INGLEWOOD’S blue eucy town branding will be ditched for the Mallee fowl.
Aboriginal-inspired streetscape draft designs were released online by Loddon Shire Council last Friday.
The Brooke Street-Verdon Street intersection will have feature paving creating a blurred serpentine.
Djaara and non-Djaara artists will be asked contribute to the region’s story of reconciliation and shared history through an arts trail through the main street.
“The story of the serpent is continued through the streetscape with paving and a series of small garden beds,” according to council.
“They represent the meandering journey and showcase drought tolerant, native plants. Regular seating nodes support the community to rest and catch up with neighbours.”
Loddon Shire engaged Bendigo-based Djaara’a DJANDAK to design plans for the project estimated to cost almost $7 million.
Plans have the Mallee fowl on a major town entrance sign set among granite boulders.
mental health round.
By CHRIS EARL
The sculptural feature has been developed in a co-design workshop with Djaara members, according to project information.
“We have located the major sign on the bend in Brooke Street/Calder Highway in the 40 kmh zone.
“This location is on significant viewlines and will help drivers identify that they are entering the town centre and to adjust to the conditions.”
Nhill and Patchewallock are among Mallee and northern Victorian towns to already use the Mallee fowl on town signage.
Inglewood’s signature blue eucy gum leaf is proposed to be incorporated into rubbish bin covers in the main street.
The Verdon Street mural is listed for upgrading and new wall art is planned for the Inglewood and Districts Community Bank facade, bowling club fence and the IGA supermarket’s Storm Lane frontage.
DJANDAK wants to see a plaza developed in Storm Lane to link the town hall and Brooke Street shops.
CONTINUED PAGE 5
You matter! Towns will stand together
COMMUNITIES will unite on Saturday raising awareness and funds for Beyond Blue.
Inglewood and Bears Lagoon Serpentine Football Club will lock with Inglewood and Districts Health Services’ mental health match.
“As we hit the field and court, we stand together to say: You matter. You’re not alone. You belong.” said Inglewood club president Tim Birthisel.
“With one in four young Australians experiencing a mental health condition in any given year, community sporting clubs play a critical role in supporting the wellbeing of their players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters. This initiative is a call to go beyond the match and start important conversations about mental health.”
IDHS will spread messages of hope and visibility around The
Blue Tree during Saturday’s games at Inglewood.
“We know that in every club, there are young people silently struggling,” Tim said
“That’s why we’re stepping up coming together and asking for our community’s support.
IDHS’s Cindy Gould said: “Let’s talk about the important stuff – and play our part in creating mentally healthy communities.”
Inglewood’s Tim and Halle Birthisel and Serpentine’s Steve Gladman prepare for Saturday’s
Loddon HERALD
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Also available in Dunolly, Charlton, Wycheproof, Kerang, Marong, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.
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Phone 0419549743
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WEEKEND FORECAST
Mapping out the home patch
LEAD Loddon Murray leadership program participants spent a chilly Saturday walking the streets of Inglewood mapping the town as part of their 2025 course.
Bridgewater’s James Stewart has been sponsored by Inglewood and Districts Community Bank and he hosted three other participants for the day.
Wayne Dinning (Romsey), Dan Walker (Lockington) and Samantha Moore (Woodend) joined James for the town mapping ex-
ercise designed to help course members learn more about their town and area. James works with Parks Victoria at its Inglewood depot.
Pod members are visiting each other’s towns with Dan next to play host. This week the four will be with other course members for the first retreat of the year in Echuca where the topic is leadership of self.
Further retreats will be held in Swan Hill (leadership of oth-
ers - project planning), Maryborough (governance and advocacy), Lancefield and Romsey (leadership of change) and a fourth in Bridgewater and Inglewood in November (leading for impact).
James is one of three Loddon residents in this year’s program. Others are Alex Mountjoy (Bears Lagoon) sponsored by the Loddon Shire and Katie DrummondGillett (Inglewood) sponsored by North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Early Learning Victoria Enrolments
now open for 2026
The Victorian Government has opened a new early learning and childcare centre near you.
Early Learning Victoria is a Victorian Government organisation. We provide high-quality early childhood education and care for young children.
• We celebrate each child’s unique strengths and interests, helping them grow and learn.
• Our high-quality programs, run by qualified staff, let children explore and learn through play and in nature.
• Our centres are welcoming, inclusive and are a part of the local community.
• Many centres also provide additional support services, like maternal and child health, allied health, and playgroups.
IN BRIEF
Governor’s pleasure
VICTORIAN Governor Margaret Gardner has offered to meet Loddon Shire Council to discuss its opposition to the State Government’s controversial new emergency services tax. Council has asked the Governor not to give legislation Royal assent. “The Governor’s office has offered us a meeting in response to our letter and we are still working through the arrangements with them in relation to it,” said a council spokesman. Meanwhile, the shire is still to receive information from the Government of the tax’s introduction from July 1. “We have received limited advice from the State Government so far in relation to implementation of the levy, but we expect to receive more detailed advice in late June,” council said.
Emergency chief
FORMER State Emergency Service chief officer Tim Wiebuschhas been named Victoria’s new emergency management commissioner. He led the response to the October 2022 Victorian floods the 2024 severe storms.
Cuppa in centre
PYRAMID Hill’s new community centre will host its first community function tomorrow morning when the neighbourhood house runs its Biggest Morning Tea.
Programs available
• Long day care
• Free Kinder for three- and fouryear-olds
Fee assistance available
Government subsidies like Child Care Subsidy and Free Kinder can help with fees.
Rugged up and ready to explore ... Wayne Dinning, Dan Walker, Samantha Moore and James Stewart. LH PHOTO
Councillors will debate renewable energy plan tomorrow
Talks must be authentic
AUTHENTIC consultation with landowners impacted by renewable energy projects is needed in the Loddon Shire.
That will be the message from chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald when councillors discuss the draft Victorian Transmission Plan tomorrow.
Mr Fitzgerald will ask council to give approval for Mayor Dan Straub to make a submission as part of plan consultation and the shire’s inclusion in the northwest renewable energy zone.
In his report for the meeting, Mr Fitzgerald says: “Council supports the proposal that communities hosting renewable energy projects see a direct benefit.
“These benefits should be enduring rather than once-off grants and should support economic growth of the community and support energy reliability, cost to business/households and create jobs to support long term prosperity of the community.”
He says the plan was unclear what the process has been to engage with landowners directly impacted by the draft plan.
“While acknowledging that it is impractical to directly engage with the vast area included in the REZ and also that landowners have property rights to agree or not agree to host projects regardless of inclusion, it would be beneficial to understand if any direct engagement has been undertaken.
“Landowners along the proposed upgrade of the transmis-
sion line between Kerang and Bendigo are known. Council should seek VicGrid’s assurance that property owners along the transmission easement are directly informed of the proposal to upgrade the existing transmission line, are aware of any impact on their farm business and that fair financial compensation is proposed (during construction and over the asset life).”
Mr Fitzgerald’s report says that areas impacted by both the draft REZ and transmission upgrade “are also communities and individuals who have been impacted by challenging and stressful events over recent years”.
“At a high level, these events have included the floods of 2022 and 2023-2024, uncertainty about the alignment of VNI West, VNI West being confirmed to impact their property, low rainfall over the past 12 months impacting input costs, introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy, mineral sands exploration, water buy-backs, and alleged unethical behaviour of commercial entities prospecting for renewable energy projects.
“While some of these matters do not directly relate to the draft REZ, it is important to note that resilience of some landowners
Farmers fetch record prices at regional lamb market
FIVE pens of lambs soared to record prices at Bendigo Livestock Exchange on Monday as markets across Australia reach new highs.
A Victorian record of $426 was paid for a pen from a Swan Hill feedlot. It was one of five pens to smash through the $400 price and all sold by stock agents McKean McGregor.
Two the pens were from Bridgewater district farmers. Stock agent Will Holt said Lachlan Wilson and Brent and Peter Rothacker fetched the high prices for their crossbred lambs.
He said mutton prices topped $300 at Bendigo “and that’s something rarely seen.”
The market surge was greatest last week in New South when a new national heavy lamb record of $424.20 was set at Wagga Wagga last Thursday and then broken twice on Friday at Griffith with $430 and $431 pens.
Meat and Livestock Australia said National lamb prices were record high levels.
The National Light Lamb Indicator (924¢/kg cwt), National Trade Lamb Indicator (1,049¢/kg cwt) and National Heavy Lamb Indicator (1,041¢/kg cwt) have all surged as winter’s traditional supply tightens.
Light lamb prices have particularly strengthened due to demand for available finished stock.
is a challenge and they may not be equipped to fully engage with this process or have trust that the engagement currently underway is authentic and meaningful.
“VicGrid has undertaken a significantly better process than Australian Energy Market Operator. Victorian Planning (should) engage with the community in developing this plan, however due to the lived experience of our community, there could be low willingness to trust in the process.”
Mr Fitzgerald says there was the potential of significant financial impacts from the Victorian Transmission Plan including infrastructure damage which would require astute management and the potential impact of lost agricultural productivity.
“Council is a stakeholder and does not have any decision-making powers regarding the plan,” he said “Some community members will be highly supportive of the initiative based on their belief in the critical need to support the transition to renewable energy. Others will be highly critical of the plan and the impact on the landscape and other competing land use.
“There may be a reputational risk to council if council’s role and position is not clearly articulated and communicated,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
While separate to the plan, VNI West renewable energy project has lost the support of three councils over the past month.
Also on shire meeting agenda
KEY items on agenda for Loddon Shire Council’s June meeting tomorrow include:
Governance review: Recommendation to acknowledge community feedback received on proposed changes to its Governance Rules and subsequently maintain the current rule continuing to live stream council meetings to a social media channel.
Results of annual council satisfaction survey that show a lift in ratings for Loddon Shire in most areas with road maintenance remaining a concern to residents. The overall performance index score for Loddon Shire Council is 58, up from a score of 53 in 2024. Council’s overall performance has rated 5 points above the State-wide average and 4 points above the Small Rural group average (index scores of 53 and 54 respectively). Council says this is a statistically significant result and positive for Loddon Shire Council and its community.
Updating council’s policy on disposal of assets and quarterly report on shire’s tourism and economic activity.
Confidential discussion on 2025 performance review of chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald. See your local Loddon Herald next week for full reports.
Lachie McAllister, Alexander Pollock, Alex Colins, Will Holt, Glen Rae and Drew Stratton selling the record price pen at Bendigo on Monday
Loddon Shire is in the north-west renewable energy zone
Batteries and electronics can cause fires.
Don’t put them in any bin.
Check your council website for local drop-off points instead.
Mallee fowl given a sign
FROM PAGE 1
The design statement says Inglewood is known for its history as a gold mining town, the eucalyptus oil distillery and a good range of antique and vintage ware shops.
“Inglewood is celebrated for its heritage character with a mix of shops, and domestic buildings in the main street.
“In contrast, the town itself feels nestled in the bushland setting, with several areas of Inglewood Bushland Reserve on its fringes and Kooyoora (The Mountain of Light) not too far away.
“This project aims to complement this impressive reputation and acknowledge the shared history and pre-colonisation history. A key part of the project brief was to explore the idea of Inglewood as ‘the gateway to Kooyoora’.
“Kooyoora (sometimes known as Melville Caves) is under 20 minutes’ drive from the town centre.
“The landscape is awe inspiring, and rich in cultural heritage
– both tangible objects and intangible stories.
“Visitors are dwarfed by granite boulders and rocky outcrops, while being immersed in the Box Ironbark forest.
“It is an important place for Djaara, who have a continuous
living cultural connection going back at least 40,000 years. That’s about 1500 generations, but Djaara call it time immemorial.
“In Djaara stories, Kooyoora is known to be one of the homes of the great serpent who is the en-
forcer of cultural law. There are also important stories about the Mallee fowl. While the Mallee fowl are not currently known in the landscape, we hope that by healing country they will return.”
A park at the former petrol co-op site “has been designed as a visitors’ rest stop highlighting the town’s connection to Kooyoora.
“The park features a Djaara shelter, gathering circle, planted earthen mound, drought tolerant native grass lawn, interpretive signs, toilet block, and carparking for standard, long and DDA (wheelchair accessible) vehicles as well as bicycles.
Projected artwork is proposed to create night-time activation of this space. “The planted mound represents Kooyoora and provides a buffer between park users and the busy road.”
Council consultation is through its website or at the shire offices in Wedderburn. It says arrangements are being made to display plans in Inglewood.
Old pub updates to contemporary royal moniker
OWNERS of a Loddon hotel vacant for five years are in talks to re-open the historic building.
Inglewood’s Royal Hotel has been renamed the King Charles III and upstairs rooms renovated for bed and breakfast accommodation.
New signage appeared on the 1863 William Vahland-designed Brooke Street building verandah last Friday.
Owner Stephen Prior said he was looking for a tenant to run the downstairs hotel or restaurant “and we’re talking to a party”.
Mr Prior said the accommodation and hotel businesses would be separate.
“The hotel was always licensed and I hope it will be in the future,” Mr Prior said.
The Royal closed during COVID and the building sat empty until last year when Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary moved its opshop to the former Masonic lodge room facing Verdon Street.
Repairs to the verandah were also completed after protracted disputes between Mr Prior and the Loddon Shire Council to make the
1937 addition safe. The footpath was closed by protective fencing for more than a year.
Mr Prior owns multiple properties across country Victoria, including the Royal Hotel in Rainbow that has also adopted the King Charles III name, and Boort’s closed Commercial Hotel.
“We have repainted the outside at Boort, there are renovations upstairs and also in the bar area. We’re looking for a tenant there as well,” he said.
- CHRIS EARL
REGIONAL ROADS BLITZ
have surgery next week to remove a cyst on his eyelid.
Buka 2, from Wedderburn was born with the cyst and his family had been told there would be a two-year wait for surgery.
But grandfather Stephen said a phone call from Bendigo Health on Monday saw Buka’s surgery confirmed for June 27.
“This is wonderful news and we are all so pleased,” he said.
Bendigo Health told the Loddon Herald earlier this month it had paused paediatric surgery due to unavailability of specialised staff late last year.
A new agreement with Royal Children’s Hospital for paediatric surgery in Bendigo meant operations would resume from June 6, said Bendigo Health.
“The call has made our
TODDLER Buka Colbert will
Mum Ebony and Buka Colbert
Town signs in the streetscape design package for Inglewood’s Brooke Street
VICTORIA
VICTORIA HOTEL
Love Our Local!
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, raffles
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Love our local!
Trading hours
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
Compost pad helping produce high volume
COMMISSIONING of a new compost processing pad has helped Biogro boost its capacity at Newbridge.
Managing director Stephen Van Schaik on Tuesday took Loddon Shire councillors and staff on a tour of the facility that he expects will be processing 130,000 tonnes annually within 12 months.
Mr Van Schaik said the EPA-approved pad had allowed the company to accelerate the volume processed.
The compacted clay-based pad is topped with crushed bluestone, has a fire system and lighting. He said work would start soon on a second pad.
Mr Van Schraik said demand for the
company’s products had grown fast across the region “with garden supplier sales and now, into the agricultural market”.
“My goal is for every bit of compost produced here to be sold in the region,” he said.
Mr Van Shraik said the company was looking at plans for an alternative staffing structure at Newbridge and the site was now monitored seven days a week.
Installation of additional fire protection systems had improved production and risk mitigation after a fire in February. “That fire was in finished product - that’s unusual. The fire was unfortunate and the cause is still unknown.”
Warmth exploring region in winter
THE winter edition of Loddon Way opens the doors to discovery across the region.
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
In the latest edition of the Loddon’s only quarterly tourist magazine, published by the Loddon Herald, there’s articles to help you explore the blue plaque history trails in Pyramid Hill and Inglewood or famous sculptures of Boort.
You can also learn more about the story behind famous
biscuit tins on the shelves of Inglewood Emporium and the grand buildings of the town designed by goldfields architect William Vahland.
“Our winter edition of Loddon Way gives visitors and locals their ideal passport to discovery in the cooler months, exploring the rich history of our towns,” said Loddon Herald managing editor Chris Earl
With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle
Pot’n’Parma Night
Thursday – Open Midday
Saturday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Friday – Open Midday
Police say fatal house fire not suspicious
A BODY has been found after firefighters extinguished a house fire at Goldsborough, Dunolly.
a neighbour noticed smoke billowing from the property. Sadly the body of a man was found when the fire was extinguished.
Sunday – Open Midday All Day Pizza Menu
Lunch from 12.00pm
Close 11.00pm
Dinner from 5.30pm Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle Saturday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm
Police say they will prepare a report for the Coroner following the fire in Goldsborough on Friday.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at a home in Goldsborough Road about 9am.
Police said: “The alarm was raised after
“The body is yet to be formally identified however it is believed the deceased is the resident of the home, a 79-year-old man.
“An arson chemist attended the scene and the investigation continue.
“At this early stage however the fire appears to be non-suspicious,” police said.
Loddon Shire CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald and Biogro managing director Stephen Van Schaik with councillors and company staff inspect the new processing pad on Tuesday. LH PHOTO
OBITUARIES
A life of faith and service
RAY LEED 1930-2025
FARMER RAY Leed was a central part of Yarrawalla and Pyramid Hill district com munities throughout his life.
The last surviving grandchild of his gen eration in the Leed family - grandfather David and Mary Ann Leed, of Mologa Cen tral, had married in the 1880s.
Ray was born to Jack and Ivy Leed and attended Central Mologa School and his fi nal year of education was in Bendigo.
Some weekends he stayed in Bendigo and picked up a job delivering telegrams.
He played football and cricket for Yar rawalla. Ray was a member of the 1955 football premiership team when his father was club president.
Like his father Ray wanted to be a farm er and before marrying Mabel in 1957, he also worked on farms across the district.
They celebrated their sapphire wedding anniversary in 2022 with a luncheon attended by family and friends.
He had met Mabel, of Kamarooka, at a Methodist Youth Convention in Sydney.
Ray had attended Sunday School at Yarrawalla and would become secretary of the Sunday school for more than 30 years. He also ran the Methodist Youth Group in Pyramid Hill open to all denominations and organised Sunday school picnics to Mitiamo.
One of his duties was the purchase of books for Sunday school student prizes that saw him travel to Bendigo to select the books.
Ray also established a second youth group at Yarrawalla. His involvement in
church life continued a family tradition.
His funeral service was told that Ray “lived with a faith that was not just spoken but shown. He didn’t seek attention, no accolades but instead sought to reflect the love of God in the way he lived. He lived a life anchored to faith”.
In 2013 with the closure and decommissioning of the Yarrawalla Methodist Church, by then the Uniting Church, Ray and Mabel adopted the Pyramid Hill Tyndale Uniting Church as their place of worship.
Ray’s community involvement also included the former Pyramid Hill Bush Nursing Hospital.
He is survived by wife of Mabel and children Christine, John, Douglass and Dianne.
Teacher and community stalwart
SUE HORSLEY 1952-2025
RETIRED school teacher Sue Horsley has been remembered for her pivotal role in the Newbridge and Tarnagulla communi-
The Loddon Shire’s 2014 Australia Day Citizen of the Year passed away last month. She had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023.
Sue was heavily involved in the community and especially the redevelopment of the Newbridge Recreation reserve after the floods in 2011 and 2022.
She had also served on the Newbridge Progress Association, Newbridge Football Club and Newbridge Arnold Llanelly Community Planning Committee.
With husband George, Sue had completed the family’s mud brick house in the mid-1980s at the same time starting her teaching career that took her to schools in Dunolly, Tarnagulla, Murrabit for six
months as principal, Strathfieldsaye and Lockwood South.
She volunteered her services to Tarnagulla after her retirement and maintained that for the next 13 years.
Sue was born at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Sue had left school at 17, but finished as a mature aged student when she was 21. Her first job was as a data entry operator with the Department of Health and later studied in Bendigo to be a teacher. When she had completed her degree she joined the Education Department of the Northern Territory in 1978 and spent two years teaching in a remote aboriginal community in Willowra. Sue and George were married the same year and they returned to Newbridge two years later.
Several hundred people attended Sue’s funeral service, a testament to your contributions and friendships in the community.
She is survived by husband George and children William, Sue and Christopher.
Ray Leed
Sue Horsley during the 2022 flood recovery at Newbridge
Barry’s keen watch years recognised
AFTER more than 25 years in operation the message from Tarnagulla’s Neighbourhood Watch founder Barry Condick remains the same: “We do it for the community.”
Founded in 1998, Tarnagulla Neighbourhood Watch is the last remaining neighbourhood watch in the Loddon Shire. Bridgewater, Wedderburn and Inglewood groups were created around the same time but since folded.
Barry started the group at the request of the local police officer. He was already heavily involved in the community and was happy to take on the challenge.
“We started from nothing and became a very involved community group soon after,” Barry said.
While Barry has retired from his position as area co-ordinator, he is still an active member of the group. “My only problem now is age, but that’s how it goes. I have more time now than I used to but unfortunately, I don’t have the energy I had then.”
Last month Barry received a long service certificate from the Neighbourhood Watch for his 27 years of area co-ordinator. Another four members of the group were also awarded certificates.
“We’ve all been consistently involved since it started, we all do it for the community,” Barry said.
Tarnagulla Ward councillor Nick Angelo presented the certificates.
The neighbourhood watch primarily focuses on crime prevention, “everyone looks out for each other, if someone sees something suspicious or unusual it’s reported,” Barry said,
“I believe it keeps the local crime rate down, people know that we’re out there looking out for our community.”
While they make many reports, Barry says they don’t always find out the outcome but that isn’t a bad thing.
“We report it to the police and that’s as far as our responsibility goes, we let the police do their job from there. Knowing the results of our reports isn’t what’s important, it’s that we helped the community feel safer with our work.”
The group meets every two months and produces a community newsletter that focuses on new methods of crime prevention based on reports received from local police.
It also runs several fundraisers and events throughout the year.
On Father’s Day is the annual raffle which was started by Barry more than 20 years ago and is the group’s main source of income.
“It’s been running for more than 20 years now which is impressive. It’s the sort of thing that doesn’t just happen, someone has to step up and organise it and I’m glad we’ve been able to keep it going,” he said.
The group is planning a Connect to Your Community Day on September 6h to familiarise new residents with the available services in the community.
Last week to complete sentiment survey
LODDON police are encouraging residents to take part in the annual police sentiment survey.
Wedderburn’s Sgt Ben Huisman said the state-wide survey closes on June 30 and feedback would be analysed over the following four months.
“The annual Community Sentiment Survey provides an opportunity for all Victorians to share their safety concerns, how they would like to interact with police, and where Victoria Police can focus efforts to keep our communities safer,” he said.
“The survey supports the Neighbourhood Policing Framework and is for people of all backgrounds who live, work and socialise in Victoria.”
The online sentiment survey is available at engage.vic.gov.au/project/vicpol-2025/ survey/5745#sub-nav
In addition to the Neighbourhood Watch, organisers are hoping to involve local police, CFA, SES, Ambulance Victoria, the local school and the historical society in the day to raise awareness of everything available for residents.
Neighbourhood Watch secretary, Sue Bordon says, “we are still planning the event now, but we will keep everyone updated as things progress.”
Overall, Barry views the group he began 27 years ago to be a success.
“We’re still fairly active even now compared with other groups. We still get things done,” he said.
- RUBY HYLAND
KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS 2026
Expressions of Interest for 2026 kindergarten enrolments across Loddon Shire are now open.
Loddon Shire Council provide central enrolment for all sessional kindergarten services within the Shire.
An online form is available for families to register their interest in enrolling and re-enrolling their child in 3-year-old or 4-year-old kindergarten.
Parents and carers who would like to submit an expression of interest to enrol their child or children in a 2026 three or four-year-old kindergarten program can visit children in a 2026 three or four-year-old kindergarten program can visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/OurServices/Services-for-our-younger-residents/Kindergartens
Alternatively, families can use the QR code provided below
Expressions of Interest will close on July 28.
With the arrival of Early Learning Victoria in 2026 at Wedderburn P-12 school site families who wish to enrol their children in kindergarten in Wedderburn will have the option of enrolling their child in a sessional kindergarten program or an integrated kindergarten program.
While we are confirming the timeframes for the new centre, interim sessional kindergarten will be offered at Wedderburn.
For more information or queries regarding the kindergarten expressions of interest, please call the Early Years Team at Loddon Shire Council on (03) 5494 1200.
Barry Condick, Peter Ravenhall, Han Read and David Shay receive their service certificates from Cr Nick Angelo
Reservoir sitting at 42% capacity
LAANECOORIE Reservoir storage has jumped four per cent in the last month.
Figures on Monday showed the reservoir was at 41.88 per cent capacity, holding more than 3300ML.
Water in Laanecoorie a year ago was more than 4000ML.
Other Loddon storage figures show Cairn Curran at 38.39 per cent capacity and Tullaroop 45.71 per cent.
Meanwhile, most Loddon districts received steady follow-up rain at the weekend after potential drought-breaking falls up to 35mm a week earlier.
Reports from the weekend have between 3mm and 5mm being tipped from local gauges.
More rain is forecast over the coming week.
Ministerial talks strengthen council partnership, says advocacy group
REGIONAL councils say they have taken an important step in strengthening partnerships with the Victorian Government.
Murray River Group of Councils have met with Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, pushing key regional priorities that include water, housing, roads, and energy.
The group also raised a number of other challenges the councils are facing with the new emergency services volunteer fund tax and welcomed discussions about regional and rural local government financial sustainability.
Group chair Dan Straub, the Mayor of Loddon Shire, said: “It was a great opportunity to engage directly with the minister and share the group’s key priorities
and explore ways to partner for stronger outcomes for our communities.”
The Victorian Cross Border Commissioner Brett Davis also presented to the meeting and engaged in a positive discussion about the unique challenges our cross border towns and communities face and how the group can work with the commissioner to tackle them.
The meeting also discussed shared opportunities for investment, funding support and stronger collaboration between local and State Government, while it started with a tour of the new library and community facilities under construction in Yarrawonga.
“Governments deliver best for our communities when Local and State Govern-
ment are working in partnership, not against each other” said Cr Straub
“We value our relationship with the Minister for Local Government and the broader Victorian Government and look forward to ongoing collaboration.
“We will also be heading to the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra next week, where we will continue making our case to federal ministers and senior bureaucrats in Canberra.”
The Murray River Group of Councils is a local government advocacy group comprising the Mayors and CEOs of Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe and Moira councils. The chair’s position rotates around members each 12 months.
Farmers back halt calls to ‘harmful and opportunistic buybacks’
VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation has backed a new State Government call to halt federal water buybacks.
Farmers repeated their warning that buybacks posed a serious threat to rural communities and the future of Australian food production.
Water council chair Andrew Leahy said the practice of buying back water from farmers, especially during times of drought was harmful and opportunistic.
“Buying water from farmers during a drought is like preying on them at their most vulnerable,” he said.
“It’s not just flawed policy, it’s deeply damaging to our communities and to national food security.”
Mr Leahy highlighted the long-term consequences of previous buyback schemes during the Millennium Drought, where many farmers under severe financial pressure sold their water entitlements to make short-term ends meet.
“Many farmers now say they regret those decisions. What seemed like a financial lifeline at the time ultimately left them in a weaker position to deal with future dry periods,” Mr Leahy said.
Mr Leahy called on the Federal Government to stop focusing on arbitrary water recovery targets and instead shift its attention to meaningful environmental outcomes. “Water buybacks spell disaster for rural communities.”
Mayor Dan Straub (second left) and Minister Nick Staikos with other regional local government leaders during their meeting
Unawain ang iyong mga karapatan at responsibilidad upang makapagsalita ka tungkol sa kaligtasan sa trabaho. Para makipag-usap sa Filipino, tumawag sa 131 450 o bumisita sa worksafe.vic.gov.au/tagalog Ang kaligtasan sa lugar ng trabaho ay wikang alam nating lahat
Scan for information in Tagalog.
Understand your rights and responsibilities, so you can talk about safety at work.
To speak to WorkSafe with an interpreter call 131 450, or visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/languages Workplace safety is our common language
Live in Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges or Mount Alexander Shire?
We’re calling on YOU to have your say!
What is the Active Living Census?
The ALC is a community survey that asks about:
Physical activity participation
Fruit and vegetable consumption
Barriers to being healthy and active
Why does your voice matter?
Your input will help guide decisions about programs, recreation spaces, and services in your community. Whether you’re active or not, it’s your chance to shape the health and wellbeing of your community – and it only takes 15-20 minutes.
Participate, don’t wait!
Quick and confidential
WIN your share of $10,000 in prizes!
Open to everyone! No matter your health or activity level, we want to hear from you
Footy fields are a safe landing spot for ambos
LIGHTS have come on at night at a Loddon recreation reserve as country town football grounds continue to be safe landing spots for Victoria’s air ambulances.
The latest Loddon landing at Bridgewater saw the air ambulance transport an injured motorcycle rider to hospital.
Ambulance Victoria said support of Loddon communities in providing safe access to vital helicopter landing sites was valued by the service.
Air operations manager Brad Martin said: “Our helicopters are frequently called to access some of the most remote areas across the state.
“While airports are often our preferred landing sites, there are times when every second counts, and we aim to land as close to the patient as safely possible — even if that means landing on a local footy oval, community reserve, or roadside out landings,” Mr Martin said.
“Our pilots carefully assess potential landing sites from the air, ensuring the area is safe and when possible assessed and/or controlled by local emergency services before proceeding.
“In rural and regional communities, local sports fields and community reserves often become vital landing sites that sig-
nificantly contribute to emergency response efforts.
“These sites play a crucial role in saving lives, and we are immensely grateful to the communities who support us in making these landings possible.”
Ambulance Victoria says that while airports or aerodromes are often preferred, helicopters may land on sports ovals, reserves or other open areas when appropriate to do so.
“All helicopter landing sites are assessed for suitability prior to landing by the pilot in command, and when possible, coordinated with Victoria Police, CFA, SES, and/or Ambulance Victoria to ensure the area is secured and safe,” it says.
Where time allows, local councils or reserve committees may assist—for example, by switching on lighting or unlocking gates to allow access for emergency vehicles.”
Ambulance Victoria’s fleet includes six Augusta Westland AW139 helicopters and four King Air fixed-wing aircraft, providing a co-ordinated state-wide, 24/7 aeromedical response. One of the choppers is based in Bendigo.
The Wedderburn teenager airlifted from Bridgewater this month’s is now recovering from injuries.
its first session for the year on
The playgroup is open to all families with children under the age of five and offers a warm and welcoming space for connection, learning, and fun.
$8.7m capital works budget tipped for approval
LODDON Shire’s 2025-2026 budget is expected to be approved by councillors tomorrow. The June council meeting has been brought forward from Tuesday when councillors will be at the Australian Local Government Association annual conference in Canberra.
The budget included a $8.61 million capital works program, including $4.79 million targeted to renew and improve the local road network.
Nearly $840,000 will be spent on upgrades to recreation, leisure and community facilities, and more than $375,000 for footpaths. Council is also tipping $7.54 million into road maintenance, with a spokesman saying the shire is investing $12.33 million into the assets the community says are most important to them.
The shire will collect $9.81 million in rates in 2025-2026.
St MARY’S Primary School’s playgroup had
Monday.
Monday’s session involved gym play in the school’s
engine room, where youngster Emilia Leahy was able to climb on equipment, jump on the mini trampoline and balance on the balance bar.
Students from the primary school including Chantel Gearges, pictured with Emilia, were able to interact with playgroup and assist them with the activities.
Gold detectorists to cop a 234% licence increase
AMATEUR gold hunters face a 234 per cent hike in the price of their miner’s right in a proposed tripling of fees for Victorian miners.
Resources Victoria wants to increase licence fees from October 1 in a move under fire from Loddon detectorists and mining exploration companies.
Gold Nugget Hunter owner Shane Walker said higher fees could be disastrous for local bushland.
“This is not an increase people can afford. You could understand rising 10 per cent over two or three years but a sudden increase is ridiculous and nothing but a money grab,” Mr Walker said.
“I am involved with people at a grassroots level, those starting out and unsure if they will get into prospecting. A higher fee does not help and that may lead to people heading out not knowing the rules and regulations and risking bushland.”
Bendigo-based exploratory company owner Matthew Carkeek, who is looking to gain licences in southern Loddon districts, said: “The Earth Resources Regulator is proposing to increase all fees by 234 per cent effectively tripling all fees. This on the face doesn’t sound unreasonable right?
“The only thing is it effects all activities including the miner’s right holder.
“There are approximately 80,000 Victorians that hold a miners right so that they can go panning or metal detecting in our regional areas, all spending money on fuel, accommodation, food and in some cases even shifting to regional areas.
“These fee increase will also effect the small scale miner such as myself and many others to the point that it will become unaffordable, in turn increasing illegal activity and reducing regional economic activities.
“This will also effect medium size marginal operations (quarries, mines, exploration, and other extractive based companies) that although financially viable would be better off investing capital in other states or countries also they’re for reducing economic activity in our regional areas.”
Resources Victoria says the increase is needed for monitoring and enforcing compliance of mines and quarries across Victoria.”
Shire Council is committed to helping you look after your pets and one of the key ways we do that is through animal registration.
Under Victorian Government law, all cats and dogs aged over three months must be registered every year. If you have not yet registered your animal for this year you can still do so on Council’s website or by visiting our Wedderburn office (41 High Street).
But there's more to it than simply being a requirement by law. Often people only realise the benefits once their pet is lost.
Registered and microchipped animals are returned to their owners at no chargeotherwise they are kept in the pound and our Local Laws officers have to try to work with out-of-date information, delaying your pet's reunification with its family. It is important to note that microchipping is not the same as registration, but if pets are microchipped and wander away from home, we can help to keep them safe by returning them to owners more quickly and efficiently provided they are registered with Council.
The other benefit of registration is in the tag provided by Council. If someone else finds your dog or cat, and lets us know the tag number, we can let you know so you can be reunited with it directly without Council intervention.
The
We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours
We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours
If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the
For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on and
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal
the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
Cr Dan Straub - Mayor
Cr Gavan
Loddon
Shane Walker
The Australian wool market has fell last week, although only by the barest of margins on each day. The series was held in an unusual Wednesday/ Thursday p attern, this was to accommodate Monday Public Holidays in Sydney and Melbourne, while Fremantle also moved to avoid selling in isolation. With Fremantle returning to the selling program the national offering rose by 6,076 bales compared to the previous week, there was 28,882 bales available to the trade nationally. Although the smaller than normal offering received good buyer support, particularly higher yielding types which continued to be highly sought after, from the opening lot it was apparent that the prices on offer for many types were not reaching the levels available at the previous sale. By the end of the first day the movements in the individual AWEX Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece were mixed. There were pockets of positive movements, a 10 cent rise in the 20.0-micron MPG in the North the highlight. As Fremantle was yet to realise the losses felt in the East in the previous series, the largest falls were recorded in the West, the MPGs dropping by between 18 and 26 cents. The benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped by one cent, a buoyant crossbred market preventing a larger fall. The second day was very similar to the first. General weakness in the merinos countered by strength in the crossbreds resulted in another one cent fall in the EMI. The EMI closed the week 2 cents lower at 1,197 cents. When viewed in USD terms the market movements were positive. The EMI added 3 US cents for the series, closing the week at 778 US cents.
Only Melbourne and Sydney will be in operation this week, with Fremantle absent the national offering falls. There is currently expected to 21,766 bales on offer nationally.
Source: AWEX
BENDIGO
109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM
Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax
Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064
Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333
Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior
Agronomist | 0408 188 351
Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044
Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
Honing skills on spring lambs
SPRING lambs are being shorn at Kurting this week for the Australian Wool Innovation improver school for shearers and wool classers.
Four shearers and three classers are working towards their industry ticket during the five-day course.
Farmers Geoff and Brett Wilson have made 400 of their spring lambs available for the students. They had yarded and shedded the lambs
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
Lambs sold to a dearer trend, while sheep were up to $30 stronger.
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.
Alex Collins - 0408 314 768
Will Lowe - 0498 381 584
Will Holt - 0417 686 814
Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844
Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371
Lachie McAllister - 0459 310 797
Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832
Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917
Mitch A’Vard - 0429 966 572
before weekend rain in the district. The fleeces are expected to measure between 16 and 17 microns.
Among students is Newbridge’s Kat Wiseman who hopes to have full wool classing accreditation after completing the intensive week of instruction from Shearer Wool Handler Training staff.
A week-long school for novice shearers and handlers will be held in Wedderburn in September.
Kat Wiseman at the classing table with Mason and Brett Wilson. LH PHOTO
A RECORD day for Bendigo on Mondayt as export lambs sold to a top of $426 with five pens above $400/head in the strongest lamb market this selling centre has recorded.
There was 15,400 lambs yarded and the sale posted some big price improvements, noting this market was being compared to a fortnight ago due to the King’s Birthday public holiday last week.
Overall this sale was on a similar level to the strong price rates evident at northen markets like Griffith and Wagga Wagga in NSW late last week.
There was some outstanding lines of hard finished grain-fed lambs in this yarding, and buyers did reward quality and weight today, easing back on lambs which didn’t quite have the same carcass finish.
It meant there was a an estimated carcass price spread of 950c to 1150c/kg across the majority of the processing lambs, which put cost averages for most processing categories in the 1040c to 1090c/kg cwt range.
Merino lambs sold to $242/ head and most were lighterweight types in this offering at 900c to 1000c/kg cwt.
All the regular buyers were present although like recent weeks some wouldn’t go the pace and just observed or purchased minimal numbers.
The sales above $400 to the market top of $426/head were for extra heavy lambs estimated above 37/kg cwt. Most of the 30kg cwt plus lambs sold from
$320 to $390/head, the main fatscore 4 category averaging $368/ head. Heavy lambs, 26-30kg cwt, varied from $270 to $350/head and again with the best score 4 types averaging over $300/head, compared to the score 3 lambs with less finish and yield at $286/ head.
There was some hot spots for neat trade lambs, some pens in the 22-24kg cwt range selling to $287/head at close to 1200c/kg at times. Most trade weighted lambs $220 to $275/head. Best quality light lambs from $150 to $200/ head, restockers paying to $220/ head for trade framed lambs to feed on.
There was still some wintery clean-up lots of light crossbred lambs from $100 to $130/head, but on very mixed quality and usually small numbers in a pen.
Any good lines of MK style Merino lambs offering buyers a wool rebate sold strongly at $145 to $194/head.
It was a dearer mutton sale, led by any heavy sheep due to the limited numbers of ewes and wethers coming forward with weight and condition. Heaviest crossbred ewes $280 to a top of $310/head; heavy Merino ewes in a skin to $290/head. M
ost heavy sheep $220 to $280/ head to be trending between 700c to 800c/kg cwt for most. Leaner and lighter sheep $130 to $194/head to track either side of 700c/kg cwt. Lighest ewes $70 to $130/head.
EXOTIC LAMBS
L & T Froon Nanneella (4) $257. AD & TL Cole Neilborough (9) $239. CROSSBRED LAMBS Pascoe Farms Raywood (22) $402. OST
Elmore (7) $402. ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (66) $399. Lislea Lodge Piccola (161) $388. JM Hiscock & Sons Pyalong (144) $377. RW & AL Baker Dingee (85) $366. G & L McGurk Charlton (148) $356. A Harris Costerfield (19) $350. R & N Comer Drummartin (29) $350. OST Elmore (92) $346. A & K Ogden Wanalta (74) $340. Rex James Group Nathalia (197) $340. B & J Colvin Bunnaloo (14) $338. Valerie Lilley Goornong (26) $332. HA & ER Westblade Kerang (57) $330. W & H Ladson Mincha West (53) $328. JD & KJ Steel Newbridge (14) $320. N & K Trigg Mathoura (185) $320. L & T Froon Nanneella (12) $310. H & P Bennett Spring Plains (35) $308. W Ogden Wanalta (50) $307. M & M Thompson Roslynmead (21) $298. WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (31) $298. R & E Verley Jarklin (42) $295. RG Barnes Shelbourne (8) $294. AJ & C Gibbins Powlett Plains (33) $269. AD & TL Cole Neilborough (14) $248. BL Forster Cohuna (51) $246. A & B Rhodes Shady Creek (33) $234. MERINO LAMBS Sohnic Hose Swanwater (20) $213. Westblades Mia Mia (87) $200. P & J Safstrom Mount Camel (9) $200. A & K Ogden Wanalta (74) $200. Copan Pastoral Lake Eppalock (69) $196. Ravens-hoe Pastoral Ravenswood (187) $180. WETHERS
BJ & SJ McIntyre St Arnaud (24) $195. Goulburn Valley Water Shepparton (318) $170. L & G Marke Seymour (44) $170. CROSSBRED EWES
WL & LG & RK Boyd Pyramid Hill (140) $310. I M Houston Redesdale (2) $310. A & C Branson Colbinabbin (43) $300. AB & L Mann Pyramid Hill (12) $292. JM Hiscock & Sons Pyalong (8) $292. JF & DL Gibson & Sons Borung (86) $290. GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (52) $290. D Kilmak Elphinstone (24) $245. Cresswell Trading Beazleys Bridge (38) $240. WW & RG Farming Macorna (14) $210. MJ & WA O’Connor Mangalore (40) $210. Jenames Pty Ltd Berriwillock (16) $202. B & M Barlow Wanalta (19) $202. MERINO EWES
A & B Rhodes Shady Creek (10) $247. A & J Wilson Tandarra (17) $222. MG & BR Hipwell Koyuga (56) $187. RJ & MG Hartley Lockington (37) $184. HOGGETS
Terrick West pens top rams and ewes
TERRICK West Poll Merino Stud has taken out major awards at the Hay Merino Show.
The stud claimed both best pen of three rams and best pen of three ewes at the weekend.
A & C Branson Colbinabbin (39) $273. EW & JA Mead Wycheproof (29) $272. DL & TM Jensen Diggora West (32) $265. Mirnee Partnership Hunter (17) $265. WW & RG Farming Macorna (32) $240. R & E Verley Jarklin (53) $200. JH Hay Kamarooka (43) $180. W Ogden Wanalta (8) $180. L & S Kubeil Tamleugh North (41) $179. G & D Cumming Donald (33) $176. D Blair & R Lloyd Charlton (84) $170. PA & TJ & LM Tobin Baynton (121) $158. WE Rodger Burkes Flat (62) $154.
Success in the rams section followed a similar accolade at the Loddon Valley Merino Field Day in February.
The ram lambs averaged 118kg at 13 months old, showing exceptional growth for their age.
The class was judged with a 50
per cent emphasis on both wool and carcass.
The McGauchies were also awarded the Victorian Champion Hogget and second in the National Champion Hogget at Hay with that ram being named reserve champion March-shorn ram of the show.
Terrick West and other Loddon studs are preparing for a string of major Victorian shows including the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo next month.
The Terrick West champion pen of three rams on display at Hay
Decade of missed country chances
Investment needed to help rural barometers, writes Peter Walsh
THE connection may not be immediately obvious, but regional Victoria’s football and netball clubs are barometers of our economic and social wellbeing.
And right now, looking around the state, things are looking bleak.
Because a total lack of vision and commitment to decentralisation by the Allan Labor government has missed a decade of opportunity which is crippling regional Victoria.
Without more jobs, more housing, more infrastructure and more encouragement, growth in regional areas will continue to be outstripped by the voraciousness of overcrowded Melbourne and all its growing social challenges.
The last Nationals Liberals government established the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to invest billions of dollars in regional Victoria over many years. Investments which would have meant more jobs and more housing – and more families. The families who will join local sporting clubs, not just football and netball, but also cricket tennis, hockey, bowls, croquet, all of them and more. Those people also join service clubs such as Rotary and Lions, their children go to local schools – and they all shop locally.
Everyone wins.
But now I hear talk around the traps that too many clubs are struggling, especially for juniors, and that is because the Allan Labor government doesn’t give a toss about supporting the regional community.
Its only focus is more money for Melbourne, more money for its Big Bill projects that never get
finished, some barely get started, and more money for its corrupt CFMEU allies. All the Allan Labor government is really delivering is the biggest debt of any state in Australia – ever.
In the past decade there has been no genuine attempt by Labor to consider any form of decentralisation.
Instead, it is working stealthily behind the scenes to strip local powers even further – just look at our hospitals. They are being forced into cluster groups with centralised control from Melbourne or major hubs such as Bendigo. For example, Mildura’s healthcare operations are now under the control of Bendigo. That’s a gap of 400km and I doubt anyone in Bendigo has much of a clue about life in and around the Mallee or Sunraysia. Give it another year or two of Labor control and it will all be in the hands of faceless Melbourne bureaucrats whose only purpose in life will be a spreadsheet in front of them, not the reality at the coalface in regional communities across the state.
I have read that moves are afoot for the Central Murray Football Netball League to sit down with Golden Rivers and you can only imagine the conversations which will be taking place there about a possible merger/restructure which, in the end, always means fewer teams, fewer opportunities and bigger distances to travel.
Regional Victoria remains an untapped resource for our financially besieged state. At the same time, it is also a solution for the overcrowded and overpriced property sector within greater Melbourne which is seeing the
yOuR ONLINE WORDS
PuSH FOR bETTER MaNaGEMENT OF KaNGaROO NuMbERS
Carol Forsberg wrote: Particularly bad between Wedderburn and Inglewood. We keep to 80kmh on that stretch of the A79. Nearly hit one a couple of weeks back but were able to stop safely. Feel really sorry for the roos.
Verneece Woodman wrote: We hit one last night, thank God it hit the bullbar, so no damage to the car, I hit one about three years ago, did a lot of damage, it took five months to get it fixed and you’ve also got to pay your insurance excess, so it really is inconvenient and expensive.
Michelle Mead wrote: Culling is an
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
OPINION PIECES
urban sprawl spilling into regional areas, carving up large slabs of productive country as landholders cannot resist the millions on offer from developers looking for ever more land.
This growth has been so fast it has left essential services in its wake.
Just look at the northern growth corridor – go between Wallan and Craigieburn where there are now thousands and thousands of houses with no real infrastructure, from supermarkets to schools to hospitals.
If you directed that growth to centres such as Swan Hill, or Mildura, or Echuca, you already have the community assets you need. They can be easily, and more cheaply, upgraded to suit, instead of starting from the ground up in congested Melbourne.
Not only is it a viable and immediate solution, but it is also an amazing wellbeing alternative. Life in regional areas is hard to beat but people need incentives and opportunities.
Victoria’s Big Bill will cost us around $28 million a day – and that’s just the interest bill.
We can pause or seriously slow down what are already some of the slowest construction projects in human history and divert the money where it will do more good.
And what could be better than seeing men and women, children, families, involved in local sport, enjoying local amenities and loving life way outside the rat race which has become the symbol of Melbourne under Labor.
Peter Walsh is the member for Murray Plains
1. What name is given to a baby goat?
2. Which planet is the largest in our solar system?
3. The Colosseum is found in which city?
4. How many wives did King Henry VIII have?
5. ‘The beautiful game’ describes which sport?
6. What are the smallest blood vessels in the human body called?
7. The tan coloured M&M was replaced by which colour in 1995?
8. The Roman Emperor Caligula allegedly made his what a senator?
9. What does NFT stand for?
10. Mjölnir is the name of which Norse god’s weapon?
11. Globe and Jerusalem are types of what?
12. Who wrote the ‘Lord of the Rings’ series of books?
13. The sportswear company Nike was originally founded in which year?
D OES Bradley of Boort not have an electric blanket? Would seem to be the case, with his latest sign hinting that the winter chills are interrupting his sleep patterns.
Tarchaic and primitive solution. How disappointing to see an MP suggesting such an option. Many international companies are moving away from kangaroo leather and meat due to the unethical processes associated with the industry. Innovation and creative solutions are needed to find ways to coexist with are beautiful native wildlife.
buSHy TaLES BY IAN JONES
HERE’S fair chance that daily temperatures this week will be hovering somewhere above zero and ... well not much more than zero. Saturday is the shortest day of the year when there’ll be less hours of light in the competition between sun, moon, clouds and fog.
THE honour of the shortest day in Australia is tipped to be given to Hobart with nine hours of light. The shortest day goes to Hobart with just
14. And by what name was that company first known?
15. The cherry blossom is the national flower of which country?
16. The Berlin Wall fell in which year?
17. The ‘Galaxy’ phone is manufactured by which company?
18. In chess, a bishop can move in which direction?
19. At what temperature Celsius does water boil?
20. Playing Hans Gruber, whose first film credit was ‘Die Hard’?
nine hours while the longest belongs to Darwin with 11 hours and 23 minutes. In Melbourne, and a fair bit of Victoria, expect nine hours and 32 minutes this Saturday. With 5.08pm the magic time, let’s hope there are no 35-minute final quarters in the football.
MIGHT have to be a swap of balls from the red to yellow Sherrin! Did you know? An innovation that continues to this day, Sherrin produced the first yellow leather football to assist visibility for night games in 1971.
SADDLER Thomas Sherrin made his first footy in 1879. Before that, he had patched and repaired rugby balls used in Aussie Rules matches. The size and shape of his football became the national standard in 1906.
Kid
Jupiter
Rome
Capillaries
Blue
Horse
Non-fungible token
Thor
Artichokes
J.R.R. Tolkien 13. 1964 14. Blue Ribbon
Sports 15. Japan 16. 1989 17. Samsung 18. Diagonally
DAISY Sutton was incredibly talented - a painter, handy at needlecraft and sewing and the fiddler in her 70s with a starring role in The Wedderburn Oldtimers’ Orchestra.
The orchestra first hit the stage 50 years ago next month with Daisy putting her all into playing jigs and reels.
She had played around Wehla since the 1920s and a particular party-piece was the Irish Lilt, a a three-part jig, wrote another band member Peter Ellis when he documented much of The Oldtimers’ story late last century.
“Daisy had never been much further than Wedderburn where she received her violin lessons as a girl, and had only been to Bendigo twice, never to Melbourne.”
According to Peter the formation of the Wedderburn Oldtimers Orchestra was a “happening”, as Daisy said.
The annual Wedderburn Gold Dig served as a “back to” for former townsfolk and it was highlighted by a bush picnic and entertainment at Hard Hill.
This commenced with a street procession through the town and out to the old diggings in the bush around the hill.
Join Early Learning Victoria Daisy floats to big smoke
Wedderburn would organise a float for the Moomba parade in Melbourne.
Soon, Daisy Sutton who had never really been out of Wedderburn suddenly found herself parading down Swanston Street.
But bigger things were to come when The Oldtimers started to take bookings at shopping centres, on national television, cruises and across Australia.
Daisy was now at airports, on an escalator for the first time, and as Peter wrote, taking her first flight in a plane when The Oldtimers headed to Tasmania.
And there’s a story behind the fiddle Daisy played.
Band founder Lindsay and Coral Holt were the first proprietors of the town’s motel.
Lindsay often organised entertainment and music for the guests and would bring out his old squeezebox.
Peter recalls that on the Gold Dig weekend in March 1975, the Noonan family returned to Wedderburn and presented the late Ted Noonan’s violin to the museum which Lindsay had established at the motel.
Ted Noonan, an Irishman, was the teacher of violin in an old delicensed hotel in Wedderburn in the 1920s, and it was from him that Daisy had been taught, Peter wrote.
come over and play it, and contacted other local musicians to join in.
The violin hadn’t been played in 34 years but the strings were still in good condition. Lindsay rang up Daisy and asked her to
The Oldtimers were on the way to being formed for the first official performance on July 11, 1975.
Daisy’s niece, Heather Passalick said this week: “We loved her dearly. She was incredibly talented and had a fantastic sense of humour.”
Next week’s Loddon Herald continues a special series on the chart-topping Oldtimers 50 years on from the first performance.
The Victorian Government is hiring for all roles at our new centre, Early Learning Victoria Wedderburn (interim name), opening in early 2026.
Join a team delivering high-quality early childhood education and care, in government-run centres across Victoria.
You will:
• be part of the new Victorian government-run early learning and childcare centres
• foster children’s development and wellbeing in our high-quality learning environments
• build your career with access to professional learning and development opportunities.
Daisy Sutton after being reunited with the fiddle
Canfield - Graeme Vincent
Passed away 6-6-2025 Aged 84
Loved Brother of Ken & Sharon Uncle of Scott & Anita, Lindy & Michael, Leigh & Linda & Families.
Precious Memories
The funeral service to celebrate Graeme’s life will be held on Monday 23 June @ 2pm. For details see Peter Tobin Ballarat
GOULLET - Thelma Isabelle
Passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025 Aged 88 years
Loving wife of Tommy (dec.). Mother to Ricky (dec.), Alan and Darren. Grandmother to Larissa.
Loved by all
For funeral details please see www.williamfarmer.com.au
Sandra Cecille Monahan late of Respect Aged Care, 1 James Street, St Arnaud, VIC, 3478, School Crossing Supervisor, deceased.
CREDITORS, next of kin, and others having claims in respect of the will of the above named deceased, who died on 17 November 2024 are required by the executor, Henri Paull Camille GordonCooke, c/- the undermentioned solicitor, to send particulars of their claims to him by the 6 September 2025 after which date the executor may convey or distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which he then has notice.
MCL LEGAL
78 Napier Street St Arnaud VIC 3478
by Buyer Intention to Apply
GMW Reference No: BPTWE0013-25
I, Lynda Cartwright, Bungaree Raywood Pty Ltd, of 3024 Pyramid Yarraberb Road, Raywood Vic 3570, refer to VIc Roads Map 30 D9, intend to make application to permanently transfer entitlement to my existing Licence to Take & Use Groundwater and increase the licenced volume from 515.0ML/Year to 715.0ML/Year.
The volume sought in this application is 200.0ML/Year.
The water will be used for the purpose of irrigation. To be used on lands described as :
Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the transfer of this Licence including any intended Surface Water use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.
To make a submission please read the information available to download from Make a submission about a licence application - Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.
SALT PROCESSING WORKER - MAINTENANCE
Due to increase in production, Pyramid Salt Pty. Ltd., require a person with maintenance and welding abilities to fulfil the above salt production position. Applicants should posses the following qualities:
Physically Fit
Ability to work with a small team
Work Unsupervised
Ability to work shift (afternoons or night) if required
Current Drivers Licence
Own Transport
Current Fork Licence would be an advantage.
Some rostered weekend work may be required.
All applications to be in writing with details of past employment, and can be made by sending resume via email to; admin@pyramidsalt.com.au or dropping off resume to:
GOALS – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington 5, T. Hawker, T. Paterson, A. Brohm, R. Turner, H. Gadsden. Bridgewater: B. Alexander 4, O. Watt, L. Sharp 3, T. Estrada, J. Neylon, N. Naughton, D. Wood, J. Symons, A. Powell, O. Muggleton, L. Ellings, H. McKinley.
BEST – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: N. Kemp, T. Miles, N. Twigg, J. Wilkinson, J. Addlem, D. Poulter. Bridgewater: J. Neylon, L. Ellings, J. Symons, B. Alexander, D. Wood, O. Watt. Maiden Gully
GOALS – Maiden Gully: M. Whitham, T. James 3, M. Lines 2, T. Jackson. Calivil: H. McCarthy 4, T. Dipane, K. Blow, L. Stephens, A. Dennis.
BEST – Maiden Gully: J. Worsley, M. Whitham, N. Murley, L. Pigdon, D. Russell, S. Fiske. Calivil: H. McCarthy, S. Green, J. Bombardieri, T. Raukola, J. Leach, K. Blow.
Marong 3.2 8.5 11.7 14.9 (93)
Inglewood 2.2 3.5 6.9 9.12 (66)
GOALS – Marong: K. Robins 4, J. Ede, M. Bradbury, R. Taylor 2, M. Lowery, J. McCaig, S. Knott, N. McCaig. Inglewood: W. Allen 2, K. Payne, L. Ford, S. Erharter, B. Cotchett, K. Cavallaro, H. Veitch, L. Harris.
BEST – Marong: J. Gretgrix, B. Hartland, S. Geary, B. Gregg, J. Ede, K. Robins. Inglewood L. Ford, B. Cotchett, C. Stobaus, H. Veitch, J. Hood, T. Kennedy.
Pyramid Hill 5.3 1 5.4 19.6 23.12 (150)
Newbridge 2.2 3.6 4.6 5.7 (37)
GOALS – Pyramid Hill: B. Bisset 8, Z. Alford 4, B. Knight 3, M. Dingwall 2, B. George, L. Moss, K. Daniels, G. James, J. Cheesman, B. Gibson. Newbridge: B. McKinley, M. Mcarthur 2, M. Adams.
BEST – Pyramid Hill: B. Bisset, K. Daniels, B. Knight, Z. Alford, S. Gunther, G. James. Newbridge: W. Copland, B. McKinley, C. Sanders, T. Hobson, K. Friswell, R. Cathie.
Marong 9 9 0 0 1 213.78 36
Pyramid Hill 9 8 1 0 1 215.09 32
Bridgewater 9 7 2 0 1 145.98 28
BL Serpentine
20
16
14
8
4
RESERVES
Marong
(90)
GOALS – Marong: R. Doorty, C. Murphy, M. O’Donnell 3, R. McNamara, W. Hope, J. Gribble, R. Hayden. Inglewood: T. Murphy, M. Pickering 3, R. Smith 2, K. McClellan.
BEST – Marong: M. O’Donnell, C. Murphy, H. Roberts, W. Hope, W. Baird, L. Henson. Inglewood: T. Murphy, T. Lovett, C. Hancock, W. Schepers, R. Murphy, E. McCoy. East Loddon
GOALS – East Loddon: F. Clymo, A. Roulston, C. Elliott 3, A. Addlem, L. James. Bridgewater: J. Friswell.
BEST – East Loddon: C. Elliott, L. James, T. Rasmussen, A. Weeks, O. Balic, T. Ralphs. Bridgewater: A. Lawson, L. Lonsdale, F. Ferguson, J. Friswell, D. Cullen, T. Fraser.
NORTH CENTRAL
SENIORS
Birchip Watchem
Charlton
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 6, N. Rippon 3, J. Christie, M. Rippon, M. Buchanan, D. Bell 2, J. Lee, R. Hogan, L. Foott, W. Lee. Charlton: S. Zagame.
BEST – Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, B. Lakin, C. Wilson, R. Conboy, H. Hosking, L. Ryan. Charlton: J. Thompson, R. Thompson, B. Hooper-Dixon, E. Fitzpatrick, P. Soulsby, A. Patterson.
Calder United
Donald
(167)
(1)
GOALS – Calder United: J. Exell 8, R. Smith 4, M. Farmer 3, C. Green, Z. Keighran 2, T. Vearing, S. Kennedy, D. Munro, G. Turner.
BEST – Calder United: R. Smith, S. Kennedy, Z. Keighran, J. Exell, J. Walsh, K. Hommelhoff. Donald: C. Campbell, B. Griffiths, D. Pearce, J. Smulders, T. Reekie, D. Bell-Warren.
Boort
St Arnaud
(48)
(30)
GOALS – Marong: P. Gretgrix, D. Blume 2, D. Highgate, C. Hale, Z. Justice. Inglewood: R. Tresize, T. Kilcullen, K. Simpson, C. March.
BEST – Marong: L. Hale, C. Hale, P. Gretgrix, J. Toomey, G. Dowler. Inglewood: A. Lister, J. Lovett, T. Beriman, J. Leach, C. March, A. Bennett.
BL Serpentine
0.3 0.5 0.7 3.9 (27) Bridgewater 1.2 4.4 6.6 9.7 (61) GOALS – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Davies, F. Holland, J. Podosky. Bridgewater: J. Roberts 4, M. Brooks 2, T. Naughton, D. Maher, M. Baker. BEST – Bears Lagoon Serpentine: L. Mott, C. Davies, J. Wingrave, Z. Hollis, D. Tineo, B. Younghusband. Bridgewater: H. Terry, J. Higgins, T. Naughton, J. Naughton, J. Wild, J. Bowen. Pyramid Hill 0.5 4.5 8.7 12.8 (80) Newbridge 1.1 1.3 2.4 4.4 (28)
GOALS – Pyramid Hill: P. Monaghan 3, N. Moon 2, K. Quinn, M. Thompson, K. Castleton, L. Walker, P. Walker, R. Pollock, D. Lovell. Newbridge: C. Dixon, D. Whan, D. Slater, J. Dawkins. BEST – Pyramid Hill: P. Monaghan, D. Lovell, G. James, B. Delamare, B. Moon, R. Mitchell. Newbridge: T. Wilson, J. McLeod, A. Moore, Z. Englefield, K. Bertuch, H. Taylor-Irwin.
Maiden Gully 4.1 5.7 6.9 8.12 (60)
Calivil 0.1 3.1 6.2 8.3 (51)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: J. Doolan 4, E. Hewett 2, T. Baker, R. Crothers. Calivil: K. Newton 3, L. McAllister, H. McGregor 2, E. Ritchie.
BEST – Maiden Gully: K. Nicholls, W. Anderson, E. Hewett, R. Crothers, H. Devanny, K. Kerrison. Calivil: J. Coad, J. Lea, T. Harcourt, J. Manderson, L. McAllister, H. McGregor.
GOALS – Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly 3, H. Weaver, P. Barbopoulos, K. Jaksic, J. Dick, T. Potter, C. Egan, J. Keeble, K. Rutley, L. Hall. St Arnaud: M. Hungerford 3, L. Jackson, B. Phillips, L. Bridger, B. Organ, J. Male.
BEST – Boort: L. Hall, H. Weaver, P. Barbopoulos, J. Keeble, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Baddeley-Kelly. St Arnaud: M. Hungerford, B. Durward, M. Birthisel, K. Torney, D. Schilder, L. Jackson.
Wedderburn
Sea Lake Nandaly
(51)
(102)
GOALS – Wedderburn: M. Jensen 4, J. Mortlock 2, H. Lockhart. Sea Lake Nandaly: A. Pattison 5, J. Jenkins 4, M. Cahoon 2, C. OSullivan, J. McMahon, B. Adcock, J. Keogh, T. Donnan.
BEST – Wedderburn: J. Lockhart, J. McEwen, J. Mortlock, D. Jackson, I. Holt, B. Bacon. Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Donnan, B. McInnes, A. Pattison, O. Brownless, J. Poulton, C. Cox.
Birchip Watchem
Nandaly
RESERVES
GOALS – Wedderburn: L. Sims, A. Younghusband. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Summerhayes 6, Z. Wemyss 5, J. Clohesy 4, I. Durie, B. Allan 2, H. Pitchford, L. Martin, B. Weir, T. Griffiths. BEST – Wedderburn: C. Hargreaves, D. Caruana, A. Roberts, L. Sims, N. Winslett, A. Younghusband. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Weir, C. Michael, J. Clohesy, Z. Wemyss, J. Summerhayes, R. McGarry.
Donald 0.0
rester, D. Kelly, W. Ison. Donald: J. Lopes, Z. Menhenett, J. Tellefson, C. Campbell, H. Clark, J. Lydom.
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: M. Berry 4, T. Gibson 3, L. Sirett, S. Pye, T. Wiantara 2, A. Lewis. Charlton: I. Bourke 2. BEST – Birchip Watchem: T. Gibson, L. Sirett, S. Pye, N. Ryan, J. Woods. Charlton: L. Dunne, J. Leathan, B. Sexton, F. Bourke, E. Needs, M. Campbell.
(29)
GOALS – Boort: A. Cockerell, C. Hatcher 3, J. Mulquiny, M. Beattie. St Arnaud: H. Torney 2, H. McNally, H. Meagher. BEST – Boort: C. Hatcher, M. Beattie, J. Mulquiny, C. Ross, N. Scott, J. Hall. St Arnaud: J. Hicks, J. Hicks, J. McKenny, H. Darby, J. Kell, Z. Notting.
UNDER 17
BEST – Calder United: B. Chapman, A. Cowell, T. Perry, T. Vearing, J. Harrison, D. Coles. Donald: L. Rice, J. Lydom, C. Campbell, H. Funcke.
– Birchip Watchem: N. Dean, W. Ryan, B. Kemp, L. Spezza. Charlton: S. Zagame, L. Van Boven, I. Bourke, M. Fitzpatrick, R. Gahan, M. Boyle.
BEST – Boort: D. King, C. Gooding, J. O’Flaherty, D. Perryman, D. Hird. St Arnaud: A. Lowe, C. Zander, W. Thomas, N. Saludes, S. Bridgeman, J. Batters.
BEST – Wedderburn: T. Blair, B. Cunningham, W. Cunningham, T. Lowe, A. Bellman. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Allan, H. Cox, N. McClelland, C. Dowler, C. Mott, B. Kelly.
UNDER 14
– Birchip Watchem: M. Greenaway, L. Spezza, T. Kemp, G. Greenaway. Charlton: C. Zagame, C. Mcgrath, X. Good, H. Lanyon, T. McGurk.
– Calder United: H. Humphreys, S. Morrison, E. Kilby, R. Beattie, D. Polzin, L. Hall. Donald: N. Clapham, N. Michael, J. Embate, D. Clapham, E. Geddes, M. Reilly.
BEST – Wedderburn: Z. Polkinghorne, J. Dierickx, W. Huismann, A. Clarke, A. Polkinghorne, L. Martin. Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Cox, R. Allan, R. Bailey, M. Bailey, H. Wight, F. Austerberry.
BEST – Boort: A. Lee, C. McNally, S. Muller, L. King, J. Perryman. St Arnaud: C. Hendy, L. Lowe, F. Wilson, C. Kirk, J. McNally, S. Weir.
(1)
GOALS – Calder United: A. Forrester 5, G. Forrester, A. Hogan 4, J. Morrison, B. Forrester, W. Ison 2, D. Kelly, J. Pardella, D. Murray, R. Jones.
BEST – Calder United: T. Trewin, A. Forrester, Z. Kelly, G. For-
LODDON VALLEY
Coach paved T yler’s return
WHEN Bridgewater’s Tyler Estrada suffered a broken wrist in last year’s Loddon Valley football finals series, he thought it was time to hang up the boots.
After 14 years with the Mean Machine and two reserves premierships, Estrada thought his dream of winning an elusive senior flag had come to an end.
Senior coach Lachlan Sharp had other ideas.
Sharp was adamant Estrada still had a role to play in the Bridgewater senior team, particularly in the Mean Machine’s forward structure.
Sharp talked Estrada out of retirement and last Saturday the half-forward reached a milestone that few modern day country footballers achieve - 200 games with the same club.
When Estrada kicked a goal late in the final quarter of the win over Bears Lagoon Serpentine, his team-mates ran from all
By ADAM BOURKE
over the ground to congratulate him.
It was a sign of Estrada’s popularity in the group and the selfless role he plays for the team.
“You don’t see his name in the paper much for kicking goals or being named in the best players, but his pressure and blocking of the ball and things like that is so important for us,’’ Sharp said of Estrada.
“What he does doesn’t get measured and some people don’t see what he does for us. He’s the ultimate team man.
“To play 200 games for the club is a massive achievement, particularly the physical way he plays.”
When Estrada arrived at Bridgewater for the start of the 2011 season, playing 200 games for the club was the furtherest thing from his mind. It didn’t take him long to realise he’d found a long-term foot-
Lister finishes three clear in stableford event
IT TURNED out to be ideal weather for last week’s stableford round, and the Mitiamo course is really starting to shine after some much-needed rain.
In A Grade, Jamie Lister finished on top with 40 points, Kyan Maxted came in second with 37 points.
B Grade saw James Landau with 34 points come out on top and Bruce Lawry close behind with 32 points.
Bruce Lawry was also nearest the pin on the 2nd hole and second shot on the 15th. Sam Wilson won the Pickles AG members’ draw.
Boort
WITH much better weather conditions, eight members took part in the second round of the Boort Golf Club championships on Saturday.
Peter Eicher continued his good form with his nett 68 to finish 6 shots clear of the rest of the field.
Damien Lanyon and Andrew Kane collected a ball each for their podium finishes, with Andrew picking up two nearest the pin prizes, while Sally Keeble, Di Johnston and Jamie Sutton claimed the rest.
In the championships, Andrew is well clear of Stuart Tweddle and Damien Lanyon in A Grade, while Peter has a commanding lead in B Grade.
Peter also leads the Weaver Cup, but if he wins the B Grade scratch, then it’s between Damien and Stuart who are separated by six shots at this stage.
Wedderburn
Round one of Wedderburn club championship took place over the weekend with Tony Holt taking out first place on countback. P. Sanderson came in second and also took out the second shot on the second hole, while Tony Holt also took nearest the pin on 13th.
Mellington reprimand on kick charge
BEARS Lagoon Serpentine fullforward Josh Mellington has been reprimanded after an early guilty plea to a kicking charge from Saturday’s Loddon Valley Football League clash against Bridgewater.
The former AFL player is free to continue his career after being charged by the match review panel.
Mellington is sitting two
games of suspension short of an automatic life ban from the sport.
The Bears last year won a contested hearing before the tribunal after Mellington was reported for striking in the early season clash with Bridgewater.
Mellington left the ground last Saturday with a suspected hamstring in the third term.
ball home and he’s grateful for the opportunities the club has provided him.
“(To play 200 games) means a fair bit to me,’’ Estrada said.
“Bridgewater has been home to me for pretty much all my football career and I love the place. “It’s such a tight-knit community. I have two kids and the club has a great family atmosphere.”
Estrada admitted he’s not Bridgewater’s most skilled player, but he’s more than happy to do the grunt work inside forward 50. “I’m not a flashy player, so the half-forward role applying pressure and locking the ball in probably suits me,’’ he said.
With the 200-game milestone locked away, Estrada has one more goal to tick off – that elusive senior premiership.
With the way Bridgewater is playing, Estrada is confident the Mean Machine can challenge Marong and Pyramid Hill for the flag.
“When we get our groove going it does look good,’’ he said. “We’ve certainly improved this year. I’m glad I’m still playing.” The third-placed Bridgewater is at home to Maiden Gully in round 11 this Saturday.
NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY
Men: Wedderburn 3 d Sea Lake Nandaly 1. Calder United 1 lost to Donald 2. Boort 1 drew St Arnaud 1. Charlton Bye. Ladder: Donald 18, Calder United 15, St Arnaud 14, Boort 10, Wedderburn 10, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, Charlton 0. Women: Wedderburn 3 d Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Calder United 2 d Donald 1. Boort 1 lost to St Arnaud 5. Charlton Bye. Ladder: Calder United 18, St Arnaud 18, Charlton 15, Boort 9, Wedderburn 7, Donald 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Underage: Calder United 2 d Donald 1. Birchip Watchem 1 lost to Charlton 10. Boort 1 lost to St Arnaud 5. Sea Lake Nandaly Bye. Ladder: Charlton 21, St Arnaud 18, Boort
Wedderburn’s Tyson Blair, Steve Giorlando and Aiden Wingfield. Tyson was among the Redbacks’ goal scorers. LH PHOTO
St Arnaud’s Brylea Knight and Emma Moon (Boort) in Saturday’s women’s hockey clash. Emma scored Boort’s only goal for the day. LH POTO
Tyler Estrada
9, Donald 9, Calder United 7, Birchip Watchem 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 3. Under 12: Wedderburn 1 d Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Calder United 6 d Donald 0. Birchip Watchem 7 d Charlton 0. Boort 1 drew St Arnaud 1. Ladder: Birchip Watchem 21, Calder United 19, Charlton 19, St Arnaud 13, Wedderburn 10, Boort 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 4, Donald 3.
North Central croquet clubs held the second of three winter social round robin events in Boort on Saturday. Local club members Guy Contarina, Robyn McConnell and Sue Soltan are pictured rugged up in the chilly weather hitting hoops for the afternoon. LH PHOTO
T rio helps Bulldogs fend off challenge
PYRAMID Hill has held off Newbridge by two goals in one of the best games of the Loddon Valley A Grade netball season.
The Bulldogs won a thriller 4240 to consolidate second place on the ladder and maintain the pressure on Mitiamo in the race for the minor premiership.
Adding merit to Pyramid Hill’s win was the absence of their star goal shooter Jess Holdstock.
The Maroons took advantage of Holdstock’s unavailability by jumping Pyramid Hill in the first quarter.
Led by Holdstock’s replacement in goals, Katie Pollock, and sisters Morgan and Abbey Dingwall, the Bulldogs found their feet and reeled in the Maroons by half-time.
They extended their lead to as many as seven goals and looked set to win comfortably.
However, Newbridge showed great resilience in the final term to get within two goals of the Bulldogs in a tight finish.
“We had some turnovers in the final quarter and their defence was quite tight,’’ Pyramid Hill coach Chelsea Emmerson said.
“We found a different way to win which speaks to the calibre of the playing group.
“I’ve asked a lot of them this year in terms of versatility because we’ve had injuries since round one and we’ve had to move players around.
“Everyone is playing their role and doing a good job. It was great to hang on and win like that.”
While disappointed to lose the game, the third-placed Maroons certainly didn’t lose any admirers.
With narrow four-goal and two-goal defeats to Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill respectively this season, Newbridge will be a genuine premiership threat come late August and early September.
The other close game in round 10 action came at Marist College where the home side Maiden Gully denied Calivil United a second-
straight victory. The Eagles won a hard-fought battle 45-42 to improve their season record to 3-6.
They sit in seventh place – two wins behind fifth-placed Marong.
Bridgewater snapped a twogame losing streak with a comfortable win over Bears LagoonSerpentine.
A great defensive performance in the first-half set up the Mean Machine’s impressive 65-41 win.
The four points consolidated fourth place on the ladder for Bridgewater, while the Bears have now lost four games in a row.
The Bears face a tough battle to force their way back into the top five.
In the final game of round 10, fifth-placed Marong outclassed the young Inglewood outfit, 7526.
The highlight of round 11 action this Saturday is at Pyramid Hill where the Bulldogs will test Marong’s finals credentials.
- ADAM BOURKE
BOORT had a pair of goal shooters in super form on Saturday in North Central netball matches against St Arnaud.
C Reserve coach Brooke Arnold had started the day with quarters of 15, 18, 15 and 24 goals to shoot 72 goals in the side’s 81-15 victory.
Brooke then doubled up in the C Grade match where she put the ball through the hoop 43 times as the Pies scooted to a 59-40 scoreline on the final siren.
Amy Dridan then joined the shooting spree with 51 goals in B Grade and 56 in A Grade where Boort consolidated its second spots on the ladder.
The day had greater pleasure for Brooke when her Under 14B side accounted for the previously undefeated Saints.
“That’s been the best part of the day seeing the young girls work together as a team,” the junior coach said.
Saturday’s round was Maddi’s Day, raising awareness and funds for cancer in tribute to Charlton’s Maddi Fitzpatrick who died last year. Players wore purple armbands for the matches
LODDON VALLEY
A Grade
BL Serpentine 7, 16, 29, 41, (41) lost to Bridgewater 14, 33, 52, 65, (65). Marong 20, 37, 54, 75, (75) d Inglewood 7, 17, 20, 26, (26). Pyramid Hill 8, 22, 33, 42, (42) d Newbridge 9, 19, 28, 40, (40). Maiden Gully 11, 26, 33, 45, (45) d Calivil 7, 20, 29, 42, (42).
Mitiamo 32
Pyramid Hill 32
Newbridge 24
Bridgewater 20
Marong 20
BL Serpentine 12
Maiden Gully 12
Calivil 8
Inglewood 0
A Reserve
Marong 11, 28, 47, 61, (61) d Inglewood 7, 9, 11, 18, (18). BL Serpentine 5, 14, 21, 25, (25) lost to Bridgewater 18, 27, 46, 63, (63). Pyramid Hill 9, 20, 24, 34, (34) lost to Newbridge 10, 22, 30, 36, (36). Maiden Gully 14, 26, 42, 50, (50) d Calivil 10, 15, 21, 31, (31).
Bridgewater 32
Marong 28
Pyramid Hill 26
Maiden Gully 24
Newbridge 18
Mitiamo 18
Calivil 10
BL Serpentine 4
Inglewood 0
B Grade
Marong 14, 28, 39, 56, (56) d Inglewood 9, 17, 22, 26, (26). Pyramid Hill 10, 18, 23, 32, (32) lost to Newbridge 12, 20, 34, 44, (44). Maiden Gully 11, 17, 25, 32, (32) lost to Calivil 7, 18, 28, 37, (37). BL Serpentine 12, 18, 26, 31, (31) lost to Bridgewater 9, 19, 35, 48, (48). Bridgewater 36 Marong 32
Newbridge 28
Pyramid Hill 18
Maiden
4
Marong 10, 21, 30, 39, (39) lost to Inglewood 12, 18, 26, 42, (42). BL Serpentine 7, 15, 23, 27, (27) lost to Bridgewater 12, 24, 33, 46, (46). Maiden Gully 13, 21, 32, 44, (44) d Calivil 10, 21, 27, 38, (38). Pyramid Hill 13, 22, 32, 45, (45) lost to Newbridge 12, 25, 36, 49, (49). Bridgewater 36
Hill 28
Gully 28
24
16
12
12
Serpentine 4
0
Under 17
BL Serpentine 6, 10, 17, 18, (18) lost to Bridgewater 15, 32, 50, 68, (68). Marong 16, 26, 40, 61, (61) d Inglewood 5, 10, 12, 15, (15).
Maiden Gully 8, 23, 36, 47, (47) lost to Calivil 17, 32, 45, 57, (57). Pyramid Hill 8, 16, 21, 26, (26) d Newbridge 3, 7, 10, 13, (13). Bridgewater 32
28
Gully 24
Hill 16
Serpentine 16
8
4 Newbridge 0
Under 15
Maiden Gully 6, 13, 17, 24, (24) lost to Calivil 14, 32, 46, 64, (64). BL Serpentine 7, 15, 27, 35, (35) d Bridgewater 9, 17, 28, 34, (34). Marong 13, 27, 36, 46, (46) d Inglewood 2, 8, 16, 21, (21). Pyramid Hill 9, 16, 25, 38, (38) d Newbridge 6, 11, 15, 15, (15). . Calivil 36 Marong 32 BL Serpentine 28 Bridgewater 20 Pyramid Hill 14 Maiden Gully 14 Inglewood 12 Mitiamo 4 Newbridge 0
Under 13
Maiden Gully 10, 17, 22, 26, (26) lost to Calivil 9, 21, 28, 40, (40). Marong 9, 17, 25, 29, (29) d Inglewood 2, 3, 10, 14, (14). BL Serpentine 1, 3, 7, 8, (8) lost to Bridgewater 15, 25, 31, 40, (40). Pyramid Hill 1, 5, 6, 8, (8) lost to Newbridge 7, 20, 27, 37, (37).
Newbridge 36
Marong 28 Maiden Gully 24 Calivil 20 Pyramid Hill 16 Bridgewater 12 Inglewood 12 BL Serpentine 8 Mitiamo 4
NORTH CENTRAL
A Grade
Calder United 12, 26, 37, 43, (43) d Donald 8, 20, 31, 39, (39). Birchip Watchem 15, 32, 49, 67, (67) d Charlton 10, 22, 31, 43, (43). Wedderburn 18, 28, 40, 52, (52) d Sea Lake Nandaly 3, 15, 25, 34, (34). Boort (73) d St Arnaud (28).
B Grade
Calder United 9, 22, 36, 48, (48) d Donald 11, 20, 30, 41, (41). Birchip Watchem 14, 27, 37, 51, (51) d Charlton 5, 10, 19, 24, (24). Boort 13, 23, 40, 53, (53) d St Arnaud 11, 22, 34, 48, (48). Wedderburn 14, 34, 51, 70, (70) d Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 17, 24, 29, (29).
Wedderburn 32
Boort 28
Calder United 24
Birchip Watchem 20
Arnaud 12
6 Sea Lake Nandaly 6 Charlton 0 C Grade
Calder United 22, 37, 54, 70, (70) d Donald 1, 5, 8, 10, (10). Birchip Watchem 19, 41, 59, 85, (85) d Charlton 7, 14, 21, 27, (27). Boort 10, 31, 43, 59, (59) d St Arnaud 8, 17, 30, 40, (40). Wedderburn 13, 27, 39, 49, (49) d Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 17, 24, 35, (35). Calder United 28
Nandaly
Reserve
Boort 17, 36, 55, 81, (81) d St Arnaud 5, 8, 14, 15, (15). Wedderburn 2, 11, 18, 23, (23) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 25, 39, 61, 75, (75).
Sea Lake Nandaly 24
Boort 20
Calder United 12
Birchip Watchem 8 Wedderburn 4
St Arnaud 0 17 & Under
Boort 10, 20, 31, 39, (39) drew St Arnaud 5, 14, 27, 39, (39). Wedderburn 11, 20, 24, 26, (26) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 17, 34, 48, 67, (67). Calder United 25, 48, 66, 87, (87) d Donald 5, 10, 13, 17, (17). Birchip Watchem 15, 30, 40, 50, (50) d Charlton 11, 18, 26, 31, (31). Calder United 32
Birchip Watchem 24
Boort 22
Sea Lake Nandaly 20
St Arnaud 18
Charlton 4
Wedderburn 4 Donald 0 14 & Under A
Birchip Watchem 15, 24, 30, 30, (30) d Charlton 0, 0, 0, 0, (0). Wedderburn (21) d Sea Lake Nandaly (12). Calder United 3, 7, 11, 18, (18) lost to Donald 7, 14, 20, 23, (23). Boort 10, 17, 25, 34, (34) d
Sophie Cockerell chats with team mates after Wedderburn’s A Grade win on Saturday. LH PHOTO
11 - (2) - Ryder Smith - Inglewood NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS
64 - (6) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem
42 - (8) - Jack Exell - Calder United
38 - (3) - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort
23 - (2) - Max Cahoon - Sea Lake Nandaly
21 - (3) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem
20 - (1) - Kayne Rutley - Boort
20 - (0) - Lachy McClelland - Sea Lake Nandaly
20 - (4) - Mitch Jensen - Wedderburn RESERVES
23 - (5) - Zachary Wemyss - Sea Lake Nandaly
20 - (3) - Alex Cockerell - Boort
20 - (0) - Heath Senior - Calder United
20 - (6) - John Summerhayes - Sea Lake Nandaly
20 - (0) - Harry Weaver - Boort
Jye Mortlock ... four goals
THIS SATURDAY
LODDON VALLEY
Bridgewater v Maiden Gully
Pyramid Hill v Marong
Inglewood v Bears Lagoon Serpentine Calivil v Mitiamo Newbridge bye
NORTH CENTRAL
Sea Lake Nandaly v Calder United
Donald v Birchip Watchem Chalrton v Boort
St Arnaud v Wedderburn
League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au
BOORT had to overcome woeful kicking and relentless pressure from an energised St Arnaud to take the points in Saturday’s North Central football.
The Pies should have been hot favourites heading into the match after a stirring victory a week earlier against Wedderburn and all but securing a top four finish this season.
St Arnaud, still smarting from an early season loss against Charlton, had different ideas from the first bounce.
The Saints went deep immediately, only to see their efforts thwarted by defender Kieren Wilson in his 200th senior game for Boort.
Wilson’s turnover had the Pies heading towards the town end of Boort Park where they would end up kicking eight behinds in the opening term.
It took a mid-quarter goal from Harry Weaver in his first senior game, minutes after Tyson Rutley had passed to Jayden Dick 15 metres out, for the Pies to gain an edge.
Harrison Saunders. Sam Male and Owen Lowe were backing up the Saints’ bigger guns half forward Max Hungerford, defenders Bailey Durward and Mitch Birthisel who forced Boort into kicking errors although St Arnaud went to the first break without a score on the board.
A light breeze, worth no more than a goal, was used to advantage in the second term when St Arnaud kicked accurately, Hungerford had the early true kicks, responding to Barbopoulos who had Boort ticking over the scoreboard in the opening minutes.
Lachie Hall on a back flank, Tom Potter in the forward zone and Weaver were working the
midfield for Boort but unable to see their work reap rewards. Baddeley-Kelly and Peter Barbopoulos were roaming the ground with dogged conviction yet the Saints went to the main break trailing by six points.
Boort used the premiership quarter to reproduce some of the form it had shown the week earlier at Donaldson Park.
Baddeley-Kelly became more dominant and dangerous around goals - he would end the day with three majors - while James Keeble and Jarrod Fitzpatrick came into their own across the midfield. Weaver kept finding new form as the game evolved and would be
Endeavour lapse inflates scale of Tigers’ bite Pressure piles up on Pies
WEDDERBURN was unable to stage a second stunning comeback in a fortnight when Sea Lake Nandaly was allowed to run rampant in the final quarter at Donaldson Park on Saturday.
A 15-minute lapse in endeavour saw the Tigers pile on eight goals for the term, just two behinds short of doubling its score at the final break.
Wedderburn had stayed in touch with the reigning premiers for 75 minutes and trailed by 18 points and still a chance for another attempt at a steal.
The Redbacks showed their fighting capacity before the King’s Birthday break when falling agonisingly short against Boort.
Joe Lockhart and Isaac Holt across half-back and Jackson McEwen in the centre were feeding the ball well into the forward zone where, after the main break, Jye Mortlock had his eye in around goals. So too did Mitch Jensen who finished the game with four goals.
But it was the Tigers’ skipper Wade Donnan who cut the
Redbacks’ midfield to ribbons in those crucial minutes of the final term. He was backed up by the Tigers’ prize recruit Oscar Brownless in the centre and veteran Billy McInnes in defence - their pressure more like a blitz as goals flowed as freely as crucial free kicks in the forward zone.
Wedderburn had started the last stanza well with a goal from Hamish Lockhart. A series of errors, however, rattled the Redbacks before they dug deep to bring endeavour and system back to their game,
A late goal by Jensen, however, would be nullified on the scoreboard when Sea Lake Nandaly scored with a kick after the siren.
Wedderburn was again without coach Tom Metherell in the starting 21 on Saturday.
This Saturday, the Redbacks should be back on the winner’s list when they travel to Charlton. While with just three wins so far this season, Wedderburn retains a positive percentage, sitting in fifth spot on the ladder. Charlton has had two wins but has a percentage of just 23.45.
named in the club’s best, rotating well off the bench.
The power third term, however, was riddled with poor kicking by Boort. With 6.5 added to the scoreboard, the Pies rued too many missed chances to have a percentage boosting win.
The final term became a slog with both sides adding 2.3. Boort this week faces Charlton who managed just two scoring shots against Birchip Watchem on Saturday. An easy win on the cards but Boort will need to lift its disposal and goal accuracy and build four-quarter consistency to steel for matches against top sides.
Leagues backing emergency round
APPRECIATION for emergency services will be the focus of Loddon Valley and North Central league matches on June 28.
League boards have backed the idea of veteran umpire Michael Shay.
According to Shay, it will be a round to show appreciation for emergency service volunteers and staff who are also farmers “juggling two of the toughest and most vital roles in our communities”.
Redback
Tom Potter puts a halt to Bailey Durward at Boort Park. LH PHOTO
Mackenzie Smith finds his options against Sea Lake Nandaly. LH PHOTO
Jack’s Neylon the credentials
By ADAM BOURKE
BRIDGEWATER enhanced its Loddon Valley premiership credentials with an emphatic 56-point win over top-five rivals Bears Lagoon-Serpentine.
The Mean Machine demolished the Bears, 19.13 (127) to 10.11 (71), to move two games and 26 per cent clear in third place on the ladder.
To rub salt into Serpentine’s wounds, star forward Josh Mellington (five goals) left the ground in the third quarter with a hamstring injury and will potentially miss key games over the next month against fifth-placed Inglewood, second-placed Pyramid Hill and ladder-leader Marong.
While the Bears had very little to smile about, Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp was grinning from ear-to-ear after the big win.
“It was probably the best team performance we’ve had all year,’’ an elated Sharp said.
“We didn’t let up all day. We’ve had some lapses against the good sides where they’ve been able to kick five or six straight goals on us, but the pleasing thing about this win was that we were really gritty in the way we stuck at it even when Serpentine had some good patches.
“It was one of the better games we’ve played in terms of our physicality and competitiveness.”
Bridgewater could have put a major gap on the Bears inside the first 10 minutes of the game.
The wasteful visitors had 1.6 on the board before the Bears went inside forward 50 for the first time.
Serp’s midfielders worked their way into the game and the home
side started to give Mellington some opportunities to score.
After kicking one goal in the opening quarter, Mellington turned the game on its head with a three-goal burst in the second term to give his side the lead.
In a sign of things to come, Bridgewater responded to Serpentine’s challenge.
Key midfielder Jack Neylon set up a goal for Oliver Watt, before a Bears’ turnover opened the door for Oliver Muggleton to kick his only goal for the day.
A Tom Paterson goal cut the Mean Machine’s lead to just four points and it appeared as though there’d be little between the two teams going into half-time.
However, in the final two minutes of the second term the Bears conceded goals to Alex Powell and Bo Alexander.
Powell’s came on the back of a 50-metre penalty against Mellington, while Alexander’s set shot for goal came after the halftime siren.
The Bears did draw within 11 points midway through the third quarter, but yet again the Mean Machine stood up under pressure.
Half-back Darcy Wood, who impressed all game, intercepted a Bears’ thrust and worked the ball forward to his coach Sharp, who calmly kicked truly on the run.
Later in the quarter, Wood floated forward himself and slot-
ted a goal on the run from 40 metres.
The Bears kicked five of the final six goals of the third quarter and by the last change the margin was 34 points.
The Bears did kick the opening two goals of the final term to give their loyal home fans a spark, but that was extinguished by goals to Jack Symons and Neylon, who fittingly capped his best on ground performance with a major.
When the final siren sounded, the Mean Machine had kicked six unanswered goals to finish the game.
Alexander (four), Sharp (three) and Watt (three) kicked 10 of Bridgewater’s 19 goals.
Clash of the ominous: league’s top two meet in biggest game of season
THE stage is set for the biggest game of the home and away season when the top two teams clash in round 11 of Loddon Valley football action.
Undefeated reigning premier Marong and second-placed Pyramid Hill enter their clash this Saturday at Mitchell Park in ominous form.
Marong saw off the challenge of fifth-placed Inglewood thanks largely to a powerful second term last Saturday.
After an even first term, the Panthers broke the game open with a five-goal-to-one quarter and there was no way back for the Blues.
Inglewood never threw in the towel, but the Panthers always had their measure in the 14.9 (93) to 9.12 (66) scoreline.
Co-coach Kain Robins kicked four goals for the Panthers, while their defensive unit was superb in restricting Inglewood to nine goals.
Midfielders Lachlan Ford and
Bregon Cotchett were best for Inglewood.
Pyramid Hill put Newbridge to the sword with a 10-goal second quarter.
The Bulldogs added 10.1 to 1.4 in the second term to set up their commanding 23.12 (150) to 5.7 (37) win.
The Bulldogs’ midfield dominated around the ball and the chief benefactor of that dominance was key forward Ben Bisset.
Arguably the recruit of the year in the Loddon Valley, the former
Mt Pleasant centre half-forward kicked eight goals in a best on ground performance to take his season tally to 44, including 21 in the past three rounds.
Team-mate Kai Daniels, perhaps the number one challenger to the recruit of the year award, continued his great form with another eye-catching effort in the middle.
Ben Knight, Zach Alford (four goals) and Steve Gunther also played well for the second-placed Bulldogs.
Pyramid Hill’s only loss so far this season was a seven-goal defeat to Marong in round two.
William Copland, Ben McKinley, Caleb Sanders were best for Newbridge.
After four-straight losses by big margins of 101, 131, 84 and 113 points, the bye has come at a perfect time for Newbridge.
Maiden Gully needed a final term surge to see off Calivil United and keep its finals hopes alive.
The Eagles trailed the win-
CALLING in to see Pat and Theresa at the Bridgewater Bakery today with a special order. I’ll be after that rare savoury pie - the Humble Pie without sauce.
Yes, it’s time for The Oracle to eat some of it and admit that Bridgewater is clearly the third best side in Loddon Valley football at the moment. No doubt about it.
What they showed against Bears Lagoon Serpentine is a growing capacity to challenge league leaders Marong and Pyramid Hill. The Mean Machine’s opponent this Saturday is Maiden Gully, and again while there has been improvement, the Eagles will fall short by something like 36 points.
Inglewood gets a return crack at Bears Lagoon Serpentine. Should have won earlier in the season and although without a few through injury, Serpentine selectors are unlikely to have goal guru Mellington available again.
Expect a huge home crowd at Inglewood where these teams always draw the barrackers. Inglewood is playing better than at the start of the season and should win by around 10 points.
I’m sitting on the fence for the Calivil-Mitiamo match at Rodeo Park. Both sides have shown glimpses and Saturday will come down to the side that makes the least mistakes and can play somewhere near its best for the longer time. I’m tipping a draw. And finally, a bit like devouring a Bridgewater pie, I’ve kept the best till last.
less Demons by seven points at three quarter-time, but produced a four-goal-to-one last quarter to win 9.13 (67) to 8.6 (54).
Led by Josh Worsley, Mitch Whitham and Nathan Murley, the Eagles outgunned the Demons down the stretch.
It was the second game in a row that the rebuilding Demons had led a higher-ranked team at three quarter-time only to fall short in the last term.
Henry McCarthy, Sam Green and Jack Bombardieri battled hard for Calivil United.
Sixth-placed Maiden Gully is two points and 50 per cent behind Inglewood in the race for fifth spot on the ladder.
The Eagles are away to Bridgewater this Saturday, while Inglewood has the chance to claim its first top-five scalp when it hosts a Bears Lagoon Serpentine side that is low on confidence and won’t have the services of star full-forward Josh Mellington because of a hamstring injury.
Pyramid Hill at its Kennel against the undefeated Marong. These two have played some epics the last four seasons and Saturday will be no different. Will a loss damage Marong’s hopes of a fourth straight flag? No. Can Nathan Fitzpatrick’s Bulldogs do the job? Yes.
- GLENN CATTO
PREDICTIONS
GARY WALSH
Bridgewater v Maiden Gully
Pyramid Hill v Marong
Inglewood v BL Serpentine
Calivil v Mitiamo
Progressive: 34.5
GLENN CATTO
Bridgewater v Maiden Gully
Pyramid Hill v Marong
Inglewood v BL Serpentine
Calivil v Mitiamo
Progressive: 31.5
CHRIS EARL
Bridgewater v Maiden Gully
Pyramid Hill v Marong
Inglewood v BL Serpentine
Calivil v Mitiamo
Progressive: 31.5
Bridgewater’s Jack Neylon full of endeavour in a best-on-ground performance against the Bears. LH PHOTO
Lachlan Ford
Loddon HERALD sport
CARD SHUFFLE
Pressure on AFL to dig deeper than two leagues
AFL Victoria is under pressure for leadership on the future strategic structure of football in country Victoria.
Calls have intensified from deflated clubs after a “micro region” review last week recommended shutting the Golden Rivers in September.
Clubs now scrambling for new homes could be met with jumping performance and sustainability criteria if joining a proposed 17-team Central Murray league.
Adjoining leagues fear they will be left to watch a pack of cards fall to the ground and be forced to make quick decisions for the 2026 season.
At least two Golden Rivers clubs could move south into the Loddon Valley league that was not consulted during the AFL Central Victoria-sanctioned Northern Futures review.
Concerns about the lack of a longer-term and broader strategy for country Victoria have been dismissed by AFL Victoria community football manager John O’Donoghue.
Asked on Monday whether AFL Victoria had plans for more micro reviews or a statewide look at league structures, O’Donoghue said: “In short, the response to both is no.”
AFL Central Victoria regional council was to have met with leagues and clubs last night.
By CHRIS EARL
Loddon Valley chairman Richard Hicks, who had informal talks with Macorna early in the season, said no official approaches had been made by Golden Rivers clubs to join the current nine-team southern league.
“We can’t go chasing clubs ... we have to sit on our hands until they contact us before any wheels can be put in motion,” Hicks said.
“We are open to discussion with all clubs and we will be looking at whatever we can do to strengthen the Loddon Valley league.”
Macorna on Monday confirmed they would be taking the Loddon Valley option to club members within weeks.
Murrabit president Ross Stanton, who had earlier downplayed Loddon Valley as a future home, said it was now a possibility.
“If we try Central Murray, we will probably burn out in two or three years and be down on our knees,” Stanton said.
Stanton said he would rather see changes delayed until the end of 2026, giving time for clubs and leagues to explore all options.
He said Murrabit would struggle in Central Murray for player numbers where there were more football and netball grades contested.
“Everything has to be considered ... we also need to talk with the Picola league.”
Stanton and former Macorna president Jacob McIntosh said the review’s limited scope had missed an opportunity to properly investigate future structures.
“It would have been helpful if there had been some leadership from the (review) panel and AFL Victoria,” Stanton said.
“We wanted to see leadership that would have taken a longterm view.”
McIntosh said the Northern Rivers review could have had more depth.
He said Macorna would struggle to be viable in Central Murray and was learning towards Loddon Valley as its new home.
Wandella, that had been touted as a third Golden Rivers club likely to eye Loddon Valley, could make the jump to Central Murray. President Leigh Hollingworth said there had been
We are not alone, says probe chief
COUNTRY clubs had a message for Northern Futures review members: local problems should not be addressed in isolation.
Review chief Stuart King (pictured) said clubs had wanted a broader approach to mapping the future strategic direction of football.
King said: “The situation for Golden Rivers and Central Murray clubs is not unique.”
He said clubs heading into Central Murray league would need to field more junior football and netball sides.
“Clubs will need to be realistic about their players (already) doubling up in multiple grades,” King said.
The review has recommended clubs explore amalgamaion opportunities and expand-
no “earth-shattering recommendations in the review”.
“We need the next piece of the puzzle - Ultima applying to join Central Murray. Then that forces the hand.”
Hicks said: ”There are lots of things up in the air and no one knows where the cards will fall. We need a broader review to see how all clubs are tracking.”
“If you take out Auskick and women’s football (participation) stats, there’s a massive hole at grassroots. Let’s put all the cards in the air and see where they fall, being proactive instead of reactive,” he said.
Hicks believes there will be changes in the Loddon Valley league structure. “Most clubs
ing Central Murray “by accepting capable and competitive clubs from Golden Rivers and/ or other regions with minimum participation criteria applied to all clubs”.
King said: “These recommendations aim to preserve the spirit of local footy and netball while ensuring we’re building something viable and exciting for generations to come. The time has come where decisive action must be taken.”
Nullawil jumped from Golden Rivers to North Central in 2023 and merged with Wycheproof Narraport to form Calder United this season.
have three and five-year plans, so why not the rest of us?”
“To survive we have to expand. We’re sound in the short term but ...”
Hicks’ assessment comes as the Bendigo league continues talks with Loddon Valley club Maiden Gully.
President Carol McKinstry said: “We met with Maiden Gully six weeks ago ... there are no timelines, not sure if (admission) would be 2027 or further ahead but they are still on the radar.”
McKinstry said there were no hard and fast key performance indicators. “We are looking more at potential and aspirations of clubs looking to jump from a district league to a major league.”
