PRESSURE is building on the State Government to end the five-year delay and start work on Calder Highway passing lanes at Derby.
Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said designs for the project were ready three years ago when the Federal Government called a review of projects it had funded.
“That review eventually gave the Calder Highway passing lanes
Still no date on start to highway work
the green light, the planning permit for removal of trees was already in place, but there’s still no action from the State Government,” Cr Straub said.
“This is yet another blight on the poor record of the State Government in delivering vital road infrastructure projects in
regional Victoria. The section of road between Bridgewater and Marong is not good and there’s no Calder Highway passing lanes north of Bendigo.
“We’ve been promised this upgrade for years. There is just delay after delay and surely the bucket of excuses is now empty.”
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said yesterday: “Planning work is well underway to build two new overtaking lanes on the Calder Highway between Marong and Bridgewater to improve traffic flow and create safer and easier journeys for all drivers.”
“The overtaking lanes are designed to boost safety for everyone by providing easier overtaking opportunities for those travelling along the Calder Highway, which is a key route for both
locals and our broader agricultural industry.”
A new southbound overtaking lane is planned for the Calder Highway, between Gath Road and Connors Road in Derby. A second northbound overtaking lane is also planned on the Calder Highway, between Yorkshire Road and Houliston Road in Leichhardt.
The department says project plans are going through environmental approvals. “More information on timing will be available in the coming months.”
Chris Bourdon, Matthew Tansley and Harry Hargreaves were among dozens of Loddon volunteer firefighters taking part in training exercises at Inglewood on Sunday. CFA brigade members honed their skills in a series of exercises planned by Loddon South group training officer Steve Fawcett. STORY, PICTURES - PAGE 9
Loddon HERALD
Circulating in the communities and districts of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Laanecoorie, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.
Also available in Dunolly, Charlton, Wycheproof, Kerang, Marong, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Phone 0419549743
Email loddonherald@gmail.com
Web www.loddonherald.com.au
WEEKEND FORECAST
Rehearsals start on match-making
BOORT-BASED theatre group
BBAC is back and ready to raise the curtain again in 2025 with rehearsals already underway for their next one-act comedy, Love or Nearest Offer by Hugh O’Brien.
Rehearsals started last week for the 40-minute crowd-pleaser that promises plenty of laughs and cheeky charm.
The cast will feature Bradley and Karen Haw, Fiona Hall, and newcomer Chris Powers.
The comedy will be performed in October at the Boort Senior
Citizens Centre, coinciding with the popular Loddon Arts Trail weekend.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase all kinds of creative talent during the Arts Trail,” said BBAC president Bradley Haw.
“It’s also the perfect incentive to get back on stage and share some laughs with our community.”
Love or Nearest Offer follows the hilarious chaos that unfolds when a swaggering used car salesman inherits half a match-
making agency. Can he navigate the delicate world of love connections, or will he treat clients like second-hand sedans?
With a quirky mix of romantics, cynics, and plenty of comic twists, this high-octane play is sure to delight audiences of all stripes.
“Don’t miss your chance to laugh out loud and support local theatre during a weekend celebrating the arts in the Loddon region when we hit the stage,” Bradley said.
IN BRIEF
Leaning pine
A LEANING PINE tree near the corner of Cameron Street and Little Lake View Street, Boort, was removed on Tuesday while Loddon Shire crews also reduced the height of a red gum tree on the shore of Little Lake Boort near the croquet club. The tree has dropped several limbs recently and its condition is becoming unsafe especially with the walking track and croquet club nearby. Council says it also plans to remove palm trees in front of the Railway Hotel - one is already growing up into the power lines.
Irrigation update
THE Resource Manager for northern Victoria on Tuesday updated 2025-2026 seasonal determinations and an updated determination outlook. The Murray system seasonal determination increases from 39 per cent of high-reliability water shares to 40 per cent HRWS. The Goulburn and Loddon systems increase from 31 per cent HRWS to 33 per cent HRWS. The Campaspe system remains at 100 per cent HRWS.
Four back home
WEDDERBURN College students Dakota Martin, Indi Simpson, Tyson Blair and Chantelle Badenhors returned to Wedderburn on Tuesday night after completing their Kokoda Track experience.
Fiona Hall, Bradley Haw, Chris Powers and Karen Haw at their first rehearsal of the one-act comedy play
Town’s street plans will go on show this week
LODDON Shire has ruled out ditching Inglewood’s blue eucy branding ... for now.
Manager tourism and economic development David Stretch said on Monday that town branding was considered in the streetscape project design that will go on display at Inglewood Post Office this week.
Mr Stretch said the design and scope “has been discussed most recently by the Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee in 2023 as part of a tourism marketing project led by council and a marketing consultant”.
Responses to streetscape project questions posted online by Loddon Shire last week said there were no plans to ditch Inglewood’s blue eucy town sign branding for the Mallee fowl.
“The existing town signage presenting Inglewood as ‘the blue eucalyptus town’ is located outside the design footprint and there is no plan to remove signage carrying that message.”
The DJANDAK plans propose the Mallee fowl on a new town sign on the Brooke Street bend and “a smaller feature has been designed for the town limits”.
Mr Stretch said council’s current place brand development project would focus on the ‘Loddon’ brand.
“The Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement project is certain-
ly an opportunity to build more consistency into the town’s brand and messaging,” he said.
He said meetings of the streetscape project advisory group were being held “are every few months”.
“There have been four at this stage. The next one is scheduled for the end of July and is an online catch up.”
Council says the latest design iterations have been shared with the advisory group whose mem-
bers had been appointed by Inglewood ward councillors and comprises key business and community stakeholders with a direct interest in the project work.
DJANDAK plans were released a month ago and had been available online or at council’s Wedderburn offices.
Council says no date has been set for the end of community consultation. “We intend to leave the online feedback portal open at this time,” Mr Stretch said.
Genuine conversation will balance voices and reflect the collective
THE STREETSCAPES in Inglewood and Bridgewater need a makeover. These Calder Highway towns where thousands of people stop off every week are long overdue for an injection of landscaping vigour to show off architectual riches and history.
Loddon Shire has shown its commitment to the Inglewood project and needs backing from the State and Federal Governments to get an estimated $6 million in the kitty.
It is important there be unity and strength in the whole process ... engaging and connecting with all the community and settling on design elements that boost business, visitation and attractiveness.
That sense of engagement, we have been told, has been a missing piece since release of the DJANDAK plans.
Draft concepts only available online or
taking a trip further up the Calder Highway for Inglewood residents has not necessarily encouraged engagement.
There have been critics of the draft plans - the originally published narrative on designs was from the DJANDAK perspective only. Do those plans set the right balance between indigeneous history and the gold era streeetscape of Inglewood that have shaped the town for more than 150 years?
These are among questions that have been raised with the Loddon Herald.
This is a vital, big and crucial project for the future of Inglewood. The more voices heard, the greater surety the end result will be impressive and reflect the collective aspirations of the town.
Ready for a makeover ... Brooke Street
IN BRIEF
Show in top tier BOORT Show has finished fourth in the Victorian Agricultural Shows’ 2025 people’s choice award. The title went to Whittlesea with 187 votes followed by Noorat (172), Donald (154), Boort (142), Bendigo (122), Kyneton (119), Berwick (115), Corryong (88), Foster (69) and Clunes (44).
New stream
LODDON Shire Council is testing a new platform for the live streaming of council meetings after a decision last month to continue with live time viewing of meetings.
LATE NEWS
Residents have asked whether the design will see Inglewood disassociating itself from its history to eucalyptus and gold.
According to council: “The DJANDAK design statement demonstrates a commitment to the community-led streetscape masterplan and clearly acknowledges Inglewood’s history and reputation as ‘a gold mining town’ with ‘eucalyptus oil distillery and a good range of antique and vintage wear shops.”
GOVERNMENT legislation that would allow public officials to force their way onto the land of farmers and other property owners will be opposed by the Coalition. The Coalition yesterday morning said the Government was trampling on long-standing democratic processes as it faces the consequences of its botched rollout of “renewables”.
“This Bill highlights Labor is steamrolling farmers and other landholders in its blind rush to renewables,” said Nationals leader Danny O’Brien said. “A government that respects rural Victorians would not be introducing legislation like this”
New land law will be ‘the last resort’
TRANSMISSION Company Victoria says it will only use proposed new land access laws as a last resort.
The Australian Energy Market Operator company behind the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project said the State Government’s planned new powers would only be considered “as a last resort, after all voluntary access options have been exhausted”.
“Our strong preference is always to reach agreement through this process. But if that’s not possible — even after genuine efforts on both sides — we may need to explore acquiring easements through a statutory process,”
TCV told stakeholders last week.
“Our approach hasn’t changed. We’ll keep working closely with landholders to find fair, practical solutions that work for everyone.”
“Last month the State Government introduced a new Bill proposing updates to the legal framework for electricity transmission planning and land access for major projects like VNI West.
TCV has pushed completion of the project out two years and started talks with landowners on the route from Stawell to Kerang
and through the northern part of the Loddon Shire on a land easement and access package.
It says the package outlines:
Types of payments landholders may be eligible for
Options for land access during surveys
How we plan to work together to manage project impacts
Negotiation pathways available to landholders
Indicative timings for how easement negotiations with TCV may unfold
“In addition to access payments for field surveys, property-specific compensation for project impacts, and the State Government’s existing landholder payment, TCV has introduced a new Landholder Benefit Payment — a direct acknowledgement of the vital role landholders play in making this project possible.
“We remain committed to open, transparent communication with landholders — and to working together to reach voluntary agreements wherever we can.
“The Land Easement and Access Package includes an Option for Easement which gives landholders the chance to engage early and have their individual property needs heard and considered.”
KINDERGARTEN
team is
NAIDOC week at hospital
NAIDOC Week celebrations at Inglewood and Districts Health Service last week included a welcome from Traditional Owner, Troy Firebrace, who spoke about the importance of preserving cultural legacy and country for the next generation.
Hospital staff, representatives from other health services, residents and community representatives later took part in a smoking ceremony on the lawns in front of the hospital.
Stop! Time to explore town
A NEW Inglewood tourist brochure has been released with a focus on key sensory experiences and encouraging visitors to “Stop
See Shop Savour Stay Share”.
Inglewood shops and businesses took delivery of the Loddon Shire brochure in time for the mid-year school holidays that are seeing hundreds of extra visitors to the town and across the region.
The brochure encourages people to:
Stop in the historic Brooke Street precinct.
Shop in one of the eclectic vintage and collectable stores and call in at the unique Eucalyptus Distillery Museum at the northern edge of town.
Savour a great coffee or a hearty meal in town. Visit the local butcher, home of Inglewood Aged Beef or stop by the IGA supermarket to stock up on quality provisions.
See the gold rush era buildings and the legacy bestowed by architect William Charles Vahland.
Take in the sights and sounds of Kooyoora State Park and Melville Caves, a short drive from town.
Stay a little longer to enjoy the slower pace and wide, open spaces.
Share your experiences and help spread the word about our great little town.
Aimed to boost visitation to the historic town, council’s tourism site says: “The first thing you’ll fall in love with, in Inglewood is the gold era streetscape as you drive up the main drag. Getting out of your car to explore, you’ll
Gary and Rosemary Kallasmae and Liz and Alex McLaws from Geelong check out the new Inglewood brochure during their stop in town last week.
quickly find plenty more to capture your heart in this friendly highway town.”
“The grand historic buildings of Inglewood stand as testament to the wealth that flooded into this area. Today antiques and collectibles stores are clustered amongst the exquisite buildings and historic shopfronts.”
Call goes out for summer firefighters
RECRUITMENT has started for summer firefighters based in Inglewood as part of Forest Fire Management Victoria’s 500-strong seasonal team.
Loddon Mallee region deputy chief fire officer, Scott Falconer, said seasonal firefighter roles provided rewarding career opportunities for those with a passion for the outdoors.
“In addition to responding to bushfires and helping to deliver planned burns, new recruits will also undertake pest and weed control works, and maintain recreational reserves, strategic fire breaks and forest roads,” Mr Falconer said. “They can also be called on to support other emergencies such as major floods, storms and biosecurity incidents.”
FFMVic chief fire officer, Chris Hardman, said seasonal firefighters boost Victoria’s firefighting capacity in the lead-up to summer and during the peak fire season.
“New recruits will train and work alongside our permanent firefighting staff, responding to bushfires rapidly to keep communities safe this summer,” he said.
Last year Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters responded to more than 1265 bushfires
Benefits beyond painting the hall
REGIONAL community groups, councils and industry should think bigger to maximise the benefits from the renewables boom.
“We only need to paint the town hall so many times,” said director of Community Power Agency, Kim Mallee, after the group’s release last week of a guide to regional benefit sharing.
“Energy projects bring real investment into regional areas, but without co-ordination, we risk wasting the opportunity,” she said.
The agency says its guide is a practical blueprint for co-ordinating how community benefit sharing programs from renewable energy developments - funding and grants - are delivered to the host communities.
“It responds to the growing reality that multiple projects are landing in the same places, often overwhelming communities with scattered, piecemeal grant programs,” she said.
“This guide is about a process for communities to lead, which can direct funds to tackle longterm challenges and create something lasting for generations to come, such as social services or community housing.”
Backers of the speculative wind farm project at Meering West have this year stepped up as major sponsors of football, netball and cricket in Boort.
And under the State Government’s proposed renewable energy zones, all Loddon communities would be within a potential REZ footprint.
“We’ve seen communities run out of local small grant ideas while facing big-picture challenges in health, housing or infrastructure,” said Community Power Agency community development project manager Claudia Hodge.
“This guide shows how pooling resources across projects, and empowering communities to manage those resources, can open
up new possibilities for greater, longer-lasting outcomes.”
The agency says it has worked closely with REZ communities across Gippsland, Northern Tasmania, New England and Western Downs, and draws inspiration from international best practice, including models in Scotland that offer tiered benefit funds for small, medium and large, ‘legacyscale’ initiatives.
“Communities are being asked to consult again and again on one project after another, and their individual benefit sharing initiatives,” said Ms Mallee.
“Strategic co-ordination helps reduce that burden, and gives people a stronger voice, whilst minimising engagement fatigue,” she said.
We’ve been left
in dark on turbine plan, says resident
A PYRAMID Hill resident has taken aim at Dutch-based European Energy for failing to tell the commuinity of its plans for a wind farm in the district.
Tara Hammet’s criticism comes after the company confirmed to the Loddon Herald that there would be community consultation on their proposal from this month.
She said: “Well it’s nice of them to finally come out of the closet and let the community know that they think it’s a done deal.
“When so many are going to be affected by these enormous things, the community and especially the neighbours should have been made aware right when the discussions started. Instead we have had to find out for ourselves.
“It has not helped with social licence good will. And it is causing community disharmony already.
“We, the Pyramid community as a whole, that’s everyone, need to work together for our own benefit, to understand each other.
“To know what our hosts, our neighbours, our whole district, our visitors all understand to be happening here.
“I send a plea to the potential hosts, please please don’t wall yourselves off from hearing all the discussions, your decisions about windfarming will have long term and large effects on all of us.
“Some may be beneficial, let’s
not discount that. Some will be harmful. Let’s talk.”
Drew Chislett, who is president of the town’s progress association has urged district landowners thinking of signing up to the project to be “contract” aware people.
“These big companies don’t care about communities but just making as much money as they can,” he said.
“What may look like an ‘expression of interest’ could lock you into what you don’t want to be a part of which will include towers that reach well above the height of Pyramid Hill.”
April Kunde has written on the Loddon Herald’s online platform: “Why don’t they build their hideous wind turbines where they can see them? A Dutch company profiting off Australian tax dollars whilst destroying our unique landscape. How are our beautiful wedge tail eagles going to deal with these things?”
European Energy’s country manager Australia, Catriona McLeod, said this month the company was investigating the feasibility of a wind farm at Mincha and early community engagement with neighbours and the Loddon Shire Council, will start within weeks. Ms McLeod said there had been consultation with landowners that might have potential for turbines and wished to diversify their farming income.
Family butchers making the smallgoods you love
EVERYTHING we sell, we make here - that’s the story of success behind Steel’s Butchers in Wedderburn.
Cam Steel and Tammy Martin have a reputation for their gourmet selection of smallgoods that has grown a legion of returning customers for more than a decade.
Their bacon, kabana and sausages have taken out top awards at regional and state competitions and the famous Steel’s Butcher savaloys are a top-selling favourite at Wedderburn Redbacks’ home matches at Donaldson Park.
Customer service and quality have been at the heart of the business Cam bought 13 years ago and now the High Street store has extended its opening hours to serve loyal and new customers who come to Wedderburn from across the region.
From this week, Steel’s Butchers is opening through to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings.
“We’ve had many requests over
the last couple of years to extend the opening hours,” Cam said.
“Our customers want that little extra flexibility of being able to buy our quality produce ... and particularly on Saturday mornings.
“Our meats are sourced from the local region and everything we sell is made here.
“Sausages, rissoles and hamburgers are always popular along with the choice cuts of beef, lamb and pork.
“And our bacon, kabana, strasburg and savs have earned a spe-
cial top spot on the shopping list of many customers.”
Cam has owned Steel’s Butcher for 13 years, the business where he did his apprenticeship with Alan and Chris Chalmers before deciding to take on the shop when the Chalmers but it up for sale.
“Tammy and I enjoy being able to work together and provide a quality service to our customers,” Cam said.
Tammy also heads to Charlton twice a week to open that town’s butchers stocked with Steel smallgoods and quality cuts prepared in Wedderburn.
Cam said customer feedback now saw the Wedderburn store also stocking fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs.
“From our fresh batches of butter chicken ready to place straight in the slow cooker or sweet beef curry - it’s super mild - Steel’s Butchers has the stock to cook up sumptuous winter warming meals and buy your snacks for the day.”
Cam Steel ... the award-winning Wederburn butcher has extended trading hours at his High Street shop
‘Feltman’ raising diabetes awareness
THE focus of this year’s National Diabetes Week is on a healthier future for everyone.
Inglewood and District Health Services have brought out ‘Feltman’ to help people understand diabetes better.
Feltman is a big, soft model of the human body that diabetes educators Esther Cross and Minni Joy use to show how diabetes affects organs like the pancreas, and how insulin helps control blood sugar.
They said: “He makes learning easier and helps people take better care of their health”.
Feltman paid a visit to Inglewood IGA earlier this week to spread awareness of National Diabetes week.
As part of this year’s Loddon Linkages Project, a diabetes education session was held by Minni and Esther.
Attendees said the session was “really well presented. I’ve been to diabetes education before, but Esther’s presentation using the Feltman made it much easier to understand,” one person said.
New analysis by Diabetes Australia, using updated prevalence data and the latest international evidence, highlights the true scale of the type 2 diabetes crisis.
In response to this IDHS has set several goals to combat the crisis. They aim to help people bet-
ter understand their health and available support for long-term conditions, strengthen teamwork across health services and encourage connection with regular GPs, support a whole-person approach to diabetes care and improve access to local services, so hospital visits are only needed when truly necessary.
As well as services provided by IDHS including diabetes education and exercise assistance, the Inglewood Pharmacy also provides care and support to the community.
“Our pharmacists are experts in diabetes care. We will help you understand the reason for your
medicines, how they benefit you and how you can take control of your diabetes. It’s all about better blood sugar and better long term benefits for you. Inglewood Pharmacy - diabetes experts!”
Reports from Diabetes Australia show that there are 1.3 million Australians living with type 2 diabetes and another 500,000 living with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes”
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said: “Worryingly, there are another two million people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“Despite the role that genetics and family history play in diabe-
tes, we know that up to 58 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes,” she said.
A health check is a practical way to help Australians understand their risk and improve their health.”
“Type 2 diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing Australia. Every 8 minutes, someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. If we don’t act now, up to 3.2 million Australians could be living with type 2 diabetes by 2050.
“It’s not all preventable, but where it is we need to take strong action,” Ms Cain said.
Mayor tipped to have a tilt in Ripon
THE Nationals are tipped to make a serious assault on the Labor seat of Ripon in the 2026 Victorian election.
Speculation has increased in recent weeks that Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong, currently the party’s state president, will be the candidate to challenge Martha Haylett next November.
Ms Haylett won the seat that includes southern Loddon communities at the 2022 election in a tight finish with two-term Liberal MP Louise Staley.
Nationals’ sources say preselection is not expected to be held until later this year.
The Nationals are also preparing to select a new candidate to contest Murray Plains, the seat held by Peter Walsh for more than two decades. Mr Walsh, a former party leader, has announced he will retire at the 2026 election.
According to Nationals’ sources, the party is buoyed following a strong showing by Andrew Lethlean against Labor’s Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters at the federal election.
There is speculation Mr Lethlean could challenge Premier Jacinta Allan in her seat of Bendigo East, currently a safe Labor seat for Ms Allan.
- CHRIS EARL
Monday – Open 3.00pm
from 6.00pm Tuesday – Open 2.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm
Esther Cross and Minni Joy taking Feltman into the community to raise diabetes awareness. LH PHOTO
Firies feel heat of off-season training
VOLUNTEER firefighers from across the Loddon had an intensive morning of off-season training in Iglewood on Sunday.
Ambulance Victoria conducted a refresher course on CPR and defibrillator use and shared tips on how firefighters can lend a hand at incidents.
Senior Constable Mick Balazs, spokes to firefighters on protecting and preserving fire and accident scenes.
Burn-over drills, part of preseason training, saw brigades practice at Inglewood Recreation Reserve while skills for
group training officer Steve Fawcett put together the morning’s program for members to brush up on their skills and show newer members the ropes without the added pressure of being on a fire ground.
Loddon South Group - Inglewood, Bridgewater, Rheola, Tarnagulla, Murphys Creek, Woodstock West, Powlett, Terrick Group - Serpentine, Dingee/ Tandarra, Pyramid Hill, Jarklin. Wedderburn Group - Wedderburn, Korong Vale Fire Brigade.
honed in a simulated industrial kitchen fire. Loddon South
Pyramid Hill’s Fiona Eckardt and Rheola’s Julie Piening
Bridgewater’s Deb Abbott takes her turn in the hose drill. LH PHOTOS
Steve Fawcett
Mykaela Jones and Senior Constable Mick Balzs during their presentations at the training day
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Barry’s service recognised
AFTER a dedicated 40 years, Barry Barnes has retired from the Boort Development Tourism Committee.
Barry said he was retiring “to make room for the younger generation”.
Current committee member Paul Haw noted that Barry missed very few meetings during his time as a member.
Barry was awarded with a certificate of recognition in honour of his “outstanding contribution to the Boort community and dedication and service as a volunteer”.
In addition to his volunteer work, Barry was also a councillor for the Loddon Shire in its early years with Mr Harry describing him as a stalwart of the community..
Barry was presented with his certificate of recognition by Barry Kennedy, Kevin Sutton and Paul Haw, current members of the Boort Development Tourism Committee.
Jude installed as Lions club’s new leader
She was inducted by Inglewood club president Robert Condliffe at last Friday’s dinner at at Wedderburn Golf Club.
Secretary is again Jon Chandler with treasurer Barry Woodward. Jude, was was Loddon Shire’s citizen of the year in 2024, has previously served club president and is an advocate for aged accommocation in Wedderburn. Robert Condliffe, Jude Raftis and Jon Chandler
Environmental students head to national park
EAST Loddon P12 College VCE outdoor and environmental studies class travelled to Budj Bim National Park and camped at the Parks Victoria campground for three days.
Although rain was forecast for the whole trip, the campers were fortunate to only experienced rain while setting up and packing up.
Instead, sunshine on the first day of July made stand up pad-
Kindergarten enrolment reminder
Expressions of interest for 2026 kindergarten enrolments across Loddon Shire will close on Monday, 28 July.
Council provides central enrolment for all sessional kindergarten services within the shire and an online form is available for families to register their interest in enrolling or re-enrolling their child in 3-yearold or 4-year-old kindergarten.
To submit an expression of interest please scan the QR code below or visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Services-for-ouryounger-residents/Kindergartens.
With the arrival of Early Learning Victoria in 2026 at the Wedderburn P-12 school site families who wish to enrol their children in kindergarten in Wedderburn will have the option of enrolling their child in a sessional kindergarten program or an integrated kindergarten program.
While we are confirming the timeframes for the new centre, interim sessional kindergarten will be offered at Wedderburn.
For more information or queries regarding the kindergarten expressions of interest, please call our Early Years Team on (03) 5494 1200.
Council is about to host a citizenship ceremony and invites the community to join us. It will take place at Cooper Park, next to the swimming pool in Peters St, Wedderburn, from 9am on Tuesday, 22 July.
Thank you
Council thanks all those who took part in the Active Living Census and Australian Liveability Census, both of which have now closed. Both surveys had a wonderful response from shire residents and your input will be vital to helping shape decisions for our communities in the years to come.
dle boarding and surfing at Port Fairy a pleasant experience. Students also explored the caves and walking tracks around the crater of the ancient volcano.
On their final day students participated in an Indigenous cultural tour at Lake Condah. Students learnt about the seasons indigenous people used to source food and live sustainably, as well as eel traps, smoking trees and the medicinal benefits of various plants.
The Loddon Bulletin is hitting mailboxes around the shire this week and as usual has plenty of information on what's been happening around the shire in the past three months. There is one small change to what you'll read on the front page though - due to the amount of interest we have had the Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement project is still open for consultation, so remember to have your say.
Cr Dan Straub - Mayor
Upcoming citizenship ceremony
Students explore the caves at Budj Bim National Park
JUDE Raftis is back in the chair of Wedderburn Lions Club.
Genetic best part of show’s action
THE best Merino genetics in Australia will go under the hammer this weekend as part of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
Loddon studs are sellers at the auction while others from across the region will have their best rams and ewes vying for championship ribbons.
The ram sale will again have bidders lining the ring and watching online in the hope of securing an animal with quality progeny to boost their stud and farm flocks.
“Growers with an interest in genetics know the sale is where they will find the best rams from across Australia in one place at the one time,” said Victorian Stud Merino Sheepbreeders’ Association ram sale committee chair Norm Weir, a member of the Loddon Valley Merino Stud Breeders ‘ Association.
A regular seller of rams from his Kerrilyn Stud, Mr Weir said this year’s sale had 93 rams going under hammer.
“The sale is always a good chance to buy the best at good value prices and there is always strong interest, particularly for the top end rams where prices have held up well in recent years,” he said.
“There’s always a good pool of bidders. This has made Bendigo
and Adelaide the nation’s leading ram sales for buyers who are constantly striving to improve genetics and produce sheep that suit their climate and geography.”
Last year’s auction offering was 103 rams with a clearance rate of about 80 per cent at an average of $4642 and grossing $376,000.
Twelve lots went to online buyers using the AuctionsPlus platform. One was the top priced ram from the McGauchie’s Terrick West Stud that went for $25,000
Terrick West stud principal
Ross McGauchie said he had been “a bit shocked” after the stud’s newly-crowned Australian all-purpose champion Merino topped the Australian Sheep and Wool Show ram sale.
“A lot of potential buyers were looking at the auction as a guide to what might happen at the stud ram sale season that kicks off next month,” Mr McGauchie said.
“Hopes may have been lifted a bit ... the sale clearance and average prices were pretty similar to last year.
“For us, the auction exceeded expectations at a time when wool prices are not wonderful and the season has been tough. We were hoping our rams would sell okay but never expected these prices.”
Terrick West also had the second top price of $20,000 for one
WOOL REPORT
of its rams that had earlier won its class and finished in the top nine all-purpose Merinos at the show against studs from all Australian states.
First-time New South Wales buyers swooped on the Terrick West progeny at Sunday’s auction. Breeders of large square framed sheep at Bogan Gate, Parkes NSW, Tony Magill’s Overland Merinos, paid the top price.
Glenpaen achieved the auction’s third highest price of $14,000.
Other Victorian studs to sell rams at the auction included
The Australian wool market has started the new season in a positive fashion, recording an overall increase for the second consecutive selling week, meaning increases across both weeks of the 2025/26 selling season. With many parts of the country experiencing winter conditions, shearing activity is low. With this a traditionally quiet time of year, the national quantity was again relatively small. There was a total of 29,275 bales available to the trade. Currency has again played its role this week, this time in favour of the Australian wool producer. The Australian dollar dropped 0.61 cents when compared to the US dollar (USD) since the close of the previous series. Given that most trading is done in US dollars (USD), this gave exporters more buying power. This quickly equated to increased prices in the sale room. In welcome news to merino growers, it was the merino fleece market that was the driving force behind the overall market increase. The movements in the merino fleece Micron Price Guides (MPGs) ranged between negative 6 cents and positive 25 cents. The benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) added 2 cents on each of the two selling days, closing the series 4 cents higher at 1,212 cents. The EMI has now risen for four consecutive selling days. After steadily climbing for the previous two months, the crossbred market settled. The prices on offer were generally within 10 cents of those on offer at the previous sale, this was reflected in the MPGs. Due to the currency fluctuation, when viewed in USD terms the market movement was less favourable. The EMI dropped 5 US cents for the series, finishing the week at 790 cents.
This week Fremantle will not be in operation. With only Melbourne and Sydney selling, the national quantity will fall. There is currently 23,990 bales on offer nationally.
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
Coryule, Glendonald, Koole Vale, Longdale Park, Mount Yulong, Mount Challicum, Nareeb Nareeb, Oakbank, Rock-bank and Kerrilyn.
Mr Weir said the AuctionsPlus platform expanded the potential pool of bidders.
“There were more than 150 registered bidders last year and as many again watching online as the auction progressed,” Mr Weir said.
“AuctionsPlus told us that there was a total of more than 7200 online views of the 103 lots before auction day.”
According to Mr Weir: “There are parts of Australia in floods and other areas in drought but around the country, there are areas that have the weather balance right at the moment and that means there will be buyers after top genetics, many from Victoria’s Merino studs.
“Our studs will also be using the Australian Sheep and Wool Show auction as an introduction to on-stud sales in late winter and spring, the appetite for Victorian genetics again well and truly whetted at Bendigo in July.”
- CHRIS EARL
Norm Weir
Prices tipped to stay high
VICTORIAN lamb prices are forecast to remain elevated over the next six months and well above five-year average levels, according to Bendigo Bank’s 2025 MidYear Australian Agriculture Outlook released last week.
However, it says further upside will be limited by processor appetite and their ability to pass on increased costs to consumers.
Production in Victoria is expected to be significantly lower following destocking, while dry conditions at joining and reduced feed availability at lambing is expected to impact weaning rates. Consumer demand is likely to be supported by easing cost-of-living pressures and tighter protein supply with reduced lamb output from New Zealand and beef output from the US.
The prolonged period of destocking at the national level will continue to support mutton prices as well
The report says: “The wool market is hoping to find price support at the current levels despite a stronger Australian dollar, primarily due to reduced supply. The second half of 2025 is forecast to have lower supply of wool as many producers continue destocking or taking advantage of higher lamb prices.
“Demand has remained flat for the current season, however, there is some hope it may pick up as the economy in key market China improves.”
SHEEP AND LAMBS
LAMB numbers declined further down to 10,800 yarded at Bendigo on Monday.
There was no lines of extra heavy export lambs to test price records today, although in cents per kilogram terms this sale was similar to dearer on the better quality processing lambs.
The hot spot of the market was any pens of neat 22-28kg cwt lambs in short skins which suited top-end domestic and supermarket orders, more of these lambs pushing above 1200c/kg cwt in this sale.
But broadly the majority of the processing lambs remained in a range of 1000c to 1200c/kg cwt depending on quality, breed and number in a pen with results fluctuating as buyers picked through the offering and tried to fill loads.
The strong carcass price rates were maintained despite not all the regular orders operating or being fully active.
At least three exporters were absent, and this did seem to have an impact on mutton prices which were cheaper by $5 to $15/ head with heavy ewes the most affected.
Lambs with genuine weight and fat cover were again in short supply. Export lambs over 30kg cwt from $363 to $396/head for crossbreds to push a little higher into the 11000c/kg plus price range.
The hard finished 26-30kg cwt heavy lambs off grain from $314 to $365/head as costs went above
an estimated 1200c/kg cwt for buyers. There was also keen demand for the best heavy trades at $280 to $320/head, some pens estimated either side of 1300c/ kg.
General run of wintery trade lambs $220 to $265/head with more of these sales in the 1000c to 1150c/kg cwt price range.
The best MK style processing lambs off grain $160 to $220/ head to gain up to $10/head at times.
The mixed run of small lambs mostly $80 to $150/head, with very little to suit restockers.
Any Merino lambs off grain with weight and fat cover were well supported at up to $330/ head in a dearer result.
The sheep sale, however, lacked momentum with key export orders absent, mainly due to maintenance shutdowns.
Heavy crossbred and meat ewes $190 to $270/head regardless of weight and there was no exceptionally big ewes sold, meaning estimated carcass costs were lower to average under 650c/kg cwt.
Heavy Merino ewes from $248 to $278 and these held their value better.
General run of light and trade sheep mostly $90 to $165/head. Most grades of mutton averaged under 680c/kg cwt in this auction.
SHORN LAMBS
RI Brown Pompapiel (76) $392. Cazna Park Pty Ltd Rochester (15) $390.
PW Webb Bridgewater (11) $326. FW & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (33) $310. Julie McLeish Logan (35) $292. KJ & SA Canfield Salisbury West (27) $283. Dakota Pastoral P/L Kerang (59) $280. J & L Hooppell Moama 106 $264. Mrs L Dingwall Pyramid Hill (23) $254.
EXOTIC LAMBS
Ross Wilson Echuca (17) $310.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
Brown Bros Ag Kotupna (68) $379. PG & DM Sexton Terrappee (70) $370. M & R Bennett Mia Mia (32) $370. JM Hiscock & Sons Pyalong (41) $357. RJ & DM Johnston Boort (68) $355. Pascoe Farms Raywood (33) $350. D & K Barker Nullawil (39)
$350. A & L Hiscock Pty Ltd Pyalong (41) $345. BJ & SJ Griffiths Malmsbury (15)
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.
Alex Collins - 0408 314 768
Will Lowe - 0498 381 584
Will Holt - 0417 686 814
Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844
Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371
Lachie McAllister - 0459 310 797
Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832
Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917
Mitch A’Vard - 0429 966 572
MERINO EWES
SM & KL Coutts Boort (59) $250. B & B McIntyre St Arnaud (44) $246. Pine Hill Rural Myrtle Creek (86) $245. Merindoc Pastoral Tooborac (79) $212. Andshara P/L Berrimal (136) $211. DC & DS Hancock Murphys Creek (74) $146.
EXOTIC EWES
AJ & CV Ohlin Girgarre (15) $226. CROSSBRED RAMS
D & A Patton Gooroc (4) $132. MERINO RAMS
Richmond Park Moama (16) $130.
Order of sales next week: Nutrien, Nuttall, McKean McGregor, Elders, Nevins.
Cr Nick Angelo raises solution to area’s poor service
SINCE October 2024 I have attended many council and community meetings across Loddon Shire.
From the Rheola Easter carnival, Cork and Fork at Newbridge and Eddington sprints, Anzac and Australia Day services, these events have allowed me to meet and chat with so many people.
I am getting to hear first-hand the things that you would like to see council doing.
There are lots of issues and challenges for us to work on, so please keep emailing and calling me to let me know what is keeping you awake!
Myself, the Mayor and CEO had the pleasure of a tour of Bio Grow last month seeing first hand the
upgrades that have been done to this site and the progress they have made
Last month myself and other councillors from Loddon shire as well as our CEO attended the national general assembly of the Australian Local Government Association in Canberra.
This was an eye-opening experience I am so glad I had the chance to attend.
At the congress, mayors, shire presidents and councillors come together and consider the big issues hitting our communities as well as putting forward motions from different shires , with Loddon shire putting forward seven motions, all of which were successful.
YOUR ONLINE WORDS
WEDDERBURN COLLEGE PRIMARY CENTRE NAMED AFTER TANYA CHALMERS AND DIEDRE McKENZIE
Robyn Vella wrote: How lucky my children were to be taught by two beautiful educators such amazing role models to other educators always in safe loving hands.
Meg Lowry wrote: Grade 2 favourites!
Amber Gibson wrote: My children were both privileged to be taught by these amazing ladies. Such a well deserved honour.
Helen Bucknall Stephenson wrote: That’s awesome, well deserved.
Stacey McCoy wrote: Two of the
loveliest ladies and greatest primary school teachers our kids ever had. You both deserve this level of recognition. Congrats.
RATES NOTICES WILL HIGHLIGHT NEW GOVERNMENT TAX
Annette Blanchard wrote: This greedy state government has absolutely no regard for the Victorian people. They repeatedly ignore the will of the voters and plot ahead with their OWN AGENDA. These parasites need to be held accountable for their gross miss management of the state and voted out!
Zandra Grattan-Lynch wrote: Just for some historical information. Dur-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
OPINION PIECES
These decisions form the basis of what the local government association will advocate for us over the next 12 months.
At the assembly there were plenty of presentations on land , housing and road infrastructure.
I was also able to talk with Telstra and NBN in regards to teaming up and using dual purpose towers for both nbn and Telstra to help speed up services in rural areas for better coverage and lower cost and both were open to the idea.
I will continue to talk to both organisations on this.
Other interesting presenters and displays included recycling solutions, a really interesting presentation on how trees in streetscapes need to be planted to ensure they get enough water and displays on the latest council equipment.
As many of you will know I stood for council with a strong view on recycling and repurposing and I’m looking for opportunities to develop this further in our shire.
I look at the Eaglehawk repurposing facility and hope we can do something like this or similar here in Loddon. I will continue to investigate this as I get towards one year of being your ward councillor.
ing the Kennett years councils were forced to collect the ‘poll tax’ imposed by the State Government. The tax/levy was issued as part of your rate notice. A number of councils tried to challenge this (Moreland council being one) and were unsuccessful. If you refused to pay the tax/levy council still had to give the money to the State Govt and you fell into arrears. Some individual ratepayers also tried to challenge and were unsuccessful. Rural Councils Victoria wrote: Councils are obligated to follow the law. In this case, that means collecting this unfair tax on behalf of the Victorian Government.
1. Which sport involves throwing a missile-like object at a circular board?
2. What is the name is given to the passage of water that separates Tasmania from mainland Australia?
3. Which element on the period table has an atomic number of 8?
4. Which metric prefix is in-between micro and pico?
5. How many independent countries are in the Oceania region?
6. Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented which globally-used tool?
7. The TV characters The Teletubbies were what colours?
8. The Hanging Gardens were found in which city?
9. Which foodstuff are vampires said to be repelled by?
10. How would you say Poland in Polish?
11. What sort of shape is a stop sign?
12. Which shipping company uses the colours orange and purple in their branding?
T HE light of life is shining brightly with our very own Bradley of Boort. His’s waited until daylight hours to put up the latest Treemendous Sign and boy of boy, he’s left the door open to phone calls at all hours of the day and night. Everyone knows Bradley can induce people to laughter within seconds. and lighten any conversation. Only thing missing is the phone number
COULD he have a 1300 number - the type introduced in the late 1980s. They were a significant development in telecommunications, offering businesses a way to be more accessible to customers across the country. 1300 numbers allow callers to be charged the cost of a local call, no matter where they are calling from within Australia.
13. And what does the name of that company stand for?
14. Colonel Sanders is the mascot for which fast-food chain?
15. Neville Longbottom is a character in which book and movie series?
16. Michael Jackson was known as what?
17. Which planet is furthest from the sun?
18. True or false – the Humerus is the longest bone in the human body.
19. A Komodo dragon is what type of animal?
20. The famous painter Pablo Picasso was what nationality
OR WHAT about 1800 numbers. According to AI, 1-800 numbers, known as toll-free numbers, were first introduced in the United States in 1967 by AT&T. These numbers were initially part of the Inward Wide Area Telephone Service and provided an alternative to operator-assisted collect calls.
I N THE race to sporting finals, banter is brewing thick and fast. Had a few photos come in on the OTF phone (just a normal 04+ number for us). There was one of The Oracle perched in front of cup cakes laced with pink icing and one firmly in the mouth at Inglewood footy’s ladies’ day.
AND while on the subject of food. One day back at desk after European sojourn, LH’s own Gary was craving for a Bridgey pastie and vanilla slice enough to brave the school holiday queues.
Fiona Hall talks to her father-in-law about growing up in a town where the footy players spent half-time at the pub
Life in town now silent
ONCE upon a time in Wychitella, the Saturday night dance was the heartbeat of the town and the cricket ground its soul. Today, the only steady hum comes from the occasional tractor passing the CFA shed.
For 83-year-old Ian Hall, it’s not just the silence that echoes—it’s the memories.
Ian sits on his back porch in Wedderburn, the late afternoon sun warming his back as he scans the paddock for stray kangaroos who might fancy a nibble on his garden.
A father of five, grandfather to 16 and great-grandfather to 13 (and counting), he’s weathered not just the seasons, but the sweeping changes in farming and community life across more than eight decades.
Born in 1942 in nearby Charlton, Ian Hall was one of five children raised on a modest farming property outside Wychitella.
His parents, Robert and Isabella Hall, were among the region’s early farmers. “We didn’t have electricity until 1966,” Ian recalls. “It was all kerosene lamps, candles, and a lot of hope.”
Back then, Wychitella was more than a name on a sign—it was a tight-knit community.
“There was a school, a church, a community hall, a pub and sporting facilities. Cricket matches every weekend. Dances on Saturday nights, table tennis comps. There was always something on.”
Ian and his wife Ruth were regular table tennis players, playing in a lot of the local halls, including Wedderburn and Buckrabanyule.
For Ian, those community events were more than entertainment—they were lifelines.
“The school concerts were a highlight,” he smiles. “One of my earliest memories is singing in those concerts, I loved to sing. The kids would perform, the hall would be packed, and then we’d all have a cuppa.”
Sport, especially cricket, played a huge role in Ian’s youth.
“I bowled out the great local cricketer, Bruce Hamilton once,” he says with a grin. “Bowled him for a duck! That was a big deal back then.”
Ian recalled the days when Wychitella had a good footy side. “My father played footy for Wychitella. They won a premiership once. You wouldn’t believe it, but the changerooms were at the pub,” he laughed.
“It’s a wonder the teams would return to the field after half time!”
Those memories are more than just stories. They reflect a way of life that was rooted in connection, hard work, and shared purpose.
“Everyone knew everyone. You played sport each weekend, went to dances on Saturday nights, went to church on Sundays, and helped each other out during harvest.
If someone’s crop was hit by hail, you’d be there the next day lending a hand.”
Now, Wychitella looks vastly different. The school is long closed. The community hall has vanished. The sporting grounds have returned to the wild. Mrs Cuzzi’s store has gone.
The pub still stands—but its doors are shut. There’d be 10 houses left now, maybe less,” Ian says. “It’s quiet. Too quiet, if you ask me.”
The only sign of communal life is the CFA fire shed.
This shift, Ian believes, is part of a larger change in rural life.
“Kids went off to get jobs or study, and they didn’t come back. Farms got bigger, families got smaller, and suddenly you didn’t need a whole team to run things.”
Ian has witnessed a dramatic change in the size and scale of farming.
“Back then, 320 acres was the standard
block,” he explains. “If you had a total of 1000 acres, you were considered a bigtime farmer. These days, most properties are 5000 acres or more.”
And with bigger farms came bigger machinery. “I remember when my dad bought our first tractor. It was a big deal!
We started out with tractors on steel wheels and now it’s GPS-guided machines, rubber tyres, air-conditioned cabs—you name it.
One bloke in a modern header can do in one day, what we would’ve done in a week.”
Farming has never been easy, and Ian has seen his share of tough seasons.
“The 1982 drought was one of the worst. Dust storms, dead sheep, failed crops. It was brutal,” he recalls.
He’s also endured floods, mouse plagues, locust invasions and savage windstorms.
“You learn to adapt and plan for the hard times, but the weather keeps you humble,” he said.
Life on the farm changed dramatically when Ian’s father was killed in a tragic car accident when Ian was only 17 years old.
The three boys took over the running of the farm, but Ian was the only one to stay on the family farm at Wychitella.
Despite the hardships and heartaches over the decades, Ian remains grounded in his Christian faith and his family.
A devoted Christian, he quotes John 3:16 without hesitation and credits his faith with keeping him steady through life’s storms.
“You can’t control the weather, or the
market, or time—but you can control how you treat people,” he says. “That’s what matters.”
At 83 years young, Ian still stays active, as does his wife Ruth—his partner in life for 65 years. While he may no longer be sending down fast deliveries on the cricket pitch, the couple still enjoy a friendly hit of golf and a roll of the bowls in Wedderburn. They are proud grandparents to 16 grandchildren and are regular spectators and enthusiastic supporters of the Wedderburn Football and Netball Club.
Although their son Mark now manages the farm, Ian remains involved, driving tractors and the header at harvest time and lending a hand during shearing season.
When asked what advice he’d pass on to the next generation of farmers—including his grandchildren—Ian is clear: “Be patient. Farming teaches you to wait and watch. Don’t expect it all at once. And never forget where you came from.”
As Ian looks out over the land that has shaped his life, a wistful smile touches his face. “I’d give anything to play one more cricket match at the old ground. Just one more.”
As towns like Wychitella grow quieter, sharing stories like Ian’s becomes more important than ever—not just to remember, but to inspire. In an era where rural communities often feel forgotten, Ian’s voice reminds us that resilience, connection, and quiet strength still live in these landscapes—and deserve to be heard.
Ian Hall at Wychitella and (inset) with wife Ruth under the verandah of the town’s former hotel
STRAUB - Karen Margaret
Much loved wife, mother and grandmother.
Passed peacefully on the evening of Thursday the 10th July with family by her side.
We would very much like to thank the Dingee Bush Nurses and all involved in the outstanding care and support of Karen over this challenging period, also including very big heartfelt thank you to all the Bendigo Palliative care team and Bendigo Hospice Doctors and Nursesyou all do an amazing job.
Oncologist Dr Sam you had been with Karen from the start. Thank you.
REST IN PEACE
You will be loved and missed always.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Groundwater allocation in the Mid-Loddon Groundwater Management Area
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has announced a 100% groundwater allocation for the 2025/26 water year in the Mid-Loddon Groundwater Management Area (GMA).
This is the percentage of licensed groundwater entitlement that may be extracted under a licence to take and use groundwater within the GMA, between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
The GMA extends from Tullaroop Reservoir in the south to Mitiamo in the north. The allocation applies to all three management zones – Moolort, Laanecoorie-Serpentine and Jarklin. The allocation has been determined in accordance with the Mid-Loddon Groundwater Management Area Local Management Rules. A copy of the Management Rules can be downloaded from the GMW website – www.gmwater.com.au – as well as groundwater-level monitoring data and other resources.
For more information, please contact GMW on 1800 013 357.
Temporary Road Closure
– Hospital St, Wedderburn
The following road will be closed to through tra c from 11th July to 26th July 2025 for the duration of the stormwater installation works on Hospital St, WEDDERBURN. Detour routes will be in place.
Hospital St, WEDDERBURN will be closed between Godfrey St & Chapel St.
Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens 8/10 McKay Street Pyramid Hill
Notice of Senior Citizens Annual Meeting to be held after Christmas in July lunch.
Lunch a two course meal, cost $12 Date 25th July 2025
Lunch 12 noon in the New Community Centre All welcome.
Please advise if attending for lunch Terry 0429 843 479 Lyn 0428 564 006
ANNUAL/GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 22nd July 2025 8.00pm School Building Engine Park Racecourse Road WEDDERBURN
Careers at Loddon
Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.
Tractor Operator- Loddon Gold elds
Permanent, full-time position
An attractive salary range of $68,174.72 - $70,528.47 per annum plus employer superannuation
Work a 9-day fortnight based in the Loddon Gold elds team.
Applications for the position above close Sunday 20 July 2025 at 5pm.
Maternal and Child Health Nurse
Casual position
An attractive hourly rate of $73.15$78.84
Based at our Wedderburn O ce with carpooling services available between Marong and Wedderburn Applications for the position above will be considered as they are received
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 OrganisationDevelopment Unit on (03) 5494 1200.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN EXPLORATION LICENCE
Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 – Section 15(5) Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 – Regulation 22(1) and Schedule 1
1. Name and address of applicant(s): Falcon Gold Resources Pty Ltd C/-PO Box 106, Flinders Lane, VIC 8009
2. Contact details of applicant (for map and other information requests): Belinda Ingram, Authorised Agent (as employee of AMETS) Mobile: 0428 158 374. Email: vic@amets.com.au
3. Applicant’s Website (see notes) Website: Further information about this application is available: www.amets.com.au/ victoria-tenements/ and https://resources.vic. gov.au/licensing-approvals/have-your-say
4. Details of the application:
Application number: EL008678
Locality of the land to which the application relates: 6.7km north of Raywood, 1km south west of Tandarra. Approximate area of the application (Graticular Sections): 10
Date of the application: 3 July 2025
Term the licences are applied for: 5 years
Outline of the proposed programs of work: Desktop studies, geophysical surveying, drilling
5. Objections and Comments:
Any person may object or comment to a licence being granted. (Sections 24 and 24A, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990).
A person who objects or comments must: a. put the objection or comment in writing; and b. include the grounds on which it is made. All objections or comments must be lodged within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised and can be lodged online or posted to:
The Minister for Energy and Resources c/- Manager Licensing, Earth Resources Regulator, PO Box 500, East Melbourne Victoria 8002
It is recommended that objections or comments are lodged online at https://rram-vic-gov.my.site.com/ ObjectionSubmission to ensure timely consideration.
Enquiries can be made by writing to the Manager Licensing at the above address or by phone to ERR 136 186.
6. Other information:
Subject to other requirements being satisfied, an exploration licence, if granted, entitles the holder of the licence to explore and search for minerals in the relevant land, but does not entitle the holder to undertake mining. Further information regarding the requirements that must be complied with prior to work being undertaken is available at: https://resources. vic.gov.au/community-and-land-use.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN EXPLORATION LICENCE
Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 – Section 15(5)
Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 – Regulation 22(1) and Schedule 1
1. Name and address of applicant(s): Falcon Gold Resources Pty Ltd C/-PO Box 106, Flinders Lane, VIC 8009
2. Contact details of applicant (for map and other information requests): Belinda Ingram, Authorised Agent (as employee of AMETS) Mobile: 0428 158 374. Email: vic@amets.com.au
3. Applicant’s Website (see notes)
Website: Further information about this application is available: www.amets.com.au/ victoria-tenements/ and https://resources.vic. gov.au/licensing-approvals/have-your-say
4. Details of the application: Application number: EL008726
Locality of the land to which the application relates: 5.6km south of Inglewood, 16km north of Maryborough, including Tarnagulla and surrounding Dunolly. Approximate area of the application (Graticular Sections): 487
Date of the application: 3 July 2025
Term the licences are applied for: 5 years Outline of the proposed programs of work: Desktop studies, geophysical surveying, drilling
5. Objections and Comments:
Any person may object or comment to a licence being granted. (Sections 24 and 24A, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990).
A person who objects or comments must: a. put the objection or comment in writing; and b. include the grounds on which it is made. All objections or comments must be lodged within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised and can be lodged online or posted to:
The Minister for Energy and Resources c/- Manager Licensing, Earth Resources Regulator, PO Box 500, East Melbourne Victoria 8002
It is recommended that objections or comments are lodged online at https://rram-vic-gov.my.site.com/ ObjectionSubmission to ensure timely consideration.
Enquiries can be made by writing to the Manager Licensing at the above address or by phone to ERR 136 186.
6. Other information:
Subject to other requirements being satisfied, an exploration licence, if granted, entitles the holder of the licence to explore and search for minerals in the relevant land, but does not entitle the holder to undertake mining.
Further information regarding the requirements that must be complied with prior to work being undertaken is available at: https://resources. vic.gov.au/community-and-land-use.
SENIORS
Bridgewater 3.4 7.6 13.9 16.15 (111)
Pyramid Hill 0.6 3.9 3.12 7.13 (55)
GOALS – Bridgewater: O. McKinley 6, B. Alexander, L. Sharp, N. Naughton 3, J. Roberts. Pyramid Hill: R. Semmel 2, M. Dingwall, J. Cheesman, B. Bisset, A. Hildebrandt, M. Gunther.
BEST – Bridgewater: H. McKinley, J. Merrin, J. Martyn, J. Milligan, O. McKinley, J. Neylon. Pyramid Hill: A. Hildebrandt, K. Daniels, B. George, J. Budarick, G. James, D. Morison.
Newbridge 15.9 (99)
Calivil 10.7 (67)
GOALS – Newbridge: Not supplied. Calivil: H. McCarthy 5, T. Dipane, K. Blow, B. Wagner, J. Lawry, L. Stephens. BEST – Newbridge: A. Willett, B. Carr, O. Perez, B. Schilling, B. Dimech, T. Constable. Calivil: H. McCarthy, J. Lawry, L. Fisher, L. Stephens, A. Dennis, S. Green.
GOALS – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington 6, J. Bailey 2, J. Ketterer, H. Gadsden, Z. Stone. Marong: M. Bradbury 3, K. Robins 2, K. Manley, M. Willox, R. Taylor, N. McCaig, J. McCaig.
BEST – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: N. Kemp, T. Miles, Z. Stone, N. Twigg, J. Bailey, H. Gadsden. Marong: J. Ede, R. Tibbett, L. Lee, B. Hartland, M. Willox, C. Gregg. Mitiamo 2.4 2.5 6.9 9.12 (66) Inglewood 5.6 11.9 14.12 19.17 (131)
GOALS – Mitiamo: K. Galvin 3, B. Baines 2, A. Cussen, A. Lloyd, Z. Morrison, S. Wright. Inglewood: K. Cavallaro 5, T. Murphy, K. Payne 3, S. Erharter 2, T. Guerra, H. Veitch, B. Cotchett, L. Marciano, L. Harris, G. Nevins.
BEST – Mitiamo: T. Rasmussen, R. Duncan, J. Matthews, A. Huismann, L. Lougoon, K. Coatsworth. Inglewood: L. Ford, T. Murphy, K. Cavallaro, S. Erharter, N. Angelino, L. Harris.
Bridgewater 16, 28, 37, 44, (44) lost to Pyramid Hill 15, 26, 42, 60, (60). Newbridge 11, 33, 45, 62, (62) d Calivil 12, 23, 35, 49, (49). Mitiamo 24, 53, 74, 97, (97) d Inglewood 5, 8, 12, 18, (18).
Mitiamo 48
Pyramid Hill 44
Newbridge 36
Bridgewater 28
Marong 28
BL Serpentine 20
Maiden Gully 12
Calivil 8
Inglewood
A Reserve
0
Bears Lagoon Serpentine 6, 11, 16, 23, (23) lost to Marong 18, 36, 48, 65, (65). Newbridge 13, 27, 33, 44, (44) d Calivil 7, 16, 27, 39, (39). Bridgewater 15, 29, 41, 50, (50) d Pyramid Hill 11, 21, 32, 47, (47). Mitiamo 11, 18, 31, 39, (39) d Inglewood 7, 16, 28, 38, (38).
Bridgewater 44
Marong 40
Maiden Gully 36
Pyramid Hill 34
Newbridge 26
Mitiamo 22
Calivil 14
BL Serpentine 8
Inglewood 0
B Grade
Bears Lagoon Serpentine 4, 6, 11, 15, (15) lost to Marong 14, 29, 42, 54, (54).
Newbridge 12, 21, 32, 47, (47) d Calivil 3, 8, 15, 18, (18). Bridgewater 16, 21, 29, 36, (36) d Pyramid Hill 8, 16, 28, 33, (33). Mitiamo 12, 24, 34, 46, (46) d Inglewood 13, 17, 22, 29, (29).
RESERVES
BL
GOALS – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. O’Shannessy, F. Holland, S. Gladman. Marong: B. Matthews 4, P. Gretgrix 2, Z. Justice, K. McCaig, K. Harris.
BEST – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Stuart, D. Davies, C. Tuohey, D. Tineo, C. O’Shannessy, A. Edwards. Marong: J. Toomey, B. Matthews, B. Stewart, Z. Justice, F. Stewart, C. Jager.
Newbridge
(62)
GOALS – Newbridge: C. Lakey 3, D. Smith 2, J. Hufer, M. Adams, C. Van Aken, B. Passalaqua. Calivil: T. Wakefield, M. Gray.
BEST – Newbridge: M. Adams, J. McLeod, C. Hoye, J. Hufer, T. Wight, C. Lakey. Calivil: J. Lea, E. Ritchie, M. Gray, H. McGregor, D. Canfield, C. Anderson.
GOALS – Bridgewater: O. Muggleton 3, T. Naughton, J. Campbell, H. Terry, B. Holt 2, C. Hindle, Z. Hoiles, A. Pollock. Pyramid Hill: J. Simpson 2, J. Peter.
BEST – Bridgewater: J. Naughton, C. Hindle, D. Valentini, O. Muggleton, M. Baker, K. Henery. Pyramid Hill: D. Lovell, J. Simpson, P. Monaghan, G. James, G. Quinn, N. Moon. Mitiamo
GOALS – Mitiamo: O. McMinn. Inglewood: T. Kilcullen 5, R. Tresize 3, J. Bennett, B. Cauchi, D. Gorrie 2, T. Stevenson, J. Essex, J. Stokes.
BEST – Mitiamo: J. Cassells, W. Draper, L. Hutchins, C. Pearson, J. Hann, B. Stanford. Inglewood: J. Nevins, T. Kilcullen, D. Gorrie, S. Gorrie, J. Stokes, T. Hartley.
Mitiamo 16
Inglewood 6
Newbridge 2 15 & Under
B Reserve
Bridgewater 6, 17, 25, 35, (35) d Pyramid Hill 7, 14, 20, 28, (28). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 8, 19, 25, 34, (34) lost to Marong 15, 30, 42, 60, (60). Newbridge 19, 34, 47, 59, (59) d Calivil 7, 16, 27, 36, (36). Mitiamo 8, 13, 25, 34, (34) lost to Inglewood 15, 28, 34, 44, (44).
Mitiamo 3, 11, 18, 23, (23) lost to Inglewood 0, 20, 35, 52, (52). Newbridge 5, 5, 8, 13, (13) lost to Calivil 19, 40, 68, 96, (96). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 7, 13, 20, 25, (25) lost to Marong 9, 19, 37, 50, (50). Bridgewater 15, 24, 29, 36, (36) d Pyramid Hill 5, 12, 14, 18, (18). Calivil
Serpentine 36
Gully
Inglewood 20 Pyramid Hill 18
& Under
Bridgewater 14, 24, 43, 66, (66) d Pyramid Hill 7, 10, 16, 18, (18). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 10, 15, 21, 28, (28) lost to Marong 13, 25, 41, 47, (47). Mitiamo 6, 15, 21, 35, (35) d Inglewood 6, 21, 26, 34, (34). Newbridge 5, 7, 21, 30, (30) lost to Calivil 16, 33, 43, 63, (63).
Bridgewater 13, 26, 38, 47, (47) d Pyramid Hill 0, 0, 1, 3, (3). Mitiamo 6, 9, 14, 20, (20) lost to Inglewood 6, 10, 18, 26, (26). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 9, 11, 16, 17, (17) lost to Marong 7, 15, 23, 33, (33). Newbridge 7, 21, 35, 44, (44) d Calivil 4, 8, 13, 18, (18).
Calivil 32 Maiden Gully 32 Bridgewater 24 Pyramid Hill 24
Hill 16
GOALS – Bridgewater: B. Coombs 2, J. Larson, J. Friswell, D. Cullen. Pyramid Hill: J. Tonkin 3, J. Mitchell, T. Pritchard, O. Emmerson.
BEST – Bridgewater: W. Salau, J. Metherell, B. Coombs, M. Holm, F. Ferguson, L. Bartlett. Pyramid Hill: F. Millar, C. Gould, T. Pritchard, J. Bojo, K. Manton, O. Tonkin.
(23)
(98)
GOALS – Inglewood: not supplied. Marong: R. Doorty 4, W. Thomson, W. Hope 2, C. Dudderidge, J. Taylor, C. Murphy, D. Radford, R. Hayden, B. Hale.
BEST – Inglewood: H. Noble, B. Coffey, R. Murphy, T. Lamprell, A. Lamprell, X. Wilson. Marong: W. Thomson, J. Lowery, C. Murphy, W. Hope, B. Hale, J. Taylor.
GOALS – East Loddon: J. Ketterer. Maiden Gully: L. Hancock, L. Budge, L. Pigdon 3, O. Taylor, S. Neervoort, O. Bowman 2, M. Lines, D. Vallance, C. Brown, H. Carter, J. Wittingslow.
BEST – East Loddon: F. Clymo, T. Rasmussen, D. King, K. Maxted, J. Smith, A. Ketterer. Maiden Gully: L. Pigdon, M. Lines, J. Beagley, J. Wittingslow, C. Attard, L. Hancock.
Inglewood 16 BL Serpentine 8 Mitiamo 4
LODDON VALLEY
Bridgewater’s Sidney Niemann sends the Mean Machine into attach against Pyramid Hill
While Bridgewater’s Harry Conway flits around the ground on a Saturday, here’s a selection of Loddon Herald photos capturing activities off the field over the last few weeks
Penny Balic and Zali Cullen replenish the Calivil players’ water bottles at half-time
And Wedderburn’s Danny Benaim has his eye on play on and off the field
Louie McKinley on the swings at Bridgewater
Penny McKinley swings between football, netball and the playground
Johnston snares the Kara Kara silverware
BOORT’S Di Johnston has won the Kara Kara Golf Association women’s silver division championship.
She finished three ahead of Birchip’s Heather Hogan.
Julie McLennan (Wycheproof) took out the bronze division, one ahead of Charlton’s Mary Headon with Wedderburn’s Vicki Bainbridge third.
Charlton won by the scratch and handicap events at the association’s shield day.
Boort
Seven golfers took part in the stableford event at Boort on Saurday.
Tim Lanyon returned to the fairways for the first time this year and topped the winner’s list with 35 points. Tied for runner’s up on 30 points were Stuart Tweddle, Sally Keeble and Andrew Kane, with the latter missing out on countback.
In the nearest the pins, Andrew made amends by knocking his tee shot onto the green on the 1st and sinking the putt to pick up two ball. As for the others, Doug Couper picked up two while Time and Sally shared the rest. Tomorrow marks the begin-
ning of Boort’s tournament with a prize of $10,000 up for grabs for the first hole-in-one on the 9th hole.
The frst event is a 4ball stableford, beginning with women teeing off at 10.30am and men to follow. Saturday hosts a 27 holes stroke at 9.45am followed by an 18-hole event at 12.30pm. A 3-person ambrose concludes the tournament on Sunday.
A small group of only six took to the fairways at Boort the previous weekend.
Kevin Linehan broke 80 for the first time, recording a 65 nett. Tied for runners-up 10 shots behind were Stuart Tweddle and Di Johnston.
In the nearest the pins, Kevin took home a couple, while Phil Baker, Simon Eicher and Damien Lanyon shared the rest.
Inglewood
Golf on Sunday at Inglewood Golf Club saw a stroke event in challenging windy and showery conditions. Only three strokes separated first from third place, with Ash McDonald, 73 nett sneaking home by a stroke over club legend David Vanston 74 nett.
Boort Golf Club’s annual tournament on Sunday.
Wedderburn
Eight players took to the green on Saturday at Wedderburn with Peter Sanderson taking out top spot with a nett 36. Following close behind was Tim Lockhart on 35.
Martial arts instructor to receive major award
FROM bullied youngster to recognition as one of the world’s greatest martial artists, Ray McLean’s sporting journey is extraordinary.
He began training in martial arts – specifically, karate – at eight years of age in 1966.
Now sixth-dan McLean runs weekly classes in Inglewood as well as teaching at his Bendigo base.
McLean was trained for 22 years by his father Billy, also known as Fu Chang Hi, until his death in 1988.
“The main purpose of my training was simply to stop bullies from picking on me,” McLean said.
Now, he has been recognised with an international GOAT Martial Arts Award, honouring “a life of mastery and influence”.
McLean’s award will be presented next
month at a ceremony in Pottsboro, Texas.
While he can’t be there in person, McLean will be honoured in absentia.
“Even if some honourees cannot be with us physically, their legacy and contributions speak louder than their presence,” founder and host Grand Master Lawrence Arthur said.
Honourees were peer-nominated and then selected by the Grand Masters Council.
McLean founded his own academy in 1985 in New South Wales and began running the first Children’s Stranger Danger and women’s self-defence programs in NSW the following year.
This year’s GOAT (Greatest of all Time) recipients come from 25 US states and countries, including Australia, Canada, Britain, Germany, Ireland, Israel and South Africa.
President Lindsay Kelly continued his habit of picking up the nearest the pin jackpot on the 9th A team from Inglewoodwill be playing in the ambrose event at
Ray McLean
TOP: Coach Paul Condliffe (centre) with Travis and Jake Smith, Finn hughes and Tom Alberni at last week’s school holiday clinic in Inglewood. ABOVE: Kara Kara champion Di Johnston
GOALKICKING
LODDON VALLEY
75 - (3) - Lachie Sharp - Bridgewater 60 - (1) - Benjamin Bisset - Pyramid Hill
Mitch Jensen ... key for Wedderburn around goals this season
THIS SATURDAY
LODDON VALLEY
Calivil v Bridgewater Inglewood v Pyramid Hill
BL Serpentine v Maiden Gully
Newbridge v Mitiamo Marong bye
NORTH CENTRAL
St Arnaud v Sea Lake Nandaly
Charlton v Donald Wedderburn v Birchip Watchem
Booort v Calder United
League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au
BOORT and Wedderburn have contrasting aims as the North Central football season resumes this week after the competition’s third all-league bye.
After missing out on the finals last year, the Magpies have their eyes on second spot on the ladder with five rounds to play.
For the Redbacks, it’s an uphill battle just to make the finals after finishing third in 2024.
While coach Tom Metherell remains optimistic of a top four finish, Wedderburn’s season is hanging by a thread.
A 5-6 record has the Redbacks in fifth place, two games and a huge chunk of percentage behind Sea Lake Nandaly, winners of the last two premierships.
One of their remaining matches is against the Tigers at Sea Lake, a week after the clash against their traditional rivals Boort. Wed-
By GARY WALSH
derburn must win both of those games to have any chance of reaching the finals.
But first the Redbacks have the immense task of playing unbeaten Birchip Watchem this week. Winless Donald and second bottom team St Arnaud are their other opponents.
Boort’s strong season has the Magpies in third place, on the same number of points but a hefty 58 per cent behind Calder United, whom they meet on Saturday.
Boort then plays Birchip Watchem before the derby against Wedderburn.
Its last two games, thanks to a favourable draw, are against the bottom two sides, Donald and St Arnaud.
Unleashed and serious in second half
A STORMING second half from Pyramid Hill set up a 16-goal win over Bridgewater in Loddon Valley netball.
The second-placed Bulldogs were two goals down at half-time after a Titanic battle in the first half.
However, 34 goals to 16 after the main break led to an unexpectedly big win for the visitors.
Coach Chelsea Emerson said the secondhalf turnaround came on the back of her side sticking faithfully to its game plan, as well as quicker ball movement after the break.
She said the players were “a little hesitant in letting the ball go” in the first half as Bridgewater began well defensively.
Shooter Jess Holdstock was in top form all day, and when the Bulldogs started to win more intercepts, her goal shooting became even more impactful.
Emmerson said another key role was played by wing defence Gemma Scott, a former Pyramid Hill coach, who kept the Mean Machine’s star wing attack and co-coach Olivia Hoiles under wraps.
Pyramid Hill plays winless Inglewood this week, while Bridgewater travels to Calivil.
Unbeaten Mitiamo almost topped the ton against Inglewood, romping home with a 79goal victory.
It was an unequal contest from the start, with the reigning premiers scoring 24, 29, 21 and 23 goals in successive quarters in a relentless performance.
The win was the second time this season the Superoos have flirted with a century score, after notching 94 goals against Calivil in round two.
Coach Abbey Battersby admitted the aim was to score 100, but a loss of momentum in the third quarter saw the team fall short.
She said the win was a genuine team performance, from goalers Carly Scholes and Laura Hicks to a defence that held the opposition to a remarkably low score.
The Woodies could only manage 18 goals for the game as their dismal season continued, with neither A Grade nor A Reserve having won a match.
There was heartbreak for the A Reserve side against Mitiamo, losing 39-38 after com-
ing from three goals down at three-quarter time.
Battesby said that despite not losing a game, Mitiamo was taking each match as it came and not focusing on achieving an unbeaten season with matches to come against three of the top five sides.
Marong missed a chance to go three games clear of Bears Lagoon Serpentine in fifth spot on the ladder with a galling onegoal loss. The Bears were nine goals up at half-time and held on from a charging Panthers team to win 51-50.
The thrilling victory keeps alive Serp’s outside finals chances, although an inferior percentage means that they must win every game and hope the Panthers slip up.
Marong has the bye this week, while Serp
Both Marong and Serp play the Eagles, unbeaten Mitiamo and third-placed Newbridge in the last four rounds.
The Bears travel to Calivil, second last on the ladder, in the final round.
Newbridge held onto third spot with a comfortable win at home against Calivil, who remain second last on the ladder.
The Maroons won 62-49 after trailing by a goal at quarter-time.
Their 22 goals to 11 second quarter proved to be pivotal in the crucial victory.
Newbridge has a tough run home, facing Mitiamo, Bridgewater, Serp and Marong in the last four rounds as they try to hang on to the double chance in the finals.
Down by the riverside for the big decider
NEWBRIDGE’S Riverside Oval will host this year’s Loddon Valley football and netball grand finals.
The ground and its netball courts are in excellent condition, and the ground’s spectator facilities are second to none, so a bumper day can be expected on September 6.
Calivil Recreation Reserve will be the venue for the preliminary final.
The first semi-final will be played at Marong’s Malone Park ground, with the sec-
ond semi-final to be contested at Serpentine Recreation Reserve.
The elimination final between fourth and fifth on the ladder will be at Mitiamo, while Marist College, Maiden Gully’s home ground, will host the qualifying final, which sees second and third face off.
The reward for finishing on top after the home and away season is a rest in the first week of the finals, to be played on August 16-17.
North Central presidents and league offi-
cials were meeting last night to decide their finals venues.
Wedderburn is favoured to host the grand final, after it had the decider taken away last season. Donaldson Park had been announced as the grand final venue in 2024 but when the Redbacks won their first final to move into the preliminary, the match was switched to Donald’s home ground.
Wedderburn has the odds stacked against it to make this season’s finals series.
faces Maiden Gully, which is one spot and two matches below it on the ladder.
Chelsea Emmerson
Tom Metherell
Machine with options
BRIDGEWATER has disposed of both last season’s grand finalists in consecutive weeks after thumping Pyramid Hill by 56 points last Saturday.
The Mean Machine cruised to the win, with three late goals flattering the Bulldogs, who were comprehensively outplayed.
Coach Lachlan Sharp’s move upfield has been a masterstroke, with Bridgewater finding more avenues to goal rather than relying so heavily on the star goalkicker.
This week it was Oscar McKinley’s turn, with the strong-marking forward kicking six goals to match Nic Naughton’s effort last week against Marong.
McKinley will miss the next three weeks, however, with the Gold Coast-based player unavailable until the final round.
He has been racking up the frequent flyer points in recent weeks, flying in to Melbourne on the day before the Marong clash, out again after the match, then back for the Pyramid Hill game and returning to the Gold Coast on Sunday.
McKinley’s brother Harry, Bridgewater’s co-captain, also made his mark against the Bulldogs with a best afield performance in the midfield.
In the first quarter, it was all Mean Machine, with the Bridgewater mids running hard and using the ball well despite the dominance of Pyramid Hill’s Kai Daniels in the ruck.
Sharp was elusive and creative around half-forward as the home side kicked three goals to none.
The Bulldogs, however, had their chances, but managed only 0.6 for the term, with their forwards’ radar askew.
It was to be a problem all afternoon, with a host of gettable set shots wasted. Bridgewater led by 21 points at half-time despite a much-improved Pyramid Hill effort in the second quarter.
The Bulldogs were dominant in the clearances and around the ground, but the Mean Machine kicked 3.2 from their limited forays forward, with their opponents managing 3.3. Six goals
to none in the third term put the game to bed, a highlight being Bo Alexander’s expert sharking of a Daniels tap in the goal square to bang another nail into the Bulldog coffin.
Bridgewater’s defence was outstanding, keeping the competition’s second highest goalkicker Ben Bisset to just one goal and not
allowing Pyramid Hill the time and space to set up constructive attacks.
Jack Merrin, Josh Martyn and Jack Neylon played a huge part in restricting the Bulldogs, while midfielder Luke Ellings consistently showed his class and precise kicking skills.
Hard-running onballer Archie
Pyramid Hill’s Ben Bissett twists to mark against Bridgewater.
INGLEWOOD has a thing or two to prove when they host Pyramid Hill in Loddon Valley football’s match of the round.
The Blues have impressed against side above them on the ladder but fallen heartbreakingly-short each time.
This weekend they have the chance to lock in a spot in the top five.
Pyramid Hill has not been travelling as well as many, me included, had predicted at the start of the season.
The Bulldogs can be menacing but not as much as a parochial home crowd cheering the Blues.
The big improvers Bridgewater head to Rodeo Park and will hand out a drubbing to Calivil.
If they get out of second gear, the Mean Machine will achieve a mega percentage boost. Something they will want if there’s a chance to have the first weekend of the finals off.
For Calivil, unless they start kicking goals at training tonight, hard to see them getting anywhere close.
Down at Newbridge, the boys will not even need the song sheets to belt out the club theme this week.
Another win beckons, this time against Mitiamo who continue to show glimpses.
Newbridge has had more than a fair share of injuries but you can’t question intensity and desire. Make it two on the trot for the Maroons.
The final match has Bears Lagoon Serpentine at Janiember Park against Maiden Gully.
was clearly the Bulldogs best, and Daniels’ elite tap work often handed the ball to his teammates on a plate, while Bailey George also worked hard around the ground.
In the end, Bridgewater’s clean ball use and quick ball movement proved the difference between the sides.
Fluctuating fortunes are tied to goal gun Mellington’s fitness
THE RETURN of star goalkicker
Josh Mellington inspired Bears Lagoon Serpentine to a shock 12-point win over reigning premiers Marong.
A second successive loss for the Panthers – the first time that has happened since the 2021 COVIDimpacted season – kept Serp in fourth place after two big losses to Bridgewater and Pyramid Hill in the past four weeks.
Mellington kicked six of his team’s 11 goals as he played out the entire game, but his dodgy hamstring remains a week-byweek proposition.
He has 54 goals from just seven appearances this season, with Serp’s fortunes seemingly dependent on his fitness.
It was an impressive win for the Bears, who were without Farran Priest, another reliable goalkicker who has had to step up in Mellington’s absence.
Serp led by just two points at half-time, but six goals to three in the third quarter set up the win.
The Panthers kicked 2.2 to 0.2 in the last term, but it was too little, too late.
The two losses will see Marong, which has the bye, replaced in top spot on the ladder this weekend if Bridgewater beats Calivil, as expected.
Onballer Nash Kemp, Tyler Miles and Zach Stone were best for the winners, with Marong’s better performances coming from Jacob Ede, Richard Tibbett
and Lachlan Lee. Co-coach Kain Robins was held to two goals for the Panthers, who badly missed injured livewire midfielder Jimmy Gadsden.
Inglewood’s finals hopes rest in its own hands after climbing into fifth spot with a big win over Mitiamo.
The 10-goal win came on the back of a powerful second quarter in which the Woodies kicked 6.3 to 0.1.
The Superoos had Bryce Laird yellow carded, and Inglewood took advantage of his absence from the field, banging on the goals as he sat on the bench with his side playing a man short.
Kai Cavallaro finished with six goals for the winners, and his
one-two punch in the forward line with Seb Erharter (two goals) is increasingly paying dividends.
Under-18s star Tyler Murphy kicked three along with Keelan Payne for Inglewood.
Murphy was named among the Woodies’ best, while another junior, Mitiamo’s Tyler Rasmussen was best player for the Superoos.
Gabe Nevins showed glimpses of his ability for Inglewood, back after six weeks out with a foot injury.
Newbridge had its second win in a row when it defeated Calivil by 32 points at Riverside Oval.
The Maroons remain in seventh place on the ladder.
- GARY WALSH
The Bears finally impressed me with their style of play last weekend and should continue where they left off.
Still, there’s always the uncertainty of whether Mellington will line up and that makes the difference between a close one or a blowout.
- GLENN CATTO
PREDICTIONS
GARY WALSH
Calivil v Bridgewater
Inglewood v Pyramid Hill
BL Serpentine v Maiden Gully
Newbridge v Mitiamo
Progressive: 45.5
GLENN CATTO
Calivil v Bridgewater
Inglewood v Pyramid Hill
BL Serpentine v Maiden Gully
Newbridge v Mitiamo
Progressive: 42.5
CHRIS EARL
Calivil v Bridgewater
Inglewood v Pyramid Hill
BL Serpentine v Maiden Gully
Newbridge v Mitiamo
Progressive: 42.5
Hildebrandt
LH PHOTO
Loddon HERALD sport
TICKING FAST
Are the Panthers on the wrong side of midnight?
THAT ticking sound you hear is the Loddon Valley premiership clock – and it may be heading past the hour for mighty Marong.
The three-time premiers are faltering, with two losses in a row, and one more slip from the Panthers is likely to see them miss out on top spot on the ladder, a result unthinkable just two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, surging Bridgewater’s minute hand is running fast to the premiership hour.
The Mean Machine’s time may be coming.
Bottom of the ladder Calivil awaits this week, with a Bridgewater win putting it a game ahead atop the ladder as Marong sits out the weekend.
However, there are a host of imponderables.
Does Bridgewater, which has the bye in round 17, really want another week off at the start of the finals, which would mean playing just one game in three weeks – a momentum killer if ever there was one.
Can Maiden Gully, still pushing for a finals berth, knock off Marong in round 16 and potentially hand the minor premiership to the Mean Machine?
Can Newbridge’s return to reasonable form threaten Marong in the final round, seeing out the season on a high on its home deck?
As reluctant as it may be to
have a disrupted run, Bridgewater will not want to lose any of its remaining matches against the bottom three sides.
Easing off and flirting with form is a recipe for disaster, and coach Lachlan Sharp will insist the Mean Machine crushes its opposition.
So, in the end, Marong has the key to top spot in its somewhat unsteady grasp.
Despite its wavering form, Pyramid Hill still has a chance to finish at the head of the ladder.
The Bulldogs are just a game behind Marong and Bridgewater on the ladder and have a better percentage than the Mean Machine.
This week’s clash with Inglewood is pivotal to the Bulldogs’ chances on finishing on top.
The Woodies need to win to shore up fifth spot ahead of Maiden Gully, who they play a week later at the Eagles’ home ground.
Maiden Gully has a poor percentage, but its draw with Calivil in the opening round makes that irrelevant.
If the Eagles can get on a winning streak and take out their four remaining games, as unlikely as that may be, they will play finals.
On the other hand, Inglewood can potentially push up to fourth place ahead of unpredictable Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
Serp’s fate seems to rest on mercurial full-forward Josh Mellington’s troublesome hamstring.
The star goalkicker returned last week from injury and the Bears duly saluted against Marong, throwing form out of the window.
Mellington has only managed to play seven games but has kicked 54 goals for the season,
and Serp’s hold on fourth is tenuous with a poorer percentage than Inglewood’s.
It may seem irrelevant – with fourth playing fifth in the first week of the finals the match-up will be the same – but momentum and form is a potent combi-
nation. Two losses has snapped the Marong momentum that has been the consistent of Loddon Valley football for almost four seasons. The flag window they have kept open for three seasons could be closing fast.
