Loddon Herald 19 October 2023

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Loddon HERALD Vol 3 No 40, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023 ISSN 2653-1550

ENERGY MOVES Giant seeks terminal station approval

AUSNET wants to build a renewable energy transfer station on land approved for a 200MW solar farm almost four years ago.

The energy giant has told Campbells Forest landowners of the planning application that will be decided by the State Government.

Loddon Shire issued a planning permit for the solar farm in early 2020 but the Government has since called in future approvals on projects bigger than 150MW. Ausnet’s bid comes more than two years after South Energy had said it would start construction of the farm on Pyramid-Yarraberb Road.

A proposed solar farm at Derby was last November named after Sungrow Renewable Energy won a State Government auction under its Victorian Renewable Energy Target. Work was to start this year.

The Loddon’s first solar farm opened at Bridgewater in 2013.

However, transmission status of the operation is unknown with the phone number disconnected and Ceramet Solar’s website removed.

The Campbells Forest Solar Farm has entered into a commercial agreement to design and construct the station and the lines that will connect the station to the transmission network According to an AusNet spokesperson, the Campbells Forest planning application is to sub-divide land to develop a new terminal station.

“This new terminal station is

By CHRIS EARL required to connect the 200MW Campbells Forest Solar Farm to the National Electricity Market,” the spokesperson said. “The footprint of the sub-division area is 3.3 hectares.

“The Department of Transport and Planning asked AusNet to notify surrounding landholders of the application, which we did in mid-September.

“Landholders were advised in the letter to contact the AusNet representative if they wished to discuss the terminal station development.”

The spokesperson said construction of the terminal station to connect the Campbells Forest Solar Farm would be “determined in consultation with the developer to ensure it is operational in time to support the solar farm”.

South Energy told residents in December 2020 the project “is envisaged to commence construction in late 2021 and be fully operational by 2023”. However, the company’s website now says works were to have started last financial year and the solar farm operational by 2024-2025.

The Melbourne-based company had told residents: “South Energy is committed to providing support to the local community via benefit sharing programs that help address the region’s key social, economic and environmental needs. At this stage, there are no plans for community ownership, however, South Energy is committed to providing a community fund.”

South Energy was contacted for comment.

Grand show for all ages A LARGE crowd flocked to Boort Park on Saturday for the agricultural and pastoral society’s 135th annual show. Zoey Gooding and Lucy Lanyon were among youngsters to enjoy the day while for thrill-seekers there were carnival rides interspersed in the day’s activities with more than 130 big rigs in the truck show, a pavilion packed with art, flowers and cooking and displays of vintage tractors and cars, shearing and dog trials before a grand fireworks finale.

STORY, PHOTOS - PAGES 13-15

Pyramid Hill - Mincha District 2007 Mitiamo-Kerang Road Mincha Lifestyle Farm let (with one wheel) and 1.14 delivery share. Enormous potential to further capitalise the fertile soil of the Mincha district Comprising 48.43 Ha (119.67 Ac) set in 4 paddocks (currently cropped) with family home shearing shed and Hay shed.

House comprises - 3 Bedrooms (2 with BIRs), Kitchen/ Dining (all Elec cooking), large lounge room with Cathedral ceilings & freestanding wood heater, 3 piece Bathroom, Elevated veranda’s, 4 car carport, Evap Cooling, Shearing shed with attached yards (2 stand), Gal Iron shed 8m x 8m, workshop (with 2 water pumps), water by tank and large dam, House garden shed, Hay shed (needs some work). Excellent opportunity to acquire a sizeable house & land package. 25mins Kerang, 40mins Echuca, 72mins Bendigo. $520,000.00

FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

may have got their inspiration from the pumpkin and if you squint it even looks like a row boat, so it shouldn’t be too big of a stretch to turn one into a boat for a leisurely paddle down the Murray River.

Might even do some fishing at the same time!”

B B

RADLEY of Boort has spilled the beans on his big project, an adventure of a lifetime commenced this week when three humble but valuable pumpkin seeds selected for their genetic potential were sown. Turns out, in Bradley’s bid for size, the parent pumpkins of these seeds hold the giant pumpkin record for Tasmania weighing in at 731kg.

O

VER the next five months, following the lives of each of these seeds, Bradley will hopefully achieve the impossible. Their names are Peter Peter, Bippity Boppity Boo and Good Gourd.

H

E says: “It would be amazing if one of my babies can grow to beat the Australian giant pumpkin record of 867kg. But our main goal is to grow a pumpkin big enough to become a boat and paddle down the Murray River 103km from the Torrumbarry Weir to Barham setting a Guinness World Record for the longest distance paddled in a pumpkin,” said Bradley. “Throughout history the pumpkin has been used as a carriage successfully.

(Until midnight anyway) The inventor of the wheel

RADLEY says he has the co-ordination of a shopping trolley with three dodgy wheels “and I have never won any sporting awards. It would be fantastic to get a world record on my very first sporting attempt.” Well, here at OTF we’ll keep readers up to speed with this great pumpkin push.

S

PEAKING of pumpkins, it’s almost time to start creating jack o’lanterns ready for Halloween on October 31. The trick, we think, is to treat the vegetable peel with respect when carving out the flesh.

What’s that? A double pun in one sentence!

T

HE practice, apparently, of decorating jacko’-lanterns originated in Ireland, where large turnips served as early canvasses. In fact, the name, jack-o’-lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities.

L

EAVES the question? What will happen with the pumpkin flesh carved for jack-o-lanterns and Bradley’s canoe. Could be lots of soup packaged and stored in the freezer ready for those cold nights next winter.

THE annual Marian Festival was celebrated on Saturday at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pyramid Hill, when members of Filipino communities from across Victoria saw Felina Tonato Edwards in the role of 2023 queen of all queens at the festival mass. A dinner at Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall saw Felina crowned by last year’s queen of queens Maria Ranil Ceballos assisted by Marian Festival organiser Imelda Ross. Certificates for participants in the queen’s walk were presented by Fr Dean Bongat.

LH PHOTO

Finalist in Victorian press awards YOUR local Loddon Herald has been named a finalist in the 2023 Rural Press Club of Victoria media outlet of the year award.

The Loddon Herald is also a finalist in best sports photograph, best news story (print) and best news story (online) in the awards that attracted more than 350 entries from newspaper. radio and

television journalists and photographers from across Victoria and Tasmania.

It is the second year the Loddon Herald has been a finalist in media outlet of the year, taking out the coveted award in 2022.

Awards will be announced at a dinner celebrating rural media in Geelong next week.

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Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 3

Sky’s limit for back-to

THE first century of Bridgewater’s memorial hall will be celebrated on the ground and in the air this weekend.

Back-to celebrations, the first in the town for more than 50 years, will reconnect current and former residents over three days.

Barefoot bowls open celebrations tomorrow evening but activities literally take off on Saturday with history displays, the primary school’s 150th anniversary and an open day at Bridgewater Airport.

Matt and Priscilla Wernert will see their airport abuzz with vintage bi-planes that first flew the skies a century ago.

“We have planes flying in from interstate and one that’s making the trip from just 7km away,” said Matt.

Aerobatics and parachute jump displays are also on the day’s program.

Matt said model aero club members would return for their second major event at Bridgewater this year with displays during the day.

The weekend will also see the opening of a new business in Bridgewater.

Nursery owner Bianca Rothacker has spent the week putting final touches to a new indoor gift centre adjoining her garden centre in the historic old town garage.

Renovations of the memorial hall have been finished and will be unveiled at the centenary ball on Saturday night.

And back-to organiser Jill Hobbs said a large crowd was also expected at the recreation reserve on Sunday for the family day with traditional games and other activities. “We’ll be toasting and celebrating our community all weekend,” she said.

IN BRIEF Tunnel talks TALKS continue between Catalyst Metals and the State Government’s Earth Resources Regulation on plans for an exploration tunnel near Mitiamo. Catalyst’s annual report released this week said: “Catalyst achieved a significant milestone at the Four Eagles Gold Project in the December quarter with the lodging of a work plan application with the Victorian Government’s Earth Resources Regulation (ERR) for the construction of a 3.6km exploration tunnel. The exploration tunnel will provide better access for drilling and will allow Catalyst to explore Boyd’s Dam and Hayanmi more efficiently yearround. Catalyst continues to collaborate with the ERR to gain approval to develop the exploration access tunnel.”

Chicks’ event BRIDGEWATER’S Jayne Lawson and environmentalist, author and broadcaster, Tanya Ha will be speakers at the 11th Chicks in the Sticks at Serpentine this month. Jayne teaches at Inglewood Primary School and also works in the family vineyard. The theme of this year’s North Central Catchment Management Authority event is Life on the Loddon – showcasing the achievements of rural women working in ag and the environment.

Daniher’s drive

Priscilla and Matt Wernert with Walter are ready for Saturday’s fly-in as part of back-to celebrations. LH PHOTO

Farmers hope milk collections will be made LODDON dairy farmers are hoping two strikes will not see milk dumped at the local farmgates.

Transport Workers Union members at Saputo started 48 hours of stoppages and work bans on Tuesday with another 48-hour strike by 1400 United Workers Union dairy production workers at Saputo, Fonterra, Peters and Lactalis set to start yesterday.

Saputo has told farmers: “While SDA acknowledges the right of our workers to take industrial action, we are extremely disappointed the unions and their members have chosen stoppage activities that will directly

impact hard working dairy farmers in Victoria.

“In particular, if the TWU industrial action proceeds, you can expect there will be some impacts, including to certain work processes such as sampling collection.

“Our priority is ensuring we can collect and process every litre of milk possible, and we are working collaboratively with farmers and industry to ensure we have a home for your milk during the industrial action.”

Saputo said it remained committed to continuing negotiations in good faith to reach an agreement for our valued workers.

“Our intent is to resolve outstanding items with union representatives amicably and swiftly, while our teams are putting in place contingency measures to minimise the impacts to you,” according to a letter to farmers from the milk giant.”

All major milk companies have said they would try to avoid dumping of milk at farmgates.

Unions are pushing pay rises and increased conditions for members.

One Loddon farmer said while the industry was currently on a high, predictions were for a decline in demand next year.

THE annual regional Daniher Drive raising funds for MND research made a lunch pitstop in Bridgewater last Thursday. More than 220 people descended on the Bridgewater Hotel on the first day of the touring event. Overnight stops on the four-day tour were Swan Hill, Shepparton and Creswick.

Farm grants CITY of Greater Bendigo is launching its rural regeneration grants to help farmers and lifestyle property owners to implement best practice sustainable land management that benefits the farm, community and the environment.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

Welcoming the Piermont Group to Bendigo

McKean McGregor is privileged to be working with the Piermont Group to help bring a new standard of living to the downsizer and retiree market in Bendigo.

With three suburban residential sites to be transformed into vibrant new micro-communities through a range of contemporary, low maintenance, fully established, ‘turn-key’ homes, the McKean McGregor team are excited to find the perfect home for those looking to downsize.

Join us: Hear from the Piermont Group about their projects, why they chose Bendigo and how they plan to transform some of Bendigo’s favourite suburbs.

When: Wednesday 25th October at 6:00pm Where: Fortuna Villa Details: Drinks and nibbles provided RSVP: clientservices2@mckeanmcgregor.com.au or phone 03 5454 6600

Learn more & Register your interest: JAYDEN DONALDSON M: 0437 177 379 E: jayden@mckeanmcgregor.com.au

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 5

Frank’s final race at country heaven GREYHOUND racing legend Frank Carbone enjoyed almost 50 years breeding and educating dogs at his Inglewood property.

The successful trainer on Saturday watched from the sidelines as 49 years of accumulated equipment, tools and items often collected at clearing sales went under the auctioneer’s hammer.

Frank and wife Judy have sold their property and will soon head to Maiden Gully for retirement.

His journey to Inglewood came after attending greyhound racing at Olympic Park and Sandown.

“I was five when I came to Australia that was 1952 - from Sicily with my mum, sister and brother to join dad who came out earlier,” he said.

“We were living in Fitzroy and I used to go to greyhound races. I decided to buy one, then another as it goes, and then decided to move to the country.

“We looked around Ballarat at first and then this property came up at Inglewood.

We then put in facilities for the dogs.”

He trained winners of the Bendigo

Greyhound Cup and enjoyed plenty of success at Olympic Park with dogs “all good and bad as it goes”.

And his Inglewood property became a base for other owners wanting their dogs educated.

“There’s a big demand for educating greyhounds and I still get calls even though I have retired.”

As buyers wandered the aisles of goods layed out for sale on Saturday, Frank quipped: “I got a lot of these things at clearing sales myself.”

Among lots was a set of industrial scales that once used to weigh greyhounds.

An old truck purchased from Starr’s abattoirs, however, was not up for sale. It had already been sold with the property.

Frank had done some work for Starrs and bought the truck for storage. “There were a few leaks so I just put on a roof.

“It’s been good for us here and I’m sad not to be able to still be educating dogs,” Frank said.

Auctioneer James Nevins said there had been good interest in lots on Saturday, including several vintage tractors sold.

FREE

COMMUNIT Y

EVENT!!

George the Farmer LIVE at the

SERPENTINE REC RESERVE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Frank Carbone reflects on his retirment move. LH PHOTO

First low-reliability water share released THE Loddon system has been given a 19 per cent low-reliability water share by the Northern Victoria Resource Manager.

The first allocations for Loddon and Goulburn systems were announed on Monday.

Both systems already have 100 per cent high-reliability shares.

Resource Manager Mark Bailey: “Dry

conditions through August and September increased demand for water, creating space in the dams.

“Rainfall in early October has refilled many of the major storages.

“The additional resource, together with the use, meant there was water available to increase seasonal determinations,” Dr Bailey said.

! r Noe w e t s i Reg don Shir ly Lod ents on resid

Book reading, dance party, giveaways, music, meet George, coffee, food and “Get Ready!” kids activity presented by Red Cross

This event is for Loddon Shire Residents only. Registration required.

For more information, call Loddon Shire Council on (03) 5494 1200 and ask to speak to the Community Recovery Team

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

Catto continues family tradition

NEW Rheola Charity Carnival president Matt Catto wants to build on the success of this year’s 150th event.

Mr Catto was elected president on Sunday, succeeding Peter Mason who stepped down after 13 years and committee leader presiding on 10 Easter carnivals.

“Peter has given us wonderful leadership and helped keep the enthusiasm during COVID years when we were stuck waiting to run the 150th carnival,” he said.

A member of the committee since 1979, Mr Mason will continue as part of the organising team.

Mr Mason announced that this year’s carnival had returned a record $60,000 profit.

The committee will donate $20,000 to both Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Maryborough District Health Service Dunolly.

Rheola Hall and recreation reserve committees will be given $10,000 each.

Mr Catto follows a long line in his family who have been part of the charity carnival committee including his greatgrandfather who settled in the area 160 years ago, grandfather, father and uncles.

“We had a wonderful event this year and as the shire’s longest running event,

Matt Catto we want to have a base that can carry Rheola Charity Carnival through for another 150 years,” he said.

Sunday’s annual meeting also elected senior vice-president Glenn Catto, junior vice-president Mary-Anne Duke, secretary Deb Hancock and treasurer Lisa Goettler.

The committee will meet again next month to plan the 2024 event.

ST MARY’S Primary School Inglewood students are hitting the track every week training for next month’s Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough. The students in Years 4 to 6 have entered the human-powered vehicle event. Among sponsors of their Smingle Wood pedal car are Inglewood Community Bank and FP Nevins and Co. LH PHOTO

Sign of mount’s height correction NEW signs pointing to Mount Korong have the granite outcrop rising an extra 50 metres.

But after years of being 364 metres above sea level that all changed last month when Loddon Herald reader Bill Freeman spotting a a different sign when travelling the Calder Highway.

However Loddon Shire operations director Steve Phillips has come up with the answer: “When the sign was identified for replacement, a check of the height data

was carried out and it was found to be incorrect according to the Survey Marks Enquiry Service, a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website.

“This State Government website has Mount Korong listed as 423 meters Australian Height Datum.”

“Therefore, when council’s regular asset inspections revealed the Mount Korong sign needed to be replaced, new signage included the corrected height of Mount Korong at 423 metres altitude.”

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 7

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

Voice vote given big thumbs down in shire

AUSTRALIANS should not be distinguished by their heritage, Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said after rejection of the Federal Government’s Voice referendum, at the weekend.

The move to recognise indigenous Australians in the Constitution was supported by less than 40 per cent of voters.

In the Mallee electorate, official Australian Electoral Commission figures updated on Tuesday showed 79.19 per cent voted against the proposal.

In Loddon booths, the strongest “no” votes were 88 per cent at Dingee and 86 per cent at Calivil with Bridgewater, Boort and Pyramid Hill also 80 per cent or more.

The lowest vote against the Voice was 72 per cent in Serpentine and Tarnagulla.

No informal votes were recorded at Bridgewater, Calivil and Serpentine.

Mr Walsh, who is also the Nationals’ Victorian leader, said Saturday’s result emphasised his party’s call for unity in Victoria.

“We’re all Australians, no matter our heritage,” Mr Walsh said.

“Now, Victorians and the nation have spoken, it’s time for Labor governments to focus on real issues and solutions.

“Let’s close the gap in life outcomes which deny so many Indigenous people the dignity and equality of opportunity they

HOW YOU VOTED Booth Bealiba Pre-poll Bendigo Boort Bridgewater Calivil Charlton Dingee Dunolly Inglewood Newbridge Pyramid Hill Quambatook Serpentine Tarnagulla Wedderburn

Yes 27 88 110 53 19 128 20 130 134 50 72 29 40 40 160

deserve. Our communities also need action on the cost of living, housing, road safety, and equal education opportunities.

“With the divisive referendum behind us, the real work begins now.”

Mallee MP Anne Webster said: “Australia has spoken. Thank you one and all for your participation.

Our democracy is so incredible, we can justifiably trust that we get it right.

No 103 235 462 209 117 496 143 359 465 184 312 124 116 120 556

Inf 1 1 6 0 0 5 1 2 1 2 5 1 0 1 4

Total 131 324 578 262 136 629 164 491 600 236 389 154 156 161 720

Frank Cooper, Neville Mills and Julie Mills encourage “no” votes. LH PHOTO

“This is not the end of the road to close the gap. On the contrary together we will work toward better outcomes for those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable regardless of their race,” Dr Webster said.

Voter turnout in Mallee was 82.80 per cent of the enrolment, - 100,785 voters compared with 108,342 at the federal election in May last year.

- CHRIS EARL

“Yes” campaigners Jill Millie and Ruth Nielsson. LH PHOTO

Passionate advocates were outside booths FRANK Cooper and Neville Mills were calling the local referendum result early on Saturday.

The pair was among volunteers handing out referendum information leaflets as voters entered the Wedderburn polling booth “There’s no way this will get up,” said Neville with Frank tipping local figures to be at least 80 per cent against the Voice question. Wedderburn’s final result was 77.5 per cent in the “no” camp.

Jill Millie and Ruth Nielsson were their friendly adversaries backing the “yes” campaign.

The day had extra significance for Jill who marked her 80th birthday with a cake decorated in the yes campaign logo.

“I just want Aborigines to be recognised in the Constitution,” she said.

Some Loddon booths were without “yes” campaign promotional material on Saturday while many saw volunteers from both camps leave information material in boxes or under bricks after most local people had voted by mid-afternoon.

Queues had been reported at Bridgewater and Inglewood when booths opened at 8am but the flow of voters was reduced to a trickle in the final hours of voting.

Principal Lex Johnstone and Steph Guy cook up bacon and eggs for Inglewood Primary School’s democracy barbecue on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Summer fire season preparations ramp up FIREFIGHTERS across the Loddon are receiving final briefings before the summer season where the risk of grassfires could be high.

Fire services forming regional incident management teams met in Bendigo last week and CFA group brigades were briefed in Boort on Tuesday night.

CFA Loddon Mallee regional commander Bill Johnstone said while he expected a “normal season” brigades were preparing for an earlier start after recent fires in eastern Victoria.

He said there was concern for summer grassfires but “less concern about forests”.

“We are on track for a nornmal season .... a few hot days can speed up curing,” Mr Johnstone said.

Forest Fire Management Victoria deputy chief fire officer Scott Falconer said drier conditions would lead to a more active fire season.

Mr Falconer said FFMV was working to its strategy on fuel reduction burns when “safe to do so” with a focus on protection of assets close to towns.

He said there were not fuel reduction targets but “we are definitely meeting our strategy goals”.

Fire restrictions will come into force in Gannawarra Shire from November 6. No announcement has been made for the Loddon Shire.

Several shires in Gippsland have had restrictions since early October.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the predicted El Niño weather pattern meant Victorians could expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a bushfire survival plan.

“While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks,” he said.

“We are asking anyone burning off in the next two weeks before the official fire danger period begins to be very careful.

“Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app.”

Meanwhile, the CFA’s annual Bushfire Community Survey showed 30.9 per cent would wait for emergency authorities to tell them what to do, 28.6 per cent would

Alpine camp beckons SIX Wedderburn College students are attending the Alpine Student Leadership school located on the great Alpine Road at Dinner Plain.

The immersive state-wide residential program for Year 9 Government school students aims to enables students to grow into better citizens and leaders through increased self-awareness, social engagement, community connection and environmental stewardship.

Wedderburn College has also been granted five places for 2024 at the Don Valley campus in term one.

Campaign toolkit released WOMEN’S Health Loddon Mallee is encouraging people to get behind this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign from November 25.

The regional group has released its 16 Days Toolkit.

“Respect is the building block of healthy attitudes, relationships and communities.

By promoting respect, we can work toward preventing violence against women before it starts,” says CEO Tricia Currie, “Violence against women and girls in our region is prevalent, but it is preventable.”

stay until they felt threatened and 13.8 per cent would stay and defend their property.

Mr Heffernan said it’s concerning knowing around half of all Victorians in highrisk bushfire areas are risking their lives if a bushfire was to occur.

“Victoria has had quieter fire seasons the last few years but now is not the time for the community to become complacent,” he said.

“And while our firefighters are always well prepared and your safety during fire season is a shared responsibility, so it’s vital that you understand your local risks and take actions to prepare your family.”

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 9

Bill Johnstone and Scott Falconer prepare for briefings. LH PHOTOS

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

historic Students give mental health lead Peter’s birthday drive STUDENTS walked 2km around the grounds of East Loddon P12 College on Friday raising mental health awareness.

The walk was the idea of four students who attended the School for Student Leadership earlier this year - Emily Sinclair, Keira Tuohey, Will Hunt and Riley Wagner.

Walk for Mental Health became their community service project.

The students arranged for Let’s Chat Mental Health Awareness founder Bryan Coghlan to speak before the walk.

He spoke at a school assembly on little steps Students could take to promote their mental health.

Bryan asked the school com-

Will, Riley, Cogho and Emily at last week’s awareness walk. munity to encourage and be open to having the conversation about mental health and develop strategies to help “yourself and

others through the challenges of life”.

The student leaders provided prompts throughout the walk

which encouraged useful questions to raise in conversation along the 2km path.

Senior sub-school leader Sarah Krahe said: “It truly was a magical sight to see, with hundreds of students, staff and community members walking the track talking, listening and interacting with each other. A great way to spend our assembly time and recess.”

The focus of School for Student Leadership is to promote leadership skills and initiative.

Principal Steve Leed said the four had returned from the course with thoughtful ideas to involve the school community in their Walk for Mental Health, developing the community project while participating in the program.

Better roads promised

BETTER regional roads have been promised by the State Government.

The first phase of a 10-year, $6.6 billion maintenance strategy “will be patching and repairing damage, before future-proofing our roads to make sure they last”, the Government said.

According to the Department of Transport and Planning, local works will include multiple locations on the Calder Highway, Bridgewater-Maldon Road and Boort-Kerang Road.

The spokesperson said: “Drivers travelling on the Loddon Val-

ley Highway can also soon look forward to a smoother and more reliable journey with works to rebuild a key section underway as part of the Victorian Government’s road maintenance program.”

Crews are rebuilding a 1km section of the Loddon Valley Highway, south of Kerang, between Appin South Road and Marcorna Road in Appin South.

“With access to more technology and more data than ever before, our experts have put together a program of works that will deliver works where they’re

needed most, including some of the Loddon Shire’s busiest and most productive trade and travel routes,” they said.

Works will be programmed through to June 2024, according to the Government.

The State Government has been criticised for not allocating enough funds to maintain roads in the region, some already in poor condition before last October’s flood emergency.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation called for extra funds after the Commonwealth Games were cancelled. “Our country roads are

the lifelines of regional Victoria, supporting the backbone of our regional economy. Redirecting (Games’) funds to fixing these roads would have made sense and would have delivered a benefit to every regional Victorian,” said president Emma Germano said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is still to complete its 90-day review into Australia’s infrastructure pipeline announced more than five months ago.

Among projects caught up in the review are passing lanes on the Calder Highway at Derby.

PETER Norman marked his 80th birthday last week being driven around Wedderburn in the rare 1918 Day Elder truck he helped restore.

Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Club member Murray Keller organised Peter’s ride in the truck he had donated to the society after being found in a district farm paddock.

“We wondered how many years it had been since the truck was driven down the main street,” Peter said.

Murray believes it was 80 years, making Peter’s journey more special.

“It was perhaps a day Peter thought would never happen but now the truck has been restored, there was no more fitting time than to take Peter for a drive on his 80th birthday,” Murray said.

Peter Norman

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 11

PYRAMID HILL

VNI WEST TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT

Corridor news came hours before release

GLENLOTH East couple Tim McGrath and Claire Grant had just hours’ notice their property was in the VNI West corridor before Transmission Company released the 2km wide path.

Their new home, expected to be finished by Christmas, now sits in the middle of the controversial route.

“We were told on the morning of the corridor release but not what paddocks,” said Claire.

“Our neighbours had their paddocks identified six weeks before. We’re not impressed.

“We need the people making decisions to come back and talk to us.”

Tim is a fifth generation farmer in the district growing cereals and hay at their property straddling Loddon, Buloke and Gannawarra Shires.

They are now seeking advice after Claire was told at last Thursday’s TCV information session that there were limitations on adjusting the refined corridor running between Bulgana, near Stawell, and Kerang.

TCV Victorian project manager Sam Magee did confirm in Boort that the previous $2000 cap for legal fee reimbursement had been removed.

Instead, Mr Magee said landholders would be reimbursed for reasonable legal costs as TCV pushed ahead with plans for the 500kW renewable energy transmission line.

Mr Magee was questioned on landholder, neighbour and community compensation for the project that he said had an “adequate budget” of $1.74 billion despite compensation packages not being finalised.

But Charlton’s Glenda Watts said: “We have been told what we have to do. We don’t have to accept it ... there’s no way compensation can buy mental health”.

Boort Tourism and Development president Sophia Herrington told the meeting that VNI West would impact the town and there had been no discussion on community compensation.

TCV representatives, including Mr Magee said there were no details around community compensation and that would be a matter for the Government.

They said environmental effect studies would assess community impacts.

Leaghur farmer Tyler Nelson said it did not make business sense to have a project budget without building in compensation packages.

“You don’t care about the cost because we are going to pay for it,” he said.

During the two-hour session TCV was

accused of using the meeting to put out propaganda and releasing misleading information to landholders in the corridor.

Ken Pattison said one pamphlet had a transmission tower only the size of existing structures on the 220kW line between Bendigo and Kerang.

VNI West towers will be up to 72 metres high. Mr Pattison said: “This (document) is a totally misleading piece of information.”

TCV was criticised for its failure to contact the owners of all 540 properties caught in the corridor.

Mr Magee said: “We did try very hard to make contact ... title searches, ASIC ... we couldn’t get to everyone in advance”.

The Boort information session saw TCV representatives outline timelines for the environmental effects study and further refinement of the corridor.

A spokesman said on Tuesday: “Conver-

sations with all landholders in the corridor are ongoing and will continue, as the process to refine the route for transmission continues.

“VicGrid is developing guidance to set clear expectations for managing impacts on neighbouring landholders that are ‘significantly impacted’ by nearby transmission projects, which the project will comply with.”

They also said consultation with traditional owner groups was now essential to improve TCV’s understanding of the cultural significance of the country within the area of interest and identify specific areas of cultural significance where impacts should be avoided or mitigated.

“The engagement will also consider how VNI West may be able to provide positive outcomes and opportunities for traditional owner groups.”

ATTEMPTS by Transmission Company Victoria’s community information session facilitator to give a welcome to country were shouted down at Boort last Thursday.

Some among the more than 60 people in Boort Memorial Hall called out that there were more important matters to discuss.

The rowdy start, however, was in contrast to St Arnaud the previous night when tensions allegedly boiled over and TCV abandoned the community information session.

Security was also greater at Boort compared with the first information session in June. Last week, there was a security presence at the front and rear of the hall

in contrast to just one person earlier in the year.

TCV and Transgrid had more than 26 people at the Boort session, half on the panel taking questions from landowners and district residents.

A TCV spokesperson said: “Our planned meeting at St Arnaud last week was unfortunately abandoned on advice from the Victoria Police due to protesters’ intimidating and violent behaviour.

“Our priority is the safety of the community and our staff and when the police advised us not to go ahead with the event, we had to listen. This is unfair for the families that attended, wanting to ask questions on the critical infrastructure project,” the spokesperson said.

“While it was disappointing that we were unable to proceed with the St Arnaud session, TCV held public meetings in Charlton and Boort on Tuesday and Thursday. These were attended by more than 160 people in total and provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions across a range of issues. The discussion was robust but respectful, and we thank all those who took part.”

The accommodation bill for staff attending the Boort session has been estimated at $4000.

However. TCV would not confirm were staff stayed. “For the safety of our team, TCV do not share personal travel plans publicly,” the spokesperson said.

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Claire, Tim and Ella, nine weeks, in Boort last week. LH PHOTO

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12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

WHOLE LODDON LOVE - THE FINAL SHOW

Brian Rollins, Nicole and Jeremy Cox, Trish Rollins, Ainsley and Phil McPherson

Maggie Rigby

Musos rock the river

THE five-town touring music show Whole Loddon Love wrapped up at the weekend.

Saturday’s performance at the Bridgewater Hotel marked the first anniversary of last October’s floods that hit the town.

The State Government-funded Whole Loddon Love tour thatstarted in Pyramid Hill and also played at Boort and Newbridge before finishing in Baringhup on Sunday was a flood recovery initiative for local communities.

Event producer Fionna Allan said: “Putting together and being at these shows has been the

greatest fun, and I’ve met some truly wonderful and committed members of the various Loddon communities along the way.

“So many people grasped the idea of Whole Loddon Love with real passion”, she said “And the bands had a brilliant time visiting towns and playing at pubs they’d not been to before.”

Maggie Rigby, who opened the show at the Bridgewater Hotel and recently returned from a UK tour said: “This is truly one of the nicest views I’ve had from a stage in a long time!”

Myra and Layla Cox. LH PHOTOS

A year ago her stage in the outdoor dining area of the Bridgewater Hotel was under water when the Loddon River reach a height just below the record of the 2011 floods and put the main street and businesses under water.

Maggie is part of much-loved Australian folk group The Maes, who also played in Baringhup on the weekend. “It is such a privilege to play for you,” she said.

Fionna said 500 people attended the four shows in the Loddon Shire, and many of the artists were keen to return.

Mildura’s Roger and Win Moser

Diane Andrew and Adelaide KIng enjoy the night’s music.

Wade Roberts, Daniel King and Marj Tattersall

Brendan Slattery and Linda Watson

www.idhs.vic.gov.au Ph: (03) 5431 7000 Email: admin@idhs.vic.gov.au

The Railway Hotel BOORT

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 13

2023 BOORT SHOW

Packed with passion and achievement

THE 2023 Boort Show has been hailed a success for community passion and spirit.

Crowds began arriving early at the agricultural and pastoral society’s 135th show on Saturday.

Horse events and shearing were among the first action to attract the crowd who also spent hours wandering and admiring more than 130 trucks entered in this year’s Boort Truck Show.

The new “street style” display of big road rigs made for better ease of viewing.

People quickly darted to the pavilion when doors opened after stewards had finished placing prize ribbons and cards beside successful entries in cooking, art, handicraft and produce events.

New show joint secretary Sharon Pickering said: “What we see in this pavilion today is the community at work with its skills.”

The pavilion overflowed this year to accommodate the increase in entries.

Flower sections were also strongly supported with Kim Potter taking out prizes for best bearded irises that grew from rhizomes dug up by champion Merino and iris breeder Robert Harding.

Kim said every time the family bought a ram from the Nhill sheep breeder, he added an iris bulb to be planted back at their Boort farm.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub officially opened the show, saying the event provided a special time for families.

Agricultural and pastoral society president Madeleine Scott said preparing for the shown had again been a real community

By CHRIS EARL

effort. “The school has helped with setting up, we have had so many volunteers and the stewards have been wonderful to have everything ready for the many events,” she said.

Madeleine also paid thanks to agricultural and pastoral society stalwarts Marj Potter and Ken and Isobel Loader.

“Their help and knowledge is incredible,” she said.

But even the best plans can go awry.

Boort District School leadership program students had planned to run yabby races as part of the day’s entertainment.

They moved to plan B when last week’s cold weather hampered efforts to entice enough yabbies to the surface. The students instead ran games for youngsters at the show.

The Melbourne Cup trophy on tour at the show had queues for several hours as Loddon residents and visitors from across northern and central Victoria clambered for a look at the famous horse racing prize.

And in a touch of the Melbourne Cup carnival, Cohuna school geography and history teacher Raewyn Smith took out Fashions on the Field.

The expat Kiwi who moved to Cohuna two years ago finished the day with a winning trifecta - daughter Scarlett won the the 9-12 years section and son Carlos the prize for best dressed boy aged 3-5.

The show ended in spectacular fashion with a fireworks display lighting the night sky.

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Durham Ox’s Darcy Tomamichel won the prize for best original condition pre-1973 in the vintage machinery, tractors and cars section at Saturday’s Boort Show. Darcy had four Lanz tractors from 1937, 1938, 1950 and 1951 on display. The grain and fertiliser transport owner says collecting the German-made tractors is his hobby away from work. LH PHOTO

NEXT WEEK: ALL RESULTS FROM THE 2023 SHOW

*Source: Roy Morgan Single Source Australia, March 2022. All loans are subject to the bank’s normal lending criteria. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Please consider your situation and read the Terms and Conditions, available online at www.bendigobank.com.au or upon request from any Bendigo Bank branch, before making a decision. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL 237879 (1676698-1734981) (05/22) OUT_25647616, 11/09/2022

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 15

2023 BOORT SHOW IN PICTURES

Pavilion stewards Karen Rothacker and Gayle Smith put winning quilts on display.

Boort’s Erin Blair, Chase Hird and Cooper Gould check out the showbag delights.

Eden Maddison, of Echuca, competes in the horse events.

Sonya Carter gives a final polish to one of 134 trucks on show.

LH PHOTOS

Sandra Poyner with her successful ‘no flowers’ entry.

Top fashions: Carlos (3-5 years boys), Raewyn (open) and Scarlett Smith (9-12)

6-18 months winner Charli Henderson with mum Sheree.

3-5 years winner Arya Brooks with Raeven Watson.

19-36 months winner Harry Wall and Alison Dean.

Boort’s Sienna Adams was judged winner of the 6-8 years section.

Mia Underwood was awarded the 13-17 years title.

The Rankin family from Torrumbarry enjoy the show attractions.

Boort Fire Brigade captain Kel Mayberry and son Zac.

16 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

MELBOURNE CUP COMES TO TOWN

Tanya Maher Toose and Lauren Straub at the cup function. LH PHOTOS

Residents asked for views on town future

Carmel Allison and Sophia Herrtington

Hands on greatest trophy THE GLISTENING gold of the Melbourne Cup landed in Boort last Friday.

Heading into the home straight of its international tour before the thoroughbred racing cup is run next month, Boort was the 36th of 41 destinations on the 2023 tour.

The cup’s arrival in the Loddon Shire was marked with a cocktail party for representatives of Boort and district organisations where guest speaker was 1992 cup winning jockey Greg Mills.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said the shire had applied to host a leg

Mayor Dan Straub was presented with a replica of the Melbourne Cup.

of the cup’s tour as a flood recovery event tied to the first anniversary of last October’s emergency that he said had impacted towns and communities and left a $100 million bill for the local agriculture sector.

Cr Straub said Loddon’s submission by shire flood recovery officer Mal Brown had told the local story of the floods.

“The cup’s visit is a unique way to bring our community together ... an opportunity to help us rebuilds,” he said.

“And the tour including Boort and the Loddon Shire is also a recognition of the culture and spirit of our communities.”

Loddon Shire is a designated cup stopover where local communities go into a special sweep.

Cr Straub said the nominated charity for Loddon, if its horse won, would be the Rural Flying Doctor Service.

The 2023 Melbourne Cup was on display at Saturday’s annual Boort Show where people had their photographs taken with the impressive trophy.

And while the running of this year’s cup is stlll a fortnight away, Victoria Racing Club officials organising the tour said the 2024 cup would arrive at its Flemington headquarters next week.

A COMMUNITY survey has been distributed in Korong Vale as the town gets to work on a new community plan.

Surveys are to be returned by the end of October with responses presented at a community meeting on November 11.

Community planning group secretary Rhonda McTaggart said: “A vital part of the next 10-year community plan for Korong Vale is to hear the voices of as many local folk as possible to help guide further development in Korong Vale and the surrounding district.”

She said the local community planning committee was pleased to be able to work on such an important and exciting project.

The survey was also available online and printed copies could be collected and returned to local businesses ahead of the deadline, Rhonda said.

School upgrade tender to be called

Members of Boort Amity

Boort Golf Club members with the “big cup”

THE $12.9 million upgrade of Wedderburn College is expected to go to tender this month after completion of final design drawings.

Principal Danny Forrest said the secondary school toilets would be demolished in the new year to make way for a new science building and secondary toilet block.

“Major renovations will also occur in the secondary art and food technology classrooms, Korong Leisure Centre and an additional student outdoor space beside the canteen,” he said.

“There will also be major landscaping throughout the school that includes improvements to ‘all abilities access’ ramps from the school front gate to the top school oval. Works will be due to commence in 2024.”

The State Government announced funding for the upgrade in its 2022 Budget.

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 17

IN OUR COMMUNITIES A chance meeting reconnects friends A CHANCE meeting in Pyramid Hill’s Kelly Street has seen Terry Wood and Sue Radieslav reconnect after 35 years.

Sue had lived in Pyramid Hill and stopped in town earlier this year, bumped into Terry asking if he knew Mary Wood. “That was my mother,” he replied.

Sue returned to town last week and continued the reconnection with the Wood family.

MORE than $5000 was raised for the Breast Cancer Foundation when Boort Amity Club held its annual Girls Night In. Club members are pictured between organising raffles, auctions and entertainment at the well-attended event held at Boort Park.

Sue and Terry last week. LH PHOTO

CFA commander presents life memberships

Rheola Fire Brigade volunteers have their service recognised.

RHEOLA Fire Brigade last week awarded CFA life membership to seven members with more than 300 years of service.

CFA commander Loddon catchment Bryan Suckling made presentations of the highest award and service medals and certificates.

Life memberships were granted to Brian Cain, Lindsay Soulsby, James Poynton, Philip Vernon, Mark Gilmore, Peter Mason and Peter Leach.

Medal recipients - 60 years: Alan Bellenger. 55 years: Ken

Leach, Brian Cain. 50 years: Lindsay Soulsby. 45 years; James Poynton, Greg Mack.

40 years: Peter Mason, Shane Brennan, Peter Leach, Craig Bellenger, Philip Vernon, Philip Adam.

35 years: Matt Catto, Glynis Cain, Greg Arnold, Geoff Graham. 30 years: Donald Coe, Ian Hargreaves, Ellan Roberts, John Leach, Mark Gilmore, Ann Leach.

25 years: Deborah Vernon, Margaret Coe, Tony Soulsby, Mark Soulsby, Dale McCoy, Tony Bellenger.

20 years: Dale Soulsby, Tom Vernon. 15 years: Rick Gale, Lyn Gale, Natalie Soulsby. 10 years: Sandy Keith, Maree Marsh, Angela Donaldson.

Five-year certificates: Igor Grattan, Stacey McCoy, Andrew Smith, Nicole Smith, Sarah Soulsby, Val Florance.

Mr Suckling was assisted with presentations by brigade captain Philip Vernon and new secretary Zandra Grattan-Lynch.

Membership is strong for Rheola brigade where there is also a junior brigade.

New drumMUSTER cages at Boort Landfill The DrumMUSTER program is industry-funded by participating companies and allows for the recycling of chemical drums. By removing chemical drums from our landfills, we dramatically decrease the landfill wastage and extend the life of Loddon Shire Council’s waste management facilities.

John Knight from drumMUSTER was successful with getting Agsafe to supply new drumMUSTER cages for Boort Landfill at no cost to the Council.

Some statistics regarding Loddon Shire and its involvement in the drumMUSTER Program:  Loddon Shire Council joined the drumMUSTER Program in September 1999. (The program only started May 1999, so Loddon was one of the first councils to join)  Council has collected 376,014 drums since September 1999 within the whole of the Loddon Shire, across six sites.  About 3820 people have delivered their drums to one of the six.Council-operated drumMUSTER cages.

To view Council’s waste facility timetable and fees visit the Council website.

To find out more about the drumMUSTER program visit www.drummuster.org.au

Annual Report of Council Council has prepared the Annual Report including Financial and Performance Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023.

A meeting will be held to discuss the Annual Report at 3pm on 24 October 2023 at the Wedderburn Council Chambers.

COUNCIL OFFICE T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003 Cr Dan Straub Mayor Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

CONTACT COUNCIL

41 High Street Wedderburn 3518

18 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

Clearing Sale – Woomelang Farm Plant & Machinery Thursday 2nd November, 10.30am

SHEEP AND LAMBS

A/c M J Michael (property sold), unreserved Farm Machinery: Allis Chalmers Gleaner R50 auto header c/w finger reel, 30ft front, new motor; Allis Chalmers 4W-305 PTO tractor; Massey 65 tractor c/w & PTO; White Field Boss 2-155 PTO tractor (needs rebuild); White 8700 auto header,6 cyl Perkins, c/w pea front; Goldacres 80ft trailing boom; 5000ltr mobile tank suit Goldacres boom; Connor Shea Wideline seeder 28ft converted 10in direct drill spacings; Shearer 40ft field span; Shearer 60ft hyd folding harrows; Connor Shea 24 plate disc plough; Nobili 15ft mulcher; 6T grouper; fire harrows; 30ft comb trailer; 2 x 25 tyne Shearer scarifiers.

Grain Storage & Handling: Jaeschke 330 bag filed bin; Sherwell 280 bag field bin; Sherwell 240 bag field bin; 10in x 33ft PTO auger;Jetstream 7in x 32ft auger, Honda motor; 2 x 55T Sherwell silos. Sheep Handling: Robley Hydra-Speed 240V hyd woolpress; Major 10ft c 5ft bogie stock trailer & crate; Paton sheep feeder; 2 x Advantage sheep feeders; 5 x 33ft w/strap; Gamble all-electric 8AMP incubator.

Sundry Farm Equipment: 8ft 3-way hyd FE loader & attachments to suit Inter or Fordson; 300gall Mobile 12v fuel cart; hyd portable power pack; 3PL hay forks; 3PL front end bucket; 3PL carryall; 3PL rabbit ripper; 3PL 8ft cultivator; front wheel weights; asst 5ft finger harrows; 4 x 26ft boom trusses (hvy); Silvan 500gall poly water trank; 200ltr mobile spot sprayer c/w 7ft boom; mouse bait spreader; steel gantry; 2 x Olympic 30x5x32 header tyres & rims; 2 x Firestone 20x8x38 tractor tyres; 2 x Goodrich 18x4x34 tractor tyres; asst lengths railway line, 1in steel rod, gal pipe, timber; steel gates; corr iron, new & used.

Motor Vehicles & Collectibles: 2011 Toyota Landcruiser steel tray; Mercedes Benz 300D sedan (unreg); Inter C1800 truck; Ford F600 V* truck (spares); MM Twin City tractor; A7 & AW54 Inter tractors (spares); McKay 7ft disc seeder GS-26; 2 x 12ft Sunshine gates.

Directions: 4133 Sunraysia Highway, Woomelang; 7km south of Woomelang on SunraysiaHighway, 5km west of Watchupga on Sunraysia Highway.

Conditions of sale: strictly cash/cheque/EFTPOS on day of sale; buyer registration system will operate, ID required; GST will apply.

BBQ luncheon available catered by Woomelang Lions Club.

Sale details & photos may be viewed at www.eldersrural.com.au Vendor: Max Michael 0427 812 272 or Alistair 0434 786 970 Agent: Shane McLoughlan 0418 844 533 Elders Wycheproof 03 5493 6400

NUMBERS rolled back to 15,910 lambs and 4600 sheep at Bendigo on Monday, with overall supply down more than 10,000 head on a week ago.

The lamb market showed the most spark seen at Bendigo for some time, with buyers showing more urgency for a few numbers.

Most lamb categories lifted $5 to $10/ head with some tradeweight pens up to $15 better than last Monday.

There was also a step-up in processor support for light and MK style lambs which boosted rates across the lighter weight categories.

However prices for mutton went backwards again amid subdued bidding from buyers.

There wasn’t a lot of weight or finish in the young lamb run, with lambs above 28kg cwt scarce. A lot of the unshorn lambs showed signs of going dry and at times didn’t show a lot of fat cover.

The heaviest suckers sold to $165 on a weight of 31kg cwt, and there was only three pens over $160 and a further 10 pens over $150/head.

The main run of heavy young lambs, 2630kg cwt, $136 to $158 to average $148; the heavy trades, 24-26kg, $138 to $148; and the 22-24kg trades $110 to $138 to average $127/head. These runs of lambs were estimated between 520c to 550c/kg cwt.

Most reasonable light lambs sold from $55 to $100, with only limited pens of very small types under $40 today. Some restockers wanting light lambs were pushed out by processors.

A specialist Ballarat restocker paid to $122 for trade lambs to shear. Sheep supply was cut to less than a third of a week ago, but it still couldn’t support the market.

Mutton was cheaper again, the majority

MM | LIVESTOCK

of sales from $5 to $40/head at an estimated 50c to 120c/kg cwt.

SUCKERS R & K Mountjoy Raywood (67) $165. W & J Bath Culgoa (48) $164. GJ & GM Bremner P/L Quambatook (31) $159.50. AL & GL Lloyd Stuart Mill (59) $158. A,L,B & R McIntosh Wanalta (61) $155. P Hatcher Woorinen (73) $155. RJ & DM Johnson Boort (31) $154. DJ & SL Lloyd Stuart Mill (49) $151. DWJ & M Turnbull Dumosa (11) $150. P & B Meighan Mitiamo (25) $150. Slater Farming Donald (107) $150. F Hately Mangalore (40) $149.

MC & EA Tobin Costerfield (47) $149. WJ Whatley Goornong (42) $148. R & D Last Fiery Flat (41) $148. LJ & PM Cooper Strathfieldsaye (42) $147. GS Moore Strathbogie (34) $147. Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (120) $147. C & J Martin Inglewood (14) $147. WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (40) $144. PT & KF Howard Goornong (135) $144.

DG & EJ Rathjen Colbinabbin (60) $142.50. G & W Collins Fentons Creek (65) $140. W Gould & Sons Woosang (77) $139. GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (100) $138. O & B Osborne Neilborough (32) $138. RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (58) $137. LT Lowndes Emu Creek (32) $135.

Mrs S Dorrington Marong (25) $134. Robert Niven Elmore (28) $133. Freemantle & Bell Woodstock (63) $130.

R & B McKenzie Elmore (84) $128.

CROSSBRED LAMBS T & M Kelly Kilmore (30) $157. MJ & MG Clarke Kilmore (48) $141. D English Barnadown (11) $140. Braeside Farming Charlton (18) $120. Sam Malone Marong (8) $120. MJ & MG Clarke Kilmore (28) $110.

MERINO LAMBS Top Hut Banoon Past Arumpo (35) $40.

MERINO SUCKERS JJA Minarto Oxley (154) $80.

CROSSBRED EWES Brassy Downs Pyramid Hill (19) $33.

MERINO EWES A & R Hiscock Ivanhoe (120) $40. Noreen Murphy Knowsley (86) $34. Nirthrun Past Wanganella (132) $30.

Order of sales next week: Elders, Nevins, McKean McGregor, Nuttall, Nutriend.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

EST. 1911

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report At the Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market, prices for lambs have seen an increase whilst sheep experienced a dip in pricing.

Monday, October 16th 2023 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 16,000 | Sheep - 4,000 $ Per Head

$ Per Kg

Trend ($Per Head)

Heavy Suckers

140-165

5-5.30

+5-10

Trade Suckers

115-145

5.20-5.60

+5-10

Heavy Lambs

125-145

4.50

Firm

Store Lambs

60-105

5-5.30

+ 5-10

Heavy Sheep

28-40

0.80-1

- 5-10

Trade Sheep

15-28

0.80-1

- 5-10

Light Sheep

5-15

0.60-1

- 5-10

Sign up to receive weekly market reports

To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.

Alex Collins - 0408 314 768

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Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844 Will Holt- 0417 686 814

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Will Lowe - 0498 381 584

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 19

Irrigation aids environment WATER distribution across northern Victoria brought environmental benefits, Yarrawalla’s Tom Smith has told the Murray River Group of Councils.

The agriculture veteran told the group that irrigation had more significant, positive impact for the environment than water buybacks in the Murray system.

Tom said: “Sure, mistakes have been made along the way and land degraded due to what we see now as undesirable circumstances, but we have learned, degraded land is improving all the time and we plant trees plus more where we previously lost them due to excessive water.

“Creeks and water lines are looking healthy again. Drainage lines and reuse systems are in place to assist with this rejuvenation.”

Murray River Group, including Loddon Shire, launched #PushbackBuybacks campaign a fortnight ago to keep local and affordable Australian-grown food on tables by stopping Federal Government’s the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023 from becoming law.

In a statement received on Tuesday from Loddon Shire, Murray River Group chair Cr Rob Amos (Camapaspe Shire) said the Bill proposed changes to the Murray Darling Basin Plan that would reinstate water buybacks from farmers, putting livelihoods and communities at risk, and adding to cost-of-living pressures on Australian households.

“Extensive research and our collective experience tell us that water buybacks have dire socio-economic consequences,” Cr Amos said.

“Last time, they caused the loss of 1600 jobs, the closure of a milk factory and in-

creased farming risk across our region.

Our communities are only just getting back on their feet after the pandemic, fires and floods. The reintroduction of water buybacks would seal the fate of our vulnerable agricultural industries and further decimate our fragile regional communities.

“The proposed changes would also put at risk one of the nation’s largest food bowls.”

“The fresh produce Australian families love, from farm-fresh milk and cheese to all kinds of fruit and vegetables, are mostly grown along the Murray River and its tributaries.

“It’s vitally important that we protect our food-growing areas and the right of all Australians to have access to affordable fresh Australian-grown produce.”

Mr Smith said irrigation in the region helped flora and fauna thrive.

“When I look and listen at our farm I hear the chorus of thousands of frogs.

Without irrigation they wouldn’t be there.

Without the frogs, no food for the snacks of birds of prey,” he said.

“I see the hundreds of wild ducks, ibis and other birds that we feed on our property. Without irrigation there would hardly be any, if any.

“I saw around 40 spoon bills on one occasion fly from my reuse system. Without the extra waterways we create they would not have the food source for the numbers we now have exist.”

Murray River Group says it supports the environmental outcomes the Australian Government aims to achieve through the Basin Plan but believes there are better alternatives to buybacks, such as the watersaving and efficiency projects underway

at Hattah Lakes and Gunbower Forest as part of the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project.

“We have put the research and the concerns of our communities to the Australian Government many times over the last decade, including as recently as May this year when we met with the Minster for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek,” Cr Amos said.

“Unfortunately, our pleas to consider the triple bottom line of social, economic and environmental impacts, instead of single-mindedly focusing on water targets only, continue to be disregarded.”

Tom Smith

LAND AUCTION GOWAR EAST - ST ARNAUD - “WILLIAMS” 169.07 HECTARES or 417.78 ACRES A/c: KR and EL POLE AUCTION: THURSDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2023, 11AM AT COONOOER BRIDGE HALL

Farmhouse exempt from new property tax A NEW State Government residential tax will not be applied to farmhouses.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation pushed for clarification of the announcement by Treasurer Tim Pallas of a tax on vacant houses.

“The application of this tax to vacant farmhouses would be completely unfair, given these houses are used for seasonal workers, or where a vacancy has been forced due to workforce shortages,” said president Emma Germano.

Ms Germano said that while the tax

would not be applied to houses on primary production land, it could still apply to other properties used by farm businesses for worker accommodation.

“Whilst we appreciate the clarification, the VFF remains sceptical about the potential impact and execution of this policy,” she said.

“We remain concerned that there may be circumstances where houses used for farm workers are not located on farmland, and therefore may be subject to this new tax.”

GRAIN BOORT Grain Co-op prices at Tuesday.

Wheat - ASW $350. AGP1 $350. SFW1 $350. Fed1 $340.

Barley - Bar 1 $305. Bar2 $295. Bar3 $285.

Bar4 $275.

Cordless Shearing Handpiece

Faba1 $400. Faba2 $400.

New season - APW MG $362. ASW $341.

Mal spread $340. Bar1 MG $310. Bar2 $288.

Fab1 $366. Faba2 $366. Hall1 $850. ISCC non-GM canola $636. GM canola $616.

$300

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20 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Sir, Thank you for your detailed coverage of the demolition of the Inglewood ambulance station.

We have been outraged and could have been used for any say to the Loddon Herald when appalled by the failure of govnumber of purposes including as interviewed on the subject, and ernment and the local member temporary shelter for the home- it would appear that the comto listen to the wishes of the peo- less or to provide a safe space for munity had to go to MP Gaelle ple on this issue. members of the community with Broad for representation due to We have written to the mem- mental health needs. your abject failure to provide ber for Ripon Martha Haylett, It could have been utilised as any assistance. saying: a community kitchen with the Your promises are hollow Ms We write to you to express potential for a community gar- Haylett. our immense disappointment den to be constructed on the In the absence of any reasonin your failure to provide much site. Most of all, it was a build- able explanation for your silence needed representation to the ing that was in reasonable repair on this issue, we can only conpeople of Inglewood who are constructed only in 1986 and clude that your loyalty lies not part of your electorate. the destruction of this asset was with the people you represent, You claim that you will listen a terrible, wasteful action and your electorate, but with your to the community and issues done in a dictatorial, authorita- colleagues in the Labour Party that are important to them and tive manner without providing and with the Health Minister (a you will be the voice of the peo- the community with the proper supporter of your election “cample, however your recent failure avenues for consultation. paign” who forced the hasty to act in relation to the destrucIt was your responsibility to destruction of the Ambulance tion of the Inglewood Ambu- advocate for what the people Station despite the pleas of the lance Station shows that you wanted on this occasion; mak- community. are incapable of honouring the ing public comment about the How do you propose to rempromises you have made to your issue and advocating on the peo- edy your failure in this instance electorate to truly represent ple’s behalf with the relevant Ms Haylett and give the people their interests.

Minister, who in this case, was of Ripon some hope that they did During your inaugural speech the Health Minister, Mary-Anne not make a fundamental misat Parliament on December 20. Thomas, for a stay on the de- take in electing you to represent 2022, you made a significant struction of the building until their interest in this electorate? promise to the people of Ripon the community consultation Trevor Hope and Caroline as follows: process had been done.

Granger “To the people of Ripon, whethHowever, you had nothing to Inglewood er you saw fit to give me your vote or not, I promise you I intend on being a member who listens, who cares and who is your local voice first and always.”

NEW OWNERS AT PYRAMID Throughout the public camHILL BAKERY AND CAFE paign to save the Inglewood amfriends University Whole Loddon Love wrote: bulance station funded in part by cafe switch brewop-shop the efforts of the local Those two are wonderful. volunteers, which resulted in Michelle Miller wrote: Conthe building being constructed in gratulations! Good on you guys 1986, you not only failed to lisfor having a go! ten to what the people wanted, but you failed to weigh in on the Jenny Lynn wrote: Congratupublic debate at all. lations and enjoy your new adNotable contributions were venture. made by MP Gaelle Broad from NORTHERN REGION MP Northern Victoria who tabled older?

Are you aged 70 years or r rings in changes Referendum GAELLE BROAD SNUBBED the petition containing more New Premie 2023 the in vote still You must than 200 signatures in ParliaIN AMBULANCE STATION ment and who appealed to the ALLY BID Health Minister for support for Christine Elliott wrote: the Inglewood community to reThanks Gaelle for showtain the building. ing support by attending the The Inglewood Ambulance nt ted countdown to retireme Patrons toas Station was a public asset which day 14 October protest and presenting the 2023 Referendum, Satur

2. Which cosmetic product is also the name of a well-known musical?

3. Tenerife is the largest of a group of islands known by what name?

4. Vitamin D is activated in the human body by what?

5. What type of fruit is cantaloupe?

6. Which city hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games?

7. True or false – the liver is the largest gland in the human body.

8. What is the only sea to not have land borders?

9. Neptune is the Roman God of what?

10. The H in H-bomb stands for what?

range located on which continent?

14. What is the capital city of Scotland?

15. In which year was the death penalty abolished in Australia?

16. Famous jazz musician Miles Davis played which instrument?

17. The United Nations headquarters is in which city?

18. Who was the first actor to portray Batman on screen?

11. Lexicology is the study of what?

19. Which Disney princess has long hair?

12. Who wrote the novel ‘Treasure Island’?

20. Which of Tchaikovsky’s ballets is commonly associated with Christmas?

13. The Andes is a mountain

ANSWERS 1. Oysters 2. Hairspray 3. Canary Islands 4. Exposure to sunlight 5. Melon 6. Barcelona 7. True 8. Sargasso (located within Atlantic Ocean) 9. The sea 10. Hydrogen 11. Words 12. Robert Louis Stevenson 13. South America 14.

Edinburgh 15. 2010 16. Trumpet 17. New York City 18. Lewis G. Wilson 19.

Rapunzel 20. The Nutcracker.

More expected in local advocacy

1. The dish ‘Angels on horseback’ is what wrapped in bacon?

Your ONLINE WORDS

y October 5, 2023 | 5

Loddon HERALD Thursda

and saufamous recipe for pies love them.” sage rolls. Customers in the Dee said: “We had been ful years and cafe for 10 wonder enjoyed it immensely. all of and Cafe. would like to thank “We studyfor The two first met when both young and old e at Ma- our staff ing veterinary medicin over the years and beity be- helping us she said. nilla’s De La Salle Univers coming like family,” a. also like to thank fore coming to Australi would “We on Loddon their never Emma has worked our customers for olBorung a at dairy farms and support Loddon Mal- ending through ive grove and with “We have run the cafe lee Women’s Health. every story in the Biher home just about Abi, the first to make shutting our doors had been ble without drought, COVID in Australia in 2015, in once - floods, and piggery about local a just working at and provided food for on. weddings. from women’s health promoti nity to everything They said the opportu s, funerals and christen long-time birthday . buy the bakery from ings to emergency services holiSimm Mick on a owners Dee and “Mick and I are going opportunity e gave them a great in the new year sometim of food and day maybe three for to share their love look will I and ere people. a week work somewh course be- days “We did a barista after that. two bakery the Mick keep fore taking over “Until then I will have been weeks ago and people a long list of chores anding busy with Dee said so supportive and underst and then go fishing,” they said. as we find our way,” and Mick’s last week.

“We’re keeping Dee

food have LOVE for people and and Abi seen Emma Dotollo in as new Umali quickly settle Hill Bakery owners of Pyramid

New Pyramid Hill Bakery and

premier supposedly leadership. For a offered a happy hour never been past MelONE Loddon hotel so popular, he was staged,” she said. the countdown to the last Wednesday in bourne, unless it was who said he was ent from state politics “We even had a person official 5pm retirem at the bar Daniel Andrews. ) premier’s cousin (former of outgoing premier the had the clock Four Posts Hotel, Jarklin, handover to and taking part.” ent of Daniel formal Patrons said the retirem ing unnecticking down to the te border is electora weather after whose Jacinta Allan Andrews came the Loddon Valley ns and poor treatjust kilometres from essary COVID lockdow roads were of rural areas where Highway watering hole. horne said: “It ment Publican Heide Polking under Dan’s crumbling. g was to celebrate survivin

and Abi Umali. LH PHOTO

r 2023. Voting held on Saturday 14 Octobe The referendum will be or older. you are 70 years of age is compulsory even if day, you may be polling place on voting a to it make can’t If you eligible to vote early. or call the AEC go to www.aec.gov.au For more information on 13 23 26. in place at all safety measures will be -19 COVID riate Approp polling places.

s aged 18 years for Australian citizen uted.

Voting is compulsory vote, you may be prosec and older. If you don’t is a criminal offence.

Voting more than once

aec.gov.au | 13 23

AEC23_REFO70V_139x129

Tierney becoming former minister Gayle her new-look cabiTAFE and Minister JACINTA Allan unveiled Minister for Skills and than a week after bement. Ms Tierney is net on Monday, less for Regional Develop Victoria Region premier. member for Western coming Victoria’s 49th East, that in- the Inglewood and burn, Bendigo for Wedder , The member that includes Dingee, was electater. cludes Serpentine and Party leader on Bridgew n Farmers’ Federation president Victoria ed unopposed as Labor l factiona ute last-min “We look forward to Wednesday after a Emma Germano said: . and the Vicaverted Spence was s with Minister brawl on position Ms Allan’s dep- working to deliver for farmers Ben Carroll was elected torian Government the state’s new educans. uty and was named and regional Victoria hailing from re“With a new Premier tion minister. ure Minsaid council Agricult Straub new Dan a Loddon Mayor gional Victoria and a renewed focus the new premier shortwe look forward to hoped to meet with roads, VNI West, ister, said. ly. “We are keen to discuss on the regions,” she future government outgoing Agricul“I would like to thank the Murray Darling and ic work econom her and for on Tierney investment in populati ture Minister Gayle within easy distance to continuing working growth of our towns and I look forward for Regionher in her role as Minister of Bendigo,” he said. has been giv- with The agriculture portfolio Spence with al Development.” n MP Ros en to outer suburba

Cafe owners Emma Dotollo

26

2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

, Victoria

PETER PETER WALSH WALSH MP PETER PETER WALSH WALSH MP PETER PETER WALSH MP YOUR VOICE YOURWALSH VOICE IN IN GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENT Authorised by the Australian

Electoral Officer for Victoria,

YOUR VOICE IN GOVERNMENT YOUR VOICE VOICE IN IN GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENT YOUR YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours If you need advice with but most of allcolleagues weor areassistance a community.

We are—family, friends, and neighbours We are family,advice friends, colleagues and neighbourswith If you need or assistance — but most ofprofound all we to are agovernment, community.

If you need advice withafter your The coronavirus pandemic had aof impact on all our lives so looking anything related — buthasmost all weor areassistance a community. mental wellbeing is essential.

It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during The coronavirus pandemic has related had a profound to impact on all our lives so looking after times your anything government, The coronavirus pandemic hasIt related had a profound impact onthe all our lives sofearful looking aftertimes yourof anything to government, of crisis.

Theor Federal Government isnormal providing support for mental health andduring wellbeing in your general day-to-day life, mental wellbeing is essential. is to feel anxious, stressed and is essential.

It isisnormal feel anxious, stressed fearful times Australians wein face the challenges of thetopandemic; gothe to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you ofmental crisis.wellbeing Theas Federal Government providing support for mentaland health andduring wellbeing of or your general day-to-day life, of crisis.

The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of or in your general day-to-day life, feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus. please contact my offi ce on the details Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you Australians we need face the challenges the pandemic; goanxiety to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like please you as might some additionalof help coping with and worry about Coronavirus. contact my offi ce on the details feel like please you might needcontact some additionalmy help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus. offi ce on the details below and we information will dogo toour best toor follow help For the latest Coronavirus peterwalsh.org.au us onyou.

We are in this together, and together we will get through. below and we will do our best to help For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us onyou.

below and we information will dogo toour best toor follow help For the latest Coronavirus peterwalsh.org.au us onyou.

Peter Walsh MP We are in this together, and together we will get through.

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

We are in this together, and together we will get through.

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

petition signed by most of the community to the parliament.

The most disheartening thing is that our other representatives showed no support to keep this community built asset.

AEMO TENSIONS BOIL OVER AT COMMUNITY MEETINGS Barry Parsons wrote: Will the Loddon Herald take a stand against this behaviour? Perhaps Anne Webster could be asked about her plan to achieve a sensible calm solution to a serious not in my backyard problem.

Webster did not make the effort attend the excellent Loddon Herald forum attempt to inform

Loddon people about the issue. to attend and publicly question the two AEMO representatives who attended It is time Dr Webster shows she has the skills and competency to help calm this situation.

Editor’s note; The Loddon Herald remains committed to scrutiny of the VNI West plan with respect from all parties. Unruly actions do not benefit the debate.

COMMENTS SELECTION FROM ROM THE LODDON HERALD FACEBOOK PAGE Send your letter to the editor to loddonherald@gmail.com

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 21

FEATURES KEN ARNOLD EXPLORES LIFE OF AN OLD TOWN AND SHARES MEMORIES OF

BAGS PILED HIGH

THE settlement of Arnold is on the east side of the Bulabul creek and although the Aborigines roamed the area, today there is little evidence of them having been there as the last known canoe tree, which stood on the Bulabul creek behind the church, was burnt out in the big bush fire of January 1965.

The first known European settlement in the area was by John Catto who squatted on an estimated 64,000 acres of land on either side of the Loddon River in 1840.

Catto had a residence east of the Loddon River, near Yorkshire Road, however he is best remembered for his impressive residence west of the river known as Memsie, this still standing to this day.

On the western border of the Loddon Plains run the Catto family established Zonnebeke an apple orchard.

During 1843 William Morrison Hunter squatted on 22,700 acres of land that abutted the Loddon Plains run. It was here that Hunter built his Kingower Station homestead, near what later became Rheola.

During 1848 this selection was referred to as King-ra-ra creek, however the grass coverage was so poor that it could only run up to 4000 sheep.

Hunter obviously had little or no contact with white man until the 1850s when gold was discovered near his homestead.

Around the same time gold was also discovered at Smugglers Glen at the foot hold of Mount Moliagal and a short distance north on the McIntyre creek.

William Tyler, a storekeeper at Sandy Creek, now Tarnagulla, established a half way house, between Kingower Station and McIntyre, this being nearby to what is now the Rheola recreation reserve and the Kangderaar Creek North branch. This area was quickly refered to as Tylers or Tylers Rush.

It was not until around 1868 that gold was discovered on the Catto property near Burnt Creek, this being about 3kms west of the recreation area.

As the gold was discovered by Scotsman Alexander Clelland, this rush became known as Clelland’s but it was quickly renamed Burr Lyn or Burlyn, after a small town just outside Glasgow, Scotland.

To avoid the confusion of the rush name the area was renamed Berlin and then Rheola.

It is not until you drive around that you appreciate the area this township once covered, it basically occupying from the Rheola-Llanelly Road to down past the Rheola-Arnold Road and then from the recreation reserve west out past Clelland diggings, hence you will find the old state school and the avenue of honour some distance from the recreation reserve.

Whilst there is not a great deal to see in Rheola today you will quickly find what were originally two red brick churches but if you are observant enough you will see a historical reserve sign near to where the asphalt road divides. A short walk through a paddock will take you to a quaint reservoir that has a puddled clay wall with slabs of slate.

Now back to the Kangderaar creek which emanates in the forest to the west of Rheola it wending its way towards to south of the small township where it joins the Kangderaar Creek North branch.

The stream then flows roughly eastwards through the granite belt before being joined by the McIntyre Creek. The water then flows several kilometres until it is met by Simpsons Creek and then onwards to Arnold where it joins the Bulabul Creek.

During 1859 David Arnold and his family moved from Tarnagulla, they taking up a pre-emptive right block on the west

bank of the Bulabul Creek at Kangderaar, now Arnold.

As there were no ore crushers on the Inglewood goldfield the miners had to transport their rock to Tarnagulla. To do this they had to travel east to a shallow crossing through the Bulabul Creek and then head south east turning south to Tarnagulla, a distance of about 25km.

David Arnold and his two eldest sons William John and David Russell blazed a track from Inglewood to their block near where there was a shallow crossing area, this reducing the distance by about 7km.

To enable the drays and waggons to cross over the creek Arnold build a low level log bridge. It has always been thought that a toll was charged to cross the bridge, a waggon load of wool being the first to cross. On the other side of the bridge Arnold had a shanty of which some of the foundations still remain. It was not long before the crossing became known as Arnold’s Bridge.

The first decent flood that came down the Kangderaar and Bulabul creeks washed this bridge away so Arnold built another bridge. Eventually a high level timber bridge was built just upstream.

This bridge served the passing traffic un-

Junction hotel, it trading through to 1956.

Arnold is also recorded as owning the Half Way hotel on the north west corner of Dunolly-Inglewood and Kingower-Arnold road. Arnold transfered his license to Christoff Metelman on February 8 1871.

This hotel also incorporated a provisions store, they both closing around 1908 when a new store was built at Arnold by Robert Woodburn in 1908. Nearby stood a cheese factory that closed around 1906.

During September 1871 Bernard Conolan commenced classes however he soon had to vacate the leased building. As a result the local residents wrote to the Education Department seeking a permanent timber building hence two acres of allotment 20, section 2 were reserved, however a timber school was not built until 1876 it being opened on June 1, 1876.

Although named Kangderaar Creek it was soon renamed Arnold. The rudimentary cold building still did not have a ceiling in 1888.

The residence for the teacher was once joined to the school but it was divided off and moved towards the hall. Both buildings still stand today but they are in terrible repair.

Owing to dwindling attendances the

Golf was played behind the Junction hotel and across the road in a paddock.

The railway comes to town

Survey work on the proposed line of the Dunolly-Inglewood railway began in April 1873 but it was not completed until March 1887. Contractors Messrs. McAlister & Stanmore commenced work at each of the 35kms line in April 1887 it being opened on November 20, 1888, the final cost being 71,112/0/0.

As six trains a day ran each way a large goods shed with platform was built on the west side whilst a small waiting room was on the east side. The service had been reduced to four trains a day by 1891. By 1925 the train only passed through on Monday, Wednesday and Friday but by the 1950s the train only travelled out from Dunolly to Inglewood before returning on a Monday. Today the line is only used for grain haulage.

The area adjacent to the goods shed was often a hive of activity during harvest time. I can remember seeing three bushel sewn bags of wheat that were laid on the ground and built 15 bags high and 50 of more bags long and about 15 bags wide, waiting to be loaded into rail trucks.

Memories of old Arnold ... the Junction hotel, Arnold, 1902 til around 1946 when it was replaced by another timber bridge that was burnt out in the January 1965 bushfire. The through traffic then crossed down through the creek around where Arnold had originally built his bridge.

Eventually two new concrete bridges were built a little further upstream, these bridges serving the passing traffic to this day.

David Arnold built a four-room miners cottage on his land, near to where the two fig trees stand to this day. Over the years members of the Arnold family occupied land east of the railway station, midway between and at Arnold West and at the intersection the Rheola-Arnold Road with Simpson’s Creek lane, Arnold West Kingower road and McKean’s lane.

A small township sprung up around the intersection of the Bridgewater-Dunolly Road and Arnold-Newbridge Road, the latter road ordinally continuing on to the bridge but now it only serves the Arnold cricket reserve.

David Arnold sold his shanty to Thomas Chamberlain who applied for a licence in June 1871 but at that time is was refered to as the Half Way hotel. Eventually a new hotel was built it being known as the

school closed in 1972. Of the 25 children who attended the eight grades at the Arnold school in 1957, 20 are still alive today. I often think of my school days at Arnold. They were among some of the best days of my life with classes, our garden, sports, school picnics, field excursions and the end of year concert. Considering the small population in the area we were rewarded by the Mothers’ Club for our success at the interschool sports.

The Mechanics Institute, now the local hall, was opened on November 6, 1889.

This hall has been used for dances, concerts, card games, meetings, church services, funerals, jumble sales and auctions, it still serving the local residents although a much more modern pavilion can found at the cricket ground. The hall houses a number of honour rolls from around the district.

A cricket club was formed in 1895 followed by a football club in 1903. Tennis, golf and netball were all played at Arnold.

The Arnold Cricket Club still manages to field a senior team, these being premiers a number of times.

Tennis was played on courts between Pennington reserve, once the school dam, and the old store which closed in 1988.

The impressive looking goods shed was demolished around 1965.

Today the old railway site, on the north corner of the intersection, is hardly recognisable. Out on the road reserve, at that corner once stood a weighbridge.

Across the road from the hall stood St Mary’s Church of England, now a residence.

A telephone line followed the railway line hence an exchange was opened in the station but it was sometime before a permanent post office was opened in the same building. The post office and telephone exchange were moved into the new Woodburn store in 1908.

St. Mary’s. now a residence, was opened in 1911.

Although some mining was carried out around Arnold it was generally shallow, although there is one shaft on the Bulldog Reef, midway between Arnold and Newbridge, that has some depth. There were once some stopes at the Nelson, towards Llanelly, these being bulldozed many years ago.

Today the small township of Arnold has lost a few buildings, farm houses and most of the original family names but it has somehow continued to survive.

22 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS Deadline - Tuesdays 4pm - Phone 0419 549 743 email loddonherald@gmail.com

FUNERAL NOTICE

MEETINGS

EMPLOYMENT

Nesbit - Lee Irene The Funeral Service to celebrate Lee’s life will be held in the Napier Park Chapel, 420 Napier Street, Bendigo, THURSDAY (October 26th) at 11:00am.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

A Livestream of the Service will be available to view at www.napierpark.com.au

26th October 2023 7:00pm at the Inglewood Town Hall Hub Nominations are now open for 2023/24 Office Bearer positions: - President - Vice President - Secretary – Treasurer

public notice

Nomination forms, and membership application forms, are available from the IDTC Secretary Nomination forms must be received no later than 5:00pm, seven days prior to the AGM, 19th October 2023.

SportzRulz Australia is pleased to announce the Inglewood Community Bus is back in operation providing flexible and accessible community led solutions in response to unmet local transport needs and now available for hire. The service also includes an optional bus driver.

Range of hire services include:  Hospital Patient Transportation  Private Hire  Events Transportation  Disability Support Transport (available with a wheelchair hoist  Activities and Programs that directly benefit the Community.  Leisure Centres Transport  Transport to Senior Citizens Centres  Transport to Social Support Programs  Community Outings and Day Trips

MITIAMO PROGRESS ASSOCIATION Inc Annual General Meeting on the 8th November 2023 at 7.30pm at the Mitiamo Tavern.

Nominations for all positions will be accepted.

Everyone is welcome.

Any questions please to call Trina Freeman 0428 368 371 or Tracey Cox 0433 281 531.

public notice

Email to idtcsecretary@hotmail.com or mail to IDTC Secretary, P O Box 102, Inglewood, VIC 3517

Southern Loddon Tourism and Development Inc Annual General Meeting Tuesday 21st of November at 6.30pm Tarnagulla Community Centre 8 Sandy Creek Lane Tarnagulla New Members Welcome

EMPLOYMENT

COMMUNITY BUS HIRE FEES The hire fee will be $125.00 per day and the bus will be provided with a full tank of petrol.

SportzRulz Australia will welcome any additional hire service ideas from the Community.

Community Compliance Officer - ref.J/244  ·Permanent position, with flexibility to offer full-time or part-time  Band 5 salary range $73,079.16-$84,077.740 per annum plus employer superannuation  Based at our Wedderburn Office Ranger - ref.J/243  2x Casual positions  Band 1 - $34.54 per hour plus applicable allowances  Based at our Wedderburn Office Community Compliance Coordinator ref.J/242  Full-time, permanent position  Band 6 salary range $87,987.51-$95,316.86 per hour plus employer superannuation  Based at our Wedderburn Office Recreation Officer - ref.J/241  Full-time, permanent position  Band 6 salary range $87,987.51$95,316.86 per hour plus employer superannuation  Based at our Wedderburn Office Applications for the positions above will close on Monday 30 October 2023 at 5pm.

Administration Traineeships- 1x Corporate Services and 1x Works Department  Full-time, fixed term opportunity (one year)  Based at our Wedderburn Office and Wedderburn Depot  Gain a certificate III qualification

Applications for the position above will be considered as they are received.

Learn more about bus availability by submitting an enquiry to our email address; admin@sportzrulz.com.au or by contacting Enzo Scafati on 0457 980 243 email enzoscafati1944@gmail.com

Once an inquiry had been made, our staff will then contact you to discuss your booking request. Once your booking had been accepted, an invoice will be emailed to you and you need to complete and return the bus agreement. The hire fees must also be paid for your booking before the bus is picked up.

Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a difference and help shape our future.

Applications for the position above will be considered as they are received.

AVAILABILITY

BOOKING REQUIREMENTS

CAREERS AT LODDON

Join our Team

Yung Balug Keeping Place The Museum is situated on the property of Paul & Cathie Haw. Well worth a visit to see the amazing Artefacts collected from the Boort Region.

A recent addition is 34 photos taken by John Hunter Kerr in the 1850s. This was made possible by the State Library of Victoria.

Everyone is welcome. but please call or Email before visiting.

Phone - 0417 333 171 Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com

Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY

Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire and adjoining districts

Are you looking for a new EXCITING opportunity?

Join our vibrant and supportive multidisciplinary team. IDHS provides Acute Care, Transitional Care, Aged Care and Community programs.

These positions will allow you to work across a range of settings with ample opportunities for the growth and development of the service across the Loddon Shire.

IDHS invites applications for the following employment opportunities  Nurse Unit Manager  Physiotherapist – Grade 2  Home Care Support Workers  Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM)  Registered Nurse  Enrolled Nurse  Mental Health Worker  Admin – Casual To view the full details of the position and how to apply, please visit www.idhs.vic.gov.au/positions-vacant

Email loddonherald@gmail.com Phone 0419549743 The Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by Newsprinters Pty Ltd McKoy Street, West Wodonga, VIC 3690.

THE LODDON HERALD IS A MEMBER OF

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon. vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

WANTED

BUILDING CONTRACTOR REQUIRED For Medium Sized Two-Stage House Project Contact: 155 Dunolly-Bridgewater Rd, Dunolly

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY Old bottles with town or company names.

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

LODDON HERALD CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

CASH PAID ON DAY Phone 0452 264 661

Seniors learn about award-winning plan MORE than 100 people at last week’s Loddon Shire Victorian Seniors’ Festival gala day and luncheon were introduced to the Red Cross Emergency RediPlan.

The presentation at Boort Memorial Hall was part of the local signature festival event in a month of special activities to celebrate and involve seniors across local communities.

Staff and volunteers from Boort District Health were among the team assisting at the gala day where veteran entertainer Lonnie Lee took to the stage in a performance that drew loud applause from the audience.

Council’s director community wellbeing Wendy Gladman said the award-winning and internationally recognised disaster preparedness guide was designed to help people and households

prepare for emergencies. “The RediPlan activity at the Seniors’ Festival Gala Day is part of council’s community recovery program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments,” Mrs Gladman said.

“Our seniors at the gala day appreciated the information provided and the opportunity to take a RediPlan booklet home and prepare for any future emergency that may occur.

“As emphasised by Red Cross on the day, emergencies don’t just include major natural disasters like fires or floods,” Mrs Gladman said.

“A fall in the home resulting in an unexpected hospital stay, a car accident, or serious illness can also cause significant disruption and add stress to your life.”

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 23

Boort District Health team at the Victorian Seniors’ Festival gala day last week.

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Wool buyer Cash payments On-farm appraisals 92 Rowena Street, East Bendigo Ph 5406 0629

24 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Bluey says hello to all the young readers of the Loddon Herald ... with special activities on our young reader’s page this month.

Winners of last month’s competition are Mollie N and Tilly N. Entries for this month’s special brain teaser colouring competition close November 2.

Send your entries to Bluey, Loddon Herald, PO Box 1188

’

Rearrange these coins to form three rows of four.

Kangaroo Flat 3555 or email loddonherald@gmail.com And remember to include your name, age and address so Bluey can pick the right prizes for our lucky winners of the colouring competition.

Hi Gang! How gross is this?

This is what your brain looks like!

This week we are doing some

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 25

SPORT

Premier division starts Saturday INGLEWOOD will host a midweek tournament next week.

The club says places are filling fast for Thursday’s event.

Bendigo weekend pennant starts on Saturday. Inglewood’s premier division team will be away at Eaglehawk and the Division 6 team at home to Heathcote.

BENDIGO MIDWEEK Division 1: Woodbury 67-14 d Inglewood 58-2. B Cozens, P O’Connor, W McCumber, L Handley (s) lost to B McClymont, H Leech, V Tierney, L Witham (s) 1424. K West, R Schulz, J Grainger, H Cozens (s) d I Bradley, C McEwan, L Kelly, R Day (s) 26-21. L Grainger, G Pritchard, A Brodie, McMahon (s) d M Chamberlain, B Taig, A Caserta, I Chamberlain (s) 27-13.

Division 4 – Dingee 68-16 d Calivil-Serpentine 39-0.

J Monaghan, V Sproull, K Pollock, Leo Demeo (s) d L Dennis, M Boyd, N Ralphs, C Mitchell (s) 30-8. S Ellis, P Plant, B West, S Cail (s) d L Lister, J Wiltshire, L Gronow, D Walker (s) 22-20. N Thomas, S Lawry, L Hocking, Lyn Demeo (s) d C Maxted, J Clymo, H Gronow, S Hope (s) 16-11.

Division 5 – Golden Square 42-14 d Inglewood 31-0.

S Grant, F Marshall, S Hutchinson, T McManus (s) d E Patterson, P McEwan, P Lyndon, D Whitehead (s) 20-16.

D Long, M Barras, K Dullard, T Cope (s) d J Roberts, D Roberts, A Harrison, P Kelly (s) 22-15.

NORTH CENTRAL Division 1 – Charlton 51-0 lost to St Arnaud 88-12.

Wycheproof 75-10 d St Arnaud Country 73-2. Donald Golf 66-2 lost to Donald 70-10. Previously played: Wedderburn 83-10 d Boort 55-2.

Division 2 – Charlton 77-10 d St Arnaud 66-2.

Pyramid Hill’s Ted Carmody. LH PHOTO

FOOTBALL BRIEFS Captain Collis LODDON Valley football Harding Medalist Dylan Collis has been appointed captain of reigning Northern Territory competition premiers Waratah. He takes on the role from fellow Pyramid Hill player Brodie Carroll.

President steps down MARONG Football Club has announced that president Danny Tyler will not seek re-election next month. Tyler has been president during the Panthers’ back-toback premierships in all three grades of Loddon Valley football.

Storm raid BRIDGEWATER has announced more recruits from top Bendigo league side Strathfieldsaye. After signing Lachlan Sharp as co-coach for next season, the club announced it had recruited premiership players Harry Conway and Jack Neylon along with defender Joe Mayes from the Storm.

Forward Andy Collins is also returning after a season with Sandhurst

Wycheproof 71-9 d St Arnaud Country 65-3. Donald Golf 95-12 d Donald 59-0. Previously played: Wedderburn 106-12 d Boort 53-0.

Midweek – St Arnaud 77-10 d Wedderburn 69-2. A McNally, D Ostarcevic, W Rourke, C Marchment (s) d H Stephenson, S Steel, R Hall, A Jackson (s) 21-19. H Stevenson, S Sorraghan, D Goddard, P McRae (s) d R Little, J Murnane, A Roberts, L Witham (s) 34-20. A Tyler, M McRae, S McIntyre, T Amos (s) lost to N White, S Standfield, I Hall, A Caserta (s) 22-30.

Donald 65-2 lost to Boort 72-10. D Knight, A McEwen, B Hollis, L Morgan (s) lost to P Baker, C Roberts, J Maxted, L Maxted (s) 19-22. M Quick, E Adams, B Brennan, B Milne (s) d Y Cashen, J Earl, G Tweddle, T Noles (s) 29-15. J Subprom, J Wood, R Collins, M Kelly (s) lost to L Gardner, A Matley, D Gibson, J Gibson (s) 17-35.

NORTHERN Division 2 – Pyramid Hill 64-2 lost to Cohuna Golf 3 74-10. R Harris, I Bartels, M Noelker, J Leed (s) lost to M Rodwell, B Waters, P McManus, L Sutherland (s) 18-29. K Wood, R Price, J Mann, L Mann (s) d A Dunne,

C Baker, L McManus, M Henshaw (s) 22-19. J Cauchi, T Stobaus, W Boyd, E Carmody (s) lost to J Sutherland, L Baker, D Easton, A Porter (s) 24-26.

Division 3 – Pyramid Hill 63-2 lost to Kerang Golf 80-10. G Godward, R Fidler, A Bennett (s) lost to to D King, R Carter, J McKerrow (s) 17-27. R Boyd, A Fidler, L Dingwall (s) lost to C Hicks, A Lancaster, M Rawson (s) 18-31. M Mahoney, D Denaime, A Roberts (s) d N Paul, M Fisher, S Robinson, N Robertons (s) 28-22.

Midweek – Division 1: Pyramid Hill 82-10 d Kerang 72-2. K Wood, M Noelker, E Carmody, M Scott (s) d F Macguire, C Fisher, M Orr, M Hamon (s) 33-21. P Coates, T Stobaus, I Bartels, R Opie (s) d B Williams, B Theobald, C Pay, T Pocock (s) 25-17. R Harris, J Leed, M L’Hullier, A Cantwell (s) lost to A Fagg, H McBain, G Teasdale, K Watts (s) 24-34.

Division 2 – Pyramid Hill 46-6 d Barham 45-2. W Cowan, D Kaye, J Cauchie, D Miller (s) d J Hamilton, L Mues, F Graco, C Gent (s) 22-17. G Godward, R Fidler, W Boyd, L Dingwall (s) lost to S Slingo, H Bray, A Larpent, L Durbridge (s) 24-28.

A FAIR SHARE FOR REGIONAL NEWS Regional Australian communities deserve local news as much as our big cities do.

Local independent newspapers still connect more than 80% of the country, but currently the commonwealth government invests close to 0% of its advertising budget here.

The federal government could help secure the future of regional news with zero extra cost by simply allocating a fairer share of government advertising to local and regional news services.

One page per week of important government information in regional newspapers would be a great start. This shouldn’t be controversial.

It’s a simple and fair solution for the future of regional news.

Armstead quits AFL Central Victoria manager Craig Armstead will finish in the role next week. A brief statement from commission chairman Nicholas Rolfe said: “AFL Central Victoria region manager, Craig Armstead, has advised the AFL Central Victoria Commission of his resignation from his position.

Craig’s last working day is October 25 ... we will now commence the recruitment process to appoint a replacement.”

Jan Leed in action for Pyramid Hill on Saturday.

Authorised by A Schreyer, Country Press Australia, 163 Epsom Road Flemington 3031

26 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023

SPORT

Big margins in early meetings LODDON VALLEY CONVINCING wins were recorded in the opening round of Loddon Valley tennis on Saturday.

Visiting sides Calivil North and Dingee had the edge to finish with 5-0 scorecards while Mincha West was pushed to tie-breakers in several sets.

Dingee was tightly held in the men’s doubles - Herrick and Broad with the edge over Dingee’s Brad Duncan and Josh Diss but Duncan and Mason Hocking just ahead over the Herrick-Forster combination.

Mincha West 4-97 d Raywood 1-58

MEN: D. Mann J. Ritchie d M. Collins A. Demeo 7-4.

D. Mann B. Wagner d M. Collins P. Harris 7-2. J. Ritchie P. Gargen d A. Demeo R. Haw 7-5. P. Gargen C. Mann lost to R. Haw A. Wall 1-7. B. Wagner C. Mann lost to P. Harris A. Wall 6-7.

LADIES: J. Wagner E. Stewart d P. Wall B. Zuidema 7-3. J. Wagner R. Wagner d P. Wall H. Vinnecombe 7-3.

E. Stewart M. Stewart lost to B. Zuidema R. Demeo 6-7.

M. Stewart C. Mann d R. Demeo M. Haw 7-4. R. Wagner C. Mann d H. Vinnecombe M. Haw 7-1.

MIXED: D. Mann E. Stewart d M. Collins P. Wall 7-5. J. Ritchie J. Wagner d A. Demeo B. Zuidema 7-1.

B. Wagner R. Wagner d P. Harris H. Vinnecombe 7-4.

P. Gargen C. Mann d R. Haw M. Haw 7-2. C. Mann M. Stewart d A. Wall R. Demeo 7-3.

Serpentine 0-83 lost to Calivil North, 5-101 MEN: J. Gladman S. Tuohey lost to L. Maxted C. Smith 3-7. J. G.adman C. Tuohey lost to L. Maxted L. Strachan 2-7. S. Tuohey C. Tuohey d C. Smith L. Strachen 7-6. A. Addlem N. Cockerell d J. Smith A. Lister 7-3. A. Addlem J. Keterer lost to J. Smith J. Smith 3-7.

N. Cockerell J. Ketterer lost to A. Lister J. Smith 6-7.

LADIES: P. Cockerell H. Addlem lost to M. Balic L. Strachan 0-7. P. Cockerell T. Sutherland lost to M. Balic K. Maxted 0-7. H. Addlem T. Sutherland d L. Strachan K. Maxted 7-2. K. Addlem N. Rose d A. Maxted J. Hicks 7-3. K. Addlem A. Addlem d A. Maxted M. Smith 7-4. N. Rose A. Addlem lost to J. Hicks M. Smith 5-7.

MIXED: J. Gladman P. Cockerell lost to L. Strachan

Dingee’s Lauren Coyle M. Balic 2-7. S. Tuohey H. Addlem lost to L. Maxted L. Strachan 6-7. C. Tuohey T. Sutherland lost to C. Smith K. Maxted 6-7. K. Addlem J. Ketterer lost to J. Smith A. Maxted 1-7. N. Rose N. Cockerell d A. Lister J. Hicks 7-4. G. Addlem A. Addlem d J. Smith M. Smith 7-2.

Yarrawalla 0-81 lost to Dingee 5-107 MEN: L. Forster A. Schmidt lost to A. Hicking M. Harvey 4-7. L. Forster H. Emmerson d A. Hocking R. Ellis 7-5. A. Schmidt H. Emmerson lost to M. Harvey R. Ellis 3-7. V. Herrick R. Broad lost to B. Duncan J. Diss 6- 7. V. Herrick R. Forster d B. Duncan M. Hocking 7-6.

R. Broad R. Forster lost to J. Diss M. Hocking 4-7.

LADIES: X. Emmerson M. Schmidt lost to C. Whitfield N. Hocking 1-7. X. Emmerson S. Gale lost to C. Whitfield K. Pay 5-7. M. Schmidt S. Gale lost to N. Hocking K. Pay 2-7. S. Manton O. Emmerson lost to K. Ellis E. Hocking 3-7. S. Manton T. Broad lost to K. Ellis L. Coyle 6-7. O. Emmerson T. Broad d E. Hocking L. Coyle 7-2.

MIXED: L. Forster X. Emmerson d A. Hocking N. Hocking 7-5. A. Schmidt M. Schmidt lost to M. Harvey C. Whitfield 2-7. H. Emmerson S. Gale lost to R. Ellis K. Pay 2-7. V. Herrick D. Forster d B. Duncan K. Ellis 7-3.

R. Forster S. Manton lost to J. Diss E. Hocking 1-7. R. Broad O. Emmerson d M. Hocking L. Coyle 7-2

Yarrawalla’s Heath Emmerson in Saturday’s season opener. LH PHOTO

On-court tenacity plays out in tight women’s sets MARONG

lost to N. Naughton partner 4-6. J. Sutherland L. Price d N. Naughton D. Daldy 6-3.

B MEN: D. Jenkyn L. Price d D. Daldy partner 6-0. A. Jenkyn S. Atkins d L. Naughton S. Crane 6-1. S. Wallace D. Graham d P. Normoyle S. Bruce 6-4. A. Price A. Broom d D. Normoyle N. Naughton 6-2.

T. Higgs J. Sutherland d J. Crane N. Pollock 6-5. M. Atkins D. Jenkyn lost to F. Dangerfield partner 5-6. L. Price partner d D. Daldy partner 6-3.

DERBY women played a tenacious style of tennis in the opening Marong association match against Newbridge.

While Newbridge, took overall honours for the afternoon, it was Derby in women’s sets where five of the six encounters went to tie-breakers.

The scores fell in Newbridge’s favour in A Grade but all three B Grade sets were taken out by the visiting Derby.

Lockwood 11-80 d Wilsons Reef 7-78

Newbridge 13-102 d Derby 5-71 A LADIES: A. Jenkyn, S. Wallace d P. Normoyle, F. Dangerfield 6-5. A. Jenkyn A. Price d P. Normoyle L. Naughton 6-3.

S. Wallace A. Price d F. Dangerfield L. Naughton 6-5.

B LADIES: T. Higgs N. Jenkyn lost to D. Normoyle J. Crane 5-6. T. Higgs M. Atkins lost to D. Normoyle partner 5-6. N. Jenkyn partner J. Crane partner 5-6.

A MEN: S. Atkins D. Graham d S. Crane S.

Woodstock’s Jocelyn Laversha and Ash Curnow Bruce 6-4. S. Atkins A. Broom d S. Crane N. Pollock 6-1. D. Graham A. Broom d S. Bruce N. Pollock 6-5. J. Sutherland D. Jenkyn

A LADIES: D. Wells T. Miller d B. McKimmie partner 6-3. A LADIES: D. Wells A. Wells d B. McKimmie partner 6-2. A LADIES T. Miller A. Wells d Wilsons Reef 6-4.

B LADIES K. Mannix partner lost to J. Taylor C. Taylor 4-6. C. Shevlin partner lost to J. Taylor F. Lucas 4-6. C. Shevlin partner lost to F. Lucas C. Taylor 0-6.

A MENS: L. Nixon A. Doyle lost to S. Taylor S. Taylor 2-6. L. Nixon R. Wells d S. Taylor B. Taylor 6-4. A. Doyle R. Wells d S. Taylor B. Taylor 6-5.

B MENS: A. McLean T. Jensen d J. Taylor Z. Porlai 6-2. A. McLean partner d J. Taylor partner 6-3. T. Jensen partner d Z. Porlai partner 6-2.

MIXED: D. Wells L. Nixon d B. McKimmie

S. Taylor 6-1. T. Miller A. Doyle d S. Taylor partner 6-5. A. McLean C. Shevlin lost to B. Taylor partner 2-6. T. Jensen partner d C. Taylor J. Taylor 6-5. A. Wells partner lost to J. Taylor Z. Porlai 2-6. Lockwood lost to F. Lucas partner 0-6.

Marong 14-92 d Woodstock 4-58 A LADIES: R. McCaig J. Cornish d F. Curnow N Earl 6-1. R. McCaig H. Turnball lost to F. Curnow J. Leversha 0-6. J. Cornish H. Turnball d N Earl J. Leversha 6-5.

B LADIES: S. Thompson S. Turnbull d K. Punton partner 6-1. S. Turnbull partner H. Stone partner 6-1. S. Thompson partner lost to K. Punton H. Stone 0-6.

A MENS: Z. Turnball J. McCraig lost to G. Leach 3-6. Z. Turnball P. Leersen d D. Heather partner 6-5. J. McCraig P. Leersen d G. Leach D. Heather 6-0.

B MENS: H. Baker partner d N. Punton partner 6-4. Marong d N. Punton partner 6-4. H. Baker partner d Woodstock 6-3.

MIXED: R. McCaig Z. Turnball d F. Curnow partner 6-4. J. Cornish J. McCraig d G. Leach N. Earl 6-1. H. Turnball P. Leersen d J. Leversha D. Heather 6-0. S. Turnbull partner lost to H. Stone partner 0-6.

S. Thompson H. Baker d N. Punton 6-1.

Marong d K. Punton partner 0-4.

INGLEWOOD REIGNING premiers Powlett had a convincing first round win in Inglewood tennis on Saturday.

It accounted for Wedderburn Junction. Loddon Eagles won on forfeit from Fentons Creek.

Wedderburn Junction 5-77 lost to Powlett 13-118

MEN: P. Turnbull A. Brett d H. Lock T. Johns 8-5. A. Brett P. McHugh lost to T. Johns B. Leech 2-8. P. Turnbull P. McHugh lost to B. Leech H. Lock 4-8. J. Hayes R. Caroll lost to A. Lock F. Lock 1-8. R. Carol S. Turnbull d F. Lock B. Lock 8-7. J. Hayes S. Turnbull lost to A. Lock B. Lock 3-8.

LADIES: M. Postle J. Millie lost to A. Leech H.Martin 1-8. M. Postle A.Benaim lost to A. Leech H. Martin 0-8. K. Weston G. Plozza lost to C. Ugle C Gilmore 2-8.

G. plossa R.Ellsmore lost to C. Gilmore D. Nevins 1-8 K. Weston R. Ellsmore d C. Ugle D. Nevins 8-0.

MIXED: P. Turnbull M. Postle lost to B. Leech A. Leech 6-8. P. McHugh J. Millie lost to T. Johns H. Martin 3-8. A. Brett A. Benaim lost to H. Lock H. Martin 3-8. A. Brett A. Benaim lost to H. Lock H. Martin 2-8. S. Turnbull K. Weston d A. Lock C.Culmore 8-2. R. Caroll R. Ellsmore lost to F. Lock C. Ugle 5-8. J. Hayes G. Plozza lost to B. Lock D. Nevins 7-8

Unspecified and Fill In can retire after huge starring weekend

SUMMER sport is back with results from the first big weekend showing spectacular performances by two players.

Unspecified lined up with multiple teams in one tennis association for mixed returns from spending the afternoon putting trusty racquet, cobwebs blown up, to the green ball.

On the cricket fields, it was a new player going by the name of Fill In who popped up with several clubs, bowled a few wickets and even knocked up a some runs.

Who are these players? They are the computer-generated tags when clubs and associations have incomplete details on fancy online result platforms.

SPORTS COMMENT Players already in “the system” were substituted with Unspecified in the Marong and District Tennis Association, others who had their identity taken over by this one busy player perhaps not registered in time to be synchronised with the platform.

In the case of Upper Loddon cricket, that association has been part of the mass migration of Victorian cricket competitions to the PlayHQ platform that has been used the last two seasons by football leagues.

PlayHQ may well look good on a computer screen or mobile phone but there are

still glitches the AFL-imposed platform has still to resolve.

Now cricket is sharing space in the same virtual cloud and causing headaches for club and association officials.

And these platforms are far from friendly for outlets like your local Loddon Herald. Our readers look to results for completeness, not seeing how well Unspecified or Fill In played.

Contrasting this were the Loddon Valley and Inglewood tennis associations. They may seem oh so 20th century to some, still using hand-written scorecards that are then provided to the Loddon Herald and retyped for publication.

At least there are no unknown players on the scorecards and you, the reader can check the performances of family, friends and neighbours.

We want to publish your results, our readers want to follow your fortunes. But incomplete offerings prove more than a little bit frustrating.

So for those using online platforms to lodge scores, please now retire Unspecified and Fill In on these, at times for all, frustrating online platforms. Readers of your Loddon Herald will appreciate the gesture.

- CHRIS EARL

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 19, 2023 | 27

Simpson stars with first round century KYLE Simpson sent balls flying around Boort school oval Saturday afternoon when the Upper Loddon senior season started.

After the early loss of Will Deason bowled first ball by Boort’s Will Gould, Simpson joined Braydon Welsh at the crease.

Simpson took control. He hit three successive sixes to be on 99, a single bringing up the ton only to go out next ball.

He was supported at the crease by an almost equally spectacular knock of 85 from Braydon Walsh who came in after the cheap dismissal of Will Deason.

The century that included seven sixes and seven boundaries came off just 83 balls.

Welsh played the support act well, finishing with 85 off 101 balls.

Will Gould finished with three wickets.

Kingower youngsters Tyler and Riley Murphy made their mark with the ball, Tyler finishing with three wickets and Riley one as Boort was unable to get established.

Wedderburn opening bowler

Adam Postle ripped through the Arnold top order, taking four of the first five wickets.

The Band had Arnold out in just 19.1 overs.

Bowling: H McCullough 7-3-16-1. M Dale 5-1-13-2. A Davies 2-0-7-1. C Hancock 4-9-13-1. C Dale 7-2-12-0. M Lewis 2-019-0. N Drew 1-0-2-0. S Hewitt 1-0-8-0.

Incomplete.

ARNOLD lost to WEDDERBURN

BOORT A Knight c B Rose b B Pickles ............... 18 W Gould c B Pickles b B Rose . ............. 15 A Cockerell c D Rose b T Murphy .................... 20 B Slatter c R Murphy b I Johnstone-McLeod ... 5 D Melville c and b T Murphy .................... 0 T Flick b T Murphy ................................... 0 J Smith c D Rose b J Leach . ................. 16 N Scott b R Murphy .................................. 1 F Poxon c B Rose b I Johnstone-McLeod ...4 G Zanker not out ...................................... 1 Extras ..................................................... 10 Total ............................................. 9/90 Bowling: J Leach 5-2-1-5. K Simpson 5-00-12. B Rose 4-0-1-8. B Pickles 7-0-1-24.T Murphy 5-1-3-11. R Murphy 5-1-1-17. I Johnston-McLeod 4-1-1-11. W Deason 1-00-1.

KINGOWER B Welsh run out (A Cockerell) . ................ 85 W Deason b W Gould . ............................. 0 K Simpson c A Knight b W Gould ......... 100 B Pickles c N Scott b W Gould ................ 1 T Murphy c B Slatter b A Knight ............ 17 J Howarth b G Zanker ............................... 1 I Johnstone-McLeod not out . .................. 0 R Murphy . ................................................ 0 Extras ..................................................... 19 Total ........................................... 6/223 Bowling: A Cockerell 7-2-0-9. W Gould 6-0-3-41. A Knight 6-0-1-28. B Slatter 6-00-65. N Scott 6-0-0-50. T Flick 2-0-0-21. A Malone 1-0-0-6. G Zanker 1-0-1-3.

ARNOLD P Scholes lbw A Postle ............................ 7 B Metelmann b A Postle............................ 1 M Dale c J Postle b A Postle . ................ 18 C Dale c C Steel b S Carroll...................... 0 H McCullough c S Carroll b Van de Wetering . .......................................................... 11 C Hancock b A Postle ............................... 1 A Davies b J Van de Wetering .................. 9 N Drew b C Streel .................................. 12 M Lewis c B Holt b S Giorlando ............... 2 S Hewitt c Van de Wetering b Steel .......... 0 G Hancock ................................................ 1 Extras ........................................................ 3 Total ........................................................ 65 Bowling: A Postle 7-3-13-4. S Carroll 5-118-1. J Van de Wetering 6-2-12-2. L Holt 2-0-10-0, F Turnbull 2-0-9-0. S Giolando 1.1-0-1-1. C Steel 1-0--1-2.

WEDDERBURN J Van de Wetering b M Dale ...................... 8 B Holt b M Dale ........................................ 1 C Steele b A Davies ............................... 14 L Holt retired . .......................................... 38 S Giolando c McCullough b Hancock .... 10 S Carroll retired ........................................ 8 J Postle not out ......................................... 7 S Lockhart c Metelemann b ..................... 4 Extras ........................................................ 3 Total ..................................................... 7/93

BOORT lost to KINGOWER

Kyle Simpson in swashbuckling form for Kingower on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Fred’s bowling foray frenzy claims three scalps

By MICHAEL ROSE

ROUND one of Upper Loddon Junior Cricket was completed on Saturday with Boort-Yando white ashing the young, inexperienced Wedderburn team to claim outright points.

The other game between Kingower and Bridgewater was more competitive with Kingower getting over the line.

Boort-Yando needed only 30 overs to bowl Wedderburn out twice on the second day of their match at Boort. Chasing the unrealistic total of 195 for victory, Wedderburn faced 15 overs in both innings to score 19 and 29 respectively.

Flynn Lock top scored in the first innings, watching six partners depart before being dismissed himself. Blaz Cramp and Edwin Selleck shared in the biggest partnership of the day, adding 13 runs for the last wicket in the second innings.

For Boort-Yando, Harry Malone and Luke Boyd did the damage in the first innings, each taking three wickets.

But it was Danish exchange student Frederik Gjroup was the leading wicket taker in the second innings with three.

His first ball snared a wicket with the other two scalps coming between wides in his first ever game of cricket.

Deklan King and Finlay Arnold chipped in with two apiece.

The first two partnerships for

J. Soulsby not out ..................................... 1 H. Leach retired ......................................... 1 F. Lonza not out ......................................... 2 Extras ...................................................... 31 Total ............................................5/133 Bowling L. Lonsdale 6-0-0-13, S. Hewitt 6-0-0-22, C. Alexander 7-0-2-34, N. Harrison 4-0-0-7, B. Smyth 4-1-1-18, N. Wickham 4-1-0-6, X. Power 4-1-2-13, I. Ferguson 4-0-0-11, H. Kilby 4-2-0-8, J. Birthisel 3-2-0-1.

Boort-Yando v Wedderburn Boort-Yando 6/194 Wedderburn 1st innings F. Lock c C. Gooding b L. Hall ................. 6 E. Selleck c & b H. Malone ....................... 1 T. Clarke b H. Malone ............................... 0 L. Selleck b H. Malone ............................. 0 B. Cramp c L. Hall b L. Boyd ................... 1 A. Clarke b L. Boyd .................................. 0 E. Clarke b L. Boyd .................................. 0 J. Cramp not out ...................................... 0 K. Cramp c C. Gooding b O. Byrne ......... 1 L. Finch run out ( C. Gooding ) ................. 0 C. Finch c S. Toose b F. Arnold ................ 0 Extras ...................................................... 10 Total ................................................. 19

First game, first over and three wickets ... Boort’s Fred Gjroup with team mates after the match. LH PHOTO Kingower proved the catalyst for Kingower’s win over Bridgewater. Facing a target of 75 for victory, Tyler and Riley Murphy got Kingower away to a good start with an opening partnership of 36 before Tyler skied a ball and was caught by Hunter Daldy.

Riley was then joined by Jackson Luckman and together this pair saw Kingower safely to victory with a second wicket stand of 60. Luckman top scored retiring on 39 while Murphy made 21.

The rest of the day became a good contest with only Ryder Smith being able to get on top of the bowling contributing 21 retired to Kingower’s final total of 5 for 133.

Three Kingower players, Jayden Soulsby, Heath Leach and Flynn Lonza were all able to score their first runs in junior cricket.

The Bridgewater bowlers kept plugging away with Connor Alexander picking up the wickets

of both openers , while Xavier Power backed up his good batting of last week to also claim two wickets.

Kingower v Bridgejwater Bridgewater 1st innings 74 Kingower T. Murphy c H. Daldy b C. Alexander ...... 16 R. Murphy b C. Alexander ....................... 21 J. Luckman retired . ................................. 39 R. Smith retired ....................................... 21 L. McCoy b B. Smyth ................................ 0 M. Lonza b X. Power ................................. 0 X. Wilson b X. Power ................................. 1 R. Leach retired ......................................... 0

Bowling H. Malone 4-1-3-7, S. Toose 3-1-03, L. Hall 4-2-1-2, L. Boyd 3-2-3-1, O. Byrne 1-1-1-0, F. Arnold .5-0-1-0.

Wedderburn 2nd innings C. Finch b F. Arnold .................................. 0 L. Finch b D. King . ................................... 0 K. Cramp c H. Malone b F. Arnold ........... 0 J. Cramp c L. Hall b J. Malone . ............... 1 E. Clarke c T. Zanker b D. King ................ 0 A. Clarke c D. King b F. Gjroup . ............... 0 T. Clarke c T. Zanker b F. Gjroup .............. 0 L. Selleck b C. Gooding ........................... 2 B. Cramp C S. Toose b H. Malone ........... 8 E. Selleck not out ..................................... 5 F. Lock c S. Toose b F. Gjroup . ................ 3 Extras ..................................................... 10 Total ................................................ 29 Bowling T. Zanker 2-1-0-1, F. Arnold 2-22-0, D. King 2-2-2-0, J. Malone 2-1-1-1, F. Gjroup 3-0-3-6, C. Gooding 3-0-1-13, S. Toose 1-0-0-1, H. Malone 3-0-1-1.

Loddon HERALD

FLIGHT PATH TALKS

MAIDEN Gully is in talks for a staged transition to Bendigo Football Netball League.

The Loddon Valley league club met Bendigo officials last week to discuss future strategic direction.

The Eagles, who won three senior Loddon Valley games this season, is understood to be touting an under 18 team in the Bendigo competition for 2024 with the club’s full move within five years.

Bendigo league manager Cameron Tomlins on Monday confirmed there had been talks but did not reveal detail.

“Along the journey we have had clubs with major league aspirations and this year is no different,” Tomlins said.

“The board has had a strategic plan in place for some years. We are still working through that process for 2024 ... it’s ongoing, but by the end of October expect to have a concrete direction.”

Long-time Bendigo league club Kyneton has been granted approval to transfer into the Riddell league next season, leaving the region’s major competition with nine clubs.

An AFL Central Victoria roundtable in August of Bendigo, Loddon Valley and Heathcote league

sport

Thursday October 19, 2023

By CHRIS EARL

clubs found strong support for nine-team competitions that see two byes during the home and away season. Bendigo was the only league without a bye this season.

Maiden Gully has not fielded an under 18 side for two seasons but has appointed a coach for 2024.

However, sources continue to say that team will not be in the Loddon Valley competition with the local league expected to resume management of junior football after AFL Central Victoria’s foray into creating a regional youth league this season only attracted the five local clubs - Bridgewater, Inglewood, East Loddon Rams, Pyramid Hill and Marong.

Newbridge has flagged its return to junior ranks next season.

Maiden Gully had been in a trio of clubs wanting to switch to Heathcote league.

The Eagles, Marong and Cohuna were knocked back as was Marong’s request for a review of the refusal after AFL Victoria refused a game pro rata salary cap incease for Heathcote clubs to cover extra matches in a season.

The Eagles were contacted by the Loddon Herald before going to press.

Braydon Walsh in action for Kingower in Saturday’s season opener against Boort Yando. LH PHOTO

’Gower star taking his bat north PREMIERSHIP skipper Braydon Walsh will play one more game of Upper Loddon cricket before moving to Darwin next month.

The Kingower star who hit a career best of 133 not out last season will spend up to a year in the Northern Territory working as a plumber before heading to Perth.

Walsh, who captained Kingower to last year’s senior association flag, is a product of the club’s junior project.

“I started there when I was about 10 and Michael Rose took us under his wing and have stayed there since,” Walsh said.

“There have been premierships but it’s the

friendships forged over the last 15 or so years that are the most important thing. As a team we know when to get serious and it has never seemed a drag driving out to training or for matches.”

Walsh, who also played football for Golden Square, has recovered from shoulder reconstruction surgery and made a cricket opening round impact against Boort Yando on Saturday.

“It’s good to see everyone growing as players and people at Kingower.”

Walsh will play against Arnold this Saturday but hints “there might be one more game before I go”.

WEEKEND SCOREBOARDS - PAGE 27