THE State Government has backed away from its promise to improve mobile phone connectivity in southern Loddon districts.
The bombshell revelation came on Monday night when more than 60 people filled the Newbridge hall to vent their blackspot frustration.
Better mobile phone coverage for Newbridge had been promised in 2022 with the Government committing to finishing work by next year.
But Jarrah Storey, office manager for Ripon MP Martha Haylett, read a statement to Monday’s meeting that said: “Based on recently updated analysis, I am now advised ... projects will not provide the direct mobile improvements we anticipated.”
Ms Haylett’s statement said that completed projects at Bill Hill, near Kangaroo Flat and Wilsons Hill and a proposed Marong tower had initially been expected to “bring improved connectivity to Newbridge”.
Ms Haylett’s statement said she had raised concerns with the State and Federal Governments. “I will continue to fight
for better mobile reception across the Loddon Shire, especially from the Federal Government.”
She did not say whether there would be a push for funding under the State Government’s Connecting Victoria Program or to find the cash from phone blackspot grant pots.
Ms Haylett has been asked for details on the analysis that has seen Newbridge drop out of the State Government’s better mobile service promise.
Telstra took the brunt of criticism at the meeting organised by Newbridge, Arnold and Llanelly community plan committee and also attended by people from nearby Laanecoorie.
They questioned regional manager Kamini Kumaran on plans for a mobile tower in the
district after she told the meeting there was a two-year lag from funding being received to completion of new towers.
She said: “We definitely need co-funding for a tower ... the biggest challenge is funding and then it (can take) up to two years.”
Ms Kumaran said Telstra was not solely responsible for funding and “we haven’t decided on a location. We have to confirm funding before location”.
Andrew Simpson told the meeting: “If you (Telstra) don’t do the work in the community, it would be a disaster.”
Ms Kumaran was challenged by one farmer who said: “Why do you require co-funding to support your business. Why don’t you invest in your own business like the rest of us.”
The farmer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said part of Telstra’s $6 billion revenue should be used in country investment and suggested a “small surcharge” on Melbourne customers to ensure rural users had the same level of connectivity.
Ms Kumaran and NBN regional development and engagement manager Chris Rowlands also meet locals during pop-up sessions on Tuesday.
successes, Kelly was back with the team of volunteers making sure the event ran like clockwork and Alisha headed for fun times in sideshow alley.
both collected most outstanding exhibit rosettes for their baking.
While they were winners in the eyes of judges who had taste-tested hundreds of entries on display in a pavilion packed with cooking, craft, photography and floral exhibits, Alisha said her hedgehog was better than Mum’s.!
After viewing their pavilion
Show society president Madeleine Scott praised the volunteers who had ensured a successful running of the Loddon Shire’s only agricultural show.
“Everyone has been fantastic and the day a huge success. It’s been great to see more young people part of organising the day ... the ute show has been a fantastic addition,” she said.
Full report, pictures PAGES 12 & 13
Kamini Kumaran
Alisha and Kelly Henderson ... champions from the kitchen. LH PHOTO
Loddon HERALD
Free every Thursday
Circulating in the communities and districts of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee,
Honours for your newspaper
THE Loddon Herald has received major accolades in the 2024 Rural Press Club of Victoria awards for sharing your local stories.
The awards were entered by 68 media outlets from across Victoria with newspaper editors, journalists and photographers attending Friday’s dinner at Bendigo Town Hall.
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Phone 0419549743
Email loddonherald@gmail.com
Web www.loddonherald.com.au
Post PO Box 1188 Kangaroo Flat 3555
WEEKEND FORECAST
The Loddon Herald was awarded the best sports story for it special report into a season of fizzle for summer sport that saw many cricket and tennis matches forfeited amid concern for the future of the Upper Loddon Cricket Association.
The articles looked at increasing demands of football impacting commitment of players to summer sports and explored possible solutions to reinvigorate local competitions.
Managing editor Chris Earl, in accepting the award, said sport was the heartbeat of rural communities and the special report had set out to put a spotlight on summer sport challenges and give a voice to players looking to create a more vibrant future.
He was highly commended (runner-up) in the journalist of the year and commended in the breaking news category for reporting of the Christmas Day and summer storms across Loddon communities and community champion journalist section for articles that included child care and Calder Highway town speed limits.
For a third year, the Loddon Herald was a finalist in the prestigious media outlet of the year category. The 2024 award went to the Warrnambool Standard
with the Ballarat Courier highly commended and the Loddon Herald commended.
Mr Earl said: “The sharing of local stories every week is the greatest award for the Loddon Herald and it is thanks to the greatest resource we have - the people in our communities.
“In this year’s Rural Press Club of Victoria awards, we were finalists in five categories - the most of any media outlet - that says something about our communities and their stories that we have the honour to print,” he said.
IN
BRIEF
Wind gathering
SPANISH-OWNED Acciona Energia will extend their pitch to farmers north of Boort tomorrow night as they seek to advance plans for wind farms in the area. Local farmers have been invited to a barbecue at Barraport-Gredgwin CFA and have been told the company “greatly appreciate(s) your time and allowing us to discuss a potential wind farm development on your lands”. “Our business model is to develop, build, own and operate projects for their entire life– so community is at the forefront of everything we do,” the company said in its invitation.
Day to bloom
FIVE private properties will open their gates for Sunday’s annual Wedderburn Open Gardens. Organised by Wedderburn Community House, visits to the cemetery gardens, Soldiers’ Memorial Park and taking a self-guided Bird’s Eye View mural tour are also on this Sunday’s program.
Building update
STAGE 2 building works and outdoor court projects at East Loddon P12 College are progressing well, said principal Steve Leed. ”A great deal of cladding, plasterwork, pathways and even paintng has taken place over the holiday period and we are at an exciting time.”
Loddon HERALD sport
Loddon Herald managing editor Chris Earl at Friday’s Rural Press Club of Victoria dinner
The award-winning report
Will makes national bid
WILL Holt has won the 2024 Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association young auctioneer’s Victorian final.
The McKean McGregor stock agent from Wedderburn took state honours at Mortlake on Monday.
He will represent Victoria in the national final at Sydney’s Royal Show next Easter.
Will, who also made the Victorian final last year, was one of seven to contest the Victorian segment of Southern Young Auctioneers’ Competition.
He had used the recent Kamarooka Park Merino Stud’s ram sale and Len Polkinghorne’s CWS white Suffolk stud auction where 170 sheep went under the hammer at Paradise as preparation.
“The sales for Erroll Hay and Len were great warm-ups for the state final in Mortlake,” Will said.
“These on-property auctions and the weekly sheep and lamb markets in Bendigo are great for
working with local farmers right across the region.”
That experience was put to the test in Mortlake where finalists were judged across three auctions - the first selling two bullocks and then two rounds selling trade grain-fed cattle.
“The final was pretty intense. It was great to take out the top award and become Victoria’s representative in the national final,” Will said.
“Between now and next Easter, I’ll keep selling sheep and cattle and continue to practise auctioneering skills, always aiming to get the best prices for farmers.”
ALPA chief executive officer Peter Baldwin emphasised the importance of these competitions in nurturing young talent.
“The philosophy behind the competitions is to elevate young auctioneers, equipping them with the skills to succeed in this vital profession,” Mr Baldwin said this week.
Leach named next CFA boss
GREG Leach will become chief executive officer of the Country Fire Authority next month.
The former Rheola brigade volunteer who became a professional firefighter in 1988 is currently chief executive of the State Emergency Service.
He returned to Victoria a year ago to take up the SES role after four years as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services commissioner.
CFA board chair Jo Plummer said: “I know that Greg is very excited by the prospect of returning to CFA to continue the ongoing program of work to ensure CFA is a great place to volunteer and work, and a contemporary, progressive emergency service.”
Mr Leach is also a current member of the board of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Council.
IN BRIEF
Unearthed at hotel
FOLK rock duo Ally Row will be stopping at the Wedderburn Hotel tonight. The Gippsland based performers, Alice Fitzgerald and Rowan Sizer, who won the Triple J unearthed NYE on the Hill competition in 2023 will play Wedderburn Hotel before appearing at the Patchewollock Music Festival.
Shitbox Rally
HUNDREDS of drivers in vehicles worth less than $1000 will head up the Loddon Valley Highway Saturday at the start of the annual Shitbox Rally that will end at Belyando Crossing, Queensland next Thursday. The 2509 vehicles will start from Bendigo at 8.30am on the leg of the tour raising money for ther Cancer Council.
No roads on list
NO SECTIONS of highways or roads in the Loddon Shire have been included in the list of works planned in the State Government’s $964 million “road maintenance blitz” announced this week.
Third time lucky MOBILE phone tower upgrades at Inglewood have started this week, a fortnight later than planned. “The delay was due to a complex technical issue on the transmission network that needed to be sorted before the new work could be started,” Telstra said.
State winner Will Holt and runner-up Declan Haines. ALPA photo
Check in with yourself and others around you. Know the signs of fatigue, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/farmfatigue
It’s never you, until it is.
Three times a teacher and life with young
BETTY Higgs shared stories of her life with more than 50 people at the Holy Trinity Church in Bridgewater on Tuesday.
“I feel very privileged to be here,” the Arnold nonegarian told the crowd as she began to reminisce. She said that after completing studies at Sydney Teachers’ College, her journey as a teacher started in the Riverina town of Walla Walla.
Much to her disappointment she was forced to retire when she married three years later, a rule she is glad no longer exists for women.
After the rules of the 1950s were dropped, and Betty was able to teach again. She surprised her husband Cam when he returned from a fishing trip with the news that she had accepted a teaching job in Bridgewater and had also gained her driver’s licence.
Betty taught grades prep and one at the Bridgewater Primary School and remembers all her students fondly, many who are still
By RUBY HYLAND
local to the Loddon Shire, including Ergo and Mane salon owner Amanda Goodwin who now does her former teacher’s hair.
After more than 15 years of teaching Betty retired for the second time, but this time, on her terms in 1993. After two years of retirement, Betty wanted to give back to the community and signed up for the Volunteers for Isolated Student Education program.
This program took her and her husband all over Australia - Cam worked on the sheep stations while Betty taught the children.
She taught two missionary children in Oenpelli, Northern Territory, now known as Gunbalanya, Katie and Jack.
Betty said teaching in the Northern Territory was different to Bridgewater but she felt privileged to have been able to experience both.
Oenpelli had green frogs in the toilets and completed schoolwork had to be mailed back to the program to be marked while the remote location had Betty riding a bicycle to work. Despite this, Betty remarked that it was an interesting placement, and she enjoyed it.
After Betty retired from teaching for the third and final time, she took up golf.
“I was very privileged to have travelled the Nullabor for golf,” Betty said. With two of her daughters Sonya and Tammy and grand-daughter Tess, she completed the course across April and May in 2018 to celebrate her 90th birthday.
The remote course had them using bottle tops to tee off with and “some not quite five-star accommodation”, said Sonya.
Betty told Tuesday’s gathering she was grateful for life’s experiences and felt privileged to have been able educate so many young minds.
Highway crash disruptions
CALDER Highway traffic was halted twice in 24 hours last week.
Drivers of light freight vehicles in a head-on smash near the Bul-a-Bul Creek were treated at the scene by ambulance officers on Thursday as police diverted traffic between Bridgewater and Inglewood for three hours.
The smash happened about midday.
Sgt Ben Huisman said police
investigations into the crash were continuing.
And on Friday morning, a V/ Line vehicle dragged a parked 4WD about 10 metres after hooking into the bullbar.
Owners of the 4WD, Les and Sarah Carless, had just finished coffee with friends and headed to the IGA supermarket when they received a phone call.
“Our vehicle was hooked and dragged up onto the footpath,” he said. There was minor damage.
Elections will be held for Inglewood Ward and Tarnagulla Ward in Loddon Shire Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material were mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
How to return your ballot pack
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to:
37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August.
This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.
If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm Friday 25 October.
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Sue Brown, Betty Higgs, Sonya Linehan, Marlene Day and Margaret Erwin at Tuesday’s talk. LH PHOTO
Senior Constable Denis Farrell at the Bul-a-Bul Creek crash scene. LH PHOTO
Les and Sarah Carless in Brooke Street. LH PHOTO
Names of legends emblazoned on brigade’s trucks
TWO legends of the Inglewood Fire Brigade were given special honours when volunteers celebrated 160 years of service on Saturday night.
Former captain Brian Rodwell and retired lieutenant Joe Watts saw the brigade’s two trucks named Roddy and Wattsy.
The unveiling of truck names came at the start of an evening where centuries of service by current brigade members was marked with the presentation of service medals.
Mr Rodwell and Mr Watts received 40 and 50-year medals and also cut the birthday cake.
And there was a third honour for the veteran pair. The “Twinks” Lyndon award, not presented since before COVID was given to Mr Rodwell for 2020 and Mr Watts for 2021.
Mr Lyndon, who had served as captain during his illustrious career with the brigade, died last year. His widow Patsy presented his framed CFA medals to current captain and son-in-law Andrew Smith during the anniversary dinner at Inglewood Golf Club.
Mr Smith, who received a 15year medal, also announced Elissa Wilson as the 2022 Lyndon award recipient, David Dowler
for 2023 and current secretary Sharon Williams for this year.
Mr Dowler passed away suddenly last year and the award, along with a 30-year medal was accepted by his family.
Service awards ranged from five-year certificates to a 50year medal presented to Geoff Wilson.
Members of Loddon South group brigades joined Inglewood members and CFA representatives, including board member Beth Davidson at the dinner.
Mr Smith spoke of the brigade’s history: “In 1861, it was
suggested the town should form a fire brigade. It was not until November 1862, however, that a meeting was held at the Royal Hotel and it was decided that a book be placed there for people interested in becoming members of the brigade to put their names in.
“By December 1862, the book had 36 names – about the same number of members as we have today.
“Unfortunately, the very next day, almost the entire town was burnt to the ground
“Eventually the Inglewood fire brigade was formed on May 18, 1864”
Mrs Davidson said community safety was her passion and thanked brigade volunteers for their service since 1864.
She said that while the CFA had an increasingly tight budget, the aim was to have resources in the field to support volunteers.
“The CFA is the largest volunteer firefighting agency in the world,” she said.
Mrs Davidson spoke of her connection to the area with her great-great-grandfather in Inglewood in the early 1860s, a few years before the brigade was formed, moving to the Kingower and Kurting districts.
Beth Davidson
Brigade captain Andrew Smith and Patsy Lyndon. LH PHOTOS
John Wright and Geoff Wilson
Sharon Williams
Joe Watts
Brian Rodwell
Elissa Wilson, Dianne Wayman, Chris Leach and Dave Wilkinson
Recipients of five-year service certificates
John Little and David Patterson
Simon Taylor, Bryan Suckling and Shane Maxwell
Farewell amid 160th celebration
THE pews were full at St John the Evangelist Church in Newbridge on Sunday for the service to mark 160 years of worship by Anglicans in the district.
The church that has survived damage in three floods - 1909, 2011 and 2022 - had been prepared for the service by local residents who were joined by parishioners from Inglewood.
Diocese of Bendigo executive officer Archdeacon George Hemmings led the service, assisted by rector Rev. Darcy Vaughan.
It was Rev. Vaughan’s final service at Newbridge. He officiates
for a final time at St Augustine’s Church Inglewood this Sunday before taking up a diocesan appointment, ending his role with southern Loddon Anglican churches after almost four years.
Among regular parishioners at Sunday’s service was David Heather, 90, while his daughter Ruth Penny who was married in St John’s was among the congregation.
The church which cost more than £567 to build, was dedicated on October 12, 1864.
Long-time parishioners including church secretary Lorna Stew-
art reflected on the work of the church’s ladies’ guild that over the years was active in running flower shows, social afternoons and dances to raise funds for the church.
“Sunday school services were held prior to church services for many years. In the early years, they were held in the hall beside the church and in later years religious instruction was held at the primary school conducted by the priest in charge,” worshippers were told on Sunday.
“In 1953, the power was connected with the church having
six lights, one power point and a light in the porch. A new cement floor was poured in 1962 ... and in 1982 a Colourbond roof was installed to replace the original slate roof.
“After the most recent floods, the church underwent substantial repair and restoration work.”
St John has been part of four different parishes in its 160 years - Loddon, Raywood, Dunolly and Inglewood.
Sunday’s service came 60 years after a commemorative stone was unveiled to mark the church’s centenary.
Fuel burns in weekend shed fire
FIRE brigade volunteers have been praised for stopping the spread of a shed fire that destroyed up to 30,000 litres of fuel.
Corian Park Earthmoving’s Drew Chislett said the mature and methodical approach of volunteers from five brigades at the Durham Ox fire on Saturday evening had shown the high skills of volunteers.
“I believe a (fuel) transfer pump may have ignited in part of the shed and while we lost fuel - there was capacity in storage containers for 30,000 litres - it was fortunate no major equipment was being stored in that part of the shed,” Mr Chislett said.
“There would have been a header in there to be serviced but the battery had gone flat the previous day, so we left it in another shed.”
Mr Chislett said the fire’s intensity had melted one wall of the shed.
Pyramid Hill, Loddon Vale, Boort, Yando and Yarrawalla brigades attended the fire.
“The leadership of (Pyramid Hill captain) Steve Mann was superb as was help from our neighbour Andrew Frost,” Mr Chislett said.
Explore new way of living
Join us at the Loddon Housing and Living Showcase, where a world of opportunities awaits those looking to invest, live, and thrive in regional Victoria’s most connected and a ordable region.
Explore a new way of living, building, and growing; come and see why Loddon is the best place for your next chapter to begin.
This two-day showcase is designed to support our Shire’s local investors, developers, and experts to explore the potential of Loddon, and for those thinking of making a Loddon township your home.
Let us introduce you to our unique blend of community warmth, boutique living, and investment potential that Loddon Shire o ers.
Stay tuned for the event program in the coming weeks, including a special o er for the rst 50 registered and more.
Who should attend?
Day 1: Loddon residents, sub-dividers and landowners,
developers, real estate agents, investors, housing and building industry professionals.
Day 2: Curious about living in the Loddon Region?
This event is for anyone looking for more a ordable, community-connected, and spacious living.
Event Details:
Bridgewater on Loddon Memorial Hall – 37 Eldon Street, Bridgewater
Friday 22 November 2024 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday 23 November 2024 from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Please make sure to scan the QR code to register for the event.
Link to the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ share/wjBskD7qdr6cRLjp/
Newbridge parishioners after Sunday’s 160th anniversary service at St John the Evangelist. LH PHOTO
Council race enters the home straight
CAMPAIGN styles have varied but Loddon Shire’s seven candidates out on the election hustings have had one thing in common the past month or more - securing a spot on council for the next four years.
Incumbents Wendy Murphy (Inglewood Ward) and Linda Jungwirth (Tarnagulla) have been challenged at the end of their first term on council.
The pair have often teamed to fight their causes at the council table and during the campaign have taken to liking each other’s online posts.
Cr Murphy, former councillor Colleen Condliffe and Miki Collins, making her first tilt for elected local government office after previously working in the municipal sphere, have all had listening posts in the Inglewood Ward where last time around, Cr Murphy won by a margin of 43 votes.
Since then, ward boundaries have been redrawn and just over 100 votes in the Bridgewater district moved into Tarnagulla Ward.
With the election being by postal ballot, there is no town breakdown of how people vote. Will that loss of votes from 2020 work in favour of the incumbent? We will probably never know.
There have been challenges in Inglewood Ward over the last four years - some within the remit of council, others not. Delays in repairing the flood-damaged Chamberlains Road bridge saw residents erect protest signs with messages of discontent for council as it battled State Government bureaucracy to have bridge work approved. There was the community anger when wreckers moved into the demolish the old ambulance station. And there has trader anger about permits and compliance around displaying goods on footpaths outside businesses.
During the campaign, candidate flyers
By CHRIS EARL
have appeared, and disappeared and soon to re-appear, on noticeboards at times with rapid regularity.
The Inglewood Ward trio has also been out doorknocking in their pitch to win over voters. Good comfortable shoes will surely have been worn treading bitumen, concrete and gravel.
Across in Tarnagulla Ward, Cr Jungwirth has campaigned with the teal colours and signs akin to major political parties in the bigger races of democracy.
There’s also been campaign videos with photographs at events, some in the ward and others over in the patches of colleagues or further afield, complete with backing music.
Up against three challengers, the online comments have been interesting for even the casual oberserver.
Nick Angelo, who ran back in 2020 for the same ward, has gone for the grassroots style of campaigning, out talking and listening to people on the ground.
Charmain Sheppard has had, like all the election candidates, a strong print media presence.
And fourth challenger Carly Noble has pointed to past associations with many organisations and those currently on the radar while pitching for the future.
The issues during this campaign have been stock-standard - roads, roads and roads. The water buyback debate has triggered little reaction or comment.
Grand promises there have not been. Many vows to listen in wards that have dragged down the shire’s customer satisfaction rating. The race is heading into the home straight. Days remain for people to cast a vote and decide who will join Cr Gavan Holt, Cr Dan Straub and councillorelect David Weaver at the council table.
Extra hours to drop ballot paper at VEC office
VOTERS have a week to return their ballot papers in the Loddon Shire Council elections for Inglewood and Tarnagulla Ward.
The Victorian Electoral Commission said the postal ballot would close at 6pm on Friday October 25.
Extended hours for voters to hand deliver their completed ballot pack apply from 9am to 8pm on next Thursday and 9am to 6pm on October 25.
Voting is compulsory and fines may be issued for a failure to vote.
‘You need to post your completed ballot pack before 6 pm on Friday 25 October, noting local clearance times may vary,’ Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said. ‘You can also drop your ballot pack off at the election office located at 37 Peppercorn Way, Serpentine before 6pm on Friday October 25.’
Getting heads around harm
“HOW did you feel after you lost your inheritance?” That was the burning question of Wedderburn College Year Nine student Kayla Cramp when he interviewed Fred Rubenstein for the Local Schools Podcast Challenge.
The interview with Fred, a member of Gambler’s Help lived experience advisory committee, took part in the challenge raising awareness of early support services in the prevention of harm.
College teacher Sophia Herrington said: “Wedderburn College with Anglicare Victoria partnered with Live FM to create three Podcasts.
“The first podcast is about listening to a young man Fred, that has a lived experience with a gambling addiction, he speaks openly with the Wedderburn students about how his addiction began and his journey to seeking professional help.
“This is a wonderful interview by four of the Year 9 Wedderburn students. They make a deep connection with Fred and provide some great ideas to help anyone that may know someone or themselves to seek help.”
The challenge has given students the chance to record their own podcasts with a focus on local support services.
Before recording the episodes, students were trained in media production and presentation and taught about the effects, risks and stigma associated with mental illnesses as well as drug, alcohol and gambling abuse to assist with planning their interview questions.
Jamie Penrose, Max Dean, Ashton
Bellman and Kayla Cramp interviewed Fred about his gambling addiction and recovery. Their interview prompted Fred to talk about how his addiction affected his family and friends as well as himself and his process of realising he had a problem and his experiences seeking help.
Following their conversation with Fred, students spoke to therapeutic counsellor at Gambler’s Help, Jeri Mayers, to learn
RESTORING OUR RIVERS 2024
REFERENCE: EOI 1: ATM_2024_2749
EOI 2: ATM_2024_2750
HOW TO REGISTER:
Opened: 30 September 2024
Closing date: 12 midday AEDT, 27 Nov 2024
• Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for Restoring our Rivers
• Download and read the Request for Expression of Interest documents
• Login or Register as a new user
• Complete the expression of interest response form and submit your response.
what help is available for those affected by gambling.
Jeri provided the students with further knowledge of how those seeking help are supported and the tailored approach for each case taken by the counsellors.
Students were also able to interview youth psychosocial recovery worker Grace Owen to discuss services designed to assist people their age. In addition to providing information about the
services offered Grace also discussed the stigma around mental health with the students and how to support someone who may not feel comfortable asking for help.
The college has been able to participate in this challenge with the support of Anglicare Victoria, Making Media, Headspace and Youth Support and Advocacy Service and are trying to hit the target of 2000 viewers of their podcasts to take out the prize.
Water making way into lake
LITTLE Lake Boort is expected to be full within days.
More than 30Ml a day is flowing into the lake ahead of the summer holiday season.
Members of the Little Lakes committee have been busy with working bees in the past fortnight preparing the foreshore precinct for the arrival of visitors.
“We’ve been working with the Loddon Shire townscape and maintenance crew, staining and oiling the boardwalk,” said member Paul Haw,
“Every two years this maintenance is carried out to protect the boards from the sun and the weather.”
While skiing on the lake is a few weeks away, Boort Lakes Holiday Park’s Wendy James said the recent warm weather had been a perfect opportunity for other water sports.
Awards from chief COUNTRY Fire Authority
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan will present service medals to members of the Bridgewater brigade at a luncheon next month.
Several members will also receive the National Emergency Service medal, the latest to be awarded to Loddon volunteers.
The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interests (EOIs) from water right owners across the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who may want to sell their water in 2025.
EOI 1 invites responses from single water rights owners who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender. This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas.
EOI 2 invites responses from entities interested in selling a large portfolio of water of around 20 GL (or greater) across the southern connected Basin.
LIST OF CATCHMENTS:
NEW SOUTH WALES
Murray River
Murrumbidgee
Lower Darling
VICTORIA
Campaspe
Ovens & King
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australian Murray
Responses to the EOIs are not considered binding offers. However, only respondents who submit an EOI will be able to proceed to subsequent purchase program. Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed in the table, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department.
The decision to participate is completely voluntary. To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender
ASSISTANCE:
For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au
If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au
Broken Kiewa
Goulburn
Mitta Mitta
Loddon
Victorian Murray
Jamie Penrose, Max Dean, Ashton Bellman and Kayla Cramp record their podcast
Hunters chip for charity
FROM gold nuggets to gold coins and gold detectors, prizes for all were on offer at the Laanacoorie Gold Bash last weekend.
It was another year of success for the annual gold bash at Laanacoorie Lakeside Park with people traveling from all over Victoria as well as interstate in hopes of finding some treasure to take home.
Event co-ordinator Amanda Downing said: “It was a fabulous day for everyone, I’m really proud of what we have achieved this year.”
New additions to the program such as the market day were well attended along with traditional events.
After a weekend of fun, the event raised about $40,000 for
the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, More than $19,000 was raised from the auction alone.
The event is run by volunteers, including the Albury Gold and Relic Obtainers who also donate children’s prizes. “We couldn’t do it without their support,” said Amanda.
A surprise on the day was the coin hunt in the gold panning trough for children organised by Aussie Gold Hunter television star Brent Shannon. Two hundred $1 coins were hidden in the trough with four marked $2 that finders were rewarded with a gold nugget for the lucky treasure hunter. This year the Jim Stewart Memorial Award was won by Penny Azar.
Coalition vow to return appeal right
THE State Coalition will restore the right of property owners to appeal approval of renewable energy plans if it wins the 2026 Victorian election.
Murray Plains MP and Nationals leader Peter Peter Walsh said the public has been stripped of its access to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal by the State Government “so obsessed with its unworkable renewable energy dream” it would not tolerate any democratic opposition.
He said the Coalition was making a stand to put locals first in the transition to renewables.
“For too long, locals haven’t had a voice amid the renewables push from the Allan Labor Government and multi-national corporations, but we will guarantee those affected most by renewable projects in their communities will have rights,” said Mr Walsh.
“This means we will also crackdown on unscrupulous operators, who for their own personal gain want to get rushed approval for projects, only to flip them to buyers unknown to the community,” he said. “Not only are we giving communities a voice, but we are also protecting them.”
Mr Walsh said the Coalition policy was a major breakthrough for regional communities.
“Leaving locals without a voice or an avenue of appeal was unAustralian. “Our proposal restores the balance between the roll-out of renewable energy and the changes to transmission networks,” he said.
Eric and Blair Gaylard enlist the help of Fergus in the token hunt. LH PHOTOS
Jason Noonan and Brendan White Ray Swinnerton was among volunteers Wayne Plunkett and Gillian Harbud
Harlow Adams, Kazzandra Adams, Aria Kaur and Emma Pay after the 16-36 months title judging. LH PHOTO
Helping the show run smoothly were Sharon Pickering, Ed Moresi and Lilly Cain
13-16 years title winner Alice Marsh
Junior show girl section winners Summer Nuttall, Keira Henderson and Daisy Nuttall
Korbyn Trinchi and Zan Polock enjoy the show
2024 BOORT SHOW
Stars for the ages
FIRST-TIME exhibitors and pavilion entry veterans were in the star-studded line-up of Saturday’s 136th Boort Show.
Suzanne Pattison, of Fernihurst, was surprised when she walked into the pavilion and saw she had been awarded a rosette for most oustanding exhibit with a king protea.
“I’ve never entered before. I wanted to support the pavilion and to play a part on keeping it going,” she said.
“Inspiration to enter has come from my mum Barbara who used to cook and bake for the show ... she would make yo-yos from the Amity cookbook. it’s great to see the pavilion so full this year,” Suzanne said.
Out on the oval, more than 120 big rigs had lined up for the Boort Truck Show where Mount Gambier’s Damien Reed caught the eye of judges on his first showing at the event.
“A few mates came last year and twisted my arm to make the trip.,” he said.
The T909 truck is used on freight runs between Mount Gambier, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Damien has been on the road the last two years and says the unique colour and decor of both truck and trailer turned out to be a winner. Truck show organiser Heath Saunders was quick to point out the truck’s artwork was his design and work
was also part of the chorus of praise for Boort youngsters who organised the first ute show - farm utes, tradie utes and everyday utes from across the Loddon and beyond added a new dimension to the show. And local singing sensation Elias Lanyon notched up success with the best local ute on show.
Large crowds watched shearing, horse riding and dog events before settling back for a spectacular fireworks display that drew the curtain on Boort Show 2024 the second night of sky delight. Show eve has seen a glorious Australis light up the park.
SHOW RESULTS - NEXT WEEK
Heath
First time show success for Suzanne Pattison. LH PHOTOS
Beau Kane (top) with Parker, Levi and Harvey Jones checking out the agricultural machinery on display
Emily Henderson and Mollie Meadows try tie-dying
Pavilion winner Brooke Chamberlain
Show president Madeleine Scott
Gordon Parker (left) prepares the next lot of sheep for the shearing competition
Heath Saunders (centre) presents the truck show top prize
Wedderburn’s Elder truck won the best heritage vehicle
Dylan and Damien Slater with Tim Heather.
Health service makes final
BOORT District Health has been named one of four finalists in Community Achivement Awards regional service category.
The award winners will be announced in December.
It will be the second year that Loddon communities have been honoured in the awards.
Bridgewater Fire Brigade captain Tim Ferguson was a finalist in the community hero category in 2024.
Organisers say finalists dedicated their time and energy to strengthening community.
Pilot surveys building ticks
THE shortage of local government building surveyors in Victoria will be tackled by a new pilot program aiming to speed up building and planning approvals.
Loddon Shire has spent more than 12 months trying to find a person for its vacant full-time position.
Council leaders have told meetings that development and compliance manager Glenn Harvey, a qualified municipal building surveyor, had “the day saved” doubling up his roles.
Loddon Shire on Monday was announced a part of the $200,000 State Government’s trial to establish a building surveyor hub.
The project will be led by Yarriambiack Shire Council and also include Buloke and Hindmarsh Shires and Swan Hill Rural City Council.
The Government said: “The project will be delivered in three phases. It will first identify the challenges and opportunities around sharing surveying services between councils, before establishing a shared service hub to support the participating councils with more cost-effective access to surveying services.
“The hub will provide a municipal building surveyor service that can be engaged in a shared manner by all five local councils, instead of councils needing
to engage individual services.
The third phase will evaluate the program and lead to recommendations that can potentially be replicated across other regional councils.”
The feasibility study will run until early 2026, and the outcomes shared with all rural and regional councils, so other regions can consider setting up their own hubs to speed up approvals.
Regional Development Minister Gayle Tierney said: “This initiative will make it easier for regional councils to access the building surveyor services they need, helping to fast-track property development in communi-
ties like the Wimmera and Mallee.”
“We’re proud to work with Rural Councils Victoria to back innovative ideas such as shared services, supporting rural communities to deliver the housing and infrastructure essential for their economic growth.”
Rural Councils Victoria chair Mary-Anne Brown said: “Rural communities are in desperate need of more housing and this trial will assist in addressing the housing challenges faced by these rural communities
“It is pleasing to see that government has taken the RCV Rural Housing Action Plan into consideration.”
Allies driven by passion and care
SERENA Lanfranchi has joined the team of allied health assistants at Inglewood and Districts Health Service.
She has taken on the role and was part of the team of 10 led by director of community and allied health services Bron Phillips who celebrated Allied Health Day on Monday.
Serena plays a key role in supporting allied health professionals in delivering therapy and programs.
She ensures patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities stay on track with their treatment plans.
With a Certificate IV in Allied Health As
sistance, Serena says she is driven by her passion for helping others, especially the elderly.
“I thrive on being able to help people in need. The elderly community holds a soft spot for me, and I like to think that giving back makes a world of difference when they need help most,” she said.
Allied Health Day started in Britain in 2018 and has extended around the world with the aim of bringing professionals together to celebrate the work they love doing and to raise the profile of allied health professionals and the role they play in health and social care systems.
Serena Lanfranchi has joined the allied health team in Inglewood. LH PHOTO
Next generation checks on trial
CANOLA trial field days across two states wrapped up near Bridgewater last Thursday when farmers from the region were given an update on the Pioneer site.
Bridgewater’s field day followed similar events in Bordertown and Willaura and district Pioneer representative David Smyth said attendance of a large cohort of next generation farmers showed their interest in the development of new varieties. He was backed up by Berrimal’s Andrew Lockart. Mr Lockhart said trials were important in guiding future sowing plans and
increasing farm productivity in the region.
The Pioneer STRIKE site was planted in May and Mr Smyth said encouraging results had been recorded for the new hybrids.
“New hybrids planted in Research and STRIKE trials are carefully observed and their performance is rated for a broad range of plant performance characteristics such as standability, disease resistance, grain quality and yield.
“Experimental hybrids that offer real advantages over existing commercial products are identified for local seed production.”
PYRAMID HILL
VICTORIA HOTEL
VICTORIA
HOTEL
PYRAMID HILL EST. 1874
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Love our local!
Trading hours
Monday – Open 3.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
TIMBER TRAINING CRESWICK (TTC) LTD presents AusChem (Vic.)
AGVET (FARM) CHEMICAL USERS’ COURSE
Victoria Hotel, 20 Victoria Street, Pyramid Hill
Monday, 28th, Tuesday 29th October 2024
8.30am to 4.15pm
Morning and Afternoon teas provided. Lunch available
This course attends the relevant Update ‘Refresher Course’ training required to maintain Quality Assurance (QA) principles and standards.
*Cost $100.00 ‘Refresher’ (one-day) course
$150.00 ‘Full’ (two-day) course)
Enrolments limited to 18 places
This course is subsidised under Victorian Government funding for approved applicants.
Lunch from 12.00pm
Trading hours
Dinner from 6.00pm
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Pot’n’Parma Night
Dinner from 6.00pm
Thursday – Open Midday
Social Darts Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Agricultural Chemicals Skill Set (AHCSS00074) Units of Competency
Enrolments close on Friday 11th October, 2024.
A copy of your Medicare Card is required.
It is necessary for those completing this update training that the provider (TTC) be supplied with previously obtained AusChem registration number.
Friday – Open Midday
Dinner from 6.00pm Trivia Night
Lunch from 12.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Should some participants need to complete the ‘Full Course’ (typically two-day program) this also can be arranged by additional, flexible online, mail out correspondence or on-farm tuition.
With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle
Pot’n’Parma Night
Thursday – Open Midday
Saturday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Friday – Open Midday
Sunday – Open Midday
Lunch from 12.00pm
All Day Pizza Menu Close 11.00pm
Completion of the ‘Full Course’ enables participants to apply for an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) in Victoria.
Karl Liffman. Mob: 0428 507 610 karlliffman@gmail.com
Brett Collins, David Smyth and Andrew Lockhart at the canola field day. LH PHOTOS
Neville Miller and Mitch Collins
Matt Lockhart, Brad Holt and Ingrid Gould
Luke Milgate
WOOL REPORT
The Australian wool market recorded a strong overall upward movement last week, with currency fluctuations only playing a partial role in the rises. On the first selling day (Tuesday) only Melbourne and Fremantle were in operation. The individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece rose between 11 and 57 cents, Fremantle recording the largest increases, as the West did not enjoy the gains on offer on the final day of the previous week. The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose by 8 cents but due to a sharp fall in the AUD, in USD terms it dropped by 15 US cents. This 23-cent difference between the two was the largest difference between the two EMIs since March 2023, where the difference was 24 cents. On the second day (Wednesday) all three centres were in operation and the market continued to rise unabated. By the end of the day the merino fleece MPGs had risen by between 10 and 88 cents, this time Sydney playing catch up and posting the largest gains. The EMI rose by 23 cents, this was the largest of the current season and the largest daily increase in the EMI since February 2023. The EMI also rose in USD terms, gaining the 15 cents it lost on the first day. On the final day, only Sydney was in operation, due to a Monday Public Holiday in NSW, the 4,752 bales on offer was the smallest national daily offering of Australian wool since 2013. The market rose again, with the EMI adding a further 4 cents. The EMI closed the week at 1,139 cents, the 35-cent weekly rise was the largest since July 2023. The 96-cent weekly rise in the 18.0-micron MPG in the West was the largest individual MPG increase since the final sale of the 2023 calendar year (14th of December), where three figure rises were recorded. The large rises have encouraged sellers to the market, pushing this week’s national offering up to 42,005 bales.
Source: AWEX
Branch Manager & Senior Agronomist
Craig Sharam 0408 188 351
Wool - Adam Millard 0400 499 064
Livestock - Nigel Starick 0408 528 322
Wade Broadstock 0427 337 231
Lachie McAlister 0428 717 403
Chris Anderson 0408 921 540
Merchandise - Glenn Jackson 0429 076 459
Agronomy - Anton Mannes 0499 708 044
Josh Mcleod 0447 678 609
SHEEP AND LAMBS
LAMB supply lifted again to 22,950 head for a 15 per cent increase at Bendigo on Monday.
Quality overall was not to the same consistent standard of a week ago, with the new season lambs showing more variance in regard to fat cover and weight and there was often a top and tail of quality in the same pen.
Two Victorian processors were absent from the main buying group.
These factors led to a modestly cheaper market of $2 to $5/head softer over the main heavy and trade categories.
But it is worth noting the best young lambs often sold at firm levels, while gaps in the market started to be seen on the drier or off-bred types. Store lambs fluctuated from $2 to $10/head easier.
Export weight young lambs sold to $270, but the next best price was $256 and only about a dozen pens had the weight and finish to sell above $240/head. Most of the lead run of crossbred young lambs, 26-30kg cwt, sold from $203 to $240/head; heavy trades, 24-26kg cwt, $193 to $218/head; and the medium trades $162 to $190/head. These lamb categories were tracking between an estimated 770c to 820c/kg cwt.
Store buyers paid to $175 for trade weighted young lambs to shear, with most of the 18-20kg cwt types with frame from $130 to $155/head.
Smaller store lambs in the light 12-16kg cwt range $64 to $117 to average $96/head. Store buying activity was from Ballarat, Horsham, Shepparton, Wycheproof and the local north-east area.
Sheep numbers declined and the market did show some modest price gains this week. Heavy mutton gained $2 to $10/head with most sales tracking between an estimated 260c to 310c/kg cwt. Heavy Merinos
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
in a skin $90 to $114/head; big crossbred ewes $90 to $105/head; and the general run of leaner trade sheep $50 to $85/head.
Buying No/ID equired
CLEARING SALE Saturday 9th November 9.30am 1792 BENDIGO PYRAMID HILL ROAD
Cash or E�pos – On site Parking
Hobby farm equipment, large quan�ty of an�que and reproduc�on furniture, kitchen cabinets, sideboards, lots of chairs, pain�ngs, 30 boxes of tools and sundries, quan�ty of spare furniture parts, poly and water hoses.
Child’s 4w motorbike, swing set, 6 Jerry cans, fencing tools, Yamaha touring motorbike, Jac front-end loader, mul�ple bucket a�achments, 5000 L Goldacres water tanker/firefighter trailer, ditchwitch (needs work).
Large quan�ty of Besser bricks, 3 wood piles, compressor
FOODVAN – COFFEE ONSITE
Brochure and further information: greg@propertyplusre.com.au
95.43 Hectares or 235.81 Acres, 1 Title, all dry land
2 Paddocks, 2 Dams
Quality Fernihurst/ Kinypaniel Red/ Grey loams
Agents Remarks:
Seldom does a prestigious property like “Longview” present for sale, especially in the tightly held area of Fernihurst.
Owned by the Coutts family for 152 years, this magnificent property represents a
significant opportunity to acquire a large parcel of land, operating a successful sheep & wool enterprise. With first rate infrastructure, excellent fencing with laneways through lot 1 for seamless transition of both livestock & machinery. The whole property is subscribed to the Warranga dam fill system for water security. What an opportunity to either add to your existing holdings or to set down your roots to your new adventure. This property comes with our highest recommendations.
Terms: 10% deposit on signing, balance in 90 days.
Consistency in integrity
By CHRIS EARL
LOCAL government election campaigns are in the final stretch - last week there was a little bit of good old argy-bargy out there on the hustings.
It was dutifully pointed out by one candidate that all election material must have the street number of the person authorising the printed pitch for votes. With a thin veil, perhaps, drawing attention of another candidate who had who was close with the digits but not close enough.
All about integrity and transparency it was said. Indeed the Local Government Inspectorate would only say: “The Local Government Inspectorate deals with complaints in strict confidence. As an integrity agency, we cannot provide information on any complaints or allegations we have received, nor on any investigations underway.”
So we’re none the wiser on how many complaints have been made about the conduct of Loddon Shire ward elections.
But the nitty-gritty of campaigning requirements does raise questions about consistency and
Free camping a hit on parks, pollution
Sir, It’s amazing that the State Government first allows free camping along rivers/waterways (there are many articulated features from land owners of the damage and disruption these free campers do to those areas), we now learn that the Government is going to allow free camping in Parks Victoria areas this coming Summer!
Apart from the lost revenue from regulated, licenced, caravan parks, who is going to clean up the mess these free campers leave behind them; who is going to monitor the free campers for noise pollution when a bunch of 21-year-olds hold ‘gatherings’ in the bush; who is going to monitor them for having camp fires during windy days or fire ban days?
I’m sure that Parks Victoria staff have enough to do without this extra responsibility.
Also, does the Government not realise that camping is already a cheap holiday option for families, and that caravan parks make next to nothing on camping sites, especially if the campers only stay one night.
By IAN jONES
level of expected transparency. For example, in neighbouring City of Greater Bendigo there are three “independent” candidates in the mix for possible election.
They have authorised their own printed material, with the address of Bendigo Trades Hall but no mention of the overarching union organisation.
The Local Government Inspectorate could use any postelection review to look at what address details are appropriate in the 21st century.
Insisting on a street number identifies an individual’s location (we would hope not putting at risk their personal safety or that of others). But under the current Act, it’s okay to use a post office box. Hardly the way to quickly have a chat with a candidate, that is if transparency of identification is so important.
The Local Government Act 2020 has also been interpreted as requiring every social media post of candidates to carry an authorisation line. Even those not facing
The cost of labour to clean amenities and maintain the grounds; the water and electricity used, consumables (soaps, toilet paper, cleaning chemicals), rubbish removal, etc., costs more than we charge to rent out a site for one night!
Are the Government oblivious to this, or is it that they just don’t care?
I haven’t put my site prices up since before COVID, 2019, for the reason that people expect camping costs to be so low.
I’d make more money if I sell my land for building than running a caravan park.
Sir, After the two southern Loddon Shire councillors’ “no vote” when asked to continue the fight against Water Minister Tanya Plibersek’s 450GL buybacks, one can only label it as poor form and disastrous for our communities when a potential 105GL to come from GWW customers.
an election are, apparently. required to observe that edict.
Yet there have been countless social media posts across Victoria shared online to other “local pages” by candidates. The original post may have had an authorisation but not the share! Mmmmm.
The Local Government Inspectorate may well have the correct interpretation of the Act to support its stance of refusing to divulge information on alleged breaches.
But in the washup from local council elections, both the inspectorate and the State Government should release data on how many alleged breaches there have been, the types of breaches and, importantly what commonsense changes may be required to retain and build integrity of the local government election process.
Oh, and a little practical application of lateral consistency wouldn’t be a bad thing either in refining rules of parish pump politics.
This will bring the Loddon Valley and GMW’s future viability as one of the largest rural water authorities in Australia to an end.
The clear report to council set out the devastation and loss to the Loddon Shire that I believe is the jewel in the crown of innovation and tourism in northern Victoria.
I can only suppose the two councillors, Murphy and Jungwirth, supported the 450GL buybacks to breed millions of carp, massive bank slumping with little habitat for native birds or our farmlands.
While there is no election in my ward this time, I urge people in Inglewood and Tarnagulla Ward to give strong consideration to ensuring the next council will support farmers without hesitation. The future of the Loddon Shire is in your vote and of course your preferences.
KenPattison Fernihurst
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Preference is given to letters of 300 words or less. Letters should include name and (for verification purposes) address and phone number. Letters can be sent to loddonherald@gmail.com
20 QUESTION QUIZ
1. Is the Senate the upper or lower house of the Australian Parliament?
2. Which unit of measurement is named after André-Marie Ampère?
3. Does Vietnam share a border with Thailand?
4. In which city was the Motown music label founded?
5. How many member states of the UN begin with ‘J’?
6. Name them.
7. The Doge’s Palace is a landmark in which Italian city?
8. What name is given to a young hare in its first year?
9. Clifford the dog is what colour in children’s books and film?
10. Which Australian actor played The Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’?
11. The sousaphone is most similar to which brass instrument?
12. Who is the Roman god of the sea?
13. Xanthophobia is a fear of which colour?
14. Cumulonimbus is a type of what?
15. Nebuchadnezzar II was the longest-reigning ruler of which empire?
16. Manchego cheese comes from which country?
17. And which animal’s milk is it made from?
18. What is the maximum number of Michelin stars a restaurant can be awarded?
19. Pope Gregory XIII has what named after him?
20. The word ‘vernal’ relates to which season?
ANSWERS
DRILLING down, Bradley of Boort has put himself on the overnight charger for the latest Treemendous Sign. And speaking of overnighters, we had a call from Alister of Boort in the wee hours of the morning last week. He had caught up with recent mention of his overseas jaunt timed to avoid the massacre of his beloved Cats in the football.
“I thought you’d be up,” he uttered before having a few digs as the sun was trying to break its overnight cover and serving warnings of his imminent return to the land of Lake Boort.
WHILE up in the north, couldn’t avoid the rivalry of competitors at the Boort Show on Saturday with youngsters celebrating their wins in the cooking
and absolutely sure that while mums also won, the younger versions of homemade snacks were the best.
NOW to head down south, the doyen of golf and bowls has started his new season scorecard of photographic appearaces in the pages of the Loddon Herald. Lins may not be too happy that the King of Kurting has skipped to a 2-0 lead before a competitive bowl has been rolled by Inglewood’s leading bowlers.
ON THE other side of Inglewood, with bridge repair work starting in Chamberlains Road, there’s been the online suggestions that the signs of protest erected by residents frustrated by delays could be auctioned off for charity. Resident man with the gavel has since suggested putting them out to tender.
1. Upper 2. Ampere/amp (electric current) 3. No 4. Detroit 5. Three 6. -Ja maica, Japan, Jordan 7. Venice 8. Leveret
THE historic bell that stands at the entrance to Tarnagulla Primary School will be ringing constantly this Saturday when doors are thrown open to welcome back former students for celebrations marking 150 years of education in the town.
The bell itself is a few years younger than the school that opened in 1874. But to the sounds of that bell that started in 1910, hundreds of youngsters have passed through the red brick building that has just undergone a multi-million dollar transformation.
Principal Leigh Mellberg and his staff have spent the year putting together old school photos, student work from earlier decades and other memorabilia for Saturday’s celebrations.
“The school is a wonderful little school and has so much history,” said Leigh.
Back in 1874, head teacher Mr Harper led his students on a march through the town for the opening.
The Tarnagulla and Llanelly Courier said there had been “the hearty cheers of the boys, they seemed to enjoy the fun very much”.
The erstwhile newspaper continued: “Arrived at the school, the youngsters were marched through the school rooms, after which they were placed in their respective classes and different portions of the building, after which they were dismissed for a holiday.”
Contemporary reports said the school was a model building “being constructed with every attention to comfort and convenience”.
“There are three rooms, each capable of holding at least 100 scholars. The two large rooms are 56ft by 18ft and are fitted with desks, seats, hat pegs and everything requisite.
“The infants’ rooms ... contains a gallery, by which, every child is under the immediate eye of the teacher.
“The building is of brick, covered with shingle and is supplied with fireplaces, ventilators and other means of comfort.
“Altogether the building is furnished in first-rate style and reflects the credit of the contractors who have spared neither time nor expense in completing the work.”
Residents of 1874 gave the money for students for all 236 students to have a treat on opening day. A midday procession back in town was followed by “the liberal distribution of tea, buns, lollies “and other good things”.
“There were at least 300 chilren present and great credit is due to the caterer Mrs Irvine,” the newspaper reported, “for the quality and quantity of the articles provided at such short a notice.
“From the oldest spectators to the youngest scholars, all seemed well satisfied with the day’s proceedings.”
In the 150 years of Tarnagulla Primary School, other schools in the district have disappeared - Murphys Creek and Newbridge among them - and students from a wider district have headed to Tarnagulla for their early education.
Says Leigh: “The school is really important to the Tarnagulla community but also other nearby towns from where our students come.
“Like the many students since 1874, today’s students are also preparing to make their special mark in future years. For some, they are just the latest in many generations who have attended this school.”
Class sizes have reduced massively since the days of classrooms able to have 100 youngsters seated at desks.
But the important role of Tarnagulla school continues and will be celebrated this weekend.
- CHRIS EARL
The hearty cheers of the boys, they seemed to enjoy the fun very much
BOORT
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER NURSERY
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
DINGEE
FOUR
INGLEWOOD
INGLEWOOD
STEVE’S
INGLEWOOD
KANGAROO
PYRAMID
VICTORIA
DEATH NOTICE S
DOWLER, David
The Chairman, Board, Management, members of CFA North West Region and District 20 regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
Lacey - Beryl Florence 27-8-1938 - 14-10-2024
Loved daughter of James and Florence Lacey (both dec)
Sister of Harold and Betty (both dec).
Darling Aunt to Anne, Jenny (dec), Sue (dec), Robyn (dec) and James.
Great Aunt to Shane, Nicole and Lee. Great, Great Aunt to 7 boys.
f UNE r AL NOTICE
A Funeral Service for
Beryl Florence Lacey will be held at The Boort Uniting Church, Boort on Friday 25th October commencing at 2.00pm followed by a burial at the Boort Cemetery.
PUBLIC NOTICES
POLLOCK REUNION 20th OCTOBER
MARONG HALL
11am BYO lunch
Combined afternoon tea
More information Rob Pollock 5435 2295
LODDON HERALD CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT
PUBLIC NOTICES
Leach Family Reunion
Sunday 20th October 2024
1pm-4pm Rheola Public Hall
For further information please contact Julie 0408 403 018 julpine@hotmail.com
WANTED TO BUY
Wanted - approx 1000 old red bricks Phone 54383286
Powlett in powerful opening statement
POWLETT has comprehensively beaten Korong Vale in the opening round of the Inglewood Tennis Association pennant season.
Men’s doubles, ladies’ doubles and the mixed doubles events all went to Powlett, which won 138 games to Korong Vale’s 50.
Powlett finished with 22.5 points to their opponent’s 1.5 points, and 16.5 sets to 1.5.
The other scheduled match between Wedderburn Junction and Fentons Creek was abandoned for lack of players.
A mutual forfeit was declared as neither club could field a full team.
Korong Vale lost to Powlett 22.5-1.5
Mens: J. Turnbull R. Weston lost to B. Issac L. Last 3-8. R. Weston S. Keller lost to L. Lait T. Johns 0-8. J. Turnbull
S. Keller lost to B. Issac T. Johns 1-8. A. Uley B. Lock lost to A. Lock F. Lock
3-8. B. Lock A. Uley lost to A. Lock F. Lock 3-8.
Ladies: S. Keller R. Turnbull lost to S. Maher D. Wayman 3-8. R. Turnbull J. Turnbull lost to D. Wayman T. Alexander 1-8. S. Keller J. Turnbull lost to J. Maher T. Alexander 5-8. D. Williams A. Gibson lost to D. Bouwmester C. Gilmore 3-8. A. Gibson A. Guerini defeated C. Gilmore R. Madden 8-6. D. Williams A. Guerini lost to D. Boumester R. Madden 2-8.
Mixed: J. Turnbull J. Turnbull lost to B. Issac S. Maher 3-8. R. Weston S. Keller lost to L. Last T. Alexander. S. Keller
R. Turnbull lost to T. Johns D. Wayman
3-8. A. Uley A. Gibson lost to A. Lock D. Bouwmester 1-8. B. Lock D. Williams lost to F. Lock C. Gilmore 4-8. B. Lock A. Guerini lost to F. Lock R. Madden 1-8. Wedderburn Junction v Fentons Creek forfeit.
LODDON VALLEY
Raywood lost to Calivil North 65-112
Mens: A. Demeo P. Harris lost to L Maxted C. Smith 5-7. A. Demeo R. Haw d L. Maxted O. Balic 7-5. P. Harris R. Haw lost to C. Smith O. Balic 4-7. A. Wall N. Marlow d J. Smith K. Maxted 7-5. A. Wall S. Lourie d J. Smith A. Roulstan 7-1. N. Marlow S. Lourie d K. Maxted A. Roulstan 7-5.
Ladies: C. Haw S. Demeo lost to M. Balic C. Rogers 0-7. C. Haw R. Demeo lost to M. Balic H, Vinnicomb 2-7. S.
Demeo R. Demeo lost to C. Rogers H. Vinnicomb 2-7. M. Haw T. Ralphs lost to A. Lister T. Smith 6-7. M. Haw G. Pascoe lost to A. Lister P. Maxted 1-7. T. Ralphs G. Pascoe lost to T. Smith P. Maxted 0-7. Mixed: B. Haw C. Haw lost to M. Balic C, Smith 0-7. P. Harris S. Demeo lost to C. Roger L. Maxted 2-7. A. Demeo R. Demeo lost to H. Vinnicomb O. Balic 6-7. A. Wall T. Ralphs lost to J. Smith A. Lister 3-7. N. Marlow G. Pascoe lost
to K. Maxted P. Maxted 0-7. S. Lourie M. Haw d A. Roulstan T. Smith 7-5. Yarrawalla d Serpentine 100-78
Mens: L. Forster J. Boyd lost to J. Gladman S. Tuohey 2-7. L. Forster H. Emmerson lost to J. Gladman C. Tuohey 1-7. J. Boyd H. Emmerson lost to S. Tuohey C. Tuohey 3-7. M. Scott X. Emmerson lost to R. Senior D. Addlem 3-7. M. Scott V. Herrick d R. Senior N. Cockerell 7-3. X. Emmerson V. Herrick d D. Addlem N. Cockerell 7-3. Ladies: C. Emmerson L. Driscoll lost to P. Cockerell H. Addlem 5-7. C. Emmerson C. Challis-Broad d P. Cockerell A. Johns 7-1. L. Driscoll C. ChallisBroad lost to H. Addlem A. Johns 5-7. K. Broad M. Schmidt d N. Rose A. Cockerell 7-2. K. Broad O. Emmerson d N. Rose K. Tuohey 7-2. M. Schmidt O. Emmerson d A. Cockerell K. Tuohey 7-2. Mixed: L. Forster C. Emmerson d J. Gladman P. Cockerell 7-1. J. Boyd L. Driscoll lost to S. Tuohey H. Addlem 4-7. H. Emmerson C. Challis-Broad d C. Tuohey A. Johns 7-6. M. Scott
K. Broad d R. Senior N. Rose 7-3. M. Schmidt X. Emmerson d D. Addlem K. Tuohey 7-1. V. Herrick O. Emmerson d N. Cockerell A. Cockerell 7-6. Mincha West d Lake Meran 93-87
Mens: J. Ritchie B. Wagner d C. Chamberlain A. Ross 7-2. J. Ritchie C. Mann lost to C. Chamberlain A. Chamberlain 2-7. B. Wagner C. Mann lost to A. Ross A. Chamberlain 2-7. P. Gorgon R. Wagner d B. Ross B. Moresi 7-6. P. Gorgon
Elsewhere in the competition
Lockwood 11-85 defeated Newbridge 7-63 and Marong 11-85 beat Wilsons Reef 7-64. Lockwood 11-85 d Newbridge 7-63
Ladies: T. Miller D. Wells d E. Jenkyn S. Wallace 6-3. T. Miller A. Wells d E. Jenkyn N. Jenkyn 6-3. D. Wells A. Wells d S. Wallace N. Jenkyn 6-2. K.
J. Pepperell d B. Ross R. Fawcett 7-3. R. Wagner J. Pepperell d B. Moresi R. Fawcett 7-4.
Ladies: E. Prout T. Stewart d C. Downs C. Moresi 7-1. E. Prout Z. Stewart d C. Downs C. Murphy 7-2. T. Stewart Z. Stewart d C. Moresi C. Murphy 7-6. D, Wagner M. Farrar lost to V. Moresi 2-7. D. Wagner C. Farrar lost to V. Moresi S. Gale 5-7. M. Farrar C. Farrar lost to H. Murphy S. Gale 2-7.
Mixed: J. Ritchie E. Prout d C. Chamberlain C. Downs 7-1. B. Wagner T. Stewart lost to A. Chamberlain C. Moresi 5-7. C. Mann D. Wagner lost to A. Ross V. Moresi 3-7. P. Gorgon Z. Stewart d B. Ross C. Murphy 7-4. R. Wagner M. Farrar d B. Moresi S. Gale 7-2. J. Pepperell C. Farrar lost R. Fawcett H. Murphy 2-7. Dingee bye
MARONG
In heat that would not have been out of place in early summer, Derby defeated Harcourt in round one of the Marong Tennis pennant season.
Derby won 10-85 to Harcourt’s 8-89 in games played at Bridgewater on Saturday. In one of the most entertaining clashes, Harcourt’s Hayden Eastwood and Mark Simmons defeated Nathon Pollock and Sam Bruce in the men’s doubles, 6-2, with Eastwood’s powerful serving a highlight.
L. Naughton T. Leerson d K. Walters Partner 6-4. P. Normoyle T. Leerson d J. Teague Partner 6-5. D. Normoyle L. Langley d N. Trethowan S. Bickford 6-3. D. Normoyle E. Farrar lost to N. Trethowan Partner 2-6. L. Langley E. Farrar lost to S. Bickford Partner 3-6. Mens: L. McCullagh N. Pollock d L. Tunn Partner 6-5. L. McCullagh S. Bruce lost to L. Tunn H. Eastwood 5-6. N. Pollock S. Bruce lost to H. Eastwood M. Simmons 2-6. N. Naughton N. Williams d B. Bickford M. Blake 6-3. N. Naughton T. Naughton lost to B. Bickford S. Blake 6-5. N. Williams T. Naughton lost to M. Blake S. Blake 5-6.
Mixed: L. McCullagh D. Normoyle d K. Walters Partner 6-5. N. Pollock T. Leerson d L. Tunn J. Teague 6-5. N. Naughton L. Langley d M. Blake Partner 6-3. S. Bruce P. Normoyle d H. Eastwood M. Simmons 6-5. N. Williams L. Naughton d B. Bickford S. Bickford 6-3. T. Naughton E. Farrar lost to S. Blake N. Trethowan 1-6. Marong 11-85 d Wilsons Reef 7-64
Ladies: S. Hardingham J. Cornish d E. Molenaar B. McKimmie 6-1. S. Hardingham G. Turnball d E. Molenaar T. Taylor 6-5. J. Cornish G. Turnbull d B. McKimmie T. Taylor 6-5. H. Turnbull B. Garton lost to J. Taylor N. Earl 3-6. H. Turnbull S. Turnbull lost to J. Taylor F. Lucas 1-6. B. Garton S. Turnbull d F. Lucas N. Earl 6-1. Mens: L. Frankel Z. Turnbull d B. Taylor J. Taylor 6-1. L. Frankel N. McCaig d B. Taylor A, Evans 6-3. Z. Turnball N. McCaig d J. Taylor A. Evans 6-0.
Derby’s Laura Naughton
Derby’s Nathan Williams
Gooding’s catches a needed break
AT 0-107, Kingower juniors were cruising towards their target of 185 against Boort Yando in the Upper Loddon Cricket Association two-day match on Saturday.
Tyler Murphy and Morgan Lonza were batting beautifully and after 27 overs the game looked to be Kingower’s to lose.
And so it proved. Ten wickets fell for 32 runs as Kingower crashed to be all out for 139.
Apart from Murphy’s 60, Lonza’s 28 and Riley Murphy’s not out 20, no other batsman made more than two, with four players making ducks.
Six wickets fell for six runs amid the mayhem, as Boort Yando shared the spoils, with eight bowlers claiming scalps but none taking more than two wickets.
Sam McClelland finished with 2-7 from three overs, with Deklan King taking 2-27 from five overs.
Cooper Gooding completed a fine performance by taking four catches behind the stumps after making 64 not out in his side’s innings last week.
BRIDGEWATER’S junior cricket team had a strong win over Wedderburn Band.
The Bulls held Wedderburn to 6-96 on the first Saturday of the two-match game and compiled 7-107 in response.
Six of those wickets were retired, with Bridgewater giving everyone a hit after passing their opponents’ total.
This meant Wedderburn
claimed only one victim with the ball.
Bridgewater was steered to victory by opener and vice-captain Lewis Lonsdale, who retired not out for a well-made 50 from 110 balls.
Captain Connor Alexander, who also opened, made 13 off 113 balls in a partnership of 82 before being bowled by Blaz Cramp, who finished with 1-7 off eight overs. Lonsdale was named the ULCA junior player of the round for his half-century.
Kingower v Boort Yando Boort Yando
O. Byrne b R. Smith 13
L. Boyd b T Murphy 0 C. Gooding not out 64 T. Zanker c R. Smith b J. Penrose 18
Bowling: L. Boyd 7.3-0-26-1, F. Arnold 5-012-1, D. King 5-0-27-2, J. Malone 6-0-16-1, B. McPherson 6-0-19-0, T. Zanker 4-0-15-0, O. Byrne 4-0-3-1, S. McClelland 3-0-7-2,
Cramp c L. Lonsdale b E. Leahy
K. Cramp b I. Ferguson
Cramp
Z. Polkingmorne not out
Bowling: L. Lonsdale 7-1-9-0, C. Alexander 8-2-20-1, N. Wickham 6-3-6-1, H. Kilby 6-118-0, J. Birthisel 5-3-3-2, X. Power 5-2-170, I. Ferguson 5-5-0-1, E. Leahy 3-1-8-1, V. Harrison 2-0-8-0, E. Kilby 1-0-4-0.
Lonsdale
2-0, R. Murphy 5-0-19-0, R. Leach 6-1-17-
X. Wilson, 8-1-33-1, R. Smith 8-2-18-2, J. Penrose 2-0-9-1, F. Lonza 3-1-9-3, H. Leach
2-0-21-0, M. Rose 3-0-10-0, E.
4-0.
Bowling: B. Hartnell 9-1-26-0, A. Thomas 7-2-12-0, J. Dingfielder 11-4-17-0, B. Cramp 8-4-7-1, K. Cramp 4-1-12-0, E. Clarke 2-014-0, A. Clarke 3-0-6-0, Z. Polkingmorne 2-1-2-0.
Coach change for premiers Defender takes out Panthers’ best and fairest
PREMIERSHIP defender Abbey
Battersby has been named as Mitiamo’s senior A Grade netball coach for next season.
Battersby takes over from Jen Wilson, who led the Superoos to a win in last month’s grand final against Pyramid Hill 48-42.
Battersby will continue to play for Mitiamo as well as taking on the coaching duties.
She first played A Grade for
the Superoos in 2021 and was a key figure in this year’s premiership win.
Jess Pay, who won Mitiamo’s B Grade best-and-fairest winner in 2024, will coach the team next season.
C Grade will be coached by Caitlin Battersby, who played C Grade in 2024 as well as taking on the role of C Reserve coach part way through the season.
KEY DEFENDER and premiership player Matt Willox has taken out Marong’s best and fairest award for 2024.
Keeping things in the family, his wife Bridget was named as the Panthers’ A Grade netball best and fairest.
She has since been appointed as Marong’s A Grade coach for 2025.
Matt Willox, who was named at full-back in the Loddon Valley
Team of the Year, has re-signed with the Panthers for next season as they chase a fourth consecutive flag.
It has been a stellar rise for Willox. He has played in two senior premiership teams in his three seasons with Marong, but in 2022 was dropped to the reserves late in the season and missed out on the senior flag, appearing in the winning reserves grand final instead.
Forward Ryley Taylor, another player who was selected in the 2024 Team of the Year, was runner-up in the football award and also was named as most consistent.
Rover Jimmy Gadsden, who won best-afield honours in the grand final against Pyramid Hill, was chosen as best in finals. The coaches’ award went to youngster Jai Gretgrix, who also has re-signed for next season.
Harry Kilby is among Bridgewater’s early economical bowlers this season. LH PHOTOS
Boort’s Jacob Malone
Geoff McClelland and Garry Zanker at the scorer’s table
Mixed pennant fortunes play out on rinks
BRIDGEWATER has fallen to a heavy defeat to Talbot in Goldfields Weekend Pennant bowls.
Talbot won 67-16 to Bridgwater’s 36-0, with all three rinks going the way of the home team.
The closest result was Allen Harrison’s rink, which lost 19-15.
Bridgewater will host Newstead White this Saturday, with both teams yet to win this season.
The club’s midweek pennant side began its season on Monday with a loss to South Bendigo at home, 33-0 to 49-14.
Last Sunday Bridgewater held its annual Hay Australia open day with players from Dingee,
Northern
Mid-week: Division 1 Cohuna 85-12 defeated Pyramid Hill 31-0. T. Dehne, M. Reade, V. Meredith, W. Brooks (s) defeated W. Boyd, J. Cauchi, M. Noelker, R. Price (s) 346. V. Dehne, P. Van der Zande, J. Reade, M. Hofman (s) defeated C. Cauchi, K. Wood, S. Bennett, R. Opie (s) 18-17. A. Ainger, I. Howard, R. Ballard, F. Tonn (s) defeated R. Harris, H. Crichton, J. Leed, M. Scott (s) 33-8.
Barham 1 77-10 defeated Kerang 1 43-2. Cohuna Golf 71-12 defeated Barham 2 37-0.
Division 2 Pyramid Hill 20-0 lost to Kerang Golf 64-8. R. Boyd, I. Bartels, L. Dingwall (s) lost to B. McLeish, M. Rawson, S. McLeish, J. McLeish (s) 3-32. M. Mahoney, B. Marshall, T. Stobaus (s) lost to J. Tuohey, A. Medson, F. Ritchie, L. Ritchie (s) 17-32.
Cohuna 2 31-2 lost to Kerang Golf 2 41-6. Leitchville 1 45-8 defeated Barham 3 33-0. Cohuna Golf 2 60-8 defeated Kerang 2 35-0. Gunbower 1 43-2 lost to Cohuna 3 44-6.
Saturday pennant - Division 2
Pyramid Hill 1 47-2 lost to Cohuna 2 67-10. D. Demaine, M. Noelker, N. McGann, L. Mann (s) defeated C. Anderson, T. Howard, S. McIvor, R. Bradley (s) 23-14. R. Harris, I. Bartels, T. Dzufer, J. Leed (s) lost to M. Smith, K. Hocking, V. Dehne. D. Marshall (s) 11-27. W. Boyd, K. Wood, J. Mann, R. Price (s) lost to K. Peace, R. Bannister, T. Dehne, N. Hosking (s) 13-26. Kerang Golf 2 37-0 lost to Cohuna Golf 3 70-12. Kerang 3 59-3 lost
Serpentine, Inglewood and South Bendigo attending.
Bridgewater was well represented at Calivil’s Annual Open Day with eight players attending in preparation for the Bendigo season opener on October 26.
WEDDERBURN’S two teams ended up on both sides of the ledger as North Central Weekend Pennant bowls kicked off on Saturday.
Playing at home, Wedderburn’s reigning premier Division 1 team thrashed Charlton 116-12 to 51-0, mainly on the back of a massive 63-8 win by one of the fours.
The Division 2 side lost nar-
rowly to Charlton, 73-2 to 77-10
PYRAMID Hill’s Northern District bowls season has begun with a run of losses.
In midweek pennant, the Division 1 team lost to Cohuna, 85-12 to 31-0, while the Division 2 side (20-0) fell to Kerang Golf (64-8).
Saturday pennant saw similar disappointing results, with Pyramid Hill 1 losing 47-2 to 67-10 to Cohuna 2 in their Division 2 meeting. In Division 3, Pyramid Hill 2 scored 46-2 in its loss to Cohuna 3, which finished with 82-10.
Club bowls notes should be emailed to loddonherald@gmail. com by 8pm Sundays
to Barham 4 60-9.
Division 3 Cohuna 3 82-10 defeated Pyramid Hill 2 46-2. J. Mastin, T. Kirby, S. Burgess, S. Clark (s) defeated C. Cauchi, R. Fidler, A. Roberts, A. Bennett (s) 32-17. R. Dunne, C. Jones, M. Main, N. Walkington (s) lost to G. Godward, J. Dingfelder, A. Fidler, J. Cauchi (s) 18-19. U. Kirby, G. Anderson, K. Currie, B. Hildebrand (s) defeated M. Mahoney, A. Dzufer, T. Stobaus, L. Dingwall (s) 32-10.
Gunny Golf 1 64-10 defeated Leitchville 2 53-2. Kerang Golf 3 7112 defeated Barham 5 31-0. Kerang 4 50-2 lost to Wakool 2 66-10.
Goldfields
Division 2 Talbot 67-16 defeated Bridgewater 36-0. P. Pearce, R. Prentice, D. McCleary, R. Prentice (s) defeated P. Gath, C. Wattie, D. Wilson, I. Clutton (s) 25-13. G. Crossley, R. Van Roosmalen, L. Vernon (s) defeated D. Payne, T. Estrada, P. Short, J. Fagan (s) 23-8. I. Hall, M. Van Roosmalen, G. Smith (s) defeated B. McNaught, J. Hosking, K. McNaught, A. Harrison (s) 19-15. Newstead Blue 93-16 defeated Avoca 30-0. Maryborough Highland 57-2 lost to Maldon 61-14. Dunolly Gold 55-13 defeated Newstead White 53-3. Maryborough Golf 72-16 defeated Dunolly Green 45-0. Carisbrook bye.
North Central
Weekend Pennant - Division 1
Wedderburn 116-12 defeated Charlton 51-0. A. Roberts, R. Guelfo, B. Montebello, L. Witham (s) defeated
D. Finlay, W. Southwell, D. McCallum, K. Willey (s) 27-20. D. Finlay, W. Southwell, D. McCallum, K. Willey (s) defeated S. Perry, P. Watts, L. Southwell, W. Keenan (s) 26-23. D. Stephenson, C. Mills, A. Caserta, A. Jackson (s) defeated R. Porter, J. Cox, D. Gretgrix, K. North (s) 63-8.
St Arnaud 64-2 lost to Wycheproof 76-10. Donald 63-2 lost to Donald Golf 78-10. Boort 52-0 lost to St Arnaud Country 88-12. Division 2 Wedderburn 73-2 lost to Charlton 77-10. S. Lear, S. Steel, N. White, I. Hall (s) lost to S. Harper, B. Laffin, G. Bateson (s) 29-34. H. Stephenson, J. Matthews, M. Guelfo, A. Noordennen (s) lost to G. Wain, M. Hamley, C. Brien (s) 17-25. R. Tonkin, A. Benaim, L. Standfield, J. Grant (s) defeated D. Beaty, B. Patton, E. Rosewall, J. Headon (s) 27-18. St Arnaud 57-1 lost to Wycheproof 82-11. Donald 57-2 lost to Donald Golf 86-10. Boort 59-2 lost to St Arnaud Country 80-10.
Bendigo
Mid-week Pennant - Division 1 Inglewood 43-0 lost to Eaglehawk 82-16. M. Chamberlain, B. Taig, B. McClymont, I. Chamberlain (s) lost to B. Brackley, K. Rowe, R. Rowe, R. Evans (s) 17-21. S. Laird, R. Gallagher, H. Leech, L. Witham (s) lost to P. Hughes, L. Robertson, S. Piercy, S. Carn (s) 5-34. L. Kelly, C. McEwan, P. Schram, G. Wilson (s) lost to M. Watts, L. Thurwood, W. Wilkins, K. Rusbridge (s) 21-27.
South Bendigo 53-2 lost to Kangaroo Flat 64-14. Bendigo 53-2 lost to Golden Square 59-14. Bendigo East 60-16 defeated White Hills 460.
Division 4 Harcourt 96-16 defeated Calivil 29-0. R. Maltby, R. Douglas, J. Ewing, K. Tribe (s) defeated L. Lister, N. Ralphs, L. Gronow, C.
Midweek - St Arnaud 79-10 defeated Wedderburn 54-2. L. Goodwin, M. McRae, P. Micallef, A. Welsh (s) defeated M. Guelfo, S. Steel, R. Hall, A. Jackson (s) 27-19. A. Tyler, M. McIntyre, W. Rourke, P. McRae (s) defeated J. Murnane, S. Standfield, N. Holt, A. Caserta (s) 33-15. H. Stevenson, J. Prendegast, S. McIntyre, D. Goddard (s) lost to R. Little, J. Matthews, A. Roberts, L. Witham (s) 19-20. Charton 94-12 defeated St Arnaud Country 50-0. G. Bateson, R. Porter, K. North, L. Southwell (s) defeated S. Atkinson, Y. Templar, C. Bond, P. Goode (s) 33-14. S. Nelson, J. Cox, D. McCallum, W. Keenan (s) defeated P. Mullins, S. Wright, K. Pole, D. Moulday (s) 24-20. C. Brien, E. Rosewall, J. Headon, K. Willey (s) defeated D. Fullarton, A. Marland, H. Esmore, R. Pole (s) 37-16. Wycheproof 99-12 defeated Boort 49-0. C. Jones, V. Grant, H. Grylls, J. Grylls (s) defeated Y. Cashen, T. Noles, J. Maxted, L. Maxted (s) 38-16. C. Rayes, L. Nicholls, M. Nicholls, D. Groves (s) defeated L. Carrall, P. Baker, D. Gibson, J. Gibson (s) 37-11. D. Nicholls, S. McKenna, J. McKay, A. Mead (s) defeated S. Polack, P. Gould, J. Earl, K. Depiazza (s) 24-22. Donald 48-2 lost to Donald Golf 98-10.
Mitchell (s) 35-10. J. Pogue, K. Grant, C. Anderson, L. Harding (s) defeated J. Clymo, M. Boyd, M. Collett, S. Hope (s) 26-9. V. Maltby, J. Grant, K. Harding, H. Braid (s) defeated R. Boyd, J. Wiltshire, H. Gronow, C. Maxted (s) 35-10.
Dingee 47-0 lost to South Bendigo 64-16. B. Cail, S. Lawry, L. Demeo, L. Demeo (s) lost to R. Challinor, S. Howe, M. Kirkpatrick, M. Houghton (s) 16-21. K. Pollock, T. Kavanagh, F. Grieves, M. Grieves (s) lost to D. Kennedy, G. Pinniger, L. Cairncross, J. Borham (s) 13-18.
Golden Square 45-0 lost to Bendigo 70-16. Bendigo East 50-2 lost to Strathfieldsaye 59-14.
Division 5 Marong 50-14 defeated Inglewood 30-0. L. Williams, J. Adams, J. Tate, R. Williams (s) defeated J. Roberts, D. Roberts, A. Harrison, P. Kelly (s) 28-16. N. Harris, P. Williams, J. Stewart, R. Keily (s) defeated E. Patterson, K. Stewart, W. Wilson, D. Whitehead (s) 22-14. Campbell’s Creek 57-14 defeated Golden Square 25-0. South Bendigo 42-12 defeated Woodbury 372. Strathfieldsaye 42-14 defeated White Hills 40-0.
Division 6 Bridgewater 33-0 lost to South Bendigo 49-14. G. Harrison, R. O’Toole, J. Fagan, M. Wright (s) lost to P. Griffin, J. Burtonclay, P. Godwin, D. Campbell (s) 10-25. J. Hosking, H. Fagan, A. Harrison, B. Catto (s) lost to K. Doolan, J. Smith, J. Freeman, R. Poulter (s) 23-24. Golden Square 34-1 lost to Castlemaine 46-13. Eaglehawk 35-7 drew Harcourt 35-7. White Hills 46-14 defeated Strathfieldsaye 31-0.
PENNANT BOWLS RESULTS
Mixed results for Wedderburn bowlers on Saturday including Lance Standfield (left) and Sandra Steel (right). LH PHOTOS
More Leach sparkle
A STUNNING all-round performance from Kingower’s Jayden Leach has led his team to a big first-innings victory over reigning premiers Arnold in the first two-day match of the new Upper Loddon season.
Leach, who took a career-best 7-26 in the Redbacks’ first innings, made a sparkling 85 as Kingower raced to 7-249 off 48 overs in response to Arnold’s 104 all out.
Skipper Leach pressed for an outright win when Arnold batted again, but the Redbacks battled their way to 3-96 off 36 overs to avoid a heavier defeat.
Kingower resumed on Saturday at 1-33, and Leach and Will
By GARY WALSH
Deason quickly set about reining in their opponents’ total.
Deason made 48, and Kyle Simpson 32 as Kingower passed Arnold and kept up a cracking pace of more than five runs an over.
The score reached 3-208 before four wickets fell for just 14 runs.
Blake Pickles steered the lower order to the final total of 249 with a composed 63 not out.
Ryan Metelmann took 4-47 off 12 overs for the Redbacks, while Ryan Balsley (1-79 off 13 overs) and Campbell Hancock (1-55 off
eight overs) came in for some stick.
Leach couldn’t repeat his first innings heroics when Arnold batted again, going for 13 runs in his first over on the way to 0-29 off six.
Metelmann put in his own allround starring effort, making 57 after opening with skipper Henry McCullough as the Redbacks saved some face in their second innings.
Pickles took 2-13 off eight overs as Kingower used eight bowlers to try to winkle out the Redback batsmen.
Arnold plays Wedderburn in a T20 match on Saturday, while Kingower faces Boort Yando.
SCOREBOARDS
Harry’s opening score not enough to stop
BRIDGEWATER’S return to the Upper Loddon Cricket Association after a year in hiatus ended in defeat, with a young Bulls team falling to Wedderburn Band in a one-day clash on Saturday.
The youthful Bridgewater side battled hard against more experienced opponents, at one point having Wedderburn 3-27 after 11 overs of the 35-over match at Bridgewater Oval.
However, some solid partnerships as well as heavy hitting from veteran Danny Benaim saw Wedderburn compile 8-175 after batting first.
The Bulls managed 7-113 in their innings, highlighted by 48 from 56 balls by opener Harry McKinley.
Next best was Bridgewater juniors captain Connor Alexander with 14 not out in an impressive seniors outing.
Wedderburn’s innings got back on track after the scratchy opening when James Van de Wetering
Band music
and Finn Turnbull came together for a 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Benaim came to the crease at fourth drop, belted a four from his first ball, and continued on his merry way to 44 not out off 33 balls, including four boundaries and a massive six.
Xavier Power took two wickets in one over as he finished with 2-7, while McKinley was also best with the ball picking up 3-39 from seven overs after opening the bowling.
Benaim, playing with his 11-year-old son Jagger, completed a fine all-round performance with 2-9 off three overs including a spectacular caught-and-bowled.
Jagger took a wicket from seven tidy overs after looking composed in compiling seven runs at the crease.
Wedderburn will play Arnold next week in a T20 clash, while Bridgewater has the bye.
- GARY WALSH
Bridgey young bucks lead return to field
LAST cricket season Seth Hewett watched on as 12th man as Arnold completed its rags-toriches senior premiership win in the Upper Loddon Cricket Association.
This year is quite a change, with Hewett turning out for what he called “the Bridgewater over-age juniors”.
The Bulls returned to the league on Saturday after a year’s hiatus, fielding a team comprised mostly of youngsters against Wedderburn Band.
Hewett started his Bridgewater senior career with a first-ball wicket, clean bowling
Wedderburn captain Will Holt playing No 3 in the order.
He had played previously for Bridgey juniors but moved to Arnold when Bridgewater withdrew from the competition last season.
Hewett said it was good to be back: “I like the ground, and the people are nice.
“They needed players here, and there are about 20 at Arnold, so I thought I’d come back.”
Hewett finished with 1-30 from seven overs, and despite being a self-described terrible batsman, made three batting at number eight.
Kyle Simpson
Bridgewater’s Seth Hewett, Xavier Power, Nate Harrison and Connor Alexander. LH PHOTO
Jagger Benaim at the crease for Wedderburn. LH PHOTO
Loddon
sport
DIGGER DAZZLES
HALEY Smith has mastered an “opinionated horse” to claim a Ranch Horse Association of Australia national title.
The Wedderburn horsewoman has returned from Scone, New South Wales, where Digger (registered named QXH The Gamble) starred in the hi-point green rider event.
“He’s certainly been a gamble but it’s paid off,” Haley said.
“Digger’s been in all sorts of accidents since I got him - ran into a gate trying to race another horse, hit a mesh fence and injured his shoulder and knee, ran away and out onto the highway.
“But they say opinionated horses are the best and Digger is certainly opinionated. When I first looked at him, I told the owners he wasn’t for me ... I kept thinking about him and went back to buy him.
“To get Digger to win a national championship is amazing.”
Haley said many in the quarter horse fraternity had doubted her
‘Quick day’ pitch puts Danny, Jagger at crease Hayley’s Gamble snags national title
choice of horse “but I had to have a crack”.
Haley says the love of horses has been with her since she was a teenager.
“It’s only in the last four years that I have got into adult riding,” said Haley who is a member of the Northern Victorian Quarter Horse Association at Pyramid Hill.
Ranch association events are judged on the ability to work a horse at forward moving pace “in natural frame while testing the skill and versatility of horse and rider”.
Haley said: “It a bit like cowgirl riding.”
Since her return to riding, Haley has taken part in clinics and received special lessons to improve skills and knowledge.
“Before that I had not had any formal training,” she said.
“So that it was just Digger and me on this journey makes the national championship even more special.
“He has gone from being an inexperienced and nervous horse to a champion.”
DANNY Benaim, better known as a Wedderburn football legend, took to the cricket pitch on Saturday – entirely under false pretenses.
“They stitched me up,” Benaim said of his Wedderburn Band teammates. “They told me it was a T20 game, and it would be over in a couple of hours.”
In fact, it was a one-day clash against Bridgewater, but whatever the format, Benaim was going to remember the match for one important reason – he was playing his first game with 11-year-old son Jagger.
The Benaims batted together, compiling a
16-run partnership in three and a bit overs before Jagger popped up a catch.
Benaim junior, his dad said, was obsessed with cricket, having played juniors at Maiden Gully since he was seven.
“It’s pretty cool,” the 40-year-old said of the chance to play with his son.
“People are expecting me to hang around to play footy with him, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
For the record, Benaim will pull on the boots again for the Redbacks next year, so who knows?
Benaim said his own cricket career had come in fits and starts, squeezed in around football commitments as far afield as Darwin, where the footy season is played at the same time of year as cricket in the south.
Danny more than played his part in Wedderburn’s win, smashing 44 not out and taking two wickets, while Jagger impressed with 1-20 from seven overs and seven runs including a fine boundary.
- GARY WALSH
National champions ... Haley Smith and Digger. LH PHOTO
