Loddon Herald 18 April 2024

Coliban gets farm probe property

By CHRIS EARL

PART of controversial Avicenna Farm at Newbridge will be turned into a waste processing facility.

Coliban Water will construct a biosolids base on the the 613acre property after buying the land at the weekend.

It says biosolids are organic material left after sewage treatment and can be used to improve soil quality and crop yield.

Newbridge will be Coliban’s third biosolids facility. Dunolly, on 10 acres, opened last year.

Passed in without bid on Saturday, the 613-acre Avicenna Farm parcel later sold for $1.875 million after several prospective buyers had negotiations with selling agent Sherif Ahmed.

The $3059 acre deal was below the pre-sale indication of between $2 and $2.2 million.

More than a dozen people were at the Wimmera Highway auction. Among them local landowners and representatives of Coliban Water and the Victorian Land

Monitor. The monitor oversees “government land transactions to give the government confidence that the right processes have been followed”.

Land purchases of more than $1 million fall within the monitor’s review brief.

In a statement to the Loddon Herald on Tuesday, Coliban said: “We currently operate two

biosolids bases in Dunolly and Elmore. These bases can receive biosolids from any of our 16 water reclamation plants.

“During 2023 and 2024 we conducted an expression of interest process to identify parcels of land for additional biosolids bases.

“On Saturday, Coliban Water purchased a parcel of land be-

tween Newbridge and Marong that meets the regulatory requirements for a biosolids base. The Newbridge base will be managed and operate within all relevant planning and Environment Protection Authority Victoria obligations.

““While we have purchased the land with the intention of using it for a biosolids base, no project

timelines are available at this early stage.

“As the project progresses our usual project engagement with the community will occur,” Coliban said.

A second 150-acre lot at Avicenna Farm was passed in on the vendor bid of $700,000.

CONTINUED PAGE 7

Coliban Water and State Government officials at Saturday’s auction.

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Hunters a moving target of activists

DUCK hunters scouted the region last week on the opening of Victoria’s shooting season.

21, Sunday 21

Charlton Saturday 21, Sunday 22

Several camps of hunters and activists were around Boort. Groups were reported ahead of the season opening on Wednesday at Lake Lyndger, Yando swamp and Lake Marmal although the Lake Lyndger campers soon headed to other areas.

There was an increased police presence in the Boort district on the season’s opening days. A last-minute State Government order closed Lake Boort to shooting because of a colony of endangered bats.

Residents say the colony was first noticed in the weeks before Christmas with bats taking to the sky at sunrise and sunset. Duck

hunters have disputed the need for a ban at Lake Boort. They say the same species of bats has taken over Bendigo’s Rosalind Park.

Northern Victoria Region MP Georgie Purcell was banned from wetlands after allegedly caught illegally trying to rescue ducks at Johnson Swamp, near Kerang, at the weekend.

Brigade’s 160th

INGLEWOOD Fire Brigade will celebrate its 160th anniversary with a dinner in the town hall next month. Established in 1864 at a meeting of 150 people at the Royal Hotel, the brigade operated from its Grant Street site for 154 years until moving to the new Southey Street station in 2019.

Shed fire

FIREFIGHTERS took 30 minutes to control a large shed fire at McIntyre on Saturday. Rheola, Dunolly, Tarnagulla and Murphy’s Creek brigades attendeded. Dunolly volunteers in breathing apparatus helped deal toxic smoke, exploding aerosol cans and an acytelene gas cylinder.

Land tax

BRIDGEWATER Bowling Club has become the latest Loddon group to receive a bill under State Government land tax reforms. However, club officials said the invoice fine print detailed how to apply for an exemption as a community organisation. The club has now asked for a waiver.

Free workshops

LIFELINE will run a series of free mental health training workshops to equip locals with valuable skills and knowledge to support mental health and well-being in their communities. The workshops will be at Wedderburn and Wycheproof on May 13.

HURRY! ENDS SUNDAY

*Offer ends 21 April 2024. Advertised prices and savings shown are based on Snooze Management Pty Ltd RRP. Snooze stores are predominately operated by independent franchisees and therefore the price for products prior to the sale will vary from store to store. Snooze stores can offer discounts on any ticketed prices in store meaning that products may be sold at less than the RRP at any time. Exclusions apply. Offer not available on floor stock, Snooze Deals products, clearance, Bedgear C1 mattress, delivery, assembly and recycling services. As our stores vary in size, it is possible that not all products are displayed in all stores but all products may be ordered on request. While we aim to ensure the information provided is correct, sometimes errors occur and we reserve the right to correct any errors. New orders only. Snooze’s standard terms and conditions of sale otherwise apply.

BRIDGEWATER Primary School has its first permanent principal in more than three years. Matthew Lehane quickly settled into the top role on Monday at the school that has achieved increased enrolments this year. He is pictured with school captains Gus Ferguson and Bruce Benny. He spent part of 2024 with appointments as acting principal at Goornong and Huntly where he was also the numeracy leader.

LH PHOTO

Fungi takes flight

RESEARCHERS launched fungi into the sky above Inglewood on Friday in their quest for knowledge on survival of life in space.

Professor James Maxwell and students from La Trobe University released two balloons from Peter Farmer’s property of the outskirts of town.

The university’s High-Altitude Advanced-Materials and Engineering Research (HAAMER) project, a collaboration with RMIT, sent fungi and bacteria more than 40km above the ground in the latest nearspace experiment.

“Can life on Earth survive if, say, it got to Mars? Can they take the hardship and withstand extreme heat and extreme cold rising through the sky. The chances are low but ...” said Professor Maxwell.

He said the balloons “acted like a satellite hovering over an area rather than being in orbit”.

“Hi-res images tell us a lot about what is happening on the ground too and this information can be used for drought and fire intelligence and other applications.”

Professor Maxwell first launched a research balloon from Nhill in 2021 and plans more from Inglewood this year mapping surface minerals and measuring change on the landscape.

He said Archaea - the heartiest organisms known to science - were blasted to extreme heights to see if organisms from other planets can survive entry into Earth. Friday’s helium-filled

balloon rose 7.4 metres a second before drifting at an estimated 40km altitude and landing in Shepparton.

Professor Maxwell said Inglewood was a good location for launches. “And today is one of the best day ... nice and still,” he said.

Professor Maxwell said his researched started after NASA found rocks from Mars on Earth thought to contain fossil life.

Wards with minister

THE Victorian Electoral Commission recommendation for new Loddon Shire Council ward boundaries landed with the State Government yesterday. The Government has not revealed its timetable for releasing the final report. New ward boundaries are expected to be approved for the October council elections.

Waxing floor

MEMBERS of Boort Memorial Hall committee and other community volunteers have finished waxing the historic hall’s floors ahead of next month’s debutante ball.

Country tunes

REGULAR country music sessions have started at Inglewood Golf Club. Organiser Coral Leach said: “House band 501 belted out a few of the locals’ favourite songs and successfully backed the walk-up singers that came from Maryborough, Serpentine, Willaura, Bendigo and surrounds.” She said sessions would be held on the first Sunday of the month.

Next week’s edition

YOUR local Loddon Herald will be published on Wednesday - Anzac Evenext week. Normal Thursday publication will resume the following week.

Professor Naxwell, Mo Karim, Tharindu Niranjan, Inglewood’s Peter Farmer and Vi Bhor at Friday’s launch. LH PHOTOS

Land access for field surveys

is key to finding the best path for

VNI West

Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is carrying out field surveys across the VNI West draft corridor. This work is important and builds our understanding of environmental considerations such as flora and fauna and geological features in the area. We will apply the findings along with feedback from landholders and the community to help identify the route for transmission that minimises impacts to people, farming and the environment.

Studies started in October last year and include non-invasive ground investigations and site walkovers to identify key wildlife habitat and vegetation, as well as drilling small boreholes to determine ground and soil conditions. These activities have mainly been carried out on public land, with the permission of relevant authorities.

In the next 12-18 months, TCV will carry out a range of more detailed technical studies including bushfire, cultural heritage and environmental assessments, as part of the rigorous planning and approvals process for the project.

If we need to access private property, we will request consent from landholders. We will respect any biosecurity measures and follow farm rules, documented in a formal land access agreement with the property owner. TCV understands that we will cause some inconvenience. In recognition of this, landholders who enter a land access agreement for survey work will receive $10,000 in payment (over 2 years).

A land access agreement is for survey works only. If a landholder signs a land access agreement, that is not an agreement to have infrastructure on their property or allow construction or other works.

VCAT overturns farm house permit refusal

VICTORIAN Civil and Administrative Tribunal has overturned Loddon Shire Council’s rejection of a planning permit to build a home on farmland near Newbridge.

Council last year refused the application by Michelle and Darryn Phinn, saying the proposal was contrary to state and local planning frameworks to protect agricultural land.

The Phinns were granted permission to build on the property of less than 100 hectares after a two-day hearing at VCAT.

Tribunal members Christopher Harty and Phil West said in their ruling: “In our view, the site is sufficiently large enough to absorb the loss of land available for agricultural production as a result of siting the dwelling in the back corner of the site and providing its accessway along a side boundary. We do not consider this is detrimental to the site being continued to be used for productive agriculture.

“We also do not consider the proposal fragments the land on the site for agri-

cultural production. Siting the dwelling and outbuildings and accessway along and close to boundaries avoids the inefficient use of the balance of the site for agricultural purposes.

“We accept that it is important to provide for the welfare of animals and livestock. We do not necessarily accept that it is essential for a dwelling to provide round the clock care for livestock even during calving periods. We accept a permanent presence on the site with a dwelling will make supervision and management of livestock easier and more convenient, but we also note this can be done without a dwelling such as with appropriate outbuildings that provide protection from the elements and allows for time to be spent by the landowner or farmer on the site to manage livestock.”

The Phinns, who want to farm Angus cattle and fatten sheep on the Wimmera Highway property, had their permit granted with amendments.

Lake precinct consultation sparks EV charger talk

A GRASSED area near Boort swimming pool should be retained for use by campers during peak times and an electric vehicle charging station installed at the Little Lake Boort precinct, according to resident Paul Haw.

Mr Haw said he has given his views during consultation on the Little Lake Boort draft recreation precinct masterplan.

He said the town needed an electric vehicle charging point and near the old fire brigade training track would be a good location.

“Tourists need a place to charge their cars. Electric cars are going to increase in numbers considerably over the next few years,” Mr Haw said.

swimming pool. “It is so sad to see this area changing when so much happens here, especially over Easter,” Mr Haw said.

“This year there were approximately 40 vans camping in this area for days. Family groups have been camping here for generations, you cannot just grind it to a halt.

“You cannot send them up to the showgrounds where it is just bare ground and dust without an atmosphere.

“Perhaps, those who wish to play basketball could go to the showgrounds where there are already basketball courts and leave the caravans where they are. A new area needs to be developed before you ban the camping.

Freecall: 1800 824 221

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Website: transmissionvictoria.com.au

“This is a great spot, as it is close to the coffee shop in Godfrey Street and the seats by the lake. An absolute must for Boort as we receive so many tourists who will need to charge their cars in the future.”

Consultants have suggested a basketball court and skate park for the section of land between the fire brigade track and

“The best spot is the east side of the channel next to the caravan Park. This area needs developing almost immediately as the caravan park seems to be always full. The area could be levelled and sown with Kikuyu grass and a sprinkler system installed. Water is virtually free in Boort and there is already a large pump installed near the caravan park.”

MEMBERS of the Rheola Charity Carnival committee were straight back into planning mode on Sunday. A meeting saw ideas to continue improving and promoting the iconic Loddon Shire event for its 152nd presentation next Easter were many as president Matt Catto thanked volunteers for their support. Final receipts from the successful Easter Monday event are still be tallied before distribution of profits to Inglewood and Dunolly hospitals and the Rheola hall and reserve committees. LH PHOTO

New flagpole put in place for ceremony

VOLUNTEERS have erected a new flagpole outside Boort Memorial Hall ahead of the Anzac Day commemoration next week.

The hall committee received a Loddon Shire grant for the flagpole that secretary Narelle Vernon says will allow the Australian flag to be flown with greater ease.

“The flag looked great flying from the hall parapet ... a person used to access the flagpole through the roof and then it was up a ladder. Now having a flagpole at ground level, it will be much easier to raise the flag,” she said.

Boort RSL sub-branch’s appeals officer Glenn Hudson will be guest speaker at the town’s Anzac Day service.

A 20-year Naval veteran, Glenn joined the Australian Navy cadets in Mildura as a 15-year-old and later the Royal Australian Navy.

Guest speaker at Inglewood’s Anzac Day service will be Wedderburn College principal Danny Forrest while Serpentine’s Brian Gladman, a member of the Western

Front Association, will deliver the address at Rheola.

Wing Commander Stuart Waldron will give a short address at the Wedderburn Dawn service while Charlton’s Jane Burton will speak on the service of her uncle, Sgt Colin Cameron, a member of Z Special Force, at the main service later in the morning.

Following the main service, the RSL rooms will be open for refreshments and the Wedderburn Lions Club will be providing a barbecue lunch.

Newbridge branch of the Country Women’s Association is again organising the town’s commemorative service where Bruce Gallacher is this year’s guest speaker.

Tarnagulla Fire Brigade is co-ordinating the town’s Dawn service and the Korong Vale commemoration will feature stories of local servicemen and servicewomen.

A full listing of Anzac commemoration services across the shire will be published in next week’s Loddon Herald.

Federal boundary change peak close

PROPOSED new federal electorate boundaries are expected to be released within weeks.

Australian Electoral Commission will release its report on the Victorian redistribution that will cut the number of seats in the state by one to 38.

Mallee, that includes all Loddon Shire communities and is held by Anne Webster

for the National Party, may see changes to its boundaries.

The AEC says release of proposed new boundaries will be in May or early June with two weeks for objections before it announces final electorate maps.

The new boundaries will apply for the next federal election expected to be held by May 2025.

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

The coronavirus pandemic has had 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.

The coronavirus pandemic has had 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.

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on We are in this together, and together we will get through. YOUR

The coronavirus pandemic has had 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.

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on if

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.

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.

Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au

Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au

Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au

Narelle Vernon, Kevin Sutton, Bradley Haw and Fred Assi install the new flagpole last week

Rustic finds at market

RUSTIC creations by Maryanne Murdoch were a big hit at Inglewood Lions Club’s monthly country market last Saturday.

It was the first time the Inglewood resident had set up a stall at the market, recently moving into town from Moliagul.

The garden and wall art creations have been moulded from barbed wire, old agricultural implements and hammer heads.

“There was so much interest from today’s crowd that I had to duck home and get some more stock,” said Maryanne.

She said the market was a great attraction for the town and gave visitors and locals the chance to buy local products.

“We make anything out of what we can recycle and repurpose,” she said.

“It all started when we were cleaning up in the bush a few years back.

“There was lots of barbed wire that we picked up. We were able to give it a new life and still keep the rustic appearance from years laying on the bush floor.”

Wedderburn’s Di Gordon Cooke returned for her second appearance at the market that bounced back last month from a three-year hiatus.

“Another great day,” she said between serving coffees on the town hall lawn.

Market co-ordinator Eddie Sydor said market stalls had seen a steady stream of customers within the opening minutes on Saturday.

“The market is already attracting regular buyers and visitors and also enjoying one of our famous Lions barbecues,” he said.

“We continue to have interest from new stallholders. Some people have seasonal goods and this means there will also be variety of offering at the market.

“The club is pleased with support received in the first two months. We can see more growth in the number of stalls

in the months ahead. The market also gives an opportunity for the community to regularly come together,” he said.

The market is held on the second Saturday of the month.

Trading hours Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

FALCON Metals expects results next month from its latest drilling near Pyramid Hill.

The gold exploration company said in its March quarterly report last week that the infill and reconnaissance aircore gold drilling program had continued at the Pyramid Hill project.

“Falcon completed a total of 110 holes for a total of 12,751 metres of aircore drilling for gold comprising both infill and regional reconnaissance drilling.

Since the December 2023 quarterly report, assay results were received for 166 holes from follow-up priority targets and first pass reconnaissance gold drilling.

“Falcon is undertaking a systematic approach to its drilling program with the focus during the quarter on the northern area to the west of the Whitelaw Fault near Pyramid Hill.”

FROM PAGE 1

Coliban buys farmland

Coliban said: “As our climate continues to warm and dry, we’re improving how we reclaim and reuse the by-products of our water use, which is important for future water security.

“We’re committed to embedding sustainable practices in every part of our business. Across our network, the production of biosolids helps us contribute to a circular economy and deliver benefits to our customers, communities and the environment.”

The Dunolly facility air-dries biosolids on-site before being made available for reuse on farmland. Avicenna Farm has been under investigation by Agriculture Victoria since claims of poor stock management over the Christmas-New Year period.

Maryanne Murdoch at her rustic art stall on Satuday while Wilma Holt and Di Gordon Cooke enjoy the morning market. LH PHOTO

Hearing services come to shire

PROUDLY Bendigo’s local, family owned and independent Hearing Specialists o ers a ordable, personalised hearing solutions to residents in Loddon Shire and its adjacent areas with over 25 plus year’s combined experiences.

We have access to the latest premium technology hearing aids from leading manufacturers.

We give unbiased advice from you hearing needs and o er you the most appropriate hearing solutions.

We are fully accredited under the Federal Governments O ce of Hearing Service, which enable us to provide FREE hearing services including Fully subsidised hearing aids to Pension and Veteran car holders. We o er free hearing checkups which in turn enhances quality of life.

Ear wax removal, our team uses micro suction and curettage for safe, pain-free earwax removal.

Micro suction is a low-pressure, no-mess method that ensures 100% wax blockage removal.

Video otoscopic ear inspection, we utilise a video otoscopic which is a comfortable method that involves a tiny camera in the ear canal, providing a high-de nition real time monitor view to identify issues like wax buildup, infections, or foreign objects linked to hearing loss symptoms. When tting your hearing aids, our

specialists tailor solutions to your unique needs taking into consideration your lifestyle, communication preferences and environments so they are personalised for your individual needs.

We o er free hearing aid trials which allows you to truly test the e ectiveness of hearing aids in various real-life scenarios whether in the home, the workplace or on the go. If you su er from Tinnitus schedule an

appointment with our specialists and our experienced audiologist will discuss the causes and management strategies in detail. Smart Hearing Specialists provide hearing aid repairs and reprogramming for peak performance.

We also now o er at-home hearing care services, ensuring your comfort and convenience.

We can arrange to visit you at home or at your nursing home, giving you access to our hearing aids to enhance your lifestyle. If you need Musicians ear plugs, noise protection ear plugs, swimmers ear plugs or sleep ear plugs we can assist you with these as well.

As we are not owned by or aligned with any hearing aid manufacturers, this allows us to o er you the widest range of hearing solutions.

We guarantee a 100% customer focused experience with an individually tailored hearing program to best suit your individual needs.

Give us a call on 03 5444 0020 or 0468605077 to speak to us today and book your appointment at Inglewood & District health service.

Email us at admin@smarthearing.com.au Better

Passing lanes make Calder priority list

NINE councils along the Calder Highway will launch a recharged campaign for road safety improvements.

More passing lanes north of Bendigo and works that will strengthen the Loddon River crossing at Bridgewater are on the new priority list.

Calder Highway Improvement Committee, with representatives from councils including Loddon and Buloke, will launch its Improving the Calder Highway on the outskirts of Melbourne on Saturday.

Committee chair and former Buloke mayor David Pollard said the highway was a major freight route.

“The bridge load limit at Bridgewater needs to be what is required for today’s major freight movement,” he said.

Loddon Shire Council last year listed bridge improvements as a key priority work for inclusion in the committee’s advocacy document.

Daily traffic flow on the Calder through Bridgewater is more than 6000 vehicles.

Cr Pollard said the improved safety for motorists and pedestrians was needed on the highway “that is a national road of significance”.

He said more passing lanes were needed and questioned ongoing delays on north and southbound lanes at Derby where government signs say work was to have been completed in 2020.

The Derby project was given a new tick for Federal Government funding in the protracted infrastructure review last year.

A Transport and Planning Department spokesperson said earlier this month: “Now that we have confirmation of Commonwealth funding for this project, we’re finalising planning for this important project. We’ll keep the community informed as these plans progress.”

Cr Pollard said: “We need overtaking lanes between Bendigo and Mildura. Trucks are getting bigger and people are taking some risks overtaking these trucks.

“The Derby project has the sign still up (about work being done) ... just get it completed.”

Cr Pollard said the committee’s priority push would also advocate for pedestrian crossings in Wedderburn, Charlton and Wycheproof.

Couple will keep good mail coming

KYLIE and Chris Hetherton will carry on the community spirit at Bridgewater post office.

Almost five years after a community consortium saved the post office from closure, the local couple officially take keys to the business on April 29.

3G shutdown leaves people vulnerable, says Webster

FEDERAL Government inaction ahead of the 3G mobile phone network switch off was leaving Australians vulnerable, according to Mallee MP Anne Webster.

Telstra will shut down its 3G network in June, with Optus to follow in September, raising health concerns about incompatible life-saving medical devices.

“Many Australians rely on 3G-connected emergency pendants, and the risk of not being able to connect with 000 is too high,” Dr Webster said.

“While some providers have pledged to upgrade devices at no additional cost, the financial burden and logistical nightmare can fall on those least able to shoulder it.”

Dr Webster said the Communications Minister Michelle Rowland had failed to help vulnerable Australians navigate the

Kylie was this week completing final training with manager and consortium member Shannon Brown.

changeover to 4G. “The closure of 3G has been planned since 2019 but the minister claims she didn’t know about the issues until March,” Dr Webster said.

“On top of the medical pendant issue, last year there were lots of warnings about some 4G phones being unable to work when 3G switches off because they still rely on the 3G network for voice calls. For the Minister to say she didn’t know about the issues is frankly alarming.

“Rural, remote and regional Australians have been left badly exposed due to ageing infrastructure, isolation and connection issues.

“The Albanese Labor Government must ensure nobody is left behind when this shutdown occurs,” Dr Webster said last week.

“When we bought the post office, we wanted to build up the local business and then sell to the right people,” Shannon said.

“We’ve now got a local couple as new owners ... the ideal outcome we set out to achieve in 2019.”

Kylie said she and husband Chris had wanted a business that was part of the community. “The post office is very much that and along with existing staff who will be continuing, we are excited for the future.”

Kylie Hetherton and Shannon Brown outside the Bridgewater post office this week. LH PHOTO

David Pollard

Kindergarten enrolments

open 22 April

2025 kindergarten enrolments across Loddon Shire will open from 22 April, 2024. The enrolment period has been brought earlier in the year to align with the Foundation (Prep) Victorian government primary schools’ enrolment timeline. Kindergarten is free and children attend sessions for 15 hours per week, spread across three days.

To enrol your child or children in the 2025 three or four-year-old kindergarten program, scan the QR code.

Council’s early year’s team can also post out enrolment forms to support families who may be having trouble accessing the online enrolment form. For more information or queries, please call Kindergarten Coordinator, Alycia O’Sullivan at Council on 5494 1200.

OBITUARY

TWINKS Lyndon devoted himself to more than six decades of service with the Inglewood Fire Brigade.

Born in Inglewood, a son to Fred and Ida, Twinks held the position of captain and other roles in the brigade over 66 years as an active member.

He was awarded the National Medal and received life membership of both the brigade and the Country Fire Authority.

The brigade named its award for outstanding and enthusiastic service in honour of Twinks, something he always delivered.

Twinks was a life member of Inglewood Golf Club and served on the board of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School for 25 years and for a further 15 years mowed and maintained the school and St Mary’s church grounds and gardens.

He was also a member of the parish council for many years

Twinks was active in the Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary for almost 50 years, serving as vice-president for 21 years until heath issues made it difficult to continue.

In 2005, he was named the Loddon Shire Citizen of the year.

A long-serving member of the Inglewood Lions club, he was particularly proud of organising bus trips to Luna Park for disadvantaged children.

Twinks had memories of rabbiting with his brother Alan and cutting wood out the bush with his father that was then taken to the Inglewood train station via horse and cart to be transported by train to supply bakeries in Melbourne.

He spoke fondly of working at Nixon’s grocery store and delivering groceries to homes on a three-wheel pushbike.

He told stories of the Charlie Napier Hotel closing and hiding in the cellar of the

Railway Hotel in the days of 6pm closing when the local copper turned up, only to realise the next day that the policeman knew who was there by the pushbikes out the front.

He also took turns at fire brigade meetings to head across to the Royal Hotel to fill glass jars with beer to take back to the cigar-smoke filled meeting room.

In the 1960s he began work as a linesman with the SEC some of the crew he worked with included Daryl Birthisel, Eddie Harrison, Tommy Watts, Wilbur Farrell, Bowie and Nipper Dowling.

Twinks enjoyed his job and never complained when called out in a raging storm to restore someone’s power by climbing up a wooden ladder in the dark.

Twinks dedicated his life to his two great loves - family and community.

In 1964 at the Tarnagulla Fireman’s ball Twinks met Patricia Lowery from Maryborough. They married in Maryborough on January 20, 1968, purchased a home in Inglewood that became their forever home. Together for nearly 60 years they enjoyed seeing their children Debbie and Julie grow up and become parents to six grandchildren

Graeme Ronald “Twinks” Lyndon 1939-2024

Network expansion lifts regional enthusiasm

BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s Young Farmer Network was rapidly expanding and growing enthusiasm across the region, said senior manager of extension and communications Grace Hosking.

“In our role as the Vic Hub’s North West Broadacre Node, BCG has brought together hundreds of young farmers from across the region in recent weeks to build knowledge, create networks and support each other through our BCG Young Farmer Network events.

“Held in Kaniva, Boort, Warracknabeal, Sea Lake and Bridgewater, the events saw an influx of new members in attendance, enthusiastic to learn and to meet new people,” Ms Hosking said.

Ms Hosking said the diversity of the establishing group was broad with farmers, employees, contractors and agricultural professionals attending, a testament to the supportive environment and the breadth of topics the network aims to address.

“BCG’s Young Farmer Network is targeted towards the youngest generation on farm and is not exclusive to farm owners. We encourage registrations from anyone who wants to grow their network while

keeping up-to-date with the latest agronomic advances.

“Registrants will have first access to event tickets and will help drive the focus of future meetings planned throughout the growing season.”

Optimising spray application was a topic identified by young farmer network members in the Kaniva and Boort areas.

Spray experts Craig Day and Lucy Paenga explained spray drift and the importance of nozzle selection at the Kaniva and Boort events respectively. Boort attendees also heard from Dan Toohey regarding drought proofing machinery purchases and witnessed spray demonstrations from a variety of manufacturers.

Ms Hosking said the event was timely given the early break and the need to increase spray efficacy to not only minimise competition within crop but also reduce waste and consequently, input and environmental costs.

The Kaniva event was in collaboration with Partners in Ag and Boort in collaboration with Nutrien Ag Solutions.

The next BCG Young Farmer Network meetings will be held across the Wimmera Mallee in June.

Disease guide updates are released

AGRICULTURE Victoria has released its annual cereal and pulse disease guides to help farmers make informed decisions around disease management.

Plant pathology research leader Dr Joshua Fanning said the release of the updated disease guides complements advice from Agriculture Victoria on disease management activities.

‘Short change’ ends

A FEDERAL Government decision to fund environmental projects that will ensure floodplains are watered has been welcomed by the Victorian Farmers’ Federation.

VFF President Emma Germano said it’s pleasing to see that Victoria will no longer be short-changed for key Basin Plan projects.

“The VFF commends the Victorian Government and Minister Harriet Shing for standing up for Victorian farmers and regional communities and not being bullied to support water buybacks,” Ms Germano said on Tuesday.

WOOL REPORT

The Australian wool market recorded an overall unchanged result last week, with the series fluctuations heavily influenced by currency movement, across the three selling days. Sales resumed after the one-week Easter recess, and understandably due to the break the national quantity rose. There was a total of 50,184 bales available to the trade, the original quantity was higher before 7.0% of the offering was withdrawn prior to sale. This was the largest since the opening sale of the calendar year. After the Australian dollar strengthened in US dollar terms since the close of the previous sale, buyers who trade using this currency had their purchase power reduced. This was reflected in the market when it opened, resulting in general losses across the merino fleece sector. The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped by 6 cents for the day, but when viewed in USD terms the market was dearer, the EMI adding 5 US cents. The second day currency movement was limited, the EMI recording a 2 and 4 cent rise in AUD and USD respectively. On the third day only Melbourne was in operation, and an overnight fall in the AUD of over 1 US cent, assisting in a dramatic turn around. Strong rises in merino fleece types, helping to push the EMI up by 4 cents. In contrast to the opening day, when viewed in USD terms the EMI dropped by 10 cents. The EMI closed the week unchanged at 1,142 cents, while finishing one US cent lower at 744 cents. The finer microns have been more heavily affected by the falling market this season. This is best highlighted when viewing the 17- and 21-micron MPGs in the South. The 17-micron MPG opened the season at 1,842 cents, the 21-micron at 1,247 cents, a difference of 595 cents.

Currently, these two MPGs now sit at 1,690 and 1,306 cents respectively, a difference of just 384 cents.

Source: AWEX

“Growers should consult the current guides for the latest ratings and definitions to plan disease management activities to prevent yield losses this season.

“Disease ratings are the first and most important step in managing disease so it’s important to understand the latest resistance ratings of varieties.”

‘The 2024 Cereal Disease Guide and 2024 Pulse Disease Guide rank susceptibility of new and commonly grown grains such as wheat, barley, oats, lentils, faba bean and chickpea,” he said.

Young Farmers Network members attend the recent field day in Boort.

Knowledge decades in the making

WHEELHOUSE AGnVet have proudly been serving the agricultural communities of Bridgewater and across the Loddon Shire and adjoining districts for many decades.

The Wheelhouse family supported the area in fertiliser and freight before stepping into a dedicated Agronomy service in AgPack and the supply of ag chem and seed.

Over the last 15 years, the agronomy team has grown from one agronomist to five - Andrew Bissett, Bethany Smith, Chris Allitt, Doug Clark and Kurt Lukies and a dedicated Tech Services person in Travis Jensen. Travis provides services in soil testing and precision ag throughout the area.

Supporting the field team, Gayle Velden (customer relationship manager) and Andrew Smith (operations manager) help manage clients needs in all areas of chemical, seed, fertiliser, lime and gypsum. Andrew and Gayle are supported by customer service officers David Wilkinson, Dan Graafmans and Anthony McKendry.

Andrew Bissett, who is also Bridgewater field services manager at Bridgewater, says: “More recently, Wheelhouse AGnVET have included a full range fencing, animal health products, water products and the Ahrens range of silos and field bins to their range.

“Offering support in worm egg counts, nutritional requirements and other areas in the livestock field complements the agronomy package and supply of ag chem, fertiliser and seed side of the business.”

The AGnVET Group was established in Forbes NSW in 1915 and now includes more than 70 branches..

Wheelhouse is one of the iconic company brands. along with AGnVET, I K Cald-

well AGnVET, Kellys AGnVET, Walkers AGnVET, AGnVET Rural, Polycon Engineering and specialist water and irrigation business, Darling Irrigation.

Andrew says AGnVET is a leader in agribusiness, providing a diverse range of products and services that are brought to life by talented and hardworking people who are passionate about the agricultural industry.

“We are a proud, independent, Austral-

ian owned private company. We understand Rural Australia and our local people have built strong relationships in the communities where we operate.

“AGnVET Group is a leading group of Australian owned agribusinesses that take pride in providing rural supplies and specialists in agronomy and animal health nutrition.

“Our wide range of companies have built strong relationships with leading Australian agricultural suppliers. As a result we provide a complete range of specialist services and quality farming products including Agricultural Chemicals, Fertiliser, Seed, Animal Health and Nutrition, Water Equipment, Machinery, Harvesting and General Merchandise.”

The AGnVET Group offer a broad se-

lection of specialist services including:

„ Agronomic and animal nutrition services

„ Rural supplies & farm equipment

„ Water use efficiency and advanced irrigation services

„ Fertiliser supply and blending facilities

„ Manufacture and sale of polyethylene (PE) pipe fittings for water and irrigation supply systems

„ Insurance for all Rural and Business situations

„ Property management and sales

“We understand that the success of rural Australia comes from the communities in which we live and work and the people that make those communities thrive. AGnVET aim to have a positive impact through supporting our staff, our clients and actively participating in a wide range of initiatives to help build stronger local communities,” he said.

“Our staff are passionate about ‘giving back’. Whether it be financial or practical, AGnVET are committed to supporting community initiatives, events and organisations, helping to ultimately make a difference where it counts – at grass roots level.

“AGnVET provides agronomy services and advice tailored to help your farming business prosper.

“With a network of 90 dedicated agronomists servicing across Victoria and New South Wales, our agronomy services team work closely together to ensure clients are provided with expert advice to help their crops reach their full potential.

“AGnVET Betta Livestock Services has become a reputable brand providing animal production advisory services direct to farm.

“The Betta Livestock Services mantra of healthy soils, healthy pastures, healthy livestock embraces a holistic approach to animal production, drawing on the expertise of multiple AGnVET categories from fertiliser, agronomy to animal health and nutrition.”

Andrew Smith, field services manager Andrew Bissett and Gayle Velden

Agronomists Andrew Bissett, Kurt Lukies, Chris Allitt and Doug Clark

Travis Jensen Dan Graafmans, Anthony McKendry and David Wilkinson

Volunteers remove weeds at Mount Korong last week

Partnership tackles weeds

LODDON Plains Landcare Network, Parks Victoria Inglewood, and Bendigo TAFE agriculture staff and students last week were out tackling weeds. They focused efforts on Mount Korong Nature Conservation Reserve and private land.

Led by Parks Victoria ranger James Stewart the students from Bendigo TAFE learnt how to identify and treat invasive weed species at Mt Korong.

“Once we had the information

session we moved out with manual removal tools, to ensure that the invasive plants were targeted while preserving the delicate balance of the surrounding ecosystem,” said network facilitator Will Sanson.

“Private landowner received some valuable help with weed removal and the students gained some valuable experience.”

Landcare volunteers were also joined by children on break from school.

SHEEP

A DEMAND issue impacted the market at Bendigo on Monday with reports air-freight to the Middle East has been disrupted by the latest Iran and Israel conflict.

Lighter weight and MK ‘bag lambs’ were $20 to $40/head cheaper with regular processing orders not operating.

Plainly presented trade lambs under 24kg cwt also cheapened by $15/head.

Heavier slaughter lambs, including the big fed exports over 30kg cwt destined for other markets like the US, held their value better to be $6 to $10/head softer.

The mutton market was also weaker, the heaviest sheep down to $10 to $15/head compared to a week ago while leaner trade types eased $5/head.

Overall the sale today was erratic and with a cheaper tone over everything, plainer and light lambs under 22kg cwt the most affected.

There was a good run of heavy export lambs in this yarding and the over 30kg cwt crossbreds sold from $186 to a top of $236 to be costing a ballpark 640c to 650c/kg cwt.

The heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs sold from $156 to $195, and the heavy trades from $147 to $160/ head, these categories averaging between 615c and 640c/kg cwt.

The toughest part of selling for auctioneers was plainer lambs under 22kg cwt.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

The 18-22kg lambs mostly $90 to $128 as carcass rates dropped. One local agency did step-in and buy bigger lambs to feed on as cost went below 600c/kg.

Light lambs under 18kg cwt mostly $40 to $90/head.

There was one stand-out sale of late drop little shorn store lambs, October born, which sold strongly to match recent price levels. In the mutton run buyers were reluctant to pay over $100 regardless of weight, heavy crossbred ewes $75 to $95.

Some Merino ewes in high value skins topped at $110.

Leaner trade sheep were judged to have sold reasonably well in comparison to the heavier types at $50 to $78 for most.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

GE,KM & NE Harrop Knowsley 69 $236. GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (36) $234. A & A Holt Wedderburn (27) $230. JN & PM Byrne P/L Lake Marmal (101) $229. PA & NE Clarke Newham (19) $227. DL & TM Jensen Diggora West (50) $226. Lislea Lodge Picola (78) $226. Moorilim Past Co Miepoll (74) $223. L McClelland & Son Lake Marmal (54) $222. FS Cockroft & Sons Myall (37) $220. Ballinode Rochester (16) $220. PA & JM Treacy Kerang (20) $218. Kellalac Past Newbridge (20) $216. EJ,GJ & JH Chambers Leichardt (54) $215. WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (61) $212. DI & CL Palmer Bawawm (52) $210. DJ & ED Lees Rochester (150) $207.

EJ Chambers & LN Bradley Newbridge (31) $200. R Niven, Elmore (24) $189. A & C Dalrymple Narrewillock (94) $182. CA & TR Borger Colbinabbin (54) $180.

Tyquin Ag Canary Island (99) $170. B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (151) $162.

MERINO LAMBS

RW & NA Chalmers Mysia (93) $96.

MERINO WETHERS

WF ChisholmTooborac (70) $96.

CROSSBRED EWES

Burke Bros Dooboobetic (182) $95. G & I Watson Rochester (23) $95. PT & KF Howard Goornong (90) $86.00.

MERINO EWES

Tyquin Ag Canary Island (70) $110. JA & KL Head Moama (30) $105. A Wright Boort (89) $105. Marrall Holdings Warracknabeal (104) $95. R & J Elder Jeruk (56) $93. Bennington Past Euston (118) $92.

Order of sales next week: McKean McGregor, Elders, Nevins, Nutrien, Nuttal..

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED

STOCK AGENTS

GRAIN

BOORT Grain Co-op prices on Monday. Wheat - H1 $353.25 FIS. H2

$340 FIS. APW $308 FIS. ASW $299

FIS. GP1 $289 FIS.

Barley - Maximus $295 FIS. PLanet

$305 FIS. Spartacus $295 FIS. Bar1

$288 FIS. Bar2 $274 FIS. Pulses - Faba1 $510 FIS. Faba2 $510. Faba3 $432 FIS. Nipper $885 FIS. ISCC non-GM canola $622.25 FIS. Non-GM canola $607.25 FIS. ISCC GM canola $622.25 FIS. GM canola $607.25 FIS. New crop - APW MG $313. Bar1 MG $286.

Rivals always but our towns are one

By DAN STRAUB

IN MY last column, I questioned the real possibility of our country and its unique characters, being at risk of getting lost to influence and changed values of people coming to country Victoria.

People taking advantage of a better way of living, cheaper housing stock, coming with that, the inherent risk of people’s expectations to have all of what the city offers in our country towns, and the desire to replicate from where from they had come.

Country Victoria is special, in the sense of being somewhat isolated and offers a connection to land and community that is not found anywhere else, where we enjoy simplicity, self-reliance and the ability to work hard and thrive.

Loddon is even more unique, we don’t have just one town centre but four, supported by smaller towns and communities branched out across our region.

We are a community of communities; we are one Loddon and in this short column I would like to convey the message that we might live in opposite ends of the shire, but we have all the same connection to the bigger picture and the greater outlook of our region.

For me, I love every minute of representing the people of the Loddon Shire. Yes, we have rivalries but healthy rivalries between sporting clubs, with player or supporter, we have sometimes rivalries between towns, continuing to not just better each other but to better themselves.

Competition is good, competition is healthy and within our nature to progress.

When it comes to our towns and areas across Loddon, we as individuals and communities within have a sense of ownership and pride in where we chose to live. In saying that, our opportunities are great. No matter where we live across Loddon, we have the ability to utilise a vast array of services, and each corner of our great unique shire offers something different for all to enjoy and make our day to day lives that much better.

My message today is we are all One Loddon, be proud of where you’re from, hang on to what is im-

yOUR ONlINE WORDS

4G ‘SMOOTH TRANSITION’ CALL DRAWS CRITICISM

Chris Girvan-Brown wrote: Wow ... Telstra is almost ready to roll out yesterday’s technology to the bush while the city runs on 5G!

Becky Prewett wrote: Unfortunately there’s some blackspots still in Loddon Shire and reception is crap in Calivil as there’s no tower close enough some days I have to use the house WiFi to get reception to make a phone call.

portant to you, utilise and embrace what our whole community has to offer.

This is so important to a shire like ours with a ward-based structure of broadly an even distribution of population and representation.

The Terrick Ward is a prime example of a community of communities, where we see one main small town (Pyramid Hill), complementing an array of smaller villages and hamlets, to me each one as important as the other and each offering something different for us all to utilise.

This positive also comes with some inherentt negatives, we have a vast network of community assets some are owned by Loddon Shire Council and managed by community groups under Section 65 assets committees, some are Crown land assets owned by DEECA and managed by community groups. Whatever it is, council has had a role to play for the benefit of the greater community. As more and more assets are becoming unutilised and more coherent community ambitions for new up-to-date multi-use facilities, and the need to keep progressing the number one issue across the shire being roads, the conversation needs to be had on which direction we take from here.

Across the Terrick Ward we have a great volunteer base involved in the creating of and planning for their communities though their community plan framework, the senses of these groups are simple and united - roads and accessibility, appearance and tidiness, support of local business and economic stimulus and development to support population growth.

With Budget delivery time upon us again, myself along with the Mayor and fellow councillors will be scrutinising and questioning this Budget striving to make the most out of every dollar for the benefit of the greater Loddon Shire communities and its people within its remit.

CrDanStraubistheLoddonShirecouncillorfor TerrickWard

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. What was the first and last European colony in China?

2. What spirit usually goes into making the drink Mint Julep?

3. Nitrous Oxide is known by which other name?

4. In which town is bushranger Ned Kelly buried?

5. Which car maker’s name means ‘roll’ in Latin?

6. Which type of meat is a traditional Wiener Schnitzel made out of?

7. How many degrees is each angle of an equilateral triangle?

8. What word is used to refer to wild or half-tamed horses?

9. The song ‘Chim Chim Cheree’ comes from which musical movie?

10. To the nearest 100,000, what was the national average tv audience for the 2023 AFL grand final?

11. A diptych is an altarpiece

or painting made up of how many panels?

12. What term is given to a period of 5 years?

13. How many triangles are there on a backgammon board?

14. In which year did Bendigo Prison officially close?

15. What does IP stand for?

16. Bombay is the former name of which city in India?

17. In snooker, which colour ball is worth three points?

18. Ireland is often referred to as The what Isle?

19. Name the tone that is a result of or gives the effect of age?

20. The Battle of Anzio took place in which war?

ANSWERS

Peter Rotherham wrote: Interesting. Even in Kangaroo Flat in Bendigo I often switch to 3G to get better speeds because the 4G network is so busy it barely works.

Dizzy Brett wrote: Laanecoorie had better service before the supposed upgrades in October 2023 and after had nothing for hours every day in busy times or weekends. All smoke and mirrors. Keeping in mind there is no ser-

Gordon Turnbull wrote: I call it b..., Bridgewater North/Raywood takes four to five calls to finish a conversation. Without 3G they’re be no reception hardly at all.

BUShy TAlES By IAN jONES

vice in most of Laanecoorie without a Celfigo signal booster.

LODDON VALLEY FOOTBALL

LEAGUE SANCTIONS MAIDEN GULLY

Matt Keating wrote: Might be time for some board members to step down. An embarrassing and unprofessional decision you won’t find anywhere anytime soon.

Tanya Leach wrote: LVFNL well done. We have all struggled as country clubs in the past and still now. Every team within the league to try to form a junior side.

K

EYS and communication have unlocked the wit of the latest Treemendous sign up there on the BoortDurham Ox Road and we reckon there’s been a bit of inspiration from way down south.

Y OU see, a prominent Loddon sporting identity, once gracing football fields but now more adept with balls on the bowling green or those little white ones pinged in golf, has recently shifted house after many, many decades.

Y OUNG Linz has found that locks to the doors at the old place have been changed. How does he know? Not once, nor twice, but on at least three occa-

sions on a single day last week, he motored past his favourite bowls club, and the new abode, straight to “home” only to ... well, oops.

M

ATES at the local club have been in full flight sharing the news of Linz’s errant GPS. The story, as they say, just keeps getting better and becomes more inflated at every telling.

W HILE on the subject of things going missing. Bridgewater people have headed straight for the colonial stool at the post office each Thursday morning to pick up the latest Loddon Herald. With ownership changeover date looming, the stool has disappeared ... kind of. It’s headed back to the home of one of the retiring PO owners. Let’s hope the stool doesn’t do a Linz and forget about the change of address.

THERE were MacGillivrays, McKenzies, Davidsons and Blows - Scots and their descendants who arrived in Pyramid Hill from the 1870s onwards.

Proud of the native land they left behind, these Scots were part of the Pyramid Hill community fabric for generations.

They formed a caledonian society, a pipe band and celebrated all things Scottish with haggis, whisky, music and dance.

The contribution of the Scots to Pyramid Hill have been chronicled in a book to be launched by the town’s historical society this Sunday at its Scots Whae Hae day.

Once more, there will be music ringing around the memorial hall like there was in the town back in 1921 when the caledonian society, just two years old, hosted a visit by the Australian Ladies’ Pipe Band.

ANZAC veteran and former Bendigo Base Hospital ward orderly William Darwin brought his band of young pipers, drummers and dancers to town as they prepared lofty plans to tour Scotland.

The Melbourne-based band did make it to Scotland in 1926, playing before King George and Queen Mary and performed with Sir Harry Lauder.

That was the same year Pyramid Hill staged its fifth highland gathering and just 12 months after forming its own pipe band.

Highland gatherings were big in the years leading up to World War Two.

Articles compiled from the former Pyramid Hill Advertiser by Margaret Williamson and assisted by Helen Stevens have been put into the book whose launch has been three years in the waiting after COVID scuttled earlier plans.

The history of the pipe band and contributions of the MacGillivray family are chartered through the years - hosting visiting pipe and brass bands, heading off to other towns in the region and being part of the Maryborough Highland Gathering, the oldest Scottish event in the Southern Hemisphere, first held in 1857.

The band was a member for many years of the Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association, the first pipe band association formed in the world and this year marking its centenary.

For the caledonian society itself, there

was membership of the Victorian Scottish Union. And in 1926, Pyramid Hill hosted the union’s annual conference.

Malcolm MacGillivay, first chieftain of the local organisation, was equally to the fore in VSU affairs serving in top positions and proving a most friendly host when representations from more than a dozen kindred groups came for the conference.

The historical society’s book charts the support for community activities of the local caledonian society and pipe band.

There’s farewelling and welcoming soldiers and families over the decades, raising funds for the new memorial hall and the pipe band even lending the hand of support to the local brass band.

Members of the Blow family were ac-

tive in the pipe band before moving to Calivil where Angus taught youngsters in that district the bagpipes and formed a pipe band, assisted by Pyramid Hill’s band through the donation of kilts in the Gordon tartan.

Both bands would wear that tartan, a Scottish highland regiment cloth but also the same name as the the local council, Pyramid Hill a part of the then-Gordon Shire.

Pyramid Hill revived its pipe band after World War Two - many members had enlisted in the army in 1939 and 1940 - and again became part of social life.

Burns Nights in January celebrated the great Scottish poet Robbie Burns, appearances on Anzac Day kept returned servicemen in step while annual balls once

more enlivened the community as did music on that other great Scottish celebration Hogmanay - New Year’s Eve.

Scottish culture was promoted through highland dancing at the annual Pyramid Hill Agricultural Show

The book Scots Whae Hae gives an insight into commitment to community by people like the caledonian society’s Malcolm MacGillivray, a shire councillor for more than 25 years and on the board of Pyramid Hill Co-operative Society almost as long.

He had been instrumental in forming the caledonian society and was again its chief in the 1960s.

Sunday’s celebration will pay homage to Scots of Pyramid Hill and their legacy that lives on today.

Faces at the Pyramid Hill Highand Gathering in 1930

The town’s pipe band was active supporting events across the region from its formation in the 1920s

Robbie Collins 3-6-1939 - 26-12-2023

Margaret and family wish to thank everyone for their support during the sad loss of our loved Robbie.

Thanks to everyone who sent flowers, cards, delievered food and visited, all which was greatly appreciated. Please except this as our personal thanks.

Special thanks to Dr Shaka Issa and the staff at IDHS and Bendigo Health for all of their care.

The

Rearrange these coins to form three rows of four.

Eicher stars in first stableford event

BIRDIES on two of Boort Golf Club’s par-threes – one of them a chip in – saw Peter Eicher take out the first stableford of the year.

Each was worth four points, helping the 26-handicapper to 40 points, enough to snare a narrow victory over Stuart Tweddle, who finished on 39.

Grant Tooth finished a further point back in third place.

Eicher’s efforts made him the first Privilege Cup holder for April.

Scott Rollinson took out two of the nearest the pin prizes, on the first and eighth holes, while Dot Beattie, Eicher and Tweddle each won a single prize. This Saturday sees the annual Captain versus President match play event at the earlier time of 11am.

WEDDERBURN

A DOZEN players took part in Wedderburn Golf Club’s ambrose event last weekend.

The easy winners were Owen Bailey, Liam McNeil, Jon Chandler and club president Tony Holt with a 65. With a 5.6 handicap that had the quartet finishing with a 59.4 net

INGLEWOOD

TWO new members scooped the pool at Inglewood Golf Club’s opening day stableford event on Sunday.

Tate Paton won the competition with 41 points, three points ahead of Tynan Hywood. The highlight of Paton’s round was an eagle on the par-5 fourth hole. He also took home the nearest

Under 12: Sea Lake Nandaly drew with Boort 0-0. Donald lost to Wycheproof Narraport 0-3.

Underage: Sea Lake Nandaly d Boort 6-0. Donald d Wycheproof

the pin prize on the ninth hole, to round off an impressive debut. Tynan came home in second place with 38 points in a round that included two birdies.

Seven players competed after

NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

Narraport 1-0. St Arnaud d Wedderburn Redbacks 9-.0

Women: Sea Lake Nandaly d Boort 4-1. Donald lost to Wycheproof Narraport 0-4. St Arnaud drew

life member Bev Taig opened the season with a ceremonial putt on the first hole. Early season rust was evident in conditions that were much drier than recent seasons.

with Wedderburn Redbacks 3-3.

Men: Sea Lake Nandaly lost to Boort

1-6. Boort goals: Harry Malone

4, Sidney Cain 2. Donald lost to Wycheproof Narraport 1-3

Life member Glenda Bird opens the Wedderburn club season. LH PHOTO

Bev Taig starts the Inglewood club season. LH PHOTO

David and Liam McNeill contested the Wedderburn ambrose. LH PHOTO

Inglewood president Lindsay Kelly and captain Tim Johns. LH PHOTO

Wedderburn captain Owen Bailey and president Tony Holt. LH PHOTO

SPORT

Maroons in early warning to rivals

NEWBRIDGE showed it would be a strong contender to reach the finals in the Loddon Valley netball league in 2024 with a tight win away from home at Bridgewater in round one of the new season.

The traditional rivals battled it out in a low-scoring match, with the Maroons maintaining a narrow lead throughout to record an 11-goal win, 37-26.

Goaler Morgan McCormick and recruit Hayley Martinello starred for Newbridge.

Mitiamo, last season’s runners up, began with a powerhouse win over Marong 76-38. The teams were separated by a single goal in their 2023 preliminary final, so the Superoos’ victory was a strong statement of intent.

Premiers Maiden Gully began their flag defence with a solid 5836 win over Calivil, while Pyramid Hill got home against Bears Lagoon Serpentine 60-45.

A Grade

Bridgewater 6, 13, 17, 26, (26) lost to Newbridge 8, 17, 27, 37, (37). BL Serpentine 8, 25, 32, 45, (45) lost to Pyramid Hill 17, 28, 44, 60, (60). Calivil 10, 15, 25, 36, (36) lost to Maiden Gully 13, 30, 44, 58, (58). Marong 6, 11, 27, 38, (38) lost to Mitiamo 16, 39, 55, 76, (76).

Mitiamo 200.00 4 Maiden Gully 161.11 4 Newbridge 142.31 4 Pyramid Hill 133.33 4 BL

B Grade Marong 17, 34, 50, 65, (65) d Mitiamo 9, 22, 36, 45, (45). Bridgewater 9, 16, 22, 27, (27) lost to Newbridge 16, 32, 46, 58, (58). BL Serpentine 6, 12, 18, 25, (25) lost to Pyramid Hill 8, 18, 29, 42, (42). Calivil 10, 20,

Defenders set up opening round victory

IT WAS a case for the defence from Boort A Grade netball coach Georgia Haw after the first match of the new season against Sea Lake Nandaly.

The Magpies won by 17 goals, 47-30, with defenders Emma Darker and Grace Hosking taking on best-on-court honours.

Haw said mid-court and attack was still a work in progress, but Darker, Hosking and goalkeeper Roxy Train set up an almost impregnable defence to keep the Saints at bay.

Round one was the first using the new rolling substitutions rule, which means players can sub on and off court at any time, not just at breaks in play.

Haw said Boort, one of the league’s smaller clubs and without a substantial roster of players, would be at a disadvantage compared to those clubs with more netballers.

She said the Magpies, Charlton and St Arnaud would be up against it: “Those just don’t have a lot of spares.”

Boort faces Charlton this weekend, which will be an emotional event as the Navies honour Maddison Fitzpatrick, who tragically died recently of cancer aged just 18.

The game, under lights, begins at 6pm.

A Grade

Donald 12, 28, 45, 62,(62) d Wycheproof Narraport 7, 13, 18, 24,(24). Sea Lake Nandaly 4, 14, 24, 30, (30) lost to Boort 13, 27, 37, 47, (47). St Arnaud 5, 13, 22, 27, (27) lost to Wedderburn 19, 36, 49, 68, (68). Nullawil 43 d Birchip Watchem 33.

Donald 258.33

Wedderburn

Boort

Nullawil

251.85

156.67

130.30

Birchip Watchem 76.74

Sea Lake Nandaly

St Arnaud

Wycheproof Narraport

63.83

39.71

38.71

Charlton 0.00

B Grade

Donald

Best on court in game return

Donald 319.05

Wedderburn 304.00

Birchip Watchem 159.09

Sea Lake Nandaly 108.00 Boort 92.59

Nullawil 62.86

St Arnaud 32.89

Wycheproof Narraport 31.34

Charlton 0.00

C Grade

Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 11, 17, 28, (28) lost to Boort 15, 30, 46, 51, (51). Donald 8, 12, 18, 27, (27) d Wycheproof Narraport 2, 9, 13, 15, (15). Nullawil 8, 18, 23, 33, (33) d Birchip Watchem 2, 9, 14, 20, (20). St Arnaud 6, 16, 25, 34, (34) lost to Wedderburn 15, 31, 50, 67, (67).

Wedderburn 197.06

Boort 182.14

Donald 180.00

Nullawil 165.00

Birchip Watchem 60.61

Wycheproof Narraport 55.56

Sea Lake Nandaly 54.90

St Arnaud 50.75

Charlton 0.00

C Reserve

Nullawil (75) d Birchip Watchem (12). St Arnaud (26) lost to Wedderburn Redbacks (65).

Nullawil 625.00

Wedderburn 250.00

St Arnaud 40.00

Birchip Watchem 16.00

Sea Lake Nandaly 0.00

Wycheproof Narraport 0.00

17 & Under A

Nullawil 6, 13, 19, (24) lost to Birchip

14, 34, 51, 67, (67) d Wycheproof Narraport 6, 13, 19, 21, (21). Nullawil 5, 14, 20, 22, (22) lost to Birchip Watchem 7, 20, 26, 35, (35). Sea Lake Nandaly 16, 25, 39, 54, (54) d Boort 13, 30, 41, 50, (50). St Arnaud 7, 13, 20, 25, (25) lost to Wedderburn 23, 34, 53, 76, (76).

Watchem 13, 18, 24, (36). St Arnaud 8, 17, 36, 50, (50) d Wedderburn 6, 15, 20, 26,(26). Sea Lake Nandaly 5, 12, 19, 26, (26) d Boort 5, 8, 15, 23, (23). Donald 14, 19, 24, 27, (27) d Wycheproof Narraport 7, 12, 15, 19, (19).

St Arnaud 192.31

Birchip Watchem 150.00

Donald 142.11

Sea Lake Nandaly 113.04

Boort 88.46

Wycheproof Narraport 70.37

Nullawil 66.67

Wedderburn 52.00

Charlton 0.00

14 & Under A

Sea Lake Nandaly 3, 8, 15, 20, (20) d Boort 3, 9, 13, 15, (15). Nullawil 6, 12, 15, 16, (16) lost to Birchip Watchem 8, 13, 23, 30, (30).

St Arnaud 9, 17, 28, 30, (30) d Wedderburn 3, 3, 4, 4, (4). Donald 17, 26, 31, 35, (35) d Wycheproof Narraport 1, 4, 4, 5, (5).

St Arnaud 850.00

Donald 700.00

Birchip Watchem 187.50

Sea Lake Nandaly 133.33

Boort 75.00

Nullawil 53.33

Wycheproof Narraport 14.29

Wedderburn 11.76

Charlton 0.00

14 & Under B

St Arnaud 23 d Wedderburn (10). Sea Lake Nandaly 0, 0, 1, 2, (2) lost to Boort 4, 12, 13, 14, (14).

Boort 700.00

St Arnaud 230.00

Wedderburn 43.48

Sea Lake Nandaly 14.29

Birchip Watchem 0.00

Donald 0.00

AN OFF-SEASON spent hauling herself up Tower Hill – with her husband and three children in tow – has paid off for Wedderburn netballer Maddison Postle. She returned to the court for the first time since 2022 to win the team’s best player award in round one of the North Central league season.

Postle missed last season after the birth of her third child Clancey, and running up the hill time and again was part of her arduous fitness regime.

Wedderburn started the season with a strong 68-27 win over St Arnaud, with premiership coach Meg Lowry also making her return after having a baby.

Postle’s modest response to winning the best-on-court nod –“I think it was a bit of a welcome back, not so much a reflection of my game”

“I did put in quite a lot of effort to regain my fitness, supported by my husband to get out of the house,” she said.

Postle’s husband and training partner is Redbacks football legend Adam Postle, who is closing in on his 300th club game. His team also had a win on the weekend, proving the hard work over summer was worth the effort.

Libby Clymo sends Calivil into attack against Maiden Gully. LH PHOTO

Emma Darker

Second stanza stamps Tiger’s renewed ferocity

Jenkins, who played 149 games with Adelaide and Geelong at the highest level, kicked eight goals as the reigning premiers came from behind to beat a youthful Boort side by 41 points.

The Magpies led by a goal at quarter-time, despite captain and last season’s best-and-fairest Jarrod Fitzpatrick playing hurt after being hit heavily in the jaw early in the game.

The Tigers stamped their authority in the second quarter

WHAT else can I say - took a few brave pills with the opening round predictions and came out with the perfect score.

Four from four in the first Loddon Valley league match-ups of 2024. And I’m sticking to the formula for round two when Inglewood will find out how much they have improved.

The Blues should have beaten Bears Lagoon Serpentine both times last year. They didn’t and even though at home, the new Wilkinson-led lineup from Janiember Park will keep their firm grip on the Bonnie Ward Cup by 5 o’clock on Saturday.

The crystal ball may have been a little fuzzy when looking at the touted improvement of Newbridge this year. Coming from a long way back, I said. If it hadn’t have been for big name Bridgewater recruit Lachlan Sharp, Newbridge would have caused an opening round boilover.

Took the Mean Machine a few quarters to get going. The return clash of the river rivals can be pencilled in as match of that round.

with eight goals to two to open up a 33-point gap at half-time, but Boort battled bravely in the second half, managing six goals to seven against the competition benchmark.

Jenkins showed his football nous on numerous occasions, sneaking to the back of contests for some of his goals.

It was a trait he showed frequently at AFL level, where he kicked 296 goals.

James Keeble, with three goals, was the Magpies’ best, while 18-year-old ruckman James Byrne made an impressive debut after joining from Bundoora.

Coach Dale Cameron said there

were plenty of positives to take from the match for Boort: “It was 10-20 points the difference all day, and it was a lot closer than the final scoreboard suggested. They got a few cheapies.

“We had 10 new players; they’ve had the same side for four or five years. We can only get better, and we had our chances in the third quarter but let ourselves down with a lack of composure. That comes with experience.”

Boort faces Charlton, who had the round-one bye, at home under lights on Saturday night.

- GARY WALSH

Z factor: Zelencich has a flying start

ONE WAY to impress your new teammates and supporters is to kick a goal with your first disposal.

Wedderburn recruit Tony Zelencich managed to do that a handy four times in the Redbacks’ outing against St Arnaud in the opening round of the North Central league season.

Although Zelencich, who kicked 118 goals for Carisbrook last year, didn’t manage another goal for the day, his four early majors contributed to a big win for Wedderburn, who prevailed 20.7 (127) to 6.2 (38).

A quick start saw the Redbacks lead by 38 points at the first change, and they won every quarter, finishing off with five goals to none in the final term to stamp their authority on the contest.

Oscar Holt, returning after two years on the sidelines with injury, was the good news story,

also kicking four goals as part of a strong team performance.

New playing coach Tim Metherell controlled proceedings from the half-back line, and Jordan Hargreaves worked hard in the ruck, feeding the midfield contingent of Joe Lockhart, Corey Lowry and Jackson McEwen, who topped off his day with three goals.

Veteran Adam Postle did his job in the ruck when Hargreaves needed a spell, while pacy wingers Louis Holt and Darcy Jackson got plenty of the ball and each kicked a goal.

Wedderburn face a big test this weekend when they take on last year’s premiers Sea Lake Nandaly

It’s another away game, the big road trip of the season for Wedderburn as the club waits for new facilities at Donaldson Park to be ready for use.

Legal stoush hint after sanctions on Eagles

MAIDEN Gully has engaged lawyers after being hit with hefty sanctions for what the Loddon Valley Football League has labelled actions bringing the league into disrepute.

The club told members late last week that lawyers would “sort out this matter which is absolutely ridiculous and without any substance”.

In an online post attributed to president Chris Garlick but later removed, the club said: “You will hear plenty in the media over the coming days and weeks but rest assured we won’t be rolling over on this matter.”

Garlick earlier told the Loddon Herald the Eagles would be exploring avenues and options for appeal. However, he did not say when the club would decide whether to appeal or dispute the league’s decision.

The Eagles have refused to field an under 18 side for a third season after spending the last two years trying to put a team on the field in the Bendigo or Heathcote leagues.

In the firmest message from league powerbrokers to clubs in three decades, the Eagles have been hit with a $10,000 fine with half suspended for a year.

And their first three senior wins of the 2024 season will count for nothing. The league board decided this week to strip the club of 12 premiership points.

The Loddon Herald understands there was discussion at the league annual general meeting last November that sanctions might be on the horizon.

The bombshell decision was dropped on Maiden Gully on Wednesday, three days before Saturday’s opening round.

When contacted by the Loddon Herald, league chairman Simon Tuohey said continued agitation and applications by Maiden Gully to enter junior teams in other leagues was unhelpful for development of the local under

THIS WEEK’S LODDON VALLEY PREDICTIONS

18 competition and the nine-club league.

“The league and clubs want this destabilisation to stop. Under our by-laws, all clubs are required to field a junior football side unless there are extenuating circumstances under which a dispensation can be given. We have done this for Bears Lagoon Serpentine, Mitiamo and Calivil who combine to field and support East Loddon Rams along with Newbridge that tried and was unable to raise sufficient numbers.

“But Maiden Gully, despite saying it had player numbers to field junior teams in both the Bendigo and Heathcote leagues, is now refusing to step on to the field in Loddon Valley.

“The constant pushes from Maiden Gully, and they have not ruled out fresh bids in coming months, is not what is expected from member clubs. Our by-laws are quite clear that actions unbecoming or prejudicial to the interest of the league are the subject of disciplinary action.

“The board has considered all matters, including the standing and reputation of the league, in applying sanctions against a member club. The league is about every club and clubs have responsibilities to work within our rules.”

The by-laws also state action can be taken where a club’s actions are “calculated to bring or in fact bringing discredit on the League or any of its constituent clubs or a person connected therewith, or to impair or affect the enjoyment by any club or person of the privileges associated with the membership of/or association with the league”.

Maiden Gully was at the centre of threatened sanctions in the 1990s when the Eagles and Marong risked the loss of 16 premiership points if they failed to field underage football sides.

AFL general manager

Gary Walsh

Marong Pyramid Hill

BL Serpentine Bridgewater

- GLENN CATTO

Wouldn’t read too much into the first up loss by Pyramid Hill seconds. They always take a few games to click.

Glenn Catto

Marong

Pyramid Hill

BL Serpentine Bridgewater

Chris Earl

Marong

Pyramid Hill

Inglewood Bridgewater

AFL Central Victoria has appointment of Cameron Tomlins its new regional manager. Tomlins had been the Bendigo league chief before acting in the AFL role vacated last year by Craig Armstead. Meanwhile, expressions of interest have opened for the new AFL Central Victoria regional council.

FORMER AFL forward Josh Jenkins proved to be the difference between Sea Lake Nandaly and Boort in their opening North Central league clash.

SPORT

Game’s Sharp switch

By GARY WALSH

BRIDGEWATER was the talk of the off-season in the Loddon Valley Football League, with its aggressive recruiting bringing in a raft of stars including Bendigo Football League goalkicking ace Lachlan Sharp.

However, at three quarter time of the opening round last Saturday, underdogs Newbridge looked every chance to cause an upset, leading by 10 points and having been in command virtually all afternoon. Enter the Sharpshooter.

A dominant last quarter saw the Mean Machine storm home to win by 21 points, with Sharp snaring eight on his debut, including an exquisite checkside goal from almost 50 metres on a tight angle that sealed the victory.

Bridgewater finished up winning 15.13 (103) to the Maroons’ 12.10 (82) in front of a big and vocal crowd.

Sharp, after kicking almost 1000 goals in the Bendigo competition with Strathfieldsaye Storm, was always going to be the headline act, and both sets of supporters welcomed him to the league in their own ways.

Mean Machine fans shouted his name whenever he neared the ball, while a well-watered Newbridge crew atop a tray truck on the half-forward flank at the southern end sledged him at every opportunity. And there were plenty.

The quality of Sharp’s finishing set him apart, his cultured left-foot rarely letting him down. He barely roamed beyond the 50-metre arc and presented a real challenge for Newbridge’s Matt McArthur almost every time Bridgewater went forward.

McArthur battled bravely against the odds, but Sharp was adept at making the most of the chances he got, and his six goals in the second half were the difference between the two sides.

Newbridge was cleaner in their disposal and appeared faster by foot and in ball use than Bridgewater in the first half, leading by 16 points at the main break.

Four goals in the second quarter against the breeze to Bridgewater’s three gave the Maroons real reason for optimism. It could have been worse for the Mean Machine, which kicked two late goals before half-time as New-

bridge threatened to run away with the game.

Bridgewater outscored its opponent by a goal in the third term, setting up a grandstand finish. The Mean Machine, winning the bulk of the clearances and using the ball better than they had all day, finally took control and kicked six goals to Newbridge’s one in the final quarter to take out a hard-fought battle.

Injury saw the Maroons down to two on the bench in the last term, making it tough for them to withstand Bridgewater’s charge.

Midfielder Boden Alexander, on his return after two seasons with Strathfieldsaye, was Bridgewater’s best, while Sharp’s matchwinning performance in his first Loddon Valley game also made him a standout. Andrew Collins, another Bridgewater star return-

ing home, kicked three goals. The Maroons were well-served by ruckman Will Copland, who gave his midfielders silver service and recruit Jono Aujard, who worked hard all day.

Next up, Bridgewater travels to Maiden Gully, who won their round one clash with Calivil United, while Newbridge is at home to dual reigning premiers Marong, who look strong again in 2024.

Big bag gives Bears the win, by Josh!

A 10-GOAL haul from former Fremantle Dockers forward Josh Mellington saw Bears Lagoon Serpentine record a strong win against last season’s grand finalists Pyramid Hill in the opening round of the Loddon Valley season.

The Bears trailed at every change, but led by Mellington, who was recruited from Benalla in the Goulburn Valley league over the off-season, surged home with six goals to three in the final quarter to win 17.10 (112) to 14.13 (97).

It was Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s first win over Pyramid Hill since 2018.

Mellington has topped the goalkicking century mark four times in country leagues since returning to Victoria and looks a decent bet to do so for his new club if his debut is anything to go by.

Full-back Dylan Morison has been one of the league’s best defenders for many years, but he struggled to contain the powerful Mellington, who ran out in the rarely seen number 88 guernsey.

Justin Laird, who continues to play for the Bears this season after relinquishing the coaching role, nudged out Mellington as best afield. Laird won the club’s best and fairest award as well as the goalkicking in 2023.

Zach Alford was the Bulldogs’ best, finishing with five goals.

In the league’s most one-sided clash, last season’s premiers Marong began the year in impressive style with a 147-point demolition of Mitiamo. The Panthers had 11 individual goalkickers, but none kicked more than three, with best-afield Ryley Taylor among them.

Clip on the flank turning point for Eagles on way to bitter-sweet taste of success

FIESTY passages late in the third term left a young Calivil side rattled by the aggression of Maiden Gully in Saturday’s Loddon Valley league clash.

Grayson Brown had appeared to strike a Calivil opponent and then remonstrated close to the field umpire who had paid a free kick against him.

The Demons went into attack from the flank with a goal to Jordan Lea. It would be the last score for Calivil against Maiden Gully under new coaches Shawn Filo and Angus Monfries.

A 17-point lead at the final change - Declan Phyland could

have reduced the margin if he had not tried to play on from a free kick after the siren - was systematically whittled down.

Within minutes of the term starting, Brown roosted through the Eagles second major of the quarter and guaranteed momentum for the Eagles after a week of off-field turmoil.

By mid-way through the term, the Eagles were just two points down. Calivil coach’s plea to cap off three quarters of superior play failed to materialise.

Instead it was the Eagles through Will Farrer, finishing the day with three goals, Phyland,

Thomas Pridgeon and Mathew Crooks who constantly cut loose.

Every time Calivil had the chance to go into attack, poor kicking or errors showing the young side still has a way to grow were punished.

Maiden Gully had loose men across defence, in the centre and up forward. Mathew Crooks in the ruck was having an influence too. A Brown pass to co-captain Josh Worsley at the 25-minute mark sealed the match.

With league sanctions, Maiden Gully is still two wins away from its first premiership points of 2024.

Bridgewater’s Nick Hall is outnumbered by tenacious Newbridge in Satuirday’s clash. LH PHOTO

Josh Mellington

Maiden Gully’s Grayson Brown makes a point with the umpire. LH PHOTO

BEST - Marong: Z. Turnbull, M. Grant, L. Frankel, R. Gretgrix, F. Stewart, L. Hale. Mitiamo: A. McKean, N. Hicks, T. Metcalf, H. Storey, C. Pearson, L. Shiell.

seniors

Maiden Gully

Calivil 4.2

(62)

(50)

GOALS - Maiden Gully: W. Farrer 3, J. Worsley, G.

Brown, B. Franzini, T. Delahey, J. Thompson. Calivil: J. Lea 2, J. Maher, B. Baker 2, B. Wagner.

BEST - Maiden Gully D. Phyland, T. Pridgeon, M. Crooks, B. Franzini, E. Crisp, J. Worsley. Calivil: M. Stephens, S. Green, S. Maher, H. McGregor, J. Maher, K. Shelton.

Marong 4.6 10.15 15.21 22.23 (155)

Mitiamo 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.2 (8)

GOALS - Marong: R. Wellington, M. Riordan, R. Taylor 3, J. McCaig, K. Manley, K. Robins, N. Devanny, N. McCaig 2, C. Gregg, B. Gregg, C. Hale. Mitiamo: R. Duncan.

BEST - Marong: S. Knott, B. Gregg, R. Taylor, J. Davis, S. Dean, N. McCaig. Mitiamo: D. Walters, L. Shiell, R. Duncan, J. Vinnicombe, L. Lougoon.

BL Serpentine 3.1 6.7 11.9 17.10 (112)

Pyramid Hill 5.5 8.6 11.11 14.13 (97)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington 10, F Priest 4, J. Bailey, H. Gadsden, J. Rippingale. Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 5, D. Hemphill, J. Sheahan 2, B. George, B. Knight 1, T. McGregor, S. Relouw, B. Dickens.

BEST Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Laird, J. Mellington, C. Gadsden, D. Nihill, R. Prendergast, R. Turner. Pyramid Hill

UnDer 18

GOALS - East Loddon: M. Hocking

B. Dowton

N. Ramskill, H. White, J. Smith, L. James, F. Clymo, B. Wagner, I. Johnstone-McCloud. Inglewood: Not supplied

BEST - East Loddon: J. Ketterer, N. Ramskill, F. Clymo, B. Wagner, L. James. Inglewood: Not supplied.

(202)

Cruise, L. Bowen, J. McMurray, K. Harris, S. Vinnicombe 2, J. Curnow, R. Kerr, J. Taylor, J. Hutton, J. Bird, B. O’Neill.

BEST - Marong: K. Thomson, R. Doorty, J. Bird, W. Thomson, K. Harris, H. Roberts. Bridgewater: J. Larson, R. Hobbs, C. Orton, O. Clapp, T. Pidoto, A. Frankling.

THIS SATURDAY: Pyramid Hill v East Loddon at Pyramid Hill. Inglewood v Marong at Inglewood.

reserVes

(17)

GOALS - St Ar naud: B. Knight, C. Campbell. Wedderburn: C. Hargreaves 5, J. Hayes 4, J. Piccoli 2, I. Holden, T. Dingfelder.

BEST - St Arnaud: Reserves: S. Elliott, H. McNally, B. Knight, R. Bigmore, K. Torney, R. Burke. Wedderburn: R. Tonkin, J. Hayes, F. Turnbull, J. Van de Wetering, A. Roberts, L. Sims.

(41)

(43)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Poulton 4, T. Considine, C. Tait. Boort: C. O’Rourke 2, C. Keanelly , P. O’Rourke, M. Buchanan, K. Streader.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: N. Barbary, H. Harcourt, T. Considine, C. Tait, I. Durie, B. Poulton. Boort: H. Weaver, M. O’Donoghue, A. Cockerell, M. Buchanan, A. Chamberlain, F. Millar.

(56)

(30)

UnDer 14

Seniors: Z. Alford, D. Hemphill, T. McGregor, B. Ladson, D. Collis, B. George. Bridgewater

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: R. Allan, B. Barbary, H. Cox, Z. Wight, H. Warne, C. Wight. Boort: D. Perryman, B. McPherson, J. Malone, S. Muller, N. Howe,

(103)

(82)

GOALS - Bridgewater: L. Sharp 8, A. Collins 3, L. Coghlan

2, J. Martyn, J.

B. Derrick, X. Walsh, J. Neylon. Newbridge: W. Daly, W. Copland, T. Constable, T. McLeod, M. McArthur, J. Aujard.

seniors

(38)

(127)

GOALS- St Arnaud: T. Petrie 3, J. Walters 2, R. Lempa. Wedderburn: A. Zelencich, O. Holt 4, J. McEwen 3, M. McEwen, T. Campbell 2, L. Holt, H. Lockhart, D. Jackson, J. Hargreaves, C. Lowry, J. Jones.

BEST - St Arnaud: H. Durward, Z. Phillips, R. Lempa, K. Torney, D. Gifford, M. Goode. Wedderburn: H. Lockhart, J. McEwen, O. Holt, D. Jackson, J. Lockhart, L. Holt.

Watchem

(117)

GOALS - Maiden Gully: J. Doolan 2, K. Griffin, C. Clarke. Calivil: K. Newton 5, B. Masson, D. Masson 3, T. Piazza, C. Henson, L. Petri, M. Hore, E. Ritchie, D. Ryan.

BEST - Maiden Gully: J. Johnson, B. Barker, R. Crothers, K. Griffin, W. Anderson, C. Clarke. Calivil: E. Ritchie, J. Manderson, K. Newton, T. Piazza, B. Masson, D. Ryan.

BL Serpentine 2.1 6.4 7.5 9.10 (64)

Pyramid Hill 1.2 2.2 5.4 5.4 (34)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Anstee 3, C. O’Shannessy, J. Gladman 2, S. Gladman, Z. Hollis. Pyramid Hill: B. Delamare 3, H. Goodes 2, BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Z. Stone, C. O’Shannessy, J. Stuart, K. Walton, T. Clarke, J. Hancock. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, T. Walker, B. Moon, B. Gibson, M. Smith, M. Moon.

Bridgewater 4.3 7.3 11.7 13.7 (85)

Newbridge 0.0 0.2 0.2 3.3 (21)

GOALS - Bridgewater: B. Irvine 5, J. Campbell 2, A. Gauci, J. Green, C. Woodhatch, details incomplete. Newbridge: L. Hoskin 2, J. Kiel.

BEST - Bridgewater: P. Rothacker, J. Campbell, M. Hogan, J. Green, Z. Hoiles. Newbridge: O. Friswell, J. Kiel, A. Dingfelder, D. Whan, B. Butler, L. Hoskin.

(158)

(13)

GOALS - Marong: T. Grant, L. Frankel, Z. Turnbull 4, B. Matthews, N. Matthews 3, H. Devanny 2, B. Stewart, S. Taylor, H.

13.6 (84)

17.6 (108)

GOALS - Nullawil: M. Farmer 5, N. Keogh 4, J. Exell 3, J. Humphreys. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 7, T. Colbert , N. Rippon 4, M. Rippon , D. Reid.

BEST - Nullawil: D. Isbister, M. Wade, D. Putt, L. Caccaviello, C. Fawcett, A. Casey. Birchip Watchem: D. Hinkley, N. Rippon, T. Colbert, L. Ryan, B. Edwards, A. Butterfield.

Sea Lake Nandaly

18.11 (119)

12.6 (78)

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 8, W. Simpson 4, J. Summerhayes, R. O’Sullivan, J. Wright, T. Cox, B. McInnes , L. McClelland. Boort: J. Keeble 3, R. McGhie, W. Perryman 2, M. Hodoras, J. Byrne, E. Coleman, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Wilson.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins, W. Donnan, T. McKenzie, T. Cox, L. McClelland, C. Michael,. Boort: J. Keeble, J. Baddeley-Kelly, J. Byrne, N. McLaren, J. Dick.

Donald 4.0 4.2 7.8 12.14 (86)

Wycheproof Narraport 3.4 6.4 7.5 9.5 (59)

GOALS - Donald: T. Grant 6, A. Browne, D. Kerr 2, N. Berry, B. Grant. Wycheproof Narraport: C. Jones 3, S. Kennedy 2, G. Turner, J. Grabowski, M. Murgov, N. Grabowski.

BEST - Donald: J. Wallin, A. Browne, T. Grant, H. Geddes, N. Berry, D. Kerr. Wycheproof Narraport: S. Kennedy, M. Fawcett, G. Turner, R. Fawcett, C. Cox, L. Van Schaik.

- Not supplied

(2)

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Durie, C. OSullivan, J. Newick,

Loddon HERALD sport

Big bags, thrills and joy in season openers

FOOTBALL and netball are back for 2024, with a host of thrilling games kicking off the new seasons for the Loddon Valley and North Central leagues.

Big-name recruits Lachlan Sharp (Bridgewater) and Josh Mellington (Bears Lagoon Serpentine) kicked respective bags of eight and 10 goals for their new Loddon Valley clubs.

Troubled Maiden Gully, which started the season with a 12-premiership points deduction for refusing to field an under 18 side for a third successive year, clawed back four of those points with a win over Calivil United.

Wedderburn had a strong win in the North Central league under new coach Tom Metherell, while Boort battled bravely against reigning pre-

mier Sea Lake Nandaly, which featured former Adelaide and Geelong forward Josh Jenkins. Netball kicked off with some fierce contests across all grades in both leagues. The tightest Senior A Grade tussle in the Loddon Valley was between traditional rivals Bridgewater and Newbridge, while last year’s grand finalists Maiden Gully and Mitiamo had big wins.

DESTINY DATE

THE fate of Upper Loddon cricket is in the hands of clubs after an extraordinary meeting on Monday night.

They will put plans for match formats, game growth and strategies to the current association executive within the month.

Clubs also succeeded in bringing forward the association annual meeting from September to July to give clarity to a new season starting in October.

The association was reduced to four teams in senior and junior competitions last season.

“We have to change the system,” Boort Yando president Al Knight told the meeting.

“Have a 12-game season and a 20:20 (competition) before Christmas. ... 20:20 could be the perfect hook for some ex-teams.”

Bridgewater told the meeting it was hopeful of returning to senior cricket with Dave Harrison also saying 20:20 could be the hook to get teams back.

Wedderburn captain Brad Holt said teams played each other too often in the current four-team competition.

“We have to think outside the square,” he said.

Reigning premiers Arnold told the meeting that a five-team competition was needed for the Redbacks to stay in the association.

Ben Metelmann said his club wanted at least one two-day

round to help develop younger players.

He said the club wanted to remain in Upper Loddon but had spoken with Maryborough and Emu Valley associations.

Wedderburn’s Ian Gould said re-introduction of two-day games would need clubs able to change players between days.

Metelmann said that the Horsham association allowed 16 players to be named for two-day matches.

Association president Wendy Murphy and secretary Michael Rose said changes in format and structure would require alterations to the constitution.

“If we can’t change the constitution, we can kiss (the association) goodbye,” said Wedderburn’s Will Holt. “We want to make Upper Loddon positive ... happy.”

Harrison said traditions had to be maintained but with flexibility. Clubs also discussed future

growth for the association and what teams could be re-established or enticed into Upper Loddon competition.

Gould said the shorter travel times for matches was “something we can sell”.

One former club at the Monday night’s meeting was Inglewood. Andrew Nevins said the club’s ground could be used for competition and supported the introduction of any 20:20 encounters.

- CHRIS EARL

Victorious pair heads off to state titles

BOORT croquet players Denise McDougal and Ian Potter are off to the state golf croquet championships in Melbourne this weekend.

The strikers earned their place after winning the Murray Valley Region Championships.

McDougal will represent Boort in level three, while Potter will play in level one.

Golf croquet Is a simplified version of traditional association croquet, with games generally taking from 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Association games may take as much as three hours.

The object is to score hoops in the same order as in association croquet. There are no extra turns for going through hoops or hitting other balls, although opposing balls can be knocked out of the way. When a player scores a hoop, all play is then to the next hoop. First player to score seven hoops wins the game.

Cricket Victoria’s Jacob deAraugo (second left) officially presented state community cricket awards in Monday night to Kingower’s Michael Rose (runner-up, junior coach of the year), Wedderburn’s Bob Steeel (winner Cricket in Schools Award) and Kingower’s Ben Rose (runner-up, community match official). LH PHOTO

Denise McDougal and Ian Potter