Loddon Herald 13 April 2023

RIPPER RHEOLA

A CROWD like never before packed into Rheola’s recreation reserve on Monday for the 150th charity carnival.

The bumper crowd - cars were parked up to 1km from the entrance from early morning - celebrated the milestone carnival.

President Peter Mason said the crowd was easily more than 3000 people, nudging towards 2019’s record gate when the carnival billed as real country entertainment since 1971 was last held.

Mr Mason, Loddon Mayor Dan Straub and Ripon MP Martha Haylett praised the spirit of local volunteers who had driven the iconic carnival’s return. There was special praise from Mr Mason for committee secretary Deb Hancock, applauded for her determination and effort “going above and beyond”. The event’s strong army of volunteers had grown in months leading to Easter Monday’s celebrations. More than 40 people attended a final working bee

on Easter Saturday, joined two days later by several hundred more.

“Thanks to the volunteers - people who have stepped forward and done a great job with a massive crowd,” Mr Mason said.

Cr Straub presented Mr Mason with a commemorative plaque honouring volunteers after he declared the carnival officially open. “(Today) shows what country life is about,” he said Among volunteers were generations of local families including Mason, Soulsby, Leach and Catto - some making a special trip back to Rheola to continue their contribution to the day and soaking up the 150th carnival’s atmosphere.

Monday’s crowd also brought former residents of the district back to Rheola, many not wanting to miss the sesquicentenary celebrations.

MORE REPORTS - PAGE 9

PICTORIAL SPECIAL - CENTRE PAGES

Kurting Powlett Road - 2 Titles

89.54 Hectares / 221.26 Acres

Plus 14.57 Hectares / 36 Acre Crown Lease

Lovely Rural allotment with access to the Hope and Korong Creek with excellent stand of Red Gums and Native Gums along these creek lines.

Loam Red and Grey soils in excellent heart, this land has a solid fertilizer history and is well fenced. Water by WM Pipeline & on dam Suit all forms of the Agricultural Industry such as cropping & livestock production

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Barry Finch heads to the finish line in Monday’s tractor pull. LH PHOTO

Mayor Dan Straub and carnival president Peter Mason. LH PHOTO

ACTIVE April, Boort Bingo and now adding to the seasonal fitness craze sweeping Loddon communities is none other that the Treemendous tree now emblazoned with a special Easter message, we hear erected by Bradley of Boort on Easter Sunday ... just in time to challenge the thinking of people looking to get active. What type of activity? Perhaps heaps after they may have spent the day indulging in the bountiful array of Easter eggs dropped at various locations.

AFEW hops closer to the lake and Boort had it’s premier sporting event of the year on over Easter. Forget about the harness racing or football or even that other Easter event, the tennis. We reckon the real reason these tennis players keep coming back is for the Saturday night ferret races. Again there were some quality fields with starters including One More Beer Please, Jye’s Big Sausage, Bangers and Mash (surely related to the previous starter) and Moolap Mahem.

T HERE was some questioning about the pedigree of Moolap Mahem. Those with a pass in georaphy were quick to point out Moolap is a suburb of Geelong. Was this a ruse by tournament director Alister to divert attention from the absence of

another starter that had been expected to race in the blue and white hoops? That starter’s name: Zipandthree. Stewards are investigating, according to sources close to the starting gate.

TRIPPING around over the Easter weekend, you’ve got to say a huge well done to kitchen crews at making sporting tournaments - the roasts at Boort had all hands cooking up heaps of beans and peas while there was a good three meats on the salad plates at Wedderburn, the latter also with something of a reputation of fantastic fish on Good Friday as bowlers juggled play between showers.

NEWS coming in from out Bridgewater North way could see some tense moments over the barbed wire fence this week when the Good Doc’s cold Pies come up against The Oracle’s Sainters, or as he’s calling them, April champions. Sure bet there won’t be any cordial invitation for a leisurely afternoon tea until the dust has settled.

AFTERNOON tea? When OTF tucked into one or two (maybe more) of those salted caramel hot cross buns pumped out of the Bridgewater Bakehouse ovens, they were yummo. More dangerous than a big box of Red Tulip chocolates! Surely they go down as one of the great Loddon culinary creations and definitely be getting our tick of approval and perhaps the need to more active in April.

Disused silos get bombing

MIDNIGHT paint bombers could be responsible for creating an unofficial mural on disused grain silos at Kurting.

The Calder Highway silos last received grain deliveries from Loddon farmers more than three decades ago.

But last Sunday week, the stark weathered white silos changed colour.

Local farmer Brett Wilson said: “They were white and then the

next morning mostly red, orange and brown. It looks like a paintbombing job in the cover of darkness,” he said.

Brett said the changed decor had reached the top in places on the 15-metre high silos.

The Murphy-style silos are owned by GrainCorp and when last used had a capacity of 4900 tonnes.

GrainCorp leases out its disused silos across the Loddon.

Quad bike theft under investigation

LODDON police are investigating the alleged theft of a quad bike over the Easter weekend.

Wedderburn police were told that a Polaris Commercial Pro XD 200D bike was taken overnight Friday near Borung. Own-

ers told police that a Nissan Navara with a horse logo was seen in the area towing a Pegasus horse float with red stripes.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or Wedderburn police.

PAINT BOMBED: The silos at Kurting. LH PHOTO

Appeal code 3551 = $24,184

By CHRIS EARL

A TINY Loddon community of just 150 residents was left gobsmacked on Good Friday when told it had raised more than $24,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital appeal ... because it’s in a donut postcode.

The appeal’s Tarnagulla coordinator Kelly Whitton had phone calls from locals seeing the town total on television screens$24,184 was well up on average $2500.

“It was a mistake, I thought,” said Kelly who had earlier phoned appeal headquarters with a total of $2539.10 collected in Tarnagulla, Newbridge and Laanecoorie.

“I rang and doubled checked, the manager came on the phone ... I thought it was a typo on the appeal website ... but he said the total was correct.”

Another phone call later in the night provided the answer: all online and QR donations in the 3551 postcode had been credited to Tarnagulla.

“We’ll claim the figure,” said Kelly.

The 3551 postcode surrounds Bendigo and includes Axedale, Epsom, Huntly, Junortoun, Lake Eppalock and Lockwood.

“I’ve had some other CFA brigades ring and ask how we did it,” said Kelly who had led local brigade volunteers rattling tins in the district.

“Former Tarnagulla captain Barry Condick said I should retire after a stunning first up local total.”

Kelly and the Tarnagulla brigade took on co-ordination of the town’s efforts after the death earlier this year of publican John Lavery who had been the Good Friday Appeal’s local face for 33 years.

Korong Vale brigade members spent Friday morning accompanying Easter Bunny as they rattled tins around town before heading to Wedderburn where they assisted CFA members with appeal efforts.

Wedderburn Band Cricket Club added to town appeal coffers with a special Good Friday raffle at the hotel.

And hotel raffles also bolstered local efforts at Bridgewater and Pyramid Hill.

Inglewood topped the town tally after brigade members and

youngsters headed into four zones knocking on doors and accepting donations for the appeal.

Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal Penny Fowler, said: “Giving for the kids is what the Good Friday Appeal is all about and what big, generous hearts Victorians have had this year.

“The appeal continues to shine a light on the very best in our community and this year’s Appeal is no exception.

“We are incredibly grateful to communities in Victoria and all the volunteers for digging deep for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“Thank you to both the Federal and State Governments for the generous contributions to the appeal to ensure it remains a worldclass facility helping sick children and their families.”

3.4 quake rattles morning sleepers

A 3.4 magnitude earthquake stirred sleepers across the Loddon on Tuesday morning.

The quake sent tremours from its epicentre near Durham Ox across to Boort and Pyramid Hill and south to Serpentine, Fiery Flat, McIntyre, Derby and Raywood.

Gail Armstrong felt the quake in Boort and said she heard a thunder sound and felt vibrations.

Serpentine’s Simon Tuohey said: “I was woken by windows rattling just before 2.30am.”

Geoscience Australia said there had been more than 67 reports of the tremour being felt from the quake 10km below the surface.

Most were recorded in Boort and Wedderburn while there were also tremours at Charlton and Bendigo.

One of the biggest earthquakes recorded in the area was in 1921 when a 5.5 mag-

IN BRIEF

Footpath tender

A TENDER for footpath works in Boort, Inglewood and Newbridge has been awarded by Loddon Shire Council. Main Civil will construct a new footpath in Armstrong Street and west side McMillan’s Road Boort and at the town’s Malone Park playground. The contract also includes a footpath extension in Southey Street, Inglewood, and between toilets and netball courts at the recreation reserve. Concrete will be installed around three Telstra pits in Nelson Street, Newbridge, and a footpath extension on the south side of the Wimmera Highway.

Lighting up ovals

From tin shaking to raffles, fundraisers and auctions, regional and rural Victoria raised $2,955,656 and the appeal total was $23,061,320.

$1,156

Korong Vale $1786

Tarnagulla $24,184

Wedderburn $1393

BENDIGO firm DeAraugo and Lea will install new floodlighting at Mitiamo and Calivil recreation reserves. Loddon Shire Council awarded the tender during the confidential section of their last meeting. Council said the project had a price tag of $446,800.

New cases

SIX new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Loddon communities last week. The total number of cases recorded for the shire in the pandemic is 2158. There were 5772 cases reported in Victoria last week, up 11 per cent on the previous week.

nitude quake with its epicentre near Swan Hill was felt at Boort.

A tremour was also recorded at Boort in October 1932 with reports saying: “An earth tremor - the most severe experienced in the area - occurred at Boort at 1.10 pm today. Many residents hurriedly vacated their homes. Houses momentarily rocked, plaster fell from walls, windows rattled, and clocks stopped.”

A magnitude 3.0 quake was recorded in Boort three days before Christmas in 2013.

No reports of property damage or injury were made following Tuesday morning’s quake.

“Everything on the verandah was shaking around,” said Boort’s Paul Haw. “Out at Yando residents said the quake sounded like an explosion.”

“Our house was shaking and the windows rattling for a few minutes.”

Thursday 13th April

Tarnagulla’s Kelly Whitton and Lazar Rodic. LH PHOTO

Zara Matos and Ciara McLean collecting in Inglewood while (below) Jazmine Brownlie donated in Korong Vale. LH PHOTOS

200 submissions and rising

HUNDREDS of submissions have been received as Australian Energy Market Operator plans for a 500 kiloVolt transmission line through the Loddon continues to raise local concerns.

A weekend statement said AEMO Victorian Planning and Transgrid had received more than 200 submissions.

AEMO said its Victoria to New South Wales West (VNI West) consultation report will help identify the proposed option for the transmission project.

Last week the national regulator announced an extension to consultation.

The weekend’s statement said that in December 2022, AEMO and Transgrid confirmed that an additional report would be published in response to stakeholder feedback, which included assessing alternate locations for the terminal station connecting the VNI West and the Western Renewables Link (WRL) projects.

“Since February, a suite of consultation options, including meetings, webinars and commu-

nity events, have been held to further build project understanding and gather important social, heritage, environmental and economic feedback on a proposed route.

“In Victoria, AVP and Transgrid have held 12 community drop-in sessions, three webinars and more than 15 briefings with traditional owners, councils and stakeholders in the past six weeks.

“This has resulted in more than 200 submissions so far, with more expected.”

Dozens of farmers across the Loddon have confirmed to the Loddon Herald that they have lodged submissions.

Loddon Shire made its submission last week calling for greater capacity on any transmission line for local wind and solar energy to be fed into the power grid.

Council also endorsed Mayor Dan Straub and CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald to call for better communication and consultation by AEMO in local communities.

AEMO’s Victorian Planning

group manager Nicola Falcon, said that consultation over the last few years had shown that there was broad understanding of the need for new transmission investment, but that the regulated process for this critical infrastructure is complex and drawn out.

“Since 2019, we’ve been consulting on this project to identify a preferred option that maximises consumer benefits while meeting the power system needs for all Victorians,” Ms Falcon said.

“The community members, farmers and council representatives we’ve met and spoken with understand that the rapid retirement of coal-fired generation is creating an urgent need for new transmission infrastructure to connect and share new electricity generation.

“We’re very thankful that hundreds of stakeholders have taken part in our consultation program and made submissions.

“In our role to help plan for the energy transition, we acknowledge and empathise that this is a

long, highly regulated and technical process to deliver this essential infrastructure to provide low-cost, low-emissions energy to all Victorians,” she said.

VNI West will provide a vital new transmission line to link new renewable generators with the grid and ensure reliable, affordable power as Australia transitions to clean, low-cost renewables, AEMO said.

Submissions are expected to be published on AEMO’s website.

AEMO last year published 40 non-confidential submissions to proposals that had shown a route from Bendigo to Kerang through Prairie West was its transmission line preference. Last month’s report changed the preference to a route from near Stawell through the Loddon to Echuca.

The current preferred route is shown as “identified land of interest” in AEMO documents, up to 60km wide near Boort and described by Loddon councillor Wendy Murphy last month as being a blob on the map.

Quick assessment of views before ‘conclusion report’

THE path of VNI West transmission line will be clearer within weeks.

AEMO says stakeholder submissions will be assessed and contribute to the final stage of the investment test, the project assessment conclusions report due in the next month.

“The PACR will identify a preferred option,” said Victorian Planning group manager Nicola Falcon .

“The preferred option establishes the broad area of interest for the project, including locations for connecting the project into the ex-

isting electricity network. Should the project pass the regulated investment test by demonstrating it would deliver the greatest benefits, it can progress to the next stage.

“When the area of interest for the proposed route is identified, detailed land and cultural assessments and individual consultation with landholders to understand any implications and associated compensation will take place. This will happen before the final transmission design is finalised and route is selected.

“This would also include planning and en-

‘Monumental disaster in the making’

AEMO’s preferred option, if developed, will be the biggest single expense in the Victorian transmission system in more than 50 years and the biggest mistake in transmission planning in living memory, according to a report being released today.

“We have investigated this in detail and conclude it will be a monumental mistake,” says director of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre at Victoria University Professor Bruce Mountain.

Professor Mountain and Professor Simon Bartlett, previously a member of the National Electricity Market’s Reliability Panel, have analysed the latest preferred option from AEMO.

They say the option will drastically increase Victoria’s susceptibility to state-wide blackouts through exposure to natural disasters and terrorism. “AEMO itself projects bushfire risk to rise 10 fold by 2050, but ignore this in its modelling.”

vironment approval processes in Victoria and an environmental impact statement in New South Wales,” she said. Meanwhile, protest signs against the transmission line running through some areas have started appearing, including on farm fences near Yuengroon.

AEMO last week released a farmer information sheet after a barrage of questions at popup consultations and a VFF forum in St Arnaud last month attended by more than 170 people from Loddon and surrounding shires.

Their report also claims transmission charges will double and that half of the renewable generation built along that corridor will be wasted through spills as a result of transmission congestion.

The Bartlett-Mountain report said AEMO’s plan would cause needless damage to local communities, individuals and the environment.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

- PAGE 15

Reece Nurse Unit Manager

“Reece is wonderful, he has such a lovely nature and is so approachable. I hope he never leaves here” Ruby .

Ruby is living at IDHS and enjoys visits from her son Gary and a trip to Korong Vale to catch up with friends.

"Reece is a charming young man he’s just lovely kind and gentle" Dawn P

Beer flowing in local hubs

By CHRIS EARL

TWO years ago, at the height of COVID lockdowns and restrictions, it had become impossible to get a beer in some Loddon towns.

Communities had seen pubs close in Dingee, Jarklin and Serpentine.

Hotels still open were staying afloat with takeaway beer and food sales. Pubs that had often served as pulsating community hubs for more than a century were eerily quiet.

Fast forward to 2023 and a final piece in the rebirth of Loddon’s pub hub jigsaw fell into pla ce last Thursday.

Serpentine roadhouse lessee Sumanth Reddy re-opened the town’s hotel after a refit and renovation.

His confidence in the district and identified need for a place where locals could gather were the motivation to bring the hotel back to life.

“Local people kept saying they wanted a place to meet and gather,” said Sumanth who has operated the roadhouse the past four years after eight years running a Charlton service station.

“I want the hotel to be a hub for the district and for families.”

Sumanth will now run the town’s two retail businesseswhile the town’s store has closed, it continues to open as the local post office.

And the return of pub life to Serpentine follows the Dingee community last year forming a consortium to re-open the Railway Hotel and Heide and Adrian

Polkinghorne having beer flowing again at the Four Posts Jarklin while embarking on a major restoration project of the historic Loddon Valley Highway pub.

Both these hotels have quickly become community hubs.

Adding to the pub scene over the past two years has been the Miti Tavern, an addition to the store owned by Jill Ramskill in town that had been without a hotel since 2006.

Meanwhile, the Golden Age Hotel in Tarnagulla is currently listed for sale. It has been closed

since the death earlier this year of John Lavery who was publican for more than 35 years.

The past two years has seen hotels in Wedderburn, Newbridge and Boort change hands.

But two hotels remain closed. Inglewood’s Royal Hotel was stopped trading when COVID restrictions hit and leaseholders suddenly closed the doors.

The Royal has also been part of a legal stoush between Loddon Shire and its owner, Jika Jika Land Pty Ltd’s Steven Prior, with building orders on the state of its

Caravan bids in parking bay

POTENTIAL bidders to run Loddon Shire’s Bridgewater and Wedderburn caravan parks have been given an extra three weeks to submit proposals.

The lease tender process was to have closed on March 31 but initial tenderers were last week told council had re-opened expressions of interest and a new closing date of April 19 set.

Tender documents say council will appoint a lessee by May 23 with the lease anticipated to start from July 1.

Council flagged leasing of the two cara-

Monthly rainfall under and over

DUNOLLY was the exception for March rainfall across the region.

Bureau of Meterology records show more than double the monthly median fell in the town - 42.4mm comparred with the average of 19.8mm.

The heaviest falls were on March 6 (10.6mm) and March 25 (15.6mm).

Heavy falls were also recorded in Inglewood on March 6 when 11.4mm was recorded in the gauge and the town had a total monthly fall of 18.6mm, 0.2mm below average. Wedderburn’s recorded 26.4mm for the month, including 12.6mm on March 6 and finished 6.4mm above average.

At Canary Island, total falls were 2mm below average with 14.5mm recorded and the heaviest fall of 7.5mm on March 28.

verandah. Contractors started replacing the verandah last year but work remains unfinished.

And Boort’s Commercial Hotel has been closed since early last year. The Loddon Herald understands a council building order has been placed on the hotel.

The Commercial Hotel is owned by Kara Kara Land Pty Ltd with Mr Prior also listed as director of that company.

Commercial Hotel leaseholders declined to comment to the Loddon Herald about the council order issued last year.

Mincha West also finished March below average with 12.6mm recorded compared with the median of 18.3mm The single wettest day was March 27 when 4.2mm fell. Prairie West had 17mm in its official gauge for the month.

At Charlton, 22.4mm, including 10.2mm on March 6, was recorded, above the town’s median monthly rainfall of 17.3mm.

More rain is forecast across the Loddon over the next fortnight.

van parks 12 months ago and listed them with Benalla-based Tower Real Estate, The shire wants the new operators to build caravan park stays that will create a new income stream for council under 25year leases.

Bridgewater and Wedderburn parks are owned by council. It parks in Boort and Pyramid Hill are either operated by a leaseholder or local manager.

Council had not responded to Loddon Herald inquiries when this week’s edition went to press.

Deadline looms on pool, spa compliance

OWNERS of pools and spas constructed from July 1, 1994, until April 30, 2010, have until June 1 inspection and lodgement of a barrier compliance certificate, Loddon Shire said this week.

New registration, inspection and certification requirements for property owners with pools and spas were introduced by the State Government in 2019 and requires registration with local councils.

Martha Haylett Labor Member Ripon for

Sue Webb, chef Steve Cook and Sumanth Reddy at the re-opened Serpentine Hotel. LH PHOTO

Expats value store and connection

THE Loddon’s expat Filipino community has an important and vital connection with the grocery store co-located with the Pyramid Hill’s Bendigo Bank agency.

Community leader Marilyn Fernandez said the decision of Bendigo Bank to close its Pyramid Hill agency from July 31 was sad for the town.

Business owner Mark Lacey is assessing whether it will be viable to run the grocery store once the agency is removed from his business model.

Marilyn said: “The store is very important and significant to us and we are lucky to have a grocery store here when the next nearest is in Melbourne.

“The Filipino community is growing and for many who come from rural areas to Australia, they are not used to going to a big city to buy,” she said.

“We have many Filipino families and they are very comfortable going to the bank and the grocery store in the same place.”

Pyramid Hill resident Jack Matheson has described Bendigo Bank’s decision as “no good”.

Mr Matheson said: “Bendigo Bank was built on little places but things keep being taking away from little towns and it’s a struggle all the time.

“We support the bank but the bank’s not supporting us ... it makes you wonder,” Mr Matheson said.

Town leaders have been investigating options for a continued banking service after the agency closes. There is currently no ATM in Pyramid Hill.

Mr Lacey said customers remained disappointed and the town angry since the bank announced its decision to close its 16-agency network.

“I will try and work something out for the Filipino community,” he said.

Bendigo Bank said its decision to close agencies followed declines in the number and value of over-the-counter transactions and an increase in customers choosing to do their banking online

“The model has come under increasing pressure and has been placed under review,” Bendigo Bank said.

Drivers switching coffee tastes?

LIONS clubs promoted the Easter road safety message with driver reviver stops on the Calder and Loddon Valley Highways last Thursday. Wedderburn members had set up their traditional rest area location near Glenalbyn by 9am to serve tea, coffee and biscuits.

They said that the number of motorists stopping appeared down on previous years, attributing the drop to drivers and passengers stopping

Victorian Fox Bounty program

Victorian fox collections have commenced and participants are reminded that the Victorian Fox Bounty is now digital.

Agriculture Victoria introduced the new system last year to streamline the application process, reduce wait times at collection centres and allow participants to keep track of bounty applications.

To register for the digital system visit the bounty homepage and follow the prompts.

Bendigo collections – fox only

Address: Corner Midland Highway and Taylor Street, Epsom.

Time 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

 Monday, 17 April

 Monday, 15 May

 Tuesday, 13 June

 Monday, 10 July

 Monday, 7 August

 Monday, 4 September

 Monday, 2 October

 Monday, 30 October

St Arnaud collections – fox only

Address: 4 Montague Street, St Arnaud.

Time 10.30am – 12.30pm

 Thursday, 20 April 2023

 Thursday, 18 May 2023

 Friday, 16 June 2023

 Thursday, 13 July 2023

 Thursday, 10 August 2023

 Thursday, 6 September 2023

 Thursday, 5 October 2023

 Thursday, 2 November 2023.

For assistance, please chat to the bounty collection sta on collections days or call the customer service centre on 136 186.

at Loddon towns offering barista-made coffee and showing a preference over the instant brew. East Loddon Lions reported less customers for their reviver stop at Bears Lagoon and also fielded requests for barista coffee. Mitiamo Golf Club cooked up a barbecue during the evening. Police patrolled Loddon roads over the break and had mobile random breath test stations at Bridgewater on Monday.

Inglewood Outdoor Event Space starting construction

For the next few weeks, the lawn area beside the Inglewood Town Hall will be undergoing works to create an outdoor event area. The project, scheduled to start shortly after Easter and run through to mid-May, will include hard and soft landscaping and provision of electricity to the site.

This project contributes to the Inglewood Community Plan Goal 1, Action 2, Task 2.9, and aims to support the community and local businesses of Inglewood by providing an outdoor gathering space within the business precinct, away from the main highway, that is attractive and safe for pedestrians.

The new event space will be able to support markets and community activity, providing a space for food trucks, stalls, presentations and performances. The project has been made possible through funding from the Victorian Government COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund, and is being administered by Loddon Shire Council.

Community members, local traders and visitors to the area are advised that there may be some disruption to public access around the site during construction.

Lions Lance Ward and Roger Patterson serving highway safety. LH PHOTO

Speed cut case put to Haylett

THE push for better Calder Highway safety through Inglewood has been taken to Ripon MP Martha Haylett by the town’s development and tourism committee.

President Peter Moore and secretary Pauline Wellman met with Ms Haylett last week as calls continue for a 40kmh speed limit in the shopping strip.

Mrs Wellman said: “The meeting was a follow up on a letter that was sent at the beginning of March, regarding the community’s concerns around the speed of vehicles driving through the main shopping precinct of Inglewood.”

She said concerns also included the number of illegal U-turns in Brooke Street and an absence of a solid white line in the two blocks of the Calder Highway.

Mr Moore and Mrs Wellman say the camber of the road contributed to high-sided vehicles leaning into the verandahs and damaging them.

They also raised poor visibility for vehicles entering Brooke Street from Verdon Street.

The committee leaders welcomed a commitment from Ms Haylett to take up their concerns with the Roads Minister Melissa Horne.

Ms Haylett said she was following up with the minister to identify further options to improve road safety through town.

She said she had been in regular contact with local advocates about the safety of the Calder Highway through Inglewood.

A meeting of the Calder Highway Im-

provement Committee had been scheduled for last month where speed and other concerns in Loddon communities was to have been on the agenda. However, Loddon Shire representative Wendy Murphy said the meeting had been postponed. Inglewood traders and residents have upped the campaign for a review of speed limits in Brooke Street since a B-double overturned on New Year’s Eve.

Concerns have also been raised about the speed of vehicles in Newbridge and Tarnagulla.

And at the weekend as traffic was often bumper-to-bumper with Easter travellers, Loddon Herald reader Jemelle Powell said a pedestrian crossing was needed in Bridgewater.

“I’ve noticed it’s hard to cross the road at the best of times. An accident waiting to happen,” she said,

Historians on ANZAC service duty

WARD councillor Wendy Murphy and football club secretary David Rose will be guest speakers at Inglewood’s ANZAC Day commemoration service.

Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL sub-branch secretary Bill Concol said they would speak on the service history of local residents.

Cr Murphy is president of the town’s historical society while Mr Rose has extensively researched the football club history.

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Mr Concol said the Inglewood service at 11am would be preceded by a march from Brooke Street to the Grant Street memorial.

Bridgewater’s Dawn service will be at 6am outside the memorial hall.

Tarnagulla is again holding a Dawn service after introducing the commemoration last year.

Sub-branch members have started selling ANZAC tokens and were at Monday’s Rheola Charity Carnival making sales.

Commemoration at site of old school

AN ANZAC commemoration service will be held on Rheola for the first time in decades.

Inglewoood-Bridgewater sub-branch of the RSL will organise the ANZAC Day service following a suggestion from member Glenn Catto.

The morning service will be opposite the town’s former school where last year

the community held a working bee to tidy the avenue of honour and repair the flag pole before Remembrance Day.

The avenue had been planted in two stages to honour district residents who served in World Wars One and Two and a location of school commemoration services until the school closed in 1978.

This year’s service will be at 8.30am.

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

Our winter trading hours are as follows

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DINNER FROM 6.00PM

WEDNESDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

POT’N’PARMA NIGHT

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

THURSDAY • OPEN 11.00AM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

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LUNCH FROM 12.00

HAPPY HOUR 5.00-6.30

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

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WEDDERBURN COLLEGE FETE

Monitor role ends

JUDE Holt has lodged her final report as the State Government-appointed monitor at Horsham Rural Council.

The former Loddon Shire director and acting chief executive officer was appointed monitor last July after the mayor and chief executive of Horsham Council asked the Government to intervene following allegations of misconduct and a toxic workplace culture.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said last week: “I acknowledge the extensive work completed by municipal monitor Jude Holt in helping the council transition back to good governance, processes and practices over the past six months.

“The findings highlight improvements in Horsham Rural City Council’s performance with the final report recommending no further intervention beyond one recommendation.

“Ms Holt recommended the council invest in a community leadership program to support potential candidates at the 2024 local government election – this has been accepted by Horsham Rural City Council.

“Thanks to Ms Holt’s work, and the cooperative manner in which the council worked with the monitor, the council is in a position to provide strong, well-informed leadership for the advancement of the community.”

During the review, Mrs Holt attended council meetings and talks. with councillors and officers

Street’s ‘routine’ traffic count

TRAFFIC counter tapes have been placed in Inglewood’s Market Street.

The traffic count was part of Loddon Shire Council’s routine monitoring program, said operations director Steven Phillips.

Market Steet runs beside the town hall and also provides access to the supermarket carpark.

WEDDERBURN College held its annual fete last Thursday. At the fete were clockwise (from top left): Olivia Hogan, Nada Zec, Riley Leach, Brock Bristow and Ambah Vallance; Pippi Hartnell and Zen Joyner with Acting Sgt Andrew Gibbs; Captain Koala comparing hats with Amelia Buschmann; Glenn Thompson, Dede Williams and Josh King.

LH PHOTO

Florence came in horse and gig

FLORENCE Soulby first came to the Rheola Charity Carnival as a youngster in the family’s horse and gig.

On Monday the 97-year-old was determined to be back at Rheola.

“I’ve only missed two carnicals,” she said. “One year the family decided to go to the sports meeting at Woosang instead.”

Florence is now a resident at Inglewood and District Health Service but on Monday, staff transported her to Rheola and a place with family and friends in the luncheon room.

It was where Florence had been a volunteer since her marriage in 1951 until 2018.

On Monday, Florence was sharing memories of the event and recalling her famous brother Alf Simons who drove and trained 1970 Interdominion pacing champion Bold David.

And nearby was daughter Mary-Anne, continuing the family tradition of volunteering in the luncheon room,

Florence recalled that when she started as a volunteer, the fare was a hot meal, apple pie and custard but after a few years the switch was made to cold meats.

Out on the arena, a new generation of volunteers was proudly displaying skills. Members of Rheola Junior Fire Brigade put on a demonstration for the crowd.

Formed just on 18 months ago, youngsters from across the district impressed with the skills coupling hoses to the brigade tanker and with precision,

sending water into buckets positioned near patrons.

Earlier in the day, volunteers running the tractor pull competitions observed a minute’s silence for Bob Passalick, Martin Saul and Lindsay Budge who had passed away since the last carnival in 2019.

The day meant Florence had many stories to share with fam-

ily and friends as caring IDHS staff moved her between the attractions.

Perhaps one of her favourites was of attending the evening dances that were once a part of the carnival.

After the luncheon hall had been cleared, it would be transformed into a dance hall.

Florence’s stories were among

Tshari takes title a second time

BENDIGO’S Tshari Brown has won her second Miss Rheola Carnival Girl title.

Tshari was one of three entrants in this year’s competition judged by Loddon Mayor Dan Straub and Ripon MP Martha Haylett.

Sporting a cowgirl hat, Tshari gained the nod from judges.

Marking the 150th year of the Rheola Charity Carnival, a period custome section was introduced.

thousands shared by the crowd on Monday as the carnival again acted as an unofficial back-to for the district.

And where did the people come from? Committee president Peter Mason said visitors arrived from Melbourne and the Western District and large contingents from Loddon communities and central Victoria.

St Arnaud’s Dusty Raiyn-McIntyre in a cobalt Victorian-era skirt and jacket was awarded first prize.

Dunolly’s Rachel Buckley was on parade again as Queen Victoria.

Dozens of youngsters took part in the miss and master events also judged in front of the secretary’s office throughout the afternoon.

Mary-Anne shares stories with mother Florence in the luncheon hall at Rheola on Monday. LH PHOTO

Miss Rheola contestants Tshari Brown, Hannah Stafford and Lenni Newton. LH PHOTO

THE NEXT GENERATION: Rheola Junior Fire Brigade members. LH PHOTO

CELEBRATIONS AND CHEERS AT ICONIC EVENT’S SESQUICENTENARY

Awesome volunteers make it all possible

ATMOSPHERE - that’s the one word Peter Mason heard over and over as thousands of people lapped up the 150th Rheola Charity Carnival on Monday.

And in the days since, the veteran community volunteer has heard the same word repeated countless times as memories of a successful day are etched deep.

“People have kept talking about the atmosphere and many came a long way to be there, soaking up the day,” he said.

“They love the real country atmosphere that has made the carnival so well known and enjoyed for more than 150 years.

“We’re all stoked that we finally got to the 150th carnival after cancellations for three years.”

Credit for reaching the milestone has been given to the team of volunteers who kept faith that Rheola’s traditional Easter Monday celebrations would bounce back to life.

Their faith was rewarded when one of the best crowds in history started arriving at the recreation reserve well before gates opened on Monday.

“We were delighted and could not have wished for anything better,” said Mr Mason.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett made her first appearance the carnival. “Multiplying a town’s population by 200 is no easy feat but that’s exactly what the Rheola Charity

Carnival did on Monday for its 150th milestone event.

“Drawing crowds from near and far, the recreation reserve was a sea of activity, from sheep dog trials, wood chopping, tractor pull and foot races – plus so much more,” she said.“It was such an incredible day to be out meeting old and new friends, watching families embrace all the wonderful activities on offer and catch up with the amazing committee behind the carnival.”

The MP elected last November joined many returning each year as they have done since childhood while others were simply determined to go back at Rheola after four years.

Crowds lined the running track as races were conducted throughout the day, alternating their time watching old farm workhorses, the tractors, pulling heavy loads along the specially-prepared track as they have done at Rheola for more than 30 years. The family atmosphere saw the generations blend as one enjoying traditional entertainment - lucky envelopes and the spinning wheel still having popularity and bazaar stalls virtually selling out well before gates were to officially close.

The large crowd tucked into fare from the food stalls and the luncheon room was still serving customers late into the afternoon.

The carnival was back ... and the crowd loved it!

Master Tiny Tot Cruze Bare

Miss Tiny Tot Paige Soulsby

Junior carnival girl Mackenzie Roberts

Junior carnival boy Jack Riley-McCallum

Zandra Grattan-Lynch and Igor Grattan

Morgan Lanza and Georgia Hancock

Martha Haylett, Tshari Brown and Dan Straub

Volunteers run the spinning wheel

Youngster from across the Loddon enjoy a day in Rheola

Easter eggs from Dusty Raiyn-McIntyre

The drink stall crew

Applause all round at Rheola

Michelle Kerk’s sheep are put back in their pen after the sheep dog trials at Monday’s Rheola Charity Carnival

Life returns to popular highway pub

THERE have been cheers along the Loddon Valley Highway since last week’s re-opening of the Serpentine Hotel.

Sumanth Reddy and his team have the doors open, serving customers from across the district and welcoming travellers along the busy highway,

“We’ve given the hotel a complete refit with the latest equipment to serve ice-cold beer, a new kitchen for our chef Steve Cook and staff to prepare traditional country hotel fare and given the hotel a new inviting and welcoming decor,” said Sumanth who also runs the town’s nearby roadhouse.

“Our menu has been designed so that customers will want to keep returning to the Serpentine Hotel to enjoy our fare and hospitality. “And we really want the hotel to be a hub for the community

... where people living in town can come to chat and relax and farmers from across the district can catch up when they are in town.”

Sumanth said the town had missed having its “local” in recent years. “Residents kept saying how much they missed have a local hotel. I thought, this is really important for everyone and set about bringing life back to the local,” he said.

And while the menu is extensive, Sumanth said the fare would evolve with customers dropping in for a meal and a relaxing drink.

“We also want the Serpentine Hotel to be a great place for families to gather.

“Family life is pretty important for people around the area and we want families to enjoy the newlook Serpentine Hotel.”

Sumanth said live music would also be added to attractions at the Serpentine Hotel where already there is a large screen for customers to enjoy AFL football or the billiard table to challenge the skills of patrons.

“The Serpentine Hotel is for everyone and we look forward to giving them a great Serpentine welcome,” Sumanth said.

SUMANTH with Serpentine Hotel chef Steve Cook and Sue Webb ... preparing great meals for customers.

STARTERS

Soup of the Day $12 (Served with Turkish bread)

Garlic Bread $ 7

Wedges with Sour Cream $12 and Sweet Chilli Sauce

Marinated Chicken Wings w/chips $12

Mini Spring Rolls (4) $ 8

Chicken Nuggets (6) $10 with chips & tomato sauce

SALADS

Vegetarian $19

(lettuce, tomato, onion, capsicum, cucumber and carrot with boiled egg topped with Italian dressing)

Caesar Salad $21

(with home made croutons and a poached egg - anchovies optional) WITH CHICKEN $26 WITH SALMON AND AVOCADO $29

Warm Beef Salad $25 (prime Scotch fillet strips with red onions, tomato, capsicum, lettuce and sweep chilli sauce)

PASTA

Spaghetti Bolagnaise $22 (with parmesan cheese)

Caesar Salad $22 (home made creamy carbonara sauce and fettucine pasta with your choice of chicken; bacon & mushroom)

Lasagne $22

(layered pasta withg bolognaise sauce and white creamy cheese)

BAR MENU

Open Steak Sandwich $20 (Scotch fillet, bacon, lettuce, tomato, beetroot, cheese, caramelized onion & egg with chips)

Serpentine Burger $18

(beef pattie, bacon, lettuce, tomato, beetroot, cheese, caramelized onion & egg with chips)

Bangers and Mash $18

(beef sausages with mash potato & gravy)

Chicken Parma $22

(schnitzel topped with home made Neapolitan sauce, ham & chees with chips

Steak Eggs and Chips $25

Beer Battered Fish and Chips $19

MAINS from the grill

Serpentine Steaks (440g) $32 (Prime scotch fillet cooked to your liking, topped with your choice of sauce)

Rump $30 (cooked to your liking, topped with your choice of sauce)

Marinated Lamb Cutlets $34 (lamb cutlets infused with Serpentine marinade and served with mash)

Lamb Chops $30 (served with mash & your choice of sauce)

Mixed Grill $45 (prime Scotch fillet, sausage, lamb chop, rissole, bacon and egg served with your choice of sauce - allow extra 20 minutes)

CHICKEN

Chicken Satay Skewers $23 (chicken breast skewers served w/ rice and salad)

Chicken Schnitzel $20 (with your choice of sauce)

All meals served with chips and vegetables or chips and salad

CHICKEN PARMA

Traditional $24 (neapolitan sdauce with ham and grilled cheese)

Irish $27 (neapolitan sauce with mash, bacon, grilled cheese and gravy)

Swiss $27 (spicy plum sauce with onion, bacon and grilled cheese)

Aussie $27 (bbq sauce with bacon, onion, egg and grilled cheese)

SEAFOOD

Serpentine Fish $25 (grilled with a squeeze of lemon)

Beer Battered Fish $20 (home made beer battered fish with home made tartare sauce)

Garlic Prawns $27 (prawn tails in a creamy white sauce served on a bed of rice with a side salad)

Seafood Basket $29 (a combination of battered fish, battered prawns, salt and pepper calamari and battered scallops)

FOR LEASE BY TENDER

Network adds three new staff

LODDON Plains Landcare Network has employed three new part-time workers to assist in the completion of new and existing programs across the Loddon Plains.

The LPLN is a not-for-profit organisation that formed in 2009. It comprises 18 member Landcare and NRM community groups.

The network is overseen by a committee of management drawn from member groups. Its mission is securing healthy landscapes on the Loddon Plains.

The network runs a landscape restoration project called the GOANNA Project aimed at getting large-scale projects off the ground at the network level targeting priority sites in the Loddon Shire.

One of the new employees Gus Gould has a strong passion for the outdoors, the environment and sustainable land management.

Gus said: “It’s important that new generations understand the importance of the changing landscape and to proactively work towards healthier soils”.

Gus has an advanced diploma in agribusiness management from Longerenong Agricultural College. During his studies Gus spent time working on a cattle station in the Northern Territory where he learned about other grazing methods contrary to what he had learnt in his time in and around the Loddon Shire.

Andrew Perryman has always had an interest in sustainable farm practices and

knowledge, National scale

planting trees in ground. Having been born in the area Andrew has a passion for the Loddon area.

He said: “ Having worked on many farms in the Loddon Shire, It’s important to connect like-minded people in the area that are interested in the natural environment and regeneration of the landscape”.

This can be done by field days and workshops for members of the wider community that wish to learn more about biodiversity and sustainable farming enterprises.

Charlie Emich is a passionate landscape regenerator who has been working and volunteering in the field for eight years.

Charlie said: “one of my most loved projects was when working on Ned Corner Station, a Trust for Nature Property near Mildura in Victoria”.

Growing up in Germany and moving to Australia at the age of 18 shows her adventurous mindset and energy. It also reflects on her everyday passion to protect Australia’s rare and wild places.

“Being a project officer is an exciting new learning experience for me, seeing more into the organizational side of things while still being out on the field most days, which is what I enjoy the most,” she said.

The network now consists of four staff, led by Will Sanson the Landcare facilitator, and has opportunities available for for poeople to join the volunteer committee of management.

Arabella Lane - 86.19 Ha / 213.21 Ac

C/Allot 3 Section A, Parish of Glenalbyn Grazing and cropping allotment

Water to multiple dams

Primarily loam soils with shelter belts fencing fair to good condition

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted

Terms: Payment quarterly in advance, Tender will include + Rates + GST HIGHEST OR ANY TENDER NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED

Lease Commences: 1st May 2023

Tenders Close: 27th April 2023 @ 4pm at offices of FP Nevins & Co

Further Particulars:

92 Brooke Street INGLEWOOD VIC 3517

Office: 03 5438 3041 James Nevins: 0407 302 900 www.fpnevins.com.au

Charlie Emich, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Karly Whelan, Gus Gould and Andrew Perryman

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Bluey says hello to all the young readers of the Loddon Herald ... with special activities on our young reader’s page this month.

Winners of last month’s competition are Mollie N and Tilly N. Entries for this month’s special bakery colouring competition close April 2.

Send your entries to Bluey, Loddon Herald, PO Box 1188

Kangaroo Flat 3555 or email loddonherald@gmail.com

And remember to include your name, age and address so Bluey can pick the right prizes for our lucky winners of the colouring competition.

Farmers ... all in this together

Sir, Along with my husband, we are farmers - we were raised by farmers and now we are the parents of two young farmers.

Life on land is pretty darn good, we have our challenges but overall, we love what we do; there is an enormous amount of job satisfaction when we get things right.

Like all farmers, we work hard, we put in long hours in a self-employed occupation that’s a gamble. With a gamble comes risks, stress, sleepless nights and mental health issues.

Much of this goes unseen as farmers are the great pretenders. Farmers make passing comments such as, “she’ll be right mate;” “it’ll work out;” “it will be what it will be!”

This attitude has helped us through many tough times but maybe it’s time to get tough!

Recently our district has been blindsided with the news that 500kV towers, the size of the MCG lights and powerlines, will be draped across farmland.

The proposed route is from Dinawan to Bulgana, however details of the precise course of the double-circuit overhead transmission line appear to be confidential with the AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) keeping their cards very close to their chest.

I believe, and I think that most of us (the landholders/farmers) believe, that AEMO knows exactly where the powerlines will run.

Many questions are being raised by farmers regarding the health risks, land loss due to easements, increased fire dangers, limitations of machinery use, restrictions of irrigation and devaluation of land.

Answers to these pressing and prevailing questions are not being provided by AEMO.

It is our valuable farmland; surely, we deserve transparent and accurate answers to our concerns.

There is fear and frustration circulating amongst the farmers with many expressing that not one dollar of compensation will be worth the negative effects.

Collectively we are powerful but we keep being played and plagued with compliance after more compliance red tape, and we keep complying.

I’ve noticed that if one farming industry isn’t personally impacted, we sit quietly and let them fight their own battle. For example, the dairy farmers and the Murray-Darling Basin scandal saw many dairy farmers leave the land and it is still one of the most spoken about issues at every state and federal election.

Our fellow farmers in the Western Renewables Link district have been fighting this powerline project for the past three years, it’s only now, when it’s at our back door, do we care.

There is strength in unity. Farmers, we have a voice, let’s use it collectively. This is not a time to sit on our hands and think, ‘she’ll be right!’

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

Let’s stand together as one united body and articulate our concerns and demand answers.

We can direct our questions and objections, in writing, to AEMO and to our local and state governments and the VFF.

As farmers, we are all in this together.

Susie Lockhart Berrimul

Avoid trap and show local unity

Sir, It was encouraging to read of the Loddon Shire Councillors’ tentative support for landholders who face the prospect of gigantic transmission towers terrorising the landscape. (Loddon Herald March 30).

It can sometimes be tempting to feel relief, or to see this as someone else’s problem, if your town or farm is not in the proposed footprint.

But everyone pays a price if these 500 kiloVolt lines with 85-metre high towers are imposed upon us. Just in my small part of the world, the impact on the natural beauty of Pyramid Hill, the Loddon River, Boort Lakes, the Granites (Mt Egbert), Mt Buckrabanyule will be devastating.

Not to mention the lost productivity to farm land which has a flow on effect to the entire community – less grain in the receival sites, less stock for the stock agent, less irrigation supplies etc.

It seems that AEMO’s vague details and drip feeding of information is a deliberate strategy to prevent communities from uniting.

I hope our Loddon residents can show we are not going to fall into that trap. But instead, we show strength in unity. It doesn’t matter exactly whose backyard, we should support each other by writing our objections to AEMO.

SusanGould Mysia

Man-made challenge sent this way

Sir, Insensitive, insulting, disresoectful and so the list goes on.

The way in which the proposed transmision line Option 5 has been introduced to our community is nothing short of pathetic.

We heard a whisper of the route of a transmission line being changed to now going ‘somewhere’ (no one can say where) in our local communities and very soon after became aware that the Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio, had issued a ministerial order exempting the projects from challenges under the National Electricity Rules.

Three short weeks to have our ‘submisssions’ emailed with less than minimal information.

A drop-in session – the young people who were handing out the fact sheets, admitted they knew nothing about the project, an opportunity to have your say and be paid $20 if you were lucky enough to

Praise from readers after 150th Rheola Charity Carnival Mick Korong wrote: Caught up with lots of friends.

Mary-Anne Duke wrote: Amazing day, amazing crowd, amazing volunteers. Thank you to everyone.

Bev Taig wrote: Congrats Rheola community for such a wonderful day. Well done Thoroughly enjoyed the the country atmosphere meeting lots of friends.

be in the local supermarket on the right day, and a meeting time and date found on Facebook!

A poor attempt for community consultation but maybe a better one for ‘ticking the boxes’ which appears sadly to be the way we seem to do things today.

This project, if it goes ahead, will have catastrophic implications for our local farming families with their livelihoods being in jeopardy.

This will have a catastrophic knock on effect on our towns, farms not being viable will see the young families move on, school numbers decrease, shops and businesses close, health services no longer viable – it is not a great picture for our back yard.

The saying ‘If it’s not in our back yard it doesn’t matter’ – this proposal has been shifted from someone else’s back yard to our back yard, we have to shift it as well.

It is not a challenge that mother nature has sent us, it is not a drought, flood or mouse plague, it is a man-made challenge that can be changed - if we want it badly enough.

GlendaWatts Charlton

Tampering with expectations

Sir, Over the next six weeks, Victorians need to brace for a horror show that will be the Andrews Labor Government’s State Budget.

The Premier and Treasurer have been tempering our expectations, finally acknowledging the presence of Victoria’s record state debt.

Despite Premier Andrews promising no new taxes on live television in 2014, Labor has since slapped Victorians with 44 new taxes. It is very likely more taxes are set to be introduced in the May State Budget.

Victorians are paying a staggering $10 million every day to simply service Labor’s debt. That’s enough to resurface 10 kilometres of road every day, or to resurface the entire Calder Freeway between Melbourne and Bendigo every six months.

The reported axing of 10 percent of the public service shows that Labor is desperate to cut costs. Treasurer Tim Pallas himself has said this will have a massive impact on key services, but they’ll charge ahead with 5000 job cuts anyway. That could mean fewer nurses in a health system already in crisis, and fewer teachers in our classrooms.

The carnage won’t end there.

Labor is already struggling to pay invoices to businesses that helped with the flood response, road maintenance funding is likely to be cut further and community support grants are set to be scrapped entirely.

Only time will tell how Daniel Andrews will try dig himself out of this Labor-made crisis, but make no mistake, it will be Victorians who will pay for it.

PeterWalshMP LeaderofTheNationals

1. In human anatomy, PCL stands for ____ cruciate ligament?

2. What is the currency of Denmark?

3. In which state or territory would you find the Flinders Ranges?

4. How many players from a water polo team may be in the water at any one time?

5. Smith’s chips was founded in which year?

6. And in which country was that company founded?

7. Which is longer, one mile or one nautical mile?

8. The movie ‘Amadeus’ is about which classical composer?

9. What five colours are on the Olympic rings?

10. And what do those five rings represent?

11. Which actor played the Ninth Doctor in Doctor Who?

12. How long is the longest stretch of straight road in Australia?

13. KFC has how many secret herbs and spices?

14. Four months have 30 days, which are they?

15. What is Australia’s busiest airport?

16. What is John Farnham’s most well-known song?

17. Enid Blyton wrote the _____ Five series of books.

18. Elon Musk is the CEO of which global car brand?

19. In Monsters Inc. what is the full name of Sulley?

20. The stretch of ocean between Australia and New Zealand is named after which explorer?

Jill Hobbs wrote: Congratulations Rheola. A huge crowd, heaps of entertainment, lots of food. A wonderful day.

Cath Bratic wrote: It was an awesome day. So good to see it back in full swing.

Maryanne Murdoch wrote: Was a great day. Proud of our Grandson Cruze who won Master Rheola Tiny Tot.

Jany Clutton wrote: Was a great day. Looking at the crowds it was a great success. Thank you weather for holding off.

Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS

DIAMOND WEDDING

On 15th April 1963 at the Salvation Army Citadel Kaniva, Vic, Ruth and Peter Norman commenced 60 years together.

Our family has grown to four wonderful children wedded to four wonderful in-laws and subsequent children.

We thank the people of Wedderburn for accepting us into their community since 1967. Happy 60th

PUBLIC NOTICES

WEDDERBURN GOLF CLUB SEASON OPENING

Saturday 15 April

Ambrose event Assembly: Midday. Tee-off: 12.30pm

Followed by evening meal

Boort Badminton

Play resuming

Thursday 20/4/23 7:30pm

At Boort Sporting Stadium

MEETING

Buckrabanyule Memorial Hall Inc.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

A Public Meeting will be held on Wednesday,26 th April, 2023 commencing at 7:30pm at the Buckrabanyule Hall.

Discussion will focus on the future of the HalL

All Welcome Buckrabanyule Hall Committee

Yung Balug Keeping Place

The Museum is situated on the property of Paul & Cathie Haw.

Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire and adjoining districts

Email loddonherald@gmail.com

The

Deadline - Tuesdays 4pm - Phone 0419 549 743 email loddonherald@gmail.com Your

CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

New and returning players welcome

Well worth a visit to see the amazing Artefacts collected from the Boort Region.

Phone 0419549743

A recent addition is 34 photos taken by John Hunter Kerr in the 1850s. This was made possible by the State Library of Victoria.

Everyone is welcome. but please call or Email before visiting.

Phone - 0417 333 171

Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com

RHEOLA CHARITY CARNIVAL RESULTS

TRACTOR PULL

Rubbers super classic open: Kane Hendrickson 1, Nick Jaques 2, Dylan Barry 3. Rubbers under 20hp: Barry Finch

1, Alan Melton 2, Russell Begelhole and Leigh Passalick eq

3. Rubbers under 30hp: Mike Moore 1, Barry Finch 2, Alan

Lendon 3. Rubbers under 35hp: Jim Evans 1, Alan Lendon

2, Rob Heritage 3. Rubbers vintage open: Barry Finch 1, Victoria Hanson 2, Steve Hancock 3.

DOG TRIALS

Open: Roland Pell 1, Laurie Jardine 2, Neil Winslade 3, Michelle Kerk 4, Lisa Kennedy 5. Novice: Gary Sharrock 1, Brad watts 2, Roland Pell 3, David Walsh 4. RACES

Children’s races: 5yo boys: Oakley Meyer (Dunolly).

Girls: Annabelle Connolly (Reservoir). 6yo boys: Blake Collins (Logan). Girls: Addison Wright. 7yo boys: Dale Blok. Girls: Ella Campbell. 8yo boys: Logan Price (Clunes).

Girls: Izzy Corker. 9yo boys: Patrick Winslade (Wedderbur). Girls: Jasmine Rote (Rye).

10yo boys: Ned Corker, Nate Corker. Girls: Emily Harris (Bendigo). 11yo boys: Blaz Cramp (Wedderburn). Girls:

Lexey Hoober (Maryborough). 12yo boys: Harry McClelland (Dunolly). Girls: Memphis Hoober (Maryborough).

70-metre sprint: Dylan Caruana 1, Henry Laussen 2, Ryan Mason 3. Rheola Gift: Dylan Caruana 1, Louis Holt 2, Sidney Robinson 3. Sporting club challenge: Dylan Caruana.

WOODCHOP

Novice standing block: John Coffey 1, Blake Coffey 2. Underhand: Blake Coffey 1, Paddy Morvell 2, Jamie Doodt

3. Under 18 underhand: Blake Coffey 1, Paddy Morvell 2, Jamie Doodt 3.

Mod saw championship: Scott Anderson 1, Laurence O’Toole 2, Chris O’Toole 3. Open underhand division 1: Bobby Price 1, John Coffey 2, Rod Meyer 3. Division 2: John Coffey jun. 1, Chris O’Toole 2, Laurence O’Toole 3. Open standing block division 1: Scott Anderson 1, James Saunders 2, John Coffey 3. Division 2: Steven Newcombe

1, John Coffey jun. 2, Mark Handsford 3. Two-man X cut: John Coffey jun. and Blake Coffey 1, Dale and Mark Handsford 2, Rod Meyer and John Coffey

3. Veterans’ underhand: Alan Pearce 1, Laurence O’Toole

3, Don Handsford 3.

WEDDERBURN’S Dylan Caruana (fourth from left) with family and supporters after winning the 70 and 120-metre sprints and sporting club challenge at Rheola Charity Carnival on Monday. Dylan had returned home on Sunday night after competing in a motorcycle event in Mildura. While motorcycle racing is his first sporting passion, Dylan plays football for the Redbacks and on Monday saw off challengers from other sporting clubs across the region.

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

Junior league opening split

THE new AFL Central Victoria junior football competition will start on Saturday with a cloud still hanging over the league’s composition.

Loddon Valley under 18 premiers Marong will host East Loddon, the composite side formed last year to increase youth participation in the sport.

The 2022 four-team Loddon Valley competition was rolled into AFL Central Victoria’s proposed competition after local league officials wanted more viable and sustainable pathways for Loddon youngsters.

AFL Central Victoria is holding off its release of the new competition draw with manager Michael Hartley again this week saying clubs were being given the maxi-

Come and join us during our winter trading times. We will keep you warm with a range of specials and classic pub meals.

MONDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

TUESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM PARMA NIGHT

EXTENDED PARMA MENU

WEDNESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM FULL MENU AVAILABLE

THURSDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY - OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

LUNCHTIME SENIORS DAY

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE FULL MENU AVAILABLE

SATURDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

A fine pub with 100 years of trading – supplying you with friendly service, cold beer, spirits & wine, great meals, restaurant, accommodation & bottle shop.

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railwayhotelboort

mum time to muster playing numbers. Marong, East Loddon, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill and Bridgewater have committed to fielding sides but Bridgewater is still looking to lift its numbers into double figures.

Bridgewater is drawn to play Inglewood in the second half of round one while Pyramid Hill makes its debut in round two, according to a draft draw sent to clubs last month.

The Loddon Herald has been told that talks are underway that could see clubs with the bye providing players to bump up struggling clubs.

The AFL Central Victoria season start comes as a stouch erupted last week after the commission decided “not to approve

any season permits for the 2023 season which involve an under 17, under 17.5 or under 18 player moving between teams, clubs or leagues in these same age groups”.

The decision was condemned by Heathcote league officials.

Commission chairman Nicholas Rolfe was reported as saying: “(The permit rule) historically is not to enable sides who have insufficient numbers to be able to field a side based on permits.

“The preference is for the player to be cleared to a club and be part of that club,” he said.

Loddon clubs have voiced concern that Bendigo clubs with surplus junior players are not releasing them to clubs where youngsters could get a weekly game.

Bulldogs start season’s campaign

PYRAMID Hill opens its 2023 Loddon Valley football campaign on the road against Calivil on Saturday.

The Bulldogs had the opening round bye while no football was played in Loddon Valley league over Easter.

They have been serious contenders in recent years, but are yet to claim the silverware.

Coach Nathan Fitzpatrick starts another year in charge at Mitchell Park and has recruits Declan Slingo from Castlemaine, and Jesse Sheahan from South Bendigo.

The Bulldogs also welcome back Zac Alford, a premiership player with North Bendigo in 2019, and Jaryd Wishart.

Also on the transfer list to Pyramid Hill are Jayson and Lachlan Carroll, Lachlan

Dillon, Dylan Goulding, Darcy and Thomas Hetherington, Trent Leech and Tom McGregor.

Pyramid Hill showed some good form in practice matches and should have the wood on Calivil who were surprised in the opening round by Newbridge.

The Maroons may face a tougher assignment against Bears Lagoon Serpentine who showed strength around the ground when gaining the points over Inglewood.

Coach Justin Laird is key to Bears’ fortunes and his ability to quickly swing play into attack should prove a difference.

However, the Bears will need to be more strategic in forward lunges and avoid falling for the trap of feeling invincible as they did against Inglewood and

stirred Inglewood into greater self-belief that saw it almost snatch victory.

The Blues have the weekend’s tough assignment, up against Marong. This will perhaps not be a good yardstick on the improvement of Inglewood as Marong has already shown it’s again the team to beat.

Bridgewater is at home to Maiden Gully - the big winner and the big loser from round one going head to head.

Unless there’s a dramatic change in fortunes, Maiden Gully can only hope to kick more than one behind this week.

Calivil v Pyramid Hill

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Newbridge Marong v Inglewood Bridgewater v Maiden Gully

course.

60 new trees line fairway

LODDON golf clubs are ready to start their 2023 seasons from this weekend after recent working bees preparing fairways.

And at Wedderburn, the local club has planted 60 new native trees around the course.

President Tony Holt said: “We’ve spent recent week’s working on the course and replacing trees that had died on some fairways.

“Our course has a number of quite old trees, including one estimated to be 400 years old on the 14th, and we want to keep the vista looking good,” he said.

Wedderburn’s opening day is an ambrose event with hit off at 12.30pm.

Inglewood is holding junior clinics during the school holidays and has its opening day on Sunday.

Tony Holt inspects new trees planted at Wedderburn

Bowles fightback in title defence

DANIELLE Bowles was taken to three sets in the ladies’ singles championship at Boort Tennis Club’s 69th Easter tournament.

Bowles, who won her first title last year, faced a strong former champion Natalie Savage in the final with Savage relentless in the second set.

Singles play was abandoned after rain on Friday with matches rescheduled to Saturday.

The postponement saw some players drop out but the top entrants were on deck on Saturday.

Men’s singles championship: Jarrod Rodda d Travis Nagenthiran 6-2 6-4. Ladies: Danielle Bowles d Natalie Savage 6-4 1-6 6-3

Men’s graded singles: Section 1: Haydn Weaver. Section 2: Charlie Moore. Section 3: Alex Classon. Section 4: Kade Richardson. Section 5: Phil Hooten. Fast4 Tennis RR Mixed - Section 1: Steve Doherty and Danielle Jones. Section 2: Stephen Muraton and Annie Cusack. Section 3: Steve Brough and Linda Fitzpatrick. Section 4: Matt Catterson and Linda Muraton. Fast4 Tennis Mens Doubles - Section 1: Matt Catterson and Haydn Weaver. Section 2: Bill Molloy and Phil Hooten. Section 3: Alex Classon and Christian Classon. Ladies Doubles - Section 1: Bel Weaver and Brianna Weaver. Section 2: Susan Kamay and Vicky Selby

Family Doubles - Male: Section 1: Mark Doherty and Jett Doherty. Section 2: Christian Classon and Alex Classon. Section 3: Keven Sourgen and Liam Sour-

gen. Female Doubles - Section 1: Isabella Bowles and Danielle Bowles.

Men’s Doubles - Section 1: Haydn Weaver and Jayd Davis. Section 2: Carl Hardingham and Toby Hardingham. Sec-

tion 3: Greg Boyd and Adam Potter. Sec-

tion 4: Gary Gibson and Ross Gibson. Sec-

tion 5: Richard Field and Alex Cockerell.

Womens’ Doubles - Section 1: Bronwyn Osborne and Jessica Miller. Section 2: Madeline Inifer and Abbey Tran. Section

3: Maree Stringer and Jo Isaac

Family Mixed Doubles - Section 1: Charlie Moore and Abbey Moore. ection 2: Jack Gross and Shelley Gross. Section 3: Mackenzie Davis and Jayd Davis. Section

4: Lucie Watson and Paul Watson

Mixed Doubles - Section 1: Jayd Davis and Danielle Bowles. Section 2: Ben Wilson and Jai Jang. Section 3: Jeong Seong

Lyong and Hyunkyung Lee. Section 4: James Gross and Shelly Gross. Section 5: Alex Classon and Lily Telford. Section 6: Haydn Weaver and Bec Weaver. Section

7: Josh Martin and Kate Martin. Section

8: John Daly and Sandra Daly. Section 9: Mark Perryman and Eliza Perryman.

Junior Doubles – Boys - Section 1: Charlie Moore and Alex Classon d Jacob

Tran & Archer Telford. Section 2: Haydn Becker and Jaxson Sims d Chaise Hird and Jacob Malone

Junior Doubles – Girls: Section 1:

Madeline Inifer and Lucy Watson d Lili-

ana Telford and Abby Tran. Section 2:

Indie Gooding and Abby Potter d Emma Malone and Milly Scott.

Trio all smiles on home rink

CAPACITY fields contested Wedderburn Bowling Club’s annual Easter tournament.

And local players were among the honours.

Alan Jackson and Neale Holt took out Thursday’s pairs event while Alan had success again on Friday when he teamed with Laurie Witham and Andrew Caserta for first place in the triples.

Triples runners-up were Geoff Rigby, Robert Reseigh and Geoff Stoppard with the team of Grant Banks, Bob Montebello and Melissa Banks third.

The tournament’s blue ribbon event - Saturday’s Con Jackson memorial fours - was won by the the quartet of Mark Anderson, Geoff Baldwin, Bruce Morley and Inglewood’s Geoff Wilson.

Runners-up were Mick Millen Bruce Hargreaves Kaye Millen and Sandra Standfield with Bill Rodger Faye Rodger Anne McNally and Greg McNally third.

Bowlers came from across the region and Melbourne for the tournament, among them state

junior team representative Olivia Slade.

It was Olivia’s return to Wedderburn after first tasting the Easter tournament before COVID. She said the tournament had a good friendly atmosphere and had wanted to return.

The weekend was a warm-up for Olivia who will compete in

the state champion of champions title in Bendigo on April 23.

Olivia has worked her way to the ultimate championship after first winning the title at her Melbourne club, Heathmont. Accompanying her for play in Wedderburn were fellow Heathmont members, sister Lauren and John Sablyak.

Danielle Bowles defends her Boort title on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Men’s singles champion Jarrod Rodda. LH

Tournament director Alister McDougal (second left) with Reuben, James and Charles Dunstan after competing in the family doubles. LH PHOTO

Triples event victors Alan Jackson, Andrew Caserta and Laurie Witham. LH PHOTO

Olivia and Lauren Slade. LH PHOTO

HERALD sport

Thursday April 13, 2023

John shows chipping good form before Royal Show competition

JOHN Coffey hit the mark in Wimmera Axemen’s Association woodchop events at Monday’s Rheola Charity Carnival.

The Inglewood teenager (right) won the novice standing block event and was first in division two of the underhand competition.

His successes came on the

eve of flying to Sydney as a member of the Victorian junior team competing at the Royal Easter Show.

It was a family affair for the Coffeys with father John also in the action. John senior is pictured below with Don Handsford, 83, who has not missed a Rheola woodchop in 60 years.

IMMEDIATE IDEAS

THE new-look Boort will immediately know where it sits in the North Central league’s pecking order on Saturday night.

The Pies will meet league football powerhouse Sea Lake Nandaly under lights in the opening round.

New coach Dale Cameron said he expected the team to evolve over the first few rounds.

“But we will know where we sit straight away,” Cameron said.

Pies start season under lights against powerhouse

Boort recruited strongly in the off-season and Cameron said practice matches had shown glimpses of what the Pies could achieve this season.

“As players come into the side over the first few weeks, we want to be competitive, playing a team brand of football with structure and the team will evolve rapidly,”

he said. “There’s been some good work by the senior group and fitness should not be a problem.

“We showed some good defence work in the first half of the practice match against Pyramid Hill. Our defence was awesome and we need to back that up in the midfield.”

Signings at Boort this season

include Western Bulldogs premiership player Shane Biggs.

Drafted by Sydney Swans in 2012 after starring for Bendigo Gold in the VFL, Biggs played six matches across 2013-14, and 57 matches for the Bulldogs between 2015 and 2018.

Other newscomes are midfielder Jarrod Fitzpatrick from Golden Square, Brayden Aitken and Natnael McLaren from Maiden Gully, Ben Brinsmead, Rylan Chislett, Rhys Crapper, Ryan McGhie, Fraser Millar, Tim Rhook, Matthew Rice, Cameron Ross, and

Jesse Smith. Meanwhile, Wedderburn is at home in Saturday’s opening round, up against last season’s wooden spooners Charlton.

After a winless 2022, the Navies have recruited well.

The Redbacks finished last season with 10 wins but was bundled out in the semi-finals.

Coach Sam Barnes will be back playing for points after four years on the sidelines. Joining the Donaldson Park crew are Luke Brown, Hamish Lockhart and Bartholomew Walsh.

LH PHOTOS