HUNDREDS of Victorian farmers and volunteer firefighters have Premier Jacinta Allan in their sights for an election ding-dong in 2026.
Prostesters against her government’s controversial emergency services tax on Sunday vowed to take their fight up to the member for Bendigo East at the election.
Farmers are bracing for massive hikes in their rate bills next July.
Three generations of the Punton family from Woodstock West were among the protest rally crowd on Sunday.
Belinda Punton said rates on the land farmed by three generations of the family would jump at least $50,000.
“How do we pay that? We’re already working seven days a week ... we’ll just have to some
how work harder. This new tax is unfair.”
The Puntons were in a group of Loddon farmers who had their tractors in the protest convoy that later weaved its way into the centre of Bendigo.
Bianca and Brett Collins of Bridgewater North brought in six tractors. More than 100 fire trucks ringed Weerona Oval. CFA units from Pyramid Hill, Dingee, Powlett, Bridgewater, Rheola and Woodstock West among them.
Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub was among the crowd addressed by Marong captain and rally organiser Michael Shay who earlier this year initiated an emergency services appreciation round at Loddon Valley and North Central league matches.
Inglewood Ward councillor
Miki Wilson and husband Ken Collins were part of the tractor contingent, their farm workhorse with the sign “Jacinta = Judas”.
The Government gave farmers a 12-month reprieve from the tax as part of drought assistance measures.
Premier Allan has said the new levy will apply to them from next year with Loddon Shire modelling showing farmers faced a 25 per increased on the total rates bill. The Goernment has mandated councils collect the tax PHOTOS - PAGE 8
WEDDERBURN’S Donaldson Park is in the history booksthe crowd at Saturday’s North Central grand finals paid a re
cord gate of $45,866.
More than 5000 people cheered on football, netball and hockey combatants. Wedderburn went through the A and B Grade netball seasons undefeated to be crowned premiers and champions.
Boort won the C Reserve and Under14A netball flags. And in its first year, Calder United formed from Wycheproof Narraport and Nulliwil won the senior football cup. Premiership posters, stories and photos in your Loddon Herald Sport this week.
Ian, John, Jack, Belinda and Tony Punton ready to join the convoy of fire trucks and tractors in latest call to “scrap the tax”. LH PHOTO
Ken Collins and Miki Wilson ... Loddon voices at the rally
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WEEKEND FORECAST
Cloudy
Boort Saturday 13, Sunday 14
Balancing the cogs of life
BOORT District School Year 6 student Connor McNally has been awarded the top prize in this year’s Loddon Healthy Minds Network art show.
Connor’s sculpture crafted with cogs was titled Balancing Life, one of two themes for students entering the section for middle school years.
His interpretation was called Life in balance – Keep your life balanced like my person in my art
Hannah Coughlin, a Year 10 art student at Wedderburn College, won the her schools upper secondary section while the Boort school prize was awarded to Year 9 student Grace Karuvelil Binu with Chaise Hird runner-up.
Year 10’s Alina Gould was awarded the prize for Pyramid Hill College with second prize given to Rian Pantig
School winners in the middle school section - Inglewood: Skyla Noonan, runner-up Ruby Lawson. St Mary’s: Olivia Morrison Tarnagulla: Samuel Buckingham runner-up Vivian Read Boort: Henry Thomas Hawken runner-up Cleo Velleley. Wedderburn: William Canham runner-up Chelsie Tansley Pyramid Hill: Xanthe Farrar runner-up Alice Roberts.
The winning art in this year’s Loddon Healthy Minds Network art show by Connor McNally
IN BRIEF
Allocation increase
NEW seasonal irrigation water increases were announced on Monday. The Murray system seasonal determination increases from 60 per cent of high-reliability water shares (HRWS) to 73 per cent HRWS. The Goulburn and Loddon systems increase from 44 per cent HRWS to 47 per cent HRWS. The Broken system increases from 12 per cent HRWS to 17 per cent HRWS. The Campaspe system remains at 100 per cent HRWS. Resource Manager Mark Bailey said flows into the major storages had driven the increases.
Warren in town
PYRAMID Hill Fire Brigade and the football-netball club are hosting Warren Davies, the Unbreakable Farmer, for a wellbeing evening tomorrow. The functions is being held at Mitchell Park and brigade captain Steve Mann said a good attendance of district resdents was expected.
Latest take over
The open section was won by Anne Maree Hansen.
Network chairman and Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said: “This competition gives participants a positive and creative way to share messages about mental health and wellbeing.
“It’s inspiring to see the thought and passion behind the artworks.” he said.
NORTH Central LLEN’s latest Youth Take Over will be launched tomorrow. Careers that Care is a collaborative program between East Loddon P12 College and Inglewood and Districts Health Services. Students will showcase the work they have produced while working alongside IDHS/
True heroes rewarded
HEROES of a dramatic flood rescue at Wedderburn in the 2024 summer storms have received Victoria Police commendations.
Gabby Huisman, Andrew Roberts, Matthew Tansley, Will and Scott Cunningham and Wedderburn police Sgt Ben Huisman and Senior Constable Rueben Larson were presented with certificates last Wednesday.
Presentations of the certificates signed by the regional as-
sistant commissioner were made at a private ceremony at Wedderburn police station by Superintendent Brad Dixon
The locals heroes rescued a man trapped in his vehicle in the swollen Nardoo Creek in January 2023.
Surging floodwaters had pushed the man’s vehicle further down the creek.
The man, aged 60, and his dog were rescued by off-duty Sgt Hu-
isman and Mr Roberts who were fitted with safety equipment waded into the creek wbile Mr Tansley, Mr Cunningham and his 15-year-old son Will who held the rope. Mrs Huisman and Senior Constable Larson were also part of the local rescue effort.
Within hours of the rescue, the Loddon Herald reported that Sgt Huisman and Mr Roberts had gone into waist-deep in water.
“And it was flowing,” Sgt Huisman said.
“Andrew and I carried the man out of the water ... it was a real community effort.”
Sgt Huisman said the man had been lucky that vehicle did not flip when it was pushed into the creek at Tantalla Street.
“That was sheer luck,” he said.
“Once we rescued the man, the car kept floating and then became submerged.”
Proper recognition is deserved
FOR more than 18 months, there have been members of the Wedderburn community hoping their local heroes would be recognised for actions on the January 2024 evening as the region was in the middle of its second major flood in just over a year.
These people had seen the unselfish actions first-hand - a man trapped, action needed to save a life and taken.
The locals did not see themselves as heroes in the hours afterwards and the months since. They simply did what country people do and sprung into action.
Late last year there was a local furore when the State Emergency Service’s Marong unit was presented with a national award for rescuing the man.
Following intervention from federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, recognition of the Wed-
IN BRIEF
Library funding
THE State Government will give Goldfields Library Corporation $1,478,364 this year. Loddon Shire’s share of the funding is $129,023. Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said $48.1 million has been allocated through the latest round of the Public Libraries Funding Program to promote education and innovation among young Victorians. Loddon Shire has been calling for a return of 50:50 library funding by the Government.
Hamer revival
VICTORIAN tertiary students will have the chance to undertake six months’ of supported immersive study in China through the revival of Victoria’s Hamer Scholarship program – but this time, spots will be reserved for regional students. Speaking in Beijing to launch Victoria’s China Strategy: For a New Golden Era, Premier Jacinta Allan said her regional vision for the long-standing scholarship program came from her own experiences as a country student. For the program’s revival, 20 new Hamer Regional Scholarships will be awarded to select students who are studying, living in or from regional Victoria – providing them $10,000 to support their six months’ study in China.
COMMENT
derburn heroes was published on the Australian Search and Rescue Awards website.
Local residents still hoped that their heroes would receive some token of recognition.
Last Wednesday’s presentation of Victoria Police certificates of regional commendation finally, and officially, honours acts of bravery on an extraordinary evening by locals who see themselves as just ordinary people.
While the presentation ceremony was a private affair, the six local heroes would have stood there knowing the community was united in loud applause for their deserved honour.
Congratulations to all six and thanks from a community that values and respects your efforts.
- CHRIS EARL
Wedderburn heroes with Superintendent Brad Dixon after receiving their commendations last week
Tree marks new growth
A new tree has been planted at the Inglewood Botanical Garden to mark the beginning of the revival project by Ingleward Landcare Group.
The celebratory tree was donated by Inglewood Wildflowers Nursery, owned by group organiser Katie Gillet.
The group held its community barbeque on Sunday at the gardens to discuss ideas for improving the area.
In attendance at the meeting
were Kevin Poyser and Howard Rochester from the Inglewood and District Historical Society who were able to share the history of the gardens with the group.
Katie said, “the day went amazingly well, we had about ten people come and we did a walk around the gardens and discussed ideas for what could be done.”
The group will meet again next month and plan to get started on some of the improvements.
“The pond is surrounded by
a weed, so we want to get that taken care of quickly, we’re also looking at doing a working bee as well to help with general weeding and maintenance,” Katie said.
During the event the group were able to identify the last remaining pinus pinaster tree of the 250 donated by the Melbourne Botanical Gardens.
The idea of a self-guided walk with photos and signage was also suggested as a way to bring more people to the gardens.
Main street festivities get the green light
STALLS, cars and events will be back in Brooke Street in November after the town’s development and tourism committee secured funds to meet street closure costs for Inglewood Alive.
The committee last year had a bill of more than $5000 to close Brooke Street for the oneday festival and had been planning 2025 activities around the town hall precinct.
But committee treasurer Pauline Wellman last week confirmed the group had been able to raise funds “and that means we’ll be back in Brooke Street where every Inglewood Alive has been staged”.
“We attract thousands of people to Inglewood - it’s our biggest day of the year - and we’re so glad that the event can again been staged in Brooke Street. People love weaving between the stalls and activities flanked by our wonderful historic buildings.”
The festival sub-committee this week started announcing the entertainment line-up that will include Midnight Blue Blues Band (MB3), a six-piece swing/jump Blues outfit and The Groove Dudes.
Mrs Wellman said the subcommittee was still calling for volunteers to assist with staging the festival.
In the grove for seniors’ month
LODDON’S Victorian Seniors’ Festival gala day concert will this year be held in Wedderburn.
The Stiletto Grove will perform at the concert in Wedderburn Mechanics’ Institute Hall next month.
The free event will include afternoon tea.
Loddon council says there will be plenty of other activities around the shire hosted by community groups and other council partners.
These include a garden party in Pyramid Hill, family history research in Wedderburn and a portable planetarium in Boort.
“This year’s state-wide theme, Connect, Create, Celebrate, invites us to come together, share experiences, try something new, and enjoy the company of friends old and new,” said Mayor DAN Straub.
“It’s about celebrating the wisdom, creativity and vibrancy that our seniors bring to the Loddon community every day.
“A heartfelt thank you to the many community groups, businesses and volunteers whose dedication brings this festival to life, and to the Victorian State Government for their generous support of the Seniors Festival each year.”
Howard Rochester shares stories on the history of the gardens with group members on Sunday. AP PHOTO
Platform fall: MP in safety talk bid
MURRAY Plains Plains, Peter Walsh, wants an immediate meeting with Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams after reports that a passenger fell from a V/ Line train at Pyramid Hill.
Mr Walsh said V/Line and the Government – have kept the latest failure on the Swan Hill line under wraps for weeks “and that’s inexcusable”.
He said the Government has just about run out of excuses for its total mismanagement of the regional rail network.
“The Government has not been able to get the Swan Hill train to run on time, even assuming it is a train and not a bus, for years,” Mr Walsh said.
“Then the Swan Hill train lost a carriage with passengers in it, and now it has put passenger safety at risk.
“From the little information which has, finally, been released, we are led to believe the passenger fell from the Swan Hill train at Pyramid Hill, a station where the train is longer than the platform.
“As usual the Government is hiding behind the no comment stand, claiming there is an ongoing investigation.
If this accident happened in August that means the investigation has been going on for weeks – it can’t take that long to find out
I want to know what positive steps are going to be taken to minimise all these risks
- Peter Walsh
why this man fell.” Mr Walsh said the man then had to be dragged back onto the train because there was no ambulance available “and carried a further 30 or 40 painful minutes along the line to Kerang for treatment”.
He said as if this latest V/Line mess wasn’t enough to try and cover up, it has also again highlighted challenges faced in regional and rural Victoria because no ambulance was available. The Office of the National Rail Safe-
ty Regulator has said its initial probe will assess whether there are immediate safety concerns for the network and if risk controls by operators were effective.
“In this case the Government and V/Line know the platform is short, so why do doors, which lead to nothing, open at all?” Mr Walsh said.
“Even assuming the short announcements by conductors are made, you cannot assume they were either heard or understood, so why not keep the doors locked where there is no platform – it is so blindingly obvious to me.
“If you are an occasional, or once-only, user of the line, you would not know about the short platform, if you were a tourist or migrant worker, you probably would not understand the message and just assume it was an arrival announcement.
“But I don’t want to see this used as an excuse for trains to stop at fewer stations along the line – we need to get it right, not make it worse by doing less, or nothing.
“That’s why I want a sit down with the Minister, I want to know what positive steps are going to be taken to minimise all these risks and when this government will finally govern for the whole state, not just Melbourne, and invest in regional services.”
$5 million water upgrade picks up state award
A $5 million upgrade of water tanks at Laanecoorie has won a top award at the 2025 Civil Contractors Federation Victoria Earth Awards, The award-winning Laanecoorie project upgraded the raw water supply for the Laanecoorie water treatment plant that Coliban Water said secured a more reliable and higher-quality drinking water source for residents in the region.
Simpson Construction Company built two new 1 megalitre concrete tanks, each standing 4.5 metres high and 20 metres in diameter, and a pump station housing two raw water pumps. These tanks now receive and
store water from the South West Loddon Pipeline, replacing the previous supply from the Loddon River, which was often poor quality water and placed strain on the treatment process.
Coliban said: “The project was delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard, with reduced operational inputs and environmental impacts. It significantly improves the quality, reliability, and drought resilience of the drinking water supply for the community.”
The Laanecoorie award was one of two for Coliban, also picking up a top section gong for Malmsbury Reservoir bridge refurbishment.
Official opening of the award-winning project last October. LH PHOTO
Sonia stays stoic in cancer battle
SONIA Galloway was feeling tired during the heat of summer.
Laying in bed, she brushed her breast. “I thought, that hurt and then I found a lump,” she recalls
A doctor’s appointment was made for the next day and her journey negotiating breast cancer treatment started.
Almost nine months later, Sonia remains stoic and works when she can at Inglewood IGA.
Next month, she’s organising a fundraising morning tea. Sonia wants to raise awareness of breast cancer.
“The message is simple. Make sure you have regular checks ... just because there is no history of breast cancer in your family, and there wasn’t in mine, it doesn’t mean it will bypass you,” Sonia said.
“For me, it’s just bad luck. The good news, it’s not genetic.”
Doctors and specialists told Sonia her
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
EAST Loddon Men’s Shed
members are continuing their road trips around the shire.
Just weeks after spending the day in Wedderburn that included a visit to the Coach House Gallery Museum, members last week ventured to Pyramid Hill.
The latest trip included a tour of the town’s museum.
breast cancer was aggressive. “They found two lumps - one was a cyst - the other lump quickly measured 23mm but with treatment it has already been reduced to 9mm,” she said.
Sonia still has another month of chemotherapy in Bendigo. “It’s a long process from when you find the lump.
“Before that I was feeling tired and losing weight but not physically unwell.”
Sonia said she and partner Eric Rochester had explained to their children Islay, 7, and Thomas, 8, that the medication during treatment would make her sick.
“We’ve had amazing support from family and friends on the journey and (manager) Tom Ryan and assistant manager Kathryn Paton at IGA have been wonderful.”
The fundraising morning tea will be on October 2.
Funding to raise street safety
RAISED priority crossings will be installed in Inglewood, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said the work would be part of the State Government’s $210 million safer local roads and streets program.
The raised crossing will be at the corner of Hospital and Chapel Streets in Wedderburn, in Inglewood’s Hospital Street and as part of work in Stanley Street, from Victoria Street to Poverty Street, Tarnagulla.
Safety barriers will be installed at the Bullock Creek in Sebastian Road, Yarraberb.
“This program will deliver the local road upgrades our community have been calling for - improving our roads for motorists for years to come,” Ms Haylett said.
The Government is allocating up to $2 million to each Victorian council for road safety improvements until June 30, 2027.
New visitor centre at shire entrance
A NEW visitor information centre has been confirmed for Bridgewater. Loddon Shire says the centre will be in Main Street with planning part of a visitor servicing feasibility project tender award to Bendigo-based Tough Cookie Marketing.
“The project will provide a road map for a new approach to face-to-face visitor servicing across the Loddon Shire, including the expansion of the new Welcome Shop network, to include a new visitor information centre in Main Street Bridgewater,”
said council manager tourism and economic development David Stretch.
“The project will involve detailed stakeholder consultation, community engagement and education, benchmarking of servicing models, financial and operational modelling to guide future funding and governance decisions. The project scope includes consideration of the existing Wedderburn visitor information centre operations and its continued role and contribution to visitor servicing.”
Men’s shed members visit Pyramid Hill
Sonia Galloway
Rally has full head of steam
BALLARAT’S Bill Singleton was glad to be back at Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society’s annual rally at the weekend.
He was among hundreds of people at Engine Park where restored machines, works in progress and stalls selling spare parts were the attraction.
“I was a regular attender for many years but then missed 10 years ... had a grand daughter performing in the Schools’ Spectacular on the same weekend for those years,” said Bill.
“Finally got back to Wedderburn last year and I wasn’t going to miss this year either.”
The retired diesel mechanic’s current project is building a
three-inch scale steam engine. “Will probably take me another couple of years to get it finished.” he said. “Hopefully it will pass the pressure test. Otherwise I will have to start again.”
Healesville’s Mal Wilkinson spent the weekend riding Engine Park on a friend’s unique machine. “It’s a 1980s mower with a 1960s diesel engine and a homemade park bench seat,” said Mal.
Society president Trevor Bailey said there had been a good crowd for the rally with many camping at the side for the weekend.
“We even had quite a few come down from the sport grand finals at Donaldson Park for a look.”
Saturday night saw engines on display adorned with lights.
The
The coronavirus pandemic
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a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.
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Among the faces at the society’s annual swap meet were Bill Singleton; Peter Rogers, Gordon Smith and Trevor Bailey; and Healesville’s Mal Wilkinson
T-Model Ford enthusiast Graham Hadden checks out the cars on display at Engine Park. LH PHOTOS
Boort’s Greg and Vikki Moresi protesting against the emergency services tax and the VNI West renewable energy transmission line
Geoff, Helen and Rachael Canfield with Bernard Bracken
Mitiamo’s Kurt Friday and Allan Wiltshire with Dingee’s Adrian Hocking
Rheola’s Phil Vernon, Angus Smith, Lindsay Soulsby and Greg Mack
Collins, Puntons, Stones and O’Haras with their tractor convoy
Dale, Leonie and Brian Baker, of Laanecoorie (left), and Powlett’s Mal Isaac and Rick Last (above) listen to CFA Volunteers Group secretary Leigh Harry during the rally at Bendigo’s Weeroona Oval on Sunday. LH PHOTOS
Great strokes, by gum!
ENTRIES in the inaugural Eucy Art Show are rolling in, with a surprising range of responses to the invitation to feature eucalypts in the artworks.
“We had some interesting queries about what kinds of paintings and mixed media artworks could be entered,” said Inglewood’s Eucalyptus Distillery Museum secretary Murray Baud.
The show will be part of next month’s Loddon Valley Arts Trail celebrations in local communities.
“Artists are showing traditional gum tree landscapes, there’s an artwork that references the famous Bosisto’s parrot, there’s even a work that smells like eucalyptus,” Mr Baud said.
“I think judge Terry Jarvis is going to have quite a challenge to decide our prize winners.”
The Eucy Art Show collaboration between the museum and Loddon Valley Arts aims to build on the popularity of the Inglewood tourist attraction which houses a heritage distilling machinery and is a go-to destination for people touring the region.
“We’re pleased with the response to our very first Eucy Art Show,” Mr Baud says.
“It’s such a traditional painting subject, always a favourite, but to see new ways to create eucythemed artwork is wonderful.”
The exhibition will be officially opened on the evening of October 2 at an event which also launches the Loddon Valley Arts festival and all the exhibitions running from Friday to Sunday across the shire.
“Eucy Museum is such a special venue, and their team of volunteers do an excellent job welcoming visitors to Inglewood and the Loddon shire,” festival organiser Rosemary Sorensen says.
“It’s a lovely space for displaying art, so this new Eucy Art Show
makes perfect sense. “When we first started planning for October, the idea of an art show came up in conversations, and gradually we were able to focus in on eucy as both the ideal venue and subject for artwork.
“The committee and volunteers
at the museum are doing a magnificent job with organising, sorting, preparing the exhibition.
“It’s going to be well worth an extra visit to this unique Loddon attraction,” Ms Sorensen said as early exhibits were unpacked at the museum on Monday.
Smiling dial talks soon with owners
OWNERS of empty shops in Loddon communities will be asked to be part of a rejuvenation project that will see the faces of local identities beaming from windows.
Loddon Shire was awarded the street scenes project tender to REMARK that it says will “enliven commercial areas of Loddon Shire by transforming vacant retail shop windows into vibrant photographic displays featuring the faces and stories of local people”.
According to tourism and economic development manager David Stretch: “The initiative seeks to enhance the aesthetic appeal of main streets, celebrate our local community and stimulate economic activity.
“The project budget should allow us to see approximately 10 sites across the Shire hosting artworks, that will be reproduced as decals on these empty storefronts.
“The project team will work with communities to identify the characters and messaging that best suit the towns and locations involved.
“Council staff will be seeking expressions of interest from property owners who wish to participate in the program.”
Jeff Hooley, Robyn Holtham and Judy Metcalf with some of the entries that are arriving ready for the exhibition
Feds are told Basin plan ‘not delivering’
FEDERAL Water Minister Mur-
ray Watt has been delivered a blunt message a regional group of councils: the Murray Basin Plan is not delivering for northern Victorian communities.
A delegation from the Murray River Group of Councils led by chair Cr Dan Straub has met with the minister.
Cr Straub highlighted the vital role that water plays in sustaining northern Victorian communities.
“Across the Murray River Group of Councils region, agriculture and food manufacturing underpin everything. Our region produces more than $8.3 billion in food every year, and around 16,000 local jobs are tied directly to this,” Cr Straub said.
“Our councils and communities are on the frontline of the Basin Plan’s impacts and it is vital that our voices are heard, that’s why we came to Canberra.
“We really appreciate the Minister’s willingness to meet with us and hear the concerns of our communities and our industries and to engage with our ideas for collaborative and pragmatic solutions.
“The meeting was positive and the discussion open which was welcome.
“We were able to tell of our be-
lief that the Basin Plan is not delivering for our region.
“We don’t support buy backs, and especially the Government’s current, non-strategic programs of open market water purchases as these put our irrigation districts and our farmers at risk.
“We were happy to hear from Minister Watt that he wants to minimise the negative impacts on our communities while seeing the Basin Plan delivered.”
The councils, including Loddon told Mr Watt of the importance of genuine investment to offset the negative impacts of the Basin Plan.
“We don’t want trinkets or grant programs,” Cr Straub said, “we need meaningful funding that unlocks investment to keep jobs in our region and creates new economic activity that bring new permanent jobs to our communities.”
“The other key principle that MRGC has that we made clear to the minister is that new jobs need to be created in the communities where jobs are being lost – moving jobs to regional centres won’t help our towns” said Cr Straub.
“We are all committed to protecting our rivers, wetlands and floodplains,” Cr Straub said. “But achieving that doesn’t have to come at the cost of our towns.”
Loddon Shire Council is proud to present the draft Community Vision 2035 and Council Plan 2025-2029 (incorporating the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan).
For the first time, our Council Plan also incorporates our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, reinforcing the importance of health and wellbeing in everything we do. The draft Council Plan will act as a road map to achieving our Community Vision, so it is important that we get it right. A copy of the draft Loddon Shire Council Plan 2025-2029 can be downloaded from the Council website It can also be viewed at or obtained from Council’s Customer Service Centre, 41 High Street, Wedderburn between 8.15am and 4.45pm Monday to Friday.
Any person who wishes to provide feedback on the draft Loddon Shire Council Plan 2025–2029 can do so by completing the online submission form (follow the link from our home page), sending a written submission to Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn VIC 3518 or emailing it to executive@loddon.vic.gov.au
Submissions close 5pm on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
LLENs want long-term backing
LOCAL learning and employment networks want to continue delivering “high-impact, cost-effective outcomes to ensure all young Victorians are supported into education and employment”.
They say that won’t be achieved if the State Government does not commit to a new three-year LLEN contract to provide certainty for communities, schools, and students across Victoria.
Last week chief executive of the North Central LLEN Jane Hosking and executive officer at the Campaspe Cohuna LLEN Jane Reid went to Parliament to meet with Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh, and Shadow Minister for Education and Industry and Economic Growth, Jess Wilson.
The CEOs said the Department
The Loddon Shire Victorian Seniors Festival 2025 guide is now out. It's got all the information you'll need for the October festival, which features a gala event in Wedderburn on Wednesday, 8 October.
You can pick up the guide at your local post office, Senior Citizens Centre or Neighbourhood House or by scanning the QR code on the right It also has details on how to get your free cafe voucher.
of Education’s current offer of a “highly limited” one-year contract undermines the stability of a proven model on which communities, schools and employers have relied for decades.
Ms Hosking said in real terms, despite growing demand, the 31 LLENs across the state have not received a funding increase since 2014.
She said VicLLENS have played a “critical role in bridging the gap” between education and employment for young people, across every region and postcode of the state.
“Since 2016, LLENs have coordinated more than 25,000 work-based learning placements, currently partnering with almost 7000 employers statewide,” Ms Hosking said last week.
Council has released the Draft Financial Plan 2025/26 - 2034/35 for public comment.
This plan, which also supports the Community Vision and Council Plan, provides the framework for Council's finances for the next 10 years and will be the guiding document for the annual budget.
To view this plan and have your say, visit the Council website.
“These partnerships open doors to real-world experience, support transitions into meaningful careers, and connect young people to industries which need them most.
“Longer-term funding also enables strategic planning, measurable outcomes, and the retention of a highly skilled, place-based LLEN workforce essential to delivering sustained impact.”
Mr Walsh said the Government needed to formally recognise LLENs as critical, placebased delivery partners in achieving its education, skills, and equity priorities. Secure, fit-for-purpose funding and a genuine commitment to longterm collaboration would mean LLEN’s offering communitydriven solutions.
Council's Draft Asset Plan is open for public consultation.
Council will be hosting listening posts where you can speak with Council officers about the plan, roads, buildings or any other asset related matters in Loddon Shire.
They will take place at:
Newbridge - Friday, 19 September, 10am - noon, Newbridge General Store
Listening posts were held earlier this week at Inglewood and Pyramid Hill.
You can also provide feedback online via the QR code below or through our website (go to our home page and click on the link from there).
Feedback on the Draft Asset Plan will close at 5pm on Tuesday, 23 September.
Cr
Jess Wilson and Peter Walsh meet with Jane Reid and Jane Hosking
Punton on a top result
STRONG bidding from repeat and new buyers saw Tuesday’s ram auction come within a whisker of achieving a total clearance at Kamarooka Park Merino Stud.
Regular buyers Nick and Bill Punton, of Woodstock West, topped the sale with six purchases including the top priced ram at $3300.
Stud principal Erroll Hay said he was delighted with the sale results with an average sale price of $1600 for the 49 of 50 rams sold under the hammer.
Second top price of $2800 was paid by Tasmania’s Sam Burbury.
“We had three new clients buying at the sale and many returning purchasers from across the region,” Mr Hay said.
“In a sign of confidence for the industry, we saw the return of a few buyers who had been absent in recent years from our ram sale.
“Some bidders missed out on the rams they wanted but as conditions continue to improve over coming months, we will have more rams available for private sale.”
Auctioneer Will Holt said the sale had been an excellent result with volume buyers having a strong presence. Buyers included Chris Allen, of Euroa, who took home six rams, JJ and GT Kennedy of Goornong who won the bidding on five lots and Pyramid
four rams.
Dairy fears over costs and safety
DISMANTLING of Dairy Food Safety Victoria must not compromise safety and result in increased costs for the industry, said United Dairy Farmers of Victoria president Bernie Free.
The peak dairy farmer group wants Government to clarify decision and the lack of a business case behind the new Safe Food Victoria.
“This move has united the industry in opposition to these so called ‘reforms’. Replacing a proven, cost-neutral, specialist regulator with a one-size-fits all bureaucracy just won’t work,” Mr Free said.
“Where is the evidence that DFSV is not working? The current model enables a specialist, self-funded regulator that operates effectively and efficiently.”
“DFSV is the benchmark for dairy safety in Australia and for our dairy exports, amalgamating it in with other food safety risks not just safety for the consumer, but for Victoria’s $2.5 billion and 73 per cent share of Australia’s dairy exports.”
“Safety must not be compromised, and costs must not be increased. Victoria’s dairy industry already operates under tight margins, and additional regulatory burdens will directly hurt farmers, processors, and ultimately consumers.”
Hill’s Brad Peters with
Auctioneer Will Holt, Erroll Hay and Nick Punton with the top priced ram
PRICES were dearer across all categories at Bendigo on Monday.
The sale would rate as one of the best overall markets seen at Bendigo as there was really no gaps in buyer demand.
New season lambs to $378/head; export shorn lambs to $420; Merino lambs to $284; hoggets to $306; and heavy ewes to $280/head twice.
Just over 13,000 lambs and 9000 sheep were yarded, supply up 6000/head on a week ago.
It was also a better quality yading, particularly in the old shorn lambs which had more quality lines off grain rather than clean-up lots.
This fed into the dearer outcomes, although the main market driver appeared to be processors being short of numbers following last week’s rainfall.
Young lambs were $10 to $30/head dearer, lifting back to rates of 1200c/kg plus on the best pens with some trades even estimated as high as 1300c/kg cwt again.
The lead heavy young lambs $302 to a top of $378/head, and the good trades $254 to $320/head.
Not a lot of store lambs and very strong demand with a processor competing against store buyers on the main lines of young crossbreds to feed.
There was interest from specialist Ballarat finishers and some pens of trade framed lambs went back to the paddock at up to $267/head.
The main lines of more genuine sized store lambs from $190 to $230/head at high carcass price rates
Some of the old season lambs were $30 to $50/head dearer on improved quality, with the fed lambs in short skins back up at 1100c and 1200c/kg cwt again.
Merino lambs also sold strongly. Heaviest old season export lambs $350 to $420/ head, lead of the heavy trades $314 to $340/head.
Mixed and decent light lambs $150 to $240/head – the smallest little Merino lambs down to $80/head.
The mutton run was $10 to $20/head dearer with all categories except the most heaviest ewes trending between 700c and 800c/kg cwt.
The main lines of quality shorn Merino averaged above 750c/kg cwt. In dollars a pen of exceptionally heavy meat ewes to $280 and Merino ewes in wool to $280/ head. Most heavy sheep $220 to $275head, followed by the leaner trades at $165 to $220/head.
Not a lot of light sheep in this yarding with most ewes now coming forward with more condition, and light sheep sold strongly at $115 to $153/head.
Market reporter: Jenny Kelly..
SHORN LAMBS
R Carter Tragowel (8) $348. FW & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (33) $322.
SUCKER LAMBS
A & C Branson Colbinabbin (79) $395. J & M MacDonald Woodstock West (45) $340. Lislea Lodge Picola (95) $339. R Carter Tragowel (29) $334. B & M Barlow Wanalta (75) $330. Addlem Farms Pompapiel (31) $330. I & M Palmer Boort (38) $317. Pompapiel Pastoral Pompapiel (64) $308. Womboota Pastoral Moama (62) $303. Merran Park Pastoral Barham (26) $302. JM & PJ Darker Boort (38) $300. JJ & SF George Girgarre (26) $292.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
CN & DW Slatter Boort (35) $380. Donnellon Family Trust Donald (73) $367. OST Moama (96) $336. C Howell Molka (23) $302. Colin Osborne Boort (37) $301. A & K Ogden Wanalta (12) $300. Nutbyrne Pty Ltd Knowsley (39) $286. Kevin Wilson Seymour (26) $250.
MERINO LAMBS
KP & EV Sait Nareewillock (136) $226. CROSSBRED EWES
B & W Lawrence Invergordon (75) $266. A & T Cole Raywood (42) $256. Pompapiel Pastoral Pompapiel (16) $254. Derby Downs Marong (16) $225. C McGillivray Mangalore (16) $218. K & J Keating Woodvale (64) $214.
MERINO EWES
B & J Colvin Bunnaloo (82) $270. Laurel Farms Boort (13) $268. JF & DL Gibson & Sons Borung (87) $255. Merran Park Pastoral Barham (60) $245. AH Bear & Sons Loddon Vale (59) $234. Mirnee Partnership Hunter (76) $234. D & C Gunther Pyramid Hill (79) $220. P & S Pastoral Moama (28) $212. EXOTIC EWES
N & M Hocking Pyramid Hill (17) $246. D & C Gunther Pyramid Hill (33) $225. MERINO RAMS
BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s Main Field Day last week brought together more than 500 farmers and industry representatives from across north-west Victoria, with decision-making on farm at the heart of the program.
Among the standout sessions was Dr James Nuttall’s exploration of crop-soil interactions in the 20-metre soil pit, offering farmers a tangible view of how roots of wheat, barley, canola and pulses access water and nutrients, and the ‘Farming without paraquat’ session, preparing growers for a future with restricted herbicide use.
Beyond the formal presentations, networking and peer-to-peer conversations provided invaluable opportunities to share insights and experiences.
Group CEO Fiona Best opened the event, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities of the season. “Farmers are continually making decisions in complex environments. Our aim is to ensure that every decision point is supported by the right information at the right time, and that farmers feel connected to their peers and the wider research community,” she said.
Chairman John Ferrier said the day reflected the strength of BCG’s partnerships. “Collaboration is central to what BCG does. Bringing together world-class researchers, local knowledge, students and industry partners ensures our region is well placed to tackle challenges and embrace new opportunities.”
Farmer Alan Bennett said” “Farming is the art of the possible, and you’ve got to find a solution to find a way through.”
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
Strong market with all categories of sheep and lamb selling dearer.
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team. Monday, September 15th, 2025 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 13,000 | Sheep - 5,000
Alex Collins - 0408 314 768
Will Lowe - 0498 381 584 Will Holt - 0417
A’Vard - 0429 966 572
Weekend fire gap knowledge
A COMMUNITY forum last weekend has helped people gain knowledge in econological uses of fire.
Mount Korong Eco Watch hosted the event that organiser Sally Gardener said “went really well.”
The forum featured talks from a variety of experts who shared their experience and knowledge of using fire as an ecological tool. Discussion on the day focused on comparisons of the more western style of commercial high-tech firefighting and the historical practices used by First Nation’s people.
“Throughout the day the details and values of each end of the spectrum were focused on and considered,” Sally said.
“The majority of people in attendance had heard of or were interested in the idea of burning for ecological purposes but wanted to fill in gaps in their knowledge or learn more to feel more confident for possible future use,The other area of discussion on the day was the policy level support that private landowners would need to apply these methods.
“We focused on thinking about what support those interested would need as well as possible needs and opportunities for partnerships between First Nation’s
people and landowners. We also highlighted the importance of building literacy and knowledge of how fire can be used safely in this way.
“It’s important that people understand the principles and have the opportunity to learn, we want to find ways to establish workshops or courses for people interested. To do this we need to consider practically speaking what is involved and what is sustainable.”
The group intends to continue exploring the levels of support that may be needed based on individual knowledge and confidence and how they can best assist landowners.
WOOL REPORT
Share offer to drive US expansion
COBRAM Estate Olives has launched a $10 million share purchase plan to fund growth in its United State operations.
The share offer opened on Tuesday and follows a $175 million institutional placement.
Shares have been offered at $3.20, a discount of at least 0.9 per cent on the company’s trading price earlier this month.
Cobram Estate, that has one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest groves at Boort and last year opened a new processing facility, says it has a pipeline in the US “of new, uncommitted properties at various stages of due diligence with a number of parties, which would provide well in excess of the target 1600 hectares of plantable land, and has a high degree of confidence in acquiring the land”.
“Funds from the equity raise will be used for the purchase of this additional Californian land and associated grove development costs,” it said after the institutional offer closed.
Non-executive chair and cofounder, Rob McGavin, said: “We are grateful for the strong support shown for the placement, The funds raised will accelerate the rollout of our USA growth strategy, where we see significant potential to replicate — and ultimately surpass — the success of our Australian business.”
The wool market continued to rally last week, clocking up its eighth consecutive weekly rise. It is the longest weekly rally in six and a half years. On a daily basis, the rally has now run for 14 straight sessions, the longest stretch since 2011. Auction volumes remain tight with total offering figures sitting at 246,305 bales for the first eight auctions, down 8% on the previous season but still ahead of the 2019 and 2020 seasons. At the sale this week there was a sharp jump on the first day (24 cents) followed by more muted increases on Wednesday (4 cents). The AWEX-EMI finished at 1319 cents, its highest level since March 2023. The gains were across-the-board in the Merino sector with rises of 30 to 40 cents clean commonplace. 17-microns were a standout, adding to their previous gains with an increase of 57 and 69 cents in Melbourne and Sydney. Despite the recent gains the 17-Micron Price Guides are still trading around 1000 cents below their recent peak in 2022. Sellers remain keen to capitalise on the rally, driving the clearance rate to a 12-month high of 97.4%. Merino skirtings tracked a similar path to the fleece types, increasing sharply over the two days, particularly for best-length low vegetable matter types on the back of strong buyer support.
Crossbreds are now at four to five year highs after firming 10 cents clean this week, continuing on their steady rally from the past 12-months. Merino Cardings were generally 10 to 20 cents dearer for the week with odd pockets 30 to 40 cents higher.
Just under 31,000 bales are expected this week in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle, the latter holding another one-day sale.
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
Superb Rich Red Sandy Loam to Grey Mix in Multiple Allotments
Lot 1: “Home Block” 126.69 Ha – 312 Ac
In 5 paddocks & House yard. Water by 3 dams, soil suiting all facets of agriculture 95% Arable Substantial improvements include:3 Bedroom Brick Veneer family home, Modern Living together with Entertainment deck, single Carport. Sundry Shedding includes: New Zinc alum Machinery shed 16 m x 21 m with Gravel floor Gal Iron shearing shed, 3 stand with attached sheep yards Machinery shed & workshop with power & partial cement flooring
Lot 2: “Blampieds” (1895 Drummartin Road) 148.4 Ha – 366.696 Ac
In 4 paddocks, single Solar pump Windmill to trough & 3dams. Mix of Red & Grey loam. 85% Arable. Established Native shelter belts. Suiting all forms of agriculture
Lot 3: “Dolmans” 129.0 Ha – 320 Ac Situated on Tandarra Road. Including 6 paddocks with 4 dams. Heavy Red Loam soil mix to Mallee stone rises. Established pasture, suitable to all aspects of agriculture
Lot 4: “Kitchen” - 74.6 Ha – 184.353 Ac
Rich Red Loam in 3 paddocks with 2 dams & Windmill bore to trough
Lot 5: “Hockings” - 161.19 Ha – 400.777 Ac
Offering 5 paddocks with 32.37 Ha Wetland Water available by Solar pump and Windmill bore to trough and dams. Red Sandy Loam to Grey Loam mix in excellent heart.. Set of sheep yards. 80% Arable
Lot 6: “Hunters” - 29.94 Ha – 73.98 Ac
One paddock, Red / Grey Sandy Loam, 1 dam
Terms: 10% deposit on signing, balance 60/90 days or earlier by agreement
Working rights apply if requested
EOI opens 3rd September 2025, closes 29th September 2025
Inspection by appointment only
Further particulars / Inspections: Contact Selling Agents
James Nevins: 0407 302 900
FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE
OR COMPLETENESS OF
Weekend forum talks on the benefits of fire in ecology
Toots of support in ‘unfair tax’ fight
Chris Earl’s observations on country anger that is yet to be extinguished
IF EVERY toot and roadside wave of support for protesting volunteer firefighters and farmers was a vote, Premier Jacinta Allan would be in for a massive electoral hiding.
The tenor of their latest rally against her government’s controversial emergency services tax last Sunday remained at frustration and anger levels that have been maintained for months.
Whether protests attract thousands or hundreds, the messages from organisers remain unchanged. Calls to scrap the tax were constant and regular in Bendigo on Sunday.
From across Loddon communities there were as many people at their second and third protest as there were debutantes.
People who feel the Government is unfairly singling out rural people and country communities.
Families like the Puntons from Woodstock West, three genera-
tions of them, arriving with tractors and placards and struggling to devise a way to work hard and longer to pay what they estimate will be an extra $50,000 to be grabbed in taxes by the Government.
The protesters are now entrenched as players in a political game, one that increasingly risks the electability of Premier Allan’s government in country Victoria.
The latest rally has a presence of pollies - Opposition leader Brad Battin was there in the crowd with a few other MPs. But they were not front and centre, a rally when the pollies didn’t have the microphone.
No, the messages came from grassroots members of the CFA.
Organisers even played a “message of support” they said had been received from US President Donald Trump.
A few cynics in the crowd wondered whether Trump had really
caught up with the news of a rural revolt in Victoria or boffins had used AI to craft a few words of encouragement with his voice.
Judging by the slogans that had been attached to fire trucks, anything is possible.
Powlett Fire Brigade captain Mal Isaac recycled a cardboard box to write a message that Premier Allan couldn’t even run a chook raffle in China.
The intensity of raucous cheers every time protest leaders called for “scrapping the tax” and toots and sirens punctuating the air that fanned Australian flags at the rally may have been enough to be heard down the road in Melbourne where Premier Allan was boarding a plane ... bound for an official visit to China.
Protesters, using firie parlance, said they would fight the flames, attack the head, extinguish the blaze and mop up the mess they say is Victoria.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes
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OPINION PIECES
1. What is the lowest rank in the Royal Australian Navy?
2. Moby Dick is what sort of animal?
3. A six-sided shape is given what name?
4. Which animated Disney movie is about an elephant with big ears?
5. Ferrari cars are made in which country?
6. What three flavours are in a tub of neopolitan ice cream?
7. In which game would you place your hands and feet on coloured circles?
8. Who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia book series?
9. The tallest hotel in the world is found in which city?
10. And how tall is that hotel?
11. ‘Binary’ means something is of how many parts?
12. In the Australian Parliament, what colour is the Senate chamber?
WINTER sport is done and dusted for another year. OTF must acknowledge the outstanding contributions for light-hearted fodder that has found its way to our email or phone from the wearers of olive livery - the football umpires. Another outstanding year from them blowing the whistle on mates.
THESE chaps have become most proficient at throwing each other under the bus. We must say that some of their contributions have required refinement to be crafted into OTF entries. Some of the postgame refreshment phone calls the stuff of potential controversy.
Organisers of the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland said a cheating scandal led to the disqualification of several competitors that could give our local umpires some summer inspiration.
THE World Stone Skimming Championships, an annual celebration of the sport also known as stone skipping, is held every September on the western Scotland island of Easdale. The rules of the competition require the stones thrown by com-
13. What type of weapon does Thor carry?
14. Two’s company, three is a what?
15. Which country was once known as Siam?
16. Who is Yogi Bear’s best friend?
17. How many bits make up on byte in computing?
18. Thomas Edison is credited with the invention of which piece of technology?
19. The sun is what type of celestial body?
20. Which AFL team has had the most preliminary final appearances this century?
petitors to skim across the surface of the water to be naturally occurring slate from the island, but several competitors in this year’s event were found to be wielding rocks that appeared to have been shaped and smoothed by machine. The transgressors were disqualified.
WE THINK The Oracle and his mates should plan a trip to these championships. Afterall, The Oracle, known for covering the least distance on a football oval, would only have to take a couple of steps to skim a stone. Could sure revive his childhood days playing around the farm dam and show greater accuracy than his lawn bowing
AND finally this week, our recent mention of Lady Joan failed to mention her Scotch-appreciating son Simon of Serpentine. Happy to fix that oversight for OTF fans.
BY IAN JONES
Loddon tractors roll through the centre of Bendigo in the latest anti-emergency services tax protest. LH PHOTO
STARTED IN A TENT
Inglewood’s longest family-owned business began in a tent and was almost destroyed in a fire only two years after it was built, yet it went on to be owned by four generations of the same family before being sold over a century later.
Nixon’s Grocery Store, now Fusspots at Inglewood, established by George Nixon Senior, was owned by the Nixon family for 104 years until it was sold in 1964.
George Nixon emigrated from Cheshire England with his wife Elizabeth, to Australia. He originally lived in Sea Lake and Burnt Creek, which is now known as Dunolly, before moving to the tent town of Old Inglewood.
Nixon established his first store in a tent at the old Inglewood goldrush before following the new rush to Inglewood in 1860. He set up shop in Brooke Street stocking an extensive range, not only of groceries but of hardware, furniture and ammunition. He also operated as a gold purchaser.
On December 3, 1862, the Great Fire of Inglewood was halted against the brick walls of Nixon’s store, the store was partially destroyed by this fire along with at least sixty-three other buildings in the township.
Nixon also sold beer from his grocery shop until the other hoteliers complained that no accommodation was available. As a result, the shop was remodelled as Nixon built a brick hotel known as the Exchange Hotel to the south of his original store around 1870. The hotel did not receive a
Ken Arnold looks at the origins of a famous name in business
license until 1879 and was delicensed during World War 1 in 1914.
During 1883 Nixon purchased a grocery business in Boort for his eldest son John, however on May 26, 1890, the latter assigned his stock in trade and personal property. Whilst a certificate of discharge was granted in May 1893 Nixon retained the property and business.
Meanwhile George Nixon had admitted his sons into the business by June 1888, it then trading as George Nixon & Sons. Nixon and Sons were erecting a new shop in Brooke Street, in April 1889.
At the time of the dissolution of the partnership on August 16, 1905 George Nixon, senior, assigned his share and interest to his sons, however the business name was retained, the Nixon family having stores at Inglewood and Boort whilst they had agricultural and stock grazing properties at White Knoll midway between Glenalbyn and Wedderburn Junction railway stations, in the parish of Korong, and at Barraport.
On July 28, 1909, there was another dissolution of the partnership at which time the Inglewood business came under the control of Arthur, with Cornelius Nixon
taking the Boort business, and Alfred taking White Knoll, there being no mention of the Barraport property so it must have been sold. At that time the Inglewood business began trading as Arthur Nixon, Exchange Stores, general merchants.
Arthur Nixon offered White Knoll estate for auction on September 8, 1916.
During the 1920s the business was trading as Nixon Brothers.
Arthur Leslie Nixon and Ronald George Nixon sold their business to Nixon’s Exchange Stores Pty. Ltd, in late October 1929, capital £20,000/0/0 in £1 shares, the directors being Arthur Leslie Nixon, Ronald George Nixon, Grace Marion Nixon and Ida Beril Nixon.
During 1931 the Nixon family purchased the long-standing grocery business that had been established by Joseph Tivey and William Jennings, from the Tivey family, this being a short distance south on Brooke Street.
As from October 1, 1947, Arthur L. Nixon took control of Tivey’s store in Brooke Street south whilst Ronald G. Nixon took control of the Brooke Street north store. These two grocery stores operated up until recent times.
George and Elizabeth Nixon had nine children, five of interest being John, George Junior, Arthur, Alfred and Cornelius.
Elizabeth Nixon died on December 5, 1889. At that time John Nixon, 1858 - 1935, was conducting the Boort store.
George Nixon, appointed a J.P. on August 26, 1901, was three times Mayor of Inglewood died whilst travelling by train to Boort on September 22, 1906.
George Nixon Junior married Annie Eliza Game during 1896 and to them were born sons Edwin and George Wilfred and two daughters.
After her death Nixon married Lavinia Mary Game and to them were born three sons and three daughters.
George Nixon Junior died on July 24, 1940, survived by his wife, four sons and six daughters. Nixon had been a councillor for twenty-two years, serving as Mayor twice, a member of the F Company, Victorian Rangers, a foundation member and trustee of the local branch of the Australian Natives’ Association, a trustee for the cemetery, a warden of the Church of England and a foundation member of the Inglewood Rifle Club.
This building represents the oldest business still operating in Inglewood. The body of the northern portion of the building (the old Exchange Hotel) is an intact example of 1880s architecture in Inglewood during a time of great building activity and is a crucial element in the historic streetscape.
MEETING
INGLEWOOD & DISTRICT
AMBULANCE AUXILIARY
The Inglewood and District Ambulance Auxiliary Biennial General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th October at 7.00pm sharp, CFA station, Inglewood for the Election of Office Bearers, (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer & Op Shop Manager).
Interested parties are invited to attend. Nominations for Office Bearers can be emailed to the Secretary – inglewoodoppshop@gmail.com or posted to PO Box 65 Inglewood 3517, before 12 noon on 23/09/23. Nomination forms are available at the Op Shop during business hours.
A General Meeting will be held immediately after the Biennial General Meeting.
PUBLIC NOTICES
EMPLOYMENT
Careers at Loddon
Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.
Land ll/Transfer Station Attendant
Part-time, permanent
Hourly Rate of $36.46 - $37.73
Based at the Dingee Transfer Station Applications for the position above will close on Monday 29 September 2025 at 5pm.
Technical Analyst
Full-time, maximum term position
An attractive salary range of $74,687.08 - $85,927.40 per annum plus employer superannuation
Based at our Wedderburn O ce
Systems Administrator
Full-time, permanent position
An attractive salary range of $100,154.60
- $111,273.24 per annum plus employer superannuation
Based at our Wedderburn O ce
Community Development O cer
Full-time, permanent position
An attractive salary range of $89,923.60 - $97,414.20 per annum plus employer superannuation
Based at our Wedderburn O ce
Inclusion and Wellbeing O cer
Part-time, permanent position
Hourly Rate- $45.51 - $49.30
Based at our Wedderburn O ce
Senior Local Laws O cer
Full-time, permanent position
An attractive salary range of $89,923.60 - $97,414.20 per annum plus employersuperannuation
Based at our Wedderburn O ce
Civil Maintenance Worker
Full-time, permanent position
An attractive salary range of $64,319.12 - $66,655.86 per annum plus employersuperannuation
·Based in our Loddon Plains team
Applications for the positions above will close on Monday 22 September 2025 at 5pm.
Early Childhood Educator
Casual position
An attractive hourly rate of $33.96
Work across one, some or all of Council’s ve sessional kindergartens
Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received
For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www. loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.
We are expanding our team and would love to have you on board
Neighbourhood House Coordinator
Hours: 25 hours per week
Reports to: Committee of Management Award: SCHADS 2.3-3.1
Purpose: The Coordinator leads the daily operations and strategic development of CNH, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and delivering high-quality, inclusive community development programs.
Key Responsibilities
Lead community engagement and development consistent with NHCP principles.
Develop, implement, and evaluate annual and strategic plans in collaboration with the Committee.
Ensure delivery of at least double the funded activity hours as per NHCP guidelines.
Manage staff, volunteers, and contractors, fostering a safe, inclusive, and productive workplace.
Build partnerships with local organisations, schools, Council, and Buloke and Mallee Neighbourhood House Networks.
Prepare reports, budgets, and funding submissions.
Ensure compliance with service agreements, legislation, and governance requirements.
Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator
Hours: 10 hours per week (12-month contract)
Reports to: NH Coordinator Award: SCHADS 2.1
Purpose: To develop and deliver programs supporting health, wellbeing, social inclusion, and community connection, with a focus on carers, adults, and vulnerable groups.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and run health and well-being programs (exercise, social groups, educational sessions).
Coordinate the Carers Group and liaise with external health agencies.
Support community car initiatives and other inclusion-focused programs.
Collect feedback and report outcomes to the NH Coordinator.
Promote programs to increase participation across diverse groups.
Finance Officer
Hours: 10 hours per week
Reports to: Committee of Management Award: SCHADS 2.1
Purpose: To manage financial operations for CNH and its social enterprises (including Mallee Creatives), ensuring transparency, compliance, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain accurate financial records and reporting systems.
Prepare monthly financial reports for the Committee.
Manage accounts payable, receivable, and payroll.
Oversee budgets, cash flow, and compliance with funding agreements.
Support grant acquittals and annual audits.
Applications close Friday, 3rd October 2025 at 5 pm. Further information can be obtained by email president@charltonnh.org.au.
Applications can be submitted electronically to the email address above or sent to P.O. Box 2, Charlton, VIC 3525.
Merger history repeats with Calder flag
CALDER United, created from the merger between Wycheproof Narraport and Nullawil, has won the North Central football senior premiership in its first year.
The Lions took out the flag with a 10-point win over Birchip-Watchem, which went through the home-and-away season undefeated but faltered in the finals.
The merged club’s victory was an uncanny repeat of 1964, when Wycheproof Narraport won the league premiership in its first year as a combine side.
The Bulls got off to a strong start and had a two-goal lead at half-time, with century goalkicker Ben Edwards having already booted five.
However, Calder blitzed them in the third quarter with five goals to one – good enough to set up the win in a low-scoring match, with Edwards held goalless in the second half.
Co-coach Jordan Humphreys left the field with a hamstring injury in the first quarter, and three other players were forced from the field by the end of the match, making the Lions’ 11.14 to 10.10 victory all the more meritorious.
Birchip Watchem will rue its two losses for the season coming in the finals against Calder after looking to be the likely flag winners throughout the year.
Steve Kennedy and Zac Caccaviello were named as best-afield for the winners, while Ben Lakin
and Meyrick Buchanan were best for Birchip Watchem.
Both of the Bulls stars were later named in the North Central Team of the Year.
There was a record crowd on Saturday at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park, which was in great order for the football and netball grand finals, and best-ever gate takings of almost $46,000.
Calder United also saluted in the reserves over Birchip Watchem, marking a superb first season for the club.
The Lions raced to a fivegoal lead at the first change and cruised to a 34-point win.
Calder was dominant all season, losing just once on the way to the flag and finishing three games ahead of the Bulls on the ladder.
Sea Lake Nandaly won the Under 17s premiership with a 23-point triumph over Boort.
The Magpies kicked the first score of the match, a behind, but were always playing catch up after the Tigers booted the first two goals.
Boort got within five points in the third quarter, but Sea Lake steadied to kick the next five goals for a 10.7 to 7.2 final score. THE young Saints have writ-
Hall named North Central’s top rookie
BOORT midfielder Lachie Hall has been named the North Central Football League’s rookie of the year.
Hall was presented with his medal during Saturday’s league grand finals at Donaldson Park in Wedderburn.
The 17-year-old played 16 senior games in a season that saw the Magpies return to finals action for the first time in more than a decade.
Hall played on the ball, at half forward and on the wing and finished the season
with 10 goals and was named in Boort’s best in seven games. Last month, Hall was named Boort’s rising star and finished third in the club best and fairest.
Hall made his senior debut with the Pies last season, coming through the club’s junior ranks.
Two-time league under 17 best and fairest Seb Zagame (Charlton), Sea Lake Nandaly’s Cruz O’Sullivan and Birchip Watchem’s Austin Dean were also nominated for the league rookie award.
ten themselves into the history books.
St Arnaud’s under 14 North Central football premiership came after commanding victory over Boort at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park.
From the opening bounce, the Saints’ intensity, teamwork, and skill made it clear they were determined to bring the cup home.
The Saints opened strongly, with Finn Wilson converting the first major of the game after two early behinds. Their midfield pressure restricted Boort’s movement forward, while Wilson quickly added a second goal.
The margin was soon extended the margin, and the Saints went into quarter time full of confidence, 18 points up.
Boort hit back in the second quarter with two goals, but the Saints responded immediately through Isaac Johns, who capped off a brilliant chain of play through the centre.
At the main break, the Saints held a 19-point lead and looked in control.
After the break, the Saints pressed harder. Arley Reyne slotted a goal, before Wilson added to his tally with another. A precise kick from Duncan Kirk found Arley, who passed to Wilson for his fourth, while Charlie Kirk linked up with Jack Wait for another. With every contest, the Saints looked more assured.
The coaches urged their players to keep the intensity high in the final term, and the Saints did just that. Wilson, unstoppable all day, booted his fifth goal to seal a best-on-ground performance.
The Saints finished strongly, leaving no doubt about their supremacy.
Wilson’s five-goal haul was the standout in a stellar display, earning him best player of the match. Around him, Johns, Reyne, and both Kirks also made vital contributions in a team performance for the ages.
As the final siren sounded, Saints captain Chase Hendy joined coaches Tyson Johns and Dan Greenaway to lift the cup.
Calder United celebrates its first flag. LH PHOTO
Zane Bigmore presents the top rookie medal to Boort’s Lachie Hall. LH PHOTO
Stoppages were difference Walsh collects best in stellar debut season
due to its stoppage dominance over Bridgewater.
On most stats the two sides were close, but in stoppages and turnovers the Panthers reigned supreme in the Loddon Valley grand final.
They scored 12.5 (77) from those sources to the Mean Machine’s 6.6 (42) in a final decided by 31 points. Marong’s midfield stoppage advantage was particularly stark, generating 6.2 to Bridgewater’s 2.4.
The Mean Machine was on top in scoring from the defensive-50 – 4.1 to 1.1 – but forward 50 stoppages and turnovers were an issue for Bridgey, with the Panthers scoring 6.4 from this source compared to 3.1.
Other statistics of note included the free-kick count, which Marong won 30-20.
The figures also show that Bridgewater did many defensive things well.
The Mean Machine had 31 spoils to Marong’s 19, 50 one-per-
centers to 34 and 19 forward-50 tackles to 12.
However, the Panthers won the overall tackled count 91-79, with midfielder Lachie Lee having 13 of them.
Joe Mayes was Bridgey’s best on the day, and his statistics bear out how well he played.
He had 12 kicks at 100 per cent efficiency, 12 intercept possessions – almost a fifth of the team’s total – as well as six marks as he blanketed Marong legend Kain Robins for most of the day.
Bridgewater’s Jack Neylon was the game’s biggest disposal winner with 30, but 10 of those were classified as clangers. Twenty of Neylon’s possessions were contested, five more than the next best, including Bridgey coach Lachie Sharp, Marong skipper Nathan Devanny and Panthers onballer Corey Gregg.
Neylon also racked up 10clearances, the most on the day.
The highest-ranked player on the field was Marong veteran Shannon Geary, who must have gone close to winning the beston-ground award.
Premiership coaches in Superoos’ baton swap
MITIAMO’S 2024 A Grade premiership coach Jen Wilson will return to the role next year. The Superoos went backto-back as premiers this season under Abbey Battersby’s coaching.
Battersby also played in this year’s grand final win over Pyramid Hill and said after the victory that she was unsure whether she wanted to continue in the dual role.
Wilson brings vast experience to the position.
She is a multiple premiership winner as a player and coach with Mitiamo, with premierships in 2012 and 2024 as coach.
In her last coaching stint in 2023-24, Wilson took the Superoos to two grand finals, losing narrowly to Maiden
Gully in 2023 before rebounding against Pyramid Hill the following year.
She will also co-coach the 17 & Under team next season with A Grade premiership star Alicia Hay.
Wing attack Hay won the award for best-on-court in this year’s win over the Bulldogs.
A club statement said Wilson “has already proven to be an outstanding leader and we are excited to see her continue to guide our playing group.
“Her commitment and drive will once again play a key role in building a strong, competitive and united team.”
Mitiamo’s squad has been notably stable in recent years, with all of 2024’s A Grade winners returning to play this season.
RILEY Walsh has been rewarded for a stellar first season with Calivil by winning the club’s bestand-fairest award.
Defender Walsh was named in the Loddon Valley Team of the Year despite the Demons finishing last on the ladder.
Henry McCarthy was runnerup, while Evan Ritchie won the reserves best-and-fairest trophy after coming second in the league award and was also awarded life membership after racking up more than 250 games for the club.
Calivil’s star junior netball teams also celebrated their top players, with 17 & Under league best-and-fairest winner Elodie Sharman taking out the club award as well as the best in finals accolade for the premiers.
Ruby Cullen, runner-up in the league 15 & Under award, won the club’s best-and-fairest in its
He had 28 disposals – 12 of them contested – seven clearances, eight tackles and six inside-50 entries, a goal and two goal assists for 127 ranking points.
The winner of the best-afield award, Panthers rover Jimmy Gadsden, had 21 disposals (including 12 kicks at 42 per cent efficiency), 12 of them contested, six clearances, seven tackles and a goal.
The ruck contest was intriguing, with Marong’s Matt Willox the lowest disposal winner on the ground.
However, the reigning club best-and-fairest had 27 hit-outs, with a game-high six to advantage, while teammate Michael Bradbury had 30 hit-outs, four of which were to advantage.
Alex Powell spurred Bridgewater’s third-quarter revival, but the stats scarcely reflect that.
He had 19 hit-outs, two of them to advantage, but he was still the highest-rated ruckman on the day for his 16 disposals, five marks, fived clearances and four inside-50 entries.
- GARY WALSH
unbeaten season, and shared the best in finals prize with Zali Cullen.
Talia Smith took out the 13 & Under MVP award, and along with Ilish Fawcett was named best in finals after the Demons finished runners-up.
A Grade netball B&F went to Morgan O’Meara ahead of Ava Maxted, who was named as the league’s Rising Star and also took out the club’s Richards Rookie of the Year award.
A Reserve’s award was won by veteran Michelle Balic, with A Grade coach Cindy Portwine in second place.
B Grade honours went to Imogen Anset ahead of Brooke Jenkin, while B Reserve was won by Jenna Whyte with Jenelle Foley runner-up.
Sam Maher has been re-appointed as the Demons’ senior coach for 2026.
Redback trio make top team
DESPITE finishing fifth on the ladder, three Wedderburn players have been named in the North Central football Team of the Year.
The Redbacks went one better than bitter rivals Boort, who had two representatives in the team after making the finals and finishing fourth.
Wedderburn’s Jye Mortlock was chosen on the half-forward flank in his first season with the club after captaining Natte Bealiba to the Maryborough Castlemaine District league premiership in 2024.
Another first-year player, Mitch Jensen, was named in the forward pocket after kicking 61 goals from 13 matches.
Coach Tom Metherell was picked on the interchange bench.
Boort’s Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, who finished third in the league’s Feeny Medal count, was selected on the other forward flank following a 73-goal season.
Magpie Kayne Rutley was named on a wing.
Wedderburn’s Hamish Lockhart was a surprise omission after finishing equal fourth in the Feeny Medal.
Premiers Calder United had five named in the side, while runners-up Birchip-Watchem had seven players chosen Feeny co-winners Wade Donnan and Hamish Hocking were named as captain and vice-captain respectively, with Birchip-Watchem’s Ash Connick chosen as coach.
A DEEP dive into the statistics for the Loddon Valley football grand final shows Marong’s flag was won largely
Caliivil’s best of season 2025 Morgan O’Meara and Riley Walsh
Jye Mortlock
Battle of Britain ‘star’ lands at Blues
IN A MAJOR coup for the Loddon Valley league, Inglewood has signed Carlton premiership player Ian Aitken as senior assistant coach for 2026.
Aitken, who won a flag with the Blues in his first season of senior football in 1987 and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year, will assist new coach Jackson Hood, who takes over from Fergus Payne next season.
As a 19-year-old, Aitken was a key figure in the infamous ‘Battle of Britain’ between Carlton and North Melbourne in that same year, when an exhibition match in London descended into mayhem.
While tussling with North’s Donald McDonald, Aitken was king hit from behind by Alastair Clarkson, later premiership coach of Hawthorn, and had his jaw broken, sparking an all-in brawl.
Clarkson was suspended for four matches as a result of the incident, one of seven players reported in the match.
Aitken played 61 games with Carlton before joining St Kilda for a season in 1992.
Rutley handed ‘succession plan’ reins
DALE Cameron has been linked to Bendigo league coaching opportunities after his 2025 Boort assistant was handed the job for the Pies next season.
Cameron’s departure from Boort Park on Tuesday was described by Magpies president Craig Scott as “a bit of a succession plan”.
Andrew Rutley, a former Boort best-and-fairest who as caretaker coach led the team to its biggest win in years when it beat dual reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly in round four this season, step permanently into the role for the next North Central season.
Cameron coached the team to the finals in his third year but missed rounds three and four with illness, leaving Rutley in charge of an eight-point win over Sea Lake following a 167-point demolition of Donald.
Those two wins saw the Magpies on top of the ladder and set them up to make the finals ahead of archrivals Wedderburn.
Rutley will have to manage without star mid-forward Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, who is leaving the club after two seasons in
which he won the club best-andfairest award and finished topthree in the league’s B&F count.
Scott said Cameron was behind Rutley’s appointment as his senior assistant this season.
“It was a bit of a succession plan to get Andrew in as assistant coach,” Scott said.
“Dale did the work there and we discussed Andrew coaching as an option going forward.
“Andrew had shown interest in coaching Boort at some stage, but we had extended Dale’s contract for another season after the initial two years.
“When the opportunity arose (to appoint Rutley) it worked out well for us.”
Rutley won Boort’s best-andfairest award back in 2004 and returned to the club this season as an assistant coach, bringing with him sons Kane and Tyson.
Kane was named in the North Central Team of the Year after a fine first season with the Magpies.
Rutley also brought to the club recruits Carlos Egan and Peter Barbopoulos, who played key roles in Boort’s rise up the ladder this season.
He coached VAFA team Kew to three consecutive flags and divisional promotions from 2013-15 and for the past two seasons was senior coach of West Preston Lakeside in Melbourne’s Northern league.
Inglewood, which celebrates its 150th season next year, has looked within its own ranks for a new coach, appointing Hood, who was Payne’s senior assistant this season and shared backline duties with him for much of the year.
Payne’s three-year tenure with the Woodies ended despite leading the team to its best finish in more than 20 years.
Inglewood beat Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Pyramid Hill in the finals before losing to eventual premiers Marong in the preliminary final.
Key defender Hood joined the club this season from Castlemaine in the Bendigo league, where he was captain and assistant coach, and appeared in 10 matches, being named in the best players four times, including two of the finals.
He had three stints with Castle-
maine as a player or coach – in 201011, from 2014-17 and from 2019-24.
Hood has also played with Blackburn in the Melbourne suburban Eastern league, in the VAFA with University Blues and with Newstead in the Maryborough Castlemaine District league.
Before parting ways with Inglewood, Payne confirmed to the Loddon Herald that he was an applicant for the senior coaching role but was in limbo as he waited for a response from the Woodies’ board.
“I’m not really sure what the club is looking to do,” he said.
It is understood Payne was the only coaching candidate when applications closed. He was unavailable when contacted for comment this week.
President Darrell Billett said that Payne had been offered a new contract last Friday but later told the club he would relinquish the reins.
“We have a good young group of players, we are close (to going further in future) and next year is a very important one for us. We want to get this right.”
Bulldogs initial changing of the Fitzpatricks at MItchell Park
THE FITZPATRICK name will still be on the coach’s locker at Pyramid Hill next season following the appointment of Jarrod Fitzpatrick for 2026.
He takes over from Nathan Fitzpatrick, who stepped aside after four seasons that couldn’t bring the Bulldogs an elusive premiership.
The new coach has been captain and assistant coach with Boort in the North Central league for the past two seasons.
The Magpies made the finals this year under departing coach
Dale Cameron. Fitzpatrick has previously played in the Loddon Valley competition with Marong and Bridgewater, as well as appearing with Golden Square in the Bendigo league and North Heidelberg in the powerful Melbourne metropolitan Northern League.
“A familiar face to many in our community, Jarrod grew up next door in Boort and knows our club and town well,” the Bulldogs said in a statement.
“His deep understanding of the region and its people makes
him a great fit to lead our senior group.”
Pyramid Hill will be looking to break a 76-year premiership drought when it plays next season.
+ NEWBRIDGE has parted ways with senior football coach Matt McArthur after a disappointing season in which the Maroons finished second last on the ladder after reaching the finals in 2024.
A former coach of Huntly in the Heathcote District League, Jayden Cordy, will take over
the reins at the Riverside Oval. He will be assisted by key forward Brandon Dimech, who had an injury-blighted season after making a big impact when he joined Newbridge in the middle of 2024.
Cordy played the last two seasons with the Cohuna Kangas in the strong Central Murray league. He stepped up as cocoach of Huntly Hawks in 2023 after coaching the club’s under-18 side.
Cordy also had stints with Ballarat Swans and Golden Square.
Ian Aitken
New coach of the Pies Andrew Rutley. LH PHOTO
Jarrod Fitzpatrick
SPORT
Double delight at Donaldson Park
WEDDERBURN has finished the North Central netball season as premiers and champions in A and B Grades.
The Redbacks unconquered A Grade netballers showed the value of squad depth in their eightgoal premiership win over Sea Lake Nandaly last Saturday.
At times the Redbacks had four North Central league best-andfairest winners on the court at Donaldson Park in Wedderburn – Maddi Postle, Meg Lowry, Aliza Lockhart and this year’s runaway winner Kelsey Pallpratt.
Coach Susie Lockhart preached a team-first mantra all season and that was highlighted by beston-court being awarded to Sea Lake’s goal defence Gabby Munari rather than any of the Wedderburn players.
The Redbacks gave up the first goal but quickly established what proved to be a match-winning lead of seven at quarter time.
The margin was nine goals at the last change and although the Tigers kept pressing, Wedderburn’s premiership-hardened team responded to every challenge to win their second title in a row.
The Redbacks embraced being the hunted team this season but also wanted to be seen as a respectful and fair opponent.
Holly Lockhart won the club’s best-in-finals award, stepping up as goal shooter late in the Sea Lake game, although her coach said it was hard to single out any player.
“All the way through the year we focused on the team and not the individual – the bench is just as much a part of everything that happens.”
Lockhart said from her view on the bench, her team was always in control of the grand final.
“I was really confident and quite at ease all day.”
Lockhart hopes her squad will remain intact for 2026 – both A and B Grade went through the season undefeated – while admitting Wedderburn needed to do more at junior level.
Keeping up the team spirit, the Redbacks introduced fines “for
doing something totally stupid”, Lockhart said.
Missing the ring completely, arriving late for training and other misdemeanours attracted financial penalties to help fund the club’s end-of-season trip.
Even the coach had to cough up “for things I might have said at one stage”.
CALDER United was the last victim of the Wedderburn B Grade netball steamroller, with the Redbacks running away with a 21-goal win in the grand final.
Excellent shooting, a tight defence and mid-court control set the seal on an unbeaten season that was another testament to the club’s depth in senior netball.
Calder defended stoutly but Wedderburn always had the Lions’ measure, with a 13-goal lead entering the fourth quarter.
A 14-6 finale saw coach Aliza Lockhart’s team cruise to victory.
Lockhart, who later also appeared in the A Grade decider, was named best-on-court.
A SERIOUS knee injury to goal keeper Carly Drinkwater in the last five minutes of the C Grade grand final proved disastrous for Wedderburn.
Scores were tied when Drinkwater limped from the court and Calder United, which had led all day, steadied after her departure for a three-goal win.
The clash was declared the match of the day, with never more than three goals separating the two teams. The Lions’ superior intercepting ability was the decisive factor in a high-pressure game, which could have gone either way.
Experience and youth stand out
BOORT proved far too good for Calder United in the C Reserve grand final, with the Magpies more than doubling their opponent’s score.
Calder’s inferior shooting was costly despite numerous tactical and positional changes to try to remedy the situation.
The Lions were only able to scratch up 20 goals, with Boort scoring 48 of their own. The Magpies’ blend of experience and youth stood out and the result of which was never in doubt.
Boort stretched the lead in every quarter in a dominant display of netball.
THE UNDER-14A girls kicked off grand final day at Wedderburn with a hardfought match between Boort and Donald.
A nervous start by both teams saw the Royal Blues, who managed to steady better than their opponents, lead by two goals at quarter time.
Scores were level at half-time as the teams went goal for goal, with pressure leading to turnovers and simple mistakes.
The Magpies grabbed the lead in the third quarter, and held on with a 7-5 goal last term to take the premiership 22-18 in a thrilling finish.
Boort’s Kristen Gooding wins the pass in the C Reserve grand final. LH PHOTO
No 11 - Wedderburn defender
Maddi Postle plays in another A Grade flag for the Redbacks. LH PHOTO
Victorious coach Susie Lockhart after the siren sounds. LH PHOTO
