Loddon Herald 19 September 2024

BIN FAN

League chiefs eject rogue spectator

A SPECTATOR who took on Marong players in a tense quarter-time break at Saturday’s Loddon Valley football grand final could face a lengthy ban.

The man was swiftly ejected from Mitiamo Recreation Reserve by senior league officials.

Police were not present at the ground as Marong and Pyramid Hill clashed in the season decider attended by an estimated 4000 people.

The nearest station at Pyramid Hill has been without a permanent officer for 12 months although an appointment is expected within weeks.

By GARY WALSH

Spot fires had broken out on the field during a spiteful first quarter of the match, with several behind-the-play incidents.

As the quarter-time siren sounded players came together in the middle of the ground and a melee broke out.

But the main incident occurred when the rogue spectator approached a line of Marong players, initially appearing to verbally attack them. Some Panther players squirted the man with water from their bottles.

Witnesses saw the man physically clash with Panther forward Ryan Wellington

after having allegedly spat at him. The man eventually backed off and left the field, his black T-shirt ripped.

Marong, which won the match by 36 points to secure a third straight flag, has not lodged a complaint with the league, which could impose tougher sanctions on the spectator when its board next meets.

Geelong District League this year barred a spectator for three years for striking a player.

The AFL has cracked down on offensive spectator behaviour.

Fans entering the ground on Saturday saw signs warning that threatening behaviour from spectators would not be tolerated under the league’s code of conduct.

Keep rural focus call

By CHRIS EARL

A FOCUS on support for all rural aspects of the Loddon Shire was essential, Miki Wilson said after lodging her nomination for Inglewood Ward in next month’s Loddon Shire elections.

Ms Wilson became the third declared candidate for the ward after former councillor Colleen Condliffe said she would challenge sitting councillor Wendy Murphy.

Cr Murphy defeated Mrs Condliffe by a margin of 43 votes after preferences four years ago.

Ms Wilson said: “Essentially, Loddon is a rural community and supporting rural aspects is essential.

“I want to sure we don’t get carried away with city centric ideology, maintaining the focus on our predominantly rural community.”

Ms Wilson lives at Serpentine with her husband who owns farms in the Serpentine and Bridgewater districts.

She last month was critical of Cr Murphy and Tarnagulla Ward’s Linda Jungwirth when they abstained from a vote to support continued opposition by the Murray River Group of Councils to oppose Federal Government’s water buybacks.

“Both councillors provided very feeble reasons for abstaining - Cr Jungwirth stating ‘I am

not an expert in this area’ and Cr Murphy stating she did not have enough information. I doubt any councillor in the entire group is an expert in the area and I would assume councillors are privy to the same amount of information to inform their decisions,” she wrote.

COUNCIL ELECTION NOMINATIONS

“By abstaining, and not declaring their opposition, I would suggest they have tried to veil their outright objections to the proposal - which is most likely not in the interest of the municipalities they represent, but in the interest of state government agendas.”

Ms Wilson, now retired, has

worked across all federal, state and local government and was previously acting manager of governance with Greater Bendigo.

She has previously been on the risk and audit committee of Metropolitan Fire Brigade and has been on the board of Bendigo Stadium and Single Mother’s Association of Victoria.

Ms Wilson said: “I am running to make sure there is a choice of candidates, It’s very important in a democracy.”

“I am interested in roadside management, waste and making sure businesses can thrive.”

The Loddon Herald has invited all candidates to special election forums to be held on September 22. The Inglewood Ward forum will be at 1pm and the Tarnagulla Ward at 3.30pm with venue details in your local newspaper next week.

Candidates have also been sent a series of questions with their answers to be published in a special feature in next week’s Loddon Herald.

The Victorian Electoral Commission will mail voting packs to electors in the Inglewood and Tarnagulla Wards from October 7. Ballot papers are to be returned by October 25.

Early voting opened at the VEC election office in Serpentine yesterday. Voting in the election is compulsory.

The official website and disappearing candidates

‘MINOR issues” with nominations have been blamed for candidate names disappearing off the official Victorian Electoral Commission website.

Inglewood Ward was showing just one candidate for more than 96 hours.

Last Thursday morning Colleen Condliffe became the first ward candidate to have her nomination accepted at the VEC office in Serpentine and appear on the website.

By the end of day, Miki Wilson was the only candidate listed for the ward.

Come Friday lunchtime, sitting councillor Wendy Murphy had lodged her nomination and remained the only candidate listed as standing in Inglewood Ward until Mrs Condliffe’s name reap-

peared mid-Monday morning and Ms Wilson that evening.

VEC manager, media and strategic communication Ruth Murphy said: “As part of our quality assurance process, we sometimes identify a minor issue with the nomination forms submitted by the candidates.

“As a result, the candidate details are removed from the website and republished once the issues have been resolved and the nomination confirmed,” Ms Murphy said. “Our candidate services team will provide guidance to the prospective candidate on why their nomination must be amended to ensure they can rectify any outstanding matters as soon as possible. How quickly the issue is resolved is then a matter for the prospective candidate.”

Corridor wait

TRANSMISSION Company

Victoria is expected to release its land corridor for the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project within days. The route has been scheduled for release by midSeptember. Meanwhile, TCV says there will be public consultation for the draft scoping requirements in the project’s environmental effects statement. “The more specific landholder and community issues that are bought to bear... the more ability there is for the community to influence the outcomes of the project,” said EES project director Jeff Smith.

Sold sign

THE former Inglewood abattoir has been sold. Sitting empty for more than a decade and two years after plans to use the building as a kangaroo pet meat processing facility were scuttled on a Loddon Shire planning technicality, the sold sign has gone up at the site. Campaspe Meats put the facility on the market after it the kangaroo processing bid fell through. It has reportedly been sold for $520,000. The buyer has not been revealed. Community grants CENTRAL Goldfields Shire has allocated grants to 18 local community groups. Among these are $2000 to Dunolly’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s swinging sixties cabaret and trivia night, $3000 towards the Dunolly Street Festival ran by the Goldfields Music Club and $3000 to the Goldfields Historical and Arts Society for solar panels for the Dunolly Museum. Bealiba Pony Club’s Ready to Ride Safe program received $3000.

Planned burn

A PLANNED burn at Goldsborough, was carried out Tuesday. FFMVic Staff will continue patrolling this burn until declared safe. Smoke from this burn may still be seen until today.

School break

STUDENTS will hear the final bell of term three tomorrow when they head off for a two-week break.

Gavan

Miki Wilson

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and Wedderburn. Also available in Dunolly, Charlton, Wycheproof, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Doctor signs for another five years

BOORT District Medical Centre will continue to have a familiar face as Dr Chris Olise signs a new five-year lease.

Dr Olise came to Boort in 2019, after working in Western Australia and Victoria for several years.

Originally from Nigeria, he enjoys the small-town life Boort has to offer and is looking forward

to another five years working in the community. Boort Medical is a bulk billing clinic and offers allied health services. Nurse practitioner Simone O’Brien works at the clinic every second Wednesday, as does Stride psychosocial recovery services.

Mondays and Thursdays have Leah from 3D Physiotherapy attending the clinic, while Pat from

the Royal Flying Doctors Service visits Tuesday mornings. Pathology collection is also available on site for patients.

Boort Medical is in the process of adding additional allied health services such as optometry and hearing clinics to assist the community and cut down on the need to travel long distances for these services, Dr Olise said.

Irrigation system gets lift to maximum allocation

THE Loddon and Goulburn irrigation system high-reliability water shares have been lifted to 100 per cent. Monday’s announcement confirmed the final three per cent rise. No allocation of low-reliability shares have yet been made for the Loddon system.

The Murray system increases from 79 per cent HRWS to 88 per cent HRWS. In the Campaspe system, the low-reliability water shares seasonal determination increases from 22 per cent LRWS to 25 per cent LRWS. The Campaspe system also has 100 per cent HRWS.

Resource Manager Mark Bailey said rainfall provided the resource improvements for increases. “While not large, the improvements in the Goulburn and Loddon systems were enough to increase the seasonal determination to 100 per cent of high-reliability water shares.”

Come this way and discover our region

THE first edition of Loddon Way - our region’s very own quarterly tourist publication - is out.

An initiative of the Loddon Herald, Loddon Way is an invitation for visitors to explore and discover the people the communities and the attractions throughout the Loddon Shire.

The first 24-page edition is now making its way to visitor information centres across the central Victoria and is being placed in local cafes and at motels and caravan parks.

“We have had wonderful support from Loddon Shire and local businesses to make the first edition possible,” said managing editor Chris Earl.

Mr Earl congratulated Loddon Herald journalist Gary Walsh and Rheola graphic artist Nat Soulsby for their work on Loddon Way.

Di Walsh, Kristy Pilgrim, Dr Chris Olise and Amber Wood at Boort Medical Centre. LH PHOTO

Pioneer Apostle recalled

APOSTLE of the Loddon William Hall has been recalled as a strategy thinker of the Anglican Church whose vision had helped establish Inglewood’s St Augustine’s Church 160 years ago.

Retired Bishop of Bendigo Andrew Curnow based his sermon at Sunday’s anniversary service on the pioneering church leader who had lived at Kingower in the 1860s.

Bishop Curnow said Hall had fallen out with the then Bishop of Melbourne and sat in the congregation when the Inglewood church opened.

“Hall was the most pioneering priest of this area ... he has left a wonderful legacy but a huge responsibility with this building,” Bishop Curnow said.

More than 70 people, including former clergy, attended Sunday’s service that saw the historic Fincham organ played by Daniel Clarke to accompany hymns. Bishop Curnow said the heritagelisted instrument was the oldest Fincham organ in Victoria.

Among worshippers were Faye Beattie whose late husband Clive was rector at St Augustine’s in the 1960s and Serpentine’s Prue Milgate, the last person to be married in the church 10 years ago.

The Turpie family, who are remembered with memorial gates at the church, was represented by Graeme Turpie and Marg Davis.

Open studios, galleries, pop-ups & more!

4–6 OCTOBER 2024

Popping up in towns throughout the shire, The Loddon Valley Arts Trail puts colour, flair and imagination on the map.

Venues are open Friday 1pm-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 10am-3pm unless otherwise noted in the program.

Scan the QR code for more information and to book any of this year’s events.

Utes will add shine to show schedule

MORE vehicles buffed and shiny will ring the trotting track for the 136th Boort Show next month.

Ogranisers have announced the addition of a ute show and shine to the day’s attractions that already boasts a hugely successful truck show.

The schedule for the Loddon Shire’s only agricultural show was released last week.

“After a hugely successful show in 2023, we hope to welcome even more families and entrants to our 2024 show,” said president Madeleine Scott. Mrs Scott said dozens of local and agriculture-based businesses had again provided sponsorship of pavilion events, horse sections and other show attractions.

Successful exhibitors in pavilion events for cookery, craft and photography will represent Boort at the Northern District Agricultural Show’s regional finals next year.

The show office will be open in Godfrey Street at the former veterinary surgery between October 8 and 10 to receive entries.

The shearing competition will have prizemoney of $8000. Evening entertainment will include a fireworks display.

Bishop Curnow, rector Darcy Vaughan and parishioner Michael Hooper at the service. LH PHOTO

Chandima Perere, Sandra Allen, Janette Nixon and Prue Milgate Faye Beattie and Sue Brown

Amity marks 1000th meeting for service

We

family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

Peter

THE longest surviving service club in Boort, Amity, met for the 1000th time last Tuesday when past and present members celebrated the milestone.

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Sandra Poyner, the assistant secretary, described Amity as “a great way to get out and into the community”.

Long-time members said they were proud of the community-minded club and how much aid it had given to local groups.

“Amity prides itself on supporting local by providing meals on wheels, volunteering at Boort District Health and the local op shop,” Sandra said.

Sandra said the club always welcomed new residents becoming members, a statement echoed by past member Marg Warren who joined Amity after moving to Boort.

For other past members such as Ruth Drake, the service club provided a night off from the busy-ness of daily life and a chance to catch up with friends.

Life member and former president Betty Barnes reflected on her time with the service club from when it was first established in 1976 to present day, commending Amity on its ability to adapt with the times and continue to provide a welcoming environment for all who wish to be involved.

People travelled from across Victoria to attend the 1000th meeting and enjoyed the chance to connect with friends, both old and new, while enjoying the celebrations.

President Maree Stringer highlighted the achievements of the club over the last year. “Amity has donated to many worthy causes including the Good Friday Appeal, the Boort district school and local sporting clubs.” The service club has also gained new members over the past year and has had many guests attend club dinners.”

Maree was re-elected as president with Sue Soltan as vice president. Additional board members are secretary and assistant

secretary Kathy Lowie and Sandra Poyner respectively, with Kellie Hare taking over as treasurer and Lynette Clark stepping into assistant treasurer.

Portfolios for 2024-2025 - service Marg Piccoli, dinner co-ordinator Leona Nixon, amenities officer Kathy Lowrie, newsletter Carol Smith, social Julia Dorsch and Sam Issac, and public relations Kim Griffiths.

New community plan in pipeline

DEVELOPMENT of Wedderburn’s next community plan will be the focus of the town’s development committee after next month’s annual general meeting.

Secretary Kylie Turnbull said: “We would love to get people new to the area with fresh vibrant ideas, as well as parents involved on the committee level. But in particular when the survey comes out next month.”

“The main purpose of the Wedderburn Development is to liaise between the community and the shire so as to produce a community plan for proposed town improvements based on suggestions from the community,” she said.

“We can then follow through and implement those suggested improvements where practical; as well as by advocating, supporting and providing funds to projects for the betterment of the Wedderburn township and thecommunity.”

Kylie said the association began in 2002 when a group of like-minded residents saw a need for a full-time nurse in Wedderburn.

“The group worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, which ultimately didn’t eventu-

ate. But shortly afterwards the Loddon Shire Council commenced community planning, and with the assistance of a local community group, drew up a set of strategic plans to formulate a vision for both the short term and long term development of the towns facilities,” she said.

“To this day the Wedderburn Development Association remains active and meets bi-monthly to monitor the progress of the 2015-2025 Community Plan, as well as to provide a continued advocacy role on behalf of the Wedderburn community along with the Loddon Shire Council.”

She said the association had given its support to local projects including High Street, Soldiers Memorial Park improvements, Hard Hill shelters, Nardoo Creek outside exercise equipment, improved town entrances, the push for an ambulance station, childcare and the Donaldson Park development.

“The Wedderburn Development Association encourages new members to come along and participate in what we do to help make Wedderburn a better place to live,” Kylie said.

PETER WALSH MP

Betty Barnes and Maree Stringer cut the cake

Julia Porsch and Carol Smith enjoy the dinner

Boort Amity members at the club’s 1000th meeting. LH PHOTO

Visitors flock to engine rally

DOZENS of caravans and many more historic motors crammed

Wedderburn’s Market Square and engine park at the weekend.

Exhibitors for the historical engine and machinery society’s annual rally came from across Victoria and interstate.

Many started arriving from mid-week to prepare displays of century-old engines while vintage and veteran cars travelled up the Calder Highway on Saturday morning.

Among them was Bendigo’s Terry Morley driving his 1958 Pontiac, making an annual visit to the rally.

Historic engine club members have their special display areas. Horsham’s Winston Chivell, of the Dunmunkle club, said he enjoyed coming to Wedderburn each year.

“It’s a great rally ... good location and well organised,” he said.

Local society members opened the doors of their shed to run the en Rushton Hornsby engine that has once provided electricity for Wedderburn.

Wedderburn Patchwork Guild members had a special display at Engine Park where the traditional pancake stall and camp fire were popular spots for enthusiasts to discuss repairs, restorations and running of old engines.

Last weekend was the society’s 31st rally where organisers said people had been able to relive the past exploring old engines, vehicles, farm machinery, tools and many items of yesteryear.”

The rally is one of two major annual events organised by the society.

Flood

progress

‘by Christmas’

THERE could be “significant action by Christmas” on approvals of disaster recovery funding projects from the October 2022 floods.

Loddon Mayor Gavan Holt told councillors on Tuesday he had been part of meetings with Victoria’s Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes.

Cr Holt said the indication from Ms Symes was given in talks with the Murray River Group of Councils.

“We were encouraged by the words of Minister Symes,” he said.

The council group has also held its regular meeting in Boort. This month’s gathering included a tour of Cobram Estate’s olive grove and processing plant.

Supply on new tap

THE switch to water from the South-West Loddon pipeline for Bealiba, Dunolly, Laanecoorie and Tarnagulla was made on Monday. Coliban is now taking water from the pipeline for new treatment tanks at Laanecoorie.

While users may notice changes in look, taste and odour, Coliban says the water is safe to drink. “These works mean a more reliable drinking water supply,” Coliban said.

John Leach and Terry Morley

Peter and William MacDonald

Patrick Finch and Jess Higgins tuck into pancakes

Winston Chivell and Warren Ring display their ACME engine at the weekend. LH PHOTO

Anonymous questions hit agenda

DEBATE on priorities and responding to anonymous letters dominated the last meeting of Loddon Shire councillors before next month’s elections.

The election caretaker periodeve meeting on Monday was a clearing of the decks for council officers before the ban on major decisions kicked in at midday Tuesday.

Anonymous questions were included on the agenda at the last minute, one asking about the $6.4 million deficit recorded in the financial year statement that was later adopted by councillors.

CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald said the deficit reflected early, or later payments of government grants.

This year, some capital grants were received after June 30.

Mr Fitzgerald received the backing of council for the latest priority advocacy paper to lobby federal and state governments for funding.

He told them the document was needed now, in case an early federal election was called during the council’s caretaker period that will run until late October when the new councillors

are elected. Topping the list are council’s push for funding of the Inglewood streetscape project, funding for housing development in Yelka Street Wedderburn and advocacy of a funding model that will attract business to open child care centres in rural areas.

Pyramid Hill Community Centre works, urban drainage in Pyramid Hill and embankment upgrade works at Wedderburn’s Skinners Flat reservoir are also on the list.

However, advocacy for water and sewerage connection in Newbridge was dropped from the previous advocacy document.

A third question in the opening minutes from resident George Wyatt asked for continued action. And a notice of motion by Tarnagulla Ward councillor was later carried that council will take “the next steps required to expand the work undertaken by SGS regarding the feasibility of Newbridge sewerage and water to ensure a project concept is ready for funding; and the opportunity to fund this further concept work from council’s strategic fund.

More reports next week

Winter dry prompts hay help calls

LOW winter rainfall in the Loddon and northern Victoria has seen the first calls for fodder help to Rural Aid.

The national assistance organisation last week made a delivery of 44 square bales into the Loddon where some farmers been augmenting paddock feed with stockpiled hay for three months.

Farmers say the winter dry has forced them to put out fod-

der well ahead of normal feed planning as they work to keep stock fattened.

Rural Aid’s disaster assistance manager Sharon Novak said the delivery into storage at Salisbury West would assist Loddon farmers navigate dry conditions.

“These are among our first deliveries into northern Victoria,” she said.

“Until now, the requests for

help have been coming from South Australia and south-west Victoria.” Western parts of Victoria are in the midst of a prolonged green drought.

“We made two deliveries into northern Victoria last week. There’s now an uptake in applications to us from farmers in these areas.”

Ms Novak said farmers should register for help from Rural Aid “before they need it”.

Hay for Loddon farmers is delivered at Salisbury West on Friday. LH PHOTO

Praise for donors at opening of new gym

INGLEWOOD and Districts Health Service

new gymnasium was officially opened on Monday.

CEO Dallas Coghill praised donors for making the new community facility possible.

“Their generosity has helped create a fantastic space where everyone can come together and embrace a healthier lifestyle,” he said.

Among donors were Inglewood Commu-

nity Bank, Loddon Shire Council, Advanta Seeds, HeartBeat Victoria and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

Mr Coghill said the gymnasium was able to be used by health service clients, staff and the community.

Monday’s opening was attended by health service board members, representatives of donors and community.

Mr Coghill said the gymnasium would further boost local health services.

Council gives lake masterplan $770,000 cash injection

LODDON Shire Council on Monday put $767,000 towards the final stages of its Little Lake Boort masterplan that will see development of the foreshore.

Council will allocate $267,910 from the Boort Ward community planning funds and $500,000 from its community planning strategic fund.

Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman told councillors: “Whilst the preference would be to deliver the project in its entirety, the Masterplan has been zoned to allow a staged delivery if this is required.”

“The Little Lake Boort Foreshore is one of Loddon’s popular recreation precincts and highly valued by locals and visitors to the region,” Mrs Gladman said.

“The high quality green space is particularly busy in school holiday periods and a hub of activity with the various organised

and passive sporting pursuits, including, tennis, croquet, boating, fishing, walking and swimming.

“The youth area set aside adjoining Nolan’s Park in the concept will likely be a ‘design and construct’ contract by a specialist provider with a focus on wheeled sports such as scooters, skateboards and bikes. This is a key element of the plan and will greatly improve the recreational opportunity for ages 8-18 years.

“Organised sporting clubs have requested that the renewal of aging infrastructure be a key focus.

“The masterplan ... is a strategic roadmap that shapes the future of this area. It balances immediate needs with long-term aspirations, ensuring the creation of a vibrant, sustainable, and well-utilised community and tourist precinct.”

Inglewood Community Bank’s Andrew Nevins and Michael Prowse with the health service’s Bronwyn Phillips and Mark Nally at Monday’s opening. LH PHOTO

PYRAMID HILL

VICTORIA HOTEL

EST. 1874

PYRAMID HILL

VICTORIA HOTEL

EST. 1874

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Lions Market blows into its new era

THE new home of Inglewood Lions Club monthly market was a winner with visitors on Saturday with the layout providing some shelter from winds.

The market returned from its winter hiatus at the new recreation reserve venue that president Eddie Sydor said was the result of a supportive partnership with the reserve committee.

Lions members had erected signs along Brooke Street and the Calder Highway directing people to the recreation reserve where stalls and the club’s famous breakfast barbecue were set up.

Love our local!

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm  Dinner from 6.00pm

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Trading hours

Dinner from 6.00pm

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Dinner from 6.00pm

Thursday – Open Midday

Social Darts Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Lunch from 12.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Thursday – Open Midday

Saturday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from

Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm

“The new location also has plenty of parking and will be able to see us accommodate more stalls as the market grows over spring and summer.”

Musicians from the Goldfields Music Club, including Inglewood’s Geoffrey Rooney, played throughout the morning.

“The music, stalls and barbecue meant people stayed to look, listen and chat throughout the morning,” Mr Sydor said.

“We are thankful for the encouragement and support of the reserve committee and president Tim Birthisel.

“And we’re looking forward to really becoming established at our new home.”

“The weather was a bit of a challenge but we are able to position stalls between the football ground buildings that gave some protection from the elements,” Mr Sydor said.

Louise Bewley (right) spoke of her experiences as a foster parent at last week’s Kooyoora Women’s Network dinner in Bridgewater. She titled her talk Caring in a Broken System: Through My Eyes and is pictured at the dinner with Trish Rodger, Kathleen McNaught and Margaret Price. LH PHOTO

Market entertainer Geoffrey Rooney and Lions member Steve Gibbs. LH PHOTO

Biz bulb gets quick step up

CARINA Johns business ideas have had a jumpstart with Startup Central Victoria’s Pre-Accelerator program.

The Bridgewater woman was part of the region’s latest program to nurture emerging entrepreneurs.

The program allowed Carina to network with other start-ups and experienced mentors, who supported and validated her start-up stepED.

“This was most valuable,” Carina said.

StepED offers tutoring individually designed for all ages, cultural backgrounds, abilities, and genders. The service uses holistic tutoring and other therapies to help address ‘gaps’ in the Victorian Curriculum subject areas, improve mental health, support and nurture diverse learners, assist to re-engage students and compliment home schoolers in a safe environment.

Startup Central Victoria hosted a showcase celebration in Bendigo this month to celebrate the conclusion of a highly successful Pre-Accelerator program.

The program’s 30 teams from 10 local government areas included two teams from the Loddon Shire.

Over 13 weeks participants attended masterclasses delivered by business professionals and explored a start-up idea with the support of mentors.

At the showcase hosted by futurist Steve Sammartino, two start-ups were launched, eight showcased their services and products, and two pitched for investment to an appreciative audience.

Steve congratulated all the participants, and particularly the start-ups pitching for investment, saying, “It was the best supportive vibe I’ve ever seen at an event of this kind.”

Program manager Kerry Anderson, paid tribute to the masterclass presenters, speakers and mentors from within the region who provided their time probono.

“There is so much business talent and experience right here in regional Victoria, over the past years we have built up an ecosystem that will support start-ups and scale ups long into the future.”” said Kerry.

Museum has a welcoming makeover

BENDIGO Kangan TAFE horticulture students have transformed the entrance to Inglewood’s Eucalyptus Distillery Museum.

Students under the eye of tutors including Inglewood’s Katie Gillett were back in the museum precinct last week planting Australia natives, most indigenous to the local district.

“The students have cleaned up what was look-

Street furniture permits

Applications for a permit to place items on the footpath or nature strip in front of business premises for the 2024/25 nancial year are now open. This includes advertising signs, ags, goods on display for sale and street furniture such as tables and chairs.

Application forms are being sent out to businesses soon and permits will be issued for the period ending 31 August 2025.

Council has listened to feedback from businesses and has made some changes to the permit fees and charges. This includes simplifying the fee for tables and chairs, with a single fee for each setting placed on the footpath and providing businesses with the ability to display up to two tear-drop type ags at no cost. Council recognises that having a visible presence to passing tra c is important for the viability of our small businesses. We also need to make sure an accessible area is available for all of the competing uses that footpaths and public spaces receive.

We want to support a vibrant streetscape in our townships and believe the changes that have been made strike a good balance.

Further information, including an online llable application form, is available by scanning the QR code or visiting Council’s website https:// www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Forms-and-permit-applications/

Election caretaker period

Loddon Shire Council is in Election Period until 6pm on Saturday 26 October 2024 in preparation for the upcoming local government elections. During this time, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Election Period Policy, our social media, marketing and communications will be limited. Community engagement, including comments will also be restricted during this time. Council will continue to operate “business as usual” but there are restrictions on the decisions that can be made and the information that can be communicate to the public. This is to ensure Council as an organisation does not do anything that might in uence voting in the election. For further details regarding the election period, please scan the QR code to download a copy of the Council’s Election Period Policy.

Don’t worry, we’re still here for you – if you need to get in touch, please phone 5494 1200 or email loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

ing a bit untidy and uninviting and also mulched the area,” Katie said.

“We hope to make the entrance to the museum precinct more attractive.

“The project also gives a great hands-on learning experience for students.”

Katie said students did field work at the museum twice a year.

Carina Johns and Linda Scott

TAFE student Sonny Zhao at the eucalyptus museum planting natives last week. LH PHOTO

WOOL REPORT

The Australian wool market has recorded an overall increase last week, the second consecutive selling series of positive movement. With eight selling series conducting this season we can more accurately compare seasonal quantities. Season to date there has been a total of 267,613 bales offered at auction, this is 74,897 bales less than the previous season, a reduction of 21.9%. The overall upward movement was predominantly driven by the higher prices on offer for merino fleece types. This was reflected in the movements in the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece, which across the country added between 1 and 34 cents for the week. The merino skirting market tracked similar path to the fleece, with small increases generally recorded across all types and descriptions. The benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) gained 8 cents for the week, closing at 1,099 cents. The EMI has now risen for three consecutive selling days, adding 13 cents across these sales. Currency fluctuations have again played a large role in the market movements. Further weakening of the Australian dollar, meant the market was unchanged in US dollar (USD) terms. The EMI dropped by one US cent on the first day of selling, making this the fifth consecutive selling day where the market fell in USD terms. On the second day, the EMI recorded a one cent increase, the EMI closed the week where it started, at 731 US cents. With fewer bales offered and with little change in the prices on offer, the total dollar amount of wool sold this season is also well down. Season to date there has been a total of 315 million dollars’ worth of wool sold at auction. This is 98 million dollars lower than the corresponding sale of the previous season. This week’s offering is of a similar size. There are currently 32,121 bales on offer nationally.

Source: AWEX

109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM

Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 5448

Branch Manager & Senior Agronomist Craig Sharam 0408 188 351

Wool - Adam Millard 0400

Livestock - Nigel Starick 0408 528 322

Wade Broadstock 0427 337 231

Lachie McAlister 0428 717 403

Chris Anderson 0408 921 540

Merchandise - Glenn Jackson 0429 076 459

Agronomy - Anton Mannes 0499 708 044

Josh Mcleod 0447 678 609

SHEEP AND LAMBS

LAMB numbers increased to 14,450 penned including 9200 new season’s lambs at Bendigo on Monday.

Quality ranged from plain to very good. All the usual buying ground attended, not all were fully active in a softer market to a week ago.

New season trade weighs and heavy lambs sold to a top of $255 to average from 790c to 865c/kg cwt, slipping $10 to $15/ head and more in places.

The quality was very mixed over the old lambs selling to $280 for the heavy exports, with heavy trades and export averaged 720c to 760c and lighter plainer lambs averaged 550c to 700c/kg cwt.

Store buyers were active and paid $38 to $190/head for lambs back to the paddock and to feed on. Light trade lambs under 18kg sold from $55 to $158/head. Trade lambs 18 to 22kg sold from $145 to $185, lambs 22 to 26kg sold $177 to $235/head, with an average range of 785 to 865c/kg cwt. Heavy export lambs 26 to 30kg made from $226 to $255/head to average 860c/ kg cwt.

Old lambs made from $196 to $280 for the heavy export over 26kg, trade weights 20 to 26kg sold from $137 to $180/head. Light weights 16 to 20kg made from 75 to 138/head. Merino lambs made from $66 to $186/head.

Hoggets sold from $100 to $164 for the crossbreds and $49 to $154/head for the Merino’s. Mutton numbers dropped with 8,500 penned, buyers were on the rail but lacked bidding intensity, over the yarding sales slipped $5 to $12/head. Merino wethers selling from $36 to $76 for the light weights and $80 to $120/head for the heavier weights.

Light weight Merino Ewes made from $26 to $79/head. The heavier weights made

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

from $76 to $98. Heavy crossbred mutton made from $56 to $96/head.

MERINO SUCKERS

A & R Hiscock Ivanhoe (157) $136. SUCKERS

ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (78) $252. A C Branson Colbinabbin (40) $244. Lislea Lodge Picola (125) $240. BJ Bourke Nathalia (77) $239. Naturi Farms Arcadia (30) $235. GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (126) $233. RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (70) $231. Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (157) $230. R Exten Cosgrove (81) $230. J Riley & Sons Woodvale (48) $225. Anshara Family Trust Wychitella (84) $217. Russell Carter Tragowel (43) $210. Mirnee Partnership Hunter (63) $195. CROSSBRED LAMBS

D & P Lowry Birchip (61) $271. Ian Angove Echuca (7) $270. R & R Seach Molka (50) $235. Donnellon

(41) $208. MJ Byrne Axedale (189) $175. D & S Erwin Emu (76) $137. Rich River Chaff & Grain Strathallan (193) $105. Mcrea Oaks Gre Gre Nth (39) $100.

MERINO WETHERS

Freemantle & Bell Woodstock (47) $100. R & C Coutts Boort (136) $96. CROSSBRED EWES

D Maher Violet Town (88) $96. OR & BE Osborne Raywood (94) $94. Ettrick Farms Serpentine

MERINO EWES Wattleton P/L Traynors Lagoon (86) $109. Pannoo North Lockington (16) $97. P T Colvin Powlett Plains (103) $96. A & R Hiscock Ivanhoe (49) $96. Freemantle & Bell Woodstock (88) $94. Mt View Nagambie (70) $93. Ettrick Farms Serpentine (72) $90. P & L Hocking Kamarooka (57) $90. GJ LJ Griffin Raywood (64) $87. R & E Verley Jarklin (98) $85. Order of sales next week: Elders, Nevins, Nutrien, Nuttall, McKean McGregor.

BENDIGO

Strong finish to ram sale season

THE Loddon’s Merino ram sale season finished with a flurry at Kamarooka Park on Tuesday with a 90 per cent clearance of the 50-lot offering.

Local buyers were again to the fore as were farmers from southeast South Australia who have targeted Loddon progeny at sales this year.

Equal top price of $3200 was paid by Loddon farmers.

Nyton Park Agriculture, Boort, was the highest bidder on lot 21 - a 19.3 micron June 2023 drop with Ridgeway Advance bloodlines. The ram with a comfort factor of 99.8 sold for $3200.

The Knight brothers Alistair, Richard and Jason also purchased another five rams at the sale.

And 14 lots later, Woodstock’s Nick Punton won a spirited contest to snare a May 2023 drop 18.9 micron ram with Banavie genetics to match the early high price of the sale.

Alistair said his partnership was attracted to the ram for its big frame and bright wool style.

“We have been traditionally in the 18-21 micron range and are now transitioning to dual-

purpose sheep. This ram should assist with fast growth in lambs ... the eye and muscle measurements certainly point to early growth,” he said.

“We’ve been known for our bright fleeces and the Kamarooka Park rams should also help with keeping that characteristic.”

The Puntons, Nick and father Bill, are regular buyers at Kamarooka Park and this year left the sale with six new rams.

Nick said Kamarooka Park genetics continued to grow their dual-purpose flock.

Tuesday’s sale also saw Mount

Benalla, among the buyers.

Owner and studmaster Sam Burston said he had been looking to introduce Kamarooka Park progeny into the family stud he had been managing since 2016.

Kamarooka Park studmaster Erroll Hay said he was delighted with the sale and its strong clearance. “There have been challenges this selling season. This was my best draft yet and it was pleasing to see 40 out of 50 rams sold under the hammer.”

McKean McGregor conducted the sale.

East Ada Poll Stud, Goorambat near

Erroll Hay, Alistair Knight, auctioneer Will Holt, Jason and Richard Knight with their top price ram. LH PHOTO

Nick Punton, Erroll Hay, Bill Punton, Will Holt and Adam Millard with the equal top price ram.

Sam Burston, Tim Miller and Erroll Hay

Training schools filling shed gap

DOZENS of shearers and wool handlers trained in the last four years at week-long schools in Victoria had helped build a stronger industry workforce.

Trainer Stuart Neal, who was back in Wedderburn last week for the annual school now into its third decade, said: “Three or four years ago, farmers were screaming for shearers.

“We have since trained up a group of locals around the region and now the aim is to keep them in work in the industry,” he said.

Mr Neal said the growth in shearer numbers across country Victoria had been matched by a drop in school enrolments this year. “There’s certainly been a drop off. A few years ago we were putting 30 people through the schools at Wedderburn and Wycheproof.

“This year we had to cancel Wycheproof and numbers have been back a bit at Wedderburn.

“We have numbers (of shearers) again and not relying on overseas labour.”

Australian Wool Innovation’s industry relations officer Holly Byrne visited the Wedderburn shearing school last Thursday. She said school numbers were generally good.

Ms Byrne said that more than

450 people had enrolled at schools in the last four years and had stayed in the industry.

Mr Neal said most students were aged 21 or older “with a mature body that can handle the work”. “We have people come straight from high school and then mature age people learning a new trade,” he said.

“Some are off farms, some have never seen a sheep before.”

Wedderburn farmer Chris Hargreaves among school participants last week, honing his shearing and woolclassing skills.

The class spent five days, shearing 200 Merino ewe weaners.

“Gavan Holt has made 300 sheep available for use by the class, a few spare, as to get through 200 in a week is good going,” said Mr Neal.

AWI CEO John Roberts says: “While shearer and wool handler training is a priority for AWI, we are also working to attract new workers into the broader wool industry through a range of education initiatives held across the country.

“Our industry’s potential workforce often have many other alternative career options open to them so we must make learning opportunities as available as possible.”

Chris Hargreaves at the classing table during the Wedderburn shearing school. LH PHOTOS

AWI’s Holly Byrne

Joel Fahey, Dylan Webster and Dante Kumero

Best work on business

THE most profitable farms were those that spent more time working on their business than in their business.

That was a key message from Professor Ross Kingwell during his presentation at Birchip Cropping Group’s main field day last week.

In his 10-year profitability study of 250 Western Australian farmers, Professor Kingwell said the most profitable farmers were those who consistently looked for answers and work-life balance.

“The study highlighted that profitable farmers were those who always have their antenna up, are always curious, always questioning and they weren’t workaholics. Farming for them was a social activity, not just business activity.”

Professor Kingwell’s presentation was a highlight for many of the 400 growers and advisers who attended the event.

A reoccurring theme of the day was the importance of research funding from levies and government, investment in genetics and the affects for farm profitability.

“The unlocking hyper yielding cereals discussion with the group’s Dr Yolanda Plowman and The University of Melbourne’s Professor James Hunt drew a large crowd and highlights the impor-

tance of ongoing research. The smart disease management, NVT and long coleoptile wheats sessions further cemented the importance of research and investment in genetics,” said Birchip Cropping Group senior manager of extension and communication Grace Hosking.

More than 50 students from five schools attended the field day with a focus on education as well as highlighting career opportunities in the agricultural industry.

North Central LLEN’s agriculture education project co-ordinator Susan Gould was impressed by the student stream and engagement with students:

“It was successful day and the enthusiasm of the students and the staff enhanced the good vibe. The careers panel was the perfect mix for the student audience,” she said.

“I love the altruistic and communityfocus of Birchip Cropping Group, breaking down some of the traditional competitive and individualistic notions of agriculture.”

The group’s chief executive officer Fiona Best said: “The Main Field Day is our way of connecting with farmers, to share the work we do for them and their surrounding communities.

“It’s an educational event showcasing

BOORT Grain Co-op prices on Tuesday. Wheat - H1 $329.75 FIS. H2 $326 FIS. APW $312 FIS. ASW $307 FIS. GP1 $299 FIS. Barley - Maximus $286 FIS. Planet $301 FIS. Spartacus $286 FIS. Bar1 $280 FIS. Bar2 $270 FIS.

Pulses - Faba1 $400 FIS. Faba2 $400 FIS.

Faba3 $400 FIS. Nipper $795 FS. CanolaISCC non-GM $574 FIS. Non-GM $559 FIS. ISCC GM $574 FIS. GM $559 FIS.

New season - APW MG $315. MA1/SP1 $280. PL1 $290. Bar1 MG $265. Lentils $740. ISCC non-GM canola1 $648. ISCC GM $623.

the latest research and thinking in crop production and farming more generally. Bringing together such a diverse range of quality speakers is a highlight for BCG as an organisation and we thank our attendees, presenters, collaborators and sponsors for being actively involved in the day.”

Health and wellbeing were focusses at this year’s event, with East Wimmera Health Service, Central Mallee Health, Headspace, WorkSafe and Agriculture Victoria on-site together with Northern District Community Health who provided health checks and advice.

Providing for tomorrow

Talk to a

Bank ¥ Inglewood 5438 3500

Exciting News!

BCG’s project manager Claire Pickles and AgVantage Agronomy agronomist Lee McNaulty

BCG’s Joe Collins with East Loddon P–12 College year 11 agriculture

students Ava Maxted and Molly Bolwell

“THE COMPLETE PACKAGE” 699 Tandarra Serpentine

Rd, TANDARRA

Opportunity to purchase an established mixed farming property, currently used for cropping, fodder and livestock.

Offering 170.6 Hectares/ 421.53 Acres of fertile Tandarra loam soil. 6 paddocks plus 3 containment paddocks. 40kms North of Bendigo, 8km South of East Loddon P-12 College

Extensive improvements including: Brick Veneer home4 bedrooms, master with large walk- in robe and ensuite; Light filled, large open living areas with polished floor boards throughout.; Large modern kitchen with stone benchtops and 900mm oven; Separate home office/ parents retreat; -Covered outdoor entertaining area overlooking well established gardens; -Ducted electric heating/ cooling throughout with addition of a solid fuel fireplace; -6.4 watt solar system with additional solar hot water system

Extensive shedding includes: 32m x 20m machinery shed; 8m x 11m workshop with pit; 15m x 28m hay shed; Shearing shed/ machinery shed/ grain shed with 2 stand raised board (12m X 13m cement; floor. Power supplied by 15kva single/ 3 phase diesel generator; Steel sheep yards/ adjustable loading ramp. 2 X 10,000 Ltr tanks; -9 grain silos (600+ tonne)

Ample rainwater catchment- 60,000 Ltr tanks at house/sheds, 80,000 Ltr tank set up for spraying. -Water supplied by S/D bore to garden and paddocks- troughs in all paddocks

E.O.I Opens 7/09/2024. E.O.I Closes 10/10/2024 at 4pm at the offices of F.P Nevins & Co Inglewood. Settlement 30 th January 2025. Options on working rights available

Documentation/ Inspections by appointment through Agents. Contact James Nevins 0407 302 900 OR Nicki Henderson 0429 796 054 Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au









marble surround

 Bathroom’s X 2 & Laundry

 Modernised kitchen with walk in pantry

 Polished floorboards & carpet floorcoverings

Shedding:

 2019 Colourbond 3 bay shed, 1 bay built in with lock up workshop

 24.5m X 15.4m X 5m full concrete, power Connected.

 Machinery shed, 10.3m X 13.8m, corrugated Iron

 Weatherboard meat house 3.1m X 2.5m on concrete floor

Shearing Shed:

 3 stand shearing with raised board

 All Gal Iron & Steel construction

 22.1m X 11m, concrete flooring & power connected

 Extensive steel sheep/ drafting yards

Silos:

 8 X Jaeschke 61 Ton silos

 1 X Nelson 45 Ton Silo

Lot 2 – “Russ’s”

 347.83 Hectares or 859.49 Acres in 6 Titles, all dry land

 7 Paddocks, 7 Dams

 Quality Fernihurst/ Kinypaniel red/ grey loams

 Excellent fencing

 Boundary to “Longview” block

Lot 3 – “Lewis’s”

 130.73 Hectares or 323.05 Acres, 1 title

 70 Acres lasered irrigation, 200 Acres waterable, 53 Acres dry

 4 Paddocks, 3 Dams

Berrimal-Nine Mile Road, Nine Mile VIC

LAND PARCEL IN RELIABLE AREA

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - CLOSING 11TH OCTOBER 2024 AT 12PM. WEDDERBURN DISTRICT

For sale as a whole or as 3 separate allotments of 150 acres*, 100 acres* and 100 acres*.

An opportunity presents to purchase quality pasture grazing land, also suited to cropping. The full fenced property has GWM access, multiple dams with good water supply and great road access.

The land is mostly arable and located in a region of reliable farming country.

Contact the selling agents for further information and to arrange an inspection.

Brett Douglas - 0447 162 455 / Tristain Douglas - 0458 087 619

*acreage approximate

 Quality Fernihurst/ Kinypaniel Red/ Grey loams

 Adjacent to “Russ’s”

Lot 4 – “George Frank’s”

 95.43 Hectares or 235.81 Acres, 1 Title, all dry land

 2 Paddocks, 2 Dams

 Quality Fernihurst/ Kinypaniel Red/ Grey loams

Agents Remarks:

Seldom does a prestigious property like “Longview” present for sale, especially in the tightly held area of Fernihurst.

Owned by the Coutts family for 152 years, this magnificent property represents a

significant opportunity to acquire a large parcel of land, operating a successful sheep & wool enterprise. With first rate infrastructure, excellent fencing with laneways through lot 1 for seamless transition of both livestock & machinery. The whole property is subscribed to the Warranga dam fill system for water security. What an opportunity to either add to your existing holdings or to set down your roots to your new adventure. This property comes with our highest recommendations.

Terms: 10% deposit on signing, balance in 90 days.

'Reef'

'Earls Hill'

'Matthews'

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

And now the race is officially on

By CHRIS EARL

ELECTIONS are at the core of democracy in Australia - the time when people exercise their right, and responsibility, to elect leaders.

When the clock ticked over at midday Tuesday, the race was officially underway to determine the composition of Loddon Shire Council for the next four years.

Unlike the election held in 2020, there is again a local newspaper. Our readers know that the Loddon Herald is prepared to ask questions on issues that you tell us are important in our communities. For almost four years it has been our honour to date to share your stories, we have asked countless questions on your behalf of leaders across all three tiers of government. The local newspaper has an important role in informing readers. Going beyond a media release and delving deeper that a perfunctory or sugar and spice, and all things nice, social media post.

In a sense, the election campaign for Loddon Shire started

FUTURE OF SWIMMING

POOLS STILL A HOT TOPIC

Charlie Ross wrote: Enough ratepayers money gets wasted on garbage that benefits nobody so surley they could keep the pools running. Would the council rather kids swam in the river where it is dangerous and no lifeguards.

Shelly Karys wrote: Every town needs a pool. We wouldn’t survive summer without it.

Bernard Bracken wrote: Would be great to see more activities at all our pools, especially Mitiamo. Along with swimmers.. bring on summer!

Peter Williams wrote: Get some councillors in who prioritise the infrastructure and not flit around to openings and fact finding trips, luncheons, etc. The present ones are only good at passing the buck and being noticed around election time. Preferably ones who don’t speak gobbledygook.

Beth Dutton wrote: Small communities have the right to pool

early this year. The sceptical would say elected representatives always have an eye on the next poll.

Over the next few weeks, we will ask more questions of candidates standing in the contested wards - Inglewood and Tarnagulla. These wards have, according to council satisfaction surveys in recent years, the highest level of discontent with council, perhaps explaining why there are contests on this occasion.

We will run a special feature next week looking at the candidates. And there will be live forums putting questions to the candidates on the issues you have raised. We will give every candidate the same opportunities so that you have the information to make your decisions before ballot papers arrive.

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. Cyrus the Great was a leader of which empire?

2. What was it the currency of Norway?

3. Which food is traditionally eaten on Good Friday?

4. Lima is a type of bean, and also the name of which country’s capital city?

5. The Magna Carta is a historic British document drafted in which century?

6. A parakeet is a small type of what bird?

7. How many storeys does a bungalow have?

Sand miners locked out

FALCON Metals have been refused access to Mysia farms for testing of minerals sands.

Landowners last week told the exploration company it would be locked out of their farms.

the extent of the high-grade Farrelly Mineral Sands Deposit, initially targeted for the final three months of 2024 was at risk of being delayed.

The decision came just days after Falcon told the Australian Stock Exchange the earlier test analysis showed high-grade sands in the district.

While there are two elections, even the casual observer would identify the absence of a contest in three other wards. The

Farmers met early last week before talks with Falcon broke down.

They have not made a statement but Falcon updated the ASX last Thursday.

Managing director Tim Markwell said the expected date of recommencing drilling to test

“Falcon has been in communication with several of the landowners at the Farrelly deposit regarding consent for the upcoming drilling, and despite constructive initial discussions, they have decided against providing consent to access their respective properties at this time,” Mr Markwell said in the ASX statement.

“council father” Gavan Holt has been criticised by some readers for declaration of war on what he calls “wokeism”, surprisingly against that backdrop, he has been returned unopposed. And after he tried to retire after more than two decades representing Wedderburn Ward. There is no doubt that Cr Holt is an ardent subscriber to conservative ideology. For all the grandstanding of recent months around the council table, the fate of candidates is now in the hands of the residents. The key to their success may well lay in their visions and commitments for the future. Loddon Shire has done well the last four years and battled through multiple floods. Sir Winston Churchill had lead the free world to victory in World War Two, only to lose office months later because he stood for what he had done, not what he would do. We hope all eyes are on the future next month.

“Falcon will continue to engage in good faith with these landowners to understand and address their concerns with the aim of resolving this matter amicably.

“Since Falcon listed on the ASX in December 2021, it has undertaken in excess of 120,000 metres of low impact exploration drilling throughout central Victoria, working in a respectful and responsible manner in all aspects of its activities, including the previous drilling at Farrelly.”

8. The name of musical instrument ‘xylophone’ comes from which ancient language’s words for ‘wood’ and ‘sound’ or ‘voice’?

9. For how many years are Australian passports valid?

Mr Markwell had told the ASX a week earlier: “It is still early days for the high-grade Farrelly discovery, however it is highly encouraging to see the sighter test confirming the deposit is amenable to conventional processing methods without any notable issues.

the heavy minerals and settle well using conventional methods, and that the grain size is considered coarser than is often the case with other Victorian deposits, which should translate to a streamlined flow sheet,” Mr Markwell said.

10. Dr John Watson is the sidekick of which fictional detective?

“With no major material processing issues identified in the scope of the test work to date, Falcon’s focus will return to continuing exploration to determine just how large this deposit is.”

11. What machine separates liquids by spinning them rapidly?

“It is also pleasing that the slimes are easily separated from

Mr Markwell told the Loddon Herald on Monday that Falcon Metals wanted to resume good relationships with landowners. Future talks would aim to know their concerns, he said.

12. ‘Shiner’ is another name for what injury?

13. True or false – Mother Teresa did not win a Nobel peace prize.

14. Which animal appears on the label of Carlton Draught?

15. And how many of that animal appear?

16. What was the name of the mascot for the 2000 Sydney Paralympics?

17. The Nashi pear is native to which continent?

Police put deal message on road

18. The Brisbane Lions’ round 13 2013 win was labelled “the miracle on grass” after coming back from 52 points down against which team?

POLICE across Victoria, including Loddon officers, are stepping up their campaign for a better pay deal.

COMMUNITY conversations have been ignited with the release of Loddon Shire’s draft recreation, open space and aquatic strategy.

Loddon Herald readers have been among the first to express views, many calling for the retention of the shire’s five swimming pools at Boort, Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn.

Bridgewater’s Jill Hobbs says the future of pools should not be about profit.

“I learnt to swim in Inglewood’s pool. I taught numerous children to swim in Inglewood’s pool. It was built by the Inglewood community ... yes men (and) horses, shovels,” she said.

community built the Mitiamo Pool and managed it for 30 years, un fortunately regulations and lack of qualified volunteers meant it was handed over as a ‘free asset’ to the Loddon Shire to manage. Closing it would cripple the Mitiamo community.

Deidre Ryan wrote: They are the highest priority for summer, exercises, learn to swim, familly outings. Happy to pay rates if we get return to community.

“A vital part of a small community and ‘the pool’ also serves a much wider community in the neighbouring towns and rural areas.

“There are some things in life that shouldn’t be based solely on profit. The swimming pool is one of these. If there’s money to be spent on aesthetics then there’s money to maintain pools,” she said.

Former Korong Shire president Helen Leech has also joined the conversation.

“I also taught many children to swim in the Inglewood pool, from babies to bronze.

Whether it was cold or hot.

“It was fantastic when my dad Cr Bill Needs had the foresight to push for solar for the pool, using the roof of the football pavilion. Sad to see that has been gone for a few years.

access. Council needs to focus more on it asset management plans and maintain the pool asset rather than make the community go without because of their own incompetence. The community really needs to push back on this. We’ve seen thousands squandered on people standing around doing surveys. Also I note that not two years ago members of the community were refused entry. Now they are crying low attendance. Oh the irony.

Tracey Cox wrote: The Mitiamo

“We never had lifeguards and we never had any drownings. The odd cracked tooth, or slip on the concrete. That was when everyone took responsibility for themselves and their children.”

Feedback on the draft strategy closes on Sunday.

WEDDERBURN WINS 30th A GRADE NETBALL FLAG

Julie Edwards wrote: Two fantastic teams, was a pleasure to watch.

Sharon Perry-Shay wrote: You are The Champions of the. North. Yay yay yay yay . Congratulations to You All

INGLEWOOD OP-SHOP IN NEW PREMISES

FHAWKINS

Maryanne Murdoch wrote: Have visited. It’s a great spot and spacious.

ROM the home of some of Australia’s best bacon, Bradley of Boort has rashed into his latest nickname pun on the Treemendous Sign. Sure thing that Bradley might take a ribbing or two for his latest offering.

19. C.S. Lewis wrote which well-known fantasy series of novels?

20. Who was Australian Prime Minister when Peter Costello served as treasurer?

Police will warn drivers to speed cameras and cover patrol cars with union slogans in a fresh wave of industrial action Police Association has adopted the slogan Over Worked, Under Valued, Always There as police push 24 per cent rise over four years, along with the introduction of 8.5-hour shifts to account for the unpaid time. A second phase of action is also planned.

at Wooroonook Lakesthere near the toilets were impromptu signs backing the Maroons in their final matches before the merger.

CWEDNESDAY 25th of September

TALKING about showing your colours OTF noticed many on the road between Charlton and Donald when heading to the North Central grand finals on Saturday. Charlton was of course awash with blue and white streamers backing the Navies yet a few kilometres out of town, just a few, were suddendly the tri-colour balloons of Birchip Watchem.

E THINK the Nullawil crew took a pitstop

AN’T GO past the semipermanent support for Wedderburn though. Leading citizens had delicately lettered the front gate a week ago and the slogan had weathered a whole week to still be there on grand final day.

NOW that the football and netball seasons are over, OTF can’t wait for summer sports to return ... and the wonderful array of afternoon teas that will be layed out on tables for consumption during the break in play. Even the flies around Dingee and Calivil are probably revving their buzzes.

Ancient Greek

Sherlock Holmes 11. Centrifuge

Black eye 13. False

(received in 1979)

Horse 15. Two 16. Lizzie

Geelong Cats

The Chronicles of Narnia

John Howard.

Loddon HERALD Thursday September 12, 2024 | 7

The Bridgewater Hotel Loddon River Presents

An elusive history and hidden graves

By KEN ARNOLD

ELUSIVE for some, waiting to be discovered for others are forgotten goldfields –Beverley, Jones’ Creek.

Never heard of them? How about Waanyarra tucked in bushland between Tarnagulla and Dunolly?

What was once a mecca for hundreds of miners seeking a golden fortune in the 19th century, Waanyarra today is a place of history waiting to catch modern bushland explorers venturing into the land of little waters.

On November 1, 1853, John Foster, of the Colonial Secretary’s Office approved the plans for the township of Beverley, about five miles above the junction of Jones’ Creek and the Loddon River. Although the area had been rushed in March 1853 it seems that it was never referred to as Beverley, only as Jones’ Creek.

The prospectors moved to and from the rushes but when the sixty-seven-ounce nugget was found in a blind gully near Jones’ Creek in September 1856, the area became more settled. As a result, several hotels, stores and blacksmiths were soon established.

Government surveyor, Phillip Chauncey, named the locality Waanyarra (Little Waters) in 1861 however when the common was reserved on August 6, 1861, it was still referred to as Jones’ Creek as was the school site when it was named on August 12, 1861. It was not until April 1871 that the township became known as Waanyarra.

The original main Dunolly to Sandy Creek Road, now Tarnagulla Road, was some distance west of the current Bridgewater-Dunolly Road. It passed over the contour drain that ran roughly east west through the bush. The drain was used to harvest water which ran into the old Dunolly reservoir on the Dunolly-Rheola Road, near Heenan Road. The road then crossed Noose Road around a large hill before heading into Waanyarra.

It must be noted that Waanyarra was a very spread-out goldfield, however most people likely believe it just occupied the clearing, opposite the former White Swan hotel site, on the main road.

Some of the business houses were down along the Waanyarra Cemetery Road which leads into Morton’s Lane which terminates at Waanyarra Road. The area to the left at that intersection was the old recreation reserve, whilst just across from this intersection once stood the old state school. If you turn right the road passes the old post office, before eventually reaching the Tarnagulla-Eddington Road.

Folklore has it that the trustees of the cemetery refused to allow a prostitute to be buried in the cemetery. As a result, the woman was buried between two sheets of bark in a shallow grave on the creek flat however, after Jones’ creek flooded, the body floated to the surface thus it was reburied. This well-kept grave is marked by white quartz rocks, ornaments and plastic

flowers. A more recent folklore story is that the lady was known as Yvonne and that she was half Aboriginal with only one leg. Neither of these stories are backed by any historical documentation.

The other two smaller graves are also referred to as ladies of the night graves, however they may actually be for dogs.

Regardless of exactly who is buried in these scattered graves along Waanyarra Cemetery Road, the one on the creek flat is adorned with stones and flowers, being maintained by one and all, as a remarkable feature of the fascinating Jones’s Creek goldfield.

To visit the three graves, you need to go

to Tarnagulla. Rather than following the Wimmera Highway towards the St Arnaud sign instead, travel towards Dunolly for around 7km until you see the sign for the Waanyarra cemetery, where you turn left and travel down through the creek past the historical cemetery.

A short distance further you will see one grave on the creek flat, to your right. The other two much smaller grave sites are on your left just past the bicycle rest, however since I took the photographs the sites are now almost impossible to identify.

If you continue along the road you will come to the free stone Morton’s Inn built by convict Michael Morton in the 1850s. It was a public bar frequented by local miners up until 1883, along with a provisions store.

This building was the home for Morton’s family of eight. In more recent years it has been used as a shearing shed.

A little further on you will pass through a historic stone lined crossing however this is barely visible, owing to erosion.

If you stop at the bicycle rest you will find barbecue facilities, toilets, a giant mulberry, several motor homes, campers, old foundations and scattered rubble. There is a cycling track and a bush walking track.

Waanyarra is an ideal place for gold detecting and bird watching.

Folklore has it that the trustees of the cemetery refused to allow a prostitute to be buried in the cemetery

The old Morton’s inn building

BOORT

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER

DINGEE

FOUR

INGLEWOOD

INGLEWOOD

STEVE’S

INGLEWOOD

KANGAROO

VICTORIA

DEATH NOT ic

METELMANN Jim

The Chairman, Board, Management, members of CFA North West Region and District 20 regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

Australia Day Competitions 2025

Loddon Shire Council is conducting the following competitions as part of Australia Day 2025 celebrations, based on the theme ‘Australian Products and Produce’:

 Colouring Competition for Prep/Foundation to Year 2 students

 Photographic Competition - 3 sections:

DURRAN - Margaret

The Funeral Service for Margaret Durran will be held by the graveside at the Wedderburn Cemetery on FRIDAY (September 20) at 11.30 am.

25 Brooke Street, Inglewood. 5438 3189

Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens have not been active in recent times. A new committee has been elected and will welcome anyone interested in becoming a member

The Club has activities planned from 1pm on the second Friday of each month in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. On the fourth Friday of each month, a light meal will be available costing $10 -00. Again in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. You are welcome to pop in even if you would prefer just a cup of tea/coffee and a chat. There is no pressure to participate in the available activities. Membership fee is $5-00 annually. The above will be in place until the Club moves to the new building currently being constructed in McKay St. Terry Wood email tp.wood@bigpond.com Ph 0429843479

o Junior (Prep/Foundation to Year 6)

o Senior (Year 7 to Year 12)

o Open

 Literature Competition for school aged children.

Any person residing, working, or attending a school within the Loddon Shire is eligible to enter.

The colouring competition picture and entry forms are available from schools within the Loddon Shire, by downloading from Council’s website (www.loddon. vic.gov.au) or by email request to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Entries must be received by 4pm on Friday 25 October 2024.

Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 23rd October Time: 5.30pm Location: 24 Karat Café

All members of our Community are invited & encouraged to attend; as all executive &committee positions will vacated for re-election. We look forward to seeing you there.

Any questions, please contact Wedderburn Development Association, Secretary (Kylie Turnbull) wdainc1@gmail.com.

Rheola Charity Carnival

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 6th October 2024 at Rheola Reserve Hall starting at 10am. A general meeting will also be held. All are welcome

Australia Day Awards 2025

Loddon Shire Council is now receiving nominations for a range of Australia Day awards recognising outstanding Australians and community groups within the Loddon Shire.

Ward Citizen of the Year (previously Community Service Awards) nominations are open to those living, or operationally based within the Loddon Shire who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community during 2024, or have given noteworthy service to the local community over a number of years. Ward Citizen of the Year nominations are open for each of the ve Loddon Shire wards (Boort, Inglewood, Tarnagulla, Terrick and Wedderburn).

The 2025 Loddon Shire Citizen of the Year will be selected from Ward Citizen of the Year nominations.

Young Citizen of the Year nominations are open to Loddon Shire residents aged up to 26 years at 26 January 2025 who have made a noteworthy contribution to the local community during 2024, or over a number of previous years.

Community Group/Event of the Year nominations are open to groups or events operating within the Loddon Shire. This award aims to recognise and encourage signi cant contributions to community life within the Loddon Shire and to promote national pride and community responsibility.

Further information on each Award category is contained within nomination forms available from Council’s website, www.loddon.vic.gov.au, or upon email request to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Nominations for all awards close at 4pm on Friday 25 October 2024.

About Us:

Van Schaik’s Bio Gro is a family-owned business and industry leader in the development and manufacture of quality organic products. At the core of everything we do, lies a deep commitment to sustainability and the environment for future generations. This is underpinned by our key philosophy of Recover, Refine and Reapply. About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a Full-Time Health and Safety Officer to join us, at our Newbridge Site. This exciting opportunity will drive and work collaboratively within the organisation to manage WH&S across our Victorian sites, contributing to the enhancement of the organisation’s safety and sustainability landscape.

You will be responsible for:

 Manage end-to-end processes within H&S services to meet operational, compliance and divisional needs effectively.

 Contribute to the implementation of systems, tools and processes to ensure safety governance across the organisation

 Responsible for RTW, contributing to an employee’s smooth transition back to work

 Injury/accident investigations as required

About you:

 Cert IV or Diploma in Work Health & Safety

 RTW Qualifications, Cert IV in Training and Assessment, and ICAM desirable

 Proven working experience in similar role is highly desirable

 Environmental qualification is desirable

 Work in a team environment and achieve accurate results

 Travel will be required to Newbridge and Dandenong South

Please submit written applications addressing the above criteria including your resume to hr@biogro.com.au

Bio Gro does not accept agency resumes.

TO

bottles with town or company names.

bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons Any old bottles - single items or box lots

HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER

Which silhouette belongs to the Frill-necked Lizard?

Redbacks’ double builds on amazing dynasty

THE Wedderburn netball dynasty has added to the Redbacks’ collection of silverware with double North Central flags.

The wins at Donald were hardfought but never in doubt.

B Grade was crowned premiers and champions, going through the season undefeated and accounting for Birchip Watchem by five goals in Saturday’s grand final.

This game was a gripping contest from start to finish and turned out to be the closest game for the day. Wedderburn took an early lead, finishing the first quarter three goals ahead.

They built on that advantage in the second term, pulling further ahead by two goals.

Birchip-Watchem came out with renewed determination in the third quarter, exploiting Wedderburn’s errors and narrowing the lead to just four goals.

The final term was electrifying as Birchip-Watchem closed the gap to just one goal.

However, Wedderburn steadied themselves and managed to pull away once more, ultimately winning by five goals as the final whistle blew.

The win set the scene for more celebrations when the A Graders took on Charlton in an emotionally-charged game that saw the Redbacks execute a ruthless game style to win by 14 goals.

Holly Lockhart at goal attack was named best on court but the Redbacks were well served in every position.

Courteney Gleeson on the wing left opponents stunned with mid-court intercepts briskly sent to the ring.

In defence, Maddi Postle played her part in a tight backcourt game plan that stymied Charlton goal shooter Chloe Walsh.

For Redbacks’ skipper Postle, it was her 10th A Grade flag and number 30 for Wedderburn in 70 years.

Charlton was praised for its determination to make the grand final, players still grieving the death earlier this year of team-

mate Maddi Fitzpatrick, remembered post match by both teams.

For Wedderburn, the A Graders had been hit by season-ending injury to several players, including assistant coach and mentor of the 2022 premiership side Meg Lowry.

Wedderburn had settled early, building a four-goal lead by

the end of the first and took advantage of their opportunities, delivering their strongest performance of the game and expanding their lead to 13 goals by halftime.

Third term changes by Charlton were not enough to stem the Redbacks’ tide on the way to winning flag No 30.

Maroons unleash final quarter blitz

NULLAWIL came storming home to stop Boort retaining its title as the premier C Grade side in North Central netball.

The outcome of this game hinged on two crucial quarters: the first and the last.

Boort looked comfortable early in this game, obtaining a fivegoal lead by the end of the first quarter.

The second and third quarters were closely contested, with the margin remaining just one goal at three-quarter time, setting the stage for an exciting final term.

Nullawil seized the initiative in the last quarter, taking advantage of Boort’s errors and missed opportunities to convert and secure a seven-goal victory.

Boort, however, battled the final term blitz of Nullawil playing its last game as a stand-alone club.

Two of the younger Magpie brigade - Anna Lanyon at goal attack and Amie Perryman in the centre - were dyamic in delivering the ball to the ring.

Their efforts were applauded by the club’s experienced players on court and A Graders who had bowed out of the finals race the previous week.

Wedderburn’s winning B Grade team

Courteney Gleeson (lef) and A Grade best on court Holly Lockhart

Magpie supporters Victoria Lanyon, Indie Gooding and Amelia Hosking

Boort centre Amie Perryman on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Scholes shooting star

MITIAMO won the Loddon Valley A Grade premiership the hard way – rebounding from a semi-final defeat to Pyramid Hill and a six-goal deficit early in the second quarter of the grand final to snare their first flag since 2019.

Playing on their home court in atrocious conditions with a gale blowing to one end, the Superoos fought back for a 48-42 victory led by star goalers Carly Scholes and Laura Hicks.

Goal shooter Scholes was named best on court for her 19 goals, her unerring accu-

Retiring coach and firm plan

RETIRING Mitiamo netball coach

Jen Wilson bows out with two A Grade flags to her credit, 12 years apart.

The Superoos’ come-from-behind win over Pyramid Hill was the result of having a plan and sticking to it, she said.

Despite her team trailing by six goals early in the second quarter, Wilson said the players remained calm and determined.

“There wasn’t a lot of luck going our way in the first half, and maybe our luck started to turn.”

Pyramid Hill coach Chelsea Emmerson said the extreme conditions on Mitiamo’s home court played a part in her team losing their early lead.

“I think the wind picked up and they shot better than us,” she said.

All four senior grades made either grand or preliminary finals, which boded well for the club’s future, Emmerson said.

She was unsure whether she would coach again next year, but noted she had “unfinished business”.

GARY WALSH

racy a standout on a day when the relentless wind made scoring extremely difficult.

Mitiamo captain Laura Hicks scored 29 goals in another stellar performance as goal attack.

Pyramid Hill led by four goals at quarter time after Jessica Holdstock took control with 11 goals on the back of fine work from centre Imogen Broad and defenders Abbey Dingwall and Aleesha Flanagan.

The margin blew out to six before Amelia Ludeman got on top in the battle of the two star centres and Mitiamo cut the mar-

gin to just one at half time and have a real sniff of victory.

The third quarter proved decisive, with Hicks’ 12 goals propelling the Superoos to a 16-11 term and a four-goal lead at the final change.

A low-scoring last quarter saw Mitiamo edge ahead by a further two goals and claim the premiership after being runnersup in the past two seasons.

Winning coach Jen Wilson announced she will step down from the role after two years in charge.

Superoos do the victory dance at Mitiamo after holding off Pyramid Hill. LH PHOTO

LODDON VALLEY NETBALL

A Grade best Carly Scholes C Grade’s Kim McCullough (Marong)

Under 13 best Zali Cullen (Calivil)

Under 15 best Chloe Tweed (Calivil) Under 17 best Arabella Brennan (Marong)

C Reserve best Kayla Grant (Marong)

Top Clapp for Magpie Harry

BOORT’S forward flanker Harry Clapp has picked up the best-onground medal in the Magpies’ sixpoint victory in Saturday’s North Central football under 14 grand final at Donald.

The young Magpies made an impressive start as the strong wind made play difficult and went to a 12-point lead over Sea Lake Nandaly at the first break.

The Tigers were unable to capitalise on the wind in the second term, held scoreless by the more tenacious Pies.

Sea Lake outscored Boort in the

second half when the Magpies had greater accuracy.

Boort lost only three games for the season - twice to Sea Lake in the home and away fixtures and then again in the second semifinal when the margin was 21 points in favour of the Tigers.

The Magpies earned a final, and successful, crack at the top of the ladder side by winning the preliminary final against Donald by 37 points.

McPherson, Muller and Broad were also among Boort’s best in the grand final.

Accuracy gives Tigers flag

A MORE accurate Sea Lake Nandaly has claimed the 2024 North Central league senior flag.

Before a crowd that paid $43,200 at the gate in Donald, the Tigers were well served by Jack Poulton and Luke Martin.

Poulton was awarded the Des Darcy Medal for his role in Sea Lake’s 13-point win over Birchip Watchem.

Martin picked up the AFL medal as the Tigers came back from a two-point defeat in the second semi-final against the Bulls.

They defeated Wedderburn in the preliminary final.

In the Under 17 grand final won by Sea Lake Nandaly, the Tigers’ Judd Durie was named best on ground.

Nullawil, in the Maroons final game before merging with Wycheproof Narraport next season, Zac Kelly was named best-onground in the 34-point flag-winning performance over Sea Lake Nandaly.

The merged club will be known as the Calder Giants.

SENIORS

Pyramid Hill

Marong 1.2

(25)

(61)

GOALS – Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford. T. Brennan, G. James. Marong: R. Wellington 2, M. Bradbury, N. Devanny, L. Lee, N. McCaig, K. Robins, R. Taylor.

BEST – Pyramid Hill: T. McGregor, L. Sidebottom, D. Hemphill, Z. Dingwall, G. James, D. Morison. Marong: J. Gadsden, M. Riordan, J. Davis, L. Lee, N. Devanny, M. Bradbury.

RESERvES

Pyramid Hill 1.3 3.6 4.8

Marong 1.0 2.2 3.2

(39)

(34)

GOALS – Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, D. Lovell, N. Moon, G. Quinn, B. Scott. Marong: K. Manley 4, B. Matthews.

BEST – Pyramid Hill: M. Dundon, A. Holland, M. Gunther, B. Moon, T. Walker, N. Coyle. Marong: K. Manley, C. Hale, K. Terrill, L. Frankel, H. Baker, B. Stewart.

UNDER 18

East Loddon

(41)

Marong 1.1 1.3 2.3 4.5 (29)

GOALS – East Loddon: M. Hancock, M. Hocking 2, B. Dowton, L. Stephens. Marong: M. Lowery, H. Mannix, C. Murphy, B. O’Neill.

BEST – East Loddon: T. Rasmussen, L. Stephens, B. Wagner, C. Tuohey, M. Hocking. Marong: K. Thomson, R. Kerr, B. O’Neill, J. Taylor, H. Mannix, J. Curnow.

NORTH CENTRAL

SENIORS

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, P. Veszpremi, D. Bell, B. Edwards. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. McMahon, T. Cox 2, L. McClelland, J. Jenkins, T. McKenzie. BEST - Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, M. Buchanan, A. Butterfield, P. Veszpremi, D. Hinkley. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Poulton, L. Martin, T. Cox, T. McKenzie, W. Donnan, R. O’Sullivan.

RESERvES

Nullawil

GOALS - Nullawil: Z. Kelly 2, B. Barker, S. Goldsmith, L. Braine, D. Kelly. Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Harcourt, C. Tait. BEST - Nullawil Reserves: Z. Kelly, D. Kelly, M. Hogan, A. Forrester, M. Barry, T. Vearing. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Bath, C. Tait, B. Stadon, W. Landry, N. Wight, C. Allan.

UNDER 17

GOALS

T. Borlase.

- St Arnaud: O. Lowe, F. Donald, B. Greenaway, K. Torney, S. Bridgeman, R. Bigmore. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Durie, J. Tait, J. Stacey, N. McClelland, E. Ellis, C. O’Sullivan.

UNDER 14

Newick, Z. Wight.

LODDON vALLEY

Wedderburn’s Corey Lowry is wedged into third place in the half-time relay on Saturday. LH PHOTOI

Kate Perryman snapped the victorious Boort under 14s after claiming the premiership

Jimmy Gadsden (left) won the AFL senior medal for best on ground with the Rams’ Liam Stephens best in the under4 18s

Alford’s exit seals Panther hat-trick

By GARY WALSH

AFTER the ugly scenes at quarter-time of the Loddon Valley grand final, the second term began with Pyramid Hill holding a one-goal lead over Marong after failing to take advantage of the fierce wind.

Although the gale was blowing mostly across the ground at Mitiamo, it was clearly easier to kick goals to the eastern end.

The Bulldogs needed to hold fast, but in a stunning moment early in the second quarter the grand final was turned on its head.

Pyramid Hill full-forward Zach Alford, who had been at the heart of the melee at the first break, was given a yellow card and sent off following an altercation with Marong ruckman Michael Bradbury on the Panthers’ forward line.

Marong goaled from the subsequent free kick and 50-metre penalty after Alford – with a bloodied cheek and right hand –left the field, and went on to kick four successive majors while the Bulldogs were down to 17 players.

The sending off decided the outcome of the game.

Eight goals for the day were enough for Marong to win by 36 points and those four goals in the second quarter proved pivotal.

The incident crushed Pyramid Hill’s dreams of a first flag in 74 years and helped Marong on its way to a third successive premiership under coach Linton Jacobs.

The wind played a huge role on the day. High kicks into the teeth of the gale dropped vertically or even blew backwards, and countless kicks on the road wing of the ground sailed out of bounds as players misjudged the conditions.

IN ONLY its third year in the competition, East Loddon has won the Loddon Valley under-18 premiership by 12 points after withstanding a late fightback from Marong.

On a windy day at Mitiamo it was clear accuracy in front of goal would decide the winner.

After a run of behinds Mitch Hancock broke through for the first two goals of the game for the Rams, before a running goal from Bailey O’Neil for Marong trimmed the margin.

Blake Dowton found the goals early in the second quarter with a snap over his shoulder to extend the East Loddon lead, but goals were proving hard to find as midfield pressure from both teams was high.

However, Rams’ star Liam Stephens withstood enormous

Skill was at a premium, and two players stood out.

The Bulldogs would have lost by much more if not for the exceptional intercept marking of key defender Tom McGregor, who played as if there was barely a zephyr of a breeze. Along with his marking, he was one of very few who used the ball well.

Marong’s diminutive midfielder Jimmy Gadsden won the medal for best afield.

He was everywhere, with his strong tackling and endless run a feature in a match where hardat-the-ball rather than hard-atthe-man proved a better tactic.

After half-time, when the Panthers led by 20 points, Pyramid

pressure and showed his class kicking a nice goal just before half-time, giving his side an 18-point margin.

In the third quarter Mason Hocking kicked the first setshot goal of the day for the Rams, but after his three-goal haul in the second semi-final Cooper Murray added a skilful crumbing goal to keep Marong in the game.

East Loddon led by 20 points at the last change, but with two early goals from Max Lowery and Jack McMurray, a comeback was still on the cards for the Panthers.

The under-siege Rams upped the pressure, and Hocking kicked the sealer amid jubilation from East Loddon players and fans. Stephens was awarded the best-afield medal.

- ISAAC JOHNSTONE-MCCLOUD

Hill needed to make the most of the wind, and having Alford, who had kicked 62 goals for the season, back on the field meant the Bulldogs could once again play with 18 men on the ground.

The Bulldogs narrowed the margin to 14 points with the only goal of the quarter, but that was never going to be enough.

Pyramid Hill coach Nathan Fitzpatrick threw McGregor forward in a last-ditch attempt to claw back the score, however his absence from the back line didn’t help the situation as the Panthers kicked 3.5 to 0.1 and cruised to victory.

Some of the Bulldogs key midfielders were subdued, including

league best-and-fairest runnerup Ben Knight and Dylan Collis and Brodie Carroll.

It was hardly a day for forwards, but Marong’s Ryan Wellington managed two goals, including the sealer in the last quarter. Fellow tall forwards Kain Robins and Ryan Taylor kicked one apiece.

Panthers key defender Matthew Riordan also had a stellar game, along with speedy Jonty Davis. McGregor aside, Pyramid Hill was well served by Lachlan Sidebottom and hard-running Damon Hemphill.

„ Alford was reported by umpires for striking and has accepted a two-week early guilty plea suspension.

Tough year brings out club’s best

ONE last road trip, rugged up to brave the wicked winds blowing across the Prairie Plains. The winds were strong and more than a tad chilly for the showcase day in the Loddon Valley league at Mitiamo on Saturday.

But the welcome was amazing. Mitiamo, a club that has been down on luck and football success this season, put on a super show. Volunteers everywhere, the organisation of the day you probably couldn’t fault. Even the wayward balls were quickly back on the ground. The welcome, the atmosphere even warmer than the customary heat coming out of the Legends’ Bar.

Even after the game, those people who had staged a great day were in no hurry to head home. They see a future - why three or four of the victorious East Loddon Rams will likely be in the seniors at John Forbes Oval next season.

There was of course disappointment that Pyramid Hill didn’t end the flag drought - I was with them and remain so, the Bulldogs will get there!

The post mortem will toss up lots of what ifs, could have beens and only ifs for the Bulldogs. The club has the smarts and the leadership to not get too bogged down.

What The Oracle will say as he signs off for season 2024, the Loddon Valley league has become more competitive this year and at an even higher standard.

Sure, there were some standout players but it’s the development of youngsters across the clubs that have been the success story ... and Mitiamo’s wonderful hosting of the grand final.

- GLENN CATTO

Dogs best when it counts

PYRAMID Hill has held off a fast-finishing Marong to claim the Loddon Valley reserves premiership.

In a low-scoring affair in awful conditions at Mitiamo, the Bulldogs fought hard to preserve their two-goal margin at three quartertime and got home by five points, 5.9 (39) to 5.4 (34).

While the Panthers kicked two goals in the last quarter, a single major in return was enough for Pyramid Hill to retain the lead and take home the flag.

The individual highlights were claimed by the losing Panthers – Cooper Hale won the best-on-ground award and Kyle Manley kicked four goals – but the Bulldogs were steadier when it counted.

Michael Dundon, Adrian Holland and Mitch Gunther were best for the winners, while Hale, Manley and Kai Terrill impressed for Marong.

The hard-luck story belonged to Lachlan Frankel, who selflessly withdrew from the Panthers seniors because he wasn’t sure he could run out the game after being ill during the week.

He played in the reserves instead, and was one of Marong’s best.

Three in a row ... Marong claims the 2024 Loddon Valley premiership. LH PHOTO Golden fleece: Rams ride high