian blues-roots stalwarts Hat Fitz & Cara.
Chris and Justin have known each other since Justin was five years old, with Chris teaching Justin to play guitar. “I’ve never had any formal lessons, so any mix-ups we’ll blame on Chris” Justin said.
“We really enjoy playing together in front of people so we’re looking forward to this. It’ll be a little different to what we’re used to because we’re opening for professionals, and we are very much amateurs, but we’ve been practicing hard.” Justin said.
The Ruminators originated at a Kingower music night over 10 years ago when Justin decided he wanted more people on stage with him.
Since then, the guitarists have been playing publicly, something Justin says he has grown to enjoy over the years, at a variety of places and events.
Last year they played at Justin’s step-sister’s wedding accompanied by a drummer, a trumpet player and the bride providing
vocals. “That was an interesting set up, we had the bride in her wedding dress up on stage performing with us.” Justin said.
“We’re cutting back a bit for the Inglewood show, it will just be Chris and I with our guitars on stage.” He added.
Justin’s involvement with the Kingower nights came about after he and his wife purchased Nimmitabel in Inglewood and began renovating it.
“I didn’t expect how involved with the community we’d become when we purchased the house, but it’s been fantastic.”
“I knew nothing about Inglewood until we brought the house, and everyone has been so welcoming so it’s great to be able to play for the local communities, especially as part of the Festival of Small Halls.” Justin said.
The duo will be playing songs from singer-songwriters who have inspired them for their 15-minute set.
“I’m definitely an amateur but I love playing with other people, the way all different sounds come together and make music is what I love and being able to share that is amazing,” said Justin.
The Small Halls Festival is travelling across regional Victoria to bring musical entertainment to locations often left out in favour of bigger cities throughout March.
Sudden passing of popular teacher and sportsman
TEACHER and sporting identity Shane Rudkins will be farewelled tomorrow after his sudden passing last week.
A teacher at East Loddon P12 College, he had previously taught at Wedderburn College and Boort District School.
Mr Rudkins, 59, was the son of former long-serving East Loddon Shire secretary Tom Rudkins.
He had taught VCE accounting and middle school humanities and had previously edited the Victorian Commerce Teachers Association magazine
He twice won the Loddon Valley Football League reserves best and fairest playing with Bears Lagoon Serpentine and also played with Boort and Mitiamo.
A member of the Bears committee. he
had been responsible for establishing the club’s hall a fame.
Last year he was a member of the Serpentine team that won the Bendigo bowls playing group Division 3 premiership and provided weekly club notes for publication in the Loddon Herald. Mr Rudkins was a member of Boort Yando Cricket Club 198586 premiership side and has been remembered by president David Rees as “a terrific fellow who was well liked by all”.
Mr Rudkins had also served as a director of Bendigo Regional YMCA and Inglewood and District Hospital. He had masters degrees in education and business administration.
Funeral details appear in today’s Loddon Herald.
THE eggs were cracked and the sausages sizzling when Pyramid Hill Progress Association held its first business breakfast of 2025 last Friday. President Drew Chislett (centre) proved a master chef, helped by Neville and Alec Miller, turning the snags and crisping the bacon as locals talked all things community before heading off to work. The association’s breakfast series has been a success since starting last year and the association say more are planned to keep growing the town’s positive vibe and community connection.
Cousins in a catchup Tram finds a new life
YARRAWALLA’S hall was filled with people on Monday as about 60 members of the Hercus family came together for their first reunion.
The event was organised by Owen Rule who said he was pleased with the turnout from his relatives.
“I had been wanting to organise something for a while. Then the first adult in our generation passed away last year and that prompted me to organise a catch up for all the cousins,” said Owen.
Family members travelled from across the country to attend the reunion. One person drove from Darwin, others travelled from the Sunshine Coast, Tasmania and South Australia. While they have since moved all over the country, almost all of the Hercus cousins grew up in Yarrawalla.
“It’s a very relaxed day and a great way to catch up with everyone” Owen said.
A FAMOUS Melbourne W Class tram that had been on a block on the outskirts of Newbridge has been given new life.
No 563 is one of four old trams that have been made the centrepiece of Corop Sculpture Park, the brainchild of glass artist Edie May. The trams have been repurposed as art studios and accommodation.
Built in 1929, 563 was running out of the East Brighton terminus on the city route.
Many W Class trams were retired in the following decade and 563 was shifted to Warrnambool before a move to Newbridge in about 2009.
The Newbridge property was sold last year and the tram transported to its new home at Corop.
The trams were sourced by Ms May from around Victoria and went on show for the Campaspe Art Trail a fortnight ago.
As part of her transformation of the heritage trams, Ms May has been fusing leadlight over some of their windows.
More than 700 W Class trams were built for the Melbourne network between 1923 and 1956. Most were removed from service in the 1990s yet some retained on the circle line.
At least one W Class tram is listed as still being privately owned in the Loddon.
Brian Smith, Sue Bennett and Mabel Leed catch up at the Hercus family reunion. LH PHOTOS
Cousins together at Yarrawalla including (right) Rosalie Hamilton, Graham Munzel, Maureen Munzel and Steve Hamilton
Family affair at Coach House
KORONG Vale’s MacTaggart family has been plastered over the walls at Wedderburn Coach House Gallery month.
Artworks by Rhonda and David and son Elijah make the latest display.
“There’s sculptures, knitting crochet, photographs and paintings ... all outstanding works,” said gallery volunteer Margaret Bentley.
Elijah’s series of contemporary paintings had been popular with
long weekend visitors. The multi-talented Elijah’s series is colourful and contemporary in style.
A guitarist, Elijah this year has already released two new music albums.
David’s wire sculptures are dotting the garden area of the gallery.
I tend not to be representational most of the time ... I did do a motorcycle once.”
Rhonda’s photographs are a feature of the exhibition along with objects made from natural fibres.
Margaret said the exhibition was open until early April.
Mozart enjoyment back in the region
OPERA is back in the region this month with the performance of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio.
Lyster Opera has won fans across the Loddon with shows in Tarnagulla and Inglewood.
The company’s March production will be in Charlton.
Bass-baritone and historian
Jamie Moffat formed the company honour of 19th century Irish entrepreneur and Australian opera pioneer William Saurin Lyster .
Moffat said he selected Abduction from the Seraglio because, based on his experience, regional audiences are particularly open to exploring lesser-known operas.
Lyster’s 2024 tour of Flotow’s Martha - the first professional production in Victoria in over 60 years—was enthusiastically received by regional audiences.
“I embarked on the journey of recreating the original Lyster Company’s model of touring small country towns and presenting grand operas because I truly believe that opera should be for everyone.
Kevin Tamanini will make his debut with Lyster Opera as musical director.
He says sculptures are sometimes planned “and at other times I will free up and try different things. I might integrate bolts into the sculptures too. However,
“And in a change, instead of hosting an opening event, for the MacTaggart exhibition will be be to mark the end of a successful run,” she said.
“Our company’s mission is to make opera accessible to all, at a price everyone can afford. The enjoyment of great music should never be limited by where you live.
Tenor Paul Biencourt, a familiar figure to Melbourne audiences through his work with companies like Melbourne Opera and Victorian Opera, will take on the role of Belmonte. Lyster Opera favourite Helen Koehne will perform as Blonde.
Moffat takes on dual roles as both director and the villainous Osmin,
“Charlton proved to be a great experience for us last year, with a very enthusiastic audience. The Rex is a magnificent space to sing in and we can’t wait to return.”
Peter Walsh MP 496
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If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.
It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on — but most of all we are a community. We are in this together, and together we will get through.
Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au
YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT
Andrea Pyatt and Bob Nicholls admire Elijah’s emu series on display at the gallery. LH PHOTO
Lead role ... Helen Koehne
WEDDERBURN JAMBOREE
Growth of a golden event
FAMILIES have been put at the heart of latest growth in gold detecting across central Victoria.
Hundreds of enthusiasts were part of last weekend’s Wedderburn Jamboree and a major sponsor says experiencing the outdoors was proving a boom for the hobby.
Minelab’s general manager for Australia and New Zealand, Mark Wellington, was among the crowd marvelling at family involvement at Hard Hill.
“It’s growing,” Mark said of the jamboree and gold detecting.
“We see more women, children ... parents looking to get children off computer screens and into the bush.
“And they don’t just look down for gold, they are looking up and celebrating the bush.”
Mr Wellington said the greater participation of families was heralding a change in the hobby’s demographic.
Veteran detectorist Terry Aldridge said bushland experiences were a practical way for families to be out and about when there were cost of living pressures.
He regularly goes over old goldfields around the Loddon Shire, St Arnaud and Maryborough and the hobby was not expensive.
Among 194 in the senior detector hunt was Tyler Dixon.
“It’s my first time here ... I only got into detecting last year,” he said.
By Saturday afternoon he had found three keys in the hunt.
“They say there’s still 20 so I’ll keep hunting.”
The Minelab detector prize did not go to Tyler, however, with Paul Pike’s lucky token taking the honours.
Watching the gold panning
competitions was another firsttime visitor to the jamboree, Cairn’s Steve Matthews who had caught up with Alan Hanburg, another of the event’s veterans.
“Been coming since 2001 and it’s a lot of fun,” Alan said.
But he said finding gold was harder in central Victoria than his home batch of Batlow, between Wagga Wagga and Canberra.
“I find plenty of gold at home but it would take a week to find as much here,” he teased.
Minelab at the weekend committed to continue its support of the jamboree.
The Wedderburn Tourism event organisers say the jamboree’s growth that brings hundreds of people to town for the long weekend will see a greater call for volunteers in the future.
The weekend’s junior detector hunt, had 24 participants. 1st Amelia Epps, 2nd Kira Seja, 3rd Harley Meade.
Senior gold panning -41 participants, 1st Mick Mifsud, 2nd Alisah Calvert, 3rd Tom Calvert.
Junior gold panning - 28 participants. 3-7 Years: 1st Aurora Cain, 2nd Jaxon Bushchmann-Scholes, 3rd Eleanor Golden
8-10 Years: 1st Alexander Milgate, 2nd Izabell Baker, 3rd Archer Pridham. 11-13 Years: 1st Ryley Rizey, 2nd Siara Downing, 3rd Brock Dunn 14-16 Years: 1st Eliza Seja, 2nd Max Beagley, 3rd Jai-Lee Calvert
Mark Strakes prepares for the senior golding panning event. LH PHOTOS
Terry Aldridge and Minelab’s Mark Wellington
Tyler Dixon unearths detector hunt tokens
Volunteers Paula Atherton and Bill Dempster
Alan Hanburg and Steve Matthews
Tom Calvert, Alexander Milgate and John Calvert
Anthony Taylor and David Linnie
Festive show team ‘pulls the quilt’
MEMBERS of Wedderburn Patchwork Group will tomorrow make its final donation from the annual Christmas and Arts Festival.
After more than 30 years, the group has decided it is unable to continue running the popular November event.
Outgoing president Irene Finch, who has been one of the key organisers for 15 years, said members wanted another group in the community to take over the reigns.
“We discussed our group’s future running the festival and decided that we’re all getting old ... of nine members only two under 60. That’s reality,” she said.
“We talked about it at length at our annual meeting. We even considered running the festival every two years but then realised we would be older and slower in two years time too.”
Mrs Finch said the festival had raised more than $50,000 for community organisations since it was held in 1992.
“Money has gone towards the local CERT ambulance team, the State Emergency Service and the school,” she said.
“There have also been donations to the Stroke Foundation,
for restoration of Charlton’s Rex Theatre after flood damage and the wig library in Bendigo.
“The money we raised last November - $1500 - is being handed over to Bendigo Foodshare this week.”
Mrs Finch said last year’s festival had been possible after 27 people from the community stepped up to volunteer.
“We’ve struggled for volunteers for the last few years but managed to pull off successful festivals,” she said.
“But the group can’t do it any more.”
The two-day annual festival has been supported by community and school entries and traditionally heralded the start of the festive season in Loddon communities.
Mrs Finch said the group was preparing documents for any group prepared to take on the festival.
The call for community volunteers continues across local communities.
Vocational major students from Wedderburn College played a key role in preparations at Hard Hill for last weekend’s gold detector jamboree.
Outdoor students immerse in state park
OUTDOOR and environmental studies students from East Loddon P12 College have expanded their awareness of the Loddon landscape with a tour to Kooyoora State Park.
The VCE units 3-4 students heard about the work of Friends of Kooyora.
Group convenor Michael Barkla told them members had a keen interest in protecting
and promoting Kooyoora State Park. Members work with Parks Victoria and Landcare to assist in promoting and protecting the environment and management activities.
Students had prepared for the visit studying information from Parks Victoria.
They received copies of the book ‘Bush Colours Wildflowers of Kooyoora by colour’
(produced by Friends of Kooyoora. Bush Colours, launched last year for use by school tour groups, is designed as a field guide to educate people about the flora in this area and in particular the unique significance of such flora.
Students said they were inspired to return to explore the environment in search of examples of both flora and fauna.
Loddon Healthy Minds Network Art Competition 2025
The Loddon Healthy Minds Network will conduct its Art Competition again in 2025 to continue raising awareness of mental health within the Loddon community.
This competition is open to all residents of the Loddon Shire, including students attending schools in the Loddon region, home schooling students or residents under 18 who have either left school or are attending school outside the Loddon Shire.
For further information, please head to the Loddon Healthy Minds Network website at https://www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au/.../loddon-healthy...
Friends of Kooyoora convenor Michael Barkla with East Loddon students Dale Little, Molly Bolwell, Marley Addlem, Ava Maxted, Tyler Murphy, Max Gray, Lilly Heath and Ebony Twigg.
Christina the happy intern
CHRISTINA Gearges has joined the friendly and professional team at Inglewood Pharmacy
For seven years a qualified pharmacist in Egypt, Christina has moved to Australia and will gain experience under the supervision and guidance of pharmacy owner Kal Selwanes during her 12 months as a pharmacy intern.
“I arrived in Australia just over a month ago - my twin children are at St Mary’s School - and I am enjoying the caring and professional environment of Inglewood Pharmacy,” Christina said. “Kal has been very supportive, the staff really helpful and the wonderful customers so welcoming.”
Christina’s intern year with Kal will lead to her completing Australian accreditation for registration with Pharmacy Board of Australia.
She has already passed an initial examination conducted under the auspices of the Austral-
ian Pharmacy Council. A final assessment of competence will be taken by Christina after being guided through her internship by Kal who said: “We are pleased to have Christine as part of the professional team at our busy pharmacy.”
“Our clients come from Inglewood and a wide area across the Loddon Shire and we are committed to personal, understanding service,” Kal said.
“Christina is learning both how we manage and dispense prescriptions and the way our country town pharmacy is a friendly and assuring face for people.
“Since coming to Inglewood, Christina immediately became one of the smiling faces in our pharmacy greeting people as they come in.”
Christina says: “It’s wonderful to be here and on the journey of being a qualified pharmacist in Australia.”
Pharmacy intern Christina Gearges wth staff Carly Graham, Izzy Rollnson and Jasmine Wilkinson and (left) with pharmacist Kal Selwanes
Dry lifts ‘fruity’ grapes
SPRING rain and a dry summer have given Loddon winemakers a productive and high quality crop. Picking is nearing completion at southern Loddon vineyards and there are predictions that this year’s vintage will be bottled as among the best in several years.
Black Wallaby has finished picking shiraz grapes and will shortly harvest its sangiovese variety.
“There have been no disease pressures this vintage because it has been so dry,” said viticulturalist Dave Lawson.
“The yield has been pretty good ... small bunches, and lots of full bunches, with a nice fruity style,” he said.
Mr Lawson said irrigation had been important for the vines this season.
“Last year, we only had to water five or six times. This year, because of the dry, we were watering once or twice a week.”
He expects to finish harvest in three weeks “and then to make beautiful wines”.
Newbridge Wines’ Andrew Simpson said the vintage’s yield had been better than expected.
“I have never seen such a lack of insects in the vineyard and this has been the cleanest pick I can remember,” he said.
Mr Simpson said harvest had been earlier this vintage and his vineyard had benefited from re-
liable irrigation water out of the Loddon River.
“Last year we had split grapes because of the Christmas rains, book-ended by dry periods,” he said.
Newbridge Wines has harvested its best crop of fiano grapes from young vines.
Mr Simpson said the vines were planted in 2018.
“We are one of just two producers in the Bendigo wine region growing fiano but we can expect to see an increase because the variety is very well suited to this region,” he said.
“The grape variety is originally from southern Italy and it’s a natural for the Bendigo region.”
WOOL REPORT
Water Wheel’s Peter Cumming said he was mid-way through vintage.
Picking started at the Baringhup vineyard and has now moved to Bridgewater.
Mr Cumming expects to finish harvest within the fortnight.
He said grape bunches and sizes were a good.
Both Mr Cumming and Mr Lawson said that sales would be the challenge for the wine industry this year.
Mr Lawson said the industry had seen a decline over the past four wines and there was also a world glut with some grape varieties. The Australian Wine Production, Sales and Inventory
The Australian wool market performed strongly last week, recording price increases across all sectors. The national offering reduced by 7,194 bales, there was 32,598 bales available nationally. From the opening lots in the Eastern centres on the first day of selling, there was strong buyer interest across all wool types and descriptions, resulting in immediate price increases. The market then slowly but consistently rose all the way to the final hammer in the Western region. By the end of the day the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece had risen by between 17 and 53 cents across the three selling centres. The crossbred, skirting and oddment sectors all recorded small increases. The benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose by 22 cents, pushing back through the 1,200-cent barrier, closing the day at 1,217 cents. This was the highest the EMI has been in the 2024/24 season and its highest point since January 2024 when the EMI hit 1,220 cents. The price rises were heavily influenced by currency, so much so, that when viewed in US dollar terms the market dipped slightly. The EMI lost one US cent for the day, finishing at 755 US cents. This ended the run of EMI rises in both currencies, however it extended the run in AUD terms to four consecutive selling days of rises. The second day the rises continued but at a much more subdued rate. The merino fleece MPG movements ranged between unchanged and plus 24 cents. The other three sectors again posted small gains. The EMI added a further 8 cents, closing the week at 1,225 cents. The EMI is now sitting at its highest point since May 2023. Next week the national offering is expected to rise, bolstered in part by the higher prices on offer in this series encouraging some sellers back to the market. There are currently 37,942 bales on offer nationally.
Source: AWEX
Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064
Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333
Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior
Agronomist | 0408 188 351
Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044
Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
Report showed wine production reached just over one billion litres (equivalent to 116 million 9-litre cases) in 2023-2024.
Production up eight per cent on the previous year, the secondsmallest production reported in 17 years, and 16 per cent below the 10-year average of 1.24 billion litres, the report said.
The Federal Department of Agriculture forecasts total wine exports to grow five per cent this financial year to $2.4 billion.
However, it says exports to China face challenges reaching peak pre-tariff levels of $1.1 billion in 2020. “China’s import market for wine has more than halved in recent years,” it said.
Two regions leading state in milk output
MILK production remained strong in northern Victoria, according to a report released last week.
Rabobank said the outlook for northern and eastern parts of the state and New South Wales was in contrac\st to weak production in eastern Victoria and Tasmania.
“The outlook for milk production heading into the seasonal spring peak this year – and for the 2025/26 season overall – will be heavily dependent on rainfall and weather conditions,” said senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey.
The report says summer rainfall over many key dairying regions had been average or “worse”. Looking forward, it says, above-average rainfall is expected for parts of the east coast, with autumn being a critical period.
Mr Harvey said favourable autumn rainfall would support better feed supply outlook and support milk flows.
“Of the two largest volume trade flows, Australian cheese exports jumped 30 per cent and skim milk powder exports lifted 27 per cent year on year,” Mr Harvey said.
The report tips modest supply growth on the global market driven by steady production expansion and export demand.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Hay Contracting for Export & Domestic
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We offer transparent and secure contracts with flexible payment terms. Hay Australia is part of AgTrade, an Australian owned global livestock, genetics & food security group of companies.
Visit our website to complete a form: www.hayaustralia.com.au/growers/eoi Bridgewater VIC – Brookton WA – Paskeville SA –Yerecoin WA
Andrew Simpson Dave Lawson
Peter Cumming
Ken’s a keen watcher of historic lots
HISTORIAN Ken Arnold joined an estimated 300 people at the Lonview clearing sale.
Known for his interest in agricultural implements, Ken’s interest in the Boort auction was heightened by a Barger scarifier that sold for $280 when the collection of Robert Coutts went under the hammer.
Ken said the manufacture of implements by William Barger started when he settled at Bridgewater in 1877 and formed a partnership with George Jenkins.
“A branch was established at the fledgling township of Leichardt, that was still being conducted in December 1887,” Ken said.
“In the meantime the partnership was manufacturing ploughs, wire strainers, the Excelsior tree extractor, wagons, carts and other farm machinery these at times being exhibited around the various shows as far afield at Sandhurst, Pyramid Hill, Kerang, Charlton and Boort.
“They were awarded a number of prizes including many at the North Western Agricultural Show held at Inglewood.
“This show was originally the Newbridge Agricultural and Horticultural Show, considered by many people of the day as the biggest and best show outside the Royal Melbourne Show.
“The Newbridge site is now farmland, it being between Bravo Street and the Loddon river, it now being farmland between Bravo Street and the river.”
Ken says the Newbridge show amalgamated with Bridgewater and Inglewood shows and was held at the corner of the Calder Highway and Morse’s lane, Bridgewater.
“This site backed onto the Bula-Bul creek and such was its importance that a railway siding was constructed but today there is now evidence.
“The show was next moved into Station Street, Inglewood, adjacent to the old Railway hotel, and was also used by touring circuses but today it is where you will find the new fire station.”
Ken said Joseph Jenkins and William Gabriel Barge applied for a patent for improvements in the construction of scarifiers in 1888.
“But at that hearing, objections would be heard,” he said. “As the business had grown considerably a second branch was established in Boort, described as being south of and behind Godfrey Street.”
Barger, a Justice of the Peace, was a prominent member of the Bridgewater community and pro-
CLEARING SALE
108 CHAMBERS RD CAMPBELLS FOREST
Farm Machinery & Equipment
Friday 14th March 2025 at 10am
A/C Mal Chambers
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT 2012 Jeantil Eva 15-12 manure spreader, Leith spreader 8T, 2 X Cat 920 Artic F.E.L, 7’ X 8’ Buckets (1 working, 1 blown motor), 04 Holden Rodeo 4X4 Ute with 7’ X 6’ steel tray & 2 tool boxes, 77 Acco 1810A twin axel truck tray with 18’ X 7’ steel tray & hoist, old comer truck & tray frame, 52 Dodge tray truck (Parts), 18’ X 7’ grain bin, Tri- Axle plant trailer 25.5’ X 8’ with Hydraulic Ramps (Not Registered), Single axle plant trailer (21’ X 7’ Not Registered), Major 8’ X 5’ tandem trailer, Inter 711 Harvester with 16’ comb front, 18’ Inter Comb front, Inter 711 Header (parts only), 65 MF Tractor with F.E.L, Chamberlain C6100 tractor with Gason cab (not going), Hyd remotes & PTO, Class 630 4X4 Tractor with remotes/ PTO, Chamberlain 9G Tractor (Not running), 30Ft 13 Leaf harrow bar, Ryan 30’ folding cultivator bar, Chamberlain 24 & 28 row combines with SSB, Sunshine 10 plate offset disc, Hardi 2000 Lt 35’ boom spray, HB 25 spring tyne scarifier, Rear loading “Grainline” tipper Auger with 6.5 HP Honda motor (new), HB clover harvester, 6’ Howard slasher, 3PL Lely 328 disc mower, 3pl 7’ Grader Blade, 3PL 6 wheel hay rake, 2 X Sunbeam Shearing plants, Ajax wool press (2), Morton baker wool press, Quantity rear tractor tyres. SUNDRIES Quintex boat with 7 HP mercury motor, Murray’s double camper unit (Fits rodeo), Mobilco swing saw/ Tungsten Tip black & Wisconsin, 8HP motor, belt driver saw bench/ Tungsten tip black, concrete pipes 8’ (4), DH Fuel tank, 4-wheel Mulholland plough (Parts), dune buggy with VW motor, 6 X railway line sleepers, 2 X stone wheels, quantity steel wheels/ rims. “Silvan” Elec 400 Ltr fuel jack with new pump. Host sundries too numerous to particularize.
Terms Numbers system operating, ID required, cash / cheque/ EFTPOS if available. GST applies. No buyers premium
Directions Turn off Loddon Valley Highway into Chambers Road, first house on the right
Photos www.fpnevins.com.au
Further Particulars
Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166
Vendor: Mal Chambers 0427 375 263
FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE
visional director of Bridgewater Valley Mining Co. However, the township was rocked on January 8, 1892, when he was arrested on five charges of forgery to which he was jailed for 18 months on two of the charges.
“In the meantime a stock in trade auction was held on February 22. A new factory was built opposite the railway station in Boort in October 1893.
“The partnership of Jenkins and Barger was dissolved on June 20, 1894 at which time Jenkins took control of the Bridgewater branch whilst Barger was to continue in business at Boort.”
CLEARING SALE
Saturday 29th March 2025@ 9:00am
Tractors & Vehicles
Massey- Ferguson 365 tractor, Massey- Ferguson 185 tractor, 1981 Tk Bedford 7T tray truck
Farm Machinery
1988 Nexus horse float, stock crate to fit truck, small chaser bin, trailing sheep feeder, 5’ 3PL slasher, 30’ AgWare windrower, 14 Disc Connor Shea 3PL seed drill, 1O disc Connor Shea 3PL seeder (parts only), 13 Tyne 3PL scarifier, 13 Tyne 3PL cultivator, Silvan 3PL 15’ boom spray, Massey- Ferguson 3PL hay rake, 8’ 3PL grader blade, 3PL spreader, Crump trailing super spreader, 3PL post hole digger, 3PL PTO cement mixer, 3PL hay spike, 6 x 4 Box trailer, Fencing trailer, over head fuel tank 2200Ltr, 2x overhead fuel tank 500L, cattle head bail
Collectables & Sundries
Ajax wool press, Antique wool table, large quantity of electrical & hand tools, quantity of air compressors, pumps, generators & small engines, large quantity of sundriestoo numerous to mention
TERMS Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS on day of sale. Number system operating, ID required, No GST PHOTOS www.fpnevins.com.au
FUTHER PARTICULARS
James Nevins: 0407 302 900
Luke Nevins: 0418 51 0 166
Ken Arnold inspects the Barger scarifier during the Longview clearing sale. LH PHOTO
Irrigation underpins community wealth
History will show Plibersek buybacks hurt for decades, writes Sophie Baldwin
WHERE does Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek think the food to feed voters in her Sydney electorate is going to come from when she continues to decimate farmers and irrigation.
Does she think the fairies are going to ride their unicorns into the supermarket and put affordable Australian grown food on the shelves for consumers?
Over the last two years food imports in Australia have surged by $7 billion to hit $40 billiondairy, cereals and livestock, particularly red meat, are key contributors to that increase.
And it will only get worse as more and more water is taken away from productive agriculture.
There is no denying irrigation underpins the wealth of our rural communities.
It supports jobs, business and industry, towns and services, and without we turn to dust just like the paddocks surrounding us.
The northern Victorian dairy industry makes up 85 per cent of the milk produced in the nation and through direct employment supports over 13,000 jobs- no irrigation means no dairy.
Think about that for a second.
Reports tell us irrigation generates between $4-$7 for every dollar spent in our community – it is a significant driver of the health and wealth of rural towns.
Over the last 12 months Plibersek has put out two buyback tenders totalling 170GL.
There is already 4600GL in government water accounts.
She will tell you only voluntary sellers are participating in these buybacks.
And that makes my blood boil. I would argue they are distressed sellers who can’t see a future with ever increasing input costs, especially around cost of water delivery and temporary water purchases.
A shrinking productive pool spreads the cost of delivery across fewer irrigators and the same goes for the water marketless water equals more competition and higher prices.
And just as an FYI, government does not contribute the same water delivery costs as an irrigator and environmental water is not measured and metered.
The basin plan has never been about environmental outcomes -it is purely political and we are the collateral damage.
Sure, back in the 1990s our rivers were over extracted and there needed to be a correction, irrigators acknowledged that and even returned allocation back to the river.
But now the pendulum has swung too far.
Changes in river management due to the basin plan are already devastating the mid-Murray through increased erosion, bank slumping and habitat loss, while some environmentally significant creeks have even dried out completely.
These outcomes will only worsen under more buybacks.
The MDBA recently acknowledged the basin plan target of 80,000ML day at the South Australian border is unachievable.
No surprises there when incorrect modelling, and an assumption when flooding, water would stay in bank and flow down river was used.
The adage water should just go to the highest user is fine if you are a corporate almond grower getting paid tens of thousands of dollars a hectare and sending your profits overseas.
That type of ideology leaves no space for our generational farming families who grow the basics like cereals, dairy and rice.
Over 82 per cent of the water recovered under the basin plan has come from the southern basin and it has changed the fabric of our country towns - once
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
OPINION PIECES
The Loddon Herald welcomes receiving opinion pieces for consideration of publication. These pieces should be no more than 800 words and should be discussed with the editor before submission.
1. What unique trait do marsupials possess?
2. Which chess piece can only move diagonally one square at a time?
3. Name the character from Greek mythology with living snakes for hair.
4. Which zodiac is represented by a bull
5. True or false – Australia is the second-largest country that does not share a land border with another country.
6. Mick Dundee is the main character in which film?
7. What is the best-selling book of all time according to Guinness World Records?
8. What feat did Amelia Earhart complete in 1928?
9. An ice rink, stones, and brooms are all involved in which Olympic sport?
10. If you are a cartographer, what do you make?
14. Where is magma found?
15. Ichthyology is the study of what?
16. In the film ‘Snow
wears glasses?
which of the
17. How many people have walked on the moon?
18. The flags of which two European countries are made up entirely of yellow and blue?
19. Which word relating to cars is also used to refer to keyboards on a pipe organ?
20. How does Mary Poppins fly?
1.
thriving but now increasingly home to empty shops and diminishing services. We have begged Plibersek to come and visit the region she is so intent on destroying, and yet her contempt is obvious as these requests continually fall on deaf ears.
We can only grow important staple commodities that drive our economy because we have access to irrigation - without it productivity slumps along with jobs, services and community while cost of living increases.
The tragedy is irrigation and generational farming families are part of the solution.
As custodians of the land, farmers of today are striving for a sustainable future and they are driven to continually improve their land and water ways.
They take pride in the water birds that feed off their paddocks or live on their reuse dams- not to mention revegetation areas or wetland regeneration.
Irrigation that used to wind its way across channel systems and across vast geographical areas is a refuge for wildlife, particularly in dry times and there is no acknowledgement of this anywhere in the Basin Plan.
History will show the restoring our rivers bill and consequent buybacks as the death knell for irrigated agriculture and in decades to come, Plibersek’s legacy will simply be one of dust and destruction.
Sophie baldwin is chief executive officer, Southern Riverina Irrigators
11. What word beginning with T means ‘slightly warm’
12. In which board game do you try to collect 6 wedges?
13. What is the official language of Namibia?
WE THINK Bradley of Boort’s latest Treemendous Sign has been used as the template for a speech! Reports coming into OTF have a weekend groom exercising his vocal chords for an extended period of time in responding to the toast to himself and his loving new wife. It’s been told that his speech lasted for 42 minutes (unverified) and was certainly longer than the words of acceptance when picking up the Feeny Medal a few years ago.
EQUALLY as short and sharp, multiple sources have reported to OTF, were the recent utterances of a local Loddon harness racing trainer. Breaking in a couple of new horses a year on from claiming the cup down there on the Apple Isle, one
TaLES BY IAN jONES
of the new hopes kicked wildly and removed just a bit of bark off his leg. Our sources have fallen short of confirming those words.
T HE annual “professional development” road trip by The Oracle and farm friends took place last year. Told it was an early AM start timed to arrive at a border bakery in time for breakfast. Further reports are expected after the Northern Correspondent resurfaces from the weekend bowls final.
F INALLY, a shout out to Leon who did his best to provide sustenance to some cricketers on Saturday. Took portable bbq out of the ute and began cooking up his own recipe hamburgers. Our assessment: great meat flavour, just the right amount of onion and the other “secret” ingredients in appropriate measure.
White and the Seven Dwarfs”,
dwarfs
They have pouches
The queen 3. Medusa 4. Taurus 5. False – it’s the largest 6. Crocodile Dundee 7. The Bible 8. First woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean 9. Curling 10. Maps 11. Tepid 12. Trivial Pursuit
buSHy
Tales of inspiration
Caring attitude sees Faye honoured with volunteer award
By CHRIS EARL
GROWING up in Melbourne in the years after World War Two, Faye Orange witnessed returned soldiers wandering the streets, sitting in gutters.
“They were lost and felt they didn’t belong any more ... life was not the same for them,” she recalls of the time when her mother baked and made blankets that were then distributed by her father.
“At the time I didn’t really realise what mum and dad were doing around Yarraville, but it always struck in my mind.”
They were soldiers back from the war with what today is known as post-traumatic stress disorder. Faye would help her parents make Sunday deliveries around the streets of Yarraville of comforts and support to the ex-diggers.
Her father had been a truck driver on the home front during World War Two and later owned a transport business, his truck the vehicle to distribute blankets and baking.
That inspiration to help other people has guided Faye throughout life. Now 80 and admitting she still avoids idle moments, Faye has spent the past 20 years supporting the Inglewood community.
“I came here in 2004 and made a lot of friends and haven’t wanted to leave,” she said after being presented with the annual Kooyoora Women’s Network volunteer of the year award at the group’s International Women’s Day dinner last week.
“We started foodbank in the old neighbourhood house in Brooke Street, then were homeless ourselves and operated on the lawns outside the town hall, had a base for a while in the hall and then at the senior citizens’ clubrooms where we still operate.
“We then decided there were not enough meals for some people, particularly older people - there were the senior citizens’ lunches once a fortnight. So we started the community meals that means people can now have a solid meal once a week.
“That saw the meal coming under the umbrella of the Lions club ... we help each other.
“And the (ambulance auxiliary op-shop ... have been doing that for the last 15 years or so. I love the op-shop ... I’m a people person, love meeting people, hearing their stories and stories from people of all ages.”
But Faye was quick and constant in talk-
your online words
ing about the “we” when it came to her contributions in the community.
“The certificate may have my name on it but there’s a group of people behind me in everything that happens and they are all volunteers,” she said.
Volunteering remains a full-time pursuit for Faye. On Monday, a public holiday for many, Faye and fellow volunteers had a trip to Bendigo to replenish supplies for the local foodbank.
For many years, Faye was a foster par-
ruBBisH BeinG duMPed on loCAl roAds, HiGHwAys
Jacqui Mcnicol wrote: Someone Has left two large black garbage bags on the side of the road almost opposite Dunolly tip road. Been there the past two mornings.
Tracy long wrote: Maybe if the red bins went back to a bigger size and recycle bins were emptied weekly there would be less dumping. the price of a tip trip is ridiculous. I’m glad for the tip vouchers, they are definitely handy for people who own their
“It’s nothing new. I do it because it helps other people and also helps bring happiness,” she said.
“I am 80 now and you can’t keep going forever so I am hoping there are other people who will look to also helping in the community ... the more the merrier I say.
“I’m still busy but it would be great to see more people involved.
“And if I’m not doing things, there are people calling me to talk about what is happening.”
ent, taking in more than 100 children who needed emergency accommodation - youngsters at risk in family violence environments. “They needed emergency short-stays. They are now adults but some of those people still stay in contact,” said Faye who was part of what is now the Anglicare foster program and provided support to children who stayed in her home both in Melbourne and Inglewood.
Faye says that volunteering has been “with me my whole life”.
houses. I’m guessing it costs more to clean up the dumped rubbish than to recycle weekly! Just my opinion.
Mick Korong wrote: Someone he’s dumped a heap of crap on the highway in Kurting in the last day or so. Absolutely disturbing. Need absolute proof before they can be touched. What’s the point of having rules and regulations when there’s no consequences for their actions? Why do we pay authorities if they don’t act? Why have fines and a legal system when there is no justice?
Monique ward wrote: I did ring. I rang the EPA. they told me to ring Vicroads. VicRoads told me to ring
Faye’s energy in 2025 is close to the levels she may have exuded as a go-go dancer in her teens or still projects at monthly karaoke sessions in Inglewood.
Her commitment to helping in the community continues and as Faye said: “I got it from mum and dad”.
Last week’s Kooyoora Women’s Network dinner featured guest speaker Kate Mannix, chief executive office of a major Bendigo accounting firm.
She spoke on her corporate and community experiences.
shire. Shire told me to ring EPA. In the finish the Lions club cleaned it up. What is the point of ringing?
Mick Coleman wrote: I wonder if a specialised area like a tip was provided where you could drop stuff off free of charge without red tape or restrictions if then we wouldn’t see much dumping. Cost of living is still rising.
Peter davis wrote: Mick Coleman, that’s why it’s dumped. If you get caught the fine is cheaper than the tip rates so it’s good economics.
Billy Moody wrote: User pays society . You buy a mattress or TV for a considerable amount of money but complain about disposal of it . Tip
fees in this shire haven’t risen in the past year. Dumping just punishes every ratepayer. I mean, someone has to clean it up. Everyone in the shire is entitled to tip vouchers even renters. Just contact the works department of the shire.
ridinG A BiKe? THen weAr your HelMeT, sAy PoliCe
Peter davis wrote: That’s good I feel safer in my home knowing this will stop home invasions.
Peter Bell wrote: Peter Davis, might just save a life of a young person who ride their bikes without a helmet.
Kooyoora Women’s Network International Women’s Day volunteer of the year Faye Orange received her award from president Colleen Condliffe. LH PHOTOS
RUDKINS - Shane Michael (Titch)
28.01.1956 – 02.03.2025
Died suddenly at home.
Loved son of Tom and Pat Rudkins (dec)
Adored brother to Kerry (Baber) & Sue (Lakeman)
Friend and brother-in-law to Lionel & Peter
Loved Uncle to Nathan,Tegan (dec)
Jayden, Emma, Mikeely & Jack
Shane, you are a beautiful and loving older brother.
Always passionate and caring with a witty sense of humour and a great sense of style.
A wonderful mentor to Jayden and Mikeely.
We will always keep you alive in our hearts & treasure every day we shared with you.
You have touched and inspired so many lives on your journey.
Love always Lionel & Kerry. Enjoy a good red.
For the first time words have failed me. You were the wordsmith.
We love you and will miss your guidance, generosity and care.
See you on the long and winding road that leads to your door. Forever missed, Sue and Nathan.
Shane you were more than an Uncle, you were a true friend and a great mentor whose influence will be with me forever.
Your sense of humour gave you the ability to light up the room and bring joy to everyone around you.
Whether it was fishing, footy or playing golf, we could talk for hours sharing stories and laughs.
These memories will stay with me forever.
Your warmth, generosity and wisdom will be deeply missed and the memories we shared will be cherished.
You made an undeniable impact on the people around you. Rest in peace. Jayden and Emma
Uncle Shane, you have always made us feel so special, whether that be at dance concerts or golf sessions. You always knew how to make us Laugh and smile. You will be with us every day in our hearts.
All our love Mikeely and Jack.
The Funeral Service to celebrate Shane’s life will be held in the Napier Park Chapel, 420 Napier Street, Bendigo, on FRIDAY (March 14th) at 1:30pm. A private cremation.
Rudkins - Shane
Dearly loved nephew of Dawn and Herb Hamley (both deceased).
Much loved cousin who will be greatly missed by our Family.
We shared precious memories growing up and your memories will remain with us forever.
Not enough words can describe what we are feeling about losing you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
All our love and deepest sympathy to Kerry & Lionel, Susan and their Families.
Rest in peace, our brother-like cousin. Your wonderful soul touched many. Forever in our hearts ♥
Phil & Jude, Lyn & Col, Tony & Shelley, Mark, Julie & Roland and Families.
WANTED!
Interested people to run
The Wedderburn Community Christmas and Arts Festival 2025.
Following our AGM the Wedderburn Patchwork Group Inc has decided we can no longer organise the festival due to numbers and age.
People or groups who would like to take on this role are invited to contact us to express interest.
Please contact Irene Finch on 0458 073 080 to receive support and documentation from previous Festivals.
DECLARATION OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXEMPTION
Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for Loddon River (at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeneys Lane), makes the following declaration under section 203(3) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).
For the purposes of boating activity conducted by Bridgewater Water Ski Club Inc, persons and vessels involved in the 2025 Aussie Kiwi Challenge are exempt from the following requirements:
State Rules made under the Marine Act 1988
1. Clause 2(a) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of a person in the water
2. Clause 2(c) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of another vessel
Waterway Rules made under the Marine Safety Act 2010 / Marine Act 1988
3. Clause 62.2 of Schedule 62 – 5 knot speed restriction within waters not speci ed as Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Areas between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeney’s Lane.
4. Clause 62.6(a) of Schedule 62 – Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Area for Slalom and Ski Jumping - modi ed to allow for trick skiing.
5. Clause 62.7(d) of Schedule 62 – operating times for the Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Area for ‘Water Skiing’.
Marine Safety Regulations 2023
6. Regulation 66(3) – person on vessels must wear a lifejacket of type speci ed at all times when underway on inland waters.
7. Regulation 69 – a person being towed must wear a lifejacket.
8. Regulation 70 – master of vessel must ensure occupants wear a lifejacket and must not allow the vessel to be operated unless persons onboard when underway or being towed wear a lifejacket.
Subject to the conditions detailed below:
Masters of towing and rescue vessels are only exempt from item 1-2 when undertaking a rescue operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety on shore, and must adhere to speed and distance rules at all other times.
Masters of towing vessels are only exempt from items 3 to 5 for the duration of the events.
‘Trick’ skiers being towed are only exempt from items 6 & 7 provided they wear a bright coloured top.
Masters of towing vessels are only exempt from item 8 when towing water skiers who are participating in trick events and when retrieving water skiers who are participating in trick events and exempt from wearing a lifejacket.
All persons on vessels and skiers associated with the event must wear a lifejacket (unless vessel over 4.8 meters or exempt from items 6 or 7 in accordance with these conditions), and vessels must have all prescribed safety equipment, including rescue vessels.
Should vessels or persons not involved in the event enter the exclusion zone, the event must be stopped until the unauthorised vessel or person has moved outside of the zone.
These exemptions apply from 8:00am to 5:00pm each day between 11-16 March 2025, to persons and vessels registered to participate in the 2025 Aussie Kiwi Challenge, within the exclusion zone waters – Loddon River, between the Calder Highway Bridge and the boat ramp at Sweeney’s Lane.
In the event of any injuries which result in hospitalisation, a fatality or an incident involving a person or vessel not involved in the event, these must be immediately reported to Victoria Police and Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic). In the case of all other incidents ST Vic requires incident reports within seven (7) days and a nalised report within 30 days.
The exemptions apply provided the stated safety controls and undertakings detailed in the application form and associated documentation are adhered to.
Loddon Shire Council
Dated: 24 February 2025
NOTICE OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXCLUSION ZONE
Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for 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 2025 Aussie Kiwi Challenge are prohibited from entering and remaining in the following waters Waters of Loddon River at Bridgewater – between the Calder Hwy Bridge and Sweeneys Lane Boat Ramp. The exclusion zone will be in e ect from 8:00am - 5:00pm on Tuesday 11 - Sunday 16 March 2025.
Loddon Shire Council Dated: 24/02/2025
Rugby Robbo crunches into action
ALL EYES were on Wedderburn rugby convert Mark Robinson when the Redbacks took on Inglewood in a football practice match last Thursday at the Woodies home ground.
Wedderburn has lost star big man Jordan Hargreaves to North Bendigo, with Robinson, who has only played Australian football for three years, seen as a promising ruck option.
Robinson, who was recruited from VAFA side West Brunswick, announced himself with a crunching tackle in the opening minutes, with his rugby background coming quickly to the fore.
He alternated ruck work with time at full-forward, and while he didn’t see much of the ball apart from one strong mark, his tap work was excellent, frequently giving his midfielders first use of the ball.
At 195cm and powerfully built, Robinson will share ruck duties with veteran Adam Postle.
Wedderburn coach Tom Metherell said Robinson was “still a work in progress” but had been impressive in his first appearance.
Wedderburn won the fivequarter hit out 13.14 (92) to 7.12 (54) in mild conditions, with both teams rotating players frequently to give them on-field time.
Young Inglewood star Gabe Nevins looked stronger in the body after a big pre-season and played well apart from one sprayed shot that led to a Redback goal.
Coach Fergus Payne was also in fine form off half-back, defending stoutly as Wedderburn peppered the goals early in the match.
The Redbacks appeared stronger, and much quicker, than the Blues when most of the senior players were on the field.
Wedderburn’s lightly built Aar-
By GARY WALSH
on Smith took the eye with his blistering speed in the midfield.
Just 16, and having moved from King Island, he will start in the juniors, but Metherell said senior football was likely during the season.
New players Jye Mortlock, Mitch Jensen and Ben Bacon impressed, with Bacon’s big frame and strong marking a feature across half-back.
Metherell said the Redbacks were missing eight automatic senior selections, including last season’s best-and-fairest Jackson McEwen, highlighting the club’s depth.
Payne said he didn’t want to single out individuals, preferring to focus on the positive team aspects.
“I don’t want to say anyone stood out, but the positive was the team football and seeing some of the young guys putting their training into practice.”
The two clubs also held netball scratch matches on the evening, helping to blow out the cobwebs with the season proper fast approaching.
Maiden Gully has signed veteran Mitch Taylor for 2025, who joins the Eagles after almost 400 games in four states.
Key defender Taylor was captain of Wanderers in the NTFL this season and played in 2024 with Stawell in the Wimmera League.
He has played for NT Thunder in the NEAFL, West Adelaide in the SANFL and for the Northern Territory team in the Coates Talent League.
AFL Central Victoria has confirmed that Auskick centres will be run this year by Bears Lagoon Serpentine, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Boort and Wedderburn
Inglewood and Wedderburn had their traditional pre-season hitout last Thursday where the Redbacks showed they have recruited well to cover the loss of several key players while their dominant North Central netball sides will again take to the court as well-oiled machines.
BOORT PACING CUP SNAPS
Ebony Mason drives Lollipop to the pony trot win. LH PHOTO Punters included Mitiamo’s Ian Anderson and Sam Wilson Bookmaker Alan Barker takes the wagers
Tight tussle tipped in LV grand final
LAST YEAR Mincha West finished on top of the Loddon Valley Tennis Association ladder but had to forfeit its semi-final when extreme heat forced a change in the starting time.
Two of the club’s players had work commitments and were not available to play when the match was brought forward by two-anda-half hours.
Raywood, which won the clash on forfeit, went into the grand final, in which it was outplayed by Calivil North.
So, there’s a sense of déjà vu about this Saturday’s grand final between Mincha and Calivil, set to be played in heat approaching 40 degrees.
“We’re negotiating playing earlier again at the moment,” Mincha captain Jeannie Wagner said.
“We’ve told all of our members to make sure they are free on Saturday morning.”
Wagner said Calivil always fielded a powerful lineup but “we are going in with our strongest team – we know it will be a tough match.
“They are definitely beatable but last time we played (Calivil captain) Michelle Balic was injured.
“When she is in, Calivil North is really
tough. She makes a massive difference.” The clubs have met twice this season, with Calivil successful both times.
Balic said neither team had been at full strength in those meetings, so the grand final was up for grabs.
“We have had a pretty good season so far, and it has been good to see the younger players,” she said.
Calivil has consistently played four juniors throughout the season, including Balic’s 14-year-old son Oscar.
“It’s been brilliant to see, and it has happened in a lot of teams this year.”
Wagner’s three children – Trista, 20, Brodie, 18, and Riley, 16 – have all played regularly this season.
Trista will make the long haul from Adelaide, where she is at university, for the match.
Last Saturday’s semi-finals were played at Dingee.
Mincha West 106 d Dingee 72
Mens: J Ritchie D Mann d A Hocking R Lawry 7-2. J Ritchie D Stewart lost to A Hocking M Harvey 5-7. D Mann D Stewart d R Lawry M Harvey 7-4. P Gorgen R Wagner lost to B Duncan R Ellis 5-7. P Gorgan T Wagner d B Duncan D Condliffe 7-0.
Season over for Demons
CALIVIL has been bundled out of the Bendigo bowls playing area Division 5 race.
The Demons had been in with a show for the flag but came up against a strengthened White Hills side in Saturday’s preliminary final.
The Bendigo-based club with multi-division teams won all rinks in the crucial game played at Dingee.
Division 1 Castlemaine 69-1 lost to Bendigo East 101-17.
Division 2 Strathfieldsaye 59-0 lost to Eaglehawk 85-18.
Division 4 Calivil 52-0 lost to
White Hills 101-18. W. Lourie, R. Lourie, M. Collett, G. Maxted (s) lost to M. Carter, C. Jansen, P. Fogliani, A. Charlton (s) 13-21. J. Pickles, A. Dennis, N. Dennis, M. Dennis (s) lost to R. Parmenter, W. McCurdy, D. Ahdore, G. Gardner (s) 12-27. K. Richards, G. Lourie, G. Ray, L. Gronow (s) lost to M. Zadow, G. Baldwin, P. McGuire, B. Colbert (s) 16-20. R. Boyd, B. Meighan, W. Miles, A. Leech (s) lost to B. Sheen, B. Langley, G. Austin, M. Kelly (s) 11-33.
Division 5 Bendigo 83-18 d Golden Square 57-0.
R Wagner T Wagner d R Ellis D Condliffe 7-0.
Ladies: E Prout J Wagner d B Baker A Hay 7-3. E Prout T Stewart d B Baker S Hay 7-1. J Wagner T Stewart d A Hay S Hay 7-1. C Pickles M Stewart lost to K Pay E Hay 2-7. C Pickles C Gould lost to K Pay K Ellis 5-7. M Stewart C Gould lost to E Hay K Ellis 3-7.
Mixed: D Mann E Prout d M Harvey B Baker 7-3. J Ritchie J Wagner d A Hocking A Hay 7-2. D Stewart T Stewart d R Lawry S Hay 7-6. R Wagner C Pickles lost to B Duncan K Pay 2-7. T Wagner M Stewart d R Ellis E Hay 7-6. P Gargen C Gould d D Condliffe K Ellis 7-2.
Calivil North 117 d Raywood 65
Mens: L Maxted C Smith lost to M Collins A Demeo 2-7. L Maxted O Balic d M Collins P Harris 7-6. C Smith O Balic d A Demeo P Harris 7-5. J Smith J Smith d R Haw
N Marlow 7-6. J Smith K Maxted lost to R Haw R Demeo 4-7. K Smith K Maxted d N Marlow R Demeo 7-1.
Ladies: M Balic C Rogers d C Haw P Morton 7-0. M Balic
G Maxted d C Haw B Zuidema 7-1. C Rogers G Maxted d P Morton B Zuidema 7-0. L Strachan H Vinnicombe d
S Demeo M Haw 7-4. L Strachan A Maxted d S Demeo
M Ludeman 7-2. H Vinnicombe A Maxted d M Haw M Ludeman 7-3.
Mixed: C Smith M Balic d M Collins P Morton 7-2. O Balic
C Rogers d A Demeo C Haw 7-0. L Maxted L Strachan d
P Harris B Zuidema 7-5. J Smith G Maxted lost to R Haw
M Haw 6-7. J Smith H Vinnicombe d R Demeo S Demeo
7-5. K Maxted A Maxted d N Marlowe M Ludeman 7-4
DERBY will carry the hopes of the Loddon into the grand final of the Marong and District Tennis Association on Saturday.
Marong, which only sneaked into the finals after a big win in the last round saw them jump from sixth to fourth, will host the grand final.
Derby finished second on the ladder behind Lockwood, which was soundly beaten by Marong in the semi-finals, 13-90 to 5-61.
Derby just got home against Newbridge in their semi-final, winning 9-74 to 9-72.
Derby vice-captain Nic Naughton said despite that late charge into the finals, Marong deserved to go into the season decider as favourites, with teams each winning one of the two meetings this season.
“You have got to go in with confidence. We’ve had a pretty good year, and I think it will be a tight contest,” he said.
The extreme heat forecast for Saturday might play into Derby’s hands, according to Naughton.
“Being a bit younger it will probably suit us a little bit better – I hope it will be in our favour.”
Otherwise, he said, it was a matter of “getting out there and hitting the ball over the net.
“You can’t do much else.”
Mincha West’s Meg Stewart (left) and Calivil skipper Michelle Balic in action during last Saturday’s semi-finals. LH PHOTOS
Calivil team captain Alan Leech and Warren Miles in Saturday’s preliminary final. LH PHOTOS
Premiers dominate association elite
UPPER Loddon Cricket Association premiers Kingower has five players in the Loddon Herald’s Team of the Year, including the captain Jayden Leach.
Grand finalist Wedderburn Band has three nominees, Arnold has two, and Boort Yando and Bridgewater have one player each named in the final 12.
It is a team brimming with allround talent – Leach and Kingower teammate Matt Rowe were a one-two punch in both the batting aggregate and bowling wicket-takers lists.
There are three players who made centuries during the season – Leach, Arnold opener Heath Lock and Bridgewater’s Harry McKinley, who also takes the wicketkeeping gloves.
The keeper’s spot was a tight call with Arnold veteran Phil Scholes, who made the team for his powerful batting in any case.
Seven players in the team can bowl, including two spinners in Kingower’s Blake Pickles and Wedderburn’s Danny Benaim.
However, the side is so stacked with all-rounders that choosing who gets an over would be a tough decision for any captain.
Leach made 511 runs at 51.1 and took 32 wickets at 8.38 runs apiece. Rowe averaged 38.75 with the bat and took 17 wickets at 16.47 each.
Pickles missed several games but made 188 runs at 47 and claimed 16 scalps at just 6.44 each. His teammate Kyle Simpson, possibly the quickest bowler in the competition, made 314 runs at 34.89 and averaged 18.43 after taking 14 wickets.
Wedderburn’s Isaac Holt collected 163 runs at an average of 27.17 and took 15 wickets at 16.4.
Putting together a batting order was a nightmare.
Leach bats at number three for Kingower but comes in at five in our team.
Scholes either opens or bats at first drop with Arnold, but we have him at number four.
Pickles is chosen at seven, although he had the fourth best
Jayden Leach (Kingower) - Captain
Matt Rowe (Kingower)
Heath Lock (Arnold)
Harry McKinley (Bridgewater) wk
Phil Scholes (Arnold)
Kyle Simpson (Kingower)
Blake Pickles (Kingower)
Isaac Holt (Wedderburn)
Will Holt (Wedderburn)
Jarrod Hodoras (Boort Yando)
Danny Benaim (Wedderburn)
12th Man: Will Deason (Kingower)
batting average in the competition.
Isaac Holt frequently opens for his club side but has been picked at number eight, and Will Holt is often at three for Wedderburn, but he will be bringing his beast of a bat to the crease at number nine.
It is also a team that won’t die wondering.
After measured and skilful openers Rowe and Lock come a series of quick-scoring batsmen in McKinley, Scholes, Leach and Simpson – not to mention Will Holt. Boort Yando’s Jarrod Hodoras makes the team despite not playing until after Christmas, having averaged 11 with the ball and 18.5 with the bat.
Twelfth man is Will Deason from Kingower for his outstanding fielding.
It’s a shame the association no longer takes part in Country Week matches, as there would be plenty of entertainment for the spectators if our team were ever to take the field.
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Lanyon, Chislett among regional triathlon victors
THE
Libby
Intermediate winners were Heidi
and Rylan Chislett from Pyramid Hill.
from
Junior titles went to Boort’s Victorian Lanyon and St Arnaud’s Lewis Lowe.
Birchip was successful in the senior female team event, and St Arnaud won the men’s race.
Intermediate female team winners were Boort (Anna Lanyon, Bella Quinn, Natalie Hall), while Pyramid Hill College took out the men’s event.
Maryborough Education College won both the female and male junior team titles.
The event is traditionally held in Boort in the week before the March long weekend.
annual North Central District Schools’ Triathlon held in Boort last Thursday attracted a strong field of 54 individual competitors and 62 teams.
Thompson from Wycheproof won the senior female title, while St Arnaud’s Owen Lowe took out the male prize.
Start
Charlton
Champions of 2025 at the North Central triathlon titles
Kyle Simpson
Grand final player of the match - Wedderburn’s Andrew Brett
Winner of the season’s batting average - Arnold’s Heath Lock
Bridgewater’s Harry McKinley wins the wicket award for the season
Gower’s regal double
By GARY WALSH
KINGOWER has crowned a near faultless season by winning the Upper Loddon Cricket Association grand final, beating Wedderburn Band by 10 runs on Saturday at Arnold.
Having already won the Loddon Herald T20 cup earlier in the season, Kingower survived a late charge led by Band batsman Andrew Brett to seal the premiership cup.
Player of the match Brett’s 60 from 75 balls, including four massive sixes, threatened to snatch the game away from the favourites, who compiled a gettable 9-142 batting first.
Wedderburn needed 33 runs from the last seven overs, with Brett in imperious form on 55 and four wickets remaining.
However, the Band number three was visibly wilting in the heat, leaning on his bat between balls and struggling to run quick singles, and when he was clean bowled by Kyle Simpson with the score on 119, Wedderburn’s hopes looked dashed.
The Band needed 18 off the last over, and a four from the first ball to Steve Giorlando kept the tension high, but Simpson only allowed another three runs and Kingower was able to celebrate a fourth premiership in eight seasons.
Arnold’s sparse, dusty outfield was not an ideal surface for a grand final, but both teams fielded impressively given the conditions, and runs were hard to come by.
Four players from Kingower’s vaunted batting lineup got starts but failed to push on to high scores.
Stoic opener Matt Rowe compiled a patient 29 from 84 balls to be his side’s top scorer.
At the half-way mark – 20 overs – the Gower were 1-50 and needed a spark.
The usual suspects in Jayden Leach, Kyle Simpson and Blake Pickles were unable to dominate as they had done in previ-
ous matches. Leach, who was awarded the player of the year award after the grand final, made 28 from 40 balls before being adjudged LBW.
Simpson hit out for 25 off 22 balls, but Pickles was dismissed for just five from 15 balls.
David Rose upped the pace with 20 from 10 balls, but wickets tumbled as Kingower tried to boost the score, losing 3-15 in the last five overs.
Wedderburn certainly had the batting firepower to overtake the 142 made by the Gower, but in the opening overs scoring was incredibly slow.
Tight bowling from Leach and Simpson kept the Band to 1-9 from 10 overs, with Finn Turnbull spectacularly run out by a
direct hit from Will Deason for a duck off 25 balls.
Brad Holt was out for 18 off 70 deliveries when the score was just 34 in the 21st over.
Wedderburn had batted itself into a situation where it needed 109 from 19 overs, and Brett needed support.
Isaac Holt (19 off 12 balls) improved the run rate, but he was caught off the left-arm medium pace of Ben Rose.
Will Holt (7 from 14) fell to the seemingly inevitable, out to Pickles in the spinner’s first over, continuing the bowler’s record of grabbing a wicket immediately after taking the ball.
Brett continued to bat on, with the target slipping away rapidly, but he breathed life into the contest, taking 19 off a Pickles over, including a six that landed on the pavilion roof.
With 10 overs remaining, Wedderburn needed 48 to win, but Kingower tightened the screws again and allowed only 21 runs from the next six overs.
A spectacular caught and bowled by Ben Rose was a fitting way to take the last wicket to fall, with the Band ending with 8-142 from their 40 overs.
Leach didn’t take a wicket, but his eight overs included three maidens and he gave up only 12 runs.
Simpson and Rowe took a wicket each while keeping the run rate down, and Ben Rose finished with 3-24 to claim the bulk of the spoils.
Pickles took 2-40, with his figures damaged by the 19 taken from his last over.
GRAND FINAL SCOREBOARD
Classic field catch ... Kingower’s Ben Rose
2025-2025 premiers KIngower. LH PHOTOS
Loddon HERALD sport
WATCH ON HEAT
THE EXTREME heat forecast for Saturday is set to disrupt key football and netball practice matches.
Temperatures nudging 40 degrees are predicted on the day when many Loddon Valley and North Central teams are scheduled to play.
Match umpires will make the final call on the practice games, with most contests expected to be brought forward to avoid the worst of the heat.
Quarters may be shortened, and teams will be allowed unlimited rotations off the bench.
The long stretch of hot weather, and little rain, has made preseason training problematic, and with seasons beginning on April 5, clubs may go into matches with players underdone.
Bridgewater’s highly anticipated home matches on Saturday against Calder United, the North Central league’s newly merged club, will now start from 9am.
Senior, reserve and junior matches are scheduled on an oval which has had to rely on a donation of water by Brendan Taig to be in reasonable shape for the coming season.
Mean Machine coach Lachlan Sharp said clubs had to be prepared to be flexible at this time of year.
The match against Calder United is a critical part of Bridgewa-
ter’s pre-season preparations, with a young squad set to be selected.
Sharp said the hit out was a chance for younger players to “showcase themselves” and was a reward for their efforts at training.
Calder United, formed from the merger of Wycheproof-Narraport and Nullawil would be “absolute quality”, he said, having impressed recently in a scratch match against Marong, winners of the last three Loddon Valley flags.
“We want to see how we go against the best.”
Inglewood is scheduled to host Goulburn Valley team Merrigum on Saturday, with matches due to begin from 10am.
Wedderburn’s match against Cohuna, coach Tom Metherell’s old side, has been brought forward to 11am, with 39-degree temperatures expected in the afternoon.
Metherell said it was uncertain whether junior and reserves matches would go ahead, with the decision to be made on the day when player numbers were assessed.
Maiden Gully cancelled junior training on Tuesday because of the heat. Newbridge will play Maryborough Castlemaine league side Dunolly on Saturday at home, with a scheduled start time of 10.30am.
Nation’s best hit the river
TOP JUNIOR water skiers from Australia and New Zealand will take to the Loddon River at Bridgewater from today.
The Aussie Kiwi Challenge is an annual event involving 26 skiers from each country vying for the Oceania Junior Championship.
The four-day competition begins today with tricks, slalom and jumps starting at 8am.
Skiers compete over two
rounds in each discipline at Under 14, Under 17 and Under 21 levels.
The tournament alternates between Australia and New Zealand, with last year’s event hosted by Whanganui’s Lake Wiritoa.
Bridgewater also hosted worldclass skiers in the run up to the Moomba Masters, held on the Yarra River in Melbourne over the Labour Day long weekend.
A WHEELBARROW was in order for Kingower captain Jayden Leach as he staggered home laden with trophies from the Upper Loddon Cricket Association season.
Presentations were made after Kingower’s grand final win against Wedderburn Band on Saturday, with Leach taking home four individual honours including player of the year.
He also won the bowling aggregate and average awards as well as the batting trophy after a dominant 11 dismissals during the season.
REPORTS - PAGES 22 & 23
