Loddon Herald 15 May 2025

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ALLAN’S NUMBERS

By CHRIS EARL

THE STATE Government has pushed back debate on the contentious emergency services tax to today.

Tuesday’s scheduled debate in the Legislative Council was abandoned as 300 volunteer firefighters rallied on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne.

Groups from the Wedderburn and Boort districts travelled by train to the protest, the third in five days, against the tax that will raise the hit on farmers by 187

Emergency services tax debate on agenda today

per cent and add 24.7 per cent to Loddon Shire rate notices.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation

president Brett Hosking told protesters the new tax, double the old fire services levy, would hit farmers and country communities.

Mr Hosking said the economic impacts would be felt by sporting and service clubs in rural towns.

Nationals’ leader Danny O’Brien labelled the emergency services tax unjust and said it was a disgrace on the Government’s part that farmers had been forced to travel to Melbourne and protest.

He said the Government had deferred debate “because it doesn’t have the numbers”.

Premier Jacinta Allan needs the support of crossbenchers to pass

the Bill through the Legislative Council before it is to start on July 1.

One Nation’s Northern Victoria Region MP Ricki Lee Tyrrell last week told the Loddon Herald she opposed the tax while Western Victoria Region Greens’ MP Sarah Mansfield would not reveal her stance.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell on Friday told the Loddon Herald that she was aware of significant community concerns and was “trying to strike a balance”.

“The crossbench is in discus-

sions (with the Government) on amendments,” said Ms Purcell who represents northern Loddon communities.

Rallies in Bendigo and Melbourne have called for the controversial tax to be scrapped.

Mr Hosking and rally organisers have urged rural residents to contact MPs ahead of today’s vote. “There’s already been a huge amount of noise about this, and rightly so. The proposed changes are simply unfair on farmers who are already under pressure from rising input costs, rate hikes and climate challenges” he said.

KEYS LEFT AT LOCKED OFFICE: Boort’s Jerri and Kate Nelson with Corack Fire Brigade captain Richard Reilly protesting outside Premier Jacinta Allan’s Bendigo electorate office on Friday when volunteer firefighters threw the keys of their trucks at the locked doors and walked off in opposition to the emergency services tax.

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Boort

Inglewood

Nailing it! Up go student frames

BUILDER Carlo Gazzolo has opened the door to Loddon students exploring future workforce options.

The Bridgewater businessman had a group from East Loddon P12 College last week discovering the process of assembling portable homes and cabins.

“We wanted to make sure it was a real hands-on experience,” said Carlo.

“The students not only saw how we assembled frames at the Bridgewater site but were guided by our tradesmen in the process. It was good to give students the opportunity ... they nailed it.”

Ambassador Walsh - MP’s arts role

THE third Loddon Valley Arts Trail will have a patron and ambassador promoting the weekend event showcasing the shire’s creatives in October.

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh is the first person to be appointed to the role ahead of July’s announcement of the trail’s program

The MP, born and raised in Boort, was a farmer before being elected to State Parliament in 2002. Mr Walsh said he was pleased to put his support behind Loddon Valley Arts Trail as it develops an ambitious network of exhibitions and events.

“Loddon Valley Arts Trail is an exciting initiative, creating a new way for people to come and experience the many interesting places in the shire,” Mr Walsh said.

“I believe by linking towns and

venues in places all well worth a visit, and by exhibiting artists and makers in surprising ways, this will prove to be trailblazing project in the arts world and congratulate everyone involved in the concept,” he said.

“With my own story, and my family’s, so embedded in Loddon, from Boort where I was born and the wider district where I grew up and we farmed, to places such as Kingower, where I helped restore the church built there by my great grandfather – who was such a pioneer in the area – I am delighted, and honoured, to have been invited to be the inaugural patron of this unique and ambitious project.”

Loddon Valley Arts Trail, now in its third year, is a Loddon Shire Council initiative organised by a volunteer committee in collabo-

ration with venues and artists across the shire.

“This year, we are taking a big step forward, by inviting regional artists to show their work in some of Loddon’s fabulous heritage venues,” organiser Rosemary Sorensen said.

“The support of people such as Peter Walsh is crucial to this development, so we are very proud to have him as our inaugural patron.

“As we criss-cross the shire, meeting people and working with them to create arts and crafts exhibitions that will be special for each venue, we are building an event that is truly unique.”

Loddon Valley Arts Trail will run on the first weekend of October and include the new Eucy Art Show at the Eucalyptus Distillery Museum in Inglewood.

IN BRIEF

Reference meeting

MEMBERS Of Transmission Company Victoria’s VNI West renewable energy transmission line community reference group were meeting in Charlton on Tuesday night. The group is continuing to have talks with TCV on the likely make-up of its landholder compensation package for the project between Stawell and Kerang.

Longer siding

THE railway siding at GrainCorp’s Boort silos has been almost doubled in length to 850 metres. V/Line says the extension improves access and storage for longer, heavier 50-wagon freight trains. And as part of V/Line’s annual maintenance program, three culverts beneath the tracks were also upgraded.

Vintage offering

WEDDERBURN’S Tony Hansen will see his collection of historic farm machinery go under the auctioneer’s hammer on Sunday. Tony has decided to auction his lifetime collection of motoring and farm machinery.

Park advocacy

FORMER state park managers have formed an advocacy group to address what it is says are increasing concerns over the State Government’s neglect and undermining of national parks.

International judges give bacon perfect score

On top of the world

FROM the family butcher shop in Boort’s Godfrey Street, Jye and Kristy Arnold have scaled the pinnacle of international smallgoods competition.

Their hickory and peppercorn bacon brought home the title of platinum grand champion at IFFA 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany, last week.

An eight-member judging panel awarded the bacon the perfect 50/50 score.

The bacon had earned Jye and Kristy a spot in the international competition after a perfect score in last year’s Australian Chacuterie Awards.

Jye said the judging panel travelled to Melbourne in February where they assessed a 500g piece of the bacon and 500g of sliced bacon.

“Then about four weeks ago, we had a phone saying it was highly recommended we attended the award presentations in Frankfurt,” said Kristy.

“They didn’t say we had won any awards ... just we should really be there.”

Jye and Kristy had two entries in the international competition that Jye says is the “pinnacle of smallgoods in the world”.

“We are a butchers and we were up against some of the big companies with very large operations,” he said.

“Our bacon has won awards for the last three years - more than

20 judges in all of the competitions have now agreed that it’s the best.”

“There were 19 platinum awards and we won two.”

Arnold Family Butchers received a bronze medal for its boneless ham.

Kristy said: “We took the fam-

IN BRIEF

Burn escape

SEVEN fire brigades were called to contain a cultural burn at Thumder Swamp, Tandarra on Tueday. The Dja Dja Wurrung burn of more than 90 hectares spread outside the burn area earl afternoon. Dja Dja Wurrung was contacted for comment.

New captain

HARRY Hargreaves has been elected the new captain of Wedderburn Fire Brigade. He takes up the duties at the end of next month and succeeds James Cook in the role.

ily - Zac, Acacia and Brodie - they were there when we were announced as platinum winners.

“To have them there was so wonderful and would not have been possible if it wasn’t for my mum and dad (Mark & Marianne Simmonds) and Mitch Edwards. They made sure the supermarket had meat while we weren’t here,” Kristy said.

WorkSafe investigators probe Mitiamo fatality

VICTORIA Police has confirmed a man in his 60s has died in an incident at Mitiamo on Tuesday morning.

Police said they attended a property on O’Brien Street in Mitiamo following reports of a workplace incident about 10.30am.

“Sadly a man aged in his 60s died at the scene. Officers will assist WorkSafe in relation to the incident and will prepare a report for the Coroner,” police said.

Police, fire brigades and ambulances were at the scene. An air ambulance landed near the grain silos about 10.55am.

No further details have been released.

Arnold Family Butchers has won a slew of awards for bacon, hams, sausages and other smallgoods. “We’ve reached the pinnacle of competition in Australia and internatonally, we might take a break for a while,” said Jye.

Backing the young EDUCATION Week will be celebrated in government schools next week. “We can build a future where every child feels proud of their traditions and heritage and feels empowered to learn from others,” said Education Minister Ben Carroll. Today’s Loddon Herald has a special Education Week feature on Pages 14 and 15.

An air ambulance lands at Mitiamo on Tuesday morning

Kristy, Zac, Acacia, Brodie and Jye Arnold and their international prizes. LH PHOTO

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.

$60k cattle crash loss

CATTLE worth an estimated $60,000 have been killed or put down after a truck rolled over on Sunday afternoon.

The truck was carrying 47 head of mixed breed cattle when police say the driver swerved to miss a kangaroo on the Wehla-Kingower Road, Rheola, about midday.

Police and fire brigade units from Inglewood and Bridgewater closed the road for more than five hours as district farmers helped search for 10 cattle thrown from

the crate who had wandered into bushland.

The cattle were being transported from a feedlot near Shepparton where they had been fattened over the last 80 days to Narracoorte.

The truck driver, 74, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Police said a passing motorist had reported the rollover after going to the Kooyoora State Park camping ground to have sufficient mobile phone reception.

Senior Constable Steve O’Brien praised the action of the motorist and district residents.

“Everyone has been pitching in,” Senior Constable O’Brien said.

“Fire brigades and the public have assisted with directing traffic, people are helping round up stock that have wandered off,” he said.

Some cattled were killed in the rollover on the bend near Burn Ridge Road while other stock had to be put down.

Farmers near the crash scene made their paddocks available to store wandering cattle herded from bushland.

The search continued late into the night with two cattle still roaming on Monday.

The cattle were valued at about $1800 each.

Haulage cranes were brought from Castlemaine to assist in the salvage operation while agents arranged for the disposal of an estimated 34 dead cattle.

Give the bush ‘quarter of Budget cash’

NORTHERN Victoria MP Gaelle Broad wants country Victoria to receive at least 25 per cent of new infrastructure spending in next week’s State Budget.

She says previous budgets allocated only 13 per cent of new infrastructure spending to regional Victoria, despite the fact that 25 per cent of the state’s population resides in these areas.

“This budget presents an opportunity for the government to change direction. Regional Victorians deserve a fair go.”

Ms Broad said there was a critical need for infrastructure in regional areas.

“For a healthy economy, we need a healthy state – one that receives the infrastructure so desperately needed to help us grow,” she said.

“Our list of needs is growing too – including better roads and bridges, new bypasses and more public transport, childcare services, new hospitals, health and rehabilitation services, new schools and upgrades, more housing, police and emergency services, just to name a few.”

Ms Broad urged the Premier to ensure that regional Victorians received a fair share of funding in the State Budget.

Cranes prepare to raise the damaged stock truck on Sunday afternoon. L;H PHOTO

INSTALLATION of a final pipe will complete Inglewood’s historic Fincham organ.

Stops out to project old organ Festival tunes golden keys of history

The pipe will come from Tasmania and is expected to be installed next month on the Victorian Heritage Database-listed organ at St Augustine’s Anglican Church.

Completion will come almost 150 years after the organ made by renowned goldfields musical instrument maker George Fincham was installed.

St Augustine’s Sue Brown said the organ had cost £350 when installed and retained its original mechanism, pitch and conetuned pipeworks.

The organ was moved to its present chamber, to the south of the chancel, in 1884 and a new piccolo stop was added in 1886.

Sue said it was an exciting moment in the history of the church that celebrated 150 years in 2024.

The Organ Historical Trust of Australia says Inglewood’s organ is one of the largest instruments built by Fincham for churches in Victoria.

“It has a ‘signature’ three-tower case filled with spotted metal pipes; unusually, these have not been stencilled or painted. The pipes are held in position by turned wooden spindles,” the trust says. Sue said the church was receiving assistance from Thomas Heywood who had sourced the “missing pipe” and had arranged for its installation. “We are fortunate to have a unique and special organ in our church and one that can now be completed.”

WORLD-CLASS music is coming to the Loddon with the inaugural Keys of Gold festival showcasing artists across the region in July.

The month-long festival aims to showcase the heritage of buildings, public spaces and elegant streetscapes from the region’s gold rush era.

Loddon Shire is sponsoring the festival’s recital at Inglewood’s St Augustine’s Anglican Church.

Mayor Dan Straub said: “Arts and culture is an identified experience pillar in the Shire’s Visitor Economy Strategy and this festival will no doubt benefit both the Inglewood community and the Loddon Shire economy.”

Bendigo Fine Music artistic director Thomas Heywood said completion of the St Augustine’s organ would be celebrated as part of Keys of Gold.

The festival will feature 16 concerts, 45 artists and 11 grand historic keyboard instruments, from cathedral pipe organs to concert pianos being played in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Maldon and Inglewood.

The Inglewood, concert, Olde World Favourites, will feature Heywood and soprano Merlyn Quaife performing a selection of classical pieces, including works by Bach, César Franck, and Louis James Alfred Lefébure-Wély.

Organisers say the four-week festival of 16 concertS had been inspired by goldfields architect William Vahland who had the “vision of making Bendigo the Vienna of the South”.

Daniel Clarke plays the historic Fincham organ at St Augustine’s 150th anniversary service last year. LH PHOTO

Florrie’s quick wit a century in making

FLORRIE Soulsby shared her characteristic wit and humour with family on Sunday ahead of her 100th birthday.

Three generations gathered at Inglewood and Districts Health Service where Florrie opened congratulatory cards from King Charles and Queen Camilla, Governor General Sam Mostyn, politicians and friends.

Son Lindsay and daughter Mary-Anne arranged a photographic display of Florrie’s remarkable 100 years.

The day’s special treat was Florrie’s favourite cake, a ginger fluff.

Renowned for her four-egg sponges, pavlovas and puddings before moving into Inglewood seven years ago, the youngest of nine children recalled also making ice-cream after milking cows as a young girl on the family farm at Wehla.

Florrie said she had been a regular at dances in Rheola, Logan, Fentons Creek and Bealiba.

But it’s the sense of humour that continues to endear her to nine grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren.

Of living in Inglewood, she says: “I don’t have to cook now or do the dishes.”

And that Royal card from

Charles and Camilla: “They’re married now.”

Her commitment to the Rheola community saw Florrie as a regular helper at the annual charity carnival. She made a special effort to be there for the 150th two years ago where stories of the family’s successes with trotters were recalled.

That same drive was shared with family at Sunday’s celebrations in the IDHS boardroom. On Tuesday, IDHS arranged another celebration for the Loddon’s newest centenarian who keeps her wit and still enjoys ginger fluffs.

Online bids: from pool to your room

SHOP Loddon has been the mantra across the shire this year but had you wanted to pick up surplus council equipment, you had head to the website of a Melbourne auction house.

Council late last Friday afternoon did the awareness bidding for the multi-national auctioneers as a the 47 lots of surplus after an end of pool season storage shed decluttering starting going under the online hammer.

A ride-on mower, compressor, drills, pipes and mess were among the lots listed in the auction that ended on Tuesday,

“There is currently no requirement to give any public notice beyond auctioning on a public auction site,” said the shire’s acting wellbeing director Orrin Hogan.

“Slattery’s Auctions was selected as an approved contractor under council’s procurement system and is a preferred supplier with Procurement Australia, which is utilised by councils Australia wide.”

Mr Hogan said auction lots came from clearing is a small maintenance shed ready “deliver a capital improvement project over the pools off season.

Online auction are to be collected from Wedderburn.

Florrie Soulsby with daughter Mary-Anne and son Lindsay (top) and her great-grandchildren

MAKING mum feel special was the goal of students at St Mary’s Primary School Inglewood on Friday.

The Mother’s Day event at St Mary’s was a busy affair with families enjoying breakfast together before attending a liturgy.

After the liturgy students led a candle making activity with their special person.

Jenson Birthisel said he had plans to make breakfast with his sister for their mum, “we’ve been really busy lately, so it’ll be a chill day,” he said. Olivia and Lucy Mollison said they planned a pancake breakfast for their Nan before they took over her chores for the day. Jordy Pickering also had pancake plans for his mum, “We’ll have pancakes, give her some nice chocolates and just make her feel special,” Jordy said.

Mikayla’s important message for friends and team mates

PYRAMID Hill’s Ladies’ Day gathering on Saturday in support of breast cancer research was made more poignant with a moving address from netballer Mikayla Parker-Caldwell.

Mikayla was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 but after enduring chemotherapy treatment and having other preventative surgery, she was declared to be in remission six months ago.

Her message to family, friends, team mates and supporters (including her two

young daughters) was a simple one - don’t be afraid to go to a doctor if you have any concerns.

All the Bulldogs netballers sported special bright pink socks for the day, and fundraising for Breast Cancer Network Australia included raffles for prizes including a photography session, a bountiful hamper, spa vouchers, a three-month pilates membership and even a pink and white netball.

- GARY WALSH

Ladies’ day organiser Abbey Dingwall and Makayla Parker-Caldwell

Lauren Driscoll and Mikayla Burge

Bernice Fithall, Olivia, Evelyn and Lucy Morrison at the St Mary’s gathering. LH PHOTOS

Helen Garchitorena and Paul Martin of the Chrysanthemum Yard at Serpentine were busy picking bunches of flowers for sale in Loddon shops for Mother’s Day and at their roadside stall.

Andrew Perryman prepares for restoration of the Old Goods Shed loading dock.

Grant cash docks for loading works

THE loading dock at Inglewood’s historic Old Goods Shed will be restored after Loddon Plains Landcare Network was last week named a grant recipient of the State Government’s Tiny Towns program.

Works will be the latest precinct improvement by the network.

Restoration will see rotting and

crumbling retaining walls of the dock replaced in the same style.

“The dock area is easily more than 120 years old and the project will sympathetically make the area safe while continuing to preserve a historic part of the town,” said the network facilitator Will Sanson.

The network was granted $34,510 while Bridgewater Rec-

reation Reserve will receive 47,564 to resurface multi-purpose courts used for tennis and netball.

The State Government said 159 successful projects worth over $5.1 million had been funded in the second round of the of the Tiny Towns Fund. Projects are in rural and regional towns of less than 5000 people.

Extra pre-prep time in shire from next year

VICTORIA’S Pre-Prep rollout is continuing in 2026 and Loddon is next in line.

Enrolments have opened for the new program and a pre-prep information booth will be at the Inglewood IGA on May 25.

The Education Department said an extended four-year-old kinder program would give children extra time to learn before they start school.

“Led by qualified teachers, Pre-Prep provides more hours of quality play-based learning to children in their four-yearold kinder program,” the department said.

From 2026, eligible children in Loddon can access between 16 and 20 hours of kindergarten each week – up from 15 hours.

“More hours means more learning through play. Studies show that more time at kindergarten can make a significant difference to a child’s cognitive, social and emotional outcomes, including how they manage their feelings and relate to others,” the department said.

“Free Kinder is available for Pre-Prep programs at both sessional kinders and long day care centres. Families with

children enrolled in a kindergarten program at a long day care service receive a fee offset.”

Pre-Prep is also commencing in the local government areas of Benalla, Buloke, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Horsham, Mansfield, Mitchell, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

“The staged roll-out prioritises regional areas before expanding across the state. This phased approach allows time to grow the workforce and build the infrastructure required to support the local kindergarten services teaching the next generation,” according to the department.

“From 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from a refugee or asylum-seeker background, and those who have had contact with Child Protection will also have access to up to 25 hours of Pre-Prep each week, no matter where they live.”

Enrolments are now open via council’s Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme for Pre-Prep – an extended Four-Year-Old.

Information is also available at vic.gov.au/pre-prep

Landcare’s

By CHRIS EARL

ANGRY CFA volunteers travelled down the Calder Highway on Friday and threw their truck keys at the locked door of Premier Jacinta Allen’s electorate office.

The convoy was met in Bendigo by more protesters from across the Loddon and surrounding regions as anger rises over the State Government’s plans for a new emergency services tax.

Keys left at locked door as firey anger escalates Pollies and top brass have look

Trucks from the St Arnaud and Donald districts kept sirens blaring for more than 30 minutes in Mollison Street.

The volunteers and police assisted motorists wanting to leave parking bays in the area.

Protest organiser Ben Duxson said volunteers, who were also farmers, had their backs to wall and were coming out fighting.

“We are not going away, we will keep coming back,” said Mr Duxson as the first of two protests at Parliament House in Melbourne in 96 hours was also starting.

“We will not stop. Jacinta Allan is in trouble with farmers.”

He claimed free enterprise was under threat from the State Government but said “free enterprise ... farming is most noble”.

Mr Duxon said most of the money that would be raised if the levy became law would be spent in Melbourne.

He said the new tax, predicted to slug farmers, was a money grab to “paper over” Victoria’s financial crisis.

One farmer and CFA volunteer said; “We are getting charged through the roof ... and we are volunteers.”

trucks after the emergency services levy was introduced.

However, Ms Symes did not respond to Loddon Herald questions for details of brigades on her list.

For Mr Duxson and other protesters it was their second rally in Bendigo against the Premier in less than a year.

Mr Duxson also organised a protest when Ms Allan spoke at a Rural Press Club of Victoria luncheon last August. That rally was against VNI West renewable energy project and mineral sands mining developments.

Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad said CFA volunteers and farmers were angry and upset over the controversial new tax.

“This protest was not something they did lightly. Some drove their tankers 200km to get here today in a bid to have their voices heard,” Ms Broad said.

“I spoke to volunteers today who are extremely concerned about what this tax would mean for them.

WHILE Premier Jacinta Allan was not in her office on Friday, Nationals deputy Emma Kealy and MP Gaelle Broad spent more than an hour talking with protesting CFA volunteers.

They are spearheading a Scrap the Tax petition.

Volunteer firefighters left CFA truck keys in the doorway and hanging from the handle before walking off in a symbolic protest.

Treasurer Jaclyn Symes later told radio that she already had a list of brigades to receive new

The door to Ms Allan’s office was locked during the protest and no lights were on.

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“One farmer said his emergency services tax had gone from $5,000 to $12,000. Under Labor’s plan it will increase to a massive $38,000.

“Others will pay even more. These figures will simply make some farms untenable,” according to Ms Broad.

As the blockage continued, the CFA’s top officer in Bendigo Bill Johnstone spoke with rural brigade leaders about how long they would leave their trucks blocking Mollison Street. They were back on the road home to the St Arnaud and Donald districts by 2pm.

Ms Allan was in Bendigo early in the morning but is believed to have gone to Melbourne for commitments before the CFA protest convoy arrived.

The Bendigo East MP represents Loddon communities including Serpentine and Dingee.

Nationals deputy leader Emma Kealy at the Bendigo protest

Mitiamo’s Nick Marlow was part of the rally outside the Premier’s office. LH PHOTO

CELEBRATION OF CULTURES EDUCATION WEEK

By BEN CARROLL

SOMETHING that lies at the heart of our vibrant communities here in the Education State is cultural diversity.

In Victoria we are home to people from over 200 countries, who speak 260 languages and practice 135 different faiths. This rich tapestry of cultures is not just a statistic; it is one of our greatest strengths.

This year’s theme ’Celebration of cultures’ invites schools, families and communities to engage with activities and resources that highlight the importance of cultural diversity in education, and to come together to share their stories.

In our schools, we have a unique opportunity to harness diversity and teach our children about the world. Learning about different cultures is not just an academic exercise, it is a powerful way to foster acceptance and understanding among our young people.

By integrating lessons on cultural awareness into our curriculum we help students develop essential skills for navigating the world, learning to respect others from all walks of life.

This is not just beneficial for their school years; it prepares them for future workplaces where they can demonstrate great inclusivity and empathy.

Schools play a critical role in combatting racism and discrimination. By fostering an environ-

ment where every student feels valued, respected, and heard, we can take a stand against prejudice.

This approach ensures that our schools are safe havens for all students and their families and empowers our schools to create communities that emulate these lessons learned within their walls.

We can build a future where every child feels proud of their traditions and heritage and feels empowered to learn from others.

Let’s embrace the diversity that makes Victoria unique and inspire our young people to be champions of inclusion.

To find more about the free events and activities visit vic. gov.au/education-week

BenCarrollistheDeputy PremierandMinisterfor Education

Everyone’s working in support of students

COMMUNITY and academic excellence are at the core of the journey of learning at Boort District School.

“We continually achieve success by creating a whole school culture of agreed high quality teaching and learning and effectively mobilising available resources to support student’s health and wellbeing,” said principal Tood Woodfine. The school’s student engagement and leadership programs are fostering culture for learning and opening potential career pathways.

The achievement of students in academic and vocational study continues to be highlighted with very high ATAR scores at the completion of VCE. Mr Woodfine attributes those successes to the students themselves and the support they receive from parents, the community and staff.

“Our parents club are dedicated and committed to our school and provide continued support by organising school activities, celebrations, fundraisers and community events,” he said.

“We have a team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff who always go above and beyond for our students. “And collectively as a

school community we continually provide a safe and supportive learning environment, so our students can achieve the high results of which they are capable.”

The F-12 school cohort this year is led by our school captains, Jasmine Twigg, Sienna Boyd and Harry Malone. “They are actively supported by our vibrant and strong SRC,” Mr Woodfine said. Boort District School sees itself as a place in which students, staff

and the wider school community can come together to support each other both educationally and socially, making a better society for all.

“Boort District School continues to build on the outstanding results achieved by past students and the high aspirations that the school community has for its current students, as evidenced by the school motto, Achieving Excellence Together,” Mr Woodfine said.

2:30pm & 3:30 pm

11:00am

11:30am

2:30pm, 3:30pm & 4pm

9:30am -10:50am

Where learning and community are growing together

ESTABLISHED in 1870, Inglewood Primary School (IPS) has been a cornerstone of quality education for more than 150 years.

With a proud history and a forwardthinking approach, we offer a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where every student is supported to reach their full potential, says principal Rebecca Luckman.

Currently, IPS has 48 students enrolled, allowing us to provide a personalised and nurturing educational experience where each child is known, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

“At IPS, students enjoy a rich array of learning experiences, including our popular Kitchen Garden program, a comprehensive two-week swimming program, engaging excursions and camps, and specialist subjects such as Art, Science, and Auslan,” Mrs Luckman said.

“These opportunities foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

“Our school values – Be Kind, Work Hard, Grow Together – were recently developed in collaboration with our students and are at the heart of everything we do. They guide our actions, relationships, and commitment to creating a positive, respectful, and inclusive school culture. Community at the Heart of IPS Community partnerships are essential to us at IPS.

Mrs Luckman said: “We believe that strong connections between school, families, and the wider community enrich our students’ learning experiences and create a sense of belonging. These partnerships provide valuable support, diverse perspectives, and shared responsibility for student success.”

Our Students Thrive Because…

Students thrive at IPS because they are nurtured in a caring, community-minded environment where every child is known, supported, and celebrated. The dedicated staff work closely with families to ensure that each student feels valued and inspired to achieve their personal best.

Mrs Luckman said Education Week was a special time for our staff and students to showcase what makes IPS a unique and inspiring place to learn.

“We invite families, friends, and community members to join us for a week of celebration and connection,” she said., What’s On at IPS:

May 20: Volunteers’ Thank You Lunch –A small gesture of appreciation for the big difference you make.

May 20: 2026 Parent Information Night, 6:00pm – Discover what IPS can offer your child and meet our passionate staff.

May 22: Principal-Led School Tour, 9:00–11:00am (by appointment) – Explore the classrooms and learning spaces with the school’s leadership team.

May 23: Open Morning, 9:00–11:00am –Come and see what learning looks like at

IPS! Take a tour and experience our school in action.

Mrs Luckman said: “We look forward to welcoming you to Inglewood Primary School – where community, opportunity, and growth come together.”

Inglewood Primary School

ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN

Our school provides an inspiring and supportive environment where every child can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Inglewood Primary School students ... growing together

Marginal moisture trial Farmgate prices expected to open at $8.70

BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s latest research could help farmers navigating canola establishment challenges and seedling survival with minimum moisture.

The group is running a forum today and says the practice of dry sowing has become increasingly common with frequent years of below average rainfall in the sowing season.

“Dry sowing, where crops are sown into a dry seed bed before season breaking rainfall, has helped farmers decrease production risk and manage workload, BCG said this week.

“With persistent warm, dry conditions and no rain forecast on the horizon, concerns on how long germinated crops can survive on marginal moisture is at the forefront of grower minds.“ accoding to the group.

BCG conducted a study in 2008, where seedling survival was observed over 2.5 weeks before follow-up rain was received.

The study determined germinated but not emerged crops survived at least 2.5 weeks before further rain was received.

Similarly to the research conducted in 2008, BCG is currently investigating seedling survival across the region. Initial assessments have been made at grower paddocks in Birchip, Curyo and Quambatook and will continue throughout the season, to deter-

mine how long the germinated seed can remain viable, how establishment was affected, and how safe it is to dry sow with no rain on the forecast.

Rainfall received during summer has provided moisture at depth, but crops were sown into dry topsoil.

The Anzac Day rainfall event varied across the region, with totals ranging from 0-5mm in some

areas and over 60mm in others. This rainfall proved enough to germinate dry sown wheat and canola at Birchip and Curyo, and for canola to germinate and emerge at Quambatook.

Barley at Birchip, sown 4cm deep into moisture following the Anzac Day rain has not germinated yet.

Scepter wheat observed at Birchip, sown dry on April 25 to

Moisture trials underway in the region

1cm depth, has germinated with roots and shoot. Hybrid canola at Curyo, sown dry on April 11 to 2-3cm depth, showed some germination with roots developing. BCG will continue monitoring seedling survival on marginal moisture over the coming weeks to determine how long germinated but unemerged seeds can survive and if establishment is affected.

NEW dairy season farmgate bids are expected to open between $8.70 and $8.90, according to Bendigo Bank Agribusiness senior insights manager James Maxwell.

Hew said this week the opening farmgate price was expected on June 1 and new season bids could be pushed higher through the season.

“Southern production areas are still awaiting a season break as production continues to feel the effects of ongoing dry conditions,” Mr Maxwell says in his May update.

“Australian milk production in March was flat year-on-year which is an improvement on the trend of lower monthly production compared to the year prior which has been seen in the past three months.

“Milk supply in New South Wales continues to track higher than last year, and Tasmania recorded its first year-on-year increase for the season. Victorian production in March was flat with Eastern and Northern regions posting year-on-year increases of less than one per cent which came as a bit of a surprise given there hasn’t been an appreciable break to spreading dry conditions.

Season to date national production is 4.15 billion litres.

Real Estate Sales

Graeme Hayes 0411 338 649

Licensed Real Estate Agent in VIC & NSW with 52 years industry experience

Nathan Hipworth 0458 428 201

Licensed Real Estate Agent in VIC & NSW

Water trading

Travis Hipworth 0435 591 985

Property Management

Chelsea Manuel 0403 242 171 Licensed

Life of Bill

I’ve been a truck driverandafactory workeramongst otherthings,anda lotofmyinspiration has come from experiencesIhad while on the road

Going with the flow

By RUBY HYLAND

“I OFTEN say to people, if you’re going to be a painter you need to be other things as well,” local artist Bill Offord says about what inspires his work.

Bill opened his studio in Inglewood two years ago, originally located in the store next door, now Carlie’s Clothing, while his current studio was being renovated.

Having migrated from England to Australia in 1966, Bill spent several years travelling around Australia in a caravan, painting the various landscapes he saw as he travelled. He then came to Inglewood for the first time during Covid-19 and stayed for a while due to lockdowns. After that Bill continued to travel Australia before eventually returning to Inglewood to stay, “I don’t travel much anymore, too old” he said, but his experiences while travelling have stayed with him and are often inspiration for his work.

“I’ve been a truck driver and a factory worker amongst other things, and a lot of my inspiration has come from experiences I had while on the road,” he said. Bill spent time in the Grampians and the Blue Mountains while travelling and fondly incorporates elements of their landscapes into his work.

While Bill sticks to the traditional art style with his pallet knife creations, he never likes to try and replicate exact landscapes, “I found when I would do plein air painting I would get annoyed that the landscape didn’t look exactly how I wanted it to look, often, I’d look at the scene and think there should be more trees or less trees, or the river wasn’t on the right angle. So, I wouldn’t paint exactly what I

saw, instead I would change it to what felt right to me.”

Bill’s artwork is a mixture of his perspective of places he’s been and of his current surroundings. This method means he very rarely sits and thinks about what the end result will be, rather he goes with the story the art wants to tell.

“I just go along with where the painting flows, it shapes itself, I’m just the one holding the knife,” Bill says.

For some artists a mistake would need to be covered but Bill embraces his mistakes and lets them guide him, “I was painting a seascape when I put a dob of purple in the middle of the sky, I have no idea how

I managed that but when I looked at it I began to see a face and that changed what I had planned to paint.”

Bill’s passion for art started with many drawings when he was around 10 years old and he’s stuck with art since then. He is a self-taught painter and sculptor and has exhibited his work in various galleries across eastern Australia. He works with a variety of mediums, including oil painting and watercolour while incorporating both historical and contemporary elements of Australian life into his art.

In addition to his pallet knife paintings Bill also makes bronze sculptures, “they’re great to work on to take a break from a

painting. I can take half an hour away from a painting, work on a sculpture and then come back with fresh eyes,” he said.

The wax moulds he makes for the sculpture make switching between painting and sculpting easy and he can continue to be creative while taking a break from a project.

Many of Bill’s ideas come to him during his daily life, “if I sat in a studio all day, I’d never have fresh ideas, I let the ideas come to me and I go from there,” he says.

“I follow the story the art creates, and it always seems to work itself out. I’m not sure why but it just does, maybe I just happen to be painting at the right time.”

Child in the Storm ... a masterpiece by Bill

Bill at work in his Inglewood studio. LH PHOTO

DEATH NOTICES EMPLOYMENT

PETER NORMAN

The most kind and generous man you would ever meet. It was a pleasure to have Peter as a part of our family. He will be greatly missed by our family and the Wedderburn community.

RIP Peter

Murray & Susan Keller & family

Wood - Vincent Leo 8-11-1948 - 08-05-2025

Passed away suddenly in Thailand

Son of the late Charlie and Mary Wood, of Pyramid Hill

Husband of Lek, Father of Matt, Amy, Rachel, Heleni and Jake.

Grandfather to Emmett and Zoe.

Loved brother of Terry, Phil, Bernie, Mary (Forster) and Laurie.

Uncle and great uncle to their families. Rest in peace Vincent. You will be missed.

A service for Vincent is being held in Thailand.

A celebration of Vincents’ life will be held in Bendigo on a date to be announced.

BIRTHDAY

Loddon Shire Council is inviting passionate, proactive and results-driven individuals to join our team. If you’re looking to make an impact and play a role in shaping the future of our community, we encourage you to apply for the following opportunities:

Townscape Services Worker

 Permanent, full-time position

 Attractive salary range of $64,669.34$67,006.08 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Based in Council’s Townscape Services team

Townscape and Waste Services Coordinator

 Permanent, full-time position

 Attractive salary range of $89,923.60 - $97,414.20 per annum plus employersuperannuation

 Based at our Wedderburn Depot Manager Community Services

 Permanent, full-time position

 Attractive salary range of $115,391.12$128,496.16

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce Applications for the positions above close Monday 19 May 2025 at 5pm.

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

Temporary Road Closure

 The following road will be closed to through tra c from May 19 to August 19 2025 for the duration of culvert replacement works for Blind Creek Crossing on Sidney Watsons Rd. Detour routes will be in place

 Blind Creek Crossing on Sidney Watsons Rd, Pyramid Hill will be closed between Pyramid – Cohuna Rd & Old Leitchville Rd.

WOOL BUYER

Call Michael Cornish 0438 395 146

Buying on behalf of Gary Mountjoy Cash and Free Quotes Auction Service Available

Yung Balug Keeping Place

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

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

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

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

Phone - 0417 333 171

Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com

WANTED TO BUY

Old bottles with town or company names.

Shed clean outs and deceased estates

Phone 0452 264 661

WANTED TO BUY

Delivery Shares Zone 1B Boort area. Will take part shares.

Very Competitive Pricing.

SENIORS

Marong 5.4 11.5 15.8 18.12 (120)

BL Serpentine

2.2 6.5 8.6 12.8 (80)

GOALS – Marong: R. Taylor 6, N. McCaig 4, P. Gretgrix, J. McCaig, N. Devanny 2, D. Johnstone, M. Willox. BL Serpentine: N. Twigg 3, J. Starr 2, T. Paterson, D. Nihill, C. Draper, C. Gadsden, J. Taig, L. Crawford, H. Gadsden.

BEST – Marong: N. McCaig, J. McCaig, R. Taylor, M. Willox, J. Gadsden, D. Johnstone. BL Serpentine: J. Addlem, D. Nihill, J. Hancock, N. Twigg, A. Gladman.

Calivil

4.2 5.4 8.5 8.8 (56) Newbridge 4.5 8.8 11.11 16.14 (110)

GOALS – Calivil: H. McCarthy 3, T. Gallagher 2, J. Lawry, L. Williams, J. Leach. Newbridge: B. Schilling 6, C. Dixon, J. Zimmer 4, C. Argus, B. Carr.

BEST – Calivil: S. Green, R. Sheehan, T. Raukola, W. Hamilton, H. McCarthy, S. Maher. Newbridge: C. Sanders, J. Zimmer, S. Gale, T. Constable, T. Hobson, K. Friswell.

Pyramid Hill 4.1 9.4 13.8 21.14 (140) Bridgewater 7.1 10.5 14.6 15.9 (99)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford, B. Bisset 5, R. Semmel 3, H. Goodes, X. Emmerson 2, D. Frame, B. Carroll, L. Sidebottom, J. Hickmott. Bridgewater: L. Sharp 7, O. McKinley 5, O. Muggleton, B. Alexander, L. Ellings.

BEST - Pyramid Hill: B. Carroll, Z. Alford, A. Hildebrandt, B. George, B. Bisset, L. Moss. Bridgewater: D. Ferguson, J. Neylon, O. McKinley, A. Powell, J. Symons, J. Mayes. Inglewood 4.2 8.5 16.7 20.10 (130) Mitiamo 3.2 4.4 6.5 7.7 (49)

GOALS – Inglewood: S. Erharter 9, D. Polack 3, B. Cotchett, L. Marciano, L. Ford 2, K. Payne, T. Kennedy. Mitiamo: B. Baines, L. Lougoon 2, C. Tuohey, S. Wright, B. Laird. BEST – Inglewood: B. Cotchett, H. Veitch, S. Erharter, L. Matheson, D. Polack, T. Kennedy. Mitiamo: L. Lougoon, Z. Morrison, M. Gilmour, S. Wright, W. Draper, K. Coatsworth.

Marong 5 5 0 0 0 186.29 20

Pyramid Hill 5 4 1 0 0 153.09 16

Bridgewater 5 3 2 0 0 99.79 12

Maiden Gully 4 2 1 1 1 96.59 10

5 2 3 0 0 141.12 8

Serpentine 4 1 3 0 1 73.82 4

4 1 3 0 1 69.94 4

4 1 3 0 1 56.97 4 Calivil 4 0 3 1 1 53.94 2

RESERVES

Marong 2.2 3.4 9.8 15.9 (99)

BL Serpentine 1.3 4.4 5.4 6.5 (41)

GOALS – Marong: T. Grant 5, B. Matthews, M. Lowery, S. De Napoli 2, L. Hale, C. Hale, L. Rielley, G. Dowler. BL Serpentine: J. Podosky 2, Z. Hollis, M. Frecker, C. Anstee.

BEST – Marong: C. Hale, S. Taylor, G. Reade, Z. Justice, F. Stewart, T. Grant. BL Serpentine: B. Younghusband, C. Tuohey, J. Wingrave, H. Catto, M. Frecker, R. Prendergast. Inglewood 4.4 7.11 10.14 15.17 (107) Mitiamo 0.1 1.3 1.4 1.4 (10)

GOALS – Inglewood: J. Stokes 4, J. Rouse 3, T. Stevenson 2, L. Harris, K. Simpson, W. Allen, C. March, J. Essex, C. Dolan. Mitiamo: C. Pearson.

BEST – Inglewood: J. Essex, T. Kilcullen, L. Harris, W. Allen, J. Whittle, T. Stevenson. Mitiamo: A. Morrissey, Z. Morrissey, D. Morrissey, T. Calverley, C. Pearson, J. Cassells.

Pyramid Hill 2.2 5.6 5.7 5.9 (39) Bridgewater 3.5 4.7 8.12 14.13 (97)

GOALS – Pyramid Hill: J. Simpson 2, M. Dingwall, D. Lovell, G. Quinn. Bridgewater: A. Pollock, R. Commons, H. Conway, J. Roberts 3, C. Hindle, M. Baker.

BEST – Pyramid Hill: J. Simpson, R. Mitchell, S. Donat, C. Pickles, G. Quinn, D. Lovell. Bridgewater: H. Conway, A. Pollock, M. Baker, J. Roberts, Z. Hoiles, J. Campbell.

Calivil 1.3 5.4

Newbridge 4.1 5.1

(48)

(51)

GOALS – Calivil: T. Harcourt 2, J. Scott, C. Henson, T. Wakefield, L. Petri, B. Masson. Newbridge: J. Hufer 3, J. Dawkins 2, C. Van Aken, A. Moore, E. Spark.

BEST – Calivil: J. Steel, J. Scott, J. Bonanno, N. Cartwright, J. Bombardieri, D. Goulding. Newbridge: O. Friswell, C. Van Aken, C. Hoye, E. Spark, J. Murray, A. Moore.

20

UNDER 18

Loddon

GOALS – Marong: R. McNamara 10, R. Doorty 5, J. Gribble 4, Z. Whalen, J. Frankel, B. Hale 2, J. Lowery, R. Kleehammer, H. Bennett, W. Thomson. East Loddon: R. Demeo, F. Clymo. BEST – Marong: R. McNamara, J. Gribble, W. Thomson, B. Hale, R. Doorty, Z. Whalen. East Loddon: T. Rasmussen, F. Clymo, M. Gray, J. Smith, R. Demeo, K. Maxted.

Pyramid

GOALS – Pyramid Hill: F. Millar, L. Cummings. Bridgewater: Z. Morton, J. Friswell 2, J. Larson, M. Ferguson, R. Hobbs. BEST – Pyramid Hill: F. Millar, O. Tonkin, M. Caspani, E. Ray, K. Manton, S. Battiscombe. Bridgewater: D. Cullen, T. Woodhatch.

B. Baxter, J. Woods. Wedderburn; R. Tonkin, R. Holt, L. Last, A. Smith, H. Pidoto, F. Turnbull.

(25)

GOALS - Calder United: C. Green 5, B. Barker, D. McLennan, D. Kelly, T. Trewin. Boort: A. Cockerell, B. Arnold, H. Waeaver, N. Scott.

BEST - Calder United: A. Forrester, D. Kelly, T. Vearing, T. Trewin, J. Morrison, D. McLennan. Boort: H. Weaver, C. O’Rourke, J. Sheahan, J. Coleman, A. Potter, J. Hird.

GOALS – Donald: Z. Livingston, J. Lopes, S. Goldsmith. Charlton: E. Needs 6, A. Johnstone 3, T. Parkinson, T. Salmon 2, T. Bates, L. Holmes-Brown.

BEST – Donald: J. Lopes, E. Clapham, B. Morgan, B. Hollis, S. Goldsmith, C. L F King. Charlton: F. Bourke, E. Needs, T. Parkinson, B. Roberts, H. Sait, D. Whykes.

NORTH CENTRAL

SENIORS

GOALS – Calder United: J. Humphreys 8, J. Exell, Z. Keighran 3, S. Kennedy 2, M. Farmer, K. Lloyd, M. Wade, B. Forrester, S. Allan, D. Putt, O. Madden. Boort: P. Barbopoulos 2, E. Coleman, J. Keeble. BEST – Calder United: Z. Keighran, J. Humphreys, O. Madden, S. Kennedy, J. Exell, D. Putt. Boort: J. Byrne, L. Hall, T. Potter, J. Dick, K. Wilson, E. Coleman.

Birchip Watchem

Wedderburn

GOALS – Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 7, N. Rippon, R. Conboy 2, T. Gibson, L. Foott. Wedderburn: D. Benaim, D. Jackson 3. BEST – Birchip Watchem: H. Hosking, B. Lakin, N. Rippon, M. Buchanan, J. Reid, W. Lee. Wedderburn: D. Jackson, D. Benaim, Z. Pallpratt, C. Lowry, J. Pallpratt, T. Metherell.

Donald 0.3 3.3

Charlton

(35)

(94)

GOALS – Donald: G. Morgan, D. Pearce 2, B. Arho. Charlton: K. Clifford, L. Dunne 3, B. Kemp, M. Collins, R. Thompson 2, S. Zagame, M. Heenan.

BEST – Donald: D. Pearce, D. Bell-Warren, C. Campbell, N. Atkins, K. Green, L. Rice. Charlton: B. Lanyon, M. Collins, S. O’Connor, E. Fitzpatrick, B. Xiriha, M. Heenan.

Sea Lake Nandaly

St Arnaud

(145)

(26)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: T. McKenzie 5, R. O’Sullivan, A. Pattison, W. Donnan, M. Cahoon, C. Tait 2, J. Poulton, J. Keogh, C. O’Sullivan, T. Cox, B. Delmenico. St Arnaud: J. Hicks 2, B. Organ, M. Hungerford.

BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: A. Pattison, J. Poulton, W. Donnan, M. Cahoon, T. McKenzie, T. Cox. St Arnaud: K. Torney, J. Kirwood, Z. Phillips, S. Male, M. Hungerford, J. Hicks. Birchip

- Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Allan, J. Hedley, N. McClelland, A. Renney, C. Wight, J. Cox. St Arnaud: T. Berryman, F. Donald, C. Zander, A. Wickham, J. Batters, T. Thomas.

– Birchip Watchem: W. Ryan, N. Dean, O. Cook, A. Tyler. Wedderburn: A. Smith, T. Lovett, L. Budge, D. Tansley, M. Dean.

(40)

(60)

– Donald: J. Lydom, J. Reilly, E. Clapham, J. Borden. Charlton: S. Zagame, I. Bourke, J. Monaghan, M. Fitzpatrick, M. Boyle, C. Zagame.

(62)

(50)

– Calder United: T. Vearing, A. Cowell, D. Poyner, H. Bartlett. Boort: C. Gooding, R. Wagner, B. McPherson, J. O’Flaherty, C. Gould, D. Hird.

Sea Lake Nandaly

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Clohesy 3, J. Summerhayes 2, C. Mitchell, E. Ellis, T. Considine, C. Elliott. St Arnaud: Z. Notting, T. Ward, G. Gorrie, F. Donald, J. Kell.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Elliott, J. Clohesy, I. Durie, W. Landry, N. Wight, B. Baskin. St Arnaud: S. Elliott, B. Greenaway, S. Penfold, Z. Notting, F. Donald, A. Lowe.

Birchip Watchem

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: A. Hay 9, C. Boyle, B. Baxter, C. Goode 2, M. Berry. Wedderburn: H. Pidoto 2, M. Lockhart, C. Hargreaves, J. Turnbull.

BEST – Birchip Watchem: R. Hogan, A. Hay, A. Noonan, C. Lee,

Watchem

– Birchip Watchem: W. Ryan, J. Coffey, A. Norton, L. Spezza. Wedderburn: J. Benaim, T. Pearce, B. Noordennen, B. Turnbull, A. Roberts.

– Calder United: S. Morrison, L. Hall, H. Humphreys, R. Harrison, O. White. Boort: T. Broad, C. McNally, M. Soumelidis, M. Marsh, M. Twigg.

BEST – Donald: J. Italia, N. Michael, M. Reilly, A. Beavis, L. Holland. Charlton: X. Good, C. Zagame, H. Lanyon, F. Zagame, C. Dixon.

Lake Nandaly

Arnaud

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: T. McClelland, K. Wight, S. Pearce, T. Kiley, M. Conlan, B. Barry. St Arnaud: C. Hendy, N. Hando, D. Kirk, A. Reyne, Z. Green.

LODDON VALLEY

Trio takes out Anzac event on countback

SATURDAY saw the running of Boort Golf Club’s annual Digger’s Day event, after it was postponed from the rained-out Anzac day.

Sixteen players participated in a four-person ambrose competition over 14 holes with some excellent scores being recorded.

Finishing on top were Karen Allison, Grant Tooth and Roz and Natham Wright, winning the countback decider after their nett 41.4 tied with Alan Stringer, Andrew Kane, Graeme Ball and Stuart Tweddle. Nearest the pins winners for the day were Andrew, Natham and Damien Lanyon.

The club raised $45 which will go towards welfare of veterans.

Colleen Slatter donated the prizes on the day including the three knitted beanies.

Last Friday, members organised a fundraiser for the Do It For Dolly charity with golfing and other sports competitions for the evening.

This Saturday will be a stableford competition held at 12.30pm, along with the Captain versus President Matchplay

held in conjunction with the first round of the singles knockout.

Digger’s Day Results

Karen Allison, Grant Tooth, Natham Wright, Roslyn Wright –Stroke 55. HCP 13.6. Nett 41.4. Allen Stringer, Andrew Kane, Stewart Tweedle, Graeme Ball –Stroke 47. HCP 5.6. Nett 41.4.

Doug Cooper, Damian Lanyon, Amy Linehan, Kevin Linehan –Stroke 53. HCP 8.0. Nett 45.0. Gaye Sim, Robert Sim, Peter Eicher, Phyllis Baker – Stroke 60. HCP 9.8. Nett 50.3.

what facts do. They get in the way of wild theories, sensational headlines, and stories that are just too good to be true. And that’s the point.

Real journalism isn’t about chasin g clicks or stirring outrage.

It’s about accountability. It’s about getting the story right, not just being the first to talk about it.

It’s about knowing your community and knowing what matters most.

Because when the truth matters, shortcuts don’t cut it.

We believe facts make stories stronger, not weaker.

That’s why everything we publish is grounded in independence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and the community we are part of.

Truth isn’t a single person’s point of view.

It’s a responsibility. And it’s one we take seriously.

Trust journalism to deliver you the truth.

Boort Golf Club does it for Dolly: Anna Beamish applies the blue dots to Greg Smith’s beard (top) while Grant and Julie Tooth join Hamish and Damien Lanyon in hamming up the fun (left) and Macks, Darai and Nadia Kane prepare for the egg and spoon race.

LH PHOTOS

NORTH Central’s stop-start football and netball season comes to a halt again this weekend.

Easter saw the competition have a week off after just two rounds, and three weeks later footballers and netballers will have to cool their heels again.

This time, it’s a general bye for “hockey break”, allowing elite hockey players clean air for the junior country championships in Melbourne, which runs from Friday to Sunday.

Some football and netball coaches and officials have expressed frustration with the second break so early in the season, which can kill a team’s momentum.

Others see it as a chance to regroup and to get back injured players.

The league has two more general byes to come this season.

North Central will take a week off for the King’s Birthday on June 7, after just another two rounds of matches.

The final break will be a general bye for school holidays on July 12, between rounds 11 and 12, making it four weeks off in the first 12 weeks of the season.

The neighbouring Loddon Valley has just one general bye in 2025, and that has already been taken over Easter.

So, despite an eight-team competition meaning North Central plays two fewer rounds than the Loddon Valley, its season will finish a week later, with its grand final on September 13.

- GARY WALSH

Men: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to St Arnaud 7. Donald

Charlton 3. Calder United 3 d Boort 2. Lad-

Calder United 12, St Arnaud 15, Charlton 9, Boort 6, Wedderburn 3, Donald 0, Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Underage: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to St Arnaud

7. Donald 0 lost to Charlton 6. Calder United 0 lost to Boort 3. Ladder: Charlton 12, St Arnaud 9, Boort 6, Donald 6, Calder United 4, Birchip Watchem 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 3. Under 12: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to St Arnaud 4. Donald 1 lost to Charlton 3. Birchip Watchem 4 d Wedderburn 1. Calder United 5 d Boort 0. Ladder: Charlton 15, Birchip Watchem 12, St Arnaud 12, Calder United 12, Sea Lake Nandaly 4, Boort 3, Wedderburn 1, Donald 0.

HOCKEY

Improving Blues make premiers put in work

REIGNING premiers Mitiamo did what was expected in round five of the Loddon Valley netball league in coming home from Inglewood with a big win.

Top of the ladder versus last always seemed a potential thrashing for the Woodies, but they persevered bravely all afternoon, eventually losing 30-71.

The Superoos increased their lead at every change, but the result was not the utterly one-sided contest most predicted.

Indeed, it was Inglewood’s highest score for the year, and indicative of the team’s improvement over the course of the season.

Mitiamo coach Abbey Battersby was bemused by her team’s performance, describing it as “one of those days”.

She said the glare and the warm temperatures made it tough on the players, especially goal shooter Sarah Bateman, who had already played a full game

in A Reserve. “Our combination changed, and everything felt a bit different,” Battersby said.

While acknowledging that her team may not have been totally switched on facing the league’s lowest-ranked team, she was full of praise for Inglewood’s performance.

Wing attack Lily Wynne and wing defence Teresa Fitzpatrick were best for the Woodies, who play Pyramid Hill this week, while Mitiamo faces a test against third-placed Newbridge.

Pyramid Hill came out on top in the clash with Bridgewater, getting home by six goals in a tight contest.

The A Grade match was brought forward by an hour to allow the hosts to get organised for the Ladies Day fundraiser for breast cancer research.

The Bulldogs were quicker out of the blocks than the Mean Machine, and a seven-goal lead at quarter-time proved match win-

ning. The result saw Pyramid Hill climb to second on the ladder behind unbeaten Mitiamo, while Bridgewater’s second loss for the year left them in fourth spot, sandwiched between Newbridge and Marong.

Newbridge continued its good form with a 27-goal win over Calivil, putting the Demons to the sword in the last quarter with an 18-3 final term.

Kym Childs, Leah Oxford and star centre Hayley Martiniello were best for the Maroons.

Marong shaded Bears Lagoon Serpentine 55-47 in a hardfought contest at Malone Park.

Scores were level at quartertime and Marong grabbed a twopoint lead at the main break.

The Bears trimmed the margin to just a goal at three-quarter time, but the Panthers were able to win the last quarter 15 goals to eight to seal the win. Marong is fifth with three wins from five matches, with Serp a spot below.

United set the court terms

BOORT has tumbled to its first defeat for the season in North Central A Grade netball, losing narrowly to Calder United.

The Lions led by four goals at quarter-time and held onto a similar margin for the rest of the afternoon, eventually prevailing 42-38.

Magpies coach Carly Isaac said her side was “not all there … you have those weeks.

“We will learn from that and move on.”

Isaac said the Magpies “lost it on our terms, making a lot of mistakes and not being able to get our flow going.”

She said she made some positional changes during the match

to try to combat Calder’s tactics, but nothing seemed to work on the day.

Second-placed Boort will spend the week off preparing for Birchip Watchem when the league resumes in two weeks’ time.

The Lions, now sitting sixth, will travel to winless St Arnaud.

Wedderburn remains undefeated in North Central A Grade netball after the Redbacks beat Birchip Watchem by six goals.

The result was another tick in the defensive box for Wedderburn, which has been winning but not necessarily dominating its opponents.

The reigning premiers were ahead throughout, but never

LODDON VALLEY

A Grade

Pyramid Hill 17, 30, 41, 53, (53) d Bridgewater 10, 22, 35, 47, (47). Calivil 7, 21, 27, 30, (30) lost to Newbridge 17, 29, 39, 57, (57). Inglewood 5, 11, 24, 30, (30) lost to Mitiamo 17, 34, 49, 71, (71). Marong 15, 28, 40, 55, (55) d BL Serpentine 15, 26, 39, 47, (47). Mitiamo 16

Hill 16

12

12

12

Serpentine 8

Gully 4

0

0

A Reserve

Pyramid Hill 9, 23, 37, 51, (51) d Bridgewater 12, 23, 32, 44, (44). Inglewood 5, 10, 11, 16, (16) lost to Mitiamo 9, 22, 29, 43, (43). Calivil 9, 16, 27, 37, (37) lost to Newbridge 11, 23, 32, 44, (44). Marong 17, 31, 46, 60, (60) d BL Serpentine 5, 11, 20, 22, (22).

16

16

Hill 14

Gully 12

10

6

Serpentine 4

2

0 B Grade

Pyramid Hill 7, 14, 18, 23, (23) lost to Bridgewater 7, 15, 28, 37, (37). Inglewood 3, 10, 18, 25, (25) lost to Mitiamo 14, 21, 27, 33, (33). Marong 8, 19, 32, 41, (41) d BL Serpentine 6, 14, 23, 33, (33). Calivil 6, 13, 17, 27, (27) lost to Newbridge 8, 20, 30, 41, (41).

20

16

16

8

8

4

4

4

0 B Reserve

Pyramid Hill 8, 16, 23, 30, (30) lost to Bridgewater 10, 14, 25, 41, (41). Inglewood 10, 29, 40, 45, (45) d Mitiamo 5, 7, 13, 17, (17). Marong 19, 39, 54, 74, (74) d BL Serpentine 7, 13, 19, 28, (28). Calivil 9, 18, 27, 38, (38) lost to Newbridge 9, 21, 36, 49, (49).

NORTH CENTRAL

stretched their lead into double figures, doing just enough to get over a strong opponent in the Bulls, who closed within a goal in the last quarter.

Wedderburn coach Susie Lockhart said Birchip shooter Zali Angel proved a handful for the Redback defenders with her pinpoint goaling highlighting her side’s lack of accuracy on the day.

“We weren’t connecting that well, and they were rebounding a lot of our misses.”

Still, Lockhart welcomed the tough hit-out as better for the team overall than a big win.

Olivia Lockhart, Maddi Postle, Alice Hubbard and Paige Ryan were best for the Redbacks.

Under 17

Pyramid Hill 8, 13, 21, 28, (28) lost to Bridgewater 18, 37, 54, 74, (74). Marong 14, 21, 28, 40, (40) d BL Serpentine 6, 16, 21, 28, (28). Inglewood 8, 16, 21, 28, (28) lost to Mitiamo 11, 20, 25, 37, (37). Calivil 16, 32, 52, 66, (66) d Newbridge 10, 18, 25, 32, (32).

Bridgewater 16 Marong 16 Calivil 16 Maiden Gully 8 BL Serpentine 8

Pyramid Hill 8 Mitiamo 4 Inglewood 4 Newbridge 0

Under 15

Pyramid Hill 8, 13, 19, 24, (24) lost to Bridgewater 7, 13, 25, 33, (33). Inglewood 5, 18, 24, 32, (32) d Mitiamo 5, 13, 18, 26, (26). Calivil 17, 38, 61, 80, (80) d Newbridge 6, 7, 8, 10, (10). Marong 9, 14, 20, 25, (25) d BL Serpentine 3, 9, 11, 14, (14). Calivil 16 Marong 16

Serpentine 12

12

Hill 8

Gully 8 Inglewood 8

0 Mitiamo 0

Under 13

A Grade Donald 14, 25, 38, 49, (49) d Charlton 11, 17, 30, 39, (39). Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 24, 39, 50, (50) d St Arnaud 6, 11, 17, 26, (26). Calder United 12, 20, 34, 42, (42) d Boort 8, 16, 28, 38, (38). Birchip Watchem 13, 24, 37, 48, (48) lost to Wedderburn 15, 29, 42, 54, (54). Wedderburn 20

Boort 16

Sea Lake Nandaly 12

Birchip Watchem 12

Donald 8 Calder United 8 Charlton 4 St Arnaud 0

B Grade

Donald 8, 22, 33, 44, (44) d Charlton 6, 16, 22, 27, (27). Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 16, 27, 35, (35) lost to St Arnaud 13, 28, 33, 46, (46). Birchip Watchem 12, 24, 37, 43, (43) lost to Wedderburn 14, 30, 43, 62, (62). Calder United 40, 40, 40, 40, (40) lost to Boort 53, 53, 53, 53, (53).

Wedderburn 20

Boort 20

Birchip Watchem 12

Calder United 12 St Arnaud 12

Donald 4

Sea Lake Nandaly 0

Charlton 0

C Grade

Donald 11, 26, 37, 52, (52) d Charlton 18, 31, 39, 49, (49). Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 16, 23, 34, (34) d St Arnaud 12, 16, 25, 32, (32). Calder United 14, 27, 32, 46, (46) d Boort 7, 13, 19, 28, (28). Birchip Watchem 14, 23, 36, 44, (44) lost to Wedderburn 10, 27, 38, 55, (55).

Calder United 16

Sea Lake Nandaly 16 Boort 16 Wedderburn 12 St Arnaud 8 Birchip Watchem 8

Sea Lake Nandaly 17, 33, 51, 72, (72) d St Arnaud 6, 12, 15, 19, (19). Calder United 9, 17, 21, 27, (27) lost to Boort 9, 19, 25, 34, (34). Birchip Watchem 8, 16, 22, 31, (31) d Wedderburn 8, 13, 21, 30, (30).

Sea Lake Nandaly 20 Boort 8

Calder United 8

Birchip Watchem 4

Wedderburn 4

St Arnaud 0

17 & Under

Sea Lake Nandaly 12, 26, 38, 45, (45) lost to St Arnaud 19, 37, 51, 64, (64). Calder United 20, 39, 49, 61, (61) d Boort 4, 6, 16, 26, (26). Birchip Watchem 22, 40, 53, 73, (73) d Wedderburn 6, 13, 21, 26, (26). Donald 4, 8, 10, 18, (18) lost to Charlton 15, 25, 44, 56, (56).

Calder United 20

St Ar naud 16

Boort 16

Birchip Watchem 12

Sea Lake Nandaly 8 Charlton 4

Wedderburn 0 Donald 0

14 & Under A

Calder United 1, 1, 8, 11, (11) lost to Boort 4, 14, 19, 25, (25). Birchip Watchem 14, 26, 32, 32, (32) d Wedderburn 2, 2, 2, 2, (2). Donald 9, 19, 33, 36, (36) d Charlton 2, 4, 6, 6, (6). Sea Lake Nandaly 0, 0, 0, 3, (3) lost to St Arnaud 12, 21, 30, 33, (33).

Birchip Watchem 20 Boort 20 Donald 12 St Arnaud 12

Calder United 8 Wedderburn

Marong 7, 13, 19, 24, (24) d BL Serpentine 3, 6, 7, 9, (9). Calivil 3, 6, 6, 11, (11) lost to Newbridge 6, 13, 26, 32, (32). Inglewood 6, 8, 11, 15, (15) lost to Mitiamo 6, 9, 12, 17, (17). Pyramid Hill 12, 16, 24, 38, (38) d Bridgewater 1, 7, 11, 15, (15). Marong 20

Court fun ... youngsters take part in Net Set Go at Wedderburn. LH PHOTO

GOALKICKING

LODDON

29

14

Jake’s yellow card has Bulls on loose to goal

THE CRITICAL sending off of a Wedderburn defender in the last quarter has spurred a late Birchip Watchem surge in their North Central clash.

The Redbacks were just 11 points behind in a low-scoring affair when Jake Pallpratt was reported and given a yellow card for a high elbow hit.

9

Hadden - Maiden Gully

8 - (0) - Kyle McClellan - Inglewood

39 - (7) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

28 - (0) - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort

12 - (2) - Peter Barbopoulos - Boort 11 - (5) - Tyson Mckenzie - Sea Lake Nandaly 11 - (8) - Jordan Humphreys - Calder United RESERVES

18 - (1) - Harry Weaver - Boort

16 - (9) - Alexander Hay - Birchip Watchem

15 - (1) - Alex Cockerell - Boort

14 - (0) - Heath Senior - Calder United 11 - (3) - Joel Clohesy - Sea Lake Nandaly

(1)

- (0) - Chris ORourke - Boort

VALLEY Bridgewater v Calivil Pyramid Hill v Inglewood

MaIden Gully v Bears Lagoon Serpentine Mitiamo v Newbridge Marong bye

NORTH CENTRAL - MAY 24

Charlton v Sea Lake Nandaly

Donald v Wedderburn

St Arnaud v Calder United Boort v Birchip Watchem

teams

Tom Metherell

With Wedderburn needing to attack despite being a man down, the Bulls took advantage of their numerical advantage and kicked another six goals to secure a 48-point win.

Wedderburn coach Tom Metherell said the three-quarter-time score, with Birchip Watchem on 6.6 and the Redbacks on 4.2, was indicative of how well his team’s defence was playing.

Indeed, it was a day when both defences were on top, so Pallpratt’s dismissal was crucial in the final result.

Veteran Danny Benaim kicked three goals after playing in attack all day, as Metherell papers over the cracks caused by the injury to star forward Mitch Jensen.

Jensen, whom Metherell rates in the top three players in the league, is still several weeks from his return from a fractured tibia, although he is back running at training in Melbourne.

He was hurt late in the round two match against St Arnaud after kicking 10 goals.

Metherell insisted that Wedderburn could have beaten the ladder-leading Bulls if not for the sending off.

The loss sees the Redbacks in fifth position after five rounds in a competition effectively split into two divisions, with the bottom three sides well adrift of the final-four contenders.

Darcy Jackson was named best for Wedderburn along with the ageless Benaim and impressive midfielder Zach Pallpratt.

Leading goalkicker Ben Edwards kicked another seven for the Bulls, taking his tally to 39 goals in just four matches.

Hamish Hosking, Ben Lakin, Nick Rippon

and Meyrick Buchanan were among the best for the winners.

Meanwhile, Wedderburn’s under-17 football team belted out the club song on Saturday after its first win since 2018.

And the young Redbacks did it in style, beating Birchip Watchem juniors by 94 points. They came close a week earlier, falling by 12 points to Charlton after big losses to Sea Lake Nandaly, St Arnaud and Calder United to start the season.

„ In other matches, Charlton took out its second game of the year with a 59-point win over Donald, which is winless and on the bottom of the ladder.

A six-goals-to-none first quarter set up the

win, although Donald kicked three goals to one in the second term to trail by 27 points at the main break.

Ben Lanyon, coach Mitch Collins, Sean O’Connor and Elliott Fitzpatrick were named best for the Navy Blues, while Donald’s coach Daniel Pearce, Dyson Bell-Warren and Charlie Campbell stood out for the Royal Blues.

Sea Lake Nandaly got back on the winners’ list in emphatic fashion with a 119-point win over St Arnaud, with 45 scoring shots to six illustrating the Tiger dominance.

Midfielder Wade Donnan. Adam Pattison and Jack Poulter starred for the winners, with co-captain Kurtis Torney, Jay Kirkwood and Zac Phillips best for the Saints.

United brushes off Pies

after scrappy first term

returned to his duties after two weeks on the sidelines, but his side didn’t exactly celebrate his return.

The Magpies were sitting pretty on top of the ladder after a win over premiers Sea Lake Nandaly.

However, Calder United put in its best performance for the season, belting Boort by 125 points and slicing the Magpies percentage by 180 per cent.

In a week, the Magpies had gone from their finest win in years to one of their most abject losses.

Calder’s playing coach Jordan Humphreys kicked eight goals in the massive win, which came after a close-fought first quarter when the Lions led by just three points.

They poured on 21 goals to two after the first change, including an eight-goal deluge in the last quarter.

Calder non-playing coach Darryl Wilson said his side eventually got on top in the middle after a scrappy first quarter and made it hard for Boort to attack.

“We changed our structure a bit and it seemed to work,” he said.

Wilson said creating a new side in Calder, formed after the merger of Nullawil and Wycheproof Narraport, “takes a lot more work than people imagine.

“You lose a couple of people along the way, but most supporters get behind the merged team.”

Zane Keighran, Humphreys, Oscar Madden and Steve Kennedy were best for the Lions, while James Byrne, Lachlan Hall and Tom Potter stood out for the Magpies.

Jhye Baddeley-Kelly was goalless again for Boort,

Veteran’s four on senior return

NEWBRIDGE is off the mark and off the bottom of the ladder after a 54-point win away over Calivil.

The Maroons led by 24 points at the final change but powered away from the Demons with 5.3 to 8.8 in the last quarter to seal an important win.

Veteran forward Chris Dixon, who hoped not to be called on for senior duty this year, was elevated from the reserves and kicked four goals, which is likely to see him retained in the top side.

Billy Schilling, the full-forward recruited late in the pre-season by coach Matt McArthur as a long-term replacement for Dixon, continued to impress with six goals, taking him to fifth place on the goalkicking ladder.

Caleb Sanders, Jed Zimmer and last season’s co-coach Sam Gale were best for the Maroons, who jumped two spots to seventh after the win.

Calivil is last, with just the opening-round draw with Maiden Gully to show so far this season.

Sam Green was best for the Demons along with Ronan Sheehan and Tommi Raukola.

Tough midfielder Henry McCarthy, who joined Calivil from Heathcote this year, impressed with three goals.

Benjamin Bisset - Pyramid Hill

LODDON

BOORT coach Dale Cameron

with his scoring feats hitting a full stop after successive 10-goal hauls.

Last season’s North Central under 17 best and fairest Max Beattie made his senior debut with Boort on Saturday.

Birchip Watchem awaits Boort after the hockey break, with Calder facing a trip to St Arnaud.

Max Beattie

30 minutes of blistering brilliance from Bulldogs

A SHOOTOUT that turned into a blowout. That, in a nutshell, is the story of Saturday’s high-stakes football clash between Pyramid Hill and Bridgewater.

At the last change, the Mean Machine were ahead by four points on the back of a brilliant performance from coach Lachlan Sharp, who had seven goals of his own and a few assists in his side’s 14-goal haul.

The stage appeared set for a fierce contest in the last quarter to see which team was likely to be Marong’s main challenger in 2025.

And then came the deluge, as the Bulldogs’ attack feasted on the spoils of a midfield that took total control and kicked eight goals to one to storm to an unlikely 41-point win.

Bridgewater led by 18 points at quarter-time on the back of a seven-goal first term, with Sharp causing havoc with his strength

By GARY WALSH

and ground ball skills in kicking four of his own amid six score involvements.

However, at the end of the day the sending off of the Mean Machine’s powerful midfielder Bo Alexander mid-way through the second quarter proved the pivotal moment of the game.

Alexander chose to bump Pyramid Hill’s Mitch Cheesman rather than tackle as he crouched over the ball on the wing, and took him high.

The Bridgewater star was yellow carded despite protests from Mean Machine players, and was sent off for 20 minutes as Cheesman slowly left the field.

The extra player gave the Bulldogs a chance to move the ball more easily down the field, and after trailing at half-time by seven points, they hit the lead

in Alexander’s enforced absence. In one outstanding piece of play, the speedy Brodie Carroll took advantage of a brilliant clearance by Archie Hildebrandt to snap a fine goal, but then Bridgewater responded with a great snap from absolutely nothing by the inspirational Sharp.

Bridgewater’s chances weren’t helped by some poor kicking for goal, but still they matched Pyramid Hill in the third quarter with four goals each and took a narrow lead into the last quarter.

But then the Bulldogs really began to bite, proving too slick out of the centre square for the tiring Mean Machine players and piling on four quick goals.

Bridgewater revived long enough for Luke Ellings to kick a fine major from outside the 50m arc, but Pyramid Hill was not to be denied.

Sharp’s goal run stalled as his side was thrashed in the clear-

ances and his supply dried up.

At the other end, Bulldogs spearhead Ben Bisset was proving a headache for the defenders, and he rubbed it in by heading into defence late in the game and taking a strong intercept mark from one of Bridgey’s rare attacks.

Carroll and Hildebrandt were superb in the midfield for the winners, who also had Zach Alford matching Bisset’s five goals as well as helping out in the centre square at times.

Oscar McKinley, back from Queensland for a few matches, kicked five for the Mean Machine, with Darcy Ferguson, Jack Neylon and the ever-reliable defender Joe Mayes also among their best.

Pyramid Hill is at home again next week for a testing clash with Inglewood, while Bridgewater will host bottom of the ladder Calivil.

Undermanned Bears left languishing

BEARS Lagoon Serpentine’s season sits on a knife-edge, with the Bears now in sixth place on the ladder with just a single win after a 40-point loss to Marong.

The Bears finished fourth last season but have only a 10-point win to their credit against Inglewood, although that victory stands up well given the Woodies’ massive improvement this season.

With key forward Josh Mellington again missing with injury and having played only two games this season, Serp looks sadly un-

dermanned against the better sides. But brighter days may be in store for the Bears, with matches against Maiden Gully, Mitiamo, Newbridge and Calivil in the next four weeks.

Serp fell behind early and trailed by 30 points at half-time, and despite a four-goalsto-three last quarter was unable to bridge the gap significantly.

Marong remains undefeated, and is once again clearly the team to beat as it pushes for a fourth flag on the trot.

Co-coach Kain Robins went goalless for the

Panthers, but fellow forward Ryley Taylor stepped up with six majors.

Noah McCaig was among Marong’s best with his four goals, while Jack McCaig, last season’s best-and-fairest Matthew Willox and the ever-reliable Jimmy Gadsden also played well.

Jaxon Addlem and Doolan Nihill were among the Bears’ best, while veteran ruckman Nathan Twigg chipped in with three goals in a strong performance.

- GARY WALSH

THERE’S only one hope for Mitiamo to take the chocolates against Newbridge on Saturday at John Forbes Oval.

They will need Newbridge to overshoot the mark across the Prairie plains and end up in Mologa.

Newbridge is proving the gruntiest of sides sitting on the lower tier of the ladder after a handful of rounds and deserve to be rewarded with four points. That being said, I would suggest Mayor Dan not venture too far from the Legend’s Bar. It’s getting closer to his shout! It’s just about make or break week for Bears Lagoon Serpentine when they travel to the Camel Hump and take on Maiden Gully.

After all the off-season recruiting, the Bears are certainly no better than last year. Statistically in fact, they’re in worse shape. It’s time for Wilkinson’s boys to make a statement. Anything short of an emphatic victory will leave lingering doubts about whether the Bears will make the finals.

Memo to Tubby and Simon: I’m backing your team. Don’t let me down.

Back on the smaller ground, Bridgewater will be simply too good for Calivil who I don’t think will blow much wind into the game. There’s more chance of Pat O’Toole’s famous footy pies selling out by half-time than a Demons win.

I’ve kept the best to last. Pyramid Hill versus Inglewood should ba ripper.

Pyramid Hill finally showed some of the promised spark last Saturday and should win at Mitchell Park. But be careful, very careful. The Blues are growing in stature and after being oh so close against other leading contenders, will strive to thrive this weekend.

- GLENN CATTO

PREDICTIONS

GARY WALSH

Bridgewater v Calivil

Pyramid Hill v Inglewood

Maiden Gully v BL Serpentine

Mitiamo v Newbridge

Progressive: 15.5

GLENN CATTO

Bridgewater v Calivil

Pyramid Hill v Inglewood

Maiden Gully v BL Serpentine

Mitiamo v Newbridge

Progressive: 12.5

CHRIS EARL

Bridgewater v Calivil

Pyramid Hill v Inglewood

Maiden Gully v BL Serpentine

Mitiamo v Newbridge

Progressive: 14.5

Things were close at Mitchell Park on Saturday ... until Pyramid Hill let loose in the final term. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

MAY 15, 2025

CASUAL CHATS

Tigers talk with LV league chiefs

LODDON Valley officials have had an informal talks with Macorna president Jacob McIntosh as speculation increases the Golden Rivers League club will seek to move south next season.

The weekend chat followed Macorna’s official talks with Golden Rivers last week as the league tries to shore up support for 2026 amid fears it could fold.

McIntosh said the discussions had involved the possibility of Golden Rivers merging with the more powerful 11-team Central Murray league and other options.

“Golden Rivers is still hopeful of remaining in existence, still trying to make something work,” he told the Loddon Herald.

“And we’re still working through all the possible challenges with the Golden Rivers board.”

Loddon Valley chair Richard Hicks and vice-chair Glenn Catto were both at Macorna’s match against Moulamein last Saturday.

McIntosh said the two officials “came up for a look around and a casual chat” after earlier being at the Pyramid Hill versus Bridgewater reserves match.

Hicks agreed with that description of their meeting.

He said Macorna “had asked for some information from us”, while insisting no official discussions had started.

Hicks said he was keen to see Macorna’s ground and get a feel for the club’s support, both of which he said were similar to what is found in the Loddon Valley league.

By GARY WALSH

Pyramid Hill is geographically the closest Loddon Valley club to Macorna, whose players are forced to make an almost 500km round-trip to represent the Tigers against New South Wales side Hay.

Pyramid Hill is only 23km from Macorna, which sits just outside the boundaries of Loddon Shire, while the furthest Loddon Valley club from Macorna is Newbridge, just over an hour away.

The Central Murray league stretches from Cohuna in the south to Balranald in the north, largely along the course of the Murray River.

Balranald, across the border in New South Wales, is almost two hours’ driving time from Macorna, another long journey if the Tigers were to join a merged Central Murray-Golden Rivers competition.

Should Macorna decide to try to depart the Golden Rivers league it must apply for a transfer by June 30.

Hicks has made clear Loddon Valley’s intent to be seen as a viable option for any teams in neighbouring leagues which may seek or are forced to change competitions.

He has also said that Marong and Maiden Gully were likely to outgrow the Loddon Valley league due to their proximity to Bendigo and its huge catchment of players, especially at a junior level.

Both clubs have unsuccessfully sought transfers in recent years.

Like father, like son - chips off the same block

WOODCHOPPING is a family affair for the Coffeys of Inglewood, and John Coffey senior and junior stamped their name on trophies at Sydney’s prestigious Easter Show.

Most notably, father and son finished first in the parent and child relay, an event in which they have been competing for the past seven years.

And they also finished fourth in the three-man relay along with Lyndsay Hewett.

John jnr came second in the standing block handicap event, while his father finished fourth in the second division standing block.

Not to be overlooked, younger brother Blake stood on the podium in third place in both the Under 18 Underhand Championship and the Under 21 Underhand Handicap. He also took fourth place in the Under-18 Underhand Handicap.

Blake was chosen in the Under 21 teams race, in which Victoria finished second.

The Coffeys (middle back) with their first place sashes

John jnr in action in Sydney.