MONTHS shy of turning 100, Boort’s Alan Streader has become an online sensation for his playing of the Last Post on Anzac Day.
The former builder who was unable to serve in World War Two after a work accident injured his hand, dutifully sounded the poignant bugle call as the town’s memorial hall fell silent, heads bowed, on Friday.
RESPECT! It saw 60 people standing in the flood-lit statue shadows of World War One VC heroes Albert Jacka and Albert Borella as dawn broke on the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Friday’s Anzac Day impromptu gathering at 6am in Wedderburn honoured those who had served since that fateful 1915 day. Predicted rain that saw cancellation of the official RSL service would not arrive for another four hours.
Wedderburn-Korong Vale sub-branch said it had made the safety and wellbeing of attendees and volunteers a priority in abandoning the official stand-to.
Community disquiet at the decision was replaced by respect for servicemen and women in the minutes before the brief service that came five years after COV-
Flanked by son Bryan and former Royal Australian navy petty officer Glen Hudson, Alan mustered his air, and respect for those who had served, as he has done every Anzac Day for more than 50 years.
“Have the air and use it properly, the notes come out,” Alan said as more than 200 people in the hall applauded with admiration.
The Loddon Herald video of Alan’s performance has since been watched by thousands of people and shared around Australia.
Boort RSL sub-branch president Paul Haw said: “Alan is amazing. He is wonderful and makes our service so special.”
ANZAC DAY IN OUR COMMUNITIES - PAGES 6 & 7, 21
By CHRIS EARL
ID restrictions forced the simple act of remembrance to be observed not in Soldiers’ Memorial Park but driveways.
Royal Australian Navy veteran Bob McKenzie, who saw active service in Malaya during his six years of enlistment, said: “The Dawn Service is the most important part of Anzac Day. The blokes at Gallipoli didn’t care if it was raining ... they had their job to do.”
John Grant said “if there is any rain, it would be worth standing in to have a shower” after months without big falls.
“I have come to the Dawn Service to pay my respects,” John said, echoing the words of former CFA chief officer and district resident Euan Ferguson who said: “We do this every year.”
Lynne Gondar’s recitation of The Ode was followed by regular bugler Jake Murphy’s Last Post piercing a still morning air filled with silence and respect. “I turn up at dawn every year,” Jake said. The service was repeated 15 minutes later when more people arrived to pay respectful thanks.
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APPRECIATION certificates have been presented to Rheola Charity Carnival secretary Deb Hancock and treasurer Lisa Goetler.
The pair have held the positions since 2019 and were recognised during the official ceremony at last week’s 152nd annual carnival raising funds for Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Maryborough District Health’s Dunolly campus.
Deb received the Inglewood service certificate this year and Lisa the Maryborough honour.
An estimated 4000 people attended the Easter Monday carnival with the official gate figure of $21,000.
The committee is now finalising the day before announcing its donations to the two health services.
Tower coming down
COLIBAN Water is demolishing the old water tower in Serpentine this week. It says: “You will see our crews onsite using machinery, including an excavator and trucks, to slowly take the tower apart with works to be completed by Friday. During these works, we will temporarily disconnect power at the site, which will include the public toilet facilities. We will be setting up portable toilets in the reserve car park, including disability accessible facilities, to ensure the Serpentine community, and those passing through, still have access to public toilet facilities.”
LODDON and Central Goldfields Shire councillors have had an update briefing on the Goldfields World Heritage Bid that has listed the area around Tarnagulla as one of five sites for inclusion on the register.
New member
JULIE Ritchie has been appointed a member of the Donaldson Park Community Asset Committee by Loddon Shire Council.
Celtic kickstart
PRIMARY students at Wedderburn College are kickstarting the term with Celtic music, diving into bagpipes, whistles, river and highland dancing and folk tunes.
THE chairman and three North Central Catchment Management authority board members have quit mid-term.
Woosang farmer and former Country Fire Authority chief officer Euan Ferguson was just 18 months into his four-year appointment as chairman.
Mr Ferguson on Monday confirmed he had resigned 10 days ago.
“I enjoyed nearly two years (on the board) and now moving onto other challenges,” said Mr Ferguson who had spent four years on the North East CMA board before his December 2023 appointment to the North Central authority’s board.
Latarnie McDonald, appointed at the same time, also resigned as did Clinton Tilley. Personal reasons have seen a fourth member retire.
Loddon Shire’s Boort Ward councillor David Weaver, Mary Bignell, Olivia Lawson and Sally Mitchell remain on the board.
A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action spokesperson said: “Some members of the North Central CMA board have made the decision to part ways in recent months, including the chair.
“The Victorian Government opened expressions of interest for board positions at all of Victoria’s water corporations and catchment management authorities in March.
“An independent panel is currently assessing nominees and will provide recommendations to the Minister for Water for ap-
pointment. North Central CMA will be considered as part of this process.”
In the prizes
BOORT Show winners from last October have tasted more success. At the weekend’s Northern Districts Agricultural Societies Association finals in Swan Hill, Emily Henderson was second in junior carrot and sultana muffins section, Laci Streader was highly commended in the Anzac biscuits while Gaye Sim won the crochet section and Alice Marsh the needlework cushion.
Rolling donations
INGLEWOOD’S Cafe 3517 raised $537 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, donating part of the sales of breakfast rolls to Inglewood Fire Brigade.
The Loddon Herald has been told Sally Mitchell is acting as board chairman following Mr Ferguson’s departure. North Central CMA’s website was updated on Monday showing the depleted board membership.
“Appointed by the Water Minister, board membership is a reflection of the Victorian Government’s commitment to increasing leadership diversity which will encourage new ideas
THE Maggie Beer Foundation trainer mentor program will launch at Inglewood and Districts Health Service next week.
IDHS will join the national initiative to improve aged care meals through expert training, resident input, and practical kitchen support.
The program initiative focuses on educating staff on how to source, prepare, and serve more nutritious and delicious meals, improve dining experiences for residents, and support providers in meeting the new Aged Care Quality Standards.
IDHS staff will be part of sessions looking at better tasting and nutritious meals while the program will include residentcentred menu planning and enhanced mealtime experience.
Residents at a forum next Thursday will be asked to list their food likes and dislikes and meals they miss.
“Our leadership, kitchen, care, and lifestyle teams are working closely with the program chef,” said IDHS chief executive Dallas Coghill.
Inglewood is one of up to 120 aged care homes across Australia taking part in the 12-month program.
The local service will receive a menu appraisal by an accredited practising dietitian and a food satisfaction questionnaire with report.
Participation in the program will see IDHS awarded a two-year Maggie Beer Foundation certificate after completing the course.
and ensure the water sector’s leadership reflects Victoria’s diverse communities,” the website says. “Our Board members bring individuality and diverse business and industry skills to the organisation.” The board also has two non-voting members.
Mother’s Day feature TODAY’S edition of your Loddon Herald has a special advertising feature promoting Mother’s Day gift ideas from local businesses. Loddon shops and stalls have everything you need to pamper Mum on your special day on Sunday, May 11. Check out our great Loddon businesses on Pages 12 and 13.
It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.
On election day you need to complete two ballot papers:
• a green one for the House of Representatives
• a large white one for the Senate.
On the green ballot paper you are voting for a representative of your local area or electorate in the House of Representatives.
On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.
Vote above the line Number at least 6 boxes for parties or groups, in the order of your choice.
Vote below the line Number at least 12 boxes for individual candidates, in the order of your choice.
PRACTICAL delivery of services and setting affordable standards are the goals of Loddon Shire’s new operations director Steve van Orsouw.
Mr van Orsouw started in the role on Monday after being recruited from Moyne Shire Council, based at Port Fairy, where he had been manager assets and infrastructure.
His 32-year career in local government began as an apprentice gardener with the then-Castlemaine City Council and he has since held senior management roles at Mount Alexander Shire, Central Goldfields Shire and the City of Ballarat.
Mr van Orsouw has been a board member of Municipal Works Operations Australia since 2017. The association has a membership of local government professionals, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
Mr van Orsouw has spent this week touring driving Loddon roads and inspecting facilities.
“I am wanting to work collaboratively with council and the communities,” he said.
“The asset management plan review is happening now ... it’s important that the standards we set are affordable and that we are practical in how we deliver our services.
“We’ll certainly be hitting the ground once the council budget is approved with an early start on planned work from July.
“My first 100 days will be about getting out and meeting people, developing relationships.”
Mr van Orsouw replaced Steve Phillips as operations director. Mr Phillips had been in the position since 2016 and spent 16 years with Loddon Shire.
A FIVE-COUNCIL alliance has fractured on the eve of yesterday’s meeting with Victorian Energy Minister Lily d’Ambrosio.
Northern Grampians Shire on Tuesday walked out of the grouping with Loddon, Buloke, Yarriambiack and Gannawarra councils formed to advocate to Government on issues including transmission lines, renewable energy and mining.
Northern Grampians Shire deputy mayor Justine Hide said alliance members had been exploring common ground in relation to challenges created by transmission line, renewable energy and mining projects in their regions.
She said after further discussions, Northern Grampians councillors had decided to withdraw from the alliance.
The decision comes as Loddon Shire continues talks with its landowners in the path of the controversial VNI West renewable
energy transmission line project between Stawell and Kerang.
Loddon and Buloke councils this week rejected some media reports that they had signed a $100 million deal with VicGrid that would see payments for VNI West through the shires.
A Buloke statement issued moments after the Northern Grampians decision was announced said it remained committed to transparency, to standing up for our landholders and residents, and to ensuring that any future developments respect the wishes and wellbeing of our communities.
A meeting of the councils last week agreed priorities of fair and equitable compensation for all affected farmers along the route; access to wholesale electricity prices for communities hosting new generation and transmission assets; and legacy housing projects to deliver benefit to rural towns.
FRIDAY’S service marked the 104th Inglewood Bridgewater RSL Anzac Day Service held in front of the Inglewood War Memorial.
Intermittent showers and dark rainclouds did not deter the crowd gathered for the Inglewood Anzac Day march and service. Fortunately, the rainclouds held off with a downpour starting as Mick Hobson concluded the service.
Students from Inglewood Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Wedderburn College, East Loddon P-2 attended the service as well as various community groups and businesses including Inglewood and District Community Bank, the Inglewood Football Netball Club, Inglewood Lions Club and the Inglewood CFA.
Members from the Inglewood Bridgewater RSL laid wreaths on behalf of Veterans from many wars. Former Staff Sergeant Ar-
thur Alsop and his grandson, Corporal Luke Holiday were also in attendance at the service.
Flight Lieutenant Ricky Hoffman and the 410 Squadron Cadets formed a catafalque party as part of the service.
Guest speaker, Warrant Officer Class One, Stafford Kelly enlisted in the army in 1979 and had numerous postings around Australia throughout his 38 years of service. He was promoted to WO1 in 1999 and was deployed to East Timor the following year.
In 2013-15 when the army formed a unit known as the Seriously Wounded Injured and Ill Program (SWIIP), Mr Kelly was selected as the Detachment Commander for the North Queensland Detachment.
“This program was formed to repatriate and look after the most seriously injured and ill soldiers in the army, in particular those returning from operations
in Afghanistan,” said Mr Kelly. “These soldiers were some of the army’s most maimed and injured soldiers. I am proud to say many of these soldiers have shown tremendous courage and fortitude and some of them have now represented Australia in the Paralympics and Invictus Games.”
Mr Kelly transitioned from the Australian Regular Army in 2017 and has since returned to beekeeping in a commercial apiary. He received many honours and awards during his service including Conspicuous Service Medal, Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp East Timor, Australian Service Medal with Clasp SE ASIA, Commander Training Command Commendation and Returned from Active Service badge.
The veteran shared his story as well as the story of a deceased family member in his speech.
“I grew up here in Inglewood.
Our family roots are here and in Rheola, Tarnagulla and surrounds,” said Mr Kelly.
Mr Kelly shared the story of Private Hughie McLean, a member of D Company 32nd Infantry Battalion, who was born and raised in the Tarnagulla. McLean enlisted June 30th 1915 and was killed in action during a battle at Fromelles, July 19th 1916.
McLean’s burial location remained unknown until 2010 when DNA evidence matched Mr Kelly’s family with Hughie McLean. McLean was reinterred with full military honours in Fromelles Military Cemetery in 2010.
“We know that service may come at a heavy cost, war ultimately remains a human endeavour. It is people who suffer from war, and we have borne witness to this across the globe, over the many years since 1915,” Mr Kelly concluded.
WELLBEING and safety had been a priority in the RSL sub-branch decision to cancel Wedderburn’s Dawn Service.
A statement released late last Thursday said Wedderburn-Korong Vale sub-branch executive had been “closely monitoring the weather forecast for Anzac Day over several days”.
“While earlier predictions suggested rain might hold off, the forecast updated this morning presented a significantly higher risk during our planned commemorations. Specifically, there is now a predicted 66 per cent chance of rain at 6am, rising to 82 per cent by 11am.
“Given these conditions, and prioritising the safety and well-
being of attendees and volunteers, the difficult decision was made to cancel the outdoor Dawn Service. Key factors included:
The vulnerability of attendees, particularly elderly veterans and community members, to inclement weather while standing or requiring seating outdoors.
The logistical difficulty and unpleasantness for volunteers needing to set up chairs and equipment in the rain.
Significant safety concerns regarding the use of PA systems and electrical equipment in wet conditions.
“Similarly, the march scheduled before the 11am service has also been cancelled due to the high likelihood of rain.
“However, the 11am Anzac Day service will proceed. It will be held indoors at the RSL Rooms, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for commemoration. All members of the community are warmly invited to join us there.”
The executive’s statement said it was important to clarify that the sub-branch was run by volunteers.
“They are not paid professionals. These volunteers have worked tirelessly to prepare for Anzac Day, and the decision to alter the plans was not made lightly; it was the last thing they wanted,” the statement said.
“The harsh criticism, particularly from individuals who are
A
from the
The plaque honours R. Catto, H. Soulsby, M. O’Shannessy, P Grieves, H.G. Leach, T.E.J. Leach, A. Yorath and was unveiled at the 152nd Rheola Charity Carnival by by local historian and Leach descendant Julie Piening.
Inglewood and Bridgewater Men’s Shed restored the pew that had been stored in a shearing shed for more than 90 years.
The pew is now in the Rheola Hall where refreshments were served on Anzac Day following the service opposite the former site of the town’s school.
Guest speaker was Wedderburn RSL sub-branch president Roger Paterson.
The service was one of four involving members of the Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL subbranch.
NEWBRIDGE A HEAVY downpour saw Newbridge’s Anzac Day Service relocated from the town’s war memorial to the hall.
Despite the poor weather, the hall was filled with people wanting to pay their respects.
Guest speaker Arthur Harrison shared his experience on the Kokoda Track while Rochelle Collins recited the Anzac Requiem. Representatives of local organisations then braved the rain to lay wreaths at the monument.
The service concluded with a morning tea.
neither local RSL members, regular attendees, nor even residents of Wedderburn or Korong Vale, is profoundly unfair to those giving their best for our community.
“Our initial notifications on Facebook were brief, aiming for speed to inform as many people as possible about the changes promptly. We regret that this necessary brevity was met with such negativity from some quarters.
“We thank our volunteers for their dedication and hard work under challenging circumstances.”
More than 120 people attended the morning service at the subbranch’s clubrooms as heavy rain started falling.
Guest speaker Euan Ferguson spoke about the importance of finding out about forefathers while Castlemaine artist Clayton Tremlett talked about his recent exhibition at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance which included the statue ‘Jack’ who was originally situated at Korong Vale before being damaged.
Wedderburn College students played a leading role in the service. The sub-branch has raised funds for four students to walk the Kokoda Track in July.
Wedderburn’s community choir conducted by Helen Chandler led singing, Jake Murphy played the Last Post and members of the Lions Club provided refreshments after the service
COURAGE, endurance, mateship and sacrifice defined Australian soldiers at Kokoda, guest speaker
Kate Perryman told Friday’s Anzac commemoration in Boort.
Kate shared her experience of walking the New Guinea track in 2012 and attending the 70th anniversary service of that campaign.
She said those values were inscribed in four pillars at the Isurava memorial.
“My first memories of Anzac Day growing up were sharing in this day with the Boort community as a Girl Guide, walking with our flags to the hall in a parade honouring the men and women who have served,” she said in her address.
Kate said she had been lucky to have a fulfilling friendship with Lou Thomas, a neighbour at Wychitella.
“He had fought at Kokoda and we will always fondly remem-
ber our times spent with him.”
That connection was to the fore in 2012 when Kate and brother Tim Rhook were discussing raising money for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
“I have always looked for challenges and for many years I had wanted to tackle the Kokoda Track,” she said.
“To be able to finish our trek walking into Kokoda on such a significant day to honour our Australian soldiers at the 70th anniversary is clearly marked in my memory.”
More than 200 people attended the Boort commemoration in the memorial hall.
Members of the Lake Boort Scouts paraded flags into the hall where Boort District School captains Jasmine Twigg and Harry Malone read out the names of local soldiers killed in World Wars One and Two.
Boort Babblers choir sang The Last Man from Dunolly and Church of Christ pastor Patrick Houghton read a prayer.
The greatest admiration in Boort on Anzac Day 2025 was shown for Alan Streader who played the Last Post. In his 100th year, Alan received acclaim and praise from the community for his poignant rendition.
BRIDGEWATER Hundreds gathered outside the Bridgewater Memorial Hall Friday morning to pay their respects to the fallen at the first Loddon Shire Anzac service of the day.
Master of ceremonies, Mick Hobson welcomed the crowd to the service before inviting guest speaker, Chris Pollock to speak on his father Jock Pollock’s experience as a veteran.
Students from Bridgewater Primary School attended the service with Emily Bailey, Hunter Ryan, Maya Warke and Sevi Every laying wreaths on behalf of the school. Wreaths were also laid by Loddon Shire Councillor Miki Wilson, Jill Hobbs and Trish Rollinson. Bugler Josh Akers concluded the service with the Last Post followed by Rouse.
MARGARET McConnell was part of living history as a student at Mysia War Memorial School.
The students would walk past the memorial tablet honouring young district men who lost their lives in World War One and honoured when residents raised funds to build the school.
On Anzac Day, Margaret was among former students part of the first community commemoration at the old school.
She saw nephew Alexander Chalmers lay a wreath at the tablet, one of the names recorded his namesake.
Chairman of the committee
FROM the simple service of commemoration at Mologa in the hours after dawn on Anzac Day, a convoy of cars travelled into Pyramid Hill for the 100th anniversary of the opening of the town’s memorial hall.
At Mologa, the district Landcare group had organised a service at the local war memorial dedicated in 1920 that records the names of five Marlow brothers who went to war but only two returned.
It was a simple service, said president Bill Boyd, yet one that involved generations of residents from across the district.
Those same people then hopped in cars for
the 12km trip into Pyramid Hill ahead of the Anzac Day service.
The memorial hall was adorned with flags, the red poppies made by young Pyramid Hill College students placed at neat intervals along the stage overlooked by honours with gold letters recording the names of local men who had served in World War One.
Zeb Gould, 11, was among college students who took time to remember their sacrifice.
Born on Anzac Day, Zeb arrived on his birthday with wooden plaque he had made at school in the hands on learning class.
On the plaque were the words Lest We For-
get, the phrase reverently said at Anzac services across the Loddon on the nation’s day of remembrance.
More than 100 people gathered outside the hall for a wreath laying ceremony - hall president Adam Scott, historical society president Alan Mann and fire brigade captain Steve Mann placing floral tributes at the memorial wall before college leaders added their tribute.
Following the main service in the hall, veterans Ron Peacock and Adam Caspani cut the centenary cake in a celebratory note to a day of commemoration and thanks.
that now oversees the former school as a community hub, Chris Rothacker, said: “Like so many other small towns around the world, Mysia suffered heavily from the impact of World War One. To build a school as a memorial certainly showed faith in youth and education to foster a more peaceful future.”
Secretary Sue Gould said the Dawn Service was a first for the district. “It fills a gap in commemorations for Mysia and the wider Boort district.”
Peter Mitchell shared diary reflections of his grandfather Jack Makeham during the service.
TARNAGULLA More than 60 people attended Tarnagulla’s Dawn Service in Soldiers’ Memorial Park.
Fire brigade captain George Filev, Janene Godden and local vetertan Brett Treneman were among organisers of the commemoration.
Janene presented the Anzac address on behalf of local resident Joan Ansell, a descendant of Victoria Cross recipient William Symons.
Eaglehawk-born Symons was awarded the highest medal for valour in 1915 at Gallipoli.
KORONG VALE Umbrellas and raincoats were out as rain started falling during the service in Borella Park on Friday morning.
An estimated 50 people attended the commemoration organised by the community committee.
Jake Murphy played the Last Post and wreaths were laid by the community, including Loddon Shire councillor Gavan Holt. Morning tea in the Mechanics’ Institute Hall concluded the event.
ECONOMIC data is expected to show a massive injection in Loddon communities over Easter.
Loddon Shire’s tourism and economic development manager David Stretch said data on visitor spend would be available. in three weeks.
“Anecdotal feedback received by tourism staff from relevant businesses suggests Loddon Shire visitation during the 2025 Easter period has been very strong,” Mr Stretch said.
“The orienteering activity attracted 1000 visitors to the Loddon Shire at Easter, with more than 300 tourists remaining on in the Loddon Shire and participating in the second event last weekend.
“Loddon Shire provided traffic management services to the orienteering event and incorporated the event in its event promotion budget and spend.
“Tourism staff also provided digital
content and business listings to the orienteering event organisers, to ensure local tourism experiences and operators were promoted and received maximum visitation and benefit.”
Mr Stretch said the orienteering events added to a busy Easter across the shire that saw more than 200 streetrods in Inglewood on Easter Monday.
“Council was thrilled to hear news that the Rheola Charity Carnival was once again well-supported with great events, participation and visitor numbers.
“Council’s tourism team has increased the prominence of the event in its digital marketing, promotional materials and event calendars, very much in recognition of the Rheola event’s historical and cultural significance, as well as its uniqueness to Loddon Shire and the significant number of visitors the event continues to attract,” Mr Stretch said.
WARM autumn afternoons made growing chrysanthemums challenging for gardeners ahead of the weekend’s Central Victorian championships in Laanecoorie.
“The warmer afternoons, especially in the shorter days, slowed down the blooming this year,” said multiple winner of the event Graeme Cain.
The Laanecoorie gardener finished second in the championship but won both best bloom and best spider in the show.
Chris Smith, of Ballarat was awarded the Central Victorian championship and also took out sashes for best single bloom, best vase and the Keith Shay Memorial Challenge.
He said the season had been difficult for growers across the state, including in the cooler climes of Ballarat where he has 2500 chrysanthemum plants.
Organised by the Bendigo Goldfields Chrysanthemum Club, members said plant sales for the weekend were up on last year. Mr Cain said Friday’s rain has lifted confidence among gardeners.
TALKS have started between Loddon Shire and the State Government on the transition of kindergarten programs in Wedderburn.
The new early learning centre at Wedderburn College is planned to open early next year with child care waitlist registrations opening this week.
Early Learning Victoria says the centre will also run integrated kinder (kinder plus long day care, offering flexible drop-off and pick-up within an 11-hour day) and sessional kindergarten programs.
Sessional programs are currently run by Loddon Shire at the Ridge Street preschool.
The Government last week announced pre-prep additional hours for four-yearold kindergarten would be extended to 12 more council areas, including Loddon, next year.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said: “We’re opening more kinders on school sites every year –helping children make the transition from kinder to school.”
Early Learning Victoria says the Wedderburn centre will have one educator for every four children under three and one for every 11 children aged over three.
At its April meeting, Council resolved to endorse a number of proposed changes to the Loddon Shire Council Governance Rules for the purpose of community engagement, in accordance with section 60(4) of the Local Government Act 2020. The endorsed proposed changes to the Governance Rules relate to recording of Council meetings and questions put by members of the public at Council meetings. For further information on the Council decision, or to view Council’s Governance Rules in full, please head to our website, www.loddon.vic.gov.au.
Members of the community are invited to consider and provide feedback on the proposed changes. Feedback must be received by 9am on Friday, 9 May 2025 and can be submitted by email to loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au, by post to PO Box 21 Wedderburn 3518, or delivered in person to Council’s Wedderburn office (41 High Street).
Council will review feedback at its May Forum, before further considering the proposed changes at its May Council meeting.
Scan the QR code to find out more
A HUNDRED years of work by the Church of Christ in Pyramid Hill was celebrated on Sunday when members were joined by worshippers from across the region for a special service.
Among them were Keith and Frances Pitt who were married in the timber church 60 years ago in February 1965.
The church had been built by Edgar Streader who rode his bike from Boort each day 100 years ago.
Following Sunday’s service, his son and retired builder Alan Streader, 99, had the honour of cutting the centenary cake.
The service was led by local church leaders Jean Mann and Glen Broad.
Among the capacity congregation was
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by
Jean’s father Don Farrar, 90, who has attended the church since arriving in Pyramid Hill as a four-year-old in 1938.
Don said he was pleased with the large attendance.
“I have been able to again sit in my customary place instead up near the front ... under the window in a pew near the entrance to the church.
“I enjoy worshipping here and it is wonderful to see people from other churches here today,” Don said.
Jean in her semon said: “As a church today, our anniversary celebration naturally turns our gaze back on our history.
“Be we must let that history be part of our movement into the future.”
TARNAGULLA Ward councillor Nick Angelo hopes a Laanecoorie meeting this month will see the town forming its community planning group that will be officially recognised by Loddon Shire Council.
Cr Angelo said the community group would play an important part in identifying possible future projects for support from council.
“The first thing we need to do is form the committee and put office bearers in place and then the community conversations can be started and ideas taken to council,” Cr Angelo said.
“This will be an opportunity for another of the ward’s small towns putting forward ideas for the future of our district and the shire,” Cr Angelo said.
THE future of Loddon agriculture facing challenges from government renewable energy policy and water buybacks triggered an animated exchange at Tuesday’s Mallee candidates’ forum.
The Loddon Herald forum in Inglewood put questions to six of the eight candidates contesting the safe National Party seat in Saturday’s federal election.
Sitting MP Anne Webster repeated her stance against the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project that she said was part of Labor’s agenda where “Mallee has become the bullseye”.
But Labor challenger Greg Olsen remained firm on his party’s renewable energy policy when answering an online question of whether he would tow the party line or represent the views of the electorate.
Mr Olsen renewable energy should be seen from a nation building perspective. “It is seems me there can be an unfortunate Luddite attitude to the future,” he said.
When using the state of the Great Barrier reef as an example, he was challenged by at least one member in the audience at Inglewood’s Old Goods Shed who said the reef had never been in a better state.
As the renewable energy discussion heated, Mr Olsen used the words of John F. Kennedy: “I
encourage people to ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your coun try.” Farmers Ken Pattison and Graham Nesbit questioned the candidates on renewable energy
POLITICAL parties have made just one funding commitment to the Loddon Shire ahead of Saturday’s election.
That was when sitting MP Anne Webster (Nationals) pledged a Coalition government to $950000 for the Little Lake Boort precinct development days before the formal campaign start.
Loddon Shire had called for matching commitments from other Mallee candidates to guarantee a start on the project.
But at Tuesday night’s Loddon Herald forum, Labor candidate Greg Olsen said: “Making a commitment is one thing ... to follow through (and delivery) is another.”
“I would not want to be in a position and not able to deliver,” Mr Olsen said.
However, he said the Government had recently announced funding for the Maryborough swimming pool and believed the Boort project could be equally deserving of support.
Greens’ candidate Nicole Rowan said she was unaware of the Boort plans and that any funding from government required objective assessment.
Minor party candidates Adam Veitch (Trumpets of Patriots), Chris Lahy (Australian Citizens Party) and Jeff Barry (Libertarian) gave their support to local projects.
Inglewood and District Community Bank director Max Higgs pressed candidates on their support to improve child care access in Loddon Shire communities.
The community bank earlier this year
By CHRIS EARL
put $250,000 on the table towards establishment of a centre in Inglewood.
Dr Webster said the Coalition’s $20 million regional Australia future fund had roads, infrastructure, child care and health at its core.
Labor’s Greg Olsen said better access to child care was important for communities and he was confident funding would be available for future child care initiatives.
Loddon has been one of the few local government child care deserts in Australia with parents travelling outside the shire to take child to care centres.
Candidates at the forum mostly stuck to overall party policy in answering questions from the in-person audience and online viewers.
The Loddon Herald forum was one of just two held in Mallee ahead of the election. A forum in Horsham on Monday night was organised by The Weekly Advertiser.
In the final question of the Loddon Herald forum, candidates were asked to back the campaign by Country Press Australia for the next government to give a fair and equitable slice of its advertising spend.
“A fair share of federal government advertising would help regional newspapers remain a beacon of truth, connection and resilience,” Country Press Australia says.
Candidates at the forum spoke in support of the role of local country newspapers.
THE great Australian election tradition of buying a Democracy Sausage after voting will be continued in the Loddon on Saturday.
As polling booths are opening at 8am, local community groups will be cranking
up the barbecues. The official Democracy Sausage website says snags will be available at the Bridgewater booth while it was announced yesterday morning that Dingee will also join the party with a sizzle at the hall.
would work with farmers and councils and apply socio-economic assessments as part of the Murray Darling Basin Plan that Mr Olsen said Labor was “deliver-
Boort Resource and Information Centre
Tarnagulla Public Hall
Serpentine - Loddon Shire offices
Dunolly Senior Citizens’ Centre
Bealiba Primary School
Charlton Senior Citizens’ Centre Booths open from 8am to 6pm
THE Loddon Herald will present a special wrap of voting results at local booths on Saturday.
The election night special will be broadcast on the Loddon Herald’s facebook page about 8.30pm and will also include analysis of Loddon booth figures, trends across the Mallee electorate and whether they mirror what is happening across the region, Victoria and Australia.
Our election night coverage will also have interviews with candidates and other special commentators dissecting the outcome of the election and what it means for Loddon voters and local communities. You will also be able to stay up to date with local figures at www.loddonherald. com.au
Join us in thanking the women who gave us everything
MOTHER’S Day is just around the corner and local Loddon businesses have great gift ideas to make mum’s day extra special.
Chrysanthemums or ‘chrissies’ are the traditional Mother’s Day flower and Helen Garchitorena has been lovingly tending plants in her Chrysanthemum Garden at Serpentine to be in full bloom ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11.
Helen first planted her chrysanthemums eight years ago and hopes this year’s bunches will bring joy to mothers when received as gifts of thanks from family for Mother’s Day. People travel from across the region to select locally-grown blooms from Helen and Paul’s garden.
Start a conversation
CARLIE Clothing and Accessories in Wedderburn has great gift ideas that will put a huge smile on mum’s face.
Charlie Woodman has a large range of boots and shoes on the shelves again for those looking to buy mum a unique present. The comfortable footwear in colourful and contemporary designs are a great conversation starter.
There’s also handbags - matching accessories for any outfit. And Carlie Clothing and Accessories also has winter-warming cardigans and a range of other clothing in classic and modern styles.
Warmth and love
FROM perfumes to handbags Inglewood Pharmacy has lots of ideas when you’re shopping for mum’s special present,
Kal, Christina, Izzie and staff at the pharmacy can help you select a memorable gift for Mother’s Day. They also have a range of photo frames and novelty gifts.
Inglewood Pharmacy also stocks Mother’s Day cards to complete your gift buying.
Colours of life
WHETHER mum’s an indoor or outdoor person, Bridgewater Nursery has ideal gifts on offer.
The nursery’s indoor gift centre is a Loddon must-visit destination for wall art, knick-knacks and home decor additions.
Bianca Rothacker has a large range of pots in all sizes and the shrubs and plants that mum is able to enjoy on Mother’s Day and every day of the year.
Time for a special pamper
AT ERGO + MANE, Amanda and her team have a very special night coming up next week to pamper mum ready for Mother’s Day.
The Sip and Style Night will have clients enjoying nibbles and drinks on arrival as “we guide you through easy techniques, tool know-how, and expert advice to help you recreate beautiful, polished hair in your own bathroom,” says Amanda.
“Expect laughs, learning, and lots of local love – this is more than just a class; it’s a night to connect, share and celebrate our community,” said Amanda. #shoplocal #shoploddon
IRRIGATION water rationing has ended after Anzac Day rainfalls up to 30mm were recorded in parts of the Loddon.
Goulburn Murray Water on Monday said many irrigators in the Boort, Calivil and Dingee district had cancelled or reduced existing orders after the rain.
“The rain received on Anzac Day had a big impact on irrigation demand in the rationed areas,” said GMW incident controller Mark Bailey.
“We are now able to remove restrictions, which means customers can take what their allocation allows rather than a percentage of their delivery share.”
2024. However, not all areas received good falls with some southern Loddon districts only recording between 8mm and 10mm and at Woosang there was 13.4mm, most coming from late afternoon storms.
Rain fell heavily at Boort and Wedderburn from mid-morning.
Many farmers had completed dry sowing of new season crops while industry experts say there had been a reduction in canola crops on non-irrigated farms.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted below average falls this winter.
Find out more. Call 5438 3500 or search Bendigo Bank Inglewood.
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An estimated 370 irrigators had been on rationing since March 5. The Loddon Valley irrigation district was the only GMW area hit with restrictions.
He said rationing was introduced to ensure irrigators continued to have fair access to water while irrigation demand was exceptionally high.
“We will continue to closely monitor irrigation demand throughout our region to determine whether any further changes are necessary,” Dr Bailey said.
Farmers across the region said they were now looking for follow-up rains to start refilling empty dams.
“Friday’s rain sets the scene for a reasonably strong break,” one told the Loddon Herald.
Friday’s recorded rainfall of 29.5mm at Inglewood was more than the combined falls for more than three months and the largest single day fall since early April
Lamb prices increased by $10–15, while sheep recorded a considerable increase of up to $60 in some places.
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team. Monday, April 28th, 2025 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 9,000 | Sheep - 4,000
Alex Collins - 0408 314 768
Will Lowe - 0498 381 584
Will Holt - 0417 686 814 Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844 Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371 Lachie McAllister - 0459 310 797
Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832
Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917 Mitch A’Vard - 0429 966 572
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry last week said that across cropping regions, there was a 75 per cent chance of rainfall in May and June.
“If realised, these rainfall totals would be considered below average for this time of year. A lack of sufficient rainfall in May is likely to result in an increased disconnect between upper- and lower-layer soil moisture. This may reduce opportunities to plant winter crops under ideal conditions, particularly in some southern growing regions,” according to the department.
Agriculture Victoria’s Northern region senior veterinary officer Jeff Cave said It was vital that producers assessed their livestock situation now and actively planned for the welfare of animals while waiting for the main autumn break.
“Livestock may start experiencing the effects of the shortfall of paddock feed. Furthermore, water availability has become a critical issue on many properties,” Dr Cave said.
AUSTRALIA’S thriving agricultural sector produces food, fibre and feed for communities across the globe — but it also generates a substantial amount of plastic waste, particularly from single-use plastic bags used for seed, fertiliser, crop protection products, and stock feed.
These bags are essential for product safety, but too often, they end up being burned, buried, or abandoned.
bagMUSTER is changing that. Spearheaded by CropLife and its not-for-profit subsidiary Agsafe, in collaboration with the Australian Seed Federation, this innovative stewardship program is leading the charge in sustainable waste management across Australia’s farms.
What is bagMUSTER?
bagMUSTER is Australia’s first not-forprofit, industry led dedicated collection and recycling program for soft plastic agricultural bags.
Designed with the whole supply chain in mind, the program ensures that plastic packaging from agricultural inputs—such as fertiliser, seed, grain, stock feed, and pet food—is collected and recycled rather than contributing to landfills, pollution, or microplastic contamination in rural areas.
The program supports extended producer responsibility, where manufacturers, retailers, and end users work together to manage the full lifecycle of plastic packaging—from distribution to safe and sustainable disposal.
How does bagMUSTER work?
bagMUSTER operates through a growing network of collection sites across Australia, beginning with a phased rollout in rural Victoria.
These sites are primarily located at par-
ticipating council waste and recycling centres.
Many of these locations are already established drumMUSTER sites, allowing for convenient, co-located drop-off of both chemical containers and agricultural soft plastic bags.
Growers can bring their used agricultural bags to these collection sites, where council staff inspect them to ensure they meet the program’s acceptance criteria and then safely store them for collection.
Once accepted, growers receive a certificate of participation, which can be used as supporting evidence for food safety programs or sustainability audits.
The collected bags are then transported to trusted local recycling partners. These facilities use both mechanical and advanced recycling processes to transform the waste into valuable raw materials.
The recovered plastic is used to manufacture new products such as planter boxes, bumper bars, and pipes—helping
to close the loop and reduce reliance on virgin plastics. All bags collected through bagMUSTER are recycled in Australia, ensuring none are sent to landfill.
This approach not only keeps plastic waste off farms and out of the environment but also supports the development of a true circular economy in the agricultural sector.
bagMUSTER launched its first collection sites in early 2025. Over the next year, the program will continue its phased expansion—first covering all of Victoria, then extending into eastern South Australia. Further growth into other states will follow as infrastructure and partnerships develop.
The long-term goal is to establish a truly national network of accessible collection sites, ensuring that even farmers in remote and regional areas can participate in responsible recycling. As more manufacturers, retailers, and councils come on board, the network will continue to expand and strengthen. Early involvement from stakeholders is essential to shaping the direction and success of the program and building a sustainable future for agricultural plastics in Australia.
Join the movement
bagMUSTER is more than a program— it’s a collective shift toward a cleaner, safer, and more responsible agricultural future. Whether you’re a producer, manufacturer, or retailer, your participation helps reduce waste, protect the environment, and create a circular economy that benefits us all.
To learn more head to bagMUSTER.org. au.
STUNNING 1071 ACRE PROPERTY FOR SALE NEAR NAVARRE, VICTORIA
AUCTION FRIDAY MAY 30TH @ 11.00 AM ON SITE.
Located in the highly sought after high rainfall zone of Victoria, this expansive 1071 acre* property offers a rare opportunity for those seeking a lifestyle change or a working farm. Perfectly positioned in Navarre, this property boasts a variety of features designed for both farming and leisure. The land is currently in pasture, with 10 dam filled paddocks, providing an ideal environment for livestock or cropping. A well-maintained homestead offers comfortable living while you oversee the property. Additionally, the property is equipped with essential farming infrastructure, including a a three-stand shearing shed, a hay-shed and a machinery shed, making it a fully functional farming setup.
With its fertile soil, abundant water supply, and versatile paddocks, this property is a must see for anyone seeking a productive yet peaceful lifestyle. Whether you are looking to expand your agricultural pursuits or enjoy the serenity of rural living, this property provides the perfect foundation. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to secure your piece of Victoria's countryside. Offers considered prior.
*acreage approximate
THERE was a smallerr yarding of 8960 lambs and 4250 sheep at Bendigo on Monday following the Easter break and reasonable rainfall in some areas.
Quality was mixed and well fed lambs with weight were in the minority, with no extra heavy exports above 34kg cwt in this yarding.
It was a dearer sale across all categories, with several processors appearing keen for numbers. Although that said some buyers did withdraw from the market when prices lifted sharply.
Lamb prices improved by up to $30/ head on pre-Easter rates while sheep gained $30 to $80/head in a repeat of what the industry witnessed a few weeks back after the big northern rain event.
Big crossbred ewes sold to $292/head while export lambs reached $285/head. Export lambs sized from 30kg to about 33kg cwt from $262 to a top of $285/head. Heavy lambs in the 26-30kg cwt category, $220 to $282/head. Best heavy trade lambs $210 to $245/head. General run of trade lambs $165 to $200/head.
Most of the crossbred lamb categories trended between 800c to 880c/kg cwt, with the very neatest fed pens out to 950c/kg at times. Trade Merino lambs to $204, with the leaner and lighter trades from $130 to $180/head at an estimated 740c to 780c/kg for most. Light lambs sold strongly amid support from MK ‘bag lamb’ orders and restocking interest. Better framed and bred light lambs $130 to $170/head. Smallest lambs $80 to $115/ head, with some very small and light Merinos down to $19/head. Competition for heavy sheep cranked up again, big crossbred ewes $220 to a top of $292/head; Merino wethers to $265 and good Merino ewes $180 to $225/head. Sheep with frame
Located 15kms from Eaglehawk – 20 mins Bendigo
63.13 Hectares – 156 Acres on 1 Title in 2 paddocks
13-year-old Brick Veneer – 3 Bedroom home
2 Bathrooms
Open plan Kitchen/ Dining & Living
Second large Living room
50,000 Ltr tank storage plus 2 Meg S& D dam
“Ranbuild” 15m x 6m 5 bay Colorbond shed with cement floor & Power
Terms:
10% Deposit on signing of contracts, Balance 30/60 Days
Further Particulars/Inspections: Contact Selling Agents
James Nevins: 0407 302 900
Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au
Inspection by appointment
www.fpnevins.com.au
www.realestate.com.au
www.domain.com.au
FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT
size but less fat cover $120 to $160/head; very light sheep $78 to $100/head. There was a wide price spread of 550c to 750c/ kg cwt over the bulk of the sheep yarding, with heavier mutton receiving the most consistent demand and tending to be in the higher carcass price brackets. Once again some buyers were unable to fill orders due to the significant price rise. Competition for heavy sheep was dominated by one key northern exporter.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
JM Hiscock & Sons Pyalong (104) $285. WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (46) $282. PG & DM Sexton Terrappee (51) $278. T Brown Wanalta (50) $274. GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (102) $271. DW Francis Lockington (35) $270. JD & KJ Steele Newbridge (28) $266. M & K Trigg Mathoura (207) $266. Lislea Lodge Picola (138) $266. BJ & SJ Griffiths Malmsbury (48) $265. AB & KB Broom Neereman (20) $260. PA Bourke Moama (51) $260. TJ & LA Tobin Costerfield (27) $256. KJ Exton Gowangardie (39) $250. A & J Soulsby Buckrabanyule (72) $240. DI & CL Palmer Bamawm (40) $239. K & S Wilson Boort (40) $224.
Boom Sprayer 70m.” New Holland” H7450 Mower/ Cond 4m cut. “Vennings” 8” Fully Auto Auger 10m w Vanguard 14Hp Motor, “McCulloch” Golden Scoop, “McCormick” combine w SSB, Tyre Roller 3.6m, “International” 29 tyne scarifier, “Grouper & stand w 10hp B&S motor, Land Grader 3.8m, 38 Plate Off Set Disc, 3PL Pasture Harrows 8m, “Marshall” Multi Spreader 8.5 Tonne, 12m Harrow bar, 16ft Tandem Trailer (new tyres), 2.1m “Kanga” Slasher (New), Calf Trailer (suit quad bike), 3PL Terrace Blade, Grain Bin, “Mobilco” Hay loader w New B&S 6.5hp motor, 6 x 4 Trailer w fencing wire winder, Mobile Saw Bench, Tungsten tip blade P.T.O. Post hole digger 3.P.L., “Duncan” MK3 renovator 3m, “New Holland” 375 grain mixer 2 tonne, “New Holland” 317 small sq baler. Hay Elevator, 10 wheel Hay Rake, 4 x “Agmac Water Watchers New concrete Stops, Fire Fighting Equipment. Ajax wool press, Welder, Ag Pipe Fittings, Cement mixer. Fence wire winder- New in box,23 x 2500x1600 Security fencing, Garden tools, fishing, camping, horse gear & workshop tools.
Fencing Equipment Large Qnty of Mesh, Assort Gates, Iron Posts, Concrete & Treated Pine Posts & Strainers, fencing wire, (Barb & plain), Elec fence unit, fence testers & fault finders, solar elec fence units.
Motor Vehicles & Accessories “Toyota Landcruiser” 474,339 km’s GC Roof mounted Spot Light REG (NO RWC), ” V6 4WD SR Toyota Hilux” Ute Regd & RWC 15,000km’s w (New Motor). 4WD “Kawasaki” SxS. “Cox” Stockman R/on mower 32” cut, “Yamaha Brutin” ultra mack 4 wheel M/Bike w spray unit on back, Roof racks, Canopy, Qty of Ute stock crates, “Thule” car top carrier.
Cattle/Pigs Equipment “Gallagher” cattle scales w weigh floor & Bars, 13 “Waste Not hay feeders”, 1 Bull feeder, “Paton” Grain feeders w calf regulators (2 tonne), “Paton” hay feeders w calf regulators (3 tonne), Lick drums, Round hay rings, S/Steel Pig Feeders & Water troughs double sided. Alflex tags, Calf Puller, Hip Clamps & sundries too numerous to particularize.
Directions 3032 Prairie / Rochester Road Tennyson Vic
Terms Numbers system operating, ID required, cash/cheque/ EFTPOS available. GST applies. No buyers premium, Light luncheon available.
Photos www.fpnevins.com.au Further Particulars
THREE more sleeps and we can all stop yawning ... federal election voting will be done and dusted and there might be a result when the sun rises on Sunday morning.
In the Loddon Shire - and I’m told, elsewhere across the Mallee electorate - there’s been little engagement with communities since Prime Minister Albanese called the election for May 3.
Barely a handful of sightings of the eight candidates. Although they came out of the woodwork when pre-poll opened last week in the big cities and towns.
Few candidates taking the time to even engage with local councils who had prepared wish lists of projects identified as important to local people - think not just community facilities but
also the now-perennial issues of roads, mobile phone and internet connectivity and water.
The lack of engagement has been a slight on democracy, campaigns centred on a few parts of what is the largest electorate in Victoria, Mallee accounting for more than 33 per cent of the geographic area.
Key to a thriving democracy is connection and engagement.
That’s what made last week’s endorsement of a new Loddon Shire governance policy (now out for feedback) interesting.
The report did not specifically say live streams of council meetings would disappear, replaced by next-day on-demand video, but that’s what was later revealed.
Live streams were introduced during the COVID years. They
aLaN STREaDER’S PERFORMaNCE OF THE LaST POST ON aNZaC Day
Gail armstrong wrote: Congratulations Alan on another wonderful year listening to you play.
Janine Oldfield wrote: Awsome and very humbling.
Annette Blanchard wrote: Thanks for sharing this beautiful moment!
Alex Holt wrote: Such a lovely share. Extraordinary and truly wonderful!
Elissa Wilson wrote: What an amazing effort. Still giving his all for us. How lucky we are.
Elsie Smith wrote: Thank you Uncle Alan. Lest We Forget. Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL Sub Branch wrote: Our regular bugler is brilliant, but how do we book Alan for next year? REACTION TO CANCELLATION OF DAWN SERVICE
Nathan Joy wrote: Imagine rolling around in muddy trenches, covered in mud, your mates guts and bullets. Then imagine standing to simply pay respects in a bit of rain. I know where I’d rather be, and the reason I can is because of those fallen. Lest We Forget.
Sir, The response of our councillors to wellbeing director Wendy Gladman’s recommendation to put a draft inclusion policy out for public display and feedback was painful to witness. Intended to make Loddon “inclusive and welcoming for all”, Mayor Straub’s initial calls for a councillor to move to accept the recommendation got no takers.
Body language and awkward silence suggested he may have received a more enthusiastic response had he asked for a volunteer to donate a kidney or have a tooth pulled.
Cr Holt questioned the reluctance of his fellow councillors and reminded them “we did discuss this” (in a council forum?) He didn’t appear keen to move the
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
The Loddon
have continued and afforded residents and ratepayers of Loddon Shire the monthly opportunity for engagement and connection.
Not every person has the capacity to wipe out the fourth Tuesday afternoon of the month to travel for an hour to sit in the public gallery to hear debate on an item that could be 10 minutes into the meeting or after an hour.
Live streaming is now part of the communications toolkit and should be retained.
To delay public scrutiny of debate and decisions could be seen as democracy stymied.
We’ve seen enough non-engagement with higher levels of government to say that approach is unhelpful to democracy.
Let’s keep council processes and local people connected.
Cath Gamble wrote: Bit of rain won’t hurt anyone. The men and women who fought for this country didn’t have the luxury of saying “l’m not going to fight today as it’s raining” grab an umbrella or jacket and be a bit uncomfortable for 20 minutes!
Julian Renshaw wrote: This is very disappointing. Our men and women who serve our great country now and in the past certainly didnt have the luxury of sheltering from a little rain. They sacrificed their time and sadly their lives in all conditions. So show them the respect they deserve.
motion himself, but finally did so; Cr Weaver seconded and the recommendation was approved by a sullen show of hands.
Perhaps the decision to stop live streaming of monthly council meetings (Loddon Herald, April 24) might save more embarrassment.
MaxHiggs Bridgewater
bUSHy TaLES BY IAN
1. What did itsy bitsy spider climb up?
2. Pharoah’s were once the rulers of which ancient civilisation?
3. What is the name of the tallest building in the world?
4. And in which city is that building?
5. Bill Gates is the founder of which company?
6. Which planet in our solar system is the hottest?
7. Who was the Pope at the beginning of the 21st century?
8. What material are marbles typically made from ?
9. The Panama hat originally comes from which country?
10. What colour are the blossoms on an orange tree?
11. What is the main ingredient in a mince pie?
12. Prairie dogs belong to what category of mammal?
13. “Eh what’s up doc” is a catchphrase of which cartoon character?
W
ORKING all hours is Bradley of Boort. Out with torch in hand, he has put up the latest Treemendous Sign instalment. Guess, he thought it was a bright idea at the time.
OUT and about at earlier hours too have been those kangaroos. Spotted two standing sentintel at the 60kmh sign entering Wedderburn on Anzac Day before dawn. On the way out of town - Mysia beckoned - another huge mob making its way for an early round of golf. Those warning signs erected by caring and cautious citizens absolutely essential at the moment.
LAST week at Rheola, was chatting to industry colleague Warwick
14. True or false – the English
is a brass instrument?
15. Meteorology is the study of what?
16. Which warrior’s weakness was his heel?
17. The assassination of which heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne started World War One?
18. How many hearts does an octopus have?
19. In which ocean did the titanic sink?
20. The first patent for a mechanical pencil was granted in which year?
who was about to have a chat with The Oracle on Aunty’s Country Hour, this year marking 80 years on the airwaves. Had to do the right thing and “brief” him about next guest. Sure enough, The Oracle was introduced as just that. With a great head for radio (so say his mates), his dolcet tones are now known the width and breadth of the Murray River ... and more.
T
HE Country Hour has outlived Blue Hills (bet The Oracle remembers that) but has a way to go for the title of the world’s longest running radio show. That belongs to The Grand Ole Opry, a live country music broadcast originating from Nashville, Tennessee. It began on November 28, 1925. The Country Hour comes in next followed by The Archers, a British radio soap opera, which first aired in 1951.
I was lucky to get out of it so lightly, for the first day there was like hell
The Anzac address given by Peter Mitchell, a grandson of Gallipoli veteran Jack Makeham, at the first Mysia Dawn Service last Friday
ONE Hundred and 10 years ago in the dawn light, just as we see now, John was a part of the first Anzacs who landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.
Writing to his brother, he describes the landing:
Isupposeyouhaveseenafull account in the papers of our go in with the Turks. I did not see much of them as I got shelled throughmyleftarmthefirstday
Thebulletwentrightthrough, causingacompoundfracturebelow the elbow. I’m doing alright now,andbythetimeyougetthis Ishallbebackthereagain,Ihope.
Iwasluckytogetoutofitso lightly,forthefirstdaytherewas likehell.
Thebulletswereflyingaround likehail.
We had to race ashore in the little net boats, and as there was nolandingplacewehadtojump out in water up to our necks, wadeashoreandstraightupahill about300feethigh.
TheTurkswereuponthetop in thousands peppering away at uswithrifles,machinegunsand shrapnel.Wecouldnotseethem asthecountryisveryscrubby.
Needlesstosayourmenwent downlikeflies,lotsofthemnevergettingashoreatall.
While recovering in hospital he wrote to his friend William Wright:
Justafewlinestoletyouknow thatIamstillalive,thoughnotas weIIasIcouldbe.
Such a lot has happened I can assureyou.
I am looking forward to a returnofthosequiethoursweused to have together. I often think of them and wonder if I shall be luckyenoughtogetthroughthis awfulwarandreturntoapeacefullife.
Iampleasedtohearthatdear oldMysiahasnotchanged,forof alI the places I have seen there isnonethatappealstomemuch andIshallbeverypleasedindeed togetbackamongstyouallonce more.
John recovered from his injuries and returned to Gallipoli by August 1915. This letter describes that return to the front:
We got a pretty hot reception thatdayandforseveraldaysfollowing.
TheTurksweredroppingtheir bighighexplosiveshellsrightin amongst our trenches and were blowingsomeofusskyhigheveryday.
You talk about Australian heroes.butifyouhadseenusducking into a big tunnel that we had there, you would not have thoughtso.
Therewashardlyamanofus thatwasnotbluffedattheendof twoweeks.Itwasjustlikesitting downwaitingyourturn.
I always considered seven as aluckynumber,butwhenIlook aroundandseethe7thbattalionI cannotbutthinkthat7isavery unluckynumberindeed.
Hard luck, or rather Turkish shells, seems to follow us whereverwego.
Out of the original 1000 men whocomprisedthe7thbattalion, which left Broadmeadows, there are not 50 here now; so that speaksforitself.
John survived Gallipoli and went on to fight in the trenches on the dreadful Western Front in Belgium.
He makes this diary entry from the trenches of the Somme on 4th November 1916:
IamsittinginaholeIhavejust made,enjoyingasmoke.
Ihavenothadmybootsofffor a week and my feet are wet all thetimeandarejustbeginningto getsore.
The air is just roaring with shells and guns and it is raining nearlyallthetime.
The trenches have at least two orthreefeetofmudinthemand aresomethingawful,everystep youtakeyounearlygetstuckin themud.
All around, the ground is torn withshells,youcan’tgosixyards inastraightlinewithoutwalking intoashellhole.
John was eventually invalided back to Australia in 1917.
On his return from the front, a welcome-home event for him and Private Arthur Chalmers was held at the Mysia Hall It was reported in the Boort Standard:
Sergeant Makeham responded by thanking the community for their fine gift and the welcome theyhadgiventhem.
He had been in many parts of the world since he left, and he could tell them that there was notafinercountrythanAustralia in any part of the globe, and no
better place than this district. It wasagreathonortogoandfight for Australia. It was worth havinghadthebadtimestobeable to come back home, and be with allmyfriendsagain.Hewouldn’t evenchangeplaceswiththeKing.
Jack served in Egypt, Gallipoli and then on the Western Front with the 7th Battalion while his Ada, who he married in 1919, was a British Army nursing sister in France and England. Jack died in 1981, Ada predeceasing him by seven years.
Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens
Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens have not been active in recent times. A new committee has been elected and will welcome anyone interested in becoming a member
The Club has activities planned from 1pm on the second Friday of each month in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. On the fourth Friday of each month, a light meal will be available costing $10 -00. Again in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. You are welcome to pop in even if you would prefer just a cup of tea/coffee and a chat. There is no pressure to participate in the available activities.
Membership fee is $5-00 annually.
The above will be in place until the Club moves to the new building currently being constructed in McKay St. Terry Wood email tp.wood@bigpond.com Ph 0429843479
The former Coonooer Bridge Uniting Church Sunday School.
Size 20’ x 24’ timber frame with 9’ walls and corrugated iron roof.
Wall cladding has been removed with asbestos clearance certificate.
All verbal offers will be considered on May 20, 2025 and the best offer will be notified after this date.
For inspection or queries contact Denis Watts - 0417 563 648
Old bottles with town or company names.
Shed clean outs and deceased estates
PAID ON DAY
Phone 0452 264 661
BOORT NEWSAGENCY
BRIDGEWATER BAKEHOUSE
BRIDGEWATER CARAVAN PARK CAFE
BRIDGEWATER HOTEL
BRIDGEWATER NURSERY
BRIDGEWATER POST OFFICE
BRIDGEWATER SERVICE STATION
CHARLTON NEWSAGENCY
DINGEE STORE
FOUR POSTS JARKLIN
INGLEWOOD IGA
INGLEWOOD MOTEL
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Maiden Gully
3.6 3.7 5.9 7.12 (54)
Newbridge 0.1 2.3 3.3 4.6 (30)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: J. Farrer 3, A. Monfries 2, T. Delahey, T. Webster. Newbridge: B. Schilling 2, J. Zimmer, C. Argus. BEST – Maiden Gully: J. Farrer, G. Brown, L. Pigdon, M. Whitham, M. Hill, D. Russell. Newbridge: C. Argus, C. Sheppard, K. Friswell, W. Copland, J. Teasdale, A. Padbury. Inglewood 1.3 6.6 8.8 11.12 (78) Bridgewater 5.2 9.4 11.9 12.13 (85)
GOALS – Inglewood: L. Marciano 3, K. Cavallaro, S. Erharter 2, T. Hywood, D. Polack, B. Cotchett, G. Nevins. Bridgewater: L. Sharp 5, O. Watt 3, N. Naughton, O. Muggleton, T. McKinley, H. McKinley.
BEST – Inglewood: T. Kennedy, L. Matheson, B. Cotchett, L. Marciano, G. Nevins, C. Stobaus. Bridgewater: L. Ellings, X. Walsh, J. Neylon, A. Powell, O. Watt, J. Mayes. Calivil 1.1 2.1 4.1 4.2 (26) Marong 3.7 10.11 17.13 21.15 (141)
GOALS - Calivil: H. McCarthy 2, C. Thompson, A. Dennis. Marong: M. Willox 4, R. Taylor 3, N. Devanny, J. Ede, J. McCaig, L. Lee 2, J. Toomey, D. Highgate, M. Bradbury, J. Gadsden, N. McCaig, S. Geary.
BEST - Calivil: R. Walsh, H. McCarthy, J. Leach, C. Thompson, W. Hamilton, R. Sheehan. Marong: L. Lee, J. Gretgrix, J. McCaig, R. Taylor, J. Ede, R. Tibbett.
Pyramid Hill 3.6 8.9 15.14 19.17 (131)
Mitiamo 1.3 3.3 4.5 4.9 (33)
GOALS - Pyramid Hill: B. Bisset 4, A. Hildebrandt 3, M. Dingwall, K. Daniels, M. Cheesman, R. Semmel, S. Gunther 2, H. Goodes, L. Sidebottom. Mitiamo: L. Shiell, R. Duncan, Z. Myers, B. Baines.
BEST - Pyramid Hill: K. Daniels, A. Hildebrandt, R. Semmel, B. George, S. Gunther, B. Bisset. Mitiamo: Z. Morrison, L. Shiell, R. Duncan, L. Lougoon, A. Huismann, B. Baines.
Marong 3 3 0 0 0 206.49 12
3 3 0 0 0 141.59 12
2 1 1 0 1 84.88
Maiden Gully 1.1 3.1
(35)
(54)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: J. Doolan 3, R. Crothers, T. Lang. Newbridge: L. Hoskin 4, C. Van Aken, L. Lonergan, C. Dixon, E. Spark.
BEST – Maiden Gully: T. Lang, R. Crothers, J. Spiller, H. Devanny, K. Kerrison, W. Anderson. Newbridge: C. Hoye, L. Hoskin, M. Adams, A. Moore, E. Spark, C. Dixon.
Pyramid Hill 1.2 5.3 12.5 16.9 (105) Mitiamo 0.2 1.3 2.5 2.8 (20)
GOALS - Pyramid Hill G. Quinn 4, P. Monaghan, J. Simpson, N. Moon, P. Walker 3. Mitiamo: N. Ramskill, R. Ramskill.
BEST - Pyramid Hill: J. Simpson, P. Monaghan, P. O’Brien, G. Quinn, B. Colliver, S. Donat. Mitiamo: C. Milne, D. Mitchell, D. Saliba, C. Pearson, A. Lloyd, J. Doherty.
Inglewood
3.2 6.4 8.7 10.9 (69) Bridgewater 1.2 2.3 4.3 4.4 (28)
GOALS - Inglewood: J. Stokes 3, C. March 2, T. Murphy, J. Whittle, D. Gorrie, T. Kilcullen, R. Tresize. Bridgewater: M. Bourke 2, J. Roberts, T. Naughton.
BEST - Inglewood: C. Cohalan, C. Martin, S. Polack, J. Barnett, T. Beriman, J. Essex. Bridgewater: J. McKinley, C. Hindle, N. Bibby, J. Higgins, M. Bourke, R. Commons.
Calivil
1.0 1.0 3.0 4.1 (25)
Marong 7.2 13.4 19.4 29.6 (180)
GOALS – Calivil: D. Canfield 2, B. Dowton, J. Lea. Marong: S. De Napoli 12, D. Blume 9, C. Hale, P. Gretgrix, B. Matthews 2, R. Doorty, A. Collins.
BEST - Calivil: B. Dowton, D. Canfield, Z. Petri, J. Steel, B. Jenkin, T. Rodda. Marong: S. De Napoli, D. Blume, P. Gretgrix, M. Lowery, C. Hale, L. Rielley.
Marong 3 3 0 0 0 389.16 12
Inglewood 3 2 1 0 0 173.45 8
Bridgewater 3 2 1 0 0 149.61 8
Pyramid Hill 3 2 1 0 0 149.08 8
Calivil 3 2 1 0 0 67.3 8
Newbridge 2 1 1 0 1 75.18 4
Inglewood
GOALS - Inglewood: K. McClellan, R. Smith 3, H. Noble, E. McCoy, R. Murphy, M. Pickering 2, T. Lovett, T. Murphy, T. Lamprell. Bridgewater: D. Cullen, J. Friswell. BEST - Inglewood: E. McCoy, K. McClellan, R. Murphy, H. Noble, T. Murphy, T. Lamprell. Bridgewater: R. Hobbs, A. Lawson, H. Daldy, L. Lonsdale, Tate Woodhatch.
Maiden Gully
Pyramid Hill
ris, B. Hooper-Dixon, B. Roberts. St Arnaud J. Needs, J. McKenny, R. Bigmore, S. Driscoll, J. Kell, K. Cuolahan.
(0)
GOALS - Calder United: H. Connolly, H. Senior 3, A. Forrester, G. Forrester 2, A. Hogan, B. Forrester, D. Isbister, D. Kelly, J. Morrison, J. Pardella.
BEST - Calder United: D. Isbister, D. Kelly, H. Connolly, D. McLennan, S. Hogan, H. Senior. Wedderburn: R. Tonkin, J. Hall, M. Lockhart, C. Hargreaves, D. Caruana, A. Smith.
Donald
(210)
(10)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: L. Hancock 6, N. Hadden 5, O. Taylor, H. Carter 4, M. Lines, O. Bowman 3, J. Ladner, Z. Turner, H. Healey, L. Budge, X. Cassells, D. Vallance. Pyramid Hill: B. Gibson.
BEST – Maiden Gully: Z. Turner, N. Hadden, L. Hancock, M. Lines, H. Carter, O. Bowman. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, B. Gibson, E. Ray, J. Hercott, D. Coussa, J. Mitchell.
East Loddon 2.0 2.2
Marong 4.2
(30)
(110)
GOALS - East Loddon: A. Addlem 2, A. Roulston, F. Clymo. Marong: R. Doorty 7, W. Thomson, B. Hale, L. Henson 2, M. O’Donnell, J. Taylor, R. Hayden.
BEST - East Loddon: T. Rasmussen, A. Addlem, J. Ketterer, A. Roulston, F. Clymo, T. Smith. Marong: H. Wilson, R. Doorty, C. Quinlan, B. Hale, D. Radford, H. Bennett.
Charlton
St Arnaud
GOALS – Charlton: S. Zagame 3, M. Collins, T. Finlay, E. Fitzpatrick. St Arnaud: M. Egan, S. Male, Z. Phillips, B. Organ, D. Schilder.
BEST – Charlton: S. Woods, T. Finlay, M. Collins, B. Xiriha, A. Patterson, B. Kemp. St Arnaud: M. Goode, J. Kirwood, H. Durward, Z. Phillips, T. Petrie, M. Egan.
Sea Lake Nandaly
Birchip Watchem
(72)
(82)
GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, B. Delmenico, T. Cox 2, T. Mckenzie, L. McClelland, B. Weir, A. Pattison, W. Donnan. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 4, J. Reid, D. Hinkley 2, M. Rippon, N. Rippon, H. Hosking, T. Gibson.
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Poulton, B. Mcinnes, T. Cox, W. Donnan, A. Pattison, J. Donnan. Birchip Watchem H. Hosking, B. Lakin, N. Rippon, D. Hinkley, M. Buchanan, D. Bell.
Calder United 2.3 5.6 8.9
Wedderburn
(77)
(63)
GOALS - Calder United: J. Exell 3, D. Munro 2, Z. Kelly, S. Kennedy, M. Farmer, R. Smith, C. Fawcett, D. Putt. Wedderburn: D. Benaim, J. Mortlock 2, L. Holt, M. Smith, D. Jackson, H. Lockhart.
BEST - Calder United: M. Wade, O. Madden, Z. Keighran, Z. Caccaviello, S. Kennedy, R. Smith. Wedderburn: J. Pallpratt, J. McEwen, C. Lowry, H. Lockhart, J. Mortlock, N. Furlong.
Donald
Boort
(0)
(197)
GOALS – Boort: H. Weaver 8, C. O’Rourke, A. Cockerell, M. Beattie 4, B. Ellis, J. Mulquiny, A. Trethowan, M. Coleman 2, S. Barraclough, C. Gooding, P. O’Rourke.
BEST – Donald: D. Atkins, B. Harrison, J. Johnson, M. Burke, E. Clapham, D. Hawkes. Boort: J. Mulquiny, H. Weaver, B. Hewlett, M. Beattie, J. Vella, M. Coleman.
Sea Lake Nandaly
Birchip Watchem
(35)
10.10 (70)
GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: Z. Wemyss 3, C. O’Sullivan, C. Noonan. Birchip Watchem: N. Ryan 3, C. Frank 2, H. Cook, M. Berry, J. Liston, B. Colbert, T. Sheridan.
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: S. Seward, B. Stadon, E. Ellis, B. Allan, I. Durie, R. McGarry. Birchip Watchem: J. Lee, C. Frank, G. Addis, C. Lee, B. Colbert, H. Cook.
– Charlton: C. Phillips, J. Wright, L. Monaghan, E. Soulsby, S. Olive, J. Monaghan. St Arnaud: A. Wickham, B. Donald, T. Thomas, N. Saludes, E. Hilton, T. Berryman.
BEST – Donald: E. Clapham, C. Campbell, H. Clark, J. Borden. Boort: C. Gooding, B. McPherson, C. Hird, C. Gould, F. O’Rourke, J. O’Flaherty.
Lake
(46)
- Sea Lake Nandaly: C. O’Sullivan, B. Allan, A. Renney, J. Cox, C. Kelly, C. Mitchell. Birchip Watchem: O. Cook, J. McAuliffe, M. Field, B. Kemp.
T. Vearing, M. Fawcett, T. Perry. Wedderburn: N. Winslett, C. Gault, O. Huismann, W. Cunningham, T. Lowe.
(22)
(189)
GOALS – Donald: B. Arho, R. Walker, B. Arho. Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly 10, K. Rutley 5, C. Egan 4, P. Barbopoulos 3, T. Potter, E. Coleman 2, L. Hall, J. Keeble, M. Austin, J. Byrne. BEST - Donald R. Bath, D. Pearce, E. Landwehr, R. Walker, J. Adams, C. Campbell. Boort J. Baddeley-Kelly, J. Dick, J. Wilson, M. Austin, K. Rutley, J. Fitzpatrick.
GOALS – Charlton: B. Hooper-Dixon, A. Johnstone, T. Bates, L. Holmes-Brown, B. Roberts. St Arnaud J. Kell 3, K. Cuolahan, S. Driscoll 2, B. Knight, J. Mckenny, T. Ward.
BEST – Charlton: M. Campbell, J. Zagame, P. Soulsby, J. Har-
Arnaud
– Charlton: L. Monaghan, X. Good, R. Gahan, O. McPhee, Thomas Fitzpatrick. St Arnaud: D. Kirk, J. James, L. Lowe, F. Evans, X. Taylor, S. Weir
BEST - Calder United: M. Beattie, D. Polzin, H. Humphreys, T. Harrison, F. Polzin, J. Harrison. Wedderburn: C. Jones-Moore, Z. Polkinghorne, B. Collins, A. Noordennen, L. Martin.
(19) BEST – Donald: E. Geddes, N. Michael, J. Italia, J. Embate. Boort: C. McNally, T. Broad, T. Stringer, J. Perryman, S. Soumelidis.
Nandaly
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Wight, A. Smith, J. Cox, B. Barry, T. McClelland, J. Cox. Birchip Watchem: A. Tyler, W. Ryan, D. Coffey, D. Atkinson.
Nandaly
INGLEWOOD Golf Club had a great day with eight women playing last Wednesday.
The winner over nine holes was Helen Ward on 33 nett. She also was the winner of the 2nd shot on the 18th.
Special awards to visitors went to Annie Higgs on 39nett and Sue Sinclair 39.5 nett.
Sunday men’s play saw softer conditions after the rain.
Ash McDonald and Nathan Joyner finished level on 34 points in the stableford format. Both players were going stroke for stroke all round.
Club members had to reach for the rule book to determine the winner, with Ash eventually declared victor after the fourth set of
criteria for stableford count backs were met.
David Patterson collected the nearest the pin with a terrific iron onto the 9th scrape and collected a tidy bonus after it had gone unclaimed this season.
The clubhouse and fairways were abuzz for the annual Easter Cup. This year proved to be an absolute smash hit with 54 golfers filling all tee off slots. The annual event attracted over 90 people, with several spectators and supporters cheering and jeering on their friends and family around the course.
The golfers, supporters and spectators were able to enjoy a nice post golf treat donated by
NORTH Central Netball Association has named its three junior representative squads for tournaments in May and June.
On May 18, the squads will play in the Echuca and District Tournament, and on May 1 in the CVNA Tournament in Bendigo.
Bendigo will also host the Netball Victoria Northern Zone Association Championships on June 15 and the AFLCV Gala Day on June 22.
17 and Under - Coach: Kylie Walsh and Claudia Lee. Zali Angel, Jessie Fawcett, Millie Hando, Beau Haslam, Gracie Humphreys, Lily Humphreys, Maggie Riley, Tessa Sheahan, Jada Symes, Libby Thompson
15 and Under - Coach: Aliza Lockhart. Milla Adams, Lana Angel, Erin Blair, Sienna Carroll, Evie Donnellon, Lana Fawcett, Asha Lee’ Stella Nicolson, Prue O’Sullivan, Halle Rice
13 and Under - Coach: Roxy Train, Rosie Fitzpatrick, Heidi Hogan, Victoria Lanyon, Grace McAuliffe, Bridget Perryman, Ashlei Poyner, Sienna Richmond, Gemma Tynan, Willow Vearing, Imogen Watts
community members. The winning team on was Rowan McNamee, James McNamee and Matt ‘Bear’ Brown. In hot pursuit of them in second place was Dave Shay, Peter Sanderson and Jill Sharp.
The longest drive competition had many strong efforts and leaders throughout the day but the ultimate winner was 16-year-old club member Jeremy Cassar who ripped his drive furthest on the 5th hole.
For the nearest to the pin competition, new member Jill Sharp showed her prowess pitching it up on the sandscrapes as her shot was a mere few feet from the hole.
Wedderburn club starts its family fun participation clinics tomorrow.
The
A BRILLIANT 50-goal performance from goaler Dannielle Flood highlighted Bridgewater’s big A Grade netball win over Inglewood on Saturday.
Swapping between goal attack and goal shooting, Flood was unstoppable in the Anzac Round clash.
However, her speedy wing attack teammate Olivia Hoiles took out the Joan Gibson Medal for the most courageous player on the day, named after the late Inglewood nurse who served in the Middle East, New Guinea and Bougainville in World War Two.
The Mean Machine was in control from the start of the game, with Flood scoring 16 goals herself in the first quarter as the side led 19-4.
In the last quarter the outclassed Woodies could manage only one goal to Bridgewater’s 14 as they fell to a 13-69 defeat.
Last season’s best-and-fairest
winner Abbey Hayes was on the Inglewood team sheet but did not play
The Mean Machine are on top of the ladder after three rounds, while Inglewood is winless in last spot.
Mitiamo is still the team to beat in the Loddon Valley league after a 10-goal win over Pyramid Hill in a rematch of last season’s grand final.
The Superoos were coming off a massive 94-44 victory over Calivil in round two after the bye in round one, while the Bulldogs had won tight encounters with Newbridge and Marong.
Miti led by only four goals at the first change of ends, but pushed the margin out to eight at the half and 13 at three-quarter time before Pyramid Hill trimmed the final score with a 14-11 last quarter Newbridge had its first win of the season with a 30-goal victory over Maiden Gully in wet condi-
tions on Anzac Day. After the bye in round two, the Maroons were coming off a two-week break and were strong from the outset against the Eagles.
There was no sign of rustiness for Newbridge, which named Jorja Hufer and Abbi Wells as best players.
The Maroons have moved to sixth on the ladder, one spot ahead of Maiden Gully.
Marong’s second win of 2025 saw the Panthers get home against a much-improved Calivil side, 59-43.
The third quarter proved pivotal for the Panthers, scoring 17 goals to eight to move to a 49-32 lead at the last change.
The Demons fought on well, narrowly winning the last quarter 11-10.
Marong is in fourth spot on the ladder with two wins, while Calivil is winless after three matches but are ahead of Inglewood.
Lily Wyne looks for the options
A LAST quarter burst from Boort got the Magpies home against Donald in their North Central A Grade netball clash.
Trailing by two goals at the last change, the players had to dig deep, and a 16-7 final term got the Magpies home against a team last on the ladder.
Coach Carly Isaac had hoped to play limited minutes because of her Ballarat marathon commitments on Sunday but the prospect of an upset saw her forced to be
on court almost all day. “I ended up having to get back out there and we got it done,” she said.
Isaac was impressed with Donald’s attack and said her team “really had to push home in the last quarter”.
Georgia Weaver, playing as goal attack, was outstanding in her first match back for the Magpies since having a baby four months ago, while Georgia Haw dominated the mid court.
Sophie Perryman missed with
illness but will be back this week, giving Isaac plenty of options on the court as she works out her best lineup.
Unbeaten Boort is second on the ladder behind Wedderburn, and is at home to Sea Lake Nandaly on Saturday, which is fourth with two wins and a loss.
In other games, Charlton shaded St Arnaud 33-30 to record its first win, and Sea Lake Nandaly was too good for Birchip Watchem, winning 49-33.
WEDDERBURN has maintained its top spot on the North Central A Grade netball ladder with a hard-fought 44-28 win over Calder United.
Once again, team defence was key to the Redbacks’ victory, keeping the Lions to a particularly low score for the match.
Wedderburn coach Susie Lockhart was impressed with Calder’s performance, especially late in
the game when the Lions went on a scoring run, but said her team “defended really well.
“They made a few changes to help their goaling end but never really came up with anything until the last quarter that was working well for them.”
Premiership winner Paige Stephenson played well in her first A Grade appearance for the season, with her long shots on goal con-
A Grade
Maiden Gully 8, 13, 17, 24, (24) lost to Newbridge 16, 29, 45, 54, (54). Inglewood 4, 9, 12, 13, (13) lost to Bridgewater 19, 33, 55, 69, (69). Pyramid Hill 15, 27, 41, 55, (55) lost to Mitiamo 19, 35, 54, 65, (65). Calivil 10, 24, 32, 43, (43) lost to Marong 17, 32, 49, 59, (59).
Charlton 9, 16, 24, 33, (33) d St Arnaud 5, 15, 22, 30, (30). Sea Lake Nandaly 13, 26, 35, 49, (49) d Birchip Watchem 11, 20, 24, 33, (33). Donald 12, 25, 38, 45, (45) lost to Boort 14, 26, 36, 52, (52). Calder United 6, 11, 18, 28, (28) lost to Wedderburn 12, 25, 35, 44, (44). Wedderburn 12
Maiden Gully 13, 24, 33, 46, (46) d Newbridge 9, 20, 27, 35, (35). Inglewood 5, 10, 19, 23, (23) lost to Bridgewater 13, 27, 41, 57, (57). Pyramid Hill 12, 23, 36, 45, (45) d Mitiamo 9, 16, 23, 34, (34). Calivil 9, 16, 26, 34, (34) lost to Marong 8, 21, 30, 39, (39).
Charlton 7, 11, 25, 28, (28) lost to St Arnaud 11, 20, 28, 38, (38). Sea Lake Nandaly 6, 19, 28, 35, (35) lost to Birchip Watchem 14, 28, 45, 60, (60). Donald (43) lost to Boort (53). Calder United 7, 17, 25, 36, (36) lost to Wedderburn 11, 19, 31, 45, (45).
Maiden Gully 6, 9, 14, 20, (20) lost to Newbridge 10, 18, 26, 37, (37). Inglewood 5, 10, 13, 25, (25) lost to Bridgewater 15, 31, 46, 52, (52). Calivil 6, 13, 22, 30, (30) lost to Marong 17, 30, 44, 58, (58). Pyramid Hill 12, 26, 36, 43, (43) d Mitiamo 5, 8, 14, 18, (18).
12
Grade
5, 12, 19, 22, (22) lost to St Arnaud 12, 19, 32, 46, (46). Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 16, 26, 35, (35) d Birchip Watchem 5, 15, 21, 29, (29). Donald 5, 9, 16, 21, (21) lost to Boort 12, 30, 36, 46, (46). Calder United 15, 23, 39, 50, (50) d Wedderburn 6, 13, 16, 24, (24).
Maiden Gully 11, 24, 34, 45, (45) d Newbridge 10, 15, 21, 31, (31). Inglewood 7, 10, 18, 27, (27) lost to Bridgewater 9, 14, 24, 31, (31). Pyramid Hill 17, 31, 47, 60, (60) d Mitiamo 6, 14, 21, 25, (25). Calivil 12, 21, 35, 48, (48) d Marong 11, 24, 34, 46, (46).
Under 17
Maiden Gully 23, 48, 69, 92, (92) d Newbridge 3, 10, 15, 16, (16). Inglewood 9, 15, 16, 19, (19) lost to Bridgewater 15, 24, 39, 62, (62). Pyramid Hill 10, 17, 25, 40, (40) d Mitiamo 10, 18, 27, 34, (34). Calivil 12, 26, 40, 48, (48) d Marong 9, 24, 33, 46, (46).
12
12
8
Pyramid Hill 8
Maiden Gully 4
BL Serpentine 4 Mitiamo 0
Inglewood 0
Newbridge 0
Under 15
Maiden Gully 10, 18, 33, 40, (40) d Newbridge 9, 14, 16, 28, (28). Inglewood 6, 13, 21, 25, (25) lost to Bridgewater 12, 26, 37, 49, (49). Pyramid Hill 7, 20, 31, 41, (41) d Mitiamo 6, 9, 18, 19, (19). Calivil 12, 27, 38, 42, (42) d Marong 10, 14, 23, 29, (29). Calivil 12
sistently on target. Sophie Cockerell and Holly Lockhart were outstanding for the Redbacks, with the coach praising the overall team effort.
Lockhart said she still didn’t know her best seven, but the depth of talent at Wedderburn, with B Grade also undefeated, gave her the flexibility to select a team chosen for specific opposition match ups.
13
Maiden Gully 2, 3, 5, 6, (6) lost to Newbridge 11, 14, 22, 33, (33). Inglewood 8, 11, 15, 18, (18) lost to Bridgewater 6, 13, 24, 29, (29). Calivil 3, 10, 15, 18, (18) lost to Marong 4, 13, 25, 33, (33). Pyramid Hill 1, 2, 4, 9, (9) d Mitiamo 4, 6, 6, 8, (8).
-4 C Reserve
Sea Lake Nandaly 6, 17, 33, 50, (50) d Birchip Watchem 5, 8, 11, 13, (13). Calder United 15, 31, 40, 45, (45) d Wedderburn 0, 3, 5, 7, (7). Sea Lake Nandaly 12 Boort 4
& Under
Charlton 7, 15, 23, 30, (30) lost to St Arnaud 14, 21, 33, 41, (41). Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 20, 30, 44, (44) d Birchip Watchem 6, 13, 28, 39, (39). Calder United 21, 45, 62, 87, (87) d Wedderburn 6, 7, 11, 11, (11). Donald 5, 8, 12, 17, (17) lost to Boort 17, 30, 41, 58, (58). Calder United 12 Boort 12
Birchip Watchem 8 St Arnaud 8
Sea Lake Nandaly 8 Donald 0 Charlton -4
Wedderburn -4
14 & Under A
Charlton 0, 3, 5, 5, (5) lost to St Arnaud 8, 11, 22, 22, (22). Calder United 7, 14, 21, 26, (26) d Wedderburn 0, 0, 1, 3, (3). Donald 3, 9, 11, 18, (18) lost to Boort 4, 5, 14, 21, (21). Sea Lake Nandaly 2, 9, 14, 16, (16) lost to Birchip Watchem 10, 17, 30, 42, (42).
SENIORS
20 - (5) - Lachie Sharp - Bridgewater
13 - (4) - Benjamin Bisset - Pyramid Hill
12 - (3) - Ryley Taylor - Marong
11 - (2) - Seb Erharter - Inglewood
8 - (0) - Josh Mellington - B/L Serpentine
6 - (0) - Tyler James - Maiden Gully
5 - (4) - Matthew Willox - Marong
5 - (2) - Jacob Ede - Marong
5 - (3) - Oliver Watt - Bridgewater
5 - (2) - Kai Cavallaro - Inglewood
5 - (0) - Kain Robins - Marong
5 - (0) - Luke Crawford - B/L Serpentine
5 - (2) - Billy Schilling - Newbridge
5 - (0) - Mitch Langan - Pyramid Hill RESERVES
14 - (12) - Sebastian De Napoli - Marong
9 - (9) - David Blume - Marong
8 - (3) - Jordan Simpson - Pyramid Hill
7 - (3) - Joshua Stokes - Inglewood
7 - (2) - Cooper Hale - Marong
7 - (0) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill
7 - (2) - Matthew Bourke - Bridgewater
7 - (0) - Thomas Piazza - Calivil United
5 - (4) - Gregory Quinn - Pyramid Hill
5 - (2) - Callum March - Inglewood Reserves
5 - (0) - Jeremy Campbell - Bridgewater UNDER 18
12 - (7) - Riley Doorty - Marong
9 - (2) - Wilhelm Thomson - Marong
9 - (3) - Ryder Smith - Inglewood
8 - (6) - Lincoln Hancock - Maiden Gully
7 - (4) - Harry Carter - Maiden Gully
6 - (4) - Oliver Taylor - Maiden Gully
6 - (3) - Ollie Bowman - Maiden Gully
6 - (0) - Harrison Goodes - Pyramid Hill
6 - (2) - Mitchell Pickering - Inglewood NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS
32 - (4) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem
24 - (10) - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort
16 - (5) - Kayne Rutley - Boort
14 - (2) - Joseph Reid - Birchip Watchem
13 - (0) - Mitch Jensen - Wedderburn
12 - (3) - Jack Exell - Calder United
10 - (3) - Peter Barbopoulos - Boort RESERVES
14 - (8) - Harry Weaver - Boort
11 - (4) - Alex Cockerell - Boort
10 - (3) - Heath Senior - Calder United
9 - (4) - Chris
VALLEY Bridgewater v Marong Mitiamo v Maiden Gully Newbridge v Inglewood Bears Lagooon Serpentine v Pyramid Hill Calivil bye NORTH CENTRAL
Boort v Sea Lake Nandaly
St Arnaud v Donald Wedderburn v Charlton
Birchip Watchem v Calder United
League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au
FOR BOORT’S senior footballers, the North Central season effectively starts now.
It seems an odd thing to say when the Magpies are sitting undefeated on top of the ladder and boasting a percentage of 560, but the first three matches have been easy kills.
The competition virtually split in two as early as round one, with five teams vying for a place in the finals and three sides fighting each other for wins.
Boort has beaten St Arnaud, Charlton and Donald by big margins, but those three teams are destined to finish anchored on the bottom this season/
So Boort’s meeting with twotime premiers Sea Lake Nandaly on Saturday will provide a much
better measure of where the Magpies stand, especially with Calder United (third) and Birchip Watchem (second) to follow.
Boort’s 167-point win over Donald featured a second successive 10-goal haul for Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, whose move to a hybrid forward-midfield role has paid huge dividends.
Recruits Kayne Rutley and Carlos Egan kicked five and four goals respectively as the Magpies swamped the Royal Blues, who are last on the ladder with a dismal percentage of 9.53.
Boort coach Dale Cameron said his side “put the cue in the rack” in the last quarter, when the Magpies kicked three goals after eight, nine and 10 goals respectively in the first three terms
as Donald flooded its defensive area.
Of facing Sea Lake Nandaly, Cameron said, “It will be nice to see where we’re at, coming up against the better sides.
“Winning form is good form, and I think our best is good enough. We just have to put it into action. “When we face a good challenge, we have to see how we react.”
Cameron hoped Josh Jenkins and Oscar Brownless would play for the Tigers so the Magpies could face a team at full strength.
Former Adelaide and Geelong forward Jenkins has not played this season, while Brownless was best afield in his only game in round one.
In other matches, Birchip
Watchem turned the tables on Sea Lake Nandaly, and Charlton defeated St Arnaud by nine points on Anzac Day for its first win in two seasons.
The Bulls are undefeated after their 10-point win over the Tigers, who triumphed in last season’s grand final.
Birchip Watchem trailed early but eked out a narrow lead by half-time and held on for the win.
Charlton managed only one draw last season and came from behind to record a famous victory.
The Navy Blues were scoreless in the third quarter and were nine points in arrears at the last change but kicked 4.2 to 1.2 in the final term.
- GARY WALSH
IT MIGHT be time to re-name the Maiden Gully Eagles.
The Mudlarks might be a more suitable nickname after the team’s second win for the season in torrential rain against Newbridge.
The Anzac Day clash under lights was all but over at quarter-time, with Maiden Gully 23 points ahead after adapting much better to the wet conditions than the Maroons.
As the rain set in for the last three quarters, and the mud started to form on the Marist College ground’s infamous hump, that early break was enough to seal the deal, with the final margin 24 points.
Newbridge, having played in round one and then had a bye and the Easter break, was understandably rusty early on but the Eagles set up better in the wet, with more players behind the ball to scoop up kicks that skidded on from indecisive marking contests.
Nine scoring shots to one in the first quarter showed Maiden Gully’s dominance.
While Newbridge battled hard, it was never able to get closer than 10 points.
Eagles co-coach and former Essendon and Port Adelaide player Angus Monfries laced up the boots for the first time this season and kicked two critical goals, while Josiah Farrer relished the conditions and booted three.
Full-forward Billy Schlling kicked two of Newbridge’s four goals, with Caleb Argus, Connor Sheppard and Kobe Friswell the Maroons’ best on a wet night at Marist Oval.
WEDDERBURN’S slow start, compounded by inaccurate kicking for goal, saw the Redbacks fall to a 14-point loss to Calder United at Wycheproof on Saturday.
They trailed by four goals at half-time, having kicked only one major in the first two quarters.
Four goals to three in the third quarter saw Wedderburn creep back into the contest, but 1.7 to 3.2 in the last term proved costly.
Coach Tom Metherell said the final quarter situation was not as clearcut as it seemed, with Calder able to force the Redbacks into
kicking for goal from difficult positions. “We were being put under a lot of pressure,” he said.
“Darryl Wilson is a good coach, and he set them up well defensively.”
Metherell said the Redbacks controlled the second half, but every time his side kicked a goal the Lions would respond.
“In the first half our ball movement was a bit scratchy after the week off, and we didn’t adapt well to the smaller ground.”
He said it was an even performance from the playing group, but named Jake Pallpratt
across half-back, Jackson McEwen and Jye Mortlock as among the best.
Mortlock and veteran Danny Benaim each kicked two goals for Wedderburn.
Metherell is wary of facing Charlton this week, with the Navy Blues coming off their first win in two years.
“You can’t take any game for granted,” he said.
“All the teams have good players on their list, and you have to be on the ball.”
- GARY WALSH
A QUICK look at the Loddon Valley football ladder shows Inglewood in second last place with three losses in three games.
But if ever there was a case of lies, damned lies, and statistics, this is it.
The Woodies have faced three of last season’s top four sides, and lost by seven points, 10 points and seven points.
The latest narrow loss to Bridgewater came after being five goals down in the first quarter of the Anzac round match.
It’s a matter of a team that can’t quite learn how to win.
In round one against threetime premiers Marong, Inglewood led at the final change but was run down by the powerful Panthers unit.
On Saturday, the Woodies had to chase all day after their poor start and couldn’t bridge the gap, with a goal after the final siren bringing them as close to the Mean Machine as they had been since early in the first quarter.
The pre-game Anzac commemoration was observed with great respect from officials, players and spectators, with Inglewood’s special jumper a striking addition to the occasion.
In the first quarter, Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp and fellow forward Ollie Watt were dominant with two goals each.
Sharp’s evasive skills were a wonder to see as he weaved his way through a clutch of Inglewood players for one of his majors, while boom recruit Luke Ell-
ings continually showed his class.
The Woodies came out firing in the second term and five goals saw them cut the margin to 16 points at half-time, with a brilliant snap from young gun Gabe Nevins a highlight.
It was a fierce contest, and Inglewood consistently chipped away at the lead only for the Mean Machine to draw deep in response.
Bridgewater had a 19-point gap at the last change but with the big crowd roaring them on, the Woodies dominated the clearances and had the ball almost constantly in their forward line.
Inglewood got within eight points in that last quarter, but Bridgewater’s single goal through Harry McKinley was enough
to seal a thrilling win, with the Woodies goal after the siren scant consolation.
Ellings won the Eddie Harrison Medal for the day’s most courageous player, and he would likely be leading the competition’s bestand-fairest at this early stage.
Joe Mayes was strong in defence for the winners, with consistent midfielder Jack Neylon also among the best along with Xavier Walsh and Alex Powell.
Ruckman Tom Kennedy was best for Inglewood, with Bregon Cotchett, Luke Matheson and Liam Marciano also prominent.
Bridgewater hosts Marong this week in a massive match, while Inglewood will be after its first four points against cellar-dweller Newbridge.
LAST season’s grand finalists Marong and Pyramid Hill showed their premiership credentials with massive wins over Calivil and Mitiamo respectively on Saturday.
The Panthers, searching for their fourth flag on the trot, were much too strong for the Demons, even without co-coach Kain Robins leading the forward line.
An 18-point quarter-time lead stretched to 58 points at the main
break, and 11 goals to two in the second half saw Marong home by 115 points, enough to head the ladder on percentage after three rounds.
Riley Walsh, Henry McCarthy and Jayden Leach were best for Calivil, while Lachlan Lee, Jai Gretgrix and Jack McCaig were named Marong’s best players.
The Panthers had 12 goal scorers on the day.
Pyramid Hill rebounded from
its pre-Easter loss to Marong with a 98-point win over Mitiamo, which was built on a dominant second half.
The Bulldogs led by 36 points at half-time but kicked away with 11 goals to one for their big win.
Ruck-forward Kai Daniels was best for Pyramid Hill, kicking two goals along with his outstanding ruckwork.
Archie Hildebrandt also mixed ruck and forward time, and he
TALK about solid workouts ... the crystal ball is being polished and buffed with a higher level of exErtion than any of my trots around the square as an umpire. Tried to make up tipping ground on The Great Gary last weekend to little avail.
Saw the Anzac clash between Inglewood and BridgewaterSharp’s was the difference.
But if last Saturday was a tippIng conundrum, it’s no different this .week it’s more of the same. Bridgewater comes up against the “real deal” Marong. The smaller Bridgewater ground will make no difference - the Mean Machine can look good in patches but that will mean little against the Panthers going for flag No 4. They’s got depth galore as shown with big margins from their magoos and will lock in early season favouritism.
Haven’t looked at the forecast but if it’s windy up there on the Prairie Planes, Mitiamo will account for Maiden Gully who don’t have the best of records up there. I hear that if Miti wins, the Councillor in the Big Hat will shout the Legends’ Bar.
Newbridge is at home to Inglewood, expected to be depleted after a few injuries on the heavy track against Maiden Gully. Inglewood has had a demanding opening three games, losing each by less than a couple of kicks. The Blues are a better side than the ladder indicates and will break the seal this weekend.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine is back after the bye and break, against Pyramid Hill. Ruck clash between Twigg and Zai Daniels will be entertainment in itself. The Tuoheys and Gaddo might not talk to be me: I’m tipping Pyramid.
- GLENN CATTO
GARY WALSH
Bridgewater v Marong
Mitiamo v Maiden Gully
Newbridge v Inglewood
BL Serpentine v Pyramid Hill Progressive: 9.5
GLENN CATTO
Bridgewater v Marong
Mitiamo v Maiden Gully
kicked three goals. Ben Bisset kicked four to sit second on the league goalkicking list. Coach Luke Lougoon, Zach Morrison, Liam Shiell and Ryan Duncan were best for the Superoos.
Marong has a top-of-the-table clash with Bridgewater this Saturday, Mitiamo hosts Maiden Gully, Newbridge is at home to Inglewood, and Pyramid Hill travels to Serpentine, with Calivil having the bye.
Newbridge v Inglewood BL Serpentine v Pyramid Hill
5.5
CHRIS EARL
Bridgewater v Marong
Mitiamo v Maiden Gully
Newbridge v Inglewood
BL Serpentine v Pyramid Hill Progressive: 6.5
ON A SPECIAL day of commemoration, field umpire Peter McHugh had more reason than most for pride when officiating at the Anzac Round reserves clash between Inglewood and Bridgewater.
Wedderburn’s McHugh, 67 and a life member of the former North Central associatrion, was umpiring his 750th match in a career of remarkable longevity. He first took to the field in 1984, and since has umpired football matches in such places as Cork in Ireland, and in the Middle East, where he blew the whistle in two grand finals for AFL Middle East.
McHugh (pictured centre) shared the umpiring duties on Saturday with Glenn Catto and Inglewood’s Ken Gorrie.
A QUIRK of the 2025 North Central football and netball fixture is likely to have a massive say in the makeup of the final four in both sports.
The merger of Nullawil and Wycheproof Narraport to create Calder United has cut the number of teams in the league from nine to eight.
After clubs play each other home and away, the final two rounds of the season see rounds one and two repeated, giving a huge advantage to some clubs and a major disadvantage to others. In football, currently unde-
By GARY WALSH
feated Birchip Watchem will play Charlton away and Donald at home in the last two rounds, both of which teams are almost certain to be in the bottom three of the ladder.
Wedderburn, on the other hand, has to travel for a second time to face defending premiers Sea Lake Nandaly on its home turf in round 15 before playing struggling St Arnaud in the last round.
The Redbacks are likely to be battling for a place in the finals with Boort and Calder, with Birchip Watchem and Sea Lake Nandaly seen to be well ahead of
the chasing pack. Boort, which sits on top of the ladder after three rounds, will play St Arnaud away and Charlton at home at the end of the season, having thrashed both teams in the opening two rounds.
So, the luck of the draw seems to have favoured the Magpies over Wedderburn, with them emerging as the big winners from the lopsided fixture – and a lopsided ladder.
Calder faces Donald in round 15 and then Sea Lake Nandaly.
The same three sides – Charlton, Donald and St Arnaud – are the bottom teams in A Grade netball, setting the scene for a similar battle for the last two spots in
the finals. Wedderburn and Boort appear to be a class above the rest of the league.
That leaves the Loddon pair in battle with the big three of Birchip Watchem, Sea Lake Nandaly and Calder United for top spots.
Last season, the nine-team competition was played over 18 rounds, with clubs meeting home and away along with two byes each, so there was no issue with an unbalanced draw.
The uncompetitive nature of some of the teams in both senior football and A Grade netball made a draw that was fair to all clubs all but impossible.
The fixture was announced in November last year but there
have been significant changes in the fortunes of some clubs since the draw was made.
Donald, which made the finals in senior football in 2025 and finished fourth, subsequently lost the vast majority of its playing list.
The Royal Blues are now last on the ladder after being thrashed in their first three games and have a dismal percentage of 9.53.
Charlton won its first match since 2023 last week, but its percentage is only 19.72.
The chasm between the top five teams and the three languishing at the tail of the table will make for some horribly unequal contests for the rest of the season.