Loddon Herald 14 November 2024

Award furore: Minister steps in with praise for brave local flood rescue heroes - PAGE 3

PARTING SHOTS

A DEFEATED Loddon councillor has claimed “independently thinking women” faced conspiracy accusations on council.

Wendy Murphy, unsuccessful in gaining a second term as Inglewood Ward member, says she represented all in the ward and Loddon “not just mates with their interests in mind”.

“I hope the next council truly has the best interests of all of Loddon in mind and not just their own personal agendas,” Mrs Murphy said.

“I hope the focus is on the big issues that could have big impacts on Loddon, not the menial things that have no impact at all.

“Unfortunately, it seems two independently thinking women cannot independently reach a common position or support each other the way men do without being accused of conspiring in some way.”

Mrs Murphy was elected to council in 2020 and last November lost a bid to be mayor when nominated by Linda Jungwirth, who was defeated in Tarnagulla Ward at the council elections.

Cr Gavan Holt emerged victor with a 3-2 split vote.

By CHRIS EARL

Mrs Murphy made the comments after Friday’s declaration of the election in a statement and letter to the Loddon Herald.

Inglewood Ward was won by Miki Wilson after preferences in a three-way race that included former councillor Colleen Condliffe. Mrs Murphy has ruled out running in the future.

“I’ve had my time. I value the experience I was provided and encourage anyone interested to nominate in the future. You’ll probably find what you thought being a councillor is, is nothing like the reality of being a councillor,” she said.

“Being a councillor is a privilege not a career. I’m proud of what I achieved.”

She cited moving forward the Inglewood Streetscape project, beginning the Inglewood Community Sports Centre Masterplan process, sealing of Southey St and Deeble St and drainage works, advocating for reduced speed limits in Inglewood and Wedderburn and advocating for a pedestrian crossing in Wedderburn “putting Bridgewater back on the map and highlighting the values

of the town at the council table” as achievements. “I can hold my head high knowing I interrogated every report and piece of information put in front of me and drew on conversations with my community to form a decision.

“I represented all in the Inglewood Ward and Loddon (not just mates) with their interests in mind, putting personal opinions aside, as a councillor should.

“I’ve been open, transparent and truthful. In my term I got many things done, much of which wasn’t reported on with a lot of what was done being in the background that people don’t see or hear. “I thank those who took the time to make contact and have discussions with me not just join the vitriol spewed over Facebook or send nasty anonymous letters.”

Mrs Murphy also had criticism for the Loddon Herald questioning “every comment and decision I made. Always bringing up my employment or some irrelevant detail to imply an ulterior motive”.

Cr Holt told last Friday’s poll declaration that councillors were the most scrutinised people in Loddon Shire.

ELECTION RESULTS - PAGE 11

PASSING on stories of service and sacrifice to a new generation was a theme at Remembrance Day commemorations in Loddon communities on Monday.

Students from local schools were part of the services marking 106 years since the Armistice ended fighting on

the Western Front in World War One.

Descendants of Pyramid Hill soldiers who served at the Siege of Tobruk in World War Two joined local students for the unveiling of a new art installation honouring 17 men from the district.

SPECIAL COVERAGE - PAGE 9

Dempsey Lee and Jed Stewart lay a wreath at Pyramid Hill. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD

Circulating in the communities and districts of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Laanecoorie, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn. Also available in Dunolly, Charlton, Wycheproof, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Phone 0419549743

Email loddonherald@gmail.com

Web www.loddonherald.com.au

Post PO Box 1188 Kangaroo

WEEKEND FORECAST

Upgrades highlight Coliban year

TWO Loddon projects have been named by Coliban Water as key works in the past year, according to its annual report.

Coliban has highlighted a $2 million investment at the Pyramid Hill Water Treatment Plant to refurbish the clarifiers and filters and the $5 million upgrade at Laanecoorie that was officially opened last month.

Managing director Damian Wells said the last 12 months had

seen the company move through the early stages of implementing a long-term program of largescale infrastructure projects and increase its investment in capital works.

“We are now in the second year of our new five-year pricing submission,” he said.

“Our large-scale infrastructure projects will see safe and reliable drinking water, sewer and rural services continue to be delivered

to current and future generations. In the 2022-2023 financial year we spent $55 million in capital expenditure. This past financial year, that program further increased to $73 million to build and upgrade assets that will be able to stand up to the challenges of climate change and regional growth.”

Coliban Water says it will invest almost $500 million in capital works in the next three years.

IN BRIEF

Water committees

GOULBURN Murray Water it will create seven new customer committees to increase engagement with customers across northern Victoria. The new customer committees will align to GMW’s services and replace water service committees.

Managing Director Charmaine Quick said the new engagement model was designed to attract busy customers who wanted to make an impact on rural water management and support GMW’s vision: Water for a thriving northern Victoria. “The water service committees have provided an invaluable connection to our customers over many years,” she said. “However, in recent years, it has been harder to attract and keep committee members. It is important GMW adapts how it engages with its customers to reflect these changes.”

Safari weekend

MEMBERS of the Safari caravan owners’ club have spent a weekend in Bridgewater where donations raised $450 for the local fire brigade.

Giovini reunion

MORE than 50 former staff have registered for Sunday’s Giovini clothing factory reunion in Wedderburn. Among those attending will be long-time manager Rita Nasi, now aged 92.

FOR the 69th time, Wedderburn College Mothers’ Club members and friends took to the stage on Friday for the annual concert revue. Parents donned their old school uniforms for a night of music, dance and laughter.

Minister intervenes with rescue bravery praise

FORGOTTEN heroes of the dramatic summer storm flood rescue in Wedderburn snubbed in awards by a Federal Government authority will now have their life-saving efforts recognised.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King on Friday morning commended the six locals who saved a man after his car was washed down Nardoo Creek on January 2.

Members of the State Emergency Service’s Marong unit last month received a National Safety and Rescue Council award at a ceremony in Sydney, sparking community furore when the award citation only acknowledged SES efforts in the rescue.

The SES later confirmed its role in the dramatic operation had only been to throw out a rope to the man stranded in his vehicle.

Ms King’s intervention came after a meeting at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday with Mallee MP Anne Webster.

The minister said: “Following recent media reports of the Nardoo Creek rescue on 2 January, I’ve been made aware of the courageous action of a group of locals who were pivotal in this rescue.

“I commend them for their action, and I thank them for their bravery.

“The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has also advised me of their intention to acknowledge these brave members of the public who were essential to saving a life – a well-deserved recognition.”

The authority acts as secretariat for the National Safety and Rescue Council that put out its own statement two hours later from council chair Mark Morrow, published on its website later in the day, also acknowledging the six Wedderburn people for their part in rescuing the man.

Dr Webster said: “I commend the brave community members who performed the rescue, and also commend the Loddon Herald for its persistence on this importance matter of principle

NATIONAL Safety and Rescue Council chair Mark Morrow released a statement within hours of action by Mallee MP Anne Webster and ministerial intervention.

Mr Morrow said: “Australia has one of the largest search and rescue regions in the world. Our search and rescue response system is a network of collaborative relationships, and formal arrangements between professionals and volunteer organisations.

“What unites them all is a sense of community and a desire to help one another in times of need. It is this ethos that was embodied by all nominees and recipients of the 2024 Australian Search and Rescue Awards.

“As the chair of the National Search and Rescue Council of Australia, I would like to further acknowledge the efforts of others who were not nominated for awards, but assisted in saving lives nonetheless. This included members of the local community during the Wedderburn floods, who we

– namely, appropriate recognition for those that contributed to saving lives.

“I spoke with Minister King on Wednesday 6 November about this matter. I am pleased she has grasped the very valid point community members were making, and I hope consequently that appropriate recognition occurs.

As the SES unit award furore erupted last month, rescue witnesses say any honours should have gone to local police sergeant Ben Huisman and Andrew Roberts who were fitted with safety equipment and Matthew Tansley, Scott Cunningham and his 15-year-old son Will who held the rope.

Former Wedderburn SES volunteer Reg Holt stood on the banks of the surging creek the evening of the rescue and says the award to the SES. is an insult to locals.

“They were the ones who went in and saved a life ... the SES was standing on the sidelines, unable to make a decision without clearance from someone in an office in Bendigo or Melbourne,”

“The best they did was give the locals the rope to use. Continued pontification by the SES that night could have been deadly if not for the real heroes, the locals who acted before it was too late.”

The award citation differed with witness reports of the res-

have heard placed their own safety at risk to save the lives of others.

“Whenever disaster strikes in this country, it is without fail that our communities come together to assist those at risk of harm.

“We would encourage these stories to be shared with the council in future years through nominations for the non-professional category of the awards, which recognises the contributions of ordinary people in these extraordinary moments.”

The SES also added to its original media release on the award when community furore erupted last month.

“We understand that the award issued to VICSES volunteers ... has triggered a range of emotions and discussion in the local community. VICSES wants to acknowledge the significant role that several local members of the public also played ... we thank them for their response at a difficult and dangerous scene”.

cue, the SES saying recollections of the drama may vary.

The citation said: “The SES crew arrived at what was described as ‘a chaotic scene’. Conditions were dangerous - waters were flooding and fast flowing, there were dangerous conditions overhead, and the noise of the creek was deafening. minutes after arriving, the scene continued to escalate with an occupied vehicle being washed off the causeway and swept down the flooded creek.

One SES member followed the vehicle on foot and others followed in the SES vehicles. Unfortunately, overhead assistance via helicopter was not possible due to the storm and lightning. Despite the fast-moving water, the SES crew acted swiftly to secure the vehicle. Noting the unpredictable nature of flood waters, the crew knew they only had one opportunity to attempt a rescue.

A successful rescue was made just seconds before the vehicle was fully submerged and washed further down the creek. Although the rescue crew knew luck and good timing were factors in this rescue, the crew’s training, planning and ability to act quickly under a high stress environment enabled a successful rescue.”

The SES later said its crew had been “integral in getting a rope” out to the man trapped in his vehicle.

IN BRIEF

Cutting the risk

FOREST Fire Management

Victoria crews are cutting grass on public land in the Murray Goldfields District to reduce the risk of grassfires this summer. Murray Goldfields acting district manager Aaron Gay said crews would be slashing 2000 hectares across 700 locations in the coming weeks, including at Inglewood and Wedderburn. “One of the ways that we reduce bushfire risk in the lead up to summer is by managing long dry grass by slashing, which compliments other activities such as planned burning, mulching and spraying,” Mr Gay said. “Grass slashing works are carefully timed to align with the anticipated increase in grass growth, if it’s done too early, it will encourage regrowth and require follow-up treatment.

Organ donations

MEMBER for Northern Victoria Region Gaelle Broad has called on the State Government to act on a report to increase organ donation rates and allow Victorians to register on the Australian Organ Donor Register when applying for or renewing a driver licence.

Pool season

LODDON’S swimming pools at Boort, Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn open for the summer season this weekend.

RESTORING OUR RIVERS 2024

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - NOW OPEN

REF: ATM_2024_2750

The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to sell water from water rights owners the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender. This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas

The expressions of interest will close soon at 12 midday AEDT, 27 November 2024.

LIST OF CATCHMENTS:

NEW SOUTH WALES

Murray River

Murrumbidgee

Lower Darling

VICTORIA

Broken Kiewa

Goulburn Mitta Mitta

Campaspe Loddon

Ovens & KingVictorian Murray

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australian Murray

Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed above, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department

The decision to participate is completely voluntary. You must submit an EOI through this process if you want to be considered for any subsequent water purchasing in 2025

To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/ watertender

ASSISTANCE:

For help with using AusTender, visit help. tenders.gov.au If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@ dcceew.gov.au

Working

Working long, multiple days in a row by yourself can be part of the job but consider the cost to you and your family.

Check in with yourself and others around you.

Know the signs of fatigue, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/farmfatigue

It’s never you, until it is.

Hall stories and all true

COUNTRY halls are not bricks and mortar, they are the people who gather within the walls.

That epiphany is what set comedian, actor and writer Damien Callinan on his neverending journey of discovery of community hubs scattered across rural Victoria.

Last week, it was Yando where his visit came on the 70th anniversary of the hall being moved cross country through fences by horse and jinker from Oakvale.

Damien spent two days talking to locals for their stories about the hall before weaving them into the latest chapter of his comedic Hall Stories play last Friday night.

“I always do local research and connect with the towns,” Damien said before taking to the stage to face a packed audience.

“These are stories to pass on to the next generation and keep people talking.

“These little halls can be the only place for miles and you see how important they are to these communities.”

Damien said his first experience of small town spirit came in the aftermath of the 2009 Black Saturday fires.

“I was in Marysville three months after the fires ... not much was left but the welcome of the locals was special,” he said.

Friday’s celebrations also combined the district’s annual Christmas party, usually held just on Christmas as the harvest ends but brought forward for one year to the start of harvest.

Santa, on his first official visit to the Loddon this festive season, arrived on a header.

The 70th anniversary also saw a temporary display of the district’s history as the hall committee starts planning a history board outside the hall.

Members have already built a small pavilion that will display photographs and maps of the area.

Residents were also joined by architectural author Anne Morley whose book on historic tin halls across Victoria is nearing publication.

Anne attended last year’s Christmas function when researching the book expected to feature more than 140 halls.

“They are the most humble little buildings and unsung heroes,” Anne said.

Derby, Dingee and Fentons Creek halls are also expected to feature in the book.

Food, wine on ultimate tuck-in menu

REGIONAL flavours have been put on the menu for a new celebration of Loddon life in Newbridge this month.

More than 20 vendors - food trucks and artisan producers - will dish up local fare at the town’s recreation reserve.

There will also be quality wine and beer from some of the region’s top wineries and breweries at the inaugural Cork and Fork on November 23.

“Cork and Fork Loddon Valley will be the ultimate celebration of the wonderful local flavours of the region,” Ann-Maree Davis of Little Sangria said.

“The event will feature over 20 talented producers, growers, artisans, and beverage makers from the Loddon Region and surrounding area, with the local Goldfields Music Club providing tunes on the day.

Event highlights include interactive workshops and masterclasses led by local producers. You can learn the craft of beer brewing with Lake Meran Brewery, explore the secrets of saffron cultivation with Squirrel Gully Saffron, immerse yourself in the flavours of asado cooking with Smoke n Roast, and master the art of perfect sangria with us at Little Sangria.”

Loddon Shire’s David Stretch said: “Council’s support of Cork and Fork Loddon Valley is provided by the tourism and economic development team, who have provided marketing and event services to Southern Loddon Tourism.

“Events such as this one benefit local businesses from right across the shire and really showcase Loddon as a great place to visit, as well as a great place to call home.”

Dry lightning strikes

DISTRICT fire brigades quickly extinguished fires started by dry lightning strikes at Jarklin and Durham Ox last Thursday as storms rolled across the region.

CFA group officer Richard Hicks said the Jarklin fire started in the side cut of a dryland lucerne paddock. Units from Boort, Pyramid Hill and Loddon Vale put out the Durham Ox fire near Byrne’s Lane.

Boort, Yando and Barraport brigades were among dozens of units called to a 350-hectare fire at Sand Hill Lake, west of Kerang.

Anne Morley, Damien Callinan, Bradley Haw and Fiona Hall at the 70th anniversary celebrations. LH PHOTOS

Ivan and Judy Shaw with Kevin Sutton Emma Darker, Kath Lanyon and Hollee Chambers Savannah and Susan Melville

Fosterville

Social ban gets thumbs down

By RUBY HYLAND

TO BAN or not to ban? That is the question after Prime Minster Anthony Albanese announced plans to ban all social media for people under 16.

While some are enthused about the new law others are left puzzled, wondering how this could be implemented and is an outright ban the right choice?

Two teenagers from Bridgewater have shared their opinions about the changes.

Rusty Hobbs, 15, says that social media shouldn’t be banned, it can be good thing for a lot of people, it’s a way for people to relax and unwind after a long day.

While he acknowledges the presence of online bullying through social media, he says the platforms all have a block feature as well as options to restrict or mute the content.

“People use it as a form of selfcare, a way to take a break from their stresses and just relax for a bit” Rusty said.

While he wouldn’t be affected by the ban, Tate Woodhatch, 16, has friends younger than him that will be, causing a divide between them.

“Some kids, especially in rural areas, can end up feeling isolated without social media, it’s not as easy to meet up with friends if they don’t live down the street.”

Tate said.

Tate believes that increased safety protocols would benefit young people on social media.

After signing up to social media platforms such as snapchat at 13, his mother monitored his ac-

counts and who he was in communication with.

Tate said this helped him feel he could go to his parents if he was exposed to things he shouldn’t have been and be able to report unwanted contact.

An outright ban could lead to children lying about their ages and hiding their social media from their guardians, which lowers the likelihood of minors alerting an adult to suspicious or unwanted contact, he said.

Social media platforms have been working over the past few years to increase their safety features for teens and allowing parents to keep an eye on their social media usage while allowing them to have their own accounts.

“Education is the key. We teach our kids about drinking, drugs and bullying, we need to be teaching them about social media safety as well,” said local school teacher and parent Jayne Lawson.

Jayne teaches primary school children and many of her students have their own phone and social media accounts. She has

witnessed the good and the bad of social media in a school setting.

“As a teacher I see a range of kids, some who have no access to social media, some who have limited access as well as others who have full access to online content” Jayne said.

And Jayne has seen children who have been overexposed to social media and as a result find socialising in person difficult.

She is concerned that primary school children are not developmentally ready to cope with seeing age-inappropriate content, supporting her belief that primary school is too young for social media, especially when it isn’t being monitored by a parent.

The State Government has provided funding to primary schools to employ a mental health and wellbeing leader to assist with the overall wellbeing of the school. Jayne has had many discussions with colleagues about the contributing factors to the increase in anxiety for primary school students, overwhelmingly one of the most noted contribu-

tion is the presence of social media.

While on the other side, students who do not have social media accounts are often excluded and isolated socially and, in some cases, bullied for not being online. While she believes social media usage should definitely be restricted for primary school students, she also states that 16 is too old for a ban.

“Unfortunately banning social media is a catch-22, there’s good and bad outcomes either way, but that is how kids communicate now so the solution needs to be realistic” she said.

Jayne says that as a parent she is stricter with her children’s access to social media due to what she has witnessed as a teacher.

“They don’t have their own phones even though the majority of their friends do.”

Her girls are able to chat with their friends using her phone with Facebook messenger for kids, a program that allows parents to see and control who is communicating with their children and block unknown people.

Jayne believes the law will incite pushback from parents who feel they aren’t getting a say in how they raise their children. She also questions what support the government will provide to parents to assist with this change.

Jayne believes the biggest factor in protecting young people online is education, both in schools and at home, saying social media is a difficult subject to manage but an overall ban doesn’t seem to be the best choice, restrictions would be a better way to go.

Work starts on $5.1m upgrade

WORK will start this month on the $5.1 million upgrade to Inglewood and Districts Health Service’s acute and urgent care wards.

CEO Dallas Coghill said the contract had been awarded to Bowden Corporation and the project would be finished within 14 months.

Mr Coghill said there would be a temporary after hours entrance to the hospital while the new eight-room urgent care area was built. He said there had been a 15 per cent increase in patient urgent numbers in the 12 months to June.

IDHS participation in the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department program had contributed to the rise, he said. “There is also support of our services from GPs in Inglewood and Wedderburn.”

Mr Coghill said urgent care numbers had shown continued increases over the last three years.

Dallas Coghill

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETIN

HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT

Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.

Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and con dential nancial support - Call 1300 735 578

Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au

Orange Door - You have a right to be safe

- Call 1800 512 359

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area.

1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732

Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.

Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au

Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au

Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821

Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au

Translation and Interpreter Services

Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au

National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Health/Hospitals

Boort District Health

3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200

Inglewood and District Health Services

3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000

Northern District Community Health P: (03) 5451 0200

Boort Medical Centre

2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309

Marong Medical Practice

8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308

Wedderburn Health Clinic

25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511

Legal Services

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909

Neighbourhood Houses

Boort Resource and Information Centre

(BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort P: (03) 5455 2716

Inglewood Community

Neighbourhood House

Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood P: (03)5455 2716

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House

43 Kelly St, Pyramid Hill P: (03) 5455 7129

Wedderburn Community House

24 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3489

Two years on from the October 2022 ood

We recently passed the second anniversary of the October 2022 ood and as we re ect on the recovery journey it is clear that our community was amazing with its immediate response to the ood. People pitched in with sandbagging, building temporary levees, moving equipment to high ground, supporting each other and then working hard on clean up and restoration after the ood passed. Most importantly the Loddon community has continued to look out for each other, embraced ood recovery events, shared information and rebuilt social connections. Our community has shown tremendous resilience during the recovery phase.

All Loddon households will soon receive an information pack in the mail about the resources and support services available to help residents in an emergency. Please take the time to read the content and keep it handy.

Seniors Gala 2024

On 9 October, 177 seniors turned out for the Loddon Shire Council’s 2024 Seniors Gala in the Boort Memorial Hall. The event provided an opportunity for residents to connect and enjoy great entertainment and a healthy meal. We were delighted to also have the Red Cross present on their world renowned Rediplan and remind attendees of the importance of preparing for any future emergency. It is timely to remind people to think about how they will manage during heat health days and what they might have in place if something impacts on them being able to stay cool on a hot day (such as a power outage).

Preparing for a future ood

The ABC Emergency website has some great information on preparing for a future ood. Visit:

https://www.abc.net.au/emergency/prepare-for- ooding/102348888

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS

Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love to hear from you and assist you through your ood recovery. Please get in touch if you would like to chat about ood recovery for you and your community.

Call Mal: 0499 978 145 or Josie: 0474 911 783

Dr Rob Gordon returns to Loddon

On 17 October, 23 residents of Korong Vale and surrounds came together for a community dinner at Scully’s Pub and to hear from disaster recovery expert and clinical psychologist Dr Rob Gordon.

Speaking about the recovery journey and drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Rob helped to explain what to look out for in maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing and gave speci c tips on prioritisation of “pleasure and leisure”.

Formal proceedings were followed by a presentation by Rhonda McTaggart from the Community Planning Committee on a current community project.

www.vic.gov.au/recovery-support

For up-to-date information regarding ood recovery and council services:

 Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au

 Call our o ce between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or

 Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/

Rats take pride of place

DESCENDANTS of Pyramid Hill’s 17 Rats of Tobruk were humbled on Monday when portraits were unveiled in a new display in the former RSL hall.

They were joined by members of the town’s historical society and students from Pyramid Hill College and St Patrick’s Primary School to see Descendants of Rats of Tobruk Australia Association member Ray Windlow reveal the new display wall.

Society president Alan Mann said the portraits were a fitting honour to the soldiers who served from the district who fought in the Siege of Tobruk in World War Two.

He thanked Mr Windlow for the association’s donation. “We will certainly treasure this kind gift to continue sharing the stories of local men who served.”

Ron Peacock had earlier spoken of the bravery of the the Rats and support from Royal Australian Navy ships during the siege during the commemorative service where Julie Boyer sounded the Last Post to signal a minute’s silence.

The work crew building the town’s new community centre across the street downed tools before 11am to attend the service.

Soldiers honoured on the tribute wall are Ernest Crabb, Wallace Curnick, Lindsay Forster, Robert Innocent, Hilary Lester, John L’Huillier, Hugh MacRae, Douglas McAlister, Malcolm McGillivray, Stuart McIntosh, Calvert McKean, Gordon Moss, Charles Twigg, John Weir, Charles Wood, Denis Wood and Richard Young.

Descendants Trevor McIntosh and Terry Wood were among the first to recount stories of their fathers to students discovering the deeds of local men more than 70 years ago.

Mr Windlow said: “They were average people who left the land ... they were like you and they had names and they had families.”

He said the portraits helped recognise the merit of service given by the men.

Mr Windlow thanked the historical society for their assistance in researching local soldiers who were at Tobruk.

At Boort, Adam Wright pre-

formed the flyover in his Spitfire plane to signal the start of the service of commemoration attended by 40 people.

Alan Streader, now in his 100th year, sounded the Last Post and Rouse.

“He never missed a note, receiving a great applause when he was finished. I am now 78, he has been playing the bugle all of my life,” said RSL sub-branch president Paul Haw.

The sub-branch’s poppy appeal raised $2500 this year.

Wedderburn College had a strong contingent at the RSL sub-branch’s memorial gardens

where students were featured in the service with poetry readings.

In Bridgewater, the school’s playgroup did poppy-theme arts and crafts on Monday morning before joining students and the community for the service outside the memorial hall.

The Inglewood service was attended by students from the primary school and St Mary’s School who assisted sub-branch president Michael Hobson and members in presenting the service.

East Loddon Historical Society this year held its Remembrance Day service at Jarklin.

- CHRIS EARL

Euan MacGillivray, Trevor McIntosh and Adam Twigg at the Pyramid Hill unveiling. LH PHOTO

Glenn Hudson, Alan Streader and Paul Haw after the Boort service

Alan Mann, Mary Forster and Terry Wood

Julie Boyer sounds the Last Post

Wedderburn’s special service Stella, Nash and Rusty Hobbs at Bridgewater

Students at Inglewood

Term of challenges New mayor to be chosen next week

By CHRIS EARL

A NEW team will lead Loddon Shire into what long-time councillor Gavan Holt has said will be an exciting time with challenges and tough decisions to be made.

Cr Holt was one of five councillors confirmed at Friday’s election declaration in Wedderburn.

For the second time in four years, 60 per cent of councillors will sit at the council table for the first time.

Laanecoorie’s Nick Angelo won Tarnagulla Ward at his second attempt, defeating Linda Jungwirth by 15 votes after preferences.

And in Inglewood Ward, Miki Wilson had a 107-vote margin after preferences over Wendy Murphy.

Cr Wilson and Cr Angelo thanked the two defeated councillors for their service during the poll declaration.

“I pledge to work for the whole shire,” Cr Wilson said while Cr Angelo said he welcomed the opportunity to represent communities in his ward.

The two, along with David Weaver who was elected unopposed in Boort Ward, will join 20year veteran Cr Holt and Terrick Ward’s Dan Straub on council.

Cr Weaver said: “I am looking forward to working with everyone and for the people of the Boort Ward.

“I also acknowledge Neil Beattie who retired at the election after serving our communities for 19 years.”

Cr Holt told new councillors that they would be the most highly-scrutinised people in the shire.

He said councillors worked within government frameworks and regulations.

Cr Holt said there was also scrutiny of council and councillors from the press “and most of all, the people of Loddon”.

“We (Loddon Shire) are highly regarded by government in what

we do ... and highly regarded in local government circles,”

Cr Holt said. “I am proud of this place (council). It’s like a second home to me and that’s because of the people here.”

Cr Holt urged councillors to respect each other, management and staff. He said councillors made decisions based on policy “not off the cuff”.

“We have some big policy decisions to make in the next four years and I am confident we will make the right decisions,” he said.

Cr Straub said he expected a tremendous four years ahead for the shire with “tough decisions to make” that reflected the communities.

Major decisions expected to be on council’s agenda include the

future of recreation spaces and swimming pools.

Chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald told councillors it was important for Loddon to continue a respectful relationship with all levels of government.

“Local government is the third tier - we are created by the state that gives us a lot of direction on what we can do,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

Voter turnout for the postal election was similar to 2020 but informal votes increased this year. Ward boundary changes saw 118 votes shifted from Inglewood to Tarnagulla Ward however, with non-resident owners now required to opt-in for voting, ward enrolment numbers dropped by 600 people.

COUNCILLORS will meet for the first time on Tuesday to elect Loddon Shire’s mayor for the next year.

The vote will follow the five being sworn in as councillors by chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald.

Dan Straub is expected to be frontrunner for the shire’s top position.

He was mayor in 2021-2022 and again the following year before father of the council Gavan Holt won the vote 3-2 to serve as mayor for the final year of the previous council term.

Cr Holt defeated Wendy Murphy who had been nominated by Linda Jungwirth, an advocate of the shire also having a deputy mayor. However, councillors are tipped to continue precedent and reject filling the optional deputy’s position when they meet next week,

The mayor’s position has an annual allowance of $84,498 while a deputy mayor would receive $42,248. Councillors receive $27,291.

The first weeks of the new council term will include induction and briefing sessions. Councillors will be required to complete new mandatory training within four months after State Government changes to local government regulations.

They will also need to complete annual professional development training. A new Model Councillor Code of Conduct has been applied to all 79 Victorian councils.

„ Councillors elected in Gannawarra Shire: Lisa Farrant, Garner Smith, Daniel Bolitho, Ross Stanton, Pat Quinn, Charles Gillingham, Keith Link.

„ Buloke Shire - Lower Avoca Ward: Bruce Stafford, Stephen Barratt. Mallee Ward: Bernadette Hogan, Alan Getley. Mount Jeffcott Ward: Graeme Milne, Charmaine Delaney

candidates give declaration a miss

OUSTED councillors did not attend Friday’s poll declaration in Wedderburn.

Instead, Wendy Murphy and Linda Jungwirth took to social media to make farewell statements and congratulate the victors.

Mrs Murphy, said: “The votes didn’t go my way this time around.

“Those who can’t control the way you think will try and control the way others think about you,” she said.

INGLEWOOD WARD

Ms Jungwirth said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing community members and groups who worked so closely with me for the benefit of the Tarnagulla Ward and the shire as a whole. We made a great team.”

Both were contacted by the Loddon Herald after the release of election results for reaction and reflections on their four years as councillors. They were elected at the 2020

election during COVID restrictions.

Mrs Murphy had defeated longtime councillor Colleen Condliffe on preferences by 43 votes after securing 38.82 per cent of the primary votes.

In last month’s postal vote election, Mrs Murphy had 35.94 per cent of the primary vote but new councillor Miki Wilson received more than two-thirds of Mrs Condliffe’s preferences.

In Tarnagulla Ward, Ms Jungwirth’s share of primary votes dropped eight per cent compared with 2020.

Those votes mostly went to challengers Carly Noble and Charmain Sheppard. New councillor Nick Angelo took a similar share of the vote compared with his first attempt to win the ward four years ago. While Ms Jungwirth picked up almost 43 per cent of Ms Shepherd’s preferences, more than 59 per cent of preferences flowed to Mr Angelo when Ms Noble was excluded.

The councillors - David Weaver, Nick Angelo, Miki Wilson, Gavan Holt and Dan Straub with CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald after Friday’s declaration of the poll. LH PHOTO

Victorian Electoral Commission’s Mandy Cooper declares the election results

Big spend pledge to deliver new emergency truck

A NEW $450,000 heavy vehicle rescue truck has been promised by the State Government for Wedderburn’s State Emergency Service Unit.

The Government on Monday said production of the truck would start next year but there was no confirmed delivery date.

It said the NextGen heavy rescue truck would feature better ergonomics, LED and cabin door lighting and wind speed detection capability.

“It will also feature dedicated storage for food and hydration for extended operations, a chainsaw work bench, and improved locker stowage for easy access to equipment,” according to the Government’s announcement.

“A VICSES fleet working group designed the truck to make sure it’s custom built to serve the local volunteers’ needs.

“This investment is timely after Wedderburn residents experienced heavy rainfall over the Christmas and New Year period last year which led to trees down, blocked roads and a serious incident in the Nardoo Creek behind the unit.”

The Government said the unit had 14 volunteers and received 98 requests for help last financial year.

Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said: “VICSES volunteers go above and beyond to protect the community during an emergency, and it’s crucial they have vehicles that help them carry out their work.”

Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: “This addition to the VICSES Wedderburn unit will significantly boost their operations in the community and in surrounding towns.”

Land division with flexibility aim

LODDON Shire wants to sub-divide land in Pyramid Hill to create options for future development of the town’s caravan park.

Chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said: “The subdivision we are proposing at Pyramid Hill Caravan Park is to separate the

caravan park from the swimming pool and park on the title.

“This is currently one single land title. This change will separate the sites for the purposes of any future development/ improvements or leasing,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

Crews dig in on new bridge work

WORK has started to replaced the Chamberlains Road bridge damaged twice in 18 months by floods.

The bridge has been closed since May and Loddon Shire applications to the State Government for flood recovery funds were rejected.

Council then decided to Coun-

cil to fund works from its own budget with residents off the Calder Highway, near Inglewood, being forced to detour 8km to reach their homes. Crews last week removed the damaged culverts and the replacement project is scheduled to be completed in January and the bridge re-opened.

Replacement guard rails will also be installed next year.

The shire has been battling government red tape all year to access recovery funds from the October 2022 floods.

However, the council has been told that the approval process should be smoother before Christmas.

The damaged Chamberlains Road bridge is removed last week. LH PHOTO

Five hands go up to join VNI West group

FIVE people want to join Transmission Company Victoria’s VNI West community reference group.

TCV says it is assessing their applications as it looks to bring group membership to 20 people.

A spokesperson said: “A standing group of 20 members has always been TCV’s objective and recruiting additional members will support this aim, and provide good representation across the project area.”

The latest call for members comes as reports have emerged of a possible walkout by some of the current 16 people on the group formed last year.

Barry Batters last week said discontent was brewing.

“We’re not getting answers, TCV is not listening to us. The meetings are supposed to be sessions for us to get answers for

our communities. We are there as the voice of the community.

“But we are not being allowed to discuss anything other than how to make the line go through.”

TCV says it wants communityminded people who are ready to get involved and share ideas to join the group “to help minimise impacts and deliver long-lasting community benefits from the VNI West project”.

“The community reference group for VNI West is an important engagement mechanism to provide communities with an opportunity to work collaboratively on the project,” the spokesperson said.

“As outlined in the terms of reference, agenda items for the group are prepared by the independent chairperson with the support of the secretariat and input from TCV and the group.”

TCV has refused to answer questions on the timing of its latest round of consultation falling at the start of harvest across the area.

Sessions were held in Charlton on Tuesday and Kerang yesterday. A third session will be in Stawell today.

The corridor for the controversial renewable energy transmission line was released last month with nine Loddon Shire properties caught in the route.

One farmer complained last week about mixed messages about his property being in or out of the line’s planned path.

However, TCV said “the landholder was appropriately notified in relation to their properties”.

“Land liaison office has spoken to them to further explain that they received two letters for their two properties.”

Be responsible and prevent fires: police

PREVENTING bushfires is everyone’s responsibility.

That’s the message from Wedderburn police sergeant Ben Huisman a week into the summer fire season.

“Accidental and recklessly lit fires are just as devastating as those fires deliberately lit. The consequences and outcomes to

the community are the same.” Sgt Huisman said.

Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers have launched new campaign - You Light It, You Own It - reminding people to exercise caution to avoid starting reckless or accidental fires.

Police have also strated their Operation Safeguard aiming ti

deter or reduce the impact of fires across Victoria.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said: “We want Victorians to stop and think before their actions cause a fire this summer.”

“Bushfires can start from actions as simple as lighting a campfire or using farm machin-

The Railway Hotel

ery and power tools on a hot and windy day. No one wants to be responsible for risking lives from an out-of-control fire, so we want to encourage people to make the right decisions.”

“The forecast is for a hot summer and we want the community’s help to stop bushfires before they start.”

Final retreat

PARTICIPANTS in the 2024 LEAD Loddon Murray leadership program held their final retreat in Inglewood last weekend.

They will attend a graduation ceremony in Bendigo later this month.

Program director is Fernihurst’s Jude Hannah.

Low impact explora�on to recommence in the Loddon Valley

Falcon Metals Limited (ASX: FAL) is an ASX listed explora�on company that has been ac�vely exploring in the region since December 2021, successfully comple�ng and rehabilita�ng more than 1,300 low impact explora�on drill holes.

Our present explora�on in Victoria is focused on finding gold deposits undercover in the Loddon Valley from Eddington to Kerang, and mineral sand deposits in the areas around Boort and Wycheproof. This involves exploring in the Buloke, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Loddon and Mount Alexander shires, and the City of Greater Bendigo.

Falcon Metals ul�mately aims to make a significant discovery which would bring collec�ve benefits to all stakeholders, including the community and local government.

Low impact explora�on drilling will commence this month on roadsides with shire permits, and on private farmland with landowner consent. This current program is expected to con�nue un�l the end of April 2025.

For enquiries, please email Falcon Metals at info@falconmetals.com.au or for more informa�on visit www.falconmetals.com.au

THE Pyramid Hill community again has a permanent police presence with Senior Constable Brett Vine now on the local beat. The town had been without its own policer officer for more than year. LH PHOTO

Love lures Amber to Loddon

For Amber, love was the spark that led her from the lively streets of Adelaide to the elcoming town of Wedderburn in Loddon.

But it wasn’t just her partner who won her heart — it was the entire community and the unique lifestyle that came with it.

Engaged and happily settled with her beloved fur baby, Amber has found her place in Loddon, blending her work in local government with a newfound appreciation for the rhythm and warmth of small-town life.

Amber’s story began in classic romantic fashion. She met her partner, a Wedderburn local, while he was on a holiday in Adelaide.

After two years of long-distance relationship, Amber made the bold decision to pack up her city life and join him in Wedderburn in 2018.

“I’d spent a lot of time here before making the move, and I was struck by how friendly everyone was. Coming from the city, that sense of community really stood out to me.”

The close-knit community wasn’t the only thing that charmed Amber. As she spent more time in Wedderburn, the natural beauty and ease of country life became part of her daily routine.

“There’s something about Wed-

derburn that feels timeless,” she shares. “People genuinely care about each other, and the locals have a way of making you feel like family from day one.”

She found a job in local government, a role that deepened her connection to the community.

“Working in local government here has been incredibly rewarding. My colleagues and the people in town made me feel like I belonged.”

Now, a few years on, Amber has her own local favourites that make Wedderburn feel even more like home.

The 24 Karat Café is her go-to spot for a coffee fix, a cozy haven where she can chat with neighbours and unwind.

When it comes to weekend adventures, Kooyoora State Park is her top pick for an outdoor escape.

“I love taking family and friends there. The views are incredible, the picnic areas are perfect, and it’s just one of those places where you can easily spend the day.”

In 2020, Amber and her partner decided to put down permanent roots by purchasing a historic three-bedroom home — a charming 1900s property on a spacious 1,112-square-metre block.

“It’s more than just a house. It’s part of Wedderburn’s story. I love

that we’re preserving a piece of history while building our future here.”

Amber is excited about raising a family in Wedderburn, convinced it’s the perfect place for kids to grow up. Reflecting on her own upbringing in Adelaide, she values the close-knit, safe environment Wedderburn offers.

“There’s a real sense of safety and community here.

The local school offers education from Prep to Year 12, and the kids grow up with the same friends, surrounded by people who genuinely care about them,” she explains.

The nearby outdoor treasures like Mt Korong, Boort Lake, and the Loddon River mean weekends are filled with nature and adventure.

And if they ever need a dose of city life, Bendigo and Melbourne are just a short drive away.

When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking about moving to Wedderburn, Amber’s answer is instant:

“Do it! You won’t regret it. Wedderburn might be small, but it’s brimming with life, and the locals will greet you with open arms.

“It’s a place where everyone feels at home,” says Amber about Loddon living.

Register now for your free ticket and be one of the first 50 to receive a FREE double pass to Cork and Fork!

Partners build achievements

LODDON Plains Landcare Network has notched up 15 years working to protect and enhance biodiversity in the region.

Facilitator Will Sanson told the network’s annual general meeting that fostering a strong community of passionate landholders, dedicated volunteers, and engaged groups continued.

“All working together to enhance biodiversity and protect natural assets across the Loddon Plains,” he said.

Mr Sanson said a standout achievement for the past year was planting of 21,000 tube stock plants.

“We have also expanded into fee-for-service work. Our wellequipped works crew completed two projects in Leaghur and Arnold West, focusing on weed control and revegetation,” he said.

“However, securing funding continues to be a challenge for charitable community organisations like LPLN.

“With ongoing uncertainty around long-term government support and short-term funding cycles, we remain focused on finding landholders and businesses who are committed to contributing to the long-term survival of LPLN and environmental restoration across the Network’s landscape.”

Mr Sanson said the network continued to grow and maintain community partnerships and engagemen including Tarnagulla

Primary School’s Victorian Junior Landcare program’s successful grant for a Maze Garden.

“:Our groups are what makes the Loddon Plains Landcare Network and are the essence of Landcare. Many of our groups have been re-engaging, while some unfortunately are struggling with ageing members and declining rural populations,” he said.

Our network is vibrant and strong, and I am hopeful our groups will flourish into the future with your involvement. Many of our groups are doing

great things involving revegetation, species conservation, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, indigenous engagement and community connectivity.”

Re-elected president Colleen Condliffee thanked new treasurer Drew Chislett from Loddon Vale and secretary Katie Drummond Gillett from Inglewood for their contributions to the network.

“Our successful tree-planting program could not have been achieved without the generous support of our local landholders, who have devoted portions of

their farmland to environmental improvement,” she said.

“We deeply appreciate all the landholders who joined the Landcare community this year, particularly those who have committed land for tree planting. Your involvement is driving significant progress in community engagement and development throughout the Loddon region.

“Together, we are making meaningful strides in environmental stewardship and community building, and I look forward to continuing this momentum in the year ahead.”

First yields looking good

EARLY harvest of barley crops in northern Loddon districts showed good prospects for yield and quality.

Vaughan Toose, from north of Boort, said he was pleased with initial yield that indicated the district could have a strong harvest for a fourth year.

Farmers in the Boort district are also starting the canola harvest.

David Weaver’s machinery has been in full swing since Monday in canola paddocks.

Meanwhile, southern farmers are moving quickly to finish cutting and storing hay.

More predicted warm days across the Loddon is expected to quickly cure cereal crops.

Draft rural strategy

GREATER Bendigo council has released its draft rural area strategy.

Priorities include protection of productive farming land, protection and enhancement of natural and cultural assets, opportunities to reduce land use conflicts by identifying appropriate locations for rural residential, tourism and non-agricultural uses.

The strategy also aims to address needs of existing and future agricultural operations, particularly intensive animal industries including lot sizes, buffer areas and infrastructure.

Loddon Plains Landcare Network out in local communities

Head off harvest risk

CFA wants farmers to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of header fires as harvest activities intensify in the coming weeks.

Last fire season, CFA responded to 27 header fires, with 77 per cent in the north-west and west of the state.

The 2024-2025 season presents significant challenges for farmers, with low rainfall, dry soil, and frost damage elevating fire risks in key agricultural areas.

CFA Gannawarra Group Officer Jack Hewitt, an experienced cereal, sheep, and hay farmer, says this year’s conditions demand heightened caution.

“This season, with crops a bit lower, headers will be taking on more dirt, meaning farmers need to clean their headers more frequently to prevent dust buildup,” Jack said.

“Fine dust from pulse crops like lentils and lupins

can accumulate around the engine and exhaust system, and if it heats up, it can smoulder and potentially ignite spot fires, particularly in windrows.”

Victoria produces 31 per cent of Australia’s grain, estimated to be worth $4.4 billion and cereal growers in the northwest contribute a significant portion to that, with harvest season seeing fuel loads of six to 10 tonnes per hectare of cereal, legume and lentil crop.

Jack advises farmers to stay alert for any unusual sounds and to be fully prepared to act in case of a fire.

“With extra dirt, bearings can wear out and fail more quickly, adding to fire risks.

“If you hear any unusual noises from your header, don’t ignore them, walk around the machine and check for excessive heat, “

Jack said.

“It’s important to keep a fire extinguisher in your header so you can act im-

BOORT Co-op Grain Prices on Tuesday: Wheat – H1 $332. H2 $313. APW1 $303. AGP1 $262. ASW1 $292. AUH2 $297. SFW1 $282. Barley – Bar1 $273. Bar2 $265. Bar3 $245. Maximus $293. Planet $300. Spartacus $295.

mediately if a fire starts.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said machinery safety wasn’t only a priority for farmers, all Victorians should focus on equipment maintenance and fire-safe practices.

“During the last Fire Danger Period, CFA responded to 114 vegetation fires caused by machinery and vehicles, including slashers, tractors, ride-on mowers, caravans, and trailers,”

Jason said.

“Each incident posed a risk not only to those on the ground but also to neighbouring properties.

“By prioritising equipment maintenance and simple safety protocols, we can significantly cut down on these preventable fires.”

“With everyone doing their part, we can help protect lives and property.”

The CFA has crop and machinery fire safety tips on its website.

Canola – non-GM $750. GM $705. Oats – Oat1 $360. Oat2 $345.

GrainCorp’s report it received 154,300 tonnes of grains in Victoria last week, In Victoria, several sites began taking deliveries last week. Canola and barley quality is looking good.

SHEEP AND

LAMBS

NUMBERS lifted to nearly 30,000 lambs or about 6000 more than a week ago at Bendigo on Monday.

Quality was very mixed and there was a lot of young lambs which showed signs of dryness and having slipped in condition.

The bulk of the young lambs fitted into trade and store lamb categories. Quality did play into results as effectively there was a two-speed market based around lamb freshness and size.

Any lambs that still presented in fresh tight skins and with weight, mostly from southern supply areas like Kilmore, were firm to dearer at 800c/kg plus and reaching above 850c/kg at times. But the general run of drier skinned lambs were $5 to $15/head cheaper to processors, noting not all the major buyers were fully active and bidding was selective across the market.

Store lambs were $6 to $8/head softer, although some of the feature lines of wellbred crossbreds still sold strongly. Only limited pens of young lambs weighed above 28kg cwt and these sold from $230 to a top of $275/head. The pick of the heavy trade lambs from $190 to $230/ head. After this there was a lot of sales of medium and light trade lambs at $150 to $185/head, the main run of crossbreds in the 22-24kg cwt range averaging $177/ head, and the 20-22kg cwt lots $157/head.

The lead of the MK sized processing lambs mostly $120 to $150/head. In the store lambs agents paid from $119 to $147/ head for crossbreds showing some framesize, while small store lambs sold from $50 to $114 to average $90/head to the paddock.

In the sheep run heavy ewes were modestly dearer after a soft result here a week ago, while light and trade sheep gained up to $10/head. Heavy ewes $90 to $110 with

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

The best end of the heavy lambs increased by $5-8. All sheep and most other lambs and were fully firm.

November 11th, 2024 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 30,000 | Sheep - 11,000

not as many extra heavy crossbreds available in this market. General run of trade and light sheep mostly $64 to $85/head. Good runs of mutton were estimated as costing processors from 300c to 370c/kg cwt.

SUCKERS

JM Hiscock & Sons Pyalong (126) $275. Merindoc Pastoral Tooborak (52) $261. WJ Whatley Goornong (44) $260.

To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.

Alex Collins - 0408 314 768

Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371

Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844 Will Holt - 0417 686 814

Alex Pollock - 0409

FOR SALE

ARNOLD & MURPHY’S CREEK DISTRICT “GRAHAMS” BY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

In 16 Titles -11 Allotments - To be offered in 3 Lots

Lot 1: “Billings” Arnold

197.56 Hectares - 488.16 Acres 7 Titles

Rich red loam topsoil through to a clay base with sandy ridges throughout. Excellent draining soil. Offering in 8 paddocks with fair to good cyclone fencing. GWM Water supply to trough from Pipeline and already established dams. Excellent fertiliser history, 99% arable lands, suiting all aspects of Agriculture. Also offering 2 stand shearing shed with undercover steel sheep yards and draft with attached Kitchenette in good condition.

Lot 2: “Murphy’s Creek” 198 Keoghs Lane, Llanelly in 2 parcels

A: “Home Block” 6 Titles - Offering 260.54 Hectares645.15 Acres or there abouts in 7 paddocks

Fencing of steel & timber post and plain wire & new cyclone, Mallee loam topsoil to a clay base to a Murphy’s Creek grey loam.

Substantial mix of shelterbelts, creek washouts and wetland revegetation area & 2 water outlets. Improvements include: 3-bedroom original farmhouse, Kitchen/Dining and Living room area, Weatherboard construction with detached Gal Iron double carport. Also 2 stand Gal Iron shearing shed, hayshed plus GWM Pipeline & established dams.

B: Adjacent 18 Keoghs Lane, Llanelly - Offering 30.8 Hectares – 76.07 Acres, adjacent to Lot 1 in 3 Titles Cleared grey loam soil fenced into one paddock, with standing shelterbelts. In 4 allotments, fencing fair, water by trough from GWM Pipeline and established dam.

Terms: EOI open: 9th November 2024 & closes 12th December 2024 @ 4pm sharp.

Further Particulars & Inspection: James Nevins: 0407 302 900

Brisk bidding at clearing sale

BUYERS turned out in good numbers for a clearing sale at Raywood on Saturday where hundreds of lots went under the hammer.

Greg Fathers, of Property Plus, said machinery and farm equipment were the top-selling items.

Mr Fathers said brisk bidding was a highlight of the clearing sale.

“There was considerable inter-

 2 paddocks, 1 dam

 GWM Water connected with 22,500L poly tank, 300KL allocation

 2 Water Troughs

 Marmal Creek runs NorthSouth, fully fenced off

 Good Fencing

 Quality heavy Barrakee red loams to self-mulching grey loams, presenting in great heart

 Cropping rotation running in a 3 year cycle

 20’ Steel container

Terms: Expression of Interest open Monday 11th November, closing Thursday 12th December @ 4:00pm at Offices of F.P. Nevins & Co Real Estate Pty Ltd

Further Particulars/Inspection:

Luke Nevins: 0418510166

James Nevins: 0407302900

Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au

est across the sale with bidders keen on big and small items,” Mr Fathers said.

“Good prices for today’s market were reached on antique and reproduction furniture while collectors were to the fore for items that included Jerry cans.”

Mr Fathers said the clearance rate was high and vendors pleased with prices realised at the auction.

In 4 Titles, located facing Loddon Valley Highway and No2 Weir Road, this parcel has continual family ownership for 90 years plus Situated in the middle of the renowned Jarklin farming community, this superb block is excellent in it presentation and condition Consisting of Jarklin and Fernihurst loam soil (red & grey), this property displays forward feed options with under sown Lucerne, Phalaris and Rye grass.

Offering 15 paddocks with excellent Cyclone internal and external fencing, established feed with trough water throughout along with access to the Serpentine Creek. 4 dams across 4 paddocks.

Gal Iron 2 stand shearing shed with steel sheep yards in excellent repair (Generator run), steel cattle yards with loading ramp and laneway livestock movement, this properties ease of management is beyond reproach

Exceptional management of weeds, fencing and tree plantation establishment only enhances this properties stellar presentation 2 meg/litre S & D water (serviced from 2 points), also includes established tree plantations and exceptional open cropping paddocks, nothing is wanting

Terms: EOI opens –Saturday 9th November 2024. Closes – Thursday 5th December 2024 at selling agents’ offices at 4pm sharp. Settlement: 16th January 2025. All documents available 10% deposit on signing

Greg Fathers puts lots under the hammer at Saturday’s clearing sale. LH PHOTO

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

What’s the art of selling message?

By CHRIS EARL

THE WORLD has been gripped by election fever the last weekthere was something happening in the United States that temporarily took focus away from the big event in our local communities.

At almost the same time as Americans were waking to confirmation that Donald Trump had become only the second person to return to the White House after losing four years earlier, Loddon Shire residents in Inglewood and Tarnagulla Wards were about the receive news on who would be their councillors on Loddon Shire for the next four years.

The Americans - more than 145 million of them - waited only 24 or so hours. In Loddon Shire, the 2000 voters were left hanging for almost a fortnight.

Analysts in the US say Trump’s victory was on the back of discontent in rural America. Is there a parallel with Loddon results and possible implications for the next federal election due before next May and a State Government already suffering one of the worst cases of mid-term blues seen in more than a generation?

Possibly? Successful local council candidates were pretty grassroots in their approach to campaigning and issues. The basics - looking after roads - was high on the list of needs and wants for voters, too.

The successful pair of Miki Wilson and Nick Angelo didn’t stray into policy agenda areas where local government has little impact, importance or influence.

And their campaigns were out

yOUR ONLINE WORDS LOCAL PERSPECtIVE

on the roads beside paddocks talking to farmers or having a chat and a cuppa. They didn’t go much for social media posts that gained little traction with local voters, although they were popular with fan clubs in other parts of the state.

That two first-term councillors were challenged and defeated is rare at any level of government and even rarer in the 30-year history of the Loddon Shire.

Wendy Murphy and Linda Jung-wirth showed a passion and compassion for their communities, something that cannot be questioned. Any one who is elected to public office, service with scrutiny and questions, must always be thanked.

A defining moment in the election campaign, I believe, came weeks before the official caretaker period of council when then-councillors Murphy and Jungwirth abstained on a vote continue support of the Murray River Group of Councils in its opposition to Federal Government water buybacks.

That was despite a thorough and in-depth report written by shire chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald. Under the Local Government Act, abstaining from making a decision is a “no” vote.

That indication of voting in the negative unleashed criticism from readers in rural communities, aware that almost 80 per cent of the shire’s economic worth is produced through agriculture and access to irrigation water a vital part of preserv-

WIND TURBINE COMPANIES KNOCKING AT HARVEST TIME

Nick Marlow wrote: This is a deliberate strategy. We have seen it all before with the basin plan. Nothing new here. This is not a mistake. From their point of view, the timing is spot on.

Corrie Bussem wrote: Definitely planned.

Jemelle Powell wrote: Typical townies. No idea of rural practices . I remember once in Tassie they asked the dairy farmers to milk their cows at a different time so a bloody car race could proceed all day. You can’t make this stuff up. It’s that ridiculous that sane people wouldn’t be able think of it.

Karren Chuter wrote: Farmers have to kick them off their property. If they did maybe this rubbish will stop. they think they have a right.

Mick Korong wrote: Two question’s we need to ask

BUSHy tALES By IAN jONES

ing that economic contribution. Among letter writers to the Loddon Herald was Miki Wilson, the farmer’s wife and former local government governance manager. The absence of support to oppose water buybacks was her trigger to stand for election. For the next four years, she is now a councillor.

The two new councillors, indeed the shire as a whole, has exciting times ahead and challenges too. CEO Fitzgerald, father of the council Gavan Holt and former mayor Dan Straub said that quite plainly last week at the poll declaration.

The two wards - Inglewood and Tarnagulla - that had an election have also been dragging down the shire’s resident satisfaction surveys over the past four years.

Despite good work by council and even if frustrated by bureaucracy at higher levels of government and delays in approving funding, there are good things being achieved by a council punching above its weight and making sure local communities can maximise economic and population growth.

Those good messages are not sold on social media where posts are there one minute, relegated the next.

They are sold out in our communities, on the ground where people are really connected. Making sure the basics are right and leaving social engineering to higher levels of government who have their own elections to face in the near future.

these people - does their wage come from government grants to their private companies? Does their path for their (agenda) power lines fall within the Federal Government’s green scheme and new environmental standards?

DAVID BOOTH’S 47 YEARS AN AMBULANCE OFFICER

Tracey Webb wrote: What a great article on a great man.

ADAM POSTLE’S MEAN BOWLING SPELL

Maddison Postle wrote: I saw on the Upper Loddon Cricket Rumours page that you’re playing tennis next year??

Arnold Cricket Club wrote: If he could play tennis when they’re scheduled to play Arnold it’d be greatly appreciated.

1. ‘Inflammable air’ was an early name for which gas?

2. Scrimshaw is the art of decorating what material?

3. What colour are the spacesuits worn by NASA astronauts?

4. What was the name of the cipher device used for communications by the German military in World War Two?

5. Name the capital city of Finland.

6. In which century was famous composer Beethoven born?

7. What nut is in the centre of a Ferrero Rocher?

8. The Dalai Lama is highest spiritual leader of which religion?

9. Disneyland is often known by what other name?

10. Which ocean surrounds Antarctica?

11. Caesar salad comes from which country?

12. And in which year was it created?

13. Which character sings ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ in Les Misérables?

14. What does a Geiger Counter measure?

15. The former VFL club ‘University’ had which colours?

16. Relating to air travel, what does mach 1 mean?

17. The Battle of Hastings took place in which year?

18. Which condiment was sold as medicine in the 1830s?

19. On average how many teeth does a dolphin have?

20. What is the oldest university in the world?

WE’VE been a bit worried the last few weeks. Bradley of Boort has been missing in action - no new Treemendous Signs on the Boort-Durham Ox Road and no updated photos sent to us here at OTF. Still receiving communications from Bradley so he hadn’t been swallowed up by one ofhis giant pumpkins at Halloween. The reason being being holed up in a pun-free zone is more mundane. The kids are taking up a bit of time and he is busy cleanining around the home. The good wife has been overseas for a few weeks and is about to arrive back in Oz and began her inspection of any mess accumulated during her temporary absence.

AFTER traipsing around the world, the good lady Karen may need a soothing and relaxing bath. That’s what a couple of tennis players were unable to do on Saturday night. Coaxed out of retirement, Good King Richard and his equally affable Queen Consort were lamenting the inability to take a post-match spa.

Seems something went wrong with the plumbing and a couple of frogs invaded their space the previous week. Not sure if the frogs kissed and became a prince and princess.

ON THE subject of that spa bath, while the Consort said the preferred additive was radox, one of her partners was convinced she said said Gravox. Interesting flow in conversation!

Q : Why are frogs so happy? They eat whatever bugs them! Q: What happens when two frogs collide? A: They get tongue tied! Q: What happens when you mix a frog with a bathtub scrubby-mit? A: A rubbit.

Hazelnut

Tibetan Buddhism 9. The happiest place on Earth

The Southern Ocean 11. Mexico 12. 1924 13. Fantine 14. Radiation 15.

Mia booked on calm

MIA ROWAN has opened up to the world and discovered expression through art.

And for the Wedderburn College student, drawing has become a great calming break.

It was in one of those breaks that Mia started putting together this year’s Loddon Healthy Minds Network art show best in show work.

Mia’s 21 pieces of art in My Book of Thoughts gave a glimpse into her mind and how she views the world around her.

The theme for the Healthy Minds art competition was creating my calm, which inspired Mia to enter her art. She wanted to showcase more than one individual drawing which led her to an old book to house her art.

Mia’s art reflects her own struggles with mental health,

“I wanted to really show how I was feeling rather than saying I have this, or I have that” Mia said.

Creating this art was an act of self-care for Mia, as she drew the ideas of creating calm and taking a break, she was able to do so at the same time.

“Drawing is my way of taking a break, it calms

By RUBY HYLAND

me down when I’m stressed or overstimulated.” Said Mia.

Mia had no expectations of winning the competition.

“I just entered it in for a bit of fun, it’s the first piece I’ve properly spent time on but winning was a total surprise” she said.

One of her favourite sketches labelled “beautiful dysmorphia” features a mirror reflection, something Mia used to highlight that what you see on the outside is not always what is on the inside.

The artwork reflects who she is inside and is her way of opening up to the world.

Dysmorphia, is a condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance.

The competition, which raises awareness about mental health and wellbeing, is open to students who are either residents or attend school in the Loddon Shire.

The network was formed in 2007 to actively pursue mental health issues as they related to residents of the entire Loddon Shire.

The network provides residents access to over 15 mental health organisations and provides resources to the community to promote mental wellbeing and raise awareness of mental health issues.

The art competition was backed by the Loddon Shire Council and the Inglewood Community Bank.

The competition had 269 entries submitted with the overall prize going to Wedderburn College’s Mia Rowan for her piece “My book of thoughts, it’s okay to take a break & create

Grade Prep – 2

„ Boort District School: 1st Prize –

Isabel Crilly (Grade 2); 2nd Prize – Lexi

Kane (Grade 2)

„ Bridgewater Primary School: 1st

Prize – Amaya Warke (Grade 1); 2nd

Prize – Odin Bennie (Grade 1)

„ East Loddon P-12: 1st Prize –Alexander Milgate (Grade 2); 2nd Prize

– Jack Penny (Grade 2)

„ Inglewood Primary School: 1st

Prize – Sylvie Lawson (Grade Prep);

your calm. My way of doing this is drawing”.

The themes for the art competition challenged entrants to explore different ways to raise awareness of mental health issues and to maintain good mental

health and wellbeing as well as ways to help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

Senior students were inspired by the themes, Creating My Calm and It’s Okay to Take a Break. Years five to eight had Your Feel-

2024 art show winners

2nd Prize – Levi Jones (Grade 1)

„ Pyramid Hill P-10 College: 1st Prize

– Amelia Stevens (Grade Prep-2); 2nd

Prize – Amara Dizon (Grade Prep)

„ St Mary’s Primary School: 1st Prize

– Nakodah McEwan (Grade 1); 2nd

Prize – Achilles Hywood (Grade Prep)

„ St Patrick’s Primary School: 1st

Prize – Yuna Sabater (Grade Prep); 2nd

Prize – Aziel Domingo (Grade 1)

„ Tarnagulla Primary School: 1st

Prize – Lucy Buckingham (Grade 2);

2nd Prize – Skyla Long (Grade 1)

Grade 3 – 4

„ Boort District School: 1st Prize –

Tyla Hird (Grade 4); 2nd Prize – Wafa

Mubarak (Grade 4)

„ Bridgewater Primary School: 1st

Prize – Marley Hutchins (Grade 3); 2nd

Prize – Emily Bailey (Grade 3)

„ East Loddon P-12: 1st Prize – Ilah

Penny (Grade 3); 2nd Prize – Piper Ellis (Grade 3)

„ Inglewood Primary School: 1st

Prize – Madelyn Lawson (Grade 3); 2nd

Prize – Izzy Guy (Grade 3)

„ Pyramid Hill P-10 College: 1st Prize

– Charlie Chen (Grade 3); 2nd Prize –Jasper Mutugi (Grade 3)

„ St Mary’s Primary School: 1st Prize

– Braxton Barns (Grade 4); 2nd Prize –Kiarah McEwan (Grade 4)

„ St Patrick’s Primary School: 1st

Prize – Matilda Mowat (Grade 4); 2nd

Prize – Thomas De Guzman (Grade 3)

Grade 5 – Year 8

„ Boort District School: 1st Prize

– Xavier Junior (Grade 6); 2nd Prize –

Pearl Muller (Grade 6)

„ Bridgewater Primary School: 1st

Prize – Bruce Bennie (Grade 6); 2nd

Prize – Braxton Jackson (Grade 5)

„ East Loddon P-12: 1st Prize – Cassie O’Donoghue (Grade 5-6); 2nd Prize

– Payton Heath (Grade 6)

„ Inglewood Primary School: 1st

Prize – Rhiannon Murphy (Grade 6);

About What You Share Online to inspire them.

Junior school students were provided colouring posters with the message stay positive for years three and four.

2nd Prize – Molly Norman (Grade 5)

„ Pyramid Hill P-10 College: 1st Prize

– Elsie Poole (Grade 6); 2nd Prize –Isabelle Kunde (Grade 6)

„ St Mary’s Primary School: 1st Prize

– Abby Wilson (Grade 6); 2nd Prize –Olivia Morrison (Grade 5)

„ St Patrick’s Primary School: 1st

Prize – Jace Pacala (Grade 6); 2nd

Prize – Izzy Pantig (Grade 5)

„ Wedderburn P-12 College: 1st

Prize – Violet Stephenson (Year 8); 2nd

Prize – Caitlyn Treuel (Year 8) Year 9 – 12

„ Boort District School: 1st Prize

– Emma Young (Year 10); 2nd Prize –Cooper Gooding (Year 9)

„ Pyramid Hill P-10 College: 1st Prize

– Sophie Gilmore (Year 9); 2nd Prize –

Michaella Reganit (Year 9)

„ Wedderburn P-12 College: 1st

Prize – Noah Winslett (Year 10); 2nd

Prize – Jade Cramp (Year 10)

ings Are Valid and Be Thoughtful

The 2024 art show winner Mia Rowan. LH PHOTO

BOORT NEWSAGENCY

BRIDGEWATER BAKEHOUSE

BRIDGEWATER CARAVAN PARK CAFE

BRIDGEWATER HOTEL

BRIDGEWATER NURSERY

BRIDGEWATER POST OFFICE

BRIDGEWATER SERVICE STATION

CHARLTON NEWSAGENCY

DINGEE STORE

FOUR POSTS JARKLIN

INGLEWOOD IGA

INGLEWOOD POST OFFICE

STEVE’S EMPIRE HOTEL

INGLEWOOD CAFE AND

KANGAROO FLAT POST OFFICE

KERANG IGA

KORONG VALE HOTEL

MARONG GENERAL STORE

MITIAMO STORE

NEWBRIDGE STORE

NEWBRIDGE HOTEL

PYRAMID HILL POST OFFICE

PYRAMID HILL BAKERY

COFFEE BANK PYRAMID HILL

VICTORIA

TARNAGULLA

RAYWOOD MOTORS

DUNOLLY FRIENDLY GROCER

GOLDEN SQUARE NEWSAGENCY

EAGLEHAWK NEWSAGENCY

CHAPMAN - Robert Merion

27.11.1951 – 29.10.2024

Passed away peacefully

Aged 72 years

Loved husband of Lyn.

Father of Stefan, Jo and Corinna.

Grumps to Kyra, Lucas, Caden and Allira

Always Loved

SENDY - Dawn

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent death of Dawn Sendy, aged 95 years

A farewell for Dawn will be held on FRIDAY (November 15) at The Bridgewater Hotel, 10.30am – 12.30 pm, 2 Main Street, Bridgewater on Loddon, Victoria.

Inglewood (03) 5438 3189

CHAPMAN - Robert Merion

A Memorial Service for the life of Mr. Robert Merion Chapman will be held at the Korong Vale Mechanics Hall, 8 Allen Street, Korong Vale NEXT THURSDAY (November 21) at 11am.

A Private Cremation has been held

A Special Meeting of the Loddon Shire Council will be held on 19 November 2024 commencing at 3pm in the Loddon Shire Council Chambers, Wedderburn to consider the term and Election of Mayor for 2024/25 and appointments to Committees.

Council o ers live stream and on-demand access to Council Meetings, enabling members of the public to view proceedings via the Internet as an alternative to attending in person.

To obtain the link and latest details, please visit Council’s website at https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/ Council/Council-Meetings

Board Director Opportunities at Boort District Health

The Minister for Health, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, is pleased to invite applications for part time board director positions at Boort District Health. The positions start on 1 July 2025 and appointments are for up to three years.

These positions provide an exciting opportunity for Victorians to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Applicants are selected for their capabilities, including personal and professional experience, knowledge, and skills that contribute to the strategic leadership and oversight of health care for the Victorian community.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. This includes diverse leadership of the health system that represents the variety of backgrounds and cultures of Victorian communities to enable the vision of achieving the best health, wellbeing and safety for everyone.

To build an empowered and engaged leadership across the health system, our priority areas are people of all ages, First Nations people, people who live with a disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, the promotion of gender equality and upholding human rights. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the capabilities identified in their applications.

Applications close at midnight Sunday 24 November 2024.

Further information about Victorian health service boards and how to apply can be found at www.health.vic.gov.au/board-applications

Board Director Opportunities at Inglewood and Districts Health Service

The Minister for Health, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, is pleased to invite applications for part time board director positions at Inglewood and Districts Health Service. The positions start on 1 July 2025 and appointments are for up to three years.

These positions provide an exciting opportunity for Victorians to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Applicants are selected for their capabilities, including personal and professional experience, knowledge, and skills that contribute to the strategic leadership and oversight of health care for the Victorian community.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. This includes diverse leadership of the health system that represents the variety of backgrounds and cultures of Victorian communities to enable the vision of achieving the best health, wellbeing and safety for everyone.

To build an empowered and engaged leadership across the health system, our priority areas are people of all ages, First Nations people, people who live with a disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTIAQ+, the promotion of gender equality and upholding human rights. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the capabilities identified in their applications.

Applications close at midnight Sunday 24 November 2024.

Further information about Victorian health service boards and how to apply can be found at www.health.vic.gov.au/board-applications

Join our Board of Management

Are you passionate about giving back to our community?

We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of management and help shape the future of Dingee Bush Nursing Centre. We are seeking Volunteers from all walks of life, experiences and backgrounds. Applications close 28 th November 2024 and are available at our centre, or contact us on

the below details.

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre 21 King St Dingee, Ph: 54 368 309 admin@dbnc.com.au

Powlett Plains Recreation Reserve

Notice is given of a Public Meeting to be held at Powlett Hall on 21st November 2024 commencing at 7.00pm. The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more that nine (9) persons as the Committee’s term will expire on 30 November 2024. 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, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting. For further enquires please contact the Secretary, Mal Isaac on 0427383187.

Chris Hargreaves President

Purpose in game plan

BRIDGEWATER’S Monday pennant side is finding some winning ways in this season’s Bendigo playing area competition.

Last week against Golden Square, it was an 18-shot victory.

The side is starting to play with some purpose which is great to see.

On Saturday, the Division 5 side travelled to Strathfieldsaye to take on the top side and ended up going down three rinks to one.

The most pleasing thing for the day is that all rinks took it up to the top side, with Curtis Mangan’s rink trailing by 11 shots to come back and win once again.

Lachlan Catto, Vern Wilson and Ray Broadbent gave good support.The Goldfields side played at home to Maryborough Golf and was out classed by a better side on the day. Once again new bowlers are showing signs of improvement with game time.

The club’s open fours tournament will be held on Sunday.

INGLEWOOD

In Monday pennant, the Division 5 is in the upper echelon.

Their strong form continues. It’s a credit to some of the men to play here to keep this team alive as there are four special ladies in

GOLDFIELDS

Division 2 Bridgewater 47-0 lost to Maryborough Golf 87-16. D. Payne, G. Harrison, C. Wattie, I. Clutton (s) lost to E. Ollington, M. Webb, R. Bird, K. Gay (s) 18-32. S. Miller, (substitute), R. Brown, C. Brooshooft (s) lost to G. Thomson, J. Scott, F. Smith, H. Patullo (s) 17-31. R. Simons, H. Fagan, P. Short, M. Wright (s) lost to M. Gay, L. Mather, R. Lane, R. Andrews (s) 12-24. Newstead Blue 81-16 d Maldon 36-0. Newstead White 55-2 lost to Avoca 57-14. Talbot 57-14 lost to Maryborough Highland 53-2. Carisbrook 59-4 lost to Dunolly Gold 61-12. Dunolly Green bye. Ladder: Newstead Blue 94, Maryborough Golf 94, Carisbrook 66, Talbot 62, Maldon 60, Dunolly Gold 52, Avoca 48, Dunolly Green 38, Maryborough Highland 36, Newstead White 23, Bridgewater 3.

NORTHERN DISTRICT

Division 2 Pyramid Hill 1 65-10 d Kerang Golf 2 48-2. D. Demaine, M. Noelker, N. McGann, L. Mann (s) d S. McLeish, P. Niall, S. Hutchinson, G. Beck (s) 24-12. T. Stobaus, C. Cauchi, R. Price, J. Mann (s) lost to A. Medson, J. Duckworth, R. Fisher, L. Gray (s) 1126. R. Harris, I. Bartels, T. Dzufer, M. Scott (s) d M. Orr, K. Pay, C. Pay, G. Hayes (s) 30-10. Cohuna 2 59-12 d Barham 4 49-0. Cohuna Golf 3 55-2 lost to Kerang 3 62-10. Ladder: Cohuna Golf 3 46, Kerang Golf 2 37, Cohuna 2 34, Pyramid Hill 1 32, Kerang 3 18, Barham 4 13. Division 3 Pyramid Hill 2 52-2 lost to Wakool 2 71-10. M. Mahoney, A. Harris, A. Roberts, L. Dingwall (s) lost to J. Hamilton, N. Free, C. Mills, S. Chalmers (s) 16-21. G. Godward, R. Fidler, A. Fidler, A. Bennett (s) lost to S. Stewart, L. Hamilton, A. Stewart, G. Rowland (s) 17-33. R. Boyd, (substitute), W. Boyd, J. Cauchi (s) d S. Mills, R. Grant, J. Lolicato, K. Lolicato (s) 19-17. Gunny Golf 1 47-2 lost to Kerang 4 52-10. Cohuna 3 36-2 lost to Kerang Golf 3 74-10. Barham 5 77-8 d Leitchville 2 62-4.

Ladder: Wakool 2 52, Kerang Golf 3 37, Kerang 4 34, Gunny Golf 1 33, Cohuna 3 26, Barham 5 24, Leitchville 2 19, Pyramid Hill 2 15.

Midweek - Division 1 Pyramid Hill 1 54-8 d Cohuna Golf 1 50-4. H. Crichton, K. Wood, S. Bennett, R. Opie (s) lost to R. Eckhardt, P. Quinn, B. Morrison, Y. Eckhardt (s) 14-21. I. Bartels, J. Cauchi, M. Noelker, A. Cantwell (s) lost to L. McManus, G. Campbell, L. Mathers, P. Bibby (s) 15-19. R. Harris, L. Dingwall, J. Leed, M. Scott (s) d N. Brown, R. Bibby, P. McManus, F. Trezise (s) 25-10. Barham 1 42-0 lost to Cohuna 1 71-12. Kerang 1 62-2 lost to Kerang Golf 1 63-10. Ladder: Cohuna 1 49, Kerang 1 34, Barham 1 32, Kerang Golf 1 27, Cohuna Golf 1 20, Pyramid Hill 1 18.

this team that love their bowls, the competition and friendships it provides.

Last week’s result was Inglewood 51 shots (14pts) defeated Golden Square 31 shots (0pts).

The best rink on the day was the team of Edna Patterson, Phyliss McEwan, Ian Bradley and David Whitehead (skip) with a 17 shot win.

Division 1 still haven’t had a win and are currently sitting last on the ladder.

Final scores last week were Inglewood 47 shots (2pts) lost to White Hills 60 shots (14pts)

Best rink on the day was the team of Simon Laird, Chris McEwan, Lindsay Kelly and Laurie Witham (skip) with a 5 shot win.

In weekend pennant, Division 5 bounced back with a strong performance against Woodbury and sits fourth on the ladder. It is good, for the club, to see this team being so competitive.

The best rink on the day was the team of David Shay, Blake Smyth, John McClymont and Helen Leach (skip) with a 22 shot win.

Bridgewater’s Chris Brooshooft in action in the Goldfields competition match at the weekend. LH PHOTO

And in Division 1, the Woodies found some form with a strong win over Golden Square and can now look forward to Saturday’s game against Castlemaine at home.

SERPENTINE

Division 2 Pyramid Hill 2 40-6 d Cohuna 2 39-2. W. Boyd, D. Kaye, R. Fidler, A. Fidler (s) lost to K. Peace, M. Main, C. Anderson, B. Hildebrand (s) 17-24. G. Godward, A. Harris, C. Cauchi, A. Bennett (s) d M. Smith, M. Mooney, M. Maud, N. Hosking (s) 23-15. Barham 2 40-6 d Cohuna 3 37-2. Leitchville 1 50-8 d Barham 4 24-0. Cohuna Golf 2 29-0 lost to Gunbower 1 39-8. Barham 3 56-8 d Kerang 2 27-0. Kerang Golf 2 bye. Ladder: Kerang Golf 2 34, Gunbower 1 33, Barham 2 28, Barham 4 21, Leitchville 1 20, Barham 3 20, Cohuna Golf 2 19, Cohuna 3 19, Cohuna 2 17, Kerang 2 14, Pyramid Hill 2 11.

NORTH CENTRAL

Division 1 St Arnaud 58-2 lost to Wedderburn 70-10. D. Shepherd, C. Marchment, P. McRae, A. Dyke (s) lost to M. Guelfo, B. Hargreaves, A. Caserta, D. Mason (s) 12-28. T. Amos, G. McNally, G. Hancock, S. Zsigmond (s) d A. Roberts, G. Burnside, B. Montebello, L. Witham (s) 25-17. T. Marland, A. Tyler, A. Welsh, T. McSwain (s) lost to R. Guelfo, D. Stephenson, A. Holt, N. Holt (s) 21-25. Donald 80-10 d Boort 69-2. M. McEwen, P. Kelly, B. Milne, K. Adamson (s) lost to G. Carrall, J. Maxted, T. Moresi, L. Maxted (s) 21-27. R. Collins, R. Gravestocks, L. Kelly, H. Wingfield (s) d P. Waters, J. Gibson, K. Walton, K. Depiazza (s) 33-29. I. McEwen, L. Morgan, W. Hegarty, N. Hollis (s) d D. Gibson, C. Newsome, K. Birt, K. Ritchie (s) 26-13. Donald Golf 81-12 d Charlton 48-0. B. Bayles, A. Humphrey, D. Peake, G. Rigby (s) d L. Southwell, M. O’Brien, D. Finlay, S. Perry (s) 36-16. G. Stopps, G. Bowles, S. Hollis, P. Hibberd (s) d D. Beaty, W. Southwell, D. McCallum, K. Willey (s) 20-19. R. Adams, G. Geddes, R. Reseigh, D. Pettifer (s) d J. Cox, B. Laffin, D. Gretgrix, K. North (s) 25-13. St Arnaud Country 63-2 lost to Wycheproof 69-10. Ladder: Donald Golf 56, Wedderburn 50, Wycheproof 36, St Arnaud 28, St Arnaud Country 26, Donald 24, Boort 16, Charlton 4. Division 2 St Arnaud 69-8 d Wedderburn 66-4. J. Barron, P. Duncan, C. Coates, L. Goddard (s) lost to R. Tonkin, A. Benaim, L. Holt, L. Standfield (s) 24-25. D. Ostarcevic, G. Shinners, J. Prendegast, P. Micallef (s) d S. Steel, R. Ashley, R. Hall, J. Grant (s) 27-15. G. Smith, M. Hufer, K. Bibby, W. Rourke (s) lost to S. Lear, N. White, A. Noordennen, I. Hall (s) 18-26. Donald 75-12 d Boort 51-0. S. Robertson, K. Wyllie, E. Adams, P. Wyllie (s) d G. Charles, L. Newsome, A. Gould, J. Earl (s) 3015. A. McEwen, R. Gravestocks, M. Hollis, T. Farrer (s) d I. Allison, J. Nelson, A. Matley, G. Hudson (s) 22-15. C. Perry, M. Quick, J. Howley, W. Meyer (s) d L. Carrall, S. Polack, J. Hampson, G. Smith (s) 23-21. Donald Golf 96-12 d Charlton 54-0. C. Stopps, J. Hollis, B. Dixon, G. Wood (s) d W.

A lot of good bowls were played by the Inglewood players which is encouraging to see. Best result for the day came from the team of Daniel Garrett, Arthur Harrison, Bruce McClymont and Geoff Wilson (skip) with a huge 27 shot win.

Roberts, G. Wain, E. Rosewall, G. Bateson (s) 41-15. B. Brasier, J. Slater, A. Dionisopoulos, L. Borden (s) d Z. Irwin, S. Harper, M. Hamley, J. Headon (s) 29-18. M. Frank, D. Adams, T. Boyd, S. O’Shea (s) d substitute, B. Chester, B. Catherine, C. Brien (s) 26-21. St Arnaud Country 49-0 lost to Wycheproof 83-12. Ladder: Donald Golf 44, Wycheproof 41, Wedderburn 38, St Arnaud 34, St Arnaud Country 31, Donald 24, Charlton 16, Boort 12. Midweek - Boort 81-10 d Donald Golf 532. L. Carrall, P. Baker, D. Gibson, J. Gibson (s) lost to B. Jones, T. Boyd, S. Hollis, P. Hibberd (s) 20-21. Y. Cashen, T. Noles, J. Maxted, L. Maxted (s) d S. Evans, G. Wood, M. Frank, J. Hollis (s) 25-19. S. Polack, P. Gould, J. Earl, T. Moresi (s) d S. Donnellon, L. Borden, B. Dixon, S. O’Shea (s) 36-13. Wycheproof 66-12 d Charlton 55-0. C. Jones, V. Grant, H. Grylls, J. Grylls (s) d G. Bateson, J. Cox, D. McCallum, K. North (s) 22-21. C. Rayes, L. Nicholls, A. Jones, D. Groves (s) d C. Brien, E. Rosewall, D. Gretgrix, J. Headon (s) 25-16. D. Nicholls, S. McKenna, M. Nicholls, J. McKay (s) d W. Laffin, R. Porter, D. Finlay, L. Southwell (s) 19-18. Wedderburn 128-12 d St Arnaud Country 44-0. S. Standfield, J. Murnane, R. Hall, A. Caserta (s) d Y. Templar, S. Atkinson, C. Bond, P. Goode (s) 42-15. H. Stephenson, J. Matthews, S. Steel, A. Jackson (s) d D. Fullarton, A. Marland, P. Mullins, R. Pole (s) 32-19. R. Little, L. Standfield, A. Roberts, L. Witham (s) d L. Abbott, S. Wright, F. Rodger, H. Esmore (s) 54-10. St Arnaud 81-12 d Donald 49-0. Ladder: Wycheproof 56, Boort 40, St Arnaud 32, Wedderburn 30, Donald Golf 28, Charlton 28, Donald 14, St Arnaud Country 12.

BENDIGO

Division 1 Golden Square 77-2 lost to Inglewood 95-16. R. Williams, J. Wilcox, J. Nevins, P. Gooch (s) d R. Stranger, D. Wilson, I. Chamberlain, D. Vanston (s) 33-11. K. Rivendell, J. Eddy, G. Fordham, M. Petersen (s) lost to D. Garrett, A. Harrison, B. McClymont, G. Wilson (s) 9-36. R. Barri, L. Moloney, D. Berry, J. Frost (s) lost to S. Laird, D. Whitehead, L. Kelly, C. Kelly (s) 20-23. W. Lyons, T. Johannesen, S. Egan, K. Connaughton (s) lost to B. Jackson, J. Palfreyman, V. Tierney, G. Jackson (s) 15-25. North Bendigo 73-16 d Castlemaine 72-2. Kangaroo Flat 58-1 lost to Strathfieldsaye 91-17. White Hills 78-4 lost to Bendigo East 79-14. Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 49, North Bendigo 44, Castlemaine 36, White Hills 23, Bendigo East 22, Inglewood 19, Golden Square 18, Kangaroo Flat 5. Division 2 Harcourt 105-16 d Serpentine 58-2. M. Swain, B. Marsh, P. Clarke, R. Har-

Harcourt was full of good hospitality but the result was not all apples. Serpentine went down three rinks to one with Rick

ris (s) d M. Mathews, S. Rollinson, S. Rudkins, B. Gladman (s) 27-17. W. Walsh, C. McAuliffe, W. Chaplin, G. Kays (s) d J. Addlem, B. Tuohey, K. Canfield, B. Long (s) 32-11. L. Harris, D. Cunningham, B. Jenkinson, B. Leech (s) lost to L. James, W. Gladman, N. Tonkin, W. Hasty (s) 18-19. D. Normington, R. Watson, S. Douglas, G. Maddern (s) d A. James, J. Stuart, R. Gladman, D. Walker (s) 28-11. Strathfieldsaye 89-16 d Kangaroo Flat 70-2. Bendigo East 71-2 lost to South Bendigo 93-16. Eaglehawk 74-16 d Bendigo 63-2. Ladder: Harcourt 48, South Bendigo 44, Eaglehawk 38, Bendigo 22, Strathfieldsaye 22, Bendigo East 20, Kangaroo Flat 18, Serpentine 4. Division 4 Bendigo 89-16 d Dingee 74-2. G. Herne, R. Jobson, B. Greenwood, R. Angove (s) d L. Hocking, J. Monaghan, B. West, L. Demeo (s) 20-12. M. McQualter, V. Greenwood, G. McQualter, D. Harvey (s) lost to B. Cail, T. Kavanagh, L. Demeo, B. Lawry (s) 15-24. M. Kelly, B. Craig, R. Painter, C. Runnalls (s) d K. Pollock, J. Hocking, M. Grieves, F. Grieves (s) 25-13. J. Ovenden, D. Bennet, B. Benbow, R. Matthews (s) d S. Cail, P. Plant, R. Thompson, N. Lister (s) 29-25. Calivil 100-18 d Harcourt 54-0. N. Dennis, W. Lourie, J. Pickles, M. Dennis (s) d K. Grant, J. Ewing, F. Corstorphan, M. Doyle (s) 21-13. R. Boyd, R. Lourie, M. Collett, G. Maxted (s) d D. Jeffries, D. Marsh, R. Maltby, T. Robinson (s) 32-10. K. Richards, A. Dennis, G. Ray, L. Gronow (s) d C. Maddern, K. Harding, J. Grant, W. Walsh (s) 24-19. G. Lourie, B. Meighan, W. Miles, A. Leech (s) d H. Braid, R. Douglas, K. Tribe, L. Harding (s) 23-12. Marong 80-14 d Bendigo East 68-4. Kangaroo Flat 66-0 lost to White Hills 81-18. Ladder: White Hills 48, Bendigo 44, Calivil 38, Harcourt 30, Kangaroo Flat 21, Marong 18, Bendigo East 12. Dingee 5. Division 5 Strathfieldsaye 103-16 d Bridgewater 62-2. R. Thomas, U. Oper, L. Wynd, K. Toomey (s) d P. Gath, G. Catto, C. Payne, G. Mangan (s) 30-11. B. Toomey, J. Dole, S. Curnow, J. Cummins (s) d B. Catto, T. Estrada, N. Saunders, R. Smith (s) 31-16. A. Hingston, S. Powney, G. Sargeant, P. Schultz (s) lost to L. Catto, V. Wilson, R. Broadbent, C. Mangan (s) 19-24. J. Davis, M. Filan, N. Dewhurst, T. Phelan (s) d G. Mabon, D. Grant, A. Harrison, J. Fagan (s) 23-11. Woodbury 62-2 lost to Inglewood 9816. F. Butler, M. Shay, J. Davidson, I. Ross (s) lost to D. Shay, B. Smyth, J. McClymont, H. Leech (s) 13-35. A. Ryan, L. Basile, R. Rossiter, B. Shay (s) lost to W. Concol, D. Shay, substitute, C. McEwan (s) 20-26. J. Wee Hee, E. Mein, C. Edwards, I. Harrington (s) d B. Scoble, K. Stewart, W. Wilson, B. Taig (s) 1716. M. Derham, C. Dowsey, J. Bath, N. Upton (s) lost to E. Patterson, D. Roberts, P. Lyndon, I. Bradley (s) 12-21. Campbell’s Creek 87-17 d Bendigo 53-1. South Bendigo 68-2 lost to Golden Square 104-16.

Hasty and team winning on the last end.

Young Lachie James is showing good form leading the way for his elders. Not to be discouraged. it’s back on home territory this week against Strathfieldsaye. The spirits are still high and a win is closer.

Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 51, Campbell’s Creek 46, Bendigo 31, Inglewood 30, Golden Square 23, South Bendigo 21, Bridgewater 7, Woodbury 7. Monday - Division 1 South Bendigo 6816 d Inglewood 48-0. T. Marsili, D. Roberts, C. Adams, D. White (s) d M. Chamberlain, H. Leech, D. Whitehead, D. Wilson (s) 30-18. P. Milburn, J. Rooke, T. Zimmer, B. Traill (s) d S. Laird, C. McEwan, D. Vanston, L. Kelly (s) 14-13. J. Hayes, M. Houghton, J. Pasternak, D. Conley (s) d D. Garrett, B. Taig, B. McClymont, I. Chamberlain (s) 24-17. White Hills 50-2 lost to Golden Square 63-14. Kangaroo Flat 57-12 d Bendigo 53-4. Eaglehawk 52-16 d Bendigo East 48-0. Ladder: Kangaroo Flat 65, Eaglehawk 64, Golden Square 45, Bendigo East 41, South Bendigo 40, Bendigo 38, White Hills 20, Inglewood 7. Division 4 South Bendigo 65-15 d Calivil 54-1. S. Howe, R. Challinor, M. Kirkpatrick, L. Doolan (s) drew R. Boyd, J. Clymo, N. Ralphs, C. Maxted (s) 18-18. S. Driesen, M. Rechter, E. Bowland, R. Mc Cumber (s) d H. Gronow, J. Wiltshire, S. Hope, M. Collett (s) 22-21. D. Kennedy, G. Pinniger, T. Gretgrix, J. Borham (s) d K. Richards, M. Boyd, L. Dennis, C. Mitchell (s) 25-15. Strathfieldsaye 87-16 d Dingee 28-0. L. Millard, R. Rogister, V. McLoughlin, T. Probert (s) d J. Monaghan, J. Hocking, F. Grieves, M. Grieves (s) 24-12. K. Rogister, R. Tickner, N. Dewhurst, S. Curnow (s) d K. Pollock, P. Plant, B. West, S. Cail (s) 40-6. I. McIndoe, J. McGregor, M. Filan, P. Schultz (s) d B. Cail, S. Lawry, B. Lawry, L. Demeo (s) 23-10. Golden Square 48-9 drew Bendigo East 48-7. Bendigo 50-12 d Harcourt 49-4. Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 74, South Bendigo 63, Bendigo 58, Harcourt 54, Bendigo East 25, Golden Square 25, Dingee 18, Calivil 3. Division 5 - Inglewood 40-12 d Campbell’s Creek 35-2. J. Roberts, D. Roberts, substitute, A. Harrison (s) d L. Dowler, H. Wilson, V. Ellis, J. Harding (s) 23-16. E. Patterson, P. McEwan, P. Lyndon, I. Bradley (s) lost to C. Gallagher, J. Hall, T. Woodman, M. Holland (s) 17-19. White Hills 37-12 d Golden Square 32-2. Marong 35-2 lost to South Bendigo 36-12. Woodbury 35-2 lost to Strathfieldsaye 41-12. Ladder: Marong 56, Inglewood 54, South Bendigo 52, Campbell’s Creek 43, Strathfieldsaye 33, Woodbury 20, White Hills 13, Golden Square 9. Division 6 Castlemaine 31-2 lost to Bridgewater 39-12. J. Brain, K. Milner, I. Fisher, V. Podesta (s) lost to J. Hosking,

PENNANT BOWLS RESULTS

Men set the scene for Serpentine

SERPENTINE has broken through to record a nine-game win over Calivil North in Loddon Valley tennis on Saturday

Strong performances in the men’s sets gave Serpentine an edge and was followed up in the mixed encounters.

Meanwhile, Mincha West continued its early season dominance with a commanding win over Raywood.

They dropped just one set for the day to sit clear on top of the ladder.

MARONG

Wilsons Reef 7-57 lost to Harcourt 8-63

Ladies: E Molenaar B McKimmie lost to K. Walters Partner 3-6. E Molenaar J Taylor lost to K Walters K Eastwood 3-6. B McKimmie J Taylor d K Eastwood Partner 3-6. C McKinstry F Lucas d S Bickford H Brane 6-2.

Men: B Taylor J Taylor d H Eastwood Partner 6-3. B Taylor Z Porlai d L Tunn Partner 6-5. J Taylor Z Porlai lost to H Eastwood L Tunn 4-6. S Taylor J Wilkinson d P Brane Partner 6-0.

Mixed: E Molenaar B Taylor lost to K Walters Partner 2-6. B McKimmie J Taylor lost to H Eastwood Partner 0-6. J Taylor Z Porlai lost to K Eastwood L Tunn 3-6. C McKinstry S Taylor d K Eastwood P Brane 6-3. F Lucas J Wilkinson d H Brane Partner 6-0. Lockwood 13-93 d Marong 5-57

Ladies: D Wells T Leader d P Franklin J Cornish 6-4. D Wells B Wells d P Frank-

lin G Turnball 6-4. T Leader B Wells d J Cornish G Turnball 6-0. A Wells R Coutts d S Thompson H Turnball 6-4. A Wells M McLean lost to S Thompson A Pickering 2-6. R Coutts M McLean lost to H Turnball A Pickering 2-6. Men: L Nixon J Coutts lost to L Frankel Z Turnball 4-6. L Nixon R Leader d Z Turnball N McCaig 6-4. J Coutts R Leader d Z Turnball N McCaig 6-2. R Wells A McLean d M Frankel K McCaig 6-2. R Wells T Jensen d M Frankel S Pickering 6-1. A McLean T Jensen d K McCaig S Pickering 6-1.

Mixed: D Wells L Nixon d J Cornish L Frankel 6-4. T Leader R Leader d G Turnball Z Turnball 6-1. A Wells J Coutts d S Thompson M Frankel 6-0. B Wells T Jensen d K McCaig A Carroll. R Coutts R Wells lost to H Turnball N McCaig 5-6. M McLean A McLean lost to A Pickering S Pickering 2-6.

Woodstock 3-49 lost to Derby 15-97

Ladies: F Curnow N Earl d L Langley K Galea 6-1. H Stone N Earl lost to L Langley L Naughton 1-6. H Stone F Curnow lost to K Galea L Naughton

2-6. A Andrews-Stone K Punton lost to

H Normoyle E Farrar 4-6. A AndrewsStone K Punton lost to H Normoyle A Bowen 5-6. K Punton K Punton d E Farrar A Bowen 6-1.

Men: D Heather D Tolly lost to L McCullagh S Bruce 0-6. N Punton G Leach lost to L McCullagh S Crane 1-6. D Heather

G Leach lost to S Bruce S Crane 1-6. A Curnow T Heather lost to B Galea N Naughton 1-6. T Heather L McKinley lost to B Galea N Pollock 2-6. A Curnow

L McKinley lost to N Naughton N Pollock 0-6.

Mixed: F Curnow G Leach lost to S

Bruce L Langley 3-6. H Stone D Tolly lost to S Crane D Normoyle 3-6. N Earl

N Punton lost to L Naughton L McCullagh 3-6. A Andrews-Stone T Heather lost to K Galea B Galea 5-6. K Punton

A Curnow d E Farrar N Pollock 6-5. K Punton L McKinley lost to H Normoyle N Naughton 0-6. Ladder

LODDON VALLEY

Raywood lost to Mincha West 72-106

Men: J Sinclair M Collins d D Mann

B Wagner 7-4. J Sinclair P Harris d D Mann C Mann 7-5. M Collins P Harris d B Wagner C Mann 7-1. R Haw A Wall d R Wagner T Wagner 7-4. R Haw T Zahle lost to R Wagner J Pepperell 2-7. A Wall T Zahle d T Wagner J Pepperell 7-1.

Ladies: C Haw S Demeo lost to E Prout J Wagner 0-7. C Haw R Demeo lost to E Prout C Mann 3-7. S Demeo R Demeo lost to J Wagner C Mann 3-7. M Haw L Pollock lost to M Stewart C Gould 3-7. M Haw F Pollock lost to M Stewart K Gould 4-7. L Pollock F Pollock lost to C Gould K Gould 1-7.

Mixed: J Sinclair C Haw lost to D Mann

E Prout 6-7. M Collins S Demeo lost to B Wagner J Wagner 2-7. P Harris R Demeo lost to R Wagner C Mann 5-7. A Wall M Haw lost to S Mann M Stewart 2-7. R Haw F Pollock lost to T Wagner C Gould 4-7. T Zahle L Pollock lost to J Pepperell K Gould 2-7.

Serpentine d Calivil North 98-89

Men: S Howard J Gladman d C Smith J Smith 7-2. S Howard J Addlem d C Smith O Balic 7-1. J Gladman K Ad

dlem d J Smith O Balic 7-3. C Tuohey S Tuohey d R Hicks J Smith 7-5. C Tuohey J Ketterer lost to R Hicks K Maxted 5-7. S Tuohey J Ketterer lost to J Smith K Maxted 5-7.

Ladies: P Cockerell H Addlem lost to M Balic A Lister 0-7. P Cockerell K Dinsmore lost to M Balic T Smith 1-7. H Addlem K Dinsmore d A Lister T Smith 7-5. A Johns N Rose lost to P Maxted P Balic 2-7. A Johns A Cockerell d P Maxted J Hicks 7-3. N Rose A Cockerell d P Balic J Hicks.

Mixed: S Howard P Balic lost to C Smith M Balic 4-7. K Dinsmore J Gladman d J Smith A Lister 7-2. H Addlem S Tuohey d O Balic P Maxted 7-6. J Addlem A Johns d R Hicks T Smith 7-6. N Rose C Tuohey d J Smith J Hicks 7-5. A Cockerell J Ketterer lost to K Maxted P Balic 4-7. Dingee d Yarrawalla 112-73

Men: A Hocking N Condliffe d L Forster

J Boyd 7-3. A Hocking R Laury d L Forster L Boyd 7-1. N Condliffee R Laury d J Boyd L Boyd 7-3. D Condliffee M Hocking lost to T Stevens T Whinfield 2-7. D Condliffee J Diss lost to T Stevens T Broad 2-7. M Hocking J Diss d T Whinfield T Broad 7-5. Ladies: C Whitfield B Baker lost to C

Serpentine’s Jayden Gladman in form against Calivil North on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Wickham on fire in quick innings

A QUICK-HITTING innings from Ned Wickham has seen Bridgewater set a handy target of 124 in the two-day Upper Loddon junior match against Kingower.

Wickham’s knock of 15 came off just 19 balls before he was caught by Jamie Penrose off the bowling of Flynn Lonza.

Xavier Power was another solid contributor for the Bulls, retiring on 23 while Nate Harrison took his leave from the crease after scoring 17.

Ryder Smith continues to show good form with the ball, taking two wickets on Saturday while Lonza, Matilda Rose and Abby Wilson each claimed one.

Kingower used 10 bowlers for the day, giving its newer players a taste with the ball.

v Kingower

this Saturday.

Eight clubs send junior to new tournament

PYRAMID Hill Lawn Tennis Club held its first junior tournament in 16 years on Sunday.

The doubles event was contested by players from eight clubsBoort, Gunbower, Calivil, Dingee, Lockington, Rochester, Pyramid Hill and Cohuna.

Loddon tennis coach and one of the tournament sponsors Paul Condliffe said: “Weather was fantastic and we had 37 individual players in four divisions.”

“And we held a beginners division which was played as singles matches up to 21 points over hot shot nets played on a reduced size court,” he said.

Other divisions were played as doubles matches.

“There was a real buzz and the spirit of competition was great, seeing so many youngsters taking to the court.

Condliffe said the day had been made possible by the Pyramid Hill club.

“A special mention to Allison Farrer and Vaughan Herrick as well as all the parents that helped out on the day,” he said. Division 1: Harrison Condliffe, runner-up Oscar Balic. Division 2: Chaise Hird and Jacob Malone. Runners-up: Roby Robe and Kiefer Haines. Division 3: Abbey Smith and Emily Lister. Runnersup: Jake Wiltshire and Zahli Young. Division 4: Lucy Scott. Runner-up: Madi Leerson.

Bridgewater’s Isaac Ferguson. LH PHOTO

Harrison Condliffe and Oscar Balic Toby Robe, Kiefer Haines, Chaise Hird, Jacob Malone.

Abbey Smith and Emily Lister

Jake Wiltshire

Lucy Scott and Madi Leerson

Big hitters give masterclass

KINGOWER has given a masterclass T20 performance to take Saturday’s points against a youthful Bridgewater.

Top order batsmen Matt Rowe, Will Deason and skipper Jayden Leach belted 201 runs off 120 deliveries.

Rowe had boundaries off the first three deliveries and featured in the opening 99-run partnership until Deason who was caught by veteran Dave Harrison off the bowling of youngster Connor Alexander.

Short deliveries had been punished by Kingower but Alexander, fronting up for his second game of the day, eventually had the length to frustrate Kingower’s stars and ended his dominant time at the crease that had 10 boundaries in a hit of 65.

Deason’s hook landed straight into the hands of Harrison.

It had been third time lucky for the Bulls with two field drops in the 10th over.

It was another 99 runs before Bridgewater had a breakthrough when another Bulls’ youngster, Xavier Power claimed the crucial wicket of Rowe.

Kyle Simpson arrived at the crease for the final over, facing five balls and hitting a boundary.

Leach’s top-scoring hit of 81 unbeaten had 12 boundaries and a six.

Power was the most economical of Bridgewater’s bowlers in a tough stint in the field.

The Bulls did well to bat out their 20 overs. Brad Wickham came out of retirement to open with Dave Harrison and stayed at the crease for 47 runs off 60 balls.

His effort included a hardworking three-run effort.

Harrison showed early danger with a couple of boundaries before Simpson took successive wickets - the opener caught by Leach for eight and first drop bat Seth Hewett-Scull out next ball for a golden duck.

Wickham’s efforts kept the Bulls’ innings alive but he was running out of crease partners and overs.

Of partners, only Nate Harrison made a score above one. He was dismissed off the bowling of Kingower recruit Tynan Hywood for eight.

With Wickham taking the lead, Bridgewater had lifted its score from 6/19 to 7/62 when Harrison was dismissed.

Kingower takes on Arnold this Saturday with the Redbacks starting to assemble a team of depth in their pursuit of back-toback flags.

Wedderburn returns from the bye to take on Bridgewater at Market Square and push to keep top spot.

Flag stars return to put bite in Redbacks

ARNOLD flag hero Heath Lock has made an immediate impact in his first Upper Loddon match this season.

Lock’s opening hit of 48 helped set up the victory over Boort Yando on Saturday and signalled the “the old” team is hitting its straps for a serious title defence tilt.

Three sixes and three boundaries showed Lock can be a lethal opener for the Redbacks after returning to cricket last season when brother Finn was sidelined with a back injury.

Lock and Ryan Metelmann enjoyed a 74-run opening stand that was only stopped by the bowling of impressive Boort youngster Deklan King whoSE delivery was knicked into the hands of Alex Cockerell.

Another 19 runs were put next to Arnold before Daniel Lehman claimed the prized scalp of Lock, caught by Josh Smith.

Cam Dale, also having his first hit for the season, led off resistance from the Arnold middle

order. His innings ended by a good length Harry Malone delivery while Cam Hancock became King’s second wicket 13 runs later and the score on 4/128. Alex Cockerell returned in the 17th over to continue King’s frustration of the Arnold bats and was quickly rewarded with the wicket of skipper Henry McCullough without the Redbacks adding to the scoreboard.

Arnold had been reduced to making quick singles as the overs ticked to an end.

Michael Dale led Arnold’s final flurry with a boundary and two singles off the final over while Ryan Balsey chipped in with singles.

McCullough and Metelman had early wickets and Boort reeling at 2/14. Cockerell was a rock as opening but the run rate was slow. Cockerell and Lehmann top scored with 29 runs each.

Boort finished 36 runs shy of the target, Metelmann the best of Arnold’s bowlers.

ARNOLD was unable to match a cracking rate rate by Strathdale Maristians in Sunday’s Northern Rivers Kookaburra Cup.

The Redbacks, as reigning premiers, represented Upper Loddon and made 7.84 in reply to Strathdale’s 2/240. Cam Dale (17) and Heath Lock (15) were best with the bat while McCullough, Metelmann and Michael Dale each took two wickets.

Arnold’s Michael Dale swings a mighty boundary on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Will Deason top scores for Kingower. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

TIME TO DELIVER

A STRENGTHENED midfield could help propel Boort into North Central football finals next season.

Coach Dale Cameron is preparing for his third season at the helm and says it’s time for the side to step up.

“All our core players from this season have been locked ... there can be no excuses in year three after the work we have put in over two years developing and growing a young list,” he said.

“We won 4.5 games in 2023, 7.5 games this year. That mean’s the

Cameron wants ladder leapfrog next season

aim has to be 10 or 11 wins next season ... should be enough to make finals after finishing sixth ths season..

“There have been some close losses as we grew the playing list. We now know and understand the game plan and I think we will be capable of turning the tables on sides we went down to in tight games.”

Cameron said the Pies had been active recruiters since their season ended in August.

They have kept best and fairest Jye Badeley-Kelly who made a huge impression in his first season of North Central football after crossing from the Ballarat league.

Badeley-Kelly will be one of four assistant coaches at Boort

Park in 2025. Former player Andrew Rutley will assist Cameron with match plans and game-day coaching, Badeley-Kelly on-field while Chris Hatcher and Tim Wagner who who be charged with skill work on youngsters who have played in their successful junior sides.

Cameron and his recruiting team have again had success in the suburbs of Melbourne.

Ex-Essendon league players

Carlos Egan, forward Peter Barbopoulos and Kayne and Tyson Rutley will; don the black and white. “Carlos will give us some

more grunt in the midfield and up forward, support that some of our younger players did not have this season,” Cameron said. Egan, however, is training with AFL side Collingwood. A late draft could send him to Victoria Park. Also signed from the Essendon league is forward Peter Barbopoulos

The Pies have only one confirmed departure. Jarrod Starr will head to Loddon Valley league side Bears Lagoon Serpentine. “We’re always looking for a ruckman of course,” said Cameron.

- CHRIS EARL

One meeting left in chair

SIMON Tuohey will chair his final meeting as Loddon Valley Football Netball League leader this month.

The league has set its annual general meeting for November 25 when Tuohey will complete the maximum nine years as a member of the board.

He has been league chair for six years and previously football operations manager.

The league will elect its new board at the annual meeting with the board to chose the next chair when it meets early next year.

Meanwhile, Pyramid Hill president Bruce Moon has relinquished the reigns of the Bulldogs after seven years.

Moon has been succeeded by Wes Moon for the 2025 season where the Bulldogs will aim to again be a force in Loddon Valley football and netball.

Ned Wickham and Jenson Birthisel take a break after batting for Bridgewater in Saturday’s Upper Loddon Cricket Association match against Kingower who won the toss and sent the Bulls into bat first on day one of the two-day match. Bridgewater will defend a total of 124 when play resumes this Saturday at Bridgewater. LH PHOTO