Loddon Herald 14 October 2021

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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 38 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021 ISSN 2653-1550

AMBOS DECIDE THEIR WEDDING CAN WAIT PARAMEDICS Sarah Ludeman and Kyle Bateman will be putting community health and safety first this weekend.

The Mitiamo premiership netballer and her fiance were to have been married on Saturday.

But with restrictions still in place across Victoria, they decided last month that it would be safer to delay their wedding to February.

Sarah, who attended East Loddon P12 College before commencing university study in Bendigo and training with Ambulance Victoria, and Kyle are both attached to ambulance stations in Bendigo.

Sarah was again a key player in Mitiamo’s A Grade netball side that this season was named minor premiers in the COVID lockdown disrupted season.

LH PHOTO

SHUTTER SHOP

By CHRIS EARL

A LODDON cafe is closing its doors today with owners saying they will not risk fines for failing to police customer vaccination status.

Dee Slatter and Lindee Frost of Boort’s Godfrey and Bear made the call on Monday, a fortnight after first voicing concern at the impost of the State Government’s vaccine mandate on business.

Their decision comes as an-

Cafe owners say they refuse to be ‘police’

other businessman, Wedderburn industrial Geoff Burnside, fears the vaccine mandate will impact the region’s economy.

Dee and Lindee announced: “It is with very heavy hearts that we feel we have been left with no alternative but to close our doors for the time being.

“Our last day of trading will be Thursday October 14: after this

time we would be required to actively ‘police’ the public health orders in relation to vaccine mandates for staff and in the foreseeable future for our customers, or face significant fines,” their statement said.

“We hope that one day we will be open again where we can unconditionally serve and employ all people regardless of their

personal health choices.” Dee told the Loddon Herald: “We’re not anti-vaccination but we are against this mandate, it’s ruining businesses, it’s ruining communities.”

The mandate was unfair on relationships between businesses, their staff and customers, Dee said.

The State Government vaccination mandate starts from tomorrow as part of its roadmap to more freedom.

On Sunday, the Government announced 15 trial sites for the ‘double vaccination economy”

in six municipalities. The twoweek trial includes hotels in Wycheproof and Avoca, Bendigo’s art gallery, a gym and a church and will be followed by a second phase of trials.

However, details of the second phase and its duration have not been released. The Government was approached for comment.

And in changes to the border bubble arrangement, Loddon communities have been returned to the zone.

MORE REPORTS - PAGE 3

NOW SELLING STOCKFEED

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021

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OCKATOOS and seagulls don’t exactly have glowing reputations for their connection with the human world. They have voracious appetites, always on the lookout for a few extra morsels that make Oliver Twist (remember, please sir, can I have more!) a fairly humble consumer of foodstuffs in comparison. In Old Sydney Town, the place with greater freedom these days than even the first convicts and certainly our poor family and friends in Melbourne, the cockies are certainly clever birds. It seems the Sydneyside Cockatoos have learned to open wheelie rubbish bins - and the technique is catching on, as others have worked out how to do it by watching them. Australian sulphurcrested cockatoos were first observed opening the lids of bins to scavenge for food a number of years ago by ornithologist Richard Major.

There’s now even a scientific team in Germany studying their antics. The phenomenon started in three suburbs of Sydney in early 2018, and it has now been found that it had spread to 44 suburbs by late 2019. After analysing videos of 160 of the clever birds lifting bin lids, and, by assessing the geographic spread, they decided most birds learned by watching others.

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OW seagulls are a different thing again. Not quite as smart as the Sydney cockies (we’ve never once seen them display the smarts to open a bin lid. But copying by example they sure do. Have you ever noticed how it only takes one to spot a crumb and suddenly there are hundreds in the queue for any food discards at the beach.

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COUPLE of years ago, we’re told of an amazing sight over in Glasgow, Scotland,. there assembled was a blended school of pigeons and a colony of seagulls when one midday shopper obliviously strolled through the temporary open-air aviary ... and into the local Specsavers shop. And no, they weren’t filming a TV commercial. But perhaps he was

trying to pitch an advertising concept to the dispensers of optical aids and funny interludes between scenes of a TV show

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HESE naughty seagulls can make headlines for the wrong reasons. One used to steal packets of chips from a newsagent. Sam the Seagull, a notorious shoplifter, was well known for simply walking into the newsagents and whipping a packet of cheesy Doritos off the display. The locals thought that this was quite funny, and would pay for the Doritos, just for the laugh. One day the seagull had obviously decided that Doritos were not enough, and went into the petrol station and carried off a full box of cheesy balls, but found that he couldn’t drag the box and open the door at the same time. A passing RSPCA inspector overpowered the renegade seagull. This is a true story and police were reported as saying: “We understand that this hardened criminal seagull has moved up from simple shoplifting to more audacious robbery. It has been known for some time that gangs of seagulls have been active in the area, mugging kids for ice-creams and chips.”

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ACK to cockatoos. Why did the cockatoo sit on the clock? So he’d be on time!

Share your yarns in Over the Fence loddonherald@gmail.com

Loddon’s tourism and marketing assistant Faith Cooper with La Trobe student Lucy McNaughton-Perry.

Region’s first in tourism study LA TROBE University student Lucy McNaughton-Perry has been completing a work integrated learning placement within the tourism section at Loddon Shire Council.

Lucy’s placement has focused on digital marketing with her

assisting in social media and the tourism website.

She is studying hospitality and tourism at La Trobe Bendigo and is the first student to undertake placement with Loddon Shire’s tourism team based in Wedderburn.

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Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021 | 3

Industry blasts vaccine responsibililty shift INDUSTRIALIST Geoff Burnside fears the State Government’s COVID vaccination mandate will damage the Loddon economy.

Mr Burnside, owner of Wedderburn-based Turf Engineering employing 15 people, says it was wrong for business “to carry the can” enforcing what he described as draconian and bureaucratic decisions by the Government.

“It’s totally wrong for Premier Andrews, his government and their unelected health bureaucrats to make businesses responsible for enforcing the worker vaccine mandate,” he said.

“What government in their right mind could deny work to anyone?

“After the lunacy of locking

down, opening up, locking down every time there are a few cases, and none in our region ... we have to live with COVID. “The choice for people in being vaccinated or not is pretty simple - have the two doses and there will be milder symptoms or if you don’t, you’ll get pretty crook.

“I’m running a factory, not a health institution, so to put the onus on businesses to enforce rules that work against the democratic rule of Australia makes you wonder what type of government we have.”

Mr Burnside that his business was one of several across the Loddon that now risked losing staff.

“We could see up to half our workforce leave because for whatever reason, they won’t or can’t have the COVID vaccines.

That’s not good for the local economy, for jobs and for business,” he said.

“The way Premier Andrews has imposed this mandate, if anything goes wrong, he will put all the blame on business.

“It’s a childish approach and even now, we still can’t go to the pub with a large group of family and friends or play bowls.

“Open the place up ... let us do something.”

Mr Burnside also questioned the vaccine mandate that would give those who refuse the jab, to receive unemployment benefits

instead of being at work. Meanwhile, several other Loddon businesses have said they are struggling to retain some staff ahead of the mandated vaccination. And they have reported a double challenge in securing replacement staff for part-time positions.

The Government has said that “authorised workers” whose work requires contact with others must show proof they have received or booked their first vaccination, or have a medical exemption from an authorised practitioner by tomorrow.

Workers, including CFA volunteers, without an exemption must be fully vaccinated by November 26.

Arts trail debut will wait until next year THE Loddon’s first art trail weekend showcasing the region’s creative residents has been postponed.

The decision was made on Monday after discussions between Loddon Shire Council and participating artists.

Almost 50 artists were to have be featured across more than a dozen locations in Inglewood, Bridgewater, Wedderburn, Tarnagulla, Eastville and Murphy’s Creek.

The Loddon Herald has been told some venue hosts were concerned for public health and the uncertainty of COVID restrictions still in place.

Council said in a statement: “The Loddon Valley Arts Trail has been postponed, with new dates in 2022 still to be decided.

“If you are planning on visiting the Loddon Valley please ensure you stay COVID-safe and respect the local businesses by wearing a mask, sanitising and checking in at venues using the Services Victoria app.”

However, several of the artists originally on the inaugural Loddon Arts Trail bill have decided they will still be open with special exhibitions and activities on October 23 and 24.

Among them is Ainsley McPherson, of Arts of Olde, Bridgewater, who was a key in-

Local hospital hits 100% milestone BOORT District Health can now boast 100 per cent vaccination of its staff. The hospital has released a special video to celebrate the milestone.

The Boort achievement comes as the Loddon Shire passes 90 per cent of residents receiving their first vaccination.

All students back ST MARY’S Primary School Inglewood on Monday welcomed students in Grades 3-6 back to school.

“Due to our class structures, we’ve been able to open our doors to all students. We’re so happy to have everyone back and learning onsite with their classroom teachers,” said principal Kim Carter.

Meanwhile, government schools continue with a staggered return to school timetable for students.

Vaccine eligible

Bridgewater artist Ainsley McPherson is confident the delayed arts trail will be a success. LH PHOTO stigator in gaining council support for the concept.

“It’s disappointing we will not go ahead as planned next week.

We’re now talking about a new date in 2022 for the major arts trail event,” she said. “When the trail happens, it will be a wonderful weekend for the shire.

“However, next weekend (October 23 and 24) will still see a

number of us open and welcoming visitors who are looking to experience the creative industries that are now based in the district .”

Mal Gilmore’s Inglewood studio will feature his miniatures collection while several businesses in Tarnagulla will push on with their activities.

Meanwhile, Inglewood an-

tiques shop Fusspots has temporarily closed saying that “due to the rapid escalation of COVID infections across the state we have decided to close our doors for the moment. Yes we are being abundantly cautious with our health, your health and with the health of our community in mind.”

ARTISTS IN PROFILE - PAGE 11

PFIZER and Moderna is now available to people of any age through state-run vaccination centres.

The extension of access was announced on Monday when 86 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over had received their first dose – including 93 per cent of people aged 50 and over, more than 95 per cent of people aged 70 and over, and 64 per cent of people aged between 12 and 15.

Vaccinations continue to be offered at health services, GP clinics and pharmacies across the Loddon.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021

Riding community spirit wave KEITH Noble takes pride in his neighbourhood and has now jumped in to help keep the old Bridgewater railway station precinct neat and tidy.

Keith, who moved to the town eight years ago, started up his ride-on mower a few weeks back and now regularly keeps the grass down.

“It’s a wonderful building and I just wanted to make sure the area is looking good. And it’s also keeping it safe for children from the nearby school ... I’ve spotted a few snakes in recent weeks,” he said.

Keith said the area used to “look a bit like a jungle and you’d see foxes and kangaroos here all the time.”

The former station building is being transformed into a community hub and Keith has since been quickly co-opted as a member of the station committee under the auspices of Kooyoora Women’s Network.

Network president Colleen Condliffe said the group was most grateful for Keith quietly doing his bit for the project and the town.

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Keith Noble keeps grass in check at Bridgewater. LH PHOTO

Farm security vigilance urged LODDON police want local farmers to be more security-conscious after more incidents in the past week.

They are investigating the theft of equipment from a Salisbury West property and also reported that alleged offenders had been caught on Sunday at Buckrabanyule attempting to take mulch.

A trailer and fuel tanks were taken early morning in the Salisbury West incident.

The alleged offender was later caught in Bendigo and property recovered.

“It’s very important that farmers are extremely alert and ensure houses and sheds are locked when they are not on the property,” police said. “We also encourage people who see unexpected vehicles driving near their farms in the middle of the night to call police.”

A new campaign was launched by Crime Stoppers in partnership with Victoria Police last week - Putting a Spotlight on Farm Crime.

Data released by the Crime Statistics Agency has revealed livestock theft across the state has risen by 2 per cent in the past 12 months, costing rural communities close to $2 million. Despite this

figure, under-reporting of farm crime remains a widespread problem.

Chief executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, said farm thieves were becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they target victims.

“We’re seeing offenders use drones and satellite imagery to spy on rural properties. It doesn’t matter if you live in a remote area, with technology criminals can easily find a way to steal from you,” Ms Smith said. z A 23-year-old Inglewood man has lost his licence for 12 months after allegedly returning a blood alcohol reading of .12 in Tarnagulla Road, Inglewood, Friday night.

Police also fined three drivers for exceeding the 100kmh limit by more than 20kmh over three days last week.

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021 | 5

Students studying in the den EAST Loddon Lions Club’s den has become a study home for VCE students this month.

They are spending hours at the den preparing for the start of examinations.

East Loddon P12 College senior sub-school leader Sarah Byrne said: “The idea is to replicate the real exam environment.

“Some times are modified with the aim of causing minimal disruption to quality class time. I am extremely proud and impressed with our students dedication to their studies, there is no substitute for hard work when it comes to many things but ATAR scores in particular.

“I would like to commend them on their hard work to date.”

Sarah said the Lions Club den had also been used for last week’s rescheduled General Achievement Test (GAT).

“Due to COVID-19 our students had to persevere with several date changes,” she said.

“All of our students - 22 in total - completing VCE/VET Units 3 and 4 subjects were required to sit this exam.

“The exam is one of the longest being three hours and 15 minutes.”

Sarah said that during the recent school holidays, the majority of Year 12 students were participating in revision lectures, practice exams and completing their own extensive revision programs.

“Their work ethic and desire to do their best is inspirational.”

Engine taken to temporary ‘new’ home PYRAMID Hill’s historic Ruston Hornsby engine has been taken for safe storage to Mitchell Park.

The engine that was housed at the town’s butter factory, later the pet food factory and was used as a back-up electricity supply, has been donated to the local historical society.

Society members removed the engine to Mitchell Park where it is being stored with other machinery and implements until the site in Barber St is ready for a new display centre planned by the society.

The shed that housed the engine was also been carefully removed for re-erection.

Historic shed is dismantled East Loddon students at the Lions Club den.

Early offers for university courses SIX students at East Loddon P12 College have received early entrance offers for university courses next year.

Receiving spots at Australia Catholic University are Bridget Baker (paramedicine/nursing), Taylah Diss (speech pathology)

and Izzy Botheras (paramedicine/nursing.

Will Stringer has received an offer at Federation University for nursing.

Offers at La Trobe University have gone to Abbey Cockerell (nutrition science), Ben Col-

lins (science), Jasmin Gallagher (law/business) and Oscar Hocking (civil engineering) Jack Demeo (agriculture science) and Zoe Lister (veterinary Science) have received early offers from Charles Sturt University.

Entries close ENTRIES in the Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2021 art competition have closed.

A total of 104 artworks were received – the largest number ever, with artists capturing the mental health themes. Winners are to be announced shortly.

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021

Lake group elects leaders

By PAUL HAW

LITTLE Lake Boort Asset Committee has just held its annual general meeting, Neil Beattie is once again president, Ray Stomann the Treasurer and Barry Kennedy continues on as secretary.

This is one of the most important committees in Boort, as Little Lake Boort is the main asset to the town, possibly the shire for tourism.

It is estimated that the lake could be worth up to $3 million to the community every year.

During the summer holidays and the Easter period the population of the town doubles.

The committee is looking for new members, especially young ones to make sure that the assets are well managed in the future.

Little Lake Boort was once part of the Big Lake until it was annexed off by an irrigation channel in the 1920s.

Both wetlands were covered with Red Gums and fringed by Black Box. All of the Red Gums drowned during the 1850s after Mr Godfrey (owner of Boort Station) changed the course of the Loddon River filling the wetlands permanently.

By 1900, practically every tree was cleared out of Little Lake Boort so it could be used for the rowing club, fishing and swimming.

The original township of Boort used to be on the banks of the Kinypanial Creek which flowed into the Big Lake, after the 1870

flood (the biggest flood that has ever been recorded) shifted to higher ground on the Lunette Hill where Boort stands today.

Also, the Railway line which came through in 1883 guaranteed that the town had to shift.

In the early 1880s, a dam was constructed on the west side of Little Lake Boort to supply the Steam Trains and the growing town with water. This was known as the “Pumping Dam”, mainly because water had to be pumped to the railway station and later on to the water tower on the hill. All of the water for this dam came from the Loddon River down the Kinypanial Creek until the 1920s.

Another part of the lake was banked off where the present swimming pool is, to create the first swimming pool. The pool was noted for having the biggest leaches in Victoria, Boort became known as having the

best swimmers for years, this was due to the fact, that if you stopped swimming, you would be covered in leaches, everyone learnt to swim very fast very quickly!.

Little Lake Boort is 72 hectares and holds approximately 900Ml, it evaporates approximately 800Ml a year. The Community and the Loddon Shire together over the years have secured a water entitlement of 900Ml which guarantees water for the lake most years.

This year, holidaymakers are guaranteed a full lake until Easter. Little Lake Boort when full is 1.5 metres deep, there is no natural catchment, therefore all water is obtained through the GMW channel.

Little Lake Boort has one of the most popular walking tracks in the shire.

The track is 3.7km long with an average of 200 walkers a day

during the week and many more at weekends.

Boort receives many visitors from the Mallee, mainly during the summer, just to come and sit on green lawns and to have a picnic.

Often aquatic plants develop on the bed of the lake causing a hindrance to speed boats, solving this problem the community built a specially designed boat to cut the aquatic plants off and auger them into the boat then dumping the load onto the bank.

This assures that the speed boats are able to operate safely.

At the moment the committee is looking for operators to drive “Weed Boat Willie”. If you are interested contact Barry Kennedy.

The Little Lake Boort committee covered many items at the last meeting.

The main ones were maintaining the current water level until Easter when the lake will be partially drained for maintenance through winter.

This maintenance includes beaching in Nolens Park and other areas. The committee hopes to oil the boardwalk and the bridge near the holiday park well before Christmas.

More sand will be placed along the beach in the holiday park, the committee is looking into installing a canoe launching pad as canoeing is now very popular on the lake.

More parking is now needed near the holiday park, a suggestion was tidying up the area east of the park over the channel.

Website helps food and beverage manufacturers

Pool and spa registrations reminder

A new website created by Rural Councils Victoria aims to help food and beverage manufacturers expand their businesses or to invest in rural Victoria.

With summer fast approaching, pool and spa owners are reminded they must register their pool or spa with Council.

The website showcases opportunities for businesses across rural Victoria (including Loddon Shire) and provides the contact details of Council employees for businesses to follow up with.

As part of the changes, owners are required to register their pool or spa with Council. Owners are also required to have their pool safety barrier / fence inspected every four years or if they are selling a property or leasing a property that has a pool or spa capable of holding more than 300mm of water.

The website also features a downloadable database of all assets across rural Victoria and information on economic trends for food and beverage manufacturing in rural Victoria.

To find out more, visit http://ruralcouncilsvictoria.rezme.com/

THE former St John the Evangelist vicarage and hall at Newbridge are for sale.

The 19th century buildings on four hectares have been listed for sale for $1.5 million.

Pink splashes MORE Loddon businesses are Pinking Up Their Towns as local communities help promote breast cancer awareness this month.

Among the latest to add a splash of pink is Bridgewater Nursery where verandah posts have been wrapped in the bright colour.

Business case CONSULTANTS have been appointed to prepare a business case for construction of aged care accommodation in Wedderburn.

The town’s Lions Club is continuing to advocate for aged care accommodation and preparation of a business case is the next stage in its advocacy and fundraising for the project.

Solar rebate VICTORIANS can now access the $3500 battery Solar Homes rebate when they bundle their new rooftop solar with battery storage.

The State Government’s $1.3 billion solar homes program aims to install solar panels, solar hot water systems or batteries on 770,000 homes over 10 years.

The requirements to provide a safety barrier / fence applies to all pools and spas with the exception of a relocatable pool that is only capable of holding a depth of water less than 300mm.

More information, including a link to the application form to register your pool or spa, is available from Council’s website: www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Building-services/ Swimming-pool-and-spa-barriers

WEDDERBURN

SERPENTINE

41 High Street Wedderburn 3515

37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine 3516

T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003

T: 5494 1202 F: 5437 8407

Open to the public, subject to

Currently closed to the public, customer support service available by phone

COVID-19 restrictions Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

Vicarage sale

On 1 December 2019, new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria. They introduced new registration, inspection and certification requirements for property owners.

The website provides information about industrial assets across rural Victoria, including location, type (land, greenfield, brownfield), value (relative sales prices from the Victorian ValuerGeneral), contact details for the councils where the assets are located and informative interactive maps of locations.

Mayor Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

IN BRIEF

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021 | 7

Crafty COVID creations corner cocky and cakes

By CHRIS EARL WHAT started as a Saturday morning story assignment about a cockatoo on a wall, turned into capturing one town’s creative connection during the lockdowns of 2021.

And there was added celebration for the craftiness of Wedderburn’s Jude Raftis who midinterview started having visitors on the footpath with presents for her birthday the same day.

Jude finally completed crafting a new 14-panel mosaic of a cockatoo during the last lockdown and was aided by Cheryl Bailey in the two-year journey from idea to completion.

Jude said she wanted a mosaic that stood out. The white cockatoo was her answer and Cheryl was tasked with coming up with a design.

Each panel is 90cm x 90cm and it took Jude eight months to turn the flying cockatoo design into a mosaic.

“I call it my COVID Cocky,” she said, thanking Cheryl and also Nick Chalmers who installed the finished work of art.

Cheryl’s hand in the new mosaic on the Reef Street-Wilson Street corner has not been her only contribution to keeping spirits high in the community.

Since last September, Cheryl has made 93 cakes for special occasions of locals.

“Most have been for birthdays when people, unable to have a party, still wanted something special to mark milestone occasions,” Cheryl said.

“There have been many different requests for how the cakes are decorated, with AFL club

Remembrance park THE region’s crematorium manager Remembrance Parks Central Victoria wants local residents to consider joining its volunteer community advisory Committee.

The committee will provide advice and guidance to assist in carrying out community engagement responsibilities, and to represent community and client views in the planning and delivery of services, operations, planning and policy development. Chief executive officer Dean McElroy said the community advisory committee allowed Remembrance Parks Central Victoria to build a deeper understanding of communities and their diverse range of cultural, religious and spiritual perspectives.

Board change CATALYST Metals Limited has told the Australian Stock Exchange that James Champion de Crespigny has accepted an invitation to join its board and will be appointed as a non-executive director immediately following the company’s annual general meeting to be held on November 12.

Cheryl Bailey and Julie Ritchie celebrate Jude Raftis’ birthday and a new cockatoo mosaic while (right) Cheryl creates another cake in her kitchen.

Fire permits SPECIAL permits have been introduced to allow Melbourne residents to travel into country Victoria to prepare their properties for the fire season. Regional property owners from metropolitan Melbourne or any other restricted regions can apply to the relevant council where their second property is located for written formal approval to undertake fire preparedness of their properties.

LH PHOTOS

emblems popular. Even in lockdowns, people have still wanted special treats for their birthday.”

The crafty collaborations have kept Jude and Cheryl engaged and occupied during lockdowns.

“Lockdowns gave me the chance to finally finish a mosaic I started on two years ago. I had the time to get it done,” Jude said.

Bishop visit

Catchment selected for vegetation pilot project FARMERS in the North Central catchment region can get in early on a program aimed at rewarding them financially for improving, enhancing, and maintaining existing native vegetation on their farms.

The North Central catchment is the only one in Victoria to be chosen for the Enhancing Rem-

IN BRIEF

nant Vegetation Pilot. The pilot is part of the Australian Government’s $66.1 million agriculture biodiversity stewardship package.

North Central Catchment Management Authority environmental assets program manager Nicole Bullen said the pilot was a great chance for local farmers to

get in early and take advantage of the benefits.

“A lot of farmers in our region are also environmental stewards, and this program rewards and encourages that,” she said.

“Under the pilot project, farmers can apply for funding for activities that help them care for remnant native vegetation on

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their properties, including activities such as fencing installation, weeding, pest control and replanting.

Details farmers need about the Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot, including eligibility, pricing and application guides can be found at the Agriculture Victoria website.s

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BISHOP of Bendigo Matt Brain attended St John the Evangelist Newbridge for the monthly service on Sunday.

Second quake TREMORS from a second earthquake within weeks in Victoria, this centred near Murrayville, were felt on Saturday. Residents in Boort reported feeling the tremors.

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021

Drought innovation hub gets $2.5m federal lift AGRICULTURAL innovation in Victoria has received a significant boost with the Commonwealth Government announcing $2.5 million of additional funding for the Victorian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, The Victorian Hub, which is led by the University of Melbourne, is based at the University’s Dookie Campus and has five nodes throughout regional Victoria, including a partnership with Birchip Cropping Group.

Professor John Fazakerley, Dean of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne, said: “I want to thank the Australian Government for this investment, it will allow the Victoria Drought Hub, with its existing strong collaborations and expertise, to expand its activities to more broadly support agricultural innovation,” he said.

“Innovation is vital to the future of agriculture, and the Victoria Drought Hub is perfectly positioned across farming groups, communities, industry and academic training, research and innovation to develop and deliver solutions to our farmers and supply chains.”

Hub co-director, Professor Ruth Nettle, from the Rural Innovation Group at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of

Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, says that this investment will enhance the work already being undertaken across Victoria.

“Since its inception in April, the Victoria Drought Hub has brought together farming groups, communities, the State Government and universities in strong collaborative relationships, and has been making strong progress in developing ways to support farmers and communities to be better prepared for drought when it inevitably hits,” she said.

“This new funding will allow us to focus even more on innovative solutions to allow our

local agricultural industry to thrive in a changing climate, and in an increasingly competitive global agricultural marketplace.”

Co-director Professor Timothy Reeves, from the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, who is based at the University’s Dookie Campus, is excited that much of this work will support innovation in the regions where agricultural and food production is the mainstay of many industries and communities.

“Our partners around Victoria have first-hand knowledge of innovation needs and have connections in the community to facilitate lasting progress towards a sustainable, resilient and prof-

itable future for our agriculture sector.”

“With nodes covering Gippsland, the south-west, the northwest, the north-east and the north-west irrigated horticulture regions, the Hub is embedded in every part of Victoria.”

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud and Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum announced the funding, indicating the hubs were the key to unlocking the potential of the agricultural innovation system.

“The hubs will build connections between researchers, technology developers, investors, producers and agribusinesses to drive innovation and digital technology uptake across industry and the supply-chain,” Mr Littleproud said.

The Victorian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is a partnership between the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, Federation University, La Trobe University, Agriculture Victoria and five industry and farming groups – Birchip Cropping Group, Food & Fibre Gippsland, Southern Farming Systems, Riverine Plains and the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre and is supported by funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Women opt for date in March MARCH has been set as the new date for Women on Farms Gathering Inglewood.

Organisers were forced to postpone the planned gathering several times over the past two years due to COVID restrictions.

The new date will now be March 25 to 27.

One of the organisers, Jenny Hosking, said: “Through postponing to 2022, we hope the weekend will be able to take advantage of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions anticipated for next year in line with Victoria’s delivery of the COVID-19 roadmap plan.

“This will allow us to increase attendee numbers and have greater flexibility in the services and activities offered throughout the weekend,” she said.

“By offering the weekend in 2022, we also want to make sure the Women on Farms Inglewood Gathering offers its beautiful mini-market showcasing local Loddon producers, workshops, inspirational guest speakers.

“In addition, (the new date will) ensure our aim is fulfilled of making our wonderful women on farms feel absolutely celebrated.

Registrations have opened for the event. People who had booked tickets for the 2021 date, will be provided with updated tickets.

SHEEP LAMB supply more than doubled to 24,000 head at Bendigo this week.

Quality improved on the rain affected sale of a week ago, with bigger lines showing good finish available.

The buying ranks were missing one exporter and one major domestic order, and some other processors were fairly quite.

Buyers did try to noticeably pull the market below what auctioneers were asking, although they weren’t always successful.

The price trend across most lamb categories was $5 to $10/head easier, and bidding at this sale did start to show more

variance based around breed quality and condition.

There was bigger price changes of $10 to $20/head less recorded for some plainer light lambs. Any heavier young lambs in fresh condition were the best supported.

Demand from export buyers was still strong and a limited selection of heavy young lambs over 28kg cwt sold from $290 to a top of $320/head.

The majority of the lead pens of young lambs from $235 to $280, with the fat score four crossbreds in the 24kg to 26kg cwt range averaging $241/head.

The estimated cost of a run of trade

and heavy processing lambs was 900c to 930c/kg cwt.

Restockers from Ballarat helped keep a price floor in the trade section, paying from $220 to $234/head for lambs to shear.

The more genuine sized store lambs at 16kg to 18kg cwt from $153 to $168 to average $162/head to the paddock, with buyers from Shepparton, Euroa, Bendigo and Echuca active. Very small lambs $121 to $136/head. Old lamb quality is now down to very mixed and mostly smaller penlots as tail-end drafts come through the system. Prices were cheaper.

Sheep supply lifted to 10,000 head, with all weights and grades on offer.

Competition for extra heavy mutton was much more subdued than recent weeks, the heaviest crossbred and Merino ewes showing falls of $30 to $50/head on recent weeks.

At least four regular mutton orders weren’t operating. Neat trade weight mutton were not as discounted, although all mutton was considerably cheaper and the market continued to loose momentum as the sale progressed. The majority of sheep averaged less than 600c, with supersized ewes estimated down at 500c/ kg cwt.

SUCKERS KF & BA Cail Raywood (14) $320, Feder Family Lilipur (41) $311, WJ Whatley Goornong (57) $290, AJ & GJ Lloyd Stuart Mill (40) $290, R Niven Runnymede (23) $285, AJ & EJ Chamber Marong (40) $285, RH & K Jennings Baringhup (18) $285, DP & SA Ludeman Raywood (74) $281, DJ & SL Lloyd Stuart Mill (23) $280, Coatsworth & Basford Teddywaddy (53) $280, MF Ryan Colbinabbin (85) $278, IJ & JL Whatley Goornong (24) $275, SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (61) $274, RE & SF Coatsworth Wycheproof (59) $270, ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (69) $269, T Myers Stuart Mill (36) $269,

A & A Holt Wedderburn (75) $265, Cocking Nominees Pyramid Hill (13) $264, DL & TM Jensen Lockington (74) $262, GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (163) $259, Mark Hall Wychitella (158) $256, R & D Last Fiery Flat (56) $253, P & B Meighan Mitiamo (46) $251, The Active Corp Sutton Grange (40) $250, D & R Hannigan, Barrakee (93) $246, GD & DG Freemantle Eddington (40) $245, Elysian Downs Raywood (63) $245, DG & EJ Rathjen Colbinabbin (51) $243, Crowden Weeks P/L Serpentine (116) $241, Sam Tanner Baddoginnie (72) $240, AA Jensen & Son Serpentine (65) $238, Nutbyrne, Knowsley (29) $237, KJ & SR Smith Runnymede (34) $235, Ron Henson Echuca (31) $235, Freemantle & Bell Woodstock (32) $235, MN Isaac Powlett Plains (71) $235, G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (71) $234, R & H Last Fiery Flat (41) $234, K & S Canfield Salisbury West (61) $234, B & E Kerlin Corop (90) $233, BW, JR & RA Baker & VC Wall Sutton Grange (74) $232, P & K Howard Goornong (124) $232, Sandy Ridge Farming Kerang (54) $228, PD Reynolds Pyramid Hill (76) $225, Andshara Family Trust Berrimal (89) $224, PN & WL Merlo Maldon (37) $200.

MERINO LAMBS Milojevic F/T Echuca (98) $205.

MERINO WETHERS WR Passalick Wehla (22) $191, GJ & VJ Baldwin Gre Gre (171) $188. .

CROSSBRED EWES SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (33) $192, B & M Barlow Wanalta (11) $191, Sam Tanner Baddaginnie (82) $186, Heighton P/Ship Wycheproof (32) $185, AR Davies Newman (70) $184, PN & WL Merlo Maldon (51) $176, GD & DG Freemantle Eddington (17) $165, Trenaoff Past Longwood (106) $149.

MERINO EWES

K & S Canfield Salisbury West (66) $175, A Peverill Teddywaddy (10) $175, RS & NE Kirk Nine Mile (13) $175, Freemantle & Bell Woodstock (43) $171, MR & HE Dohnt Neereman (38) $171.

GRAIN Wheat: H1 $323. H2 $323. APW1 $321. ASW $316.

Barley: PL1 $235, SP1 $235. BAR1 $235.

Pulses: FABA1 $358. FABA2 $348. New crop: APW MG $323. BAR1 MG $253. Non-GM Canola $916 +/- AOF. Faba beans No1: $380.

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021 | 9

Kerri Contini, Director of Community Services

Phillip Moran, Pomona Chamber of Commerce

Phil Jarratt, Journalist

Joe Langley, Joe Langley Real Estate

Ralph Rogers, Noosa Businessman

WE’RE VACCINATED ARE YOU?

Clare Stewart, Noosa Mayor

Loddon communities are great places to live work

Noosa is a great place to live work and play. and play.

We want to make it even better, so let’s We want to make it even better, so let’s do it do it together. together and #rolluploddon

The ourbest bestshot shot The Covid-19 COVID-19 vaccine vaccine isis our at keeping at uskeeping all safe. us all safe.

So we’ve we’re encouraging get the jab.

So teamed up everyone with our to mates at Noosa Today to encourage Join our local vaccination heroes everyone and get the jabget to protect to the jab.you, your family, friends and our Rob Frey, QFES Station Officer

community.

Join our vaccination heroes and get Getting theprotect COVID-19 is free,friends quick and the jab to you,vaccine your family, easy.our Talkcommunity. to your GP or contact a vaccination and

Brett de Chastel, CEO, Noosa Council

clinic today.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is free, quick and easy.

Talk to your GP or contact a vaccination clinic today.

Snr Sgt Ben Carroll, Noosa Police

Warren Smith, Noosa Marina

Barbara Sheriff, Noosa Travel & Cruise Holidays

Megan D’Elton, CEO, NoosaCare

Chris Bell, Cooroy Chamber of Commerce

Dawn Fraser, MBE AC – 3 time Olympian

A LODDON HERALD INITIATIVE 202108104816_1-DL34-21

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021

FEATURES

Grain road and phone access on the radar

IN THE months since my last prospective article a lot has happened, and a lot has changed.

I would like to start by welcoming our new Loddon Shire CEO, Lincoln Fitzgerald. Lincoln has an extensive history in Local Government, I believe he will be a great attribute and a good fit to Loddon, I look forward to working with him very soon. I congratulate and thank all candidates whom applied, and no doubt we will be seeing big things from you all in the future.

Over the past 14 weeks, Loddon Shire has been in the very capable hands of Acting CEO Ms Jude Holt. Jude’s time at Loddon is coming to an end as she takes a step back from corporate life and enjoys a well-earned retirement.

I have not known Jude that long, but I don’t think Jude is the type to ever fully retire.

All the very best Jude, it has been a pleasure to work with you, your efforts and dedication to Loddon have been second to none.

Over the past months councillors have been working with council to deliver the next Loddon Shire community vision and council plan.

There has been a lot of work put in by dedicated volunteers from the community advisory group, the vision and plan draft documents have been out for public exhibition and will be discussed further by council before final adoption.

This has been an exciting time and will

PERSPECTIVE

help shape the future of the Loddon Shire and its community.

We are in the middle of spring now and with the wet winter we had and now good spring rain, the agriculture sector is in good stead for a bumper hay and grain harvest.

Livestock prices continue in a strong position for Loddon farmers and bring much needed prosperity to our region.

The wet conditions have hindered some farming and transport business making it difficult to navigate wet, slippery dirt roads.

This is an ongoing issue that I have been working through with our director of operations to find solutions.

At the same time, I have been in communications with Victorian Farmers’ Federation Grains Group, concerned farmers and Loddon Shire to work through issues regarding B-Double truck access across the shire to key grain receival points.

Several roads have been gazetted, please seek additional information via the VicRoads website. I will continue to advocate on these matters.

Telecommunication - internet and mobile phone coverage across the shire - is continuing to struggle, this is a big disadvantage to residents living in black spot areas, not just jeopardising business, home-schooling, volunteering and social interactions to name a few but poses a great risk to the safety of thousands of people living in rural Victoria if they ca

not contact emergency services for help.

Digital connectivity is a necessity in the modern world we live in, technology is developing faster than infrastructure upgrades, (we are being left behind).

Council has been advocating strongly on this issue.

Finally, Pyramid Hill streetscape plans are coming together, extensive consultation has taken place with the community advisory group to shape the direction and look of the town.

This project has been on the Loddon Shire books for several years and will rejuvenate the entrances into town, Kelly Street, Lions Park and Kelly Park.

In recent weeks Paul Scullie and I have meet with user groups from Serpentine’s Janiember Park and Mitiamo’s Recreation Reserve precinct to discuss much needed lighting upgrades.

New lighting is essential, not just for football and netball safety while training but for future proofing these facilities for community use and opportunities for utilisation.

The health of the Loddon Shire in my opinion is prosperous, businesses continue to move to and expand across the Shire, taking advantage of the great country lifestyle and creating valuable jobs for all.

at a given time. These Loddon people are small business owners, employers of local people, committed to their community and its wellbeing but stretched beyond reasonable endurance and expectation to do the work of government.

For years, government has sadly engaged in cost-shifting onto local councils who have been left to pick up the cost of services well beyond the 19th century view of local government being about rates, roads and rubbish.

Various new mandates and regulations now being imposed on businesses across Victoria are an extension of cost shifting, we now have responsibility shifting.

Businesses engage bookkeepers and accountants because they didn’t set up shop to spend the day looking at figures in a ledger. Likewise, they don’t open the doors to put staff on the frontline of enforcement.

Loddon people have responded so well to being vaccinated - now above 90 per cent. That sense of responsibility and support to get “normal back” is loudly applauded.

But please government, small businesses are not owned by multi-national millionaires. There is only so much they can absorb in their bottom line before the cost becomes too much to stay open.

Cr Straub is the Terrick Ward representative on Loddon Shire Council.

EDITORIAL THERE is frustration brewing in local communities with the rapidly increasing demands (indeed requirements) being placed on small businesses to monitor, enforce and regulate government mandates in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Two businesses have spoken out in this week’s Loddon Herald. One is closing its doors.

The proprietors have advocated for the vaccine. They are not the feral protesters who have taken to the streets of Melbourne at various times over the last 18 months, cobbled-together assemblies pushing whatever cause takes their fancy

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SHOULD BE

BOOMING REWARD YOURSELF THIS SEASON WORKING IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY (Bar attendants, Food waiting, Food Handlers) EARN GOOD EXTRA MONEY BEFORE YOU GO BACK TO SCHOOL OR OUT OF NORMAL WORK HOURS (9 to 5) JOBS AVAILABLE IN AND AROUND BOORT WEDDERBURN PYRAMID HILL AND KERANG SEND IN FIRST INSTANCE CONTACT INFO TO hospitalityareas@hotmail.com Age is no barrier

1. What is the collective name for a group of echidnas?

2. How many toes on the back feet of a kangaroo?

3. Where is the Big Mango?

4. What is the capital of Switzerland?

5. Who wrote the book Treasure Island?

6. Where was the author born?

7. Who were Enid Blyton’s Famous Five?

8. In what year did Inglewood railway station open?

9. Does a stalactite hang from the ceiling or rise from the ground?

10. When was the first seismograph invented?

11. At what temperature does gold boil?

12. What was Sir Winston Churchill’s middle name?

13. When was daylight saving time first used in Victoria?

14. What is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet?

15. What is the name of a typewriter/ computer keyboard?

16. Which company’s motto was “get big fast”?

17. Which Australian bird makes a drumstick to bang out a rhythm to attract a mate?

18. Who named the Pacific Ocean?

19. Which monarch officially made Valentine’s Day a holiday in 1537?

20. Who was the first woman pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic?

ANSWERS 1. A parade. 2. Four. 3. Bowen, Queensland. 4. Bern. 5. Robert Louis Stephenson.

6. Edinburgh. 7. Julian, Dick, Anne, Georgina (George) and her dog Timmy. 8. 1876.

9. Hangs from ceiling. 10. About 200 AD. 11.

2700 deg C. 12. Spencer. 13. 1917. 14. Theta. 15. Qwerty. 16. Amazon. 17. Palm Cockatoo. 18. Ferdinand Magellan. 19. Henry VIII. 20. Amelia Earheart.

By CR DAN STRAUB

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021 | 11

FEATURES CREATIVES PAVING THE WAY

Collaboration evokes garden of beach dreams

Inglewood artist Mal Gilmour will showcase his miniature collection. LH PHOTO

Miniatures frame Mal’s personal approach MAL GILMOUR has spent 50 years painting Australian landscapes on large canvases that have been praised by buyers, collectors and admirers.

But in the scaled down life of lockdowns in 2021, Mal has directed his creativity towards miniature paintings.

“Miniature paintings have always been a favourite, however, it is only the last several years where I felt comfortable with this work,” said the Inglewood artist.

“I have no tricks. I see landscape, I feel it and I have lived and worked in it. Miniature paintings feel personal and private, there are only centimetres between the painting and the artist.”

Over the weekend of October 23 and 24, Mal will exhibit for the first time a collection of miniature works, some no bigger in size than a postage stamp.

The 23 paintings in Mal’s 2021 collection came after “experimenting to see if I could do it”.

“I had painted a few miniatures in the 1970s but this time is has been the focus,” he said.

“Painting is not just buying the frame, the col-

BEACH-INSPIRED garden art will be in the spotlight thanks to a collaboration between Tarnagulla businesses and artists.

Octopus and Queen, The Tarnagulla Supply Store and The Woolly Goose and artist Lynda Vater will offer visitors to the town on October 23 and 24 garden tours and unique craft displays.

There will even be beachinspired garden art to buy.

A display of unique works by local textiles creator and designer Georgie Buckingham from The Woolly Goose, Vintagy and Fabulous High Tea in the garden catered by The Tarnagulla Supply Store both days, although Saturday’s sittings are already fully subscribed.

Octopus and Queen will be open throughout the weekend to share their special brand of vintage, home and garden fabulousness! The Tarnagulla Supply Store will also be open all weekend with their usual extensive offerings of groceries, takeaway food and barista-made coffee.

The businesses have been planning the event throughout

the winter and periods of lockdown to give locals and visitors alike a fun experience and an opportunity to boost tourism in Tarnagulla after 18 months of uncertainty and the cancellation of many events and activities.

“It wasn’t an option to cancel (arts trail weekend activities) because the response to our promotion has been so positive and our High Teas in the garden are nearly booked out” says Frances Clarke from Octopus and Queen.

“Kelly, Grant and I have developed a gorgeous high tea menu that combines sweet and savoury treats and will be served in truly vintagy and fabulous style”.

Kelly Whitton from Tarnagulla Supply Store said: “Working together is much more fun that going it alone.

“We can support each other, bounce ideas off one another and have fun while supporting local tourism,” Kelly said ahead of the town’s special weekend.

BEACH DREAMS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES - 10am-5pm October 23 and 24, Tarnagulla

ours or if you want to have flowers on the canvas.

You have to to work for a long time, develop your style.”

Mal said his approach to miniatures painted for the 2021 collection started with the thought process.

“That could be at least two days and then you have to sketch very carefully. You have to be absolutely accurate and there’s no room for errors on a painting this small,” he said.

“The result has been a complete collection of miniature oil paintings.”

Mal’s continued popularity comes through with the number of red stickers on many of the works on show in the collection.

“It’s nice to see red stickers on the sold paintings,” he modestly says in the studio that also acts as a gallery showcasing his works over more than 50 years.

MAL GILMOUR 2021 COLLECTION: Open 10am-4pm October 23 and 24, 7 Tarnagulla Road, Inglewood.

BEACH DREAMS: Kelly, Frances and Georgie

NEXT WEEK: More local artists opening for the weekend

12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021

Every bag tells a story

ST PATRICK’S Primary School Pyramid Hill is well on its way to sending 300 learning bags to the Philippines.

For the past three weeks, the school has asked for donations of bags for Filipino students during their COVID “home learning”.

St Patrick’s used the “uber bag” concept during COVID lockdowns with a personalised learning pack delivered to students each Friday, while collecting the learning from the previous week for staff to provide feedback, said principal Colleen Hampson.

She said the school was “now well on the way to meeting the quota of bags”.

“Thank you to all those who have donated bags for our cause to support those learners in the Philippines. Many bags have been received in our letterbox at school and at the front door,” she said.

“Donations had also been received from Cohuna Leos of beautifully hand-made bags and also National Australia Bank. Every bag tells a story and every bag counts.”

The Parents and Teachers Association at a school in the Philippines, will be sending the learning home to their students during their period of ‘home learning’.

Unfortunately, the school does not have the funds to purchase the much-needed material bags to support each students.

“In the tradition of our founding mothers, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, at St Patrick’s Primary School, Pyramid Hill, we ‘never see a need without doing something about it,” Colleen said.

Colleen said that for three consecutive years: 2017-2019, one of the teaching staff has been involved in the Sandhurst Diocese Social justice Immersion experience, visiting Cebu, Philippines to support local schools, orphanages and the community. COVID-19 has paused this initiative.

“Additionally, each year our school community contributes to an LBC box which contains essential stationery items for schools, games, toys and clothing which is shipped to the Philippines to support those in need.”

St Patrick’s students Reece Fernandez, Matilda Mowat and Sarah van Eyk count the donated bags.

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Pride in quality service to local communities DAVE Harrison takes real pride in providing a quality service to Loddon communities.

When the former boat builder in Queensland and Melbourne wanted to be closer to his Bridgewater home, he started training again, as a plumber.

“Once I completed my plumbing apprenticeship I continued studying at night school to become a licensed plumber and gasfitter,” Dave said.

Five years ago, Dave and wife Claire established Harrison Plumbing and

today they employ another qualified plumber and an apprentice in a true local business.

Dave says he enjoys the variety the job offers and being able to service the local community. “I also take pride in being able to offer local employment.”

Harrison Plumbing, a family-owned and operated business, offers services including maintenance, new homes, woodheating, gas fitting, septics, domestic and backflow prevention.

ADVERTISE IN THE DIRECTORY - $66 A MONTH. PHONE 0419549743

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021 | 13

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

DEATH NOTICE

MEETINGS

EMPLOYMENT

Powlett Plains Recreation Reserve BODSWORTH, Allen The Chairman, Board, Management and members of CFA North West Region, District 20 regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to Allen’s family.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Louise STALEY MP LIBERAL MEMBER FOR RIPON

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

LouiseStaleyRipon

LouiseStaley

Notice is given for a PUBLIC MEETING to be held at the Powlett Plains Hall on Tuesday 26th October commencing 7.30pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Powlett Plains Recreation Reserve for a term of Three Years. The current committee’s term will expire on 30/10/21.

All positions will be declared open & nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Further information, nomination forms and Nominee declaration forms may obtained by contacting your local Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning office or at the meeting.

Further enquires please contact the secretary Mal Isaac on 0427 383 187

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

REVELATION

The last book of the Bible is a prophetic vision given to the apostle John 2000 years ago.

This book needs to be read and wherever possible understood

BRIDGEWATER RECREATION RESERVE

Contract 514 – Annual Reseals 2021-2022 Loddon Shire Council invites tenders for completion of resealing works within the Loddon Shire.

Copies of Contract Documentation may be obtained from Council’s electronic tendering website: https://www.eprocure.com.au/loddon/ Enquiries should be directed to Adam Cooper, Project Management Coordinator on (03) 5494 1200.

Tenders can be submitted via the electronic portal before 4 pm, Wednesday 3 November 2021.

The lowest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.

Communications Officer Permanent Part-Time Inglewood IDCEL are licensed to operate the Community Bank Inglewood & Districts Branch of Bendigo Bank, the only Bank with a presence in the Loddon Shire. We are seeking to fill a permanent part time (1 day per week) position of Communications Officer (PT) to manage our communications and publicity across several channels. This is an exciting opportunity to assist in the growth of the company by maintaining strong company presence in the community via social media and other communications, increasing brand awareness, and growing the company marketing opportunities. You will be building relationships with local community organisations.

Suitable candidates will have:  Some prior experience with business, communications and event management,  Excellent verbal and communication skills  Be familiar with content preparation and publishing,  Operation and understanding of social media platforms,  Computer literacy with standard business publishing and email applications.

This part-time position has the flexibility of hours to fit your lifestyle.

If you are interested in this position, you can request a job description or send your application with covering letter, resume and any qualifications to:

Notice is given of a

PUBLIC MEETING to be held at Bridgewater Recreation Reserve on Thursday 21st October 2021 commencing at 7:30pm.

TENDER

Inglewood & Districts Community Enterprises Ltd (IDCEL)

companysecretary@idcel.com.au or PO Box 98, Inglewood Vic. 3517 Applications close: Tuesday 26 October, 2021.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the MEETINGS Bridgewater Recreation Reserve for a term of three years.

The current committee’s term will expire on 31st October 2021. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, We’re not all banks. young people and people from culturally diverse Annual General Meeting backgrounds are encouraged.

25th via Our CompleteMonday Home Loan offersOctober, 100% offset7pm, on Þxed andZoom Further information, nomination formsvariable and home loans. Which means you could own your home nominee declaration forms may be obtained All current and prospective new sooner. by contacting your local Department of members are welcome and Environment, Land, Water and Planning Find out more. Search Bendigo Bank home loans. encouraged to attend. office or at the meeting. For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Sue Coghlan on Community Bank ¥ Inglewood 5438 3500 0427978959.

Contact Stacey on 0457 123 399 for Due to ongoing restrictions associated with more information and Covid 19, masks must be worn and sign in using to get the Zoom link. the QR code or on the form provided.

Not all banks offer 100% offset on their homeKorong loans.

Vale Tennis Club

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED TO BUY

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST WANTED TO BUY Old bottles with town or company names.

WRITERS | SALES

Marble bottles, Ginger Beer,

The Loddon Herald is calling for expressions of interest for anticipated casual part-time positions with the region’s local paper.

If you’re a journalist or writer and love telling stories about local people, towns and sport, we’d love to hear from you.

We’d also love to hear from people with an advertising or sales background interested in being part of our special projects.

Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons Any old bottles - single items or box lots CASH PAID ON DAY Phone 0452 264 661

Wanted to buy Pop-top caravan Phone 0418304930

FOR A CONFIDENTIAL DISCUSSION IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, PLEASE CALL MANAGING EDITOR CHRIS EARL ON 0419549743

CAREERS AT LODDON Located in a unique and wonderful part of Central Victoria, about 175 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, Loddon Shire is home to over 7500 residents, and supports a vibrant and growing agribusiness and horticulture sector.

Our vision is to be a prosperous, vibrant and engaged community and we deliver a broad range of programs and services to enhance the sustainability and liveability for the community.

Loddon is now seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a difference and help shape our future.

Community Care Workers – ref.J/102   

Casual position Band 3 - $35.80 per hour inclusive of casual loading Location – Shire-wide

Community Care Workers – ref. J/105 Permanent, part-time roles – range of hours available  Band 3 - $28.64 per hour  Location – Shire-wide 

Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99   

Permanent, either part-time or full-time Salary negotiable Location – Wedderburn office with some opportunity to work remotely

Community Project Development Coordinator (two positions) – ref.no J/113   

Full-time, fixed-term positions (two years) Band 7 - $47.53 per hour Location – Wedderburn Office

Community Development Officer – ref.

J/107 Permanent, part-time – 28 hours per week (7-day fortnight)  Band 6 - $41.85 per hour  Location – Wedderburn Office 

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

For further information in regard to these positions including a detailed position description please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY

Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire loddonherald@gmail.com or Phone 0419549743 Managing Editor - Chris Earl

www.loddonherald.com.au The Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by Newsprinters Pty Ltd McKoy Street, West Wodonga, VIC 3690

CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021

COLOURING COMPETITION

Your name: ..............................................................................................................................

Age ..................... Address .....................................................................................................

COLOUR-IN: Post to Loddon Herald PO Box 1188 Kangaroo Flat or email loddonherald@gmail.com by October 31. Winner announced next month.

Bluey says ...

THE LETTER A CROSSWORD

Hi Everyone, One of the great things about this time of year is the warmer weather.

It means we can spend so much time outdoors enjoying the weekends.

I was out walking in the bush last weekend and marvelling at the amazing wildflowers that are growing in spring. They are so colourful and pretty.

We’re so lucky to have wonderful bushland that is home to these beautiful flowers that flourish in the spring sun.

When I was a little boy, there was always time walking and playing in the bush with family and friends.

Sometimes, we would even take books with us to sit and read.

And I loved to do drawings of animals I had seen in the bush or grazing in the farm paddocks. You can use so many colours when drawing with your pencils - green frogs, brown cows and black birds or for some fun, I used to draw a yellow and purple zebra. It looked very funny and made my mum and dad laugh a lot!

What funny drawings can you do? Let your imagination be free and create colourful animals when drawing. You can always pop them to me and if I have room, I will print a few on Bluey’s Puzzle Patch page.

I hope you have a great month.

Bluey

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SEPTEMBER WINNERS

Thank you to the many wonderful entries we received for last month’s colouring competition.

Bluey and his friends had a difficult task selecting the two winners.

So, it’s congratulations to Spartan N, 4, of Wedderburn, and Emily C, 11, of Inglewood.

They will each receive a book written

by Loddon children’s author Di Roberts. Watch out for the postie.

And remember to have your monthly colouring competition entries to Bluey by the end of the month. Or write him a story about what you having been doing.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 14, 2021 | 15

SPORT

Stalwarts members for life INGLEWOOD Football Netball Club has awarded life memberships to stalwarts Leigh Lamprell and Kristy Noonan.

The awards were announced during last week’s online presentation evening and best and fairest counts.

Kristy has been with the club since 1989 and this season notched up her 450th game of netball for the Blues.

She has been a member of B Grade premiership sides including the triple flag years of 19941996.

The Loddon Valley league B Grade best and fairest in 2008, Kristy has also won the club’s B Grade best on four occasions and was a member of the club between 2009 and 2015.

Leigh this year marked 10 years as coach of the Blues’ junior football side.

He played 320 games for the Blues between 1992 and 2017, winning the junior best and fairest in 1998.

Leigh was senior captain in 2007-2008 and won the club best fairest in 2007.

A member of the committee since 2018, Leigh was this year vice-president.

Leigh was also named recipient of the Inglewood and District Community Bank clubperson award on Thursday night.

New life members Kristy Noonan and (right) Leigh Lamprell.

Cody Strobaus was run-away winner in the club senior best and fairest, winning the Graham Roberts Medal with 86 votes from Tom Alexander (41 votes) Other senior awards - most consistent: Jasper McClelland.

Most improved: Matthew Rowe.

Coach’s award: Taj Rodwell RESERVES - Best and fairest: Jack Smith (67 votes), runner-up: Lachie Nemet (46 votes). Other awards - most consistent: Mal McLean. Encouragement awards: Jason Lamprell, Jack Sides. Most

courageous: Nolan Meek, Luke Brien. Coach’s award: Brodie Reddin-Jowett.

UNDER 18 - Brian Dowling Medal: Jaxon Addlem (49 votes), runner-up Gabe Nevins (34 votes). Other awards - most improved: Harrison Noble. Most Disciplined: Tyler Murphy. Ronald Bell Memorial most dedicated clubman: Jackson Luckman.

Goalkicking: Jackson Luckman.

Coach’s award: Jye Rasmussen In A Grade netball, the Helen Ward Medal for best and fairest was won by Charli Edlin (36

votes) from Grace Christiansen (29 votes). Other awards coach’s award: Shayna Macartney. Donna Wayman Memorial good sports award: Marnie Ross.

B GRADE - Best and fairest: Shasta Maher (37 votes), runnerup: Maeve Hogan (26 votes).

Coach’s award: Kaitlyn Morgan C GRADE - Best and fairest: Holly Martin (23 votes), runnerup: Skye Runnalls (20 votes) Coach’s award: Jenna McMahon.

C RESERVE - Best and fairest: Lain Jackson (26 votes), runner-up: Jordan Cain (23 votes).

Coach’s award: Sam Buchan.

17 UNDER - Best and fairest: Emily Leach (38 votes), runnerUp: Emily Rollinson (21 votes).

Coach’s award: Emily Rollinson 13 UNDER - Best and fairest: Indi Simpson (29 votes), runnerup: Tia Keats (21 votes). Coach’s award: Bianca Engi. Nanny Marj AAA Award: Macey Scoble.

Association eyes November start MARONG Tennis Association is planning for a November 6 start to the season.

Delegates met last week to map out the season, including March 19 for the grand final, but are waiting on COVID restrictions easing before finalising the draw, Unfortunately there will not be a C Grade competition this year, due to not enough teams able to field a team of juniors.

The eight-team association includes Woodstock, Newbridge and Derby.

Meanwhile, Boort Lawn Tennis Club will start social tennis this Saturday.

The club earlier announced its competitive season will commence in January.

Betty Gath was among bowlers in training at Bridgewater on Saturday. Local clubs are waiting for a start to the new pennant season when restrictions ease. LH PHOTO

Duo claim cup a third time CHAMPION reinsman Chris Alford and trainer David Aitken added a third Victoria Cup trophy to their mantelpiece after Max Delight took this year’s event at Bendigo last Saturday evening.

Alford and Aitken had previously won the Victoria Cup with Lennytheshark in 2016 and 2017.

The Victoria Derby and Victoria Oaks were won by Act Now and Ladies in Red respectively, both trained by leading Victorian trainer, Emma Stewart.

Pink Galahs was successful in the Bill Collins Trotters Mile for the second year running and establishing herself as one of the best trotting mares seen in this State.

Inglewood-trained Vincent Kai was to compete at Ballarat last night, but results were unavailable at the time of printing.

Pompapiel trainer (near Serpentine) John Davidson has enjoyed recent success with four-year-old mare Leotardand Lace who won at Shepparton on September 29 and is engaged in Race 3 No 8 at 7.30pm at Shepparton tonight.

Racing this Saturday night is at Ballarat, feature events include the TAB Make Mine Cullen Group 3 for pacing Mares and the Victoria Trotters Oaks for three year fillies and Tatlow Stakes for twoyear-old trotters.

Tips for Ballarat - Race 4 No 3 Aldebaran Misty, Race 8 No 2 Banglez

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

Loddon HERALD

sport

Thursday October 14, 2021

STEVE BLISSFULLY PACES INTO THE ’VALE AND ...

COURTS SUCCESS

STEVE Branson has his focus on developing a stronger and fitter Courts Bliss.

The eight-year-old mare has become something of a Loddon harness racing sensation with multiple wins in recent months.

And Steve, who moved from Adelaide last year and is now based at Korong Vale, says better racing is still ahead for Courts Bliss who already has career earnings of more than $32,000.

“He’s been taught to get to the front ... when he does, there’s confidence,” Steve said after putting Courts Bliss through training paces on Saturday morning at Rocket Raceway, Jack Hargreaves’ old training track that has found new life.

Courts Bliss has won two of his last four starts, finished second in another over distances between 1710 and 1790 metres while coming fourth in the shorter 1609 metres at Geelong last week. The local trainer is leasing Courts Bliss from Glenn Teesdale.

Steve moved his fledgling operations to Victoria for its stronger racing calendar and prizemoney.

“In South Australia there’s only race meetings once or twice a week. It’s more viable to train horses in Victoria, better opportunities and and more tracks within an hour or two,” he said.

Success was almost instant after the move with an early win for Courts Bliss in December.

“He keeps stepping up in class, it becomes harder but he keeps chipping away,” Steve said.

Hooked on harness racing since attending a race meeting in Adelaide in 2005, Steve gained

Korong Vale harness trainer Steve Branson with Courts Bliss and (inset) with partner Kyra and daughter Autumn.

LH PHOTOS

his stablehand licence and then, with encouragement from partner Kyra, gained his trainer’s licence.

“Haven’t looked back since,” he said, now with three horses racing, seven in training and planning to also gain his driver’s

licence. Steve hopes Smart Chacha is next to follows the trend of Courts Bliss. “I just have to get her starts sorted.Still a bit of learning for him to do,” he said.

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