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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 21 THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021
LEN’S ART ON THE TOP SHELF DISCARDED office shelves are finding new homes across the Loddon after being brushed up by Len Dierickz. The Korong Vale artist is scouring sales and websites for metallic shelves to repurpose as wall and garden art. Birds and goldminers have become his top themes, their silhouette shapes drilled out before colourfully brought to life with enamel paints. “I’ve been in Korong Vale for 12 years and have turned 70. It’s keeping me busy and occupied,” Len said. Len has worked in the art field most of his life, drawing fine ink sketches and selling artworks in Melbourne’s Swanston Street. “There’s been no formal training ... well I did go to an art class once and the other students were all looking at how I was doing it,” Len said. The popularity of Len’s new creations has exploded since he put them for sale online a few weeks ago. LH PHOTO
NOT YET, CITY FOLKS MELBOURNE residents were turned away from one Loddon Hotel over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
At least two people made it several hundred kilometres to Wedderburn where hotel publican Gary Crawley asked for proof of residence.
The State Government now requires country businesses to check the ID of customers with Melburnians still required to stay within 25km of their home under metropolitan COVID restrictions. The Melbourne visitors told the local publican they were in town to collect a car. Gary and wife Myra advised the pair they could not remain at the hotel on Saturday evening and they left quietly. Myra said: “We’re just doing what we are supposed to do. “But it hard on small businesses, on all people, having to be at the door every night checking patrons for their ID,” Myra said.
LONG WEEKEND IN THE LODDON - PAGE 4
2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021
Water customers get a single bill
W
ITH Melburnians still on the Government’s naughty list when it comes to motoring up the Calder Highway and straying into regional Victoria, there will be some wellused excuses offered up should these metropolitan miscreants get caught by the local boys in blue. So we thought a few lighter moments were needed this week to temper the country anger of Melbourne people struggling to understand a simple restriction.
L
ET’S start with a few COVID-era infractions: One of the most popular last year was getting McDonald’s, like the four people caught breaching curfew while eating Macca’s on a footpath. Or the late-night KFC run cost 16 people more than $26,000 when the cops busted a surprise birthday party in Dandenong after the fast food outlet raised concerns about receiving such a large order. Up in Sydney, where lockdowns are rarer, Kings Cross police stopped a McLaren 650S travelling in Potts Point. The 43-year-old driver tried to tell officers driving was a form of exercise.
S
PEEDSTERS always seem to come up with creative excuses. These from Australia - “I was catching up to that truck that went through the red light to tell him to be careful.” (Driver doing 110kmh in a 60 zone). “I’m in a hurry to get home as my dog is lonely.” (Driver travelling 105kmh in a 60 zone). “I was feeling tired so I thought I would get home quick.” (Driver clocked at a staggering 200 in a 110 zone)
N
OW over the US of A, there are some ripper tall (and true) stories in the land of the free, Uncle Sam and the Star Spangled Banner heard by the various arms of enforcement agencies. How’s this one? “My wife’s dad was a fire investigator. He was investigating a house that got burned down. Home owner said they sent a turtle with a candle on its back under the house
as they were trying to locate a noise. Later my wife’s dad found a burnt up turtle with wax on it.”
B
ACK close to home, in Western Australia that once had another little kingdom, that of Prince Leonard of Hutt Province, comes this excuse when officers stopped a driver who was going 20kmh over the speed limit. The motorist’s excuse? “The wind was pushing me”.
T
HE Poms have compiled, however, what is perhaps the best list of COVID excuses: We’re hunting for new Pokemon, We are just tidying our beach hut as exercise, I am out for health and safety reasons, to check on the sea for fishing tomorrow, I’m going to pick up a metal bar for my house so I can exercise at home. I purchased it on Facebook, I’m driving 10 to 12 miles for my favourite walk, I’m picking up a boat, I am taking a beehive to a field, I’m taking a PlayStation to my mate’s house, I’m charging the battery on my car, My dog has little legs so I drove him here for a walk, I’m going to buy gravy granules for our Sunday dinner, I’m off to buy a trampoline. And for the biggest loser prize: I’m trying to win over my ex-partner. Share your stories with Over the Fence email loddonherald@gmail.com
GOULBURN-MURRAY Water will introduce a single bill for its Loddon Valley customers from next month. Service fees will be replaced by a customer fee and the water register fee on customers’ fixed charges account. Customers currently pay a service see for each service they receive from GMW. The new customer fee will replace multiple service fees to consolidate their bill. GMW water services delivery Distribution Customer Service Manager West Peter Gilchrist said the consolidation of tariffs and bills into one account would align Loddon Valley customers with the rest of the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District. It would give customers with
multiple services a saving of $119 a year. “In many cases, customers will be able to consolidate their water entitlements, reducing the number of records, and associated water register fees,” Mr Gilchrist said. “The change to one single fee will also make a saving to GMW on paper billing and ongoing billing recovery.” While the due date for Loddon Valley fixed charges accounts has been brought forward to December 16, 2021, to align with the rest of the GMID, Mr Gilchrist said customers would not be disadvantaged. “We have made a commitment that no customer will be worse off,” Mr Gilchrist said.
Expo puts organisations in the local spotlight AN expo showcasing local volunteer organisations and groups is planned for Inglewood next month. The town’s development and tourism committee is hoping it will be third time lucky for the expo. The 2021 event will follow a successful expo staged by the committee two years ago.
However, efforts to again connect community with volunteer organisations have been thwarted by COVID restrictions. Plans to the hold during National Volunteer Week last year and again last month had to be aborted. The optimism of committee organisers is summed up when they say: “But we persist.”
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Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021 | 3
GRANTS TO GROW COMMUNITY GARDEN
Blooming partnership A COMMUNITY garden will be established at the old Bridgewater railway station. Kooyoora Women’s Network has secured grants for the partnership with students from the town’s primary school. Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal last week announced $10,000 for the new community garden, adding to $6000 already committed under Bendigo Gastronomy funding. Assisting in establishment of garden beds to grow vegetables will be members of Inglewood Lions Club. “We will install 36 raised garden beds ... each bed will be connected to a complete timed watering system that enables students and community members to access amazing fruit and vegetables all year round,” said network president Colleen Condliffe. “Our new community food garden will encourage health and wellbeing, provide a safe environment where school children can foster and learn sustainable gardening skills, propagate, and sow seeds to establish edible plants, then harvest and collect this food for use within their school cooking program. “Students will also gain life skills and grow their knowledge of the agriculture/ horticulture industry. We will promote both healthy minds and bodies through our collaborative project with the school as part of their STEM and cooking program.” School acting principal Julie Ladd said students were excited to be partnering with the community to establish the garden.
Feds fund better connectivity A TELSTRA 4GX small cell will be installed at Bridgewater under the Federal Government’s Regional Connectivity Program. Mallee MP Anne Webster said the cell would improve digital connectivity. “These projects will provide people in regional Australia access to improved broadband services and data delivering fast, affordable and reliable connectivity,” she said. “This will help keep our businesses connected, our families stay in touch and mean we can better access telehealth and online services.”
Park grant bid TARNAGULLA Recreation Reserve committee will know in September if it has been successful in gaining a grant to improve effluent treatment at the camping ground. The committee has applied for $110,000 from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Earlier this year, effluent overflow risked the camping ground’s future. However, the reserve committee has worked with DEWLP and Loddon Shire Council on temporary measures that allow the park to remain open for up to 25 vans a night.. The grant application also includes installation of barbecues and shelters.
Census work GRAHAM Morse and Angus Ferguson mark out the new garden patch. LH PHOTO
The Major’s trek inspires art competition A NEW art competition is planned for the Loddon in October. Terry Wood is leading the Pyramid Hill community in launching the Mayor’s Vision Painting Competition. The competition hopes to promote the iconic Pyramid Hill, encourage tourism to the town and district and raise awareness of the expeditions of Major Mitchell
IN BRIEF
Terry said Major Mitchell was the first European to explore the area and climbed Pyramid Hill on June 30, 1836. Major Mitchell wrote of that day: “I feel sure that our steps will soon be followed by men and animals for which the land seemed to have been prepared.” Terry said the painting competition would have open and junior sections with works on
display throughout the last week of October. “The competition and exhibition will be held in conjunction with the Loddon Arts Trail,” Terry said. “We hope that many artists, aspiring artists and members of the public who are interested in art, will visit our town.” During the Arts Trail weekend on October 23 and 24, many gal-
leries and private studios in the Loddon Shire will be open for visitors. Terry has been speaking with artists across the Loddon in planning for the inaugural Pyramid Hill competition and exhibition. Profits from the exhibition would go towards the proposed new historical museum to be constructed in in Barber Street, Terry said.
THE Australian Bureau of Statistics is currently recruiting 20,000 census field officers across the country to help deliver the 2021 Census. The ABS will recruit locally to ensure field officers are familiar with the local area. The roles are short-term and available in all regional areas. The flexible working hours are variable. The 2021 Census is on August 10, 2021. It is Australia’s 18th Census. For more informagtion www.censusjobs.adecco. com.au.
4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021
Regal checks by local police LODDON police were part of Operation Regal over the long weekend. Victoria Police targeted the main causes of fatalities and serious injuries - speed, driver distraction, drivers not wearing their seatbelts, fatigue and drink and drug drivers. Among speeding offences in the Loddon was a driver detected travelling at 79kmh in a 60kmh zone. Police said they had spoken to a Melbourne women and she may receive an infringement notice for breaking COVID restrictions. “The traffic in our area was not what we would have expected,” Loddon police said.
RIVERSIDE CAMPING: The Loddon River was popular over the Queen’s Birthday weekend. LH PHOTO
Mixed bag weekend CAMPSITES were close to capacity across the Loddon over the Queen’s Birthday weekend but traffic on highways and roads was down on expectations. That’s how local traders have summed up the long weekend when Melburnians were kept in the city. Many have told the Loddon Herald it was great to see re-
gional Victorians travelling into the region. “Sunday was not too bad but Saturday and Monday were quieter even with our reduced expectations because of the situation in Melbourne,” one said. “And it was a far cry from the unrelenting streams of traffic we saw at Easter and even the March long weekend.”
Shire supports Run for Resilience The Loddon Shire is proud to support Active Farmers Bridgewater and the 2021 Run for Resilience in Bridgewater. Active Farmers play a pivotal role across Australia, with a vision of ‘building stronger and more resilient farming communities’. The event is on Sunday 18 July 2021, and there is a course suited for everyone, whether it be 5km, 10km or 21km.
Most caravan parks reported good bookings with scores of campers also lining the Loddon River at Newbridge and Laanecoorie. Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve caretaker Wayne Chandler said: “It was very quiet compared with a normal Queen’s Birthday weekend.” “No Melbourne people made a
difference to numbers here,” he said. By mid-afternoon Monday, the streets of Loddon towns were again quiet. The long weekend was also without organised events in the region. Saturday’s Inglewood Lions Club market was cancelled by organisers on Thursday.
In line with COVID-19 requirements, QR code scanning has been implemented at Council’s landfills and transfer stations. Before entering a landfill or transfer station, you must check in using the QR code with the Services Victoria app. Please ensure you have your phone with you. Locations of landfills and transfers stations are: Tuesday 8am to midday Sunday 1pm to 5pm
Dingee transfer station Lawrys Road
Low season 1 April to 30 September 3rd Sunday 10am to 2pm
June 2021 Council meeting date change
Inglewood transfer station Inglewood-Salisbury Road
Wednesday, Saturday 8am to midday
The Council meeting for June 2021 will be held on Thursday 24 June.
Newbridge landfill
Wednesday, Sunday 1pm to 5pm
This meeting will be held at the Loddon Shire Council Chambers, located behind the Wedderburn Council Offices, off Peters Street, Wedderburn, commencing at 3.00 pm.
Pyramid Hill landfill Ballast Road
Tuesday 1pm to 5pm Sunday 8am to midday
Wedderburn transfer station Godfrey Street
Thursday 8am to Midday Sunday 8am to midday
www.activefarmers.com.au/ runforresiliencebridgewater
Mayor Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468
Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170
GOOD numbers of hunters filled their bag quota in the Loddon over the final weekend of the truncated 2021 Victorian duck hunting season. “Hunters made the most of what time they had to shoot,” said Victorian Duck Hunters’ Association president Dan Straub. “And many of the birds prepared for eating were full of grain. They had fed on crops in the Loddon,” he said. Mr Straub said there had been reports of anti-duck hunting activists in the Boort district but not in the Pyramid Hill or Mitiamo districts.
Scan when you arrive at landfills, transfer stations
Boort landfill Off Boort-Quambatook Road
For more information:
Season’s final haul
Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082
Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399
Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008
WEDDERBURN 41 High Street Wedderburn 3515
SERPENTINE 37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine 3516
T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003 E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au
T: 5494 1202 F: 5437 8407 E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au
Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm
PLEASE NOTE: Office currently closed
Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021 | 5
Poseidon’s golden adventure CENTRAL Victorian miners Brent Shannon and Ethan West were last week turning over “virgin ground” as rain and wind belted the landscape. Their search for gold on the outskirts of Newbridge is just one prong of their mining and prospecting in the area that stretches to Rheola and includes the rich 19th century goldfields of Tarnagulla and Rheola. “We’re uncovering virgin alluvial ground in the area for the first time in 100 years,” said Brett who works with brotherin-law Ethan and are starring in the latest series of the TV show Aussie Gold Hunters. They call themselves the Poseidon team, taking the name of the famous nugget found at Tarnagulla in December 1906. “The Loddon has produced some of the largest nuggets and we’ve found some good ones too, at 78 ounces, 45 ounces and a 36-ounce specimen.” Brent has been mining the southern Loddon areas since 2013, Ethan ditched work as a builder to join the local gold hunt five years ago. “We have found some good sized nuggets but not the monster one yet,” Ethan said. “We’re a smaller operation ... more hands on.” Brent and Ethan are hoping the latest Netflix series will
Hundreds put name on petition
Brent Shannon and Ethan West ... gold hunters in the Loddon. LH PHOTOS bring more people to the area, trying their luck with detectors. Brent said: “The Aussie Gold Hunters crew is following us around to capture how we make a living. “It can be tough and it’s either a feast or a famine.” Brent also says there were many areas in the Loddon that could be re-prospected. “What’s holding things up? It’s being bogged down by red tape and bureaucracy,” he said.
“If things could be made easier, it could be that that there are still some discoveries to be made in this area. “Aussie Gold Hunters is showcasing Victoria and the Loddon with the great gold heritage and an area where there continues to be gold finds. “There’s a huge potential for the modern day prospector with a metal detector, small scale miners and even big mining companies.”
$29m pipeline on track to flow next month CONSTRUCTION of the Mitiamo pipeline is running to schedule with the first water expected to flow to farms and houses next month. More than 300km of pipeline have been installed to supply Mitiamo, Tennyson and Dingee. The new pipeline will provide a yearround service to around 150 farming entities and almost 90 rural houses. More than 370 tapping points are part of the project that is estimated to reduce public and private water losses by more than 1000 ML per year. Mitiamo Pipeline Project team is in the final phases of constructing the 360km pipeline and pumping stations. The team says most sections of the
pipeline entered the testing and commission phase from last month A pump station have been constructed at the southern end of the pipeline. Landowners who accepted a tank rebate scheme offer have until June 30 to submit their final paperwork. An initial $1.1 million was invested by the State Government for the development of a pipeline business case carried out by Goulburn-Murray Water The estimated construction costs are $29 million, incorporating 360km of pipeline, a pump station and 85ML storage. State and Commonwealth Governments have invested $24.65 million with the remaining $4.3 million and ongoing costs to be met by landholders.
MORE than 500 Loddon residents have signed a petition for State Government action on the lack of childcare services in the region. Community working group member and Wedderburn College principal Danny Forrest said the group had also collected 35 impact statements from local communities. “Members of the working group are planning further engagement over the next five weeks to raise awareness of the issue and the challenges faced by rural families, businesses and employers,” Mr Forrest said. He expects more signatures to be added to the petition that has been launched by MPs Louise Staley and Peter Walsh. The working group was formed last month at a public meeting. The Loddon has just four pre-primary childcare places and these are already booked.
6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021
Come in and see our Woolly Warmer of the Week This week it’s our SHOULDER woolly warmer. Made with pure Australian wool and wheat, these therapeutic SHOULDER warmers are
great to heat in the microwave and pop over your shoulders to melt away the stress of
the day. Great for anyone who suffers from
shoulder aches and pains. You can even put them on and go to bed. Retail at $70 each. Order online at
www.woollywarmers.com.au
or in store at The Country Shop,
Godfrey Street, Boort. Ph: 5455 2354
PETER PETER WALSH WALSH
YOUR YOUR VOICE VOICE IN IN GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENT We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours Support — butour most of local all we are a businesses community. The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound on alland our lives so looking after your Small businesses need impact our help support mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times in what continues to be tough times. of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as wespend face thelocally challengesthen of theour pandemic; to www.headtohealth.gov.au If we smallgobusinesses do too, if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
keeping our communities strong. Every little bit helps. For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on We are in this together, and together we will get through.
Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au Funded by Parliamentary budget.
Isaac Ferguson and Jasper Hunter read for Mumma Silly Book Chook.
From the shadows come local student judges BRIDGEWATER Primary School’s nine students are in the shadows assessing short-listed entries in this year’s children’s book awards. They are now reading and giving their comments on six books in the running for the Children’s Book Council of Australia book of the year awards. Joining them in the judging duties are school animals, Fabio Bruce Ferguson the turkey and Mumma Silly Book Chook. Together they are reading and discussing entries in the picture book section. Books include The Unwilling Twin (Freya Blackwood), Not Cute (Philip Bunting), Norton and the Bear (Gabriel Evans) and Ellie’s Dragon (Bob Graham). Other schools on the shadow judging panel are Apollo Bay P12, Borneo Primary School, Brimbank and Newhaven College. Students from each of the schools will participate in a workshop with an author or illustrator. Bridgewater’s participation has been co-ordinated by Sue Gentry and students are excited about their role in the prestige competition. Their responses will be published on the
TURKEY STORY: Students read short-listed books with Fabio. book council’s website. Winners of awards in the five categories will be launched on the eve of Book Week 2021. The theme for this year’s celebration of children’s books is Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.
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CAMPERS at Wedderburn’s Pioneer Caravan Park will have new toilet and shower facilities from this week. Following demolition of a 50-yearold amenities block last month, the new building arrived at the park last week with sewerage and electrical connections now being completed. Caretaker Greg Williams said the old block had been kept clean but the facilities outdated. “It was built back in 1970s so it had served well,” he said. Ambulant toilets and showers are part of the new facilities that also include a kitchen and laundry.
Aged care training THE State Government has announced a boost in training for aged care staff to help them recognise the signs of elder abuse, and step in to stop it. Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan said a new training
IN BRIEF program would assist aged care staff to recognise and respond to elder abuse in residential aged care. The resources were developed by the Victorian Healthcare Association through funding of $215,950 and include four video training modules with information, scenarios and recommended actions relevant to residential aged care.
Debut novel talk AUTHOR TANIA Farrelly will visit Boort and Dingee libraries next month to talk about her debut novel The Eighth Wonder, set in late 19th century New York.
Branches down MINOR damage was reported across the Loddon in last week’s strong winds. Some trees were toppled in the storm and more than 25mm of rain recorded in most areas.
Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021 | 7
Key insights shaping biosecurity future NEW insights into Victoria’s biosecurity will help shape and strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity system. Agriculture Victoria has released reports on findings from the Strengthening Victoria’s Biosecurity System survey and interviews. Biosecurity services executive director Katherine Clift said the survey and interviews were a great way to get an understanding of Victorians’ insights into biosecurity and how people can make improvements. There were more than 1400 responses to the online survey and 114 one-on-one interviews, which sought to gather insights on knowledge and perceptions of biosecurity, and what factors influence people’s decision making when it comes to biosecurity issues. The results showed the shared
responsibility existing in our biosecurity system, with the important role community and industry are already playing. Opportunities for improvement included strengthening relationships to collectively manage biosecurity risks and preparedness and use of citizen science. “Biosecurity is integral to the way we live – on farms, in backyards, in business, at home and out and about,” Dr Clift said. “Biosecurity is fundamental to the health, wellbeing and prosperity of all Victorians. “We all need to play our part in managing and mitigating the impact of pests and diseases in our agriculture and environment.” Exotic pests and diseases can threaten the state’s agricultural sector, environment, cultural, horticulture and animal industries and potentially harm hu-
man health. Strong and healthy biosecurity system also benefits and protects other areas of the economy and environment including tourism, recreation, forestry, marine and water supply sectors. This work will build on Victoria’s strong biosecurity track record. Only last year, Victoria successfully responded to and eradicated high pathogenic avian influenza from domestic poultry as part of the largest ever outbreak on record for Australia in 2020. Currently, Agriculture Victoria and the Victorian Fisheries Authority are diligently responding to an outbreak of abalone viral ganglioneuritis in the state’s south-west with the support of industry. Agriculture Victoria will use these insights to inform future engagement including work-
shops with key stakeholders. Agriculture Victoria will then reflect on this feedback and take the time to determine the best path going forward, and what actions should government take to address community concerns. “I look forward to scoping out the next steps of how we can shape and strengthen our biosecurity system in Victoria, ensuring our agricultural prosperity, animal welfare, food supply and environment,” Dr Clift said. The survey and interview are part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity system. This work also aligns with the recently released Strategy for Agriculture in Victoria to protect and enhance the future of agriculture by ensuring it’s well placed to respond to climate change, pests, weeds, disease and increased resource scarcity.
Tracing underpins top reputation THE National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia’s system for the identification and tracking of cattle, sheep and goats for food safety, disease control, animal welfare and market access purposes. Traceability of our livestock underpins Victoria’s reputation for quality and provides customers with increased confidence in the safety and origin of Victorian products, protecting and enhancing market access. Recording of property-toproperty (P2P) livestock movements is a vital part of lifetime traceability. When cattle, sheep or goats are transferred between properties with two different property identification codes, including livestock arriving on agistment or those sold via online selling
platforms, it is the responsibility of the buyer/receiver of the stock to notify the NLIS database by conducting a transfer on the database. The buyer/receiver may engage someone else to notify the database on their behalf including the person who dispatched the livestock or a stock agent. The database transfer must be completed within two days of the stocks arrival. Producers with more than one property within the same or neighbouring shire may consider linking their properties under a single PIC if they are managed as a single entity. This would remove the need to record cattle movements between these properties. When livestock are bought or sold through a saleyard, cat-
WOOL MARKET THE Australian wool market has recorded strong increases last week, with every sector posting rises. With only two centres in operation (Melbourne and Sydney) the national offering reduced to 36,288 bales. The smaller selection attracted strong buyer demand and from the outset it was apparent that price rises were on the cards. Prices opened strongly and then slowly but noticeably increased as the series progressed. The finer merino fleece types again received the most attention and as a result recorded the largest increases. The individual Merino Price Guides (MPGs) for 18.0 micron and finer rose by 73 to 115 cents. The 18.5 micron and coarser fleece MPGs added between 18 and 75 cents for the series. These gains, combined with positive movements in all other areas, helped to push the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) up by 50 cents, this was the largest weekly rise in the EMI since January. The EMI has now risen for four consecutive weeks and closed the series at 1,393 cents. The last time the EMI was at a higher point was back in March last year. The skirtings followed a similar path to the fleece, general gains of between 40 and 90 cents were experienced, again 18.0 micron and finer most affected. After suffering overall falls for the previous two months, all crossbreds recorded rises last week on the back of solid demand. The MPGs added between 7 and 26 cents, the 25 cent rise in the 32.0 micron MPG in the South was the largest increase in percentage terms for the series (+11.7%). All four sectors of the market (Merino fleece, skirtings, oddments and crossbred fleece) recorded rises.
- Elders Wool Market Report
gRAin pRicEs
tle scale operator, public auction conducted on-farm or sold directly to an abattoir, it is the responsibility of the person op-
erating the business to notify the database. Dr Jeff Cave, district veterinary officer, Agriculture Victoria
BOORT District Grain Co-operastives prices as at Tuesday. WHEAT - HL1 $294. HL2 $294. APW1 $294. ASW $294. All prices FOT (seller pays receival/outturn). BARLEY - PL1 $237. SP1 $237. BAR1 $237. OILSEEDS/PULES - FABA1 $366, FAB $356. FOT
8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021
FEATURES OPINION | QUIZ
Reversing the trend
AS LONG as I have been a Loddon Shire councillor the overarching goal of council has been to first arrest and then reverse the shire’s long-term population decline. Whenever a key strategic policy initiative is being discussed my main consideration has always been the effect of the policy decision on the shire’s population growth. This goal has been challenging since it defies the population trends of small towns across Australia, unless they have some special attribute such as being a tourist destination. In my home town of Wedderburn, the population at the 2016 census is listed as 946. An article that appeared in the 1930 Victoria Police Gazette states that Wedderburn had a population of 2500, “adequately serviced by one constable and a bicycle”. The drift has been to capital cities and regional centres driven largely by the availability of employment. There has been no better example of this than our own small town of Korong Vale. Prior to the Victorian Railways rationalising its assets and leaving the town in the mid 1980s, with the jobs going with them, Korong Vale had a hotel, general store, café, bank, post office, bakery, police station, butchers shop, clothing store, garage, football and netball clubs and a full refreshment dining room at the railway station. Now only the pub remains. It is absolutely essential that we retain a sufficient customer base, both locals and visitors, so that businesses and other service providers are viable and can continue to provide the basic services that the populace requires. Otherwise our towns are doomed, and all the pleasures and advantages of living in a country town are gone with them. So, how to do this? The response of most people is that the Shire Council should be attracting businesses and so
PERSPECTIVE people to our communities. Easier said than done. Just what businesses should we be attracting and how? Our experience has been that businesses find us, we do not find them. When they do want to come we need to be in a position to assist them to the extent that is possible within Loddon Shire’s very limited resources. The council has a rate revenue of only $10 million and an expensive community to service with a small population of 7500 people, numerous small towns requiring duplication of facilities and a big area of 6500 square kilometres. If the municipal district of the City of Melbourne had the same population density as Loddon Shire there would be 41 people living there. Some examples of our service challenges include that we have 4720 kilometres of our own roads to maintain which is enough to take you from Melbourne to Perth and a third of the way to Darwin. We have five swimming pools that cost the ratepayers upwards of $20 every time someone uses them and over 20 public halls that have existed since the horse and buggy days. Our approach at Loddon Shire in addressing population decline has basically focused on two courses of action. First, it has been essential that we get our land use planning right. Basically our goal has been to protect our best farming land while opening up suitably situated areas of land for rural lifestyle living. We attempted convert 20,000 hectares of land to the rural living zone and eventually received government permission to convert 3000 hectares. We are now seeing the benefit of this as demand for small rural blocks on which you can build has gone through the roof. Second, we have continually improved the presentation of our towns to make
them more attractive places to live and visit. We have excellent sporting facilities, multi-purpose community centres, well presented streets, beautiful open public spaces etc. This is expensive work, but it is having an effect. Just take a look at Wedderburn today and compare it with how it was 20 years ago. You only have to take the comments of former locals who return to the town or read the perspective of Melanie Tanner in last week’s Loddon Herald. So how are we going in the population stakes? At every census since Loddon Shire was formed in 1995 its population had declined. This trend had been occurring for decades. That was until 2016 when there was a small turnaround in our population from 7546 in 2011 to 7558 in 2016. Small but significant in context. We very much look forward to the 2021 census. We are very optimistic. Observations would suggest that our main towns have turned the corner. Our smaller towns are more problematic. The biggest single issue constraining their growth is that they are not sewered and there are challenges in building a house on a smaller allotment because of issues with septic tanks and effluent treatment. Council has nominated Newbridge as a potential growth area because of its excellent location, but it has no reticulated potable water supply or sewerage system. We have to commence a thoughtful conversation with these communities regarding their expectations and their levels of service.
* Cr Gavan Holt is the Wedderburn Ward member of Loddon Shire Council.
READER COMMENTS FARM BIOSECURITY CONCERNS OVER LICENSED LAND ACCESS Beryl Peters: Campers, fishermen, sportsmen support local business in the shire (small towns), as the roads close so do the business, because the farming community did not provided enough support for the small town businesses. Bill Woodsman: About time this happened, for too long the roads have been blocked off to restrict fisherman and campers, some roads are blocked and the
1. How many medals did Australia win in the 2016 Olympics? 2. Who was the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup? 3. Where is the Australian Open tennis tournament held? 4. When did Melbourne host the Summer Olympics? 5. What is the most popular sport in Australia? 6. What is the largest stadium in Australia? 7. What does AFL stand for? 8. Who was the first Aborigine to compete in the Olympics? 9. Who’s Australia’s most successful Olympian? 10. How many times did Australia win the Rugby World Cup? 11. In what type of matter are atoms most tightly packed? 12. What is the hottest planet in the solar system? 13. What is the opposite of matter? 14. Which of Newton’s Laws states that ‘for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction? 15. In 2004, what was discovered on the island of Flores in Indonesia? 16. What is the nearest planet to the sun? 17. What color is your blood when it’s inside your body? 18. Is Pluto a planet? 19. What is a duel between three people called? 20. In the US state of Georgia, it’s illegal to eat what with a fork? ANSWERS
farmer does NOT even lease the road, they have just closed it off to the public. Well done to the advocator of this movement as the rivers and streams belong to us all.
LATEST EDITION OF LODDON HERALD Debra Sealey: I like your paper. Very relevant, unlike others. Leonie Baker: Good read, look forward to it to catch up on local news
GEOFF’S TOP PRICE FOR ‘PONY’ LAMBS Cam Rioli: Start sending them to Flemington I reckon!
* From the Loddon Herald Facebook page LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: We welcome reader letters. Preference will be given to letters or 300 words or less. Contact details are required for verification only and name for publication. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com.
1. 29 medals. 2 Michelle Payne (2015). 3 Melbourne. 4.1956. 5. Cricket. 6. Melbourne Cricket Ground. 7. Australian Football League. 8. Cathy Freeman. She won a gold medal in the 400 metres at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. 9. Ian Thorpe (9 medals). 10. Twice (1991 and 1999). 11. Solids. 12. Venus, with a temperature of 460 ° C. 13. Antimatter. 14. The third law of motion. 15. Remains of a hobbit-sized human. 16. Mercury. 17. Red, the blood contains hemoglobin, which is a red protein. 18. Not anymore; it is a dwarf planet. 19. A truel. 20. Fried chicken.
By Cr GAVAN HOLT *
Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021 | 9
FEATURES
FINAL COUNTDOWN Phil leaves with high optimism for Loddon future
LODDON towns could be poised for a renaissance with new challenges for the region. Negotiating the State Government’s rate cap will not cover natural growth. But increasing the shire council’s rate base will grow the council’s ability to provide services. They are the “cystal ball” thoughts of Phil Pinyon as he reflects of five years as the shire’s chief executive officer and a career in local government spanning five decades. In a fortnight, Phil will close that career and for now, enjoy time travelling Australia before international borders re-open and flights overseas are again possible. He’s also reflecting on the collaborations with staff and stakeholders that have delivered improvements for Loddon towns since he took up the role here after stints in just about every state and territory over 25 years. Phil’s first two decades were in local government with Payneham council in Adelaide, a job he fell into after attending a school career night. “My father was a councillor and I thought I would give it a crack,” Phil said. Rounding up horses, inspecting buildings, collecting rates and overseeing elections saw him become versed “in the whole ambit of local government”, study for his MBA and ready to move around the country. That broad training and experience gives him some confidence about the future of Loddon
PHIL PINYON: You get a buzz seeing things get off the ground. LH PHOTO towns, real estate sales pointing to that possible renaissance, COVID generating an appetite for remote working among people and pleased to have experienced what he describes as the refreshing ways of local government in Victoria, “Victorian local government works very well. There’s great collaboration with other councils ... there’s a whole lot of networks that make it even more rewarding,” Phil said. “We are dealing with issues that we have in common and
I think we have been making headway.” Phil said the characteristics of the Loddon - a dispersed population with no urban centre more than 1000 people - had been a challenge. “This makes it more difficult to work on service delivery ... more expensive and the distances travelled, for example waste disposal, are quite large,” he said. “The overarching challenge is to stem the decline in population which has characterised Loddon for many hears. The last census
showed population numbers have been stabalised. “We need to work on the opportunities we have, particularly where there are synergies with Bendigo as the regional capital, to get benefits of a strong relationship with Bendigo.” Phil says Bridgewater and Inglewood were well within the Bendigo catchment and offered the alternative lifestyle of a rural setting. “And Newbridge too ... if we could get water and sewerage sorted out,” he said.
Business cases have been done for the proposed Newbridge projects and, emphasising again the theme of collaboration and teamwork, Phil says council has been advocating the need for water and sewerage in Newbridge to members of Parliament. “And then we have the challenge of connectivity for mobile and internet that became more apparent during lockdown times,” he said. “And road networks too. We’ve been fortunate with funding received for the roads we maintain ... Regional Roads Victoria is challenged in maintaining their roads that are important for freight and distribution.” These are among projects Phil will leave with the next Loddon team to bring to fruition. “The essence of any work in council is that it is collaborative,” he said, pointing out that some achieved during his five years with Loddon started much earlier. “Some projects can have a long gestation period. The southern water pipeline was a gamechanger for rural communities ... I wasn’t here to get it moving but I was for the implementation. “I’ve been part of the team in preparing for redevelopment of Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park that the new team will implement. “You get a buzz seeing things get off the ground.” Phil does, however, see some challenges in smaller towns that are battling to maintain viability. “And climate change ... councils are now required (by law) to take that into account in their planning,” he said, praising the Loddon’s farmers as unsung leaders in adaptive land practices. Phil’s final day in local government is July 3. “Your job is intrinsically part of who you are. I have really enjoyed my time in local government. There have been ups and downs but the vast majority have been ups,” Phil said.
FOUND HIDING UNDER A CUPBOARD BIANCA Rothacker, of Bridgewater Nursery, was doing some tidying during the recent COVID lockdown and found this photograph of the town’s football side under a cupboard. The photo is from 1945, a premiership year for the club. Bridgewater won Loddon Valley league flags in 1938 and 1939 before playing the 1940 season in the Bendigo-based Golden City league. When football resumed in 1945, Bridgewater returned to Loddon Valley. Do you recognise anyone in the photo? Let us know loddonherald@ gmail.com
10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021
Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS Deadline - Tuesdays 4pm - Phone 0419 549 743 or email loddonherald@gmail.com RETURN THANKS
EMPLOYMENT
BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES Thank you to everyone who made Lesley ‘Fitty’ Morrison’s farewell a day that we will never forget. Jaspa, Olivia, Lucy and I are so grateful for the effort everyone put in to paint the town pink and brave the cold and line the streets to honour Lesley. A lot of tears were shed as we worked our way from the church, through Inglewood and on to St Arnaud. It truly was a touching tribute. Long live the small town community spirit, we are forever grateful. Scott
IVAN SMITH Olive and family would like to thank everyone who sent flowers and rang with messages of love and support on the passing of Ivan. A big thank you to staff at Boort District Health for their care of Ivan over the past 3½ years. Olive, Julie, Geoff, Deborah, Rhonda and Tania
PUBLIC NOTICES
Louise STALEY MP
Careers at Loddon Shire Loddon Shire has a proactive and enthusiastic workforce of approximately 200 employees. The Council is the largest employer in the municipality providing a broad range of services to the community. Loddon is now seeking applications for the following position from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a difference and help shape our future.
Mechanic – Workshop and Field Service – ref. J/97 □ Full-time permanent role with a fortnightly rostered day off □ Classification – Mechanic – Workshop Field Service Tradesman – on commencement - $35.70 per hour plus employer superannuation Applications for this position Monday 28 June 2021 at 5:00pm.
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For further information in regard to this position 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.
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Take two: Loddon Derby headlines play return THREE weeks after Lockdown 4.0 interrupted the North Central League season, matches are marked for a return this weekend. And it will be case of where the season left off with league officials transferring the aborted round seven, including the Loddon Derby, to Saturday. The only real uncertainty hanging over matches is whether they will be for two or four premiership points. The league has said that until Melbourne-based players can line up in the country, any win will be worth just the two points. Wedderburn will go into Saturday’s football clash against Boort the favourites. But the improving Magpies should have close to a full list for selection
consideration after a horror run of injuries in earlier rounds. At strength Boort will be equipped to push the Redbacks who have firepower around the ground, the real challenge being goal face accuracy and four quarters of consistent football. The Loddon Derby was equal, if not greater interest, in A Grade netball where the two teams sit one and two. The Magpies will be favourite in this clash but with the top two teams on court, a result either way will be no surprise.
FOOTBALL SELECTIONS Charlton v Birchip Watchem St Arnaud v Donald Wedderburn Redbacks v Boort WycheproofNarraport v Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers
Loddon HERALD Thursday June 17, 2021 | 11
SPORT
Dogs ‘star’ in road safety campaign PYRAMID Hill Football Club has been featured in this year’s Road Safety Awareness Week campaign by Good Sports. Here’s what they had to say: There’s a little bit of magic going on in Pyramid Hill. Hard to put a finger on exactly what it is, but it seems to be coming from the local football and netball club. Social media manager Lauren Driscoll says the small rural community of about 450 in Victoria’s mid-north is blessed with a special kind of loyalty, drawing its members back to play years after they have left the town. “We have a very loyal local base that’s just drawn to keep coming home,” says Lauren. “There’s a real shared connection, a pride in coming to-
gether every week for years on end.” Many of its members have moved to Bendigo for study or work, so the Pyramid Hill Football Netball Club works hard to reward that loyalty. To attract players in a competitive recruitment area and keep them safe when they travel, these two missions come together to create one vision.
MISSION That mission around member loyalty and safety was right at the heart of the Good Sports club’s decision to buy their own 30-seater bus to safely take players to practice, games and club events. At $15,000 it was a big investment. So, the club’s die-hard fund-
JUNIORS IN ACTION: Gracie Noonan (above) and Ruby Scolari (right) were on court for Inglewood in junior netball matches against Marong on Saturday. The Blues’ under 13s played a draw while the under 17s went down by 26-36. LH PHOTOS
Border woes ground Zac TRAVEL uncertainty last week ended Wedderburn motoryclist Zac Slide’s hopes of competing in the Finke Desert Race at Alice Springs over the weekend. Zac had prepared for the event, billed as Australia’s ultimate desert race, but was initially forced to withdraw early last week when the Northern Territory had listed Victoria as a COVID red zone. But when borders were opened for regional Victorians on Thursday, the Wedderburn College student was unable to have his entry reinstated with his original spot being taken by a wait-list competitor. Zac had entered class five of the Finke for riders for four-stroke motorcycles between 251cc and 450cc.
BOARD BACK ON WALL DARTS competition has resumed at Pyramid Hill’s Victoria Hotel after the relaxation of COVID restrictions. Last week’s competition saw 10 players in action with Steve Roberts winning in a playoff with Rob Peters and Cathy Brodie. Meanwhile, Loddon Darts Association is hopeful the 2021 Gold Fossickers Cup will proceed next month in Wedderburn.
raising demons went to work – and it paid off. “It’s been worth its weight in gold,” says Lauren. For large events, like the annual ball, the club hires a full-size coach as well. They also hire trained bar and security staff for major functions, and work closely with the local police. “The local policeman even attended the club ball. I think that’s really great, not just to have their presence but for new members to know it’s about working in with the local authorities to make sure we’re doing the right thing.” Once the festivities are over and the bus has headed home, the town’s one hotel offers affordable accommodation for happy lingerers who don’t have a friend’s spare bed or
sofa to sleep on. “It’s at the forefront of all our club messaging. “Every function, like when the best players are read out, those sorts of positive messages are communicated not just around safe transport, but around behaviour. Messages that we want to instil for the health and wellbeing of our members.
TRANSPORT “Rural areas, like Pyramid Hill, are over-represented in the road toll, says Lauren. “And I think as a football and netball club, we’re a really effective vehicle for promoting that safe transport message.” “I think every football and netball club is a leader in their community, regardless of whether you’re rural or in the
city. And it’s important that you take responsibility for the influence on outcomes you can have – positive or negative.” Safe transport options are clearly promoted at games and on social media, and the club is fully behind the TAC Towards Zero campaign. There’s a picture of the senior footy team on the club’s Facebook page with a TAC message that really hits home for Lauren: It says: “There is no one that someone won’t miss.” “And when it’s a picture in front of you,” says Lauren, “I’m looking at guys I went to school with, my husband, friends, family. “We’re bringing it home that this is our community, take responsibility.”
Loddon HERALD
KANE’S ABLE BEST
ANDREW Kane has taken the early lead in Boort Golf Club’s championship with his best-ever score.
Kane shot a 67 nett on Saturday in the opening round. He won Saturday’s play from the improving Damien Lanyon who finished with a nett 69. The first round of the men’s championship marked a return to competition for Boort golfers are COVID lockdowns. A solid field of 15 players battled it out in excellent windless conditions which meant two grades were contested. In B Grade play, the experienced Ray Taylor headed the list with his nett 69, seven shots clear of his nearest rival. The winners in the ball run were all then the next best scores in Agrade: Alister McDougal on 71 and Kevin Linehan and Shayne Morris on 74, both edging out the luckless Tim Lanyon on a countback. In the nearest-the-pins, Andrew Kane and Damien Lanyon picked up one each while David Hellsten scored the 15th and Stuart Tweddle claimed two of his own. Shayne Morris hit his tee shot
onto the green of the tough par three 1st. But the biggest win of the day was reserved for Damien Lanyon, claiming the eagles’ nest with a fabulous three on the par five 16th hole. In the club championships, Kane has opened up a 13-shot lead from Stuart in A Grade (handicaps of nine and under), while Damien is five shots clear of Alister McDougal in B Grade (handicaps of 10 or more). In the Weaver Cup, Kane and Lanyon top the table, but if they win their grade championships, it’s Ray Taylor who is sitting two clear of Alister, with Kevin, Shayne and Tim a further three back.
sport
Thursday June 17, 2021
ONE-GAME WEEKEND: Inglewood played Marong in the only Loddon Valley under 18 football game at the weekend where Jackson Luckman was in the thick of play around the ground for the Blues. LH PHOTO
Crowds likely key in return to play LODDON Valley’s football and netball this weekend remain up in the air as league officials sweat on latest COVID restriction announcements from the State Government. League president Simon Tuohey said the board continued to work with clubs. No indication of decisions on this week’s scheduled games
has been given, the league having missed the last three weeks. While junior sport is allowed, not all matches proceeded last weekend and the Pyramid HillBridgewater netball games were played Thursday night. A statement from the league late last week announced cancellation of the round deferred to the Queen’s Birthday week-
end. “No points will be awarded for any round eight competition matches in the senior football and netball grades,” it said “Loddon Valley Football Netball League is about our community. “Without timely and clear direction from the State Government and limited crowd capacities, clubs deemed it not viable
to proceed with round eight senior matches.” Loddon Valley last month has adopted the AFL Victoria COVID Functional Framework that says if between four and six consecutive rounds are abandoned, the season shall recommence at the next scheduled round following a minimum seven-day training period.