Loddon Herald 16 September 2021

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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 34 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 ISSN 2653-1550

BANK RULE BLOW

COMMUNITY banks have been excluded from the State Government’s new five-year state purchasing contract.

Government agencies including schools, kindergartens and health facilities will be required to bank with one of three major banks from October 1.

But the move is seen as a blow to rural communities served by community banks.

“It makes sense for local bodies and organisations to have the opportunity to be part of their own community bank,” said Inglewood and District Community Bank chairman Murray Baud.

“We are a community bank that brings benefits to local communities and organisations across the Loddon, returning funds to benefit the community in many ways through our sponsorships and grants programs.”

Western Victoria Region MP Bev McArthur, who raised the change in State Parliament, said many organisations continued with accounts at a community bank because the old tender was not strictly enforced.

“But the October mandate changes all that,” she said.

Loddon Shire said it used Westpac for core banking and sought the best rates for other investments. “The Local Government Act does not stipulate that council must bank with only one of these three banks,” it said.

A Government spokesperson said: “The new Banking and Financial Services State Purchase Contract ... expands the current arrangement from one supplier to a panel arrangement..

This panel arrangement means that Government agencies will be able to access a much larger number of bank branches in their local communities.”

COLOURFUL CANOLA POINTS TO TOP SEASON DINGEE farmer Geoff Lourie has been watching his 290 hectares of canola spring alive with colour.

Geoff has been growing canola “since last century” and says conditions since mid-season have aided this year’s crop growth.

“It’s become a very important crop in our district,” Geoff said.

“The rainfall has been at a good frequency and the amount just about right ... a rarity.”

Canola crop outlook - PAGE 9

NOW SELLING STOCKFEED

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021

Farmer given bond over water breach

W

E MAY not have received a Cartier watch, but a few of our OTF correspondents thought it was a real nice gesture by Australia Post to deliver with the mail a postcard ready for sending to family or friend. With the tag line “when we connect, we feel better” the mental health initiative encouraging us to keep up contact with others was a pretty swell idea from the Beyond Blue partner. And yes, the postcard emblazoned with golden wattle over a country road painted scene has imprinted “no stamp required”. Bonzer effort by the mail mob.

W

HEN posting your mail, unless it’s to one of those destinations where the local postie knows everyone and can deliver letters with the least amount of information, it’s still a very good idea to include the postcode. Unless it’s off to the North Pole (no doubt we’ll have a few yarns about that later in the year). Postcodes as we know them were introduced in 1967, replacing in some big cities the old British style codes. Among the Melbourne ones were N3, E5, denoting direction and distance from the grand old GPO in Bourke St.

A

FEW pedants were talking about postcodes in one of the local public houses the other day (just the 10 of them under COVID rules, remember, all sitting down about to tuck into some tucker). They are still amused that government forms want us to include the state and postcode yet the first letter of the postcode denotes the state. Duplication or what? Guess almost 60 years on, there’s a wee challenge changing the ways. Bit like those who occasionally regress and substitute a pound sign for the dollar.

W

E always love that great trivia night question for letters sent to the ABC. What is the ABC’s post office box number? Yep, it’s 99.94, the test average of the greatest cricketer

never to have graced the Arnold or Kingower grounds, Sir Donald Bradman.

L

ETTER writing was once a great skill practised by many. We’d always receive a letter from grandma if she had taken a rare trip away, regaling us with her jaunty journey. These days, letters can be much briefer and it’s sad to have witnessed a decline in descriptive writing.

B

UT THERE’S still the resignation letter and from around the world come funny examples of saying “goodbye to the boss”. After drawing a dinosaur, one employee decided it was time for a career change. He took the illustration and transformed it into a letter of resignation. The other side of the letter revealed the name of the dinosaur: “Quitmyjobosaurus.”

I

T should come as no surprise that some of those big name burger restaurants have some of the highest turnovers of staff in the world.

When one staff member of Wendy’s decided that he needed to move on with his life, he took to the neon sign at the store’s entrance and rearranged the letters in order to make the most straightforward “letter” of resignation - I Quit. That’s what you call a short letter.

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

A DINGEE farmer has been placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to water theft charges.

The 49-year-old appeared in Echuca Magistrates’ Court last week charged with interference with Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) works, and unauthorised taking and use of water.

GMW said it commenced the prosecution after a routine inspection on the outlet at the Dingee dairy farm on January 24, 2020.

A GMW officer discovered water flowing from the outlet despite the wheel not turning and no water having been ordered.

It said the court heard the detheridge wheel was obstructed by a piece of timber, preventing the wheel from turning and recording usage on the meter.

The officer followed the flow of water down the accused’s internal farm channel to a storage dam. It was estimated 2ML of

water was taken without authorisation.

Magistrate Russell Kelly said the farmer had a responsibility to ensure he did not interfere with the wheel.

Mr Kelly ordered the man to pay $350 to the court fund and costs of $1685.42 to GMW, but did not record a conviction.

GMW corporate secretary and Compliance co-ordinator Chris Dalton said the organisation took a zero-tolerance approach to water theft.

“We have an obligation on behalf of all entitlement holders to ensure unauthorised use of and any tampering with infrastructure is met with enforcement,” he said.

“Water is an extremely valuable commodity in Victoria – if one user doesn’t follow the rules, it impacts every other user in the system, and even the wider community. If you do the wrong thing, you will get caught.”

Talks on school tender timing WORKS to improve the bushfire safety rating and facilities at Tarnagulla Primary School are expected to start next term.

Principal Leigh Mellberg said there had been talks this week between architects and the Victorian School Building Authority on timing and tendering for works costing $2 million.

The school received an allocation in last year’s State Budget

for improvements to have the school meeting bushfire safety regulations. The school is classed as a level 29 site under the bushfire rating.

Capital works will include a new entrance and foyer area, replacement of air-conditioning and a new undercover basketball court. Most works will likely start over the Christmas holidays.

CHECK IN NOW

CHECK IN EVERYWHERE EVERY TIME Victoria, every one of us needs to check in, everywhere, every time.

Checking in helps us stop the spread of coronavirus, and protects our businesses, our communities and each other.

So, let’s all check in. Everyone. Everywhere. Every time.

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

10 cap: take-away the better option STRICT indoor dining caps for regional Victoria coming out of Lockdown 7.0 have seen some Loddon businesses stick with take-away service only.

Hospitality business owners say the 10-people cap is restrictive and adds another layer of compliance for dine-in meals.

Dee Slatter, who with cousin Lindee Frost has been running Boort’s Godfrey and Bear since January 2020, said: “We have opened up fully after every previous lockdown but this time, we find the numbers do not make that feasible.”

Dee said older patrons liked to sit and have their coffee while chatting with friends “and we don’t want to be moving them on when more customers arrive”.

“When it was hinted that regional towns would be coming out of lockdown, we thought the cap would be 24 or so people ...

10 is just ridiculous,” she said.

Dee said that after more than 18 months trading, her staff knew nothing different from “juggling coming in and out of lockdowns”.

Anne McDonald, of the Korong Vale Hotel, echoed the comments

Publican Anne McDonald. LH PHOTO

of Dee for hospitality businesses trying to trade within the new cap.

“It’s hard ... to have just 10 people inside is just ridiculous,” she said.

Anne at the weekend tried offering two sittings for dinner but found no interest from patrons for an earlier time.

“No one wants to be having dinner at the first sitting but the second is booked out,” she said.

“I don’t think it is going to be viable for dining in.”

Most hotels across the Loddon have also decided to stick with take-away meals only while the 10-people cap remains.

They are hoping the next level of eased restrictions from the beginning of October will increase the indoor cap.

Anne said: “We’re allowed 20 people in the outdoor areas but until the weather warms up more, people are not too keen sitting outside on cool nights.”

Under current restrictions, hotels and cafes must also confirm a person is not a resident of metropolitan Melbourne or Greater Shepparton.

Venues are also responsible for ensuring visitors use the Service Victoria QR code app to check in regardless of duration of visit.

Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021 | 3

Lindee Frost, Maddy Frost and Dee Slatter at their Boort coffee shop where it’s take-away only under the “10 cap”. LH PHOTO

New CEO decision close LODDON Shire councillors are close to appointing a new chief executive officer.

Mayor Neil Beattie said interviews had been conducted with short-listed candidates following a process managed by a specialist local government recruitment firm.

Cr Beattie said councillors

would meet on Tuesday to appoint the shire’s new administrative leader.

Phil Pinyon retired from the role in July after more than 50 years in local government. He had been Loddon CEO for five years.

Jude Holt has been acting CEO since his retirement.

ENDS 19 SEPTEMBER 2021

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4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021

Chilled for 325km trip

KANGAROOS harvested in the region last week have been chilled at Inglewood.

The roos were stored in the PrimeSafe accredited coolroom at the former abattoir site from Sunday until transported to Hay on Tuesday.

Campaspe Meats director Loc Rivett said the local site was a licensed field depot.

“They’ve now been taken to Hay, 325km away, for processing,” he said.

“It makes no sense to have to transport them so far and into another state. The facility here is ultra efficient.”

Campaspe Meats has submitted an application to Loddon Shire Council for a pet meat processing facility at the former abattoirs.

“We have given all the information to council for the application and respect the processes being followed,” he said.

Professional kangaroo shooters operated in three zones across regional Victoria at the weekend.

Glenn Cole, of Newbridge said professional shooters had access to about five per cent of Victoria’s kangaroo population.

He said shooters had to meet rigid accreditation requirements, including an accuracy test, secure a harvesting licence and have their vehicles registered by Prime Safe.

“We can’t and don’t shoot without a permit and if we go one kangaroo over our allocated quota, we are hammered,”

Glenn Cole loads harvested kangaroos for chilling at the weekend. he said. “We have our allocated number tags and that’s it.”

Glenn and fellow professional shooters said at the weekend that their industry had existed for decades.

“Kangaroos are allowed to be harvested, they will still be processed but until there is a permit, not at this plant,” he said.

Glenn said the average weight of a kangaroo shot during harvest was 27kg.

The professional shooters said culling quotas were set by the State Government and that local conversation groups had supported and planned for programs to reduce kangaroo numbers in recent years.

One shooter said” We average 20 roos a night. With harvesting, it’s the big (male) bucks not the does or joeys. And unlike farmers who cull to control, we are subject to stringent rules,” he said.

The proposed Inglewood processing facility will have a staff of 10 people.

The application is being assessed by Loddon Shire Council before a report is made to council for decision.

The proposal has attracted the interest of activist groups and media since being exclusively reported in the Loddon Herald in July.

- CHRIS EARL

Survey closes

Women’s award

The Victorian Government is asking for your feedback about connectivity issues where you live or work, and when you’re out and about – to help understand where mobile and broadband improvements are needed across Victoria. The feedback is part of the $550 million Connecting Victoria program, under which the Victorian Government is fasttracking better mobile coverage and broadband across the state.

If our community provides as much information about specific problems as possible, there is a better chance this area will be considered for improvements.

To find out more and take the survey visit engage.vic.gov.au/ connecting-victoria Feedback closes Monday 20 September 2021.

The Victorian Government is calling on female leaders who are passionate about making a difference in rural and regional Victoria to apply for the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

ACTIVIST groups including PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) have prepared petitions against the proposed kangaroo pet food processing plant at Inglewood.

They claim to have gathered thousands of signatures from supporters in Australia and overseas against processing “at Wedderburn”.

Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick told the Loddon Herald: “Our native kangaroos deserve protection – yet the proposal for a kangaroo processing facility in Inglewood puts them at risk of extinction.

“Kangaroo slaughter is cruel and unsustainable. If approved, this operation will slaughter up to 2000 kangaroos per week. Those numbers are staggering.

“Kangaroo shooting puts local communities at risk.

Shooting will take over all over the state, including Ballarat and surrounding areas, with carcasses then transported to the facility.

It impacts local tourism and scares many from travelling to the area.

“I am calling on the Minister for Agriculture, MaryAnne Thomas, to intervene and make a compassionate decision to protect our kangaroos.”

The Government has said the permit application is a matter for council.

The Award acknowledges and celebrates the role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.

Goldfields Libraries, in partnership with Loddon Shire Council, are excited to offer a small number of internet-connected iPad tablets available for a FREE six-month loan.

For more information or to register your interest, contact the Community Based Services team at Goldfields Libraries on

The Victorian winner will receive a $15,000 bursary to bring to life a project that benefits rural industries, businesses or communities, as well as an opportunity to take out the national award and a further $20,000 in project funding.

5449 2790.

Applications for the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award close Friday 8 October.

This project is supported through funding from the CASI Initiative (DHHS).

www.agrifutures.com.au/peopleleadership/rural-womens-award/

WEDDERBURN

SERPENTINE

41 High Street Wedderburn 3515

37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine 3516

T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003

T: 5494 1202 F: 5437 8407

Open to the public, subject to

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

COVID-19 restrictions Mayor Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Groups start petitions

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021 | 5

Hay bales are taken from Mologa farm LODDON police are investigating the theft of two bales of wheaten hay from a property at Mologa.

They said offenders entered the property on Jones Lane in a 4WD towing a trailer.

“The trailer was parked right next to a stack of big square bales of wheaten hay when the offenders have rolled two bales from three high off the stack onto the trailer and left the property,” local police said.

The incident happened between 2pm September 4 and 4pm September 6.

Police have arrested a 31-year-old Wedderburn man with three outstanding warrants. The male received new bail conditions and a new court date.

A 17-year-old male has been arrested and interviewed for fraud related matters. The male was co-operative throughout with inquiries ongoing.

Traffic A 23-year-old man from Leitchville stopped for a routine licence check in Serpentine was found to be driving on

a suspended driver’s licence and will be summonsed to court at a later date.

A drawback of being caught driving while suspended was his vehicle being impounded for a month at a cost of $1400 A 21-year-old woman from Carnegie was intercepted by Loddon police this month at Salisbury West after being detected travelling at 129kmh in the 100kmh zone. The woman was issued an infringement notice suspending her probationary licence for three months and was coupled with a $500 fine.

If you have any information on other crime in the region, please call your local police station, the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Park residents get their forms THE wait has ended for Loddon caravan park residents who had earlier missed out on receiving their 2021 Census forms.

Almost a month after official Census night, the delivery of the forms started last week.

Caravan park owners said residents were pleased to now have the form and know they would be included in the nation’s official population count.

Australian Bureau of Statistics was contacted by the Loddon Herald early last week about Loddon residents not receiving their forms. ABS said it would be dispatching field officers to areas not covered before Census night.

“The residents have now received their forms, making sure they are complete and ready for collection,” said Inglewood Motel and Caravan Park’s Pauline Wellman.

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

LED BY A QUALIFIED QUA TEACHER TEA The K Kinder Tick recog recognises kinder prog d programs that are led by a qualifi q r. ed teacher.

LOOK FOR THE KINDER TICK

P PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM L M I highlights kindergartens and It d llong day care centres that o offer play-based programs to h help children learn and grow, b before they start school.

FU FUNDED AND APPROVED BY A THE VICTORIAN TH GOVERNMENT G It a also identifies se services that are ap approved for Victorian G Go Government funding.

Find out more at vic.gov.au/kindertick

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021

UNSURE ABOUT ALL THE COVID-19 VACCINE TALK? TALK TO A PHARMACIST There’s a lot of talk out there about the COVID-19 vaccine.

But when it comes to your health, the one talk you should have is with a doctor or pharmacist.

They can answer any questions you have and give you the information you need.

Get informed and get vaccinated.

GO TO CORONAVIRUS.VIC.GOV.AU OR CALL 1800 675 398 Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021 | 7

Wanted We have multiple qualified buyers who require good quality homes in Boort, 3 or 4 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms but not essential.

Real Estate Sales Graeme Hayes 0411 338 649

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Rev. Darcy Vaughan (left) and members of St John’s Anglican Church Newbridge after Sunday’s service. LH PHOTO

Darcy welcomes flock back PARISHIONERS at St John’s Anglican Church, Newbridge, were pleased to again be worshipping in their historic 1864 church on Sunday.

The end of lockdowns allowed services to be held across the Loddon.

And for Rev. Darcy Vaughan, who was ordained as minister for the Inglewood, Bridgewater and Newbridge parish earlier this year, the return to church took

on more meaning when parish leader Sue Brown presented him with a new stoll marking his ministry for local congregations.

Rev Vaughan said while parish congregations had kept in touch through online services throughout recent lockdowns, there was joy that people in the communities were again able to be together and worship.

Shirley celebrates 90th birthday LONG-TIME Newbridge resident Shirley Heather on Tuesday marked her 90th birthday.

Celebrations started Sunday with a presentation by fellow members of the St John’s Anglican Church congregation.

Shirley, pictured with husband David, has also been active in the local CWA branch and other organisations in the district over many years.

Nationwide search for leader INGLEWOOD and Districts Health Service has launched a nationwide search for its new chief executive officer.

Board chairman Michael Oerlemans said the service had started recruitment for the position.

Tracey Wilson resigned as CEO in July and Greg Pullen is currently acting in the role.

Mr Oerlemans said: “This exciting opportunity is being managed by HRSA Health Recruitment Specialists who are promoting the opportunity across the state and nationally.”

He said the new CEO would deliver on IDHS’s strategic plan over the next three

years. “The board are looking to build on the successes of the last few years attracting a CEO with skills and a focus on community engagement, sound financial management, clinical leadership and community centred care,” he said.

“The board is hoping to attract and outwardly focussed CEO who can build productive and sustainable partnerships and collaborations to continue to improve the quality of our service delivery across health and community services.

“Recruitment is active now and the board hopes to interview suitable applicants in early to mid-October with an appointment made by November.”

69 Wellington Street Kerang 03 5450 3792

34 McCallum Street Swan Hill 03 4016 2005

We urgently require homes to rent in Boort for clients with good references.

Water Trading We trade both permanent and temporary parcels of water in all Victorian zones, locally owned providing professional service.

Clearing Sales We regularly conduct clearing sales on site and online to suit the Vendor’s requirements.

We run our own online auction site, delivering lower costs & lower buyer premiums.

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021

History money helps preserve centre records

EAST Loddon Historical Society is beginning to prepare for the Dingee Bush Nursing Centre centenary in 2023.

The society has just received a State Government grant of almost $8000 that will be used in digitising 10 filing cabinets currently storing records of the centre that has averted closure several times in the past 70 years with community campaigns.

Secretary Robyn Brown said long-time nurse Viv Fazulla, who worked at the centre for more than 30 years from 1979, had collected correspondence, minute books and other nonpatient records and filed them in chronological order.

IN BRIEF Still room at some kinders DINGEE kindergarten enrolments for 2022 have reached capacity.

Loddon Shire says 11 youngsters have been enrolled for the four-year-old sessions and 10 for threeyear-old classes.

However, vacancies still exist at Boort, Inglewood Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn.

Pyramid has had a large enrolment for three-yearold sessions next year.

Enrolments can be made through council’s early years team on 5494 1201.

“Viv was regarded as Our Dingee Angel and her work collecting so many records will be a great help when the centenary is marked in two years,” Robyn said.

“There are a few gaps in the early decades but still there’s a good snapshot of what was happening at the time. We’ll also be asking the community for any photographs or information local people may have.”

“It’s amazing that the community has kept this nursing service, critical to the local district, going.

“Digitising records will help preserve the bush nursing centre history,” Robyn said.

Vitrual sections BOORT Show has announced competitions for their virtual event next month.

While the traditional show has been cancelled, online sections will include photography with the theme agriculture, Lego and creative writing with the theme Courage in sections for primary and lower secondary students.

Sheep school’s underway THE Loddon’s annual shearing and wool handling school is underway at Wedderburn this week.

The school, running for almost 20 years, will finish tomorrow with presentation of proficiency certificates to participants.

Local Victorian Farmers’ Federation branch members Ray Tonkin and Gavan Holt are again organising the training school

through the town’s community house and with assistance from industry, government and local donations.

Gavan said up to 10 participants had been working the four shearing stands each day.

“The shearing school continues to be popular in great part due to the quality of instructors who train people in shearing, woolclassing and shed work.”

Train changes

Sofia Caserta couldn’t wait to be back with her Grade 1 friends at Wedderburn College when schools re-opened last Friday. But after a day of learning and a PE class, Sofia still had a big hug for mum Deanne at the end of the school day.

School has returned for students in Prep, Grades 1 and 2 and Year 12. LH PHOTO

V/LINE train services continue to be replaced by coaches on lines across the state, including Swan HillBendigo, following COVID cases and exposure sites among staff. Travellers should check for changes when planning their trips on public transport.

Whether you want to work full time or just a few hours a week, disability support work offers a wide range of roles and more ways to make a difference in someone’s life.

Discover the possibilities at

vic.gov.au/workthatmatters Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021 | 9

Consumption tipped to outstrip production THE Australian canola grower is sitting in a good position leading into the 2021-2022 harvest.

Domestic canola prices are at historically high levels and it appears we will produce a record crop.

The September ABARE Crop Report is forecasting the production of canola to increase by 11 per cent to a record high of over 5 million tonnes.

Area planted to canola is estimated to have increased 24 per cent to reach the third highest on record of just over three million hectares.

This has been a result of strong global prices and excellent planting conditions in Western Australia and New South Wales.

However, the average yield is forecast to fall by 10 per cent from the record high of last season.

Canada’s StasCan also released its September report putting

By JON BUCKNALL the Canadian crop at 14.7mmt. (against a 10 year average of 19.5mmt). The global oilseed complex is extremely tight. It is forecast that carry out stocks for global canola will be circa 4mmt which is the lowest in the past 10 years.

The European Union is a significant importer of Canadian canola.

Australian canola attracted a premium over Canadian canola from July 2018 to December 2020.

This premium was tied to the value of Australian canola as non-GM meal in Europe’s dairy industry. Low canola production in Australia, large crops in Canada and a trade dispute between Canada and China also contributed to the price premium.

As of December 2020, Austral-

ian canola was no longer trading at a premium over Canadian canola.

Tighter supplies in Canada and strong demand are supporting a sharp increase in the Canadian canola price.

The current higher price for Canadian canola could improve the likelihood of Australian canola regaining market share in the European Union.

Australia accounts for between 15 and 20 per cent of the world export trade.

The highest forward prices we have seen to date for the 20212022 season was on the August 26 with non-GM Canola delivered GNC Geelong at A$895/mt (+/- AOF bonifications).

More locally at Boort the price was at A$872.75/mt (+/- AOF bonifications).

Many growers have already locked in a portion of their 20212022 production (estimated 10

per cent-20 per cent) against these higher prices.

The price spread between non-\GM canola and GM canola is the tightest we have seen. GM canola would normally attract a discount of A$40-$60/mt however upcountry site pricing has the discount at $5/mt (delivered crusher slightly wider at around $30/mt).

We would anticipate that domestic prices will come under some pressure at harvest as growers take advantage of these higher prices.

However post-harvest oilseed prices are forecast to remain historically high in 2021–2022 due to strong global demand and tight inventories.

The world canola price is forecast to increase as consumption outstrips production.

* Jon Bucknall is manager of Boort Grain Co-op

wool THE Australian wool market has bounced back last week from the losses experienced at previous week auctions, with the market recording an overall increase for this series.

There were anecdotal reports of many overseas orders being booked early in the week, because of these sales the talk amongst the trade was of the market being dearer. On the opening day of selling this talk turned to fact as the market climbed higher.

All merino fleece types and descriptions enjoyed the rises as buyers scrambled to get meaningful quantity in the smaller than normal offering.

By the end of the day the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) across the country had risen by between 14 and 60 cents.

On the back of these rises the benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator added 29 cents for the day. This was the largest daily rise in the EMI for the 20212022 season so far and the highest since June 16 where the EMI climbed one cent higher.

The second day of selling the market settled, the prices being achieved were generally within 15 cents of the previous day.

- ELDERS

SHEEP MARKET THERE was a big lift in young lamb and sheep supplies to take the overall yarding above 30,000 head, a surge of 30 per cent on a week ago.

New season lambs made up the bulk of the lamb offering, with quality very good on the top-end drafts but many pens still showing signs of needing more sunshine and time to finish properly.

All regular buyers attended, and a key NSW based exporter was back buying sheep.

Price results were mixed and based around size and quality.

Lambs with weight remained well supported, with prices for the best heavy young lambs firm and export sized shorn lambs dearer.

Prices were weaker over medium and light trades, these categories of young lambs sold mostly $3 to $10/head easier in an auction that lost momentum late in the day.

Plainer, old trade lambs fell by $10 to $20/head. But the sale did experience more restocking activity, and any good lines of store lambs to the paddock were dearer.

The heaviest young lambs held their value at $278 to $317/head to still cost a ballpark 1000c/kg cwt.

A wider price range was evident over trade lambs at $190 to $260/head, while there was still pens over 1000c the majority of sales were estimated between 920c to 980c/kg cwt.

Specialist Ballarat finishers paid from $190 to $219/head for well-bred and leaner trade weight lambs in the 20kg to 22kg cwt range.

Lighter store lambs weren’t available in big numbers and were dearer at $150 to $180/head for most.

The stronger restocking activity meant MK meat lamb buyers were pressured into buying bigger stock at $160 to $190/head.

Heavy old lambs were dearer at $264 to a top of $328/head, often matching young lambs on carcass price basis. Plainer trade weight old lambs were cheaper at $170 to $220/head.

Sheep numbers continued to build as more ewes are sold off shears. A key NSW

exporter returned to the buying field and dominated purchases of heavy mutton, pushing prices $20 to $30/head dearer.

When a couple of export buyers clashed a few pens of heavy crossbred ewes sold at $250 to $286, however the bulk of sales sold from $190 to $230/head.

Heavy Merino sheep mostly sold from $160 to $220/head.

Plain light sheep were cheaper. The majority of sheep were estimated in a range of 620c to 700c/kg cwt.

Wycheproof (32) $180, Tourbouric Past Co Tooborac (26) $174.

MERINO LAMBS

MERINO EWES

Pollington Farms Nullawil (72) $235, Dresden Nominees Woomelang (91) $206, Meadow Valley Farms Mia Mia (24) $204, Sohnic Hose, Swanwater (21) $180, Laurina Partnership P/L Wooroonook (9) $180, CW & TJ Thompson Strathbogie (14) $176, Hopeavon P/L Kurting (82) $170.

Cockayne Mathoura (171) $226, Dresden Nominees Woomelang (187) $225, MR & HE Dohnt Neereman (25) $221, A & R Gawne Boort (140) $212, RG & FA Moon Pyramid Hill (49) $210, T & K Fitzpatrick Charlton (51) $208, JD Cox Charlton (66) $205, Freemantle & Bell Woodstock (51) $201, Lyndoch Farming Macorna (154) $196, RG & K Martin Emu (97) $195, Mount Fines Moulamein (162) $183, Trealla Farms Wycheproof (50) $180.

MERINO WETHERS AJ Isaac Mysia (51) $195.

SUCKERS

CROSSBRED EWES

AL & GJ Lloyd Stuart Mill (18) $317, JM & RM Ryan Colbinabbin (53) $308, RK & AP Mitchell Milloo (42) $305, GN Davies Eddington (36) $302, Matt Hall Myers Flat (31) $300, Verge Past Co, Euroa (78) $299, Crowden Weeks Serpentine (82) $296, GW & ML Curnow Laanecoorie (50) $296, Lislea Lodge Picola ,(54) $295, DL & TM Jensen Tennyson (44) $294, MF Ryan Colbinabbin (61) $294, GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (38) $292, WJ Matheson Wycheproof (50) $290, JA,GT,RT & WA Exton Cosgrove Sth (47) $290, W & G Perry Nagambie (39) $290, Fred Shea Campbell’s Forest (23) $290, GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (103) $288, BD & S Cail Kamarooka Nth (33) $288, TW McCormick Elmore (77) $285, DJ & SL Lloyd Stuart Mill (37) $284, MJ Williams Drummartin (27) $282, Cain Bros Laanecoorie (60) $282, RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (82) $265, PT & KF Howard Goornong (62) $260, R & K Sloan Powlett Plains (37) $260, G & W Collins Fentons Creek (82) $254, G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (63) $252, RJ & DM Johnson Boort (40) $250, O’Rourke Noms Boort (56) $240, AB & KB Broom Neereman (30) $236, RJ Plant Manangatang (67) $235, R Bailey Leichardt (41) $234, IR & EB Perry Landsborough (50) $233, AAL Hernan Family Fiery Flat (51) $227, M & J Evans Echuca (90) $225, Fairfields@Myola (49) $224, Jennifer Morrison Tandarra (17) $224, DJ & VA Coulter Boort (57) $213.

S & A Baker Baringhup (33) $286, EM & LL Lowndes Strathfieldsaye (6) $285, JM & RM Ryan Colbinabbin (8) $284, Brassy Downs Pyramid Hill (39) $282, O’Brien Farms Barnadown (5) $245, AJ Dinsdale Bagshot (3) $245, Hamiliton Ag P/L Roto NSW (36) $245, Sam Harrison Bridgewater (10) $245, PL & NM Mitchell Marong (26) $244, Crowden Weeks Serpentine (106) $238, M & J Evans Echuca (105) $230, Jarroe Valley Grazing Strathbogie (50) $225, MJ Williams Drummartin (8) $224, Cresswell Trading Beazley Bridge (61) $220, Penstock Past Acheran (65) $220, M & J Borger Colbinabbin (44) $215, AB & KB Broom Neereman (29) $212,

CROSSBRED LAMBS BJ Tamblin Toolleen (11) $317, CN & DW Slatter Boort (41) $316, S & L Nihill Sedgwick (7) $310, Mirnee Partnership Hunter (34) $304, Des O’Donoghue Kamarooka Nth (73) $290, Lott Family Trust Rochester (44) $280, LT Lowndes, Strathfieldsaye (30) $275, Peter Moyle Huntly (13) $268, Bilyana Past Co Bridgewater (21) $ 264, Wilma Capewell Runnymede (31) $258, D & K Barker Nullawil (122) $200, Nutbyrne P/L Knowsley (42) $193, Bindi Station Bindi (18) $188, I & M Palmer Boort (33) $188, MR & HE Dohnt Neereman (27) $184, Baydeg Producers

RJ & DM Johnson Boort (56) $198, Fowles Farms P/L Euroa (30) $ 190.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

GRAIN BOORT Grain Co-op prices as at Tuesday.

Wheat - HL1 $319. H2 $319. APW1 $217.

ASW $312. Barley - PL1 $237. SP1 $237.

BAR1 $237. New crop - APW MG 310.

BAR1 MG $240. Non-GM canola $841 +/AOF.

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021

Centenary bash will wait a year CELEBRATIONS to mark the centenary of Mysia War Memorial School opening have been delayed a year.

Organisers have announced that next month’s 100th anniversary will now be marked a year later on October 9, 2022, after latest COVID restrictions heavily capped public event attendance.

Mysia’s event is the latest across the Loddon to be cancelled or postponed.

Wedderburn’s Christmas Patchwork Festival scheduled for November has also been cancelled.

These events join the Boort Show, Laanecoorie Gold Bash, Friends of Kooyoora spring wildflower weekend and the national tractor trek at Wedderburn.

Widen support package

STATE Parliament has been told country newspapers should again be included in the Government’s COVID assistance programs for businesses.

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said it could almost be seen as a campaign to deprive regional communities of an independent and locally relevant source of information with the exclusion of newspapers in recent assistance announcements.

Mr Walsh said he wanted the government to urgently reverse that decision to help keep people informed.

“The Nationals raised this in the Parliament last week, pointing out country newspapers were not eligible to apply for business support because the Andrews Labor Government had excluded them from its already very narrow eligibility crite-

ria,” Mr Walsh said. “Local news organisations have been smashed by COVID. “While country journalists continue their tireless work to report on the news that matters to our communities, advertising revenues have declined dramatically,” he said.

“This is putting newsrooms under even greater pressure, eroding the already slim margins of the print media.

“Last year, the State Government committed to at least one page of advertising in all local newspapers each week.

“When that commitment expired, many local papers found themselves with less government advertising revenue coming in and they were not eligible for any business support grants.

“Meanwhile, the government continues

to pour millions upon millions of dollars into self-promotion in the city. Our local journalists are trusted, credible sources of information, relied on by our communities in times of uncertainty,” he said.

“Given the enormous pressure facing country journalists, I am calling on the government to immediately reverse its decision and expand COVID-19 business support to include country newspapers.”

The Government’s business assistance programs during and after regional lockdowns in 2021 have been focused on the hospital sector. Newspapers and other businesses were part of packages in 2020.

Newspapers who are members of Victorian Country Press Association, including the Loddon Herald, are contacting local MPs on the issue.

Staley in change of portfolios RIPON MP Louise Staley has been moved to the roads and transports infrastructure portfolio in a reshuffle of the Coalition front bench after last week’s Liberal leadership change, New leader Matthew Guy at the weekend also named Louise as the shadow minister for regional recovery. She is also manager of Opposition business in the Legislative Assembly.

“We need to get our regional businesses and communities open and firing up to deliver the benefits of jobs, lifestyle and just more happiness! It’s time to rebuild and recover. And, of course, we need much better roads!,” Ms Staley said, Ms Staley, who held Ripon by a slender 15 votes at the 2018 election, had been shadow treasurer under Michael O’Brien’s leadership.

Murray Plains MP and Nationals’ leader Peter Walsh retains his shadow portfolios of agriculture and regional Victoria.

COVID-19 has affected all of us, but there is a way forward. It’s time to arm yourself by getting vaccinated. Protect yourself and the people you care about.

The sooner we all do it, the sooner we’ll get through it.

Book your vaccination today.

australia.gov.au 1800 020 080

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Louise Staley

Chicks in Sticks in frockdown IT’S that time of the year again. Don your favourite frock and floral accessory, switch your computer on and turn up the volume for this year’s Chicks in the Sticks.

In its ninth year, and online for the second year in a row, women from across the Loddon have the opportunity to join one of the North Central Catchment Management Authority’s favourite events.

The popular annual event connects women from across the region who share an interest in agriculture and the environment.

Organiser and North Central CMA regional Landcare co-ordinator Tess Grieves said registrations were open for the online event on October 9.

“The theme this year is ‘Grasslands for Good – Celebrating Farming and Conservation’ with a focus on the North Central CMA’s Plains for Wanderers project,” Tess said.

Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021 | 11

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Confidential, independent, local and free farm and small business support THE Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) has operated nationwide for over 35 years, providing free and independent business support to primary producers and now also regional small business owners navigating the challenges of financial stress and uncertainty, including staying viable through drought, bushfire or COVID19.

RFCS Victoria West is the Loddon region’s local provider – a new name for anyone familiar with the service, under a program restructure in July this year.

The service’s team of highly qualified and experienced rural financial counsellors and small business financialcounsellors are a tried and tested resource for the farm or small business operation.

They’re local, based in the regions they work in and understand local conditions and communities. Many of them are farmers or small business owners themselves.

Rural and small business financial counsellors can help you gain a better understanding of your financial position, identify and explore options, access grants and government support, negotiate with banks, creditors, the tax office or insurance providers,

and plan for the next few months and into the future.

Anna McGee has worked in rural financial counselling in the Bendigo region for 13 years. McGee reports the team was able to provide an uninterrupted continuation of service to clients throughout the transition to the larger Victoria west service area, which saw eight north west region staff members join the former western region. This was especially important after a year of rural events not going ahead and, more recently, appointments taking place over phone or video calls, instead of in person onfarm or in the office.

“We do want to reassure primary producers that farm visits are still an important part of the rural financial counselling process.

“We continue to offer the same level of service the region has always enjoyed, as RFCS Victoria West. We are only a phone call away if drought or covid or anything else is causing financial stress or uncertainty, and we can help in a number of ways. It costs nothing to have a chat and appointments with our counsellors are always free.

“If you’ve got a farming operation and you’re thinking you could use a hand with getting on top of your books or

The RFCS team working across the region to help primary producers and small business owners

sorting something out with your creditors, you’d be glad to know that a rural financial counsellor can come out to the farm to minimise disruption to your farming day. If the farm isn’t a good place to talk business concerns, we can arrange a more suitable meeting place. We have a whole range of ways we can help a primary producer or small business, including referrals to legal specialists or support with FHA applications, RIC Loans or Farm Debt Mediation.”

McGee is joined by small business financial counsellor John Brewin, who brings a wealth of experience as a small business owner for most of his working career, and is already providing support to small businesses in the Loddon Shire.

Brewin notes that Bendigo locals are backed up by a team of rural and financial counsellors in nearby regions.

“Small business owners can make an appointment to chat with small business financial counsellor by calling our 1300 number during business hours.

“We’ll visit you at the business premises or can arrange another conveni-

ent location. Appointments are always free and support is ongoing for as long as required.”

In addition, we’re available through the Small Business Bus which is currently offering virtual appointments.

Booking information will be at our Facebook page and at the Business Victoria website.”

RFCS Victoria West takes a holistic

approach to financial counselling. A well-being counsellor is available to ensure anyone working with a financial counsellor is fully supported.

Farmers and farming families, and small business owners, can make an appointment to talk to a rural or small business specialist on-farm, at business premises or at the Bendigo office.

Call 1300 735 578 or visit www.RFCSVictoriaWest.com.au.

12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021

FEATURES

Going nuts over Loddon products 1. Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington?

2. What river flows through Paris?

3. What is the national flower of Singapore?

4. What famous voyage started on September 16 1620?

5. What was the Beatles’ first No 1 hit?

6. Who was Australia’s first King of Pop? 7. Who founded the Google search engine?

8. In what state would you find Sturt National Park?

9. When did the last cable tram run in Melbourne?

10. How many legs does a spider have?

11. What is the name of the toy cowboy in Toy Story?

12. What is the color of an emerald?

13. What is the collective noun for a group of owls?

14. Which singing voice is the highest pitch? Soprano, tenor or baritone?

15. What is the imaginary line called that connects the north and south pole?

16. Who is the only Australian who won the Nobel Prize for literature?

17. Which American author wrote a book about Australia called “Down Under”?

18. Where is the world’s largest grain silo?

19. And how tall is it?

20. What colour is Gules in Heraldry?

ANSWERS

Fye Wan’s Wedderburn pistachio nuts are finding their way in a beautiful brittle created in central Victoria.

1. The US president. 2. Seine River. 3.

Vanda Miss Joaquim. 4. English colonists aboard the Mayflower set sail for America.

5. From Me to You. 6. Normie Rowe. 7. Larry Page and Sergey Brin. 8. New South Wales.

9. 26 October 1940. 10. Eight. 11. Woody.

12. Green. 13. Parliament. 14. Soprano. 15.

Prime Meridian. 16. Patrick White (1973).

17. Bill Bryson. 18. the Swissmill Tower in Zurich, Switzerland. 19. 118 metres. 20.

Red.

A COLLABORATION between a brittle company and a Loddon pistachio-growing farm has resulted in a perfect pistachio brittle product.

The coming together of Bendigo Brittle and Wedderburn’s Hi-Fye Pistachios also highlights the remarkable array of local produce and products across the Bendigo and Loddon Valley regions.

Bendigo Brittle was founded by Greta Donaldson, who, after 20 years working as a public relations executive in Melbourne’s corporate world, looked for a change in pace.

This change led to Greta returning to Bendigo in 2015 to be closer to her family.

The idea for Bendigo Brittle further transpired after Greta whipped up a batch of peanut brittle for a family Christmas gathering, using a recipe from her late grandmother Norma Roulston.

Greta then further tinkered with the recipe to create a fine, sweet and salty brittle.

As the popularity of the brittle grew among Greta’s family and friends, she began to consider options to sell the brittle – and Bendigo Brittle was established.

The product now has a strong following as Greta and a small team of employees offer these sweet treats from the business’s uber-cool confectionery cart at creative, artisan and farmers’ markets around Bendigo and across Victoria.

To meet growing demand, Greta relocated Bendigo Brittle to a custom-designed commercial kitchen.

Production of the brittle remains a family enterprise with Greta cooking and packaging the brittle alongside her mother Shirley and niece Mikala McNeill.

It is not only Greta’s relationship with her grandmother’s brittle recipe that makes Bendigo Brittle so special.

It is also Greta’s determination to create high-quality produce using the best local ingredients, while supporting local as much as possible to create her thin, crisp, crunchy range of brittle.

Following the great success of the Bendigo Brittle, Greta set her sights on other nutty brittle creations using nuts such as cashew, almond and macadamia.

However, she always wanted to create a pistachio brittle and started to seek out a local pistachio grower.

It was through Loddon Shire Council’s tourism and marketing officer Robyn Vella, that Greta discovered pistachio nut growers in Wedderburn.

Greta also has a special connection with the area with her father living in Wedderburn.

Additionally, Greta’s father’s family are from Nine Mile, just outside of Wedderburn, while Greta’s niece Mikala McNeill is also originally from Wedderburn.

“I was astonished and amazed at the coincidence and to discover Australiangrown pistachios only 45 minutes from Bendigo,” Greta said.

“I quickly got in contact with farmer Fye Wan of Hi-Fye Pistachios, where I discovered not only some of the best-tasting pistachios – Wedderburn Gold Quality Pistachios - but through partnering with Fye, gained a wealth of knowledge on pistachio farming.

“This includes the climate involved, the different varieties of pistachio trees – Fye grows around 28 different varieties – and the process of harvesting this delicious nut.”

SOMETHING TO SAY? LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send to loddonherald@gmail.com

The pistachios are air roasted and seasoned with Pyramid Hill Salt before being turned into the famous, thin, crisp and crunchy brittle.

According to Greta, “our pistachio brittle is on-par with our macadamia brittle – with regards to quality, taste and price – and even better than that, the pistachio nuts are grown in the Loddon Shire,

45 minutes from Bendigo, as local as the crow flies!”

The ideal letter box surprise, Bendigo Brittle pistachio brittle is the perfect gift for lockdown survival packs; birthdays; “thinking of you”; and “don’t-die-wondering” packs. The local-content product is one of many Loddon delights from the Loddon Shed.

Preference is given to letters of 300 words or less. Contact detials must be provided for verification and anomymous letters will not published.

Letters to may be edited for reasons of space or where content may contravene laws.

Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021 | 13

IN BRIEF

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

PubLIC NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

POXON Kenneth Conrad ‘Ken’ Peacefully at Boort Hostel, Aged 89 Years.

Wedderburn Lions Club secretary Jon Chandler temps fate eating his hamburger with over his shoulder at the harness racing meeting on Sunday.

A tough year raising funds WEDDERBURN Lions Club has had a tough year when it coms to raising funds to assist its work in Loddon communities.

With many community events cancelled and the Lions district convention members had won the right to host now moved online for next month, Sunday was a rare outing for the club cooking up a barbecue for trainers and drivers at the Wedderburn Harness Racing Club meeting.

Lions secretary Jon Chandler said Sunday’s barbecue was a chance for the club to still raise some funds.

“Apart from a couple of barbecues this year because of COVID restrictions, we’ve still been able to conduct our wood drives,” Jon said.

“We were able to collect and distribute more than 24 loads of firewood in the district.”

Learning bag collection ST PATRICK’S School Pyramid Hill is looking to collect 300 bags that can be used to send remote learning materials to student homes in the Philippines.

Principal Colleen Hampson said: “Uber learning was a fantastic initiative at St Patrick’s Primary School, where learning materials and resources were delivered to learner’s homes in material bags during home learning.

“The parents’ and teachers’ association at a school in the Philippines will be sending the learning home to their 300 Learners during their period of home learning but unfortunately there are no funds available at this school to purchase these bags.”

She said St Patrick’s would donate its 17 learning bags to the Philippines. “We only need 283 more bags!”

The school is accepting donations of material bags and once the 300 target is reached, will send the donations to the Philippines.

Increase to pension THE age pension, carer payment and disability support pension would increase by $14.80 a fortnight for singles to $967.50 and $22.40 a fortnight for couples combined to $1458.60 from Monday, member for Mallee Anne Webster said..

The basic rate of JobSeeker payment including energy supplement will increase by $8.70 to $638.30 for singles without children while parenting payment single will increase by $11.90 to $874.10 a fortnight including pension supplement and energy supplement.

Stay off channel banks GOULBURN-MURRAY Water has urged customers to keep stock off channel banks to prevent damage and improve water delivery. “We are asking farmers to ensure their stock are not walking over channel banks, including newly renovated channel banks, as they can destroy all the good work that has been completed,” said GMW’s Greg Shannon.

CAREERS AT LODDON

Loved husband of Myrna (dec.).

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

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

Loving father and father in-law of Wendy and Paul, Harvey and Angela.

Loving Pa of Jessica and Austin, Hannah and Angus; Finn, Zac and Toby.

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

PubLIC NOTICES

Louise STALEY MP LIBERAL MEMBER FOR RIPON

EMPLOYMENT

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

LouiseStaleyRipon

LouiseStaley

REVELATION

FINANCE OFFICER

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

This book needs to be read and wherever possible understood

Ongoing, part-time position – 64 hours per fortnight (negotiable)

FREE EVERY THURSDAY

VERY THURSDAY

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

ADVERTISING DEADLINES Display advertising bookings - 5pm Friday prior Display advertising artwork - 5pm Monday prior Classified advertising - 4pm Tuesday prior NEWS AND SPORT 5pm Monday prior AVAILABLE FROM BOORT NEWSAGENCY

COFFEE BANK PYRAMID HILL

BRIDGEWATER BAKEHOUSE

TARNAGULLA POST OFFICE

BRIDGEWATER & BENDIGO

TARANAGULLA COUNTRY CAFE

BRIDGEWATER CARAVAN PARK CAFE

TARNAGULLA SUPPLY STORE

BRIDGEWATER POST OFFICE

SERPENTINE POST OFFICE

BRIDGEWATER SERVICE STATION

SERPENTINE SERVICE STATION

CHARLTON NEWSAGENCY

WEDDERBURN NEWSAGENCY

DINGEE STORE EDDY’S GARAGE EDDINGTON INGLEWOOD IGA

WEDDERBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

INGLEWOOD POST OFFICE

WEDDERBURN FISH AND CHIPS

KANGAROO FLAT POST OFFICE

24 KARAT CAFE WEDDERBURN

MARONG GENERAL STORE

ODD CUP CAFE WEDDERBURN

MITIAMO STORE NEWBRIDGE HOTEL PYRAMID HILL POST OFFICE PYRAMID HILL BAKERY

BENDIGO CENTRE NEWSAGENCY DUNOLLY FRIENDLY GROCER

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

www.loddonherald.com.au

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

Community Care Workers – ref. J/105

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

Loddon HERALD

Community Care Workers – ref.J/102

Responsible for providing day to day operational financial services, including accounts payable/ receivable, in conjunction with the external Accountant and Corporate Services Manager.

Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of operational business service plans and budgets. Knowledge of and experience utilising finance systems, such as Oracle, iPM, Kronos and MANAD, is highly desirable.

Closing Date: 1700 hours (AEST) Monday 27 September 2021 Enquiries to: Kathryn Velleley: Corporate Services Manager on (03) 5451 5200 or Boort District Health at employment@bdh.vic.gov.au Position description: can be obtained from www.bdh.vic.gov.au Applications for the above position must be received by the closing date and include a covering letter, statement addressing each of the selection criteria and a current resume with two professional referees. Address to: Recruitment, Boort District Health PO Box 2, BOORT VIC 3537 Or email to: employment@bdh.vic.gov.au BDH is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All appointments are subject to a satisfactory National Police Check, as well as meeting all current immunisation requirements.

Pig friendly person needed for 25% share in pig meat profits + payments.

Later a restaurant manager.

Rural town Victoria. Short shifts until numbers become viable. Easy going employer and will work with employee. Weekends by arrangement.

Contact by text only as reception is dodgy.

Des: 0418 316 797

 Permanent, part-time roles – range of hours available  Band 3 - $28.64 per hour  Location – Shire-wide

Statutory Planning Coordinator – ref.J/100  Permanent, either part-time or full-time  Salary negotiable  Location – Wedderburn office with some opportunity to work remotely

Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99  Permanent, either part-time or full-time  Salary negotiable  Location – Wedderburn office with some opportunity to work remotely Applications for the positions above will be assessed as they are received.

Water Truck Driver – ref.no J/101  Full-time permanent role with a fortnightly rostered day off  Loddon Plains team (North end of Shire)  Classification – Water Truck Driver on commencement – $32.31 per hour

Volunteer Coordinator – ref.no J/104  Twelve months fixed-term, part-time – 24 hours per week (3 days)  Band 6 - $42.67 per hour  Location: Wedderburn Office Applications for the above positions will close on Monday 20 September 2021.

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

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021

SPORT

Kennel keeping top Dogs PYRAMID Hill has moved quickly to secure a strong playing team for new coach Nathan Fitzpatrick in the 2022 Loddon Valley league season.

The Bulldogs have already re-resigned key players including the inspirational Bailey George who had a stellar start to this year’s disrupted season.

George averaged more than two goals a game in the 12 matches played.

Also in the first announcements of players staying at the Mitchell Park kennel next season are winger Gavin James,

defender Jake Willlcocks and Zac Dingwall.

President Bruce Moon said: “There is a lot to look forward to and be excited about. Recruiting is already well underway and there are exciting things in the works for the Pyramid Hill Football and Netball Club and wider community.”

“Our committee is focused and determined and is already planning for our return to community sport in 2022.

“Sport is, and always has been central to rural com-

munities like ours and we all know that you don’t have to play football or netball to be part of our club.”

Moon and netball operations manager Debbie Dingwall said: “As we push into 2022 we will look to continue to grow our football and netball club that is so much a part of Pyramid Hill’s sporting and social wellbeing.”

The Bulldogs’ senior footballers finished the season in fourth spot on the ladder with seven wins from the 12 games played.

SIGNED UP: goalsneak Bailey George (left). LH PHOTO

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Yummo snacks, meals WEDDERBURN Fish and Chips in the town’s main street is a popular place with locals and visitors to the town.

Fish cooked in daily fresh oil and chips with the right amount of crunch are favourites with customers.

Fresh homemade potato cakes and dim sims are also popular on the menu as well as delicious hamburgers, steak sandwiches and souvlakis, And for end of week and weekend variety, Jen Round

and her staff at Wedderburn Fish and Chips add pizzas to their extensive menu.

Plus there’s a great range of ice-creams and drinks to complete your order.

“We love the locals popping in throughout the week and cooking up their orders,” Jen said.

“We use fresh oils every day to have our fish and chips tasting the best.

“And the pizzas are always popular, too, with a range to suit the tastes of customers who keep coming back.”

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

Loddon HERALD Thursday September 16, 2021 | 15

SPORT

Mischief all the way JORDAN Leedham steered favourite Fullofmischief to a commanding win in Sunday’s Inglewood Mitre 10 Calder Pacing Cup. Leading all the way, the victory at Wedderburn by more than six metres took the bay gelding’s career stake winnings closer to $30,000.

It was a return to the winning list for Fullofmichief and Michael Watt, of Tongala, who trains the horse for his parents.

Wins at Shepparton and Cobram last month had been followed by a fourth at Echuca a fortnight ago when stepping up to more fancied company.

Fullofmischief started equal favourite with the tote.

The Big End Oftown, although finding support before the race, finishing a very distant eighth after a jerky start from the second row.

Second in the feature event was Good Guy Mack, a neck ahead of Brackenreid.

Wedderburn A Grade netballers.

Leagues make final calls Trainer Michael Watt receives the Inglewood Mitre 10 Calder Pacing Cup from Wedderburn president Bruce Hargreaves.

All betting activity was online for Sunday’s meeting with the track closed to the public under COVID restrictions.

Local club secretary Tom Nisbet used a 1970 club meeting program for race names on the eight-event card, honouring

districts and towns around the Wedderburn.

Driver Jackie Barker finished the day with a win in the sulky behind Irish Murphy in the Wehla Pace and two seconds.

The next Wedderburn meeting will be the major cup in February.

THE BAN on community sport until the end of September under COVID restrictions saw Loddon competitions fall last Friday after a season of uncertainty.

Undefeated Wedderburn have been named A Grade netball minor premiers in the abandoned North Central league finals.

Other minor premiers are Donald in B Grade, C Grade and 16 and under A. The 13 and under B title goes to Boort and 13

and under A to Donald. No announcement has been made for the football competitions but league president Tim Lockhart said the Feeney Medal would be held at a later date.

In the hockey competition, teams finishing the home and away season on top the ladder have been named premiers - men Boort, women Birchip Watchem, under 15 Boort and under 13 St Arnaud. Hockey vote counts will be held tonight.

The Boort 13 and under team.

No flags for minor premiers

BREAKING CLEAR: Fullofmischief comes into the home straight. LH PHOTO

LODDON Valley league formally abandoned the 2021 finals’ series last Friday.

Teams finishing on top of the ladder have been named minor premiers but no flags or awards will be given.

President Simon Tuohey said: “Season 2021 has proved to be challenging for all involved in Community Sport. The LVFNL board of management wish to

LODDON VALLEY AWARDS Helen Ward Medal (A Grade): Laura Hicks (Mitiamo) 20, Tia Webb (Maiden Gully) 16, Claudia Collins (Bridgewater) 13, Abbey Dingwall (Pyramid Hill) 10, Tia Steen (Calivil United) 9, Tracey O’Donnell (Marong) 9, Zoe Kennedy (Pyramid Hill) 9, Christie Rogers (Calivil United) 8, Leisa Barry (Maiden Gully) 8, Amelia Ludeman (Mitiamo) 8, Gabe Marlow (Mitiamo) 8.

Joy Lawry Medal (B Grade): Jasmine Daly (Newbridge) 13, Kym Childs (Bridgewater) 13, Darcied Fry (Marong) 12, Tania Kerrison (Marong) 12, Emily Johnston (Maiden Gully) 11, Megan Jennings (Newbridge) 11, Emily Byrne (Mitiamo) 10, Milly Savage (Pyramid Hill) 11.

C Grade: Rochelle Daley (Newbridge) 16, Gabrielle Gadsden (Bears Lagoon Serptentine) 14, Keria Lane (Bridgewater) 15, Karly Mitchell (Pyramid Hill) 12, Kellie Ansett (Calivil United) 11, Tayla Nadort (Marong) 11, Nakeya Mountjoy (Bears Lagoon Serpentine) 10, OIivia McCartney (Maiden Gully) 10.

C Reserve: Grace Pigdon (Maiden Gully) 17, Brooke Watson (Bridgewater) 18, Jemma Holmberg (Bears Lagoon Serpentine) 10, Skye Ferns (Newbridge) 10, Georgina McGrath (Marong) 10, Amy Hayes (Mitiamo) 10, Marlee Ingamellis (Mitiamo) 10.

17 and under: Georgia Mangan (Calivil United) 19, Phoenix Pointon (Maiden Gully) 15, Dannielle Flood (Newbridge) 13, Eliza Turnbull (Marong) 9, Mikeeley Hufer (Newbridge) 10.

15 and under: Abbi Wells (Newbridge) and Daisy Stringer (Bridgewater) 24, Anika Bysouth (Maiden Gully), Charli Pigdon (Maiden Gully) 11.

Frank Harding Medal: Harry Whittle (Newbridge) 15, Nathan Twigg (Bears Lagoon Serpentine) 13, Lucas Matthews (Mitiamo) 14, Alex Powell (Bridgewater) 13, Corey Gregg (Marong) 13, Lee Dale (Mitiamo) 11, Darcy Poulter (Bears Lagoon Seprentine) 10, Brandyn Grenfell (Marong) 10, Brent Downie (Mitiamo) 10, Brady Childs (Calvil United) 9, Gavin James (Pyramid Hill) 9, Chris Howgate (Maiden Gully) 8, Bailey George (Pyramid Hill) 8.

John Forbes Medal: Thomas Harrington (Maiden Gully) 9, Nathan Moon (Pyramid Hill), Lachlan Frankel (Marong), Tyler Estrada (Bridgewater) 8.

Stephen Dowling Award (under 18): Cody Riddick (Maiden Gully) 21, Thomas Wilson (Marong) 16. * Rounds played ratio applied.

POSTP ONED Sunda TO y 15 M ay 202 2

thank all LVFNL clubs for their support, persistence, patience, and contributions throughout the year.”

Minor premiers in football are Mitiamo (seniors), Marong (reserves), Maiden Gully (under 18).

Netball: Mitiamo (A Grade), Marong (B Grade), Maiden Gully in C Grade, C Reserve, 17 and under and 15 and under.

Loddon HERALD

sport

Thursday September 16, 2021

It’s going to be a blast YOUNGSTERS are padding up for the Loddon’s first-ever Cricket Blast program that starts next Thursday.

Pitched at children aged five to 10, the eight-week program at Bridgewater will aim to help the youngsters learn the basic skills of cricket in a fun and friendly environment.

Local premiership team member Harry McKinley will lead the Loddon’s participation in the national cricket engagement program.

Cricket Blast is designed to be easy to run by club volunteers with support from the Victorian Cricket Association.

Among local youngsters look forward to Cricket Blast are Nate Harrison, Van Harrison, Jed Harrison and Matilda O’Sullivan were quick to show their enthusiasm for the program’s start at the town’s oval.

LH PHOTO

LEGEND LAURA

MITIAMO captain Laura Hicks has become the most decorated player in Loddon Valley netball history.

Laura on Monday night won a record fourth Helen Ward Medal best and fairest medal with 20 votes, four clear of Maiden Gully’s Tia Webb.

The win came in a disrupted season dominated by the Superoos who dropped just one game.

“It was a hard and difficult year but as a team we played well,” said Laura who has previously taken out the top award in 2009, 2012 and 2016.

“The year was very uncertain and this made it hard to prepare for games.

“We had to cover injuries and also brought up players from B Grade so this year I actually played (mostly goal attack) with three different goalies.”

The team focus was evident with Laura’s vice-captains Amelia Ludeman and Gabe Marlow

also finishing on the leaders’ board. Laura polled five best-oncourts, including three in the last four rounds played.

Playing with Mitiamo since a junior, Laura is hopeful the club’s A Grade team will stay together to “improve” on this year’s minor premiership in the abandoned season.

“There are lots of good players in the team,” Laura said.

Monday night’s count was broadcast on radio with a formula of votes divided by the number of games played by clubs

used for final awards. The Frank Harding senior football best and fairest was won by first-year Newbridge midfielder Harry Whittle.

The assistant coach finished with 15 votes, two clear of Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Nathan Twigg.

Whittle took top votes from umpires in the Maroons’ wins over Inglewood and Calivil United and in the round nine loss by 154 points to Marong.

AWARDS - PAGE 15

Laura Hicks

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