Loddon Herald 1 February 2024

www.loddonherald.com.au

RURAL VICTORIA’S No 1 NEWSPAPER - FREE EVERY THURSDAY

Loddon HERALD Vol 4 No 3, THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2024 ISSN 2653-1550

Super day of celebrations TRACEY WEBB had Australia Day celebrations off to a super flying start when the barbecue was cranked up on Friday morning for the first of nine community Australia Day celebrations across the Loddon Shire. Tracey joined more than 100 people for the Bridgewater ceremony, proudly donning Australiana attire for the national day. And she was among locals who picked up special prizes from Bridgewater on Loddon Development for the extra effort to enthusiastically capturing the great Aussie spirit.

AUSTRALIA DAY IN OUR COMMUNITIES - PAGES 10-12

NO SUNDAY SERVICE

LH PHOTO

COMMUNITIES near one of the Loddon’s busiest roads and popular tourist destinations were without mobile phone service on Sunday.

Residents at Laanecoorie, just kilometres from the Bendigo-Maryborough road, reported the loss of service, saying they were frustrated by poor connectivity.

Nearby Laanecoorie reservoir and spots along the Loddon River were again popular with visitors

to the region for the Australia Day long weekend.

Some businesses in Inglewood lost sales on Saturday when eftpos machines could not connect to the internet.

They have voiced frustration with poor connectivity as pressure increases on the Federal Government and telcos to better service the Loddon.

TRUCKS, WIND AND RAIN CUT CONNECTIONS - PAGES 6 & 7

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Bathroom is 3 piece with shower, bath and vanity along with separate toilet. The property also has a large spacious laundry with access to the rear yard.

Single car garage with access directly into the home. Shed offers a partial workshop with full cement floor and power. Sundry shedding with 2 storage sheds.

Price: $550,000 – 2029 SqM

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

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

IN BRIEF

Loddon HERALD

Pair arrested POLICE arrested a man and woman at Mitiamo last week as they investigated the alleged theft of two tonnes of railway line steel plates. They said the pair were arrested Wednesday afternoon as part of the probe in conjunction with VicTrack.

Free every Thursday

Circulating in the communities and districts of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Laanecoorie, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.

Hotel ‘donuts’

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

INGLEWOOD police could charge a man with improper use of a motor vehicle after a vehicle was allegedly used to perform donuts outside the Logan Hotel last Wednesday night. Police said a group of four had earlier been refused entry to the hotel. They said a window was damaged while the donut was performed.

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Memorial service THE family of former Boort and Quambatook Standard owner Gary Meadows, who died last month, is planning a memorial gathering in Boort for April. The funeral service for Mr Meadows was held in Alexandra last week.

SASHES were fashionably draped across shoulders when Wedderburn Harness Racing Club conducted its cup meeting at Carisbrook on Sunday. Fashions on the Field co-ordinator Michelle Hargreaves (left) is pictured with Ros Witham who won the open section, best hat wnner Angelo Tonso and judge Beck Maddocks. LH PHOTO

WEEKEND FORECAST Sunny Saturday, cloud Sunday Saturday 32, Sunday 39 Boort Inglewood Saturday 32, Sunday 39 Pyramid Hill Saturday 34, Sunday 38 Wedderburn Saturday 32, Sunday 39 Saturday 32, Sunday 37 Dunolly Charlton Saturday 33, Sunday 39

Cubs are back

Mayor recovering at home LODDON Mayor Gavan Holt returned home Friday afternoon following surgery in Bendigo.

Cr Holt said he had been in intensive care while doctors treated his sudden illness. He also developed pneumonia.

He told the Loddon Herald doctors had instructed to rest from

official duties for at least another week.

“The doctors, surgeon, nurses and all staff at St John of God have been wonderful over the past three weeks,” Cr Holt said.

“I am disappointed that this sudden trip to hospital precluded me from chairing our first coun-

LAKE Boort Cub pack will start meeting this week for the first time in 2024. Leader Gary Schmidt said the group aimed to increase membership this year. Early activities will include swimming sessions. The Cubs already have members from across the region, being the only Cub pack in the Loddon and adjoining areas.

cil meeting of the year and also presenting the Australia Day citizen awards.”

Cr Holt said he would be following doctors’ orders before returning to work on his farm and undertaking council duties.

“Things were quite serious and it’s been a rough few weeks.”

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Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 3

College sees big

enrolment jump STUDENT numbers have jumped above 200 at Wedderburn College as the new school year starts across the Loddon.

Principal Danny Forrest said 21 prep students would start their school journey tomorrow.

And the college saw a jump in Year 7 enrolments when 29 students started on Tuesday.

Mr Forrest said the school’s $12.9 million revedelopment and upgrade project would start later this month. The contract has been awarded to Nicholson Builders.

Boort District School has started the year with new principal Todd Woodfine arriving at the school after a previous appointment at Rushworth.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the school this year and become part of the community,” Mr Woodfine said.

Boort’s enrolment is again at 200.

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Pyramid Hill has seen students quickly settle in to routine with swimming sports starting next week.

Principal John O’Connor said new teachers at the school were

New Boort principal Todd Woodfine Louise Murray, originally from Pyramid Hill, and Chris de Stefano who grew up at Macorna.

“It’s great to have both Louise and Chris, with their connection to the area, with us this year,” he said.

Mr O’Connor said a major event in term one would be Shrove Tuesday’s pancake day raising funds for Caritas.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Inglewood is preparing to move into its specialist arts area

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this year as works are completed on the 127-year-old former Presentation Sisters’ convent.

Inglewood Primary School has an enrolment of 38 and principal Lex Johnstone said a major activity would be in October when the Storey Players and students would research, script and perform a play on the history of the town.

Tarnagulla Primary School will officially see the handover of refurbished rooms this month.

Principal Leigh Mellberg said preparations had started for ther 150th anniversary later this year. He said former students were being asked to share old photographs and memorabilia from their years at the school.

While no prep students had enrolled at Tarnagulla this year, Mr Mellberg said there had been new arrivals at the school and numbers were the same as last year.

Principals across the Loddon said staff positions had been filled.

However. Mr Forrest said there could be challenges securing relief teachers to cover staff illnesses.

IN BRIEF Good oil SALUTE Olive Oil will be served in Los Angeles tonight when more than 400 guests attend the G’Day USA Gala.

Guests will have the Boortgrown and produced oil on their tables at the gala organised by the American Australian Association. The menu will will also feature produce from across Bendigo and central Victoria promoting the UN Region of Gastronomy.

Double gold SERPENTINE vineyard Turner’s Crossing has been awarded a double gold medal at the Intercontinental Wine Challenge for its 2017 The Crossing’ Cabernet Sauvignon, beating wines from Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Water cut PARTS of Wedderburn were without water for up to five hours on Monday while crews repaired a burst main.

NSW route options TRANSGRID has released four path options for the New South Wales segment of the VNI West renewable energy transmission line.

Telehandler licence FARM Workers will be able to apply for a new telehandler licence from July 1. The licence will provide the option for specialised training for operating a non-slewing telehandler.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETIN HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.

Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and confidential financial support - Call 1300 735 578 Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au Orange Door - You have a right to be safe - Call 1800 512 359 Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area.

1800respect - Confidential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732 Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.

Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821 Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au Translation and Interpreter Services Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES Community Health/Hospitals Boort District Health 3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200 Inglewood and District Health Services 3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000 Northern District Community Health P: (03) 5451 0200 Boort Medical Centre 2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200 Dingee Bush Nursing Centre 21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309 Marong Medical Practice 8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308 Wedderburn Health Clinic 25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511 Legal Services Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909 Neighbourhood Houses Boort Resource and Information Centre (BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort P: (03) 5455 2716 Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood P: (03)5455 2716 Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House 43 Kelly St, Pyramid Hill P: (03) 5455 7129 Wedderburn Community House 24 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3489

1 FEBRUARY 2024

Removing mould in and around the home Flooding, excess moisture and pooled water can cause mould growth in your home. This may be a health risk for you and your family.

How to clean up mould If you’re cleaning mould yourself, make sure you wear protective gear.

Fungi can grow on clothes, walls, doors, furniture and ceilings. It’s important to clean and remove mould properly as it can lead to severe health effects.

Preventing mould after a flood  When returning to a flood-affected house or building, open all the doors and windows to help it dry out.  If possible, use fans or air conditioners on dry mode to speed up the process.  If the roof space was flooded, it also will need extra ventilation to speed up the drying process.  Throw out porous items that can’t be easily cleaned and have been wet for more than two days. This includes items such as mattresses, carpet, leather goods and ceiling insulation.  Control moisture around your house to prevent mould growth.  Add anti-mould solutions to paint if you are repainting walls or other hard surfaces prone to mould growth. Ask your painter or hardware supplier for details.  Plants and bushes growing on or close to outside walls help to hold in moisture and promote mould growth. Try to clear plants, bushes and soil away from walls.  Use moisture-removing packs in wardrobes or cupboards.  Dust regularly.  Low-wattage lamps may stop mould growing on clothes and shoes in closed-in spaces.  Keep fans on so air can circulate around the house and in areas prone to damp and mould.  Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners with dry mode.

If you have mould that keeps returning, you need to find the source and fix it. Your mould might be coming back because you have a plumbing issue or your house is becoming dilapidated.

You should not clean mould off anything yourself if you are allergic to mould or are immunocompromised. Use a professional mouldremoval service instead.

Cleaning shoes, fabrics and soft furnishings Hospital-grade disinfectant is recommended to kill mould on leather shoes.  Make sure you’re protected before you start. The area you’re working in should be well-ventilated. Victoria Health says to wear rubber gloves, an N-95 mask, eye protection, covered shoes and long-sleeved shirt and trousers.  Use a hospital-grade disinfectant to clean leather and other semiporous materials such as suitcases and backpacks.  Microfibre cloths should be used to clean mould off these semi-

porous materials as they will trap the spores instead of spreading them.  If you have mould on soft furnishings, don’t try to clean it off with liquid detergents or disinfectants. Use a HEPA-rated (high-efficient particulate air) vacuum to clean the mould off soft furnishings. It will prevent the mould spores leaving the vacuum and going back into the air.  If the vacuum doesn’t remove the mould from the fabric you should dispose of the furnishings.  If there’s mould over your entire wardrobe, vacuum the mould off the clothes and wash them in warm vinegar water. If this doesn’t remove the mould you should dispose of the clothes.

Mould on ceilings and walls When it comes to cleaning mould off hard surfaces like plasterboard it’s best to clean the area first with a detergent like sugar soap to physically clean the mould and dirt off.  Once the area is clean, use bleach, hospital-grade disinfectant or hydrogen peroxide to kill any mould remaining.  Vinegar (acetic acid) is also fine, but the sanitisers listed above are stronger and more effective mould killers.  Use canning vinegar if you can get it rather than what you find in the supermarket as it’s much stronger than bleach, but beware that it will irritate your eyes.  Use three buckets with multiple microfibre cloths. Rinse each cloth you use in a separate bucket before you use it again on the surface to prevent cross-contamination.  Wash the cloths on a hot cycle with vinegar to clean them afterwards, but check it’s safe to use vinegar in the machine first.

Removing mould from wooden furniture  Use microfibre cloths and hospital-grade disinfectant to remove mould from wood. Avoid bleach and hydrogen peroxide as these may ruin or discolour the furniture.  Use microfibre cloths as they will trap the mould rather than allowing the spores to spread.  Don’t forget to use three buckets of clean water to rinse the cloths in.

Safety tips for removing mould Victoria Health says to make sure you open doors and windows before you start to allow air to circulate.  Protect yourself with gear including an N-95 mask and eye goggles or safety glasses.  Don’t brush the mouldy area — spores that end up in the air can be breathed in.  Throw out anything that can’t be cleaned such as cardboard boxes and mattresses.

Source: Adapted from the ABC emergency website ‘How to clean up mould’ https://shorturl.at/iyHLT For more information visit the Victorian Government’s Better Health channel at https://shorturl.at/evLQ5

Avoiding mosquitoes Rain and flooding may lead to a substantial increase in mosquito numbers as water subsides and pools form. Mosquitoes can carry diseases which can be passed on to people through mosquito bites. Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease by removing mosquitoes breeding sites to prevent illness from mosquito-borne disease.

After a flood mosquitoes breed in still or stagnant water. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home:  Tip water out of pots, plant-saucers, play equipment, and other containers in the yard.  Remove any debris in the yard that collects water, such as old tyres, cans, tarpaulins or palm fronds. Remove pools of standing water by clearing debris or digging small channels to assist  drainage.  Check for damaged fly screens on windows, doors and vents. Repair or install new screens if required. Install mosquito-zappers or use coils to deter mosquitoes around the home.

For more information visit the Victorian Government’s Department of Health website https://shorturl.at/fjrRU

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love to hear from you and assist you through your flood recovery.

Please get in touch if you would like to chat about flood recovery for you and your community.

Call Mal: 0499 978 145 or Josie: 0474 911 783

For up-to-date information regarding flood recovery and council services:  Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au  Call our office between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or  Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/

Food production sites hit market

TWO former Loddon food processing sites have been put up for sale.

The old Fantasy Farms facility at Bridgewater has been listed with a Melbourne real estate agent.

Some buildings at the disused poultry processing plant were demolished in 2022.

The plant had been closed after a salmonella outbreak in 2018.

Company directors in a statement through the Bozzo Group, a privately held family business with interests in land development, hospitality and agriculture, said in June 2022. “We are currently in the process of demolishing those sheds on our Fantasy Road site which are past their effective commercial use-by date.

“Since the salmonella enteritidis was imported from New South Wales to our site we commenced at the time of infection and continue to this day the clean-up of the site with the view to the property being prepared for sale.”

No selling price has been listed for the

88.85 hectare property although agents are pitching its poultry production capacity.

And the former Inglewood abattoir has been listed with a Bendigo real estate agent with a price of $550,000.

Campaspe Meats had wanted to open a kangaroo pet meat processing facility but Loddon Shire Council rejected the application because of the land’s rural living zoning.

Director of Campaspe Meats Loc Rivett said the company continued to process kangaroo meat at abattoirs in Camperdown, Stanhope and Hay. He said up to 5000 kangaroos were processed each week and the company had brought in 20 Pacific Islanders to work at the plants.

“We have six to eight professional shoots in the Loddon zone and they are transporting roos to our plants. The rejection of our Inglewood plans has not stopped the industry,” he said.

Brooke Street speed zone sign change running late NEW 40kmh speed limit signs are expected to be erected in Inglewood next week.

The speed limit reduction was to have been in place by yesterday but a Transport Department spokesperson told the Loddon Herald there had been a delay changing signs in Brooke Street and on Calder Highway entrances to the town.

Development and tourism committee president Peter Moore said the new zones could not come quickly enough.

“For the safety of motorists, pedestrians and shoppers, we need the new speed limits in place without delay.”

The Inglewood community has been campaigning since early last year for better safety through its shopping strip.

An announcement in November by Ripon MP Martha Haylett said new limits

would be in place for Inglewood by the end of January.

Ms Haylett also said Wedderburn’s shopping strip speed zone would be cut to 40kmh by the end of December.

Wedderburn’s new signs were erected within 48 hours of the announcement and that community is still pushing for pedestrian crossing lights in High Street to improve safety of people crossing the busy Calder Highway.

Mr Moore said the Inglewood community still wanted flashing speed check signs erected in the town to remind motorists of the speed they were travelling.

He said traffic over the summer period again highlighted the need to maximise the safety and speed message to people driving through town.

It’s time to pay your council rates LODDON Shire Council rates are due this month.

Council said people paying rates in a single payment had until February 15 to make payment.

“If you pay your rates by quarterly instalments, the next rates instalment is due on February 28,” council said. “If you think you may not be able to pay by the due date and you believe you will have difficulties

paying either the third instalment or in full, please contact council’s rates office.

“Council has options available to assist those facing genuine financial hardship and would be happy to discuss these with you in a confidential manner.”

Council rates across Victoria increased 3.5 per cent last year. This year’s rate rise cap has been set by the State Government at 2.75 per cent.

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 5

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84 Godfrey St, Boort - Phone 03 5400 9650 railwayhotelboort

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

Webster offers to write Cash for better calls ‘letters of support’ TELECOMMUNICATION regulatory guidelines must ensure mobile base stations can be used by all Australians no matter what telco they use, according to Mallee MP Anne Webster.

Dr Webster said the need for reform was highlighted in the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review. A new review started this month.

Newbridge Arnold Llanelly Community Plan Committee wrote to Dr Webster after Loddon Shire’s bid for federal funding was rejected late November.

“Mobile reception is so poor that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to summon help in emergencies,” president Helen Waite told Dr Webster.

“The ability to receive flood and fire warnings via the VicEmergency app is extremely variable, and generally non-existent.

“We are a relatively small and ageing community, but work hard to make our district attractive to new residents. However, it is almost impossible to do business or work remotely because mobile and internet services are so poor.

“It is a significant deterrent for new residents and businesses, and a cause of frustration and

anger for existing businesses and makes them uncompetitive. We have also recently been advised that Telstra is planning to close the 3G network, further disenfranchising a relatively poor community. Repeated complaints to Telstra are met with condescending indifference and dissembling.”

The committee told Dr Webster that “it is appropriate that we ask you to intervene with Telstra and NBN on our behalf.”

Dr Webster, while sympathising with the community, told the committee: “Please continue to contact service providers, local council, state government and community groups to register your interest in a potential telecommunications project.

“I can also assist with a letter of support for any project application.”

Dr Webster told the Loddon Herald this week: “As Labor is in government and in control of the department, I will continue to work with groups such as Loddon Shire Council and Newbridge Arnold Llanelly Community Plan Committee to give them the best chance of receiving a future grant.”

She also said: “Late last year,

in the wake of the Optus outage, I highlighted the need for mandated domestic mobile roaming in regional Australia.

“Mobile roaming ought to target regional, rural and remote Australia – which are the areas of greatest need.

“The Communications and Emergency Management Ministers have tasked their respective departments to work with carriers and report back by March on this topic. Mandated roaming will solve mobile issues at least when one network may have a stronger connection than others in certain areas.”

Dr Webster said all Victorian projects funded in the sixth round of the Mobile Phone Black Spot program were in Labourheld seats. She said grants for those seats, including the adjoining Bendigo electorate held by Lisa Chesters, had ignored Mallee communities “in desperate need of improved connectivity.

“In the modern world of telecommunications, regulatory guidelines must ensure mobile base stations can be used by all Australians no matter what telco they use. In my view telcos should be required to maintain mobile towers, not just landlines.”

BILLIONS of dollars have been invested in telecommunications improvements over the past decade.

The bulk is coming from the Federal Government through two funding programs, the State Government now has its Connecting Victoria program and the telcos say they are making their own investments.

But apart from an upgrade at Korong Vale that resident Helen Milne says has made an improvement, during the summer floods she said internet connection was terrible.

An analysis of the federal Mobile Phone Black Spot Program since 2015 shows just 13 new towers or upgrades in the Mallee electorate. The closest to the Loddon were at Lake Meran, Bealiba and a site on the Calder Highway in adjoining Buloke Shire.

There’s been nothing for Mallee communities since round four - three rounds have since been funded.

The Regional Connectivity program has by-passed Loddon communities and areas in the Mallee electorate close to Victoria’s largest inland city Bendigo.

At the same time there’s been hundreds of thousands of dollars for NBN improvements at Rushworth, a new macro mobile site at Kennedys Point near Lake Eildon and at Bullengarook.

The second round had $1.1 million to “deploy seven new macro mobiles sites and fibre backhaul to the east of Bendigo” at Foster-

ville Mine, Axedale, Goornong, Knowsley, Colbinabbin, Toolleen Sports Club and Heathcote Raceway. There was also $2.6 million to improve handheld coverage to the Wimmera Southern Mallee.

Round three of the program late last year gave out $115.2 million in Commonwealth funding for the delivery of 74 place-based telecommunications infrastructure projects across Australia.

Healesville, Rokewood, Trentham, Boonie Doon and Chum Creek were Victorian projects funded.

Loddon Shire’s bid for a share of the telecommunications pie was rejected.

The Victorian Government has promised investment to improve mobile connection across central Victoria.

A 2022 announcement confirmed a partnership with telcos Optus and TPG Telecom to build a new tower and upgrade 13 mobile towers in the area from 4G to 5G .

“Coverage will span Golden Square, Flora Hill and Kennington, as well as Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat, and out to Newbridge, Ravenswood, Huntly North and Ladys Pass,” the Government said. “The work will be carried out between 2023 and 2025. It will deliver improved services across more than 355 square kilometres in Bendigo, benefiting more than 100,000 premises.”

Newbridge residents say they are yet to experience improved connection.

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 7

Hold ‘tongue the right way’

By CHRIS EARL BUSINESS has been battling for better service in Inglewood for more than three years.

The standard reponse from telcos, say Cousin Jack’s cafe owner Deb Roberts and Deb Hancock from The Fat Butcher, is to buy more equipment.

“We’ve purchased new equipment and it has its moments,” said Deb Hancock.

“Everything they suggested means spending more money.

We’ve even moved the shop around, tried holding the tongue the right way, in the hope of getting reception to run the eftpos machine.”

“And the phone coverage ... it’s a digrace.”

Deb Roberts said it was not uncommon to lose customers who abuse staff as they left the cafe after the eftpos machine failed to connect to the internet.

“I tell customers there is an ATM down the corner but they leave and don’t come back. Just before a pie and a can of Coke was left on the counter because payment could not be made.”

And she says weather also affected connectivity at the cafe.

“On cloudy days, when it’s raining the service will cut out. The same can happen when trucks go past,” she said.

“And the phones, they only really work out the back of the

Searching for service ... Deb Roberts and Reegan Welsh. LH PHOTO shop. That does mean that there are times when customer’s phones don’t ring in the shop.”

Deb said eftpos was crucial to the cafe.

“Since COVID, 75 to 80 per cent of our sales are by eftpos.”

“And our power bill has gone up $300 a month since September

and we can’t afford to lose customers because of no connection for the internet and phones.

Deb, who lives at Old Inglewood, said she experienced similar problems at home.

“There can be no mobile reception in the shed but there is in the house and the tower is not very

far away,” she said. “In this day and age, mobile phones and the internet are today’s technology.”

Deb Hancock said she had been battling for better connectivity from Telstra for three years. “I’ve had to move doing the paperwork back to the farm where the service seems better,” she said.

“The equipment they say to buy might be okay on rural properties but it’s clearly not designed to be used in town.”

Other businesses in the narrow Brooke Street have expressed frustration with the patchy service that can vary from one side of the street to the other.

The Christmas Day floods saw services from some providers knocked out between Wedderburn and Bridgewater for more than five hours.

The push for better mobile and internet connectivity was a top priority in Loddon Shire’s wishlist before the 2022 federal and state elections.

Telstra is expected to present a connectivity plan to council this month with councillors already flagging they will become more vocal this year in their fight to see telcos and governments fix blockspots across the region.

“You can’t run a business without the internet,” said Deb Hancock.

Deb Roberts agreed, adding: “It not our fault when the connections drop out.”

No services this Sunday LAANECOORIE service was nonexistent at times on Sunday.

Resident Leonie Baker took a screenshot of her mobile phone showing zero connectivity on the Telstra network.

It’s a common challenge for people in the district.

Last year, amateur radio enthusiast Nick Angelo and fellow Central Victorian Radio Operators’ Club members decided to build their own repeater station and boost communication connectivity in the Loddon.

“Just about everyone around here has a UHF radio in their vehicle. The repeater station will be a great back-up for communications in the fire season,” he said.

“The repeater station helps remove some blackspots and will be a second line of defence in an emergency.”

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday Febbruary 1, 2024

PYRAMID HILL

VICTORIA HOTEL EST. 1874

Lake Meran Brewery’s Hamish Chirnside and Peter Darker. LH PHOTOS

Love our local!

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

Monday – Open 3.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm Social Darts Night Tuesday – Open 2.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm Trivia Night Wednesday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm Pot’n’Parma Night Thursday – Open Midday Dinner from 5.30pm Steak’n’Pot Night Friday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle Saturday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm Sunday – Open Midday All Day Pizza Menu Close 11.00pm

Karina Johnston and Sue Hellsten

Hundreds tempted by flavour of amazing food and drink NOLENS Park was turned into gastronomical heaven on Saturday night when the Flavours of Loddon pop-up food and drink festival arrived in Boort.

More than 1500 had their taste buds and appetites tempted and filled with most food stalls selling out within two hours.

“The response was amazing and Flavours of Loddon was a great partnership with Boort Resource and Information Centre,” said organiser Anne-Marie Davis.

“The feedback has been wonderful for every one of our more than a dozen local Loddon food and beverage businesses.

And we think the night gave a taste of more great pop-up festivals to come.”: Boort’s Sue Hellsten was among the vendors rushed off their feet by the crowd. Her charcutier boxes featuring smallgoods from the award-winning Arnold Family Butcher a hit with patrons.

Anne-Marie said the festival was more than just the vans and marques in Nolens Park.

Alister McDougal and Louise Newsome

Elsie White and Emma Pay

“We encouraged people to try the food shops in Boort as well,” she said.

Local residents were joined by visitors from across the Loddon Shire for the family festival. Cricketers and lawn bowlers joined the throng wandering into the park after completing their matches.

And youngsters were entertained with activities organised by Boort District Health and Northern District Community Health and the popular merry-go-round was running constantly for more than two hours.

Stephie, Lexie and Lachlan Knight

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Bruce Moffatt, Pom Rushbym Chloe Derks and Simone Moffat Heather Hargeaves, Maya Ross, Sonia Piccoli, Laurie Pink, Jenny Allison and Lynette Clark.

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 9

Duck hunters given New water plant solar panels reduce carbon tick for the future VICTORIAN duck shooters have won their fight to hunt after the State Government on Tuesday rejected a report recommendation to ban the sport.

The Government’s decision has been applauded by Loddon Shire’s Terrick Ward councillor Dan Straub who spearheaded council’s submission to last year’s Parliamentary inquiry.

Council argued that duck hunting brought economic stimulus to the shire and benefitted rural mental health.

Cr Straub said retention of a duck hunting season would “bolster a long-standing tradition and culture.”

He also called on anti-hunt activitists to respect the Government’s decision and allow hunters to legally shoot without intimidation.

Opposition agriculture spokesperson Emma Kealy said the decision was a win for common-

sense. “A biased and stacked Inquiry which recommended the end of duck harvesting was a sham and the Liberals and Nationals strongly support the practice continuing.

“Labor, the Greens and the Animal Justice Party members involved in the Inquiry into Victoria’s Recreational Native Bird Hunting Arrangements based their judgements on ideology alone, ignoring science.

“As we have said all along, duck harvesting is sustainable, safe and has huge economic benefits,” Ms Kealy said.

The 2024 season will run from April 10 to June 5. Hunting each day will be allowed from 8am.

Hunters will have a six-duck bag daily limit.

From 2025, there will be further changes to the duck hunting season: Improving hunters’ knowledge and skill by making edu-

cation and training for hunters mandatory; Stricter compliance levels, including further penalties for hunters breaking the rules; Banning the use of lead shot for quail hunting; Implementing the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan, to reduce the risk of wounding, and Greater recognition of traditional owners’ knowledge of hunting and land management.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said: “Duck hunting is a legitimate activity – but more than that, it supports regional communities and economies.”

“Our position has not changed and we’re supporting recreational duck and quail hunting to continue in a safe, sustainable and responsible way with minimal harm to our environment,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

Surprise announcement on store’s future LONG-TIME Inglewood antique shop Fusspots closed its doors to the public for the last time yesterday after a shock announcement at the weekend.

Catherine and Barry Norman have run the popular store in Brooke Street for the past 18

years. “Although our doors will be closed our online store will continue to operate,” Catherine told customers.

“Some of you have been with us since we first opened our business almost 18 years ago.

That’s a long time! Thank you

one and all for being part of our story and our life.”

Catherine said business had dropped since a Loddon Shire crackdown on displaying goods on the footpath.

“We’ll concentrate on our online store for a while,” she said.

SOLAR panels at three Loddon treatment plants are part of a carbon reduction journey by Coliban Water.

Coliban says panels have been installed at Bridgewater, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn along with plants in Bendigo and Leitchville.

Managing director Damian Wells said emissions had already been reduced by a quarter.

He described reductions as “a fantastic outcome for the community and environment, and part of the water authority’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

“This reduction of almost 23 per cent is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 6149 tonnes, or removing 2,200 cars off Victoria’s roads in one year.,” Mr Wells said.

“As our region continues to change and grow, we know demand for water and sewer services will steadily increase.

“While this carbon reduction is a great start, there is so much more to do. Our water reclamation plants and water treatment plants are big energy users – so it’s vital we prepare for the future and find a more sustainable approach.

“We’re already feeling the impacts of climate change and we need to continue to play our part in combating this.

We’ve committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 – known as Pathway to NetZero.

“This means that in 2030 we will have reduced our annual carbon emissions by 33,604 tonnes compared to our baseline emissions when we made our net-zero commitment.”

Mr Wells said increased investment in renewable energy sources would be an essential part of the water corporations carbon journey.

“We’ve also set ourselves the target of shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025. Once achieved our carbon emissions will be reduced by 90 per cent.

“Our hard work is now paying off and we’re on track to achieve this,” he said.

Mr Wells said the solar panel installation was contributing “a total of 300 kilowatts – a significant contribution considering five kilowatts is enough to power an average Australian home.”

Plans are in place to install more solar panels this year, to provide a further 530 kilowatts of solar capacity.

“We’re designing carbon out of all future infrastructure design and capital works delivery, while we continue to strengthen our contribution to a circular economy,” Mr Wells said.

The Murray Primary Health Network aims to design health care around the needs of people. To do this they want to hear from you about what is working well and what isn’t, about what things make accessing primary health care difficult and to give them ideas for future improvements.

For more details and to register to be a Health Voice in your community: www.murrayphn.org. au/health-voices

COUNCIL OFFICE T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003 Cr Gavan Holt Mayor Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

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

CONTACT COUNCIL

41 High Street Wedderburn 3518

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

Graeme Turpie was guest speaker at the Newbridge ceremony, urging a celebration of uniqueness ONCE again we have the freedom to celebrate our national identity despite the continued campaign by sections of our population to destroy it.

I regard Australia Day as the opportunity to get together in large and small gatherings to give thanks for being so lucky to be living on the world’s largest island, governed by one of the world’s most stable democracies, and recognised as one of the world’s most successful multi-cultural nations.

And we have so many natural wonders, even if we have to spend half a year in travelling and half our salary on fuel to get around the nation to see them all.

Firstly let me say the obvious …. Australia Day on this date of January 26, is a controversial holiday. We have to accept that.

It evolved over the years from various state observances such as Foundation Day in the state of New South Wales, the first part of this country to be claimed by the British with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.

Eventually it became Australia Day in 1946 and the choice of January 26 has been hotly debated since then.

Let’s briefly look at why. It is regarded with sadness today by our indigenous people as a reminder of the moment where they were dispossessed from their ancestral lands.

Migrants and refugees who have com and are continuing to arrive daily may also have conflicting emotions about today.

They may regard it as not as important at the traditional days they celebrated in their homelands, and that’s understandable.

Australian-born descendants of those pioneers who came from around the world may also have mixed feelings. Recognising the mistakes of our forefathers as well as remembering their achievements.

So, many peoples make up our population, which yesterday reached the 27 million mark.

But it saddens me that every year as Australia Day approaches

we find we have failed to reach a consensus about Australia Day and argue about whether we should celebrate at all.

Here’s my point of view for what it’s worth. While we rightfully acknowledge the culture and history of First Nations peoples, and the bravery of refugees who risked their lives to make Australia home, Australia should also acknowledge the efforts of the pioneers and explorers and innovators who helped Australia become the nation of today.

So while the date may be controversial, welcomed by some and condemned by others, can I ask that in this year of 2024 we can celebrate in our different ways, our freedom, our pride in being part of this country, our thanks for Australia’s diversity, multiculturalism, our progress in today’s modern global world, and the togetherness of all citizens, regardless of our backgrounds and beliefs.

I’m sorry to say that many Australians appear ungrateful for this freedom we have to be different.

When you examine the Australian population of today, there are now more people living here who were born overseas than at any other time in the past century.

For many of them, hardship and heartbreak were the price they had to pay for that freedom, and it is precious. Let’s not take it for granted. Celebrate it.

Let enjoy our uniqueness those quirky things that we do on this day. I mean where else in the world would you have the opportunity on a national day of winning a national gumboot throwing championship.. taking part in a lamington-eating contest.. laying bets on snail and crab races.

Celebrate the way we may do things differently and for the fun of it.

And let’s celebrate for our kids.

The children of today have a great opportunity living in a land of religious and cultural freedom, with stable government, and a land which - one would hope - is mature enough to recognise past mistakes as well as great achievements, and to look forward despite our problems and differences with confidence to the future.

Ruby and Gracie Noonan, Harry Patterson, Lucy Morrison, Alex Milgate and James Milgate make a splash at Inglewood. LH PHOTO

April Kunder and Joan Broad; Trevor McIntosh with Drew and Leanne Chislett Elesha Giudice, Diezel and Jason Hemming

Sharon and Emily Hughes

Yabby-do: Tony Noonan and Tyler Pearce

Archie Read, Samuel Buckingham, Olivia Watters, Vivi Read and Lucy Buckingham

Our leading citizens JIM METELMANN Tarnagulla Ward

MARGARET BENTLEY Wedderburn Ward

JIM Metelman was named the Tarnagulla Ward citizen of the year, receiving his certificate from ward councllor Linda Jungwirth at Newbridge on Friday morning.

He has been a very active member in all organisations he has been involved with.

He joined Newbridge Fire Brigade in 1977 and served a lieutenant for 24 years and captain for 12 years.

He has been on the Newbridge Cemetery Trust committee for 20 years, as well as secretary of the Newbridge Public Hall Committee for many years including his current role as booking officer.

Jim was a member of Newbridge Recreation Reserve committee for many years, and also played football for the Newbridge Football Club.

Additionally, Jim played tennis for Newbridge and was an official of the club.

A STALWART at Wedderburn’s Coach House Gallery and Museum, Margaret was integral in helping set up the gallery when it moved to the town’s old general store and museum.

She arranges exhibitions at the Coach House held by local artists, and is an artist in her own right.

Margaret has also encouraged other local artists to explore their potential and elevate their skills.

As someone who likes to help keep the streets of Wedderburn clean and tidy, Margaret walks the streets of the town every morning and picks up any rubbish.

A very private person who quietly goes about her day; Margaret is also an active member of the Wedderburn Indoor Bias Bowls, and over the years, has held office bearer positions on the committee.

Jim Metelmann He was previously on the Newbridge Primary School Council while his children were at the school until its closure.

Margaret Bentley

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 11

Great spirit shines on national day THE spirit of Loddon communities was celebrated at Australia Day ceremonies last Friday.

Ambulance office David Boorth told the Bridgewater crowd gathered for breakfast: “Embrace our nation and what it is.”

The sentiments were echoed across the region through to the final guest speaker in Pyramid Hill where progress association president Drew Chislett talked about the current generation creating their story of the town.

He said Australia Day was a celebration of stories from the past and those now being made.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett told the Wedderburn crowd that the day was about the story of modern Australia and “all its diversity”.

Ms Haylett said it was a day

to reflect on history. She also praised six Wedderburn residents for their heroic efforts to rescue a man after his car was carried down the Nardoo Creek during the summer storms. “... there are no greater heroes than emergency service volunteers,” she said.

Cr Dan Straub, standing in for Mayor Gavan Holt, presented the shire’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards to Jude Raftis and Samantha Bewley in Wedderburn.

Leading Senior Constable Marcus Uren also had a road safety message for the gathering at Mitiamo, urging people to drive to road conditions.

He said police were part of the community and wanted to be part of the community.

In Inglewood, the celebrations included a swimming carnival where section winners were - 5-6 years: James Milgate, 7-8 years: Alex Milgate, 9-10 years Lucy Morrison, 11-12 years Gracie Noonan, Open Ruby Cullen.

And there was nothing more Australian on the national day when the Inglewood Cricket Club held yabby races at the recreation reserve.

Although the club has been in competitive recess for several years, members gathered to raise funds for future development of the recreation reserve.

Yabbies were taken out of their holding esky and put to work to cheers of club members and friends who ended their Australia Day afternoon celebrations on a high note

Our leading citizens MARJ POTTER Boort Ward TIRELESS community worker Marj Potter is the 2024 Boort Ward citizen of the year.

Presented with her certificate

by Cr Neil Beattie, , she was described as being passionate about helping and serving her community.

A founding member of the Boort Amity Club and the town’s CERT ambulance committee, Marj has also been a member of the Boort Agricultural and Pastoral Society for more than 40 years. She has volunteered at the Boort Resource and Information Centre since its formation and is on the committee. Marj helps with catering, where needed, to raise money for BRIC as well as for events.

Marj also caters for annual tennis tournaments, and has been a

Ian and Marj Potter member of the Boort Memorial Hall committee.

In recognition of her dedication for the past 30 years, Marj became a life member of the Boort Netball Club. When finals are in Boort, Marj still does the scoring.

Marj can often be seen in the main street of Boort selling raffle tickets for the many organisations of which she is involved.

Arlo, Darren, Jany and Ian Clutton

JANY CLUTTON Inglewood Ward

LEFT: Lorna and David Booth at the Bridgewater ceremony where David spoke of his career with Ambulance Victoria including establishing the station at Inglewood in the 1980s and the decision to return to living in Bridgewater.

RIGHT: Neil Davis was presented with a special community service award by East Loddon Lions Club during the ceremony held in Mitiamo. He is pictured with guest speaker Leading Senior Constable Marcus Uren of Raywood.

Jude Hannah was guest speaker at the Inglewood ceremony, calling for a legacy to create a vibrant future MY RESILIENT ancestors, both convicts and seekers of new opportunities, faced harsh and unknown conditions to survive.

Their perseverance and determination paved the way for us, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the farming and business legacy they left behind.

As we reflect on our individual stories, we find common ground.

We are humans first, shaped by our families and life experiences.

The past dwells within each of us, and it is up to us to use it as a moral compass for the future.

A unified community is essential for the survival of our future and the prosperity of our future generations.

Living in small communities like Inglewood reminds us of our interdependence. We cannot simply close the door on

our work and forget about it; we share our lives, work, sports, committees, and schools in this town.

Those who serve others are the ones truly enriched with the riches of life. It is this sense of community that led me to return to the area and serve as the program director of the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program, cultivating self-determined community leaders for our future.

In my role, I have the great privilege of nurturing individuals who are not only passionate about our community but are also committed to steering it toward a flourishing future.

We need everyday people to stand up and be the change in leadership we so need today.

Allowing the community to be heard and not just seen. Leaders who listen deeply and act on community wisdom.

Australia, to me, is synonymous with big grins, care for others, hope, and the ability to manifest a brighter future.

It’s about celebrating the rich diversity of our country and be-

ing proud of who we are as a nation.

We must acknowledge the greatness in each other and refrain fro m stripping someone down based on differences.

In our communities, let us raise each other up, embracing diversity and leaning into everyone’s wisdom.

Celebrate life, live with no regrets, and build a legacy that echoes through the ages.

As we sit under our big open skies with an Australian wine in hand, let us continue to share stories, yarning about life’s experiences.

Now, as we celebrate Australia Day in Inglewood, let us renew our commitment to fostering leadership, embracing diversity, and building a community that thrives on shared values.

May the spirit of this day inspire us all to stand tall, proud, and united. The decision to survive or thrive lies with each of us, and together, we can create a legacy that honors the past, celebrates the present, and shapes a vibrant future for Inglewood and all of Australia.

ONE of the first to put her hand up to offer help to anyone who needs it, Jany Clutton is known as the town’s raffle queen for always organising fundraising at events.

Her most valuable and appreciated volunteering efforts were during the October 2022 floods.

This included organising catering for Blaze Aid volunteers, working with many officials and volunteers to source and prepare

meals for volunteers, including to take with them when working on affected properties.

She is on the committee for Bridgewater’s Anzac Day commemorations and helps with the annual Australia Day breakfast.

Jany is also on the Bridgewater Twilight Social Bowls Club committee, and volunteered for many years at the former Bridgewater op shop.

Jany is also a reliable volunteer for Bridgewater’s annual Active Farmers Run for Resilience held each May.

Graham and Coral Maxted

CORAL MAXTED Terrick Ward A CARING and kind person, Coral will always have the kettle on and a freshly-made biscuit if you call in for a chat.

She is secretary-treasurer at St. John’s Anglican Church, Bears Lagoon and a member of Calivil Bowling Club and Calivil United Football Netball Club, and has been secretary of the Jarklin Hall since 2013.

She played tennis for Calivil North for many years before joining Calivil Bowls Club, played golf at Jarklin (winning many championships) and was president and captain of that club until it closed.

Coral then joined the Calivil Golf Club, and after its closure, became a member of the Mitiamo Golf Club, and helps out at tournaments and working bees.

A valuable member of the Calivil Bowling Club, Coral has been club champion 10 times and is currently president.

12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

Volunteers make country towns, says top citizen JUDE Raftis put out the challenge to people at Wedderburn’s Australia Day ceremony - volunteer in the community.

The Loddon Shire’s Citizen of the Year called for fresh faces helping groups around the town.

“Country communities are about volunteers,” she said after receiving the award from Cr Dan Straub.

And she also threw out the challenge for Wedderburn to keep working for an aged care facility in the town.

“We won’t give up because we want local people to stay here.”

Jude’s award citation said the 2024 top citizen was an excellent example of the saying if you want something done, ask a busy person.

“Born and raised in Wedderburn, Jude has left her mark on many parts of the town, making Wedderburn a better place to live and inspiring many others to improve their community,” the nomination said.

“She has been a selfless volunteer from a young age whenever someone needs a hand, “Jude is always there to assist.

Additionally, she is a great leader, bringing together people and groups to achieve a positive outcome.”

A life member of the Wedder-

burn Netball Club, her involvement of 35 years included being a player, coach, president and twice North Central Netball Association president.

She was instrumental in collaborating information and photos for the club’s history book for its 55-year reunion in 2008 – the first ever for the club.

Since joining Wedderburn Lions Club in 2011, Jude has been an integral member and is again serving as president.

It was in that role last Friday that Jude compered the Australia Day ceremony.

Jude has been the chairperson of the aged care sub-committee for many years, making representations to State and Federal Governments to help obtain funding for this initiative.

Her horticultural skills have seen Jude lead and participate in transforming several gardens in the area, landscaping of the Wedderburn Community Centre, native planting at Hard Hill Tourist Reserve and RSL Memorial Garden.

As president of the Wedderburn Cemetery Trust, Jude has been instrumental in maintaining the garden, coordinating installation of seats and helping attract new volunteers.

A talented artist, Jude volun-

Citizen of the Year Jude Raftis was on duty as Lions president last Friday. LH PHOTO tarily created a beautiful mosaic for the Wedderburn Cemetery for family and friends to enjoy when visiting their loved ones.

During her time as Wedderburn Community House co-ordinator Jude also started the very successful annual Wedderburn Garden Expo.

She is involved in the monthly

Tastes of Loddon and supported and encourages Loddon Shire growers and artisans to be part of the monthly Farmers Market.

“Jude contributed many voluntary hours to the Birds Eye View Project, attending meetings, workshops and providing great ideas to help the project come to fruition,” the citation said.

“She further added to the project by creating her own mosaic masterpiece.”

An active member of the RSL, Jude makes herself available for working bees and other duties such as catering and cleaning – always supporting and encouraging others. She has also been appeals officer.

Samantha’s award recognition of wanting to help other people

Trannah Hinton, Samantha, Louise and Peter Bewley. LH PHOTO

LODDON Shire Young Citizen of the Year Samantha Bewley has been rewarded for her work with other people.

Sam has been a disability support worker and wants to help people change their lives for the better.

According to her award citation, that has been confirmed by one of Sam’s clients who told her, “you’ve given me my life back.”

“As a participant of the NDIS struggling with her own disabilities, Sam knows firsthand the challenges people with additional needs face every day – particularly in a remote area of Victoria,” the citation said.

“Sam brings a unique perspective to the care she provides her clients as she lives and breathes the challenges they face.

“She appreciates the simple things such as companionship, connections, and feeling like you are being listened to and valued as a person – rather than people looking at what you can no longer do for yourself.

“Schooling for Sam in mainstream education was difficult – and she choose to further her schooling in a supported educational setting in Bendigo.”

Sam was able to complete Year 12 and has since worked in the disability and hairdressing sectors.

Sam is passionate about rights and advocacy for people with disabilities and has started a young adults’ social group that meets once a month to support clients in the Loddon Shire with an NDIS plan.

Loddon Shire school competiion winners Winners - Colouring: Madelyn Lawson (Inglewood), Amelia Stevens (Pyramid Hill), Maddie Leerson (Pyramid Hill).

Literature: Alisha Henderson (Boort), Diezel Hemming (East Loddon), Reuben Guy (Inglewood), Archie Lamprell (Inglewood), Natalie Smith (Inglewood), Chloe Stevens (Pyramid Hill), Mia Farrar (Pyramid Hill), Laura Poole (Pyramid Hill), Ayeshia Reganit (Pyramid Hill), Aser Mohamed (Pyramid Hill), Lucy Scott (Pyramid Hill). Photography: Cooper Gould (Pyramid Hill), Edmund Wilson (St Mary’s).

Highly commended - Colouring: Sienna Adams (Boort), Juliette Lanyon (Boort), Dahli Rye (Boort), Maddie Pa-

ton (Inglewood), Lucas George (Wedderburn), Stella Polkinghorne (Wedderburn), Edward Marr (Wedderburn), Spartan Noordenen (Wedderburn).

Literature: Jed Perryman (Boort), Annalise Butler (Boort), Scarlett Crilly (Boort), Lilah Gleeson (Boort), Ruby Hocking (East Loddon), Emily Hughes (East Loddon), Bridget Lawry (East Loddon), Chase Young (Inglewood), Izzy Guy (Inglewood), Rhiannon Murphy (Inglewood), Shelbie Brereton (Inglewood), Elvis Ward (Inglewood)), Jack Gould (Pyramid Hill), Shamica Castro (Pyramid Hill), Jed Stewart (Pyramid Hill), James

Bojo (Pyramid Hill), Rose Bone (Pyramid Hill), John Dizon (Pyramid Hill), John Mak Doverte (Pyramid Hill), Alina Gould (Pyramid Hill), William Hercott (Pyramid Hill), Ruby Roberts (Pyramid Hill), Libby Martin (Pyramid Hill), Amelia Stevens (Pyramid Hill), Amara Dizon (Pyramid Hill), Nate Turnbull (Wedderburn).

Photography: Emily Hughes (East Loddon), Tyler Manton (Pyramid Hill), Isabella Kunde (Pyramid Hill), Kerenza Archbald (Pyramid Hill), Lucy Scott (Pyramid Hill), Abby Wilson (St Mary’s), Lucy Morrison (St Mary’s), Riley Leach (Wedderburn), Xander Wilson (Wedderburn).

Cr Neil Beattie presents certificates to Boort students.

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 13

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

CLEARING SALE Sylvaterre District.

On Site – Lot 3 Sylvaterre- Timms Lake Road, Sylvaterre. Vic A/C EST. OF CHRISTOPHER JAMES COX Friday 23rd February 2024 at 10.00AM SHARP.

LAND AUCTION

BURKES FLAT – CENTRAL VICTORIA 381.85 Hectares/ 943.55 Acres THURSDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2024 @ 11:30am SHARP! AT RHEOLA TOWN HALL ACCOUNT: ESTATE OF EILEEN PERRY

To be offered in 2 Lots Lot 1: “Wallis’s & Lindorff’s” Burkes Flat- Wedderburn Rd, Fentons Creek

 282.59 Hectares / 698.27 Acres  3 Titles  2 Paddocks  2 Dams  90% Arable Lot 2: “Brown’s” Burkes Flat- Wedderburn Rd, Logan

 99.26 Hectares / 245.27 Acres  2 Titles  1 Paddock  3 Dams  95% Arable

Terms: 10% Deposit on signing, balance in 60 days Immediate working possession (T’s & C’s apply)

Further Particulars: Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166 * FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE

Tractors John Deere 7720 4x4, remotes, 3-P/L &PTO, Approx 7841.40HRS Unreg’d. 1982 John Deere 4440 dual axel tractor 10,769.7 HRS. Reg’d. 1980 John Deere 3130 Tractor Reg. 3-P/L PTO & Remotes, Gason Cab 5,516.2 HRS. Trucks Borcat Tri-Axel tipper, 36ft, with rollover tarp. Reg’d no RWC. 1979 International S2600 prime mover, Reg’d No RWC.Inter Acco 1910B truck, Reg’d ,6mt tray, Jet stream 10T grouper with QPE 13Hp motor on Hobbs Hoist Farm Machinery & Equipment 1991 New Holland TX34 harvester, with 971, 30 ft front, 3645 Hours. Stock crate Single deck, steel /timber, grain bin 6m, both fit Acco truck. Gold acres, 60FT, 2000L boom spray, with foam markers. Honda fourtrax 4/W m/bike with 70L selecta spray unit. Al farm Ryan AB400 28FT Air seeder mounted box, SSB and Ag master covering Discs. Shearer G-Series combine,28 run finger tyne harrows and SSB. Shearer 30FT field span scarifier, Off Set disc plough 28 Plate. Marong 8.7m Auger. 10m Auger With B&S 13.5HP Motor. Cultivator 32ft, folding and finger tyne harrows. Gendore super spreader-3 P/L 0.5T. Dual bag out bin. Set of 15 leaf folding harrows, 2x Macey 28T field bins, GE Silo 300 bag, Nelson field bin 28T. 2 x Sherwell field bin (with augers), Ackland 30T field bin. Chamberlain one way disc plough. 6 Ft, 3P/L grader blade. 1000L portable fuel tank. 3P/L boom spray 25ft. O/Head fuel tank. Farm scan Jackal Monitoring System. Petrol Hydraulic Wood Splitter.

Farm Sundries Scrap metal, points, jack’s, old motors 138 Holden Grey Motor (1 x Magna), multiple tools. Post hole digger 40cc 2/Stroke. Power tools, pressure washers, wood saw, 10 assort chains, welders, assorted chainsaws, old batteries, batt chargers, toolboxes, plastic water tank, various belts, generator on wheels, Alum Boat, trailer,8HP Yamaha motor. fishing and camping gear, small solar panel, hunting camera’s x2, car ramps, 4 x corrugated iron tanks full of scrap metal. Garden accessories, host of sundries too numerous to mention.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Ford truck-1954 V8 petrol 5.2m tray with gravity fed bin.

Relic scarifiers x2. Old combustion stove, antique mirror. Antique farm ploughs and tillage equipment. Shearer combine 8 Lever, steel wheel 16 row combine.

This is a deceased estate clearing sale, all efforts have been made to identify and gather information on sale lots. Sale items vary in condition.

Agents recommend your attendance.

Clearing Sale Terms: Preferred cash or cheque on day of sale, number system, ID required. No buyers premium.

Photos can be viewed on our website: www.fpnevins.com.au

CLEARING SALE - KURTING

Friday 16th February – 10am Start MACHINERY, FARM PLANT, MINING GEAR & BOAT EQUIPMENT A/C K POSTLE & D WAYMAN Onsite: 326 Bacon Road KURTING VIC 3517

FARM PLANT & MACHINERY: John Deere (JD) 4230 Front end loader with twin forks, bucket & blade, JD 4440 Tractor with 3PL, Int 766 Tractor, JD 7720 Harvester with 30’ front & comb trailer, JD 6600 W 20’ front, -Int 725 Harvester with 2 x 18’ fronts & comb trailers, Vennings 14’ Grouper with rear outlets, Int A62 24 Row seeder with ‘Agmaster’ rotary harrows, ‘Hardi’ 60’ boom spray, Shearer 26’ cultivator, Connor Shea 21’ tyne scarifier, 24 row offset disc, 27’ canola cutter, 2 x MF 20 row combines, 40’ x 6” Auger w 11HP Honda motor, 30’ x 6” Auger w 11hp Honda Motor, 30’ x 6” Auger w 11hp Honda Motor, 30’ x 10” PTO Auger, 3 x 20 T field bins, 1 x 18t field bin, 1 x 58t Jaeschke silo (new), 1000 gall port steel water tank, 24 R Int small seed box (recond), Qnty 7-9” augers, old hay rake, old harrows.

VEHICLES: Jaeco 6B offroad caravan w annex & tool box, 1987 VL V8 Commodore Berlina, Leyland tipper w new PTO hyd pump, 2 x Austin 1950s trucks, 2000 Yamaha XT 600E Mbike, 2001 Mitsubishi 4x4 challenger- Parts only BOATING & FISHING EQUIPMENT: Quintrex 5m alum boat w elec anchor, 2 anchors, all safety gear, shade bimini, fish finder, landing nets & oars &full canopy set of covers, 10 rods, 2 3m surf rods, 4hd river rods, , 14’ fibreglass speed boat & trailer (no motor), Evinrude 70HP O/B Motor, Proud 4.9m ski/fish fibreglass boat & trailer w 70HP o/b motor w bimini, canopy set &fish finder.

MINING GEAR: Int td Drott 142 dozer, 4 in 1 bucket & 2 cat rippers (no motor), TD 14 motor running on stand, TD 14 motor (for rebuild), TD 14 new clutch & recon thruster plate w new drive spline, 100 Hp Leyland diesel 4” water pump, Honda 4’ water pump w hoses, 12 rolls 3” nylon piping &connections, port motorised conveyer incl hopper, grizzly bars, gravel hopper w 5” diesel pump, 2 sluices & stand TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: Large tool cabinet, Qnty tool boxes, drills, spanner sets, socket sets, motorised post rammer, drill press,1 20 ton jack & 1 trolley jack, stilsons, port 400L elec fuel tank, wrenches, jack stands & ramps, ratchet straps, mag chrome wheels & host of sundries too numerous to mention.

TERMS: Numbers system operating. ID required. Cash, Cheque payment accepted & EFTPOS available. GST applicable, No buyers premium. Light luncheon available DIRECTIONS: Turn left onto Kurting Brenanah Rd off Calder Hwy, go 1km & turn left onto Arabella Lane follow signs to Bacon Rd. FULL DETAILS & PHOTOS: www.fpnevins.com.au

Contact: Nicki Henderson 0429796054 Luke Nevins 0418510166 * FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE

Further information Agent: James Nevins 0407 302 900 * FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 15

Extra splash hits hemp trial crop THE first 200-hectare industrial hemp crop near Pyramid Hill will have potential buyers despite damaging summer storms.

Tom Smith had planted the crop in October and had seen plants grow to a metre high when he started irrigation of the crop 10 days before Christmas.

“Everything was going well and then we had 220mm of rain over seven to 10 days,” he said.

“Hemp can survive in the dry but not the wet. I hadn’t irrigated from sowing until just before Christmas.

“But the good thing is that a potential market has still emerged for this crop. Whether it will be worthwhile is in the lap of the Gods.”

This season’s sowing of hemp was a second attempt by Mr Smith, last year’s crop was about establishing a sowing regimen.

“We will get there. We’re on the right track, there’s no question about that,” he said.

“This year has been an excep-

tion and a very different year for sure.”

Mr Smith’s pioneering efforts in Victoria come as the final year of a three-year industrial hemp trial is wrapped up in Western Australia.

That state’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research scientist Shahajahan Miyan said the trials had provided some sound data to help the fledgling industry grow and mature.

“Over the past three years this trial has evaluated 17 varieties from Australia, Canada, China, France, and Poland , across two different sowing times,” he said.

“The results have shown there is significant potential for industrial hemp production ... with encouraging yields and oil content produced from several varieties.

“This information will assist potential growers to evaluate which variety is best suited to their operation so they can make informed decisions.”

SHEEP AND LAMBS THERE were more lambs yarded at Bendigo on Monday with 13,420 under the hammer.

However, trade buyers still faced issues finding neat domestic weighted lambs.

At the moment the better finished lambs tend to be heavier types, with well covered lambs in the 20-24kg cwt range in limited supply.

One of the major supermarkets didn’t operate while all the other main orders were active to various degrees.

The market still battled to find a consistent price base and bidding ebbed and flowed again.

Across the sale there was dearer outcomes for lambs at times, particularly in the trade weight categories, but this was sometimes lost when the auction lost momentum.

Heavy export lambs ended the day at a similar price average to a week ago, while best trade lambs averaged a few dollars dearer.

Light lambs sold strongly with a pick-up in MK ‘bag lamb’ buying by processors against restockers.

The heaviest export lambs from 30kg to about 35kg cwt from $200 to a top of $259 to average $235 at a ballpark cost of 725c/kg cwt.

Heavy lambs in the 26-30kg cwt sold from $184 to $232 at an estimated 740c/kg lwt. Neat trade lambs, 22-24kg, made from $157 to $186 and averaged

dearer after some pens reached up to 780c/kg.

Overall the better processing lambs were costing between 700c to 750c/kg cwt. But there was still crossbred lambs with less polish and appeal which were in the sub 700c range, at 650c to 690c/kg cwt.

Merino lambs were dearer on better quality in this market reaching up to $180.

Light lambs were keenly supported and the 12-20kg cwt categories averaged dearer at $87 to $140 for the better presented lines.

A few secondary lambs sold down to $11. The sheep market was dearer, with good lines of mutton estimated as costing processors from 300c to 350c/ kg cwt.

Heavy Merino ewes in wool $105 to $138, big crossbred ewes $84 to $108 with some of these still below 300c/kg.

Trade and light sheep recorded the biggest gains and the majority of sales were between $60 to $85/head.

nett & L McElroy Moulamein (44) $218. B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (97) $210. A & M Rinaldi Moolort (67) $210. Andshara Family Trust Berrimal (116) $209. R & M Hobbs Charlton (138) $204. R & K Sloan Kurting (56) $198. D & R Hannigan Barrakee (43) $195.

MERINO LAMBS Western Plains Past Hay (98) $180. DN & MJ Curnow Laanecoorie (98) $175.

MERINO WETHERS B & L Baker Laanecoorie (126) $115. B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (136) $102.

CROSSBRED EWES Cain Bros Laanecoorie (90) $103. DWJ & M Turnbull Dumosa (41) $103. GJ & DA Turnbull Wycheproof (151) $100. H & P Bennett Mia Mia (40) $100. Springlake Donald (44) $100. Walters Euroa (36) $100.

MERINO EWES A & A Holt Wedderburn (62) $130. Boyd Family Trust Boort (105) $123. A & A Holt Wedderburn (43) $107. GJ Chandler Barham (53) $105. B & K Mitrovic Durham Ox (71) $100.

Order of sales next week: Nevins, Nutrien, Nuttall, Mc-Kean McGregor, Elders.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

GRAIN

SUCKERS KV,GE & JR Rice T/A Laurel Farms Donald (48) $165.

CROSSBRED LAMBS Colvin Family Trust Eppalock (102) $259. Daniel Tuohey Gunbower (71) $255.

IR Landale Deniliquin (110) $250. A & T Cole Neilborough (86) $249. F & S Coghlan Bridgewater (128) $241. Cain Bros Laanecoorie (60) $238. IR Landale Deniliquin (36) $236. Slater Farming Donald (63) $232. N & M Miller Wedderburn (40) $228.

A & L Dennis Calivil (37) $220. WB Ben-

MM | LIVESTOCK

Boort Grain Co-op prices on Monday.

Wheat - H1 $374.75. H2 $342.

APW $325. ASW $296. GP1 $292.95. Barley - Maximus $282.

Planet $297. Spartacus $282.

Bar1 $285. Bar2 $260.

Faba1 $435. Faba2 $420. Nipper $840, Field peas $410, Oats1 $410. Oats2 $400. ISCC GM canola $566.25. GM canola $551.50.

EST. 1911

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report Sheep and lambs sold to strong competition, with heavy mutton being the highlight.

Monday, January 29th 2024 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 12,000 Sheep - 8,000 $ Per Head

$ Per Kg

Trend ($ Per Head)

Heavy Lambs

210-251

6.90-7.30

-5

Trade Lambs

150-210

7-7.50

Firm

Heavy Suckers

160-205

6.80-7.20

Firm

Trade Suckers

130-160

7-7.30

Firm

Store Lambs

80-125

6.80-7

+ 8-10

Heavy Sheep

100-135

3-3.30

+ 5-8

Trade Sheep

80-100

3-3.30

Firm

Light Sheep

50-80

3-3.30

Firm

Sign up to receive weekly market reports

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

Alex Collins - 0408 314 768

Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371

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

Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832

Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917

MCKEANMCGREGOR.COM.AU |

Will Lowe - 0498 381 584

16 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

Face of adversity has a silver lining FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE

By ANNE WEBSTER IT IS always uplifting to see a community come together in the face of adversity.

My heart goes out to all affected by the floods that struck just prior to Christmas. What should have been a time to relax with the family was interrupted by heavy rains, and the fallout for some has been heartbreaking.

Wedderburn was badly hit but this motivated emphatic support to revive the town’s State Emergency Service Unit.

As the Loddon Herald reported last month – “Many later spoke with SES staff and volunteers about signing up for membership and training that could see the unit regain operational status within six months.”.

A wonderful silver lining.

Times of crisis such as the floods are often a true indicator of the level of community spirit and the “can do” attitude small towns have.

I congratulate the Wedderburn community for rallying and looking at what they can do when disasters like this occur.

And a big thankyou to other SES units and community groups around other towns who have stood up to help on their own patches.

This is what makes Mallee great – from North to South, East to West, Mallee communities roll up their sleeves, pull together and get to work when times get tough.

I have always been passionate about volunteering, and I encourage anyone reading this column to think how you can serve your community volunteering whatever your capabilities.

You don’t have to be in an operational role dealing with disasters such as these floods, most communities have a variety of volunteer organisations performing a range of roles that can be suitable for anyone.

It can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, and you are making a real difference to your town and the people in it.

With devastating floods hitting the district for two years in a row now, I take this opportunity to remind people there are relief options available for those whose property and livelihoods have been impacted.

You don’t have to go it alone and I encourage you to investigate the relief you are eligible to access.

The joint Australian, State and Territory governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) provide a range of financial assistance to the natural disaster-declared areas in each state or territory.

I know these cost sharing arrangements between the Commonwealth and the Victorian Government were of great help to Councils and communities around Mallee during the riverine floods that hit Mallee from October 2022.

Individuals affected by the flooding are encouraged to contact their local council as the Loddon Shire has been listed as eligible for support. Or visit the VicEmergency website for more details.

If you were also impacted by the October 2022 Victorian floods, you can continue to access recovery help through your recovery support worker.

Looking forward to the rest of the year, it is critical the voices of the people of Mallee are heard in Canberra.

It has been a pleasure to serve you as your Federal Member since 2019, and I look forward to continuing to represent you in 2024.

As The Nationals finalise policies to take to the next election, as always, I welcome your thoughts and insights.

My staff and I are also here to help on a range of issues ranging from immigration and Centrelink to congratulatory messages from the King for major milestones.

20

QUESTION QUIZ

1. Name the spice that is made from the seed covering of nutmeg.

2. Thing 1 and Thing 2 appear in which Dr. Seuss book?

3. In rowing what is the position closest to the stern called?

4. What kind of wood was Harry Potter’s wand made from?

5. Where in the human body would you find the ulna?

6. What is the largest species of penguin?

7. The Australia Post logo contains which two colours?

8. Which children’s book features a piglet called Wilbur?

9. What three-letter word can mean a unit of luminance or the egg of head louse?

10. True or false – the domestic chicken the most common bird in the world.

11. Before 2024, in which year did the West Indies last win a

test cricket match in Australia?

12. Cartoonist Robert Armstrong popularised which two-word phrase for a lazy person in the 1980’s?

13. Which fictional character played keyboard during a performance of ‘Chariots of Fire’ at the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony?

14. Name the 1975 Australian film about a group of schools girls and their teacher adapted from a 1967 novel of the same name.

15. Who is Serena Williams’ sister?

16. Which colour is used most commonly in national flags?

17. What is a trebuchet?

18. A well known American saxophonist is Kenny ___?

19. How many plays is Shakespeare believe to have written?

20. What is the official capacity of the MCG?

ANSWERS 1. Mace 2. The Cat in the Hat 3. Stroke 4. Holly 5. Arm 6. Emporer 7. Red and white 8. Charlotte’s Web 9. Nit 10. True 11. 1997 12. Couch potato 13.

Mr Bean 14. Picnic at Hanging Rock 15. Venus Williams 16. Red 17. Type of catapult using a long arm to throw an object 18. G 19. 38 20. 100,024

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

* Anne Webster is the member for Mallee

YOUR ONLINE WORDS FROM THE LODDON HERALD FACEBOOK PAGE Loddon HERALD Thursday January 18, 2024 | 21

AMBULANCE VICTORIA COMMITS TO USE LOCALLY DONATED EQUIPMENT IN SHIRE Diane Gordon-Cooke wrote: I truly don’t believe the city based organisations understand the blood sweat and tears that small town members put into fundraising for equipment for their local area ! It happens way too often in organisations. I hope they honour this and keep the gear local!

CARLY ISAAC PUSHES TOWARDS SUB-THREE MARATHON Graffiti Graffix wrote: Go Carly.

Those pink shorts will do it darling. Love Deb the fishing girl

FEATURES

Lloyd bats on at 102

By CHRIS EARL

Lloyd Mills with sons Doug and Richard. LH PHOTO

LLOYD Mills this week achieved one of his highest scores in life.

The retired Mincha farmer who survived World War Two and batted on at the cricket crease until he was 81, marked his 102nd birthday at the property that has been in his family for five generations.

The century-plus two edges him behind the century that came with a six on a hot day decades ago for Mincha to claim a cricket win. For 30 years, he was Mincha’s opening batsman, never using gloves at the crease.

Another day he made 111 in the 1940s while his best hit in a career spanning more than 60 years was 115.

“I enjoyed my cricket,” Lloyd said at the weekend as he talked about life.

There was the time he was part of the world’s first game with all participants over 60 years, played at Brighton in 2003 Lloyd Mill was 81 at the time, Australia’s oldest registered cricketer, and one of two ex-servicemen from World War Two still playing cricket.

A year later, after having some years before crossed to the neighbouring Durham Ox club because they were short of players, Lloyd finally put his bat away. No more running between wickets, weighed down by shrapnel from the war.

Lloyd joined the Citizen Military Force in 1940 before enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force two years later.

He was first sent to Darwin, arriving days before the Japanese started bombing attacks in February 1942.

“The last part of the journey was in trucks making our way through scrub. There were no roads back then ... it was a nightmare,” Lloyd said.

Mills! We hope you had a fabulous day. A true gentleman.

Cindi Newton wrote: Lovely man, best neighbour anyone could have.

DRAINAGE RAISED AS SUMMER STORM FLOOD ISSUE “We went to Darwin with just five rounds of ammunition each to defend the place.”

With the AIF 6th Division, he was sent to New Guinea and Bougainville.

That’s where a squad was on patrol and a ground mine ex-

ploded.

“I’ve still got the shrapnel in the leg, I was blown off my feet.

I was at the rear with a machine gun,” Lloyd said.

He was demobbed in 1946 and

returned to the family farm at Mincha where he produced fat lambs for wool and grew crops.

Sons Richard and Doug said the property had been wool based with Lloyd adding: “It’s been pretty successful.”

It was only five years ago that Lloyd stopped driving and still reads newspapers without glasses nor is he on medication.

Lloyd has outlived his siblings.

Twin brother Richard died of a brain tumour aged 10, Bruce of

cancer aged 43 and elder sister Jean lived to 98.

“I’ve never smoked ... even those years in the Army I never smoked,” he said.

Back before the over 60s cricket match in 2003, Lloyd admitted to one writer that it had been “a good while” since he made a hundred himself, but he did wind back the clock a few years ago by opening the batting for Durham Ox, and sharing a first-wicket partnership of 50.

“There’s life in the old legs yet,” he said at the time before meeting sporting legends Herb Elliott, Bill Lawry and Shane Warne.

Richard and Doug said their father retained a great knowledge of a life that started 102 years ago in Pyramid Hill.

And he enjoyed Tuesday’s special family celebration when daughter Deborah visited.

Lloyd again recalled stories of his 102 years and as the Loddon’s oldest resident.

who watched you train each morning at the lake!

MINCHA LEGEND LLOYD MILLS TURNS 102 Lloyd reflects on life during the 2011 floods when water surrounded the family

home and (right) as a soldier during World War Two.

Antoinette Coobs wrote: Mr

Peter Goegan wrote: The creeks around Wedderburn are choked with environmental weed trees. No point in spending dollars upstream if the creek is choked and can’t drain water properly.

Lesley Whelan wrote: We have the same problem in Newbridge!

bushy tales BY iAN jONES

F

ROM strutting the stage to putting up a new Treemdendous Sign, it’s been a very busy weekend indeed for Bradley of Boort.

He tells us the new sign has been inspired by school days. We can only hazard a guess that Bradley’s paper cuts were self-inflicted (aren’t they all) from making paper planes to propel into the classroom air on a hot summer afternoon early in term.

T

HE record for the longest distance travelled by a paper plane currently sits at 88.318 metres, This was achieved back just before a cool Christmas in the US of A.

STEEL’S BUTCHERS - OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 77 High Street, Wedderburn Phone 5494 3334

T

ALKING about distances, bowlers out in blowfly heaven - Calivil -

or at watering holes along the Loddon Valley Highway might be left waiting for their favourite skipper to shout the bar. His blissful horse was a bit of the top order pace in Sunday’s Wedderburn Cup.

C

LOSER to the mark at the weekend - a rare feat indeed - was none other than The Oracle whose bowls team had a more than convincing win. Surprised he hasn’t picked up the phone to gloat.

T

ALKING about pride, KIng Richard, we hear, scheduled his return from the sandy scenes along the Surf Coast to coincide with Australia Day celebrations back in the Loddon. We reckon that’s putting patriotism first and worthy of an elephant stamp. We hope a few good work stamps are handed out at local schools this week.

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 17

FEATURES

Miserable convicts showed greatness as ...

They built our nation

By GAVAN HOLT JUST imagine it. After a journey of 24,000km and 250 days the 11 sailing ships of the First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, arrive at Sydney Cove from Portsmouth in England.

On board at arrival were 1372 passengers including 732 convicts, 306 ships’ crew and 245 marines.

Before them was a more or less untouched natural environment, they were starting from scratch at the bottom of the world.

They had to rely on the provisions and supplies on those ships until such time as they could produce local food and make use of local materials.

Looking on from the land were the Aborigines of the Eora people, with perhaps another 750,000 indigenous people roaming the vast land that was to become Australia.

Do we ever think about those miserable convicts, male and female, some serious but most petty, who arrived on those ships and the rewarding lives many of them went on to build for themselves, with thousands of their descendants still in Australia today.

This was the commencement of one of the greatest examples of nation building that the world has seen.

Possibly the only superior one is that of the Americans. Two hundred and thirty six years later we have the great multicultural success story that is Australia.

No doubt there were missteps along the way, including violent interactions between the indigenous and the settlers.

There are even whispered stories of terrible confrontations that occurred in what is now Loddon Shire.

There is also no doubt that all citizens of our modern nation have benefited from the arriv-

al of the English. Yet there are those who want to change the date of Australia Day as though this will dissolve the violence and the wretchedness experienced by a minority of current Aboriginal Australians.

That problem is the result of mismanagement by the elites in government, particularly the policies of the last 50 years of separatism rather than assimilation, but that is another story.

Of all the defences I have seen of retaining January 26 as our national day, none has been better outlined than that by former New South Wales premier Bob Carr.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph on January 22, 2000, he said, “January 26 is the day the whole brave, self-mocking, patient,

largely successful exercise in nation building began. It is the one day that speaks of all that happened: the good and bad, the inspiring and shaming. The story of us all.

“There is no alternative. It is altogether appropriate. Well used it will tell future generations what really happened – the brutality, the heroism, the tenderness, the patience. It will teach humility as well as pride.

Advance the Australian fair go and its inevitable symbol, Australia Day. There is no other day that says it all.”

The problem in Australia is that too many of our leaders are not prepared to come out and take a stance on issues that malcontents are using to divide us.

They stand in the middle of

the road with an eye on the next election.

There is no better example of this than the ambivalent response by some of our leaders to the slaughter, rape and mutilation of 1200 citizens of democratic Israel by the terrorists of Hamas.

The nub of the matter is that activists have permeated the minds of our elites in government, business, sport and media such that they believe that those members of the First Fleet and the Europeans who followed were invaders and colonisers.

They do so from the comfort and wealth created by those “invaders”.

Due to financial problems because of COVID-19, the Victorian government gave Tennis Aus-

tralia $60 million to get it out of it’s difficulties.

If I was the premier of Victoria I would be pulling Tennis Australia in and telling them in no uncertain terms how they should have highlighted Australia Day at the matches on January 26.

Pat Cummins is a brilliant cricketer, who is our cricket captain and wears the baggy green representing Australia. In doing so he earns millions of dollars and good luck to him.

For him to come out and use his position as captain to suggest that we should change the date of Australia Day because of the claimed offence it causes a small minority is something at which all Australians should take umbrage.

So my position is that first we should do a national audit on where all the billions of dollars of taxpayers money has gone that has been spent on Aboriginal issues in this country.

Second, it is time to move on from the politics of grievance and find a new way forward to solve the problems we have in our Aboriginal remote communities and town camps. All Australians want this fixed.

It’s time for the old guard national Aboriginal leaders such as Davis, Pearson, Mayo and Langton to move on and let others such as Price and Mundeen have a go.

Third, leave the date of Australia Day where it is.

I believe this is the position of over 80 per cent of the people of Loddon and am prepared to stand up for it.

Alternatively, if you stand in the middle of the road for long enough, you will eventually get run over.

* Gavan Holt is Loddon Shire Mayor and the Wedderburn Ward councillor.

PETER PETER WALSH WALSH MP PETER PETER WALSH WALSH MP PETER PETER WALSH MP YOUR VOICE YOURWALSH VOICE IN IN GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

bereavement thanks

BIRTHDAY

public noticeS

HOWARD CECIL MATTHEWS 23/9/1939 - 17/12/2023 Margaret and families wish to thank their friends for attending the thanksgiving service of Howard (Howdy).

Joan “Margaret” Curnick Wishing you a great 90th Birthday Mum

Thank you to all who visited, cooked, and sent flowers and cards, to Brian and the band, and John Bond for conducting the service.

Thankyou for sharing your first 90 years

Also thank you to Dr Shaka Issa, and the care and attention at the Bendigo Base Hospital.

All our love

for the 5 February 2024. with us.

A lifetime filled with love and kindness.

Peter, Geoff, Janis and families. xo

Intention to sell land to Ambulance Victoria Loddon Shire Council gives notice under section 114 (2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2020 and in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy, that it intends to sell land:  Proposed sub division of 1849sqm of vacant land at 24-32 Wilson Street Wedderburn (that piece of land being Lot 1 on Title Plan 555062 and Crown Allotments 3 and 7 Section V, Parish of Wedderburn), the proposal is that the land be sold for market value as determined by Council.

public noticeS

A person may make a submission on Council’s intention. Submissions must be received by close of business on Thursday 29 February 2024, and should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn 3518 or via email to executive@loddon.vic.gov.au .

Any person who has made a written submission to Council may request in writing to be be heard in person in support of the written submission or by a person acting on their behalf before Council at a time and date to be advised.

Any queries can be directed to Christine Coombes, Executive Services Officer, on 5494 1200 or via email executive@loddon. vic.gov.au .

The Inglewood Town Hall Committee is looking for EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST for those who would be interested in participating in a Deb Ball hosted at the Inglewood Town Hall in 2024

EVER WANTED TO MAKE YOUR DEBUT?

Not your traditional Deb Ball Date will be set between Jun-Dec 2024 No Age limit (min age 16) Spaces will be limited More information will be provided at a meeting for all interested in early 2024

#SHOPLOCAL #SHOPLODDON

If this sounds like something you would be interested in then please email your details for more information to: Kirsten Ward inglewoodthh@gmail.com

LODDON HERALD CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

Intention to sell land Loddon Shire Council gives notice under section 114 (2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2020 and in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy, that it intends to sell land located at:  12-14 Allen Street, Korong Vale, formerly the Korong Vale Senior Citizens Centre  Greig Street, Korong Vale, Lots 14 & 15 PS 6200 PO Korong Vale, to be sold as one lot  2-6 Kerr Street, Wedderburn, Lot 2 LP221972 and Lots 1 & 2 TP 161455 T/ ship Wedderburn, to be sold as a whole or two lots.  Gladfield Road Pyramid Hill, Lots 1 & 2 TP 89035 T/ship Pyramid Hill, to be sold as one lot.  Boort – Charlton Road, Boort, Lot 1 TP 162011 vacant land PO Boort.  Boort – Charlton Road, Boort, Lot 1 PS612125S PO Boort.  Godfrey Street Boort, Allot.20 Sec.1 Township of Boort  LOT 1 TP 220272 & LOT 1 516558 Borung Rec. Reserve T/Ship Borung Parish Kinypanial KP  Allotments 11, 12 and 13 Sec.4 township of Inglewood, to be consolidated as one parcel of land The land has no identified council or community purpose and as such is recognised as surplus to Council needs.

It is proposed that Council sell the parcels of land via an appointed licenced real estate agent, following the community notification period.

A person may make a submission on Council’s intention. Submissions must be received by close of business on Thursday 29 February 2024, and should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn 3518 or via email to executive@loddon.vic.gov.au .

Any person who has made a written submission to Council may request in writing to be heard in person in support of the written submission or by a person acting on their behalf before Council at a time and date to be advised.

Any queries can be directed to Christine Coombes, Executive Services Officer, on 5494 1200 or via email executive@loddon. vic.gov.au .

meeting

Annual General Meeting Friday 16th February 10am Bridgewater Railway Station

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 19

public notices

employment

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

Manager Community Partnerships – ref.J/253

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

 Permanent, full-time position  Band 8 salary range $112,907$125,730 per annum plus employer superannuation Applications close on Monday 5 February 2024 at 5pm Civil Design Coordinator – ref.J/248 Readvertised

for sale 2019 Franklin Arrow 19’6” Caravan - $63,990

As new condition. Includes café seating, full oven and cooktop, Dometic three-way fridge and filtered water tap. Full ensuite with large shower, toilet and top load washing machine. Queen bed with under bed storage, wardrobes with drawers, Ibis Mk3 reverse cycle air conditioner, two 12-volt fans, LED lighting throughout, Winegard TV antenna. Full battery management system with two 170w solar panels. Gas heating, full annex with extra-large windows, anti-flap kit, custom made privacy screens. Factory extended chassis with toolbox on front, gas bayonet, full front tunnel, rear generator hatch, reversing camera and wiring harness. Two 95lt water tanks, one 95lt grey water tank. Always shedded.

Available April 4th, 2024.

Location -Charlton Ph 0418 323 940

wanted to buy

 Full-time, permanent position  Band 7 salary range $97,998$108,878 per annum plus employer superannuation  Based at Council’s Wedderburn office Community Compliance Officer- Tidy Properties- ref.J/244 Readvertised  Permanent position, with flexibility to offer full-time or part-time  Band 5 salary range $73,079.16$84,077.74 per annum plus employer superannuation  Based at our Wedderburn Office Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99  Permanent, full-time position  Salary package negotiable.

Casual Early Childhood Educator – ref.J/123  Casual position with flexibility to choose your own days  Early Childhood Educator 1.1 - $32.24 per hour (inclusive of casual loading)  Positions available at all of our services Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received.

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

WANTED TO BUY Old bottles with town or company names.

Marble bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons Any old bottles - single items or box lots CASH PAID ON DAY Phone 0452 264 661

ADVERTISER HERE - $66 A MONTH

20 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

SPORT

Ruby’s championship silver swim

Ruby Cullen

RUBY Cullen has claimed silver at the Victorian Country Long Course Championships.

The Calivil youngster also improved her personal best time by 2.15 seconds in the 13-year-old girls 100-metre breaststroke to take out silver for Bendigo Hawks Aquatic team at the Traralgon carnival.

Ruby was part of a contingent of Loddon swimmers in the Bendigo Hawks’ contingent. Also making the trip were sisters Georgia and Lucy Pascoe, Jack Hocking and Keira Tuohey Marley and Gus Addlem swam for Bendigo East.

More than 600 swimmers attended the championships from 32 clubs

across country Victoria. Marley had a huge meet with nine individual swims and four relay swims across the three days. Her best result was fourth place in the girls 16 to 17-year-old 100-metre breaststroke narrowly missing out on the bronze by 0.09 seconds.

Brother Gus swam in five individual events and four relays taking out a bronze in the 4x50 14 and under boys medley relay for Bendigo East.

Bendigo Hawks swimmer Jack Hocking also had a large number of swims with five individual swims and four relays.

He successfully made the finals of the boys’ 11 and under 50-metre backstroke, 50-metre butterfly with his most successful event being the

50-metre breaststroke where he also narrowly missed out on bronze to finish fourth.

Lucy showed massive improvement at the championships with a huge 10.58 second personal best in her 100m breaststroke to finish 10th overall in that event. She also competed in the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly where she had top 20 finishes. She also competed in the 12 and under 4x50-metre freestyle relay and the 4x50-metre medley relay.

Georgia swam the 100-metre backstroke before teaming up with Ruby to compete in the relays.

Georgia also combined with local Keira to compete in the girls 4x50metre freestyle and medley relays.

Grumpee joy after start tape tangles THE Alison Alford-trained Grumpee had his first win in four months on the third attempt to run Sunday’s Wedderburn Trotters’ Cup. Chris Alford drove the fouryear-old superbly to take the lead in the home straight at Carisbrook raceway, overtaking Baltica and Majestic Belle to win by 2.6 metres.

Grumpee had started at the handy odds of $13 for the win. Favourite in the Priorty One-sponsored feature race Mercenary ($2.80) came in at the rear of the field.

Mercenary had paced and broken after the start and stewards have now placed the horse on his last chance for standing starts.

Stewards were busy reviewing the trotters’ cup with two false starts before the green light was given to racing on Sunday.

They said that immediately prior to the tapes being released driver Ellen Tormey (Gee Cee Calder) called to the starter to alert him that her horse was in contact with the front tape, and as a consequence a false start was called.

At the second start attempt, the 10 metre tape failed to release, causing a further false start and the tapes were then hand held

for the start. Alison Alford said Grumpee had a rewarded her faith with the strong finish.

In the Wedderburn Pacing Cup, Jack Laugher drove Earl of Prembroke to a fast-finishing win, storming home in the bell lap to outgun Ubetcha Tigerpie and Platinum Stride, Ubetcha Tigerpie had set the early pace before Laugher pounced to drive the favourite to victory.

Local horse Modern Bliss, owned by Jarklin’s Graham Maxted, was the race outsider with punters but finished midfield in the 2690-metre cup.

Modern Bless underwent pre and post race veterinary examinations due to his number of lifetime starts and no abnormalities apparent. The local horse had been held up around the home turn.

The Gavan Holt-owned trotter Glengarriff was second in the John Rohan Trotters’ Handicap, finishing 7.6 metres behind favourite TicTok. Punters had favoured the Wedderburn horse, backing him to second favourite.

Glengarriff has figured in the placings over the last year without a win.

Club president with pacing cup-winning driver Jack Laugher and Susan Smith after the presentation. LH PHOTOS

Abby Benaim, Alison Alford, Bruce Hargreaves, Sam Alford and Harness Racing Victoria’s Dale Monteith at the trotters’ cup presentation on Sunday.

Earl of Pembroke scoots home to win the 2024 Wedderburn Pacing Cup

Grumpee scoots home to win the Priority One Trotters’ Cup

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 21

SPORT

Big jumps thrill river crowd BEN Cosgriff took out the open men’s jump at the weekend’s Australia Masters ski tournament at Bridgewater with a personal best of 53.2 metres.

The local club member edged out Callan Ashcroft by just 10cm in the second day of competition on Sunday.

The pair’s high jumps impressed spectators lining the Loddon River where any jump higher than 45 metres is considered exceptional on the narrow river, according to skiing enthusiasts.

Peter Smith won the Glen Thurlow Most Outstanding Performance Trophy.

Smith was in the over 65 division and participated in slalom, Trick and jump events. His slalom performance was his best ever performance and the first time he had ever run the 14 metre line.

The open women’s slalom had a tie for first place, which resulted in not one, but two run offs to decide the winner.

Cathryn Gordon was up against her coach Lara Butlin who eventually took honours.

Butlin and Ashcroft won the overall awards at the tournament.

Jack Christie takes out the open men’s slalom

Joel O’Toole finished second in the open men’s tricks event

Jacob Saddington makes a splash after his jumps’ landing

Ben Cosgriff is all smiles after his final jump in the open men’s event at Bridgewater on Sunday.

Cosgriff recorded 51.6 metres on his first attempt and came back to reach 53.2 metres on the second run and win the title by 10cm.

LH PHOTOS Mitchell Bray jumps in Sunday’s junior events

Junction on top in association’s only match of the weekend ONE match in Inglewood and District Tennis Association was played over the Australia Day long weekend.

Wedderburn Junction and Fentons Creek moved their match to last Friday while Korong Vale forfeited to Powlett.

Loddon Eagles had the bye with members having a practice ses-

sion on Saturday. Loddon Valley tennis returns this Saturday after a general by for the long weekend and Marong association resumes after the Christmas-New Year break.

Wedderburn Junction lost to Fentons Creek 19-5 MEN: P. Lockhart T. Lockhart lost to J. Baber S. Lockhart 7-8. T. Lockhart C. Har-

greaves lost to S. Lockhart O. Holt 7-8. P. Turnbull C. Hargreaves lost to J. Baber O. Holt 6-8. S. Lockhart J. Hayes d M. Birthisel R. Holt 8-5. J. Hayes R. Carroll d R. Holt O. Lockhart 8-7. S. Lockhart R. Carroll d M. Birthisel O. Lockhart 8-5.

LADIES: M. Lowry P. Stephenson lost to E. Lockhart A. Lockhart 5-8. P. Stephenson M. Postle lost to A. Lockhart G. Lochart 7-8.

M Lowry M. Postle lost to E. Lockhart G. Lockhart 7-8. J. Polkinghorne A. Benaim lost to J. Millie G. Bird 1-8. A. Benaim R.

Ellsmore lost to G. Bird P. Van Humen 3-8.

J. Polkinghorne R. Ellsmore lost to J. Millie P. Van Humen 3-8.

MIXED: P. Turnbull M. Lowry lost to J. Baber A. Lockhart 2-8. T. Lockhart P. Stephenson lost to S. Lockhart E. Lockhart 3-8. C. Hargreaves M. Postle lost to O. Holt G. Lockhart 7-8. S. Lockhart J. Polkinghorne d M. Birthisel P. Van Humen 8-4. J. Hayes R. Ellsmore lost to R. Holt J. Millie 3-8. R. Carroll A. Benaim lost to O. Lockhart G. Bird 1-8.

No Eagle update AFL Central Victoria on Tuesday said it had no update on processes by the commission on Maiden Gully’s bid to enter an under 18 football team in the Bendigo league this season. Loddon Valley had said it wants the Eagles back in local junior ranks.

22 | Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024

SPORT

Club tournament well supported PLAYERS from 12 clubs contested the Boort club’s annual Australia Day tournament.

Local bowlers were joined by representativews of Calivil, Charlton, Daylesford, Cohuna, Echuca, Cohuna Golf, Wedderburn, Serpentine, Kerang, Wycheproof and Pyramid Hill clubs.

Honours went to the Charlton rink of Wayne Keenan, Mike Preston, Steve Perry and Richard Porter who won with 79 points ahead of the Cohuna Golf combination of Pat Quinn, Jason Heard, Ian Coates and Yvonne Eckhardt on 77 points.

INGLEWOOD In Monday pennant last week, the Division 5 team had an unfortunate loss by one shot.

Two shots down overall and it went down to a measure for the third shot on the last end.

The Woodies are hanging on to third spot and need another win to secure a finals spot.

Best performed rink was Edna Patterson, Phyliss McEwan, Ian Bradley and David Whitehead with a 11-shot win.

Division 1 got back onto the winner’s list thanks to a wonderful 21-shot win by the rink of David Vanston, Helen Leach, Bruce McClymont and Laurie Witham.

A couple of tough games coming up against Kangaroo Flat and Bendigo with finals positions on the line.

In Saturday’s Premier League, try as they might Inglewood can’t quite match this season.

But there are a lot of encouraging signs with new bowlers in the top ranks such as, Simon Laird, Robert Stranger, John McClymont and Tim Birthisel grabbing the opportunity and showing

encouraging improvement. Best performed rink this week were David Vanston, Arthur Harrison, John Jackman and Rob Day only going down by five shots on a day when all rinks lost.

In Division 6, Inglewood bounced back this week with a win at Bendigo East. An even performance with all rinks winning by five and six shots each to grab a more secure hold in the top four with three games to go.

All rinks can claim the best rink performance this week and keep up the good work as the club are very proud of this team with their unity and willingness to represent the club.

There are a lot of new bowlers in the club that have shown encouraging improvement this year such as Dionne Roberts, Coral Leach, Blake Smyth, Simon Laird, Robert Stranger, Tim Birthisel and Bill Concol.

BRIDGEWATER

LH PHOTO

Division 5 played at home against Campbells Creek in fine conditions accompanied by a slight breeze throughout the day.

All four rinks got off to good starts and had the opposition under pressure early.

This was in stark contrast to the game from the previous week. Three of the four rinks achieved wins on the day with Glenn Mangan’s rink winning by over 20 shots.

Division 7 played at home against the fourth placed Strathfieldsaye Blue.

At the half way stage, both rinks were level pegging, but fell away after the break. Don Wilson’s rink was the best performing rink, going down by five shots on the day

Boort Bowling Club had strong fields for its annual Australia Day tournament last Friday.

Local player Kelvin Ritchie (above) was guiding his rink throughout the afternoon but honours went to Charlton’s Richard Porter, Wayne Keenan, Mike Preston and Steve Perry (left) pictured with sponsor Adrian Tuohey (centre)

PENNANT BOWLS RESULTS BENDIGO Premier – Inglewood 55-0 lost to Golden Square 92-18. D Garrett, D Whitehead, L Kelly, C Kelly (s) lost to R Williams, J Ross, G Bacchin, T Lester (s) 17-23. D Vanston, A Harrison, J Jackman, R Day (s) lost to I Brown, G Fordham, N Bowland, A Brown (s) 15-20. S Laird, R Stranger, B McClymont, G Wilson (s) lost to D Berrym J Nevins, J Berry, T Berry (s) 13-23. M Chamberlain, T Birthisel, D Wilson, I Chamberlain (s) lost to A Eddy, J Bush, D Cheeseman, S Finch (s) 10-26.

Division 3 – Serpentine 80-14 d South Bendigo 61-4. K Collins, B Tuohey, D Walker, D Anset (s) d J Ryan, R Spedding, T Gastin, W Roberts (s) 23-7. P Britton, G Addlem, J Stuart, B Gladman (s) lost to D Kennedy, M Duthie, L Cairncross, I Aitken (s) 17-19. F Maher, J Collinson, R Gladman, B Long (s) lost to C Dillon, M Kirkpatrick, P Milburn, T Gretgrix (s) 16-17. K Canfield, L Baber, R Hasty, A Bish (s) d T Lansdown, I Murrell, L Rowley, L Doolan (s) 24-18.

Ladder: Heathcote 126, Castlemaine 116, Serpentine 116, Kangaroo Flat 109, South Bendigo 98, Bendigo 78, Golden Square 78, Eaglehawk 71.

Division 4 – White Hills 96-16 d Calivil 65-2. B Sheen, L Lightburn, W McCurdy, C Jansen (s) lost to M Dennis, K Richards, C Maxted, N Dennis (s) 21-22. E Jardine, F Gargiulo, G Gardner, H Walklate (s) d I Mansbridge, P Hercus, J Pickles, L Gronow (s) 22-16. R Parmenter, R Armstrong, P Fogliani, A Charlton (s) d R Boyd, R Lourie, M Collett, G Maxted (s) 28-14. M Carter, W Sertori, P McGuire, B Colbert (s) d B Meighan, G Lourie, A Dennis, W Miles (s) 25-13.

Bendigo East 82-14 d Dingee 75-4. G Holt, D Grant, J Dullard, G Vowles (s) lost to L Hocking, G Clarke, B Lawry, Leo Demeo (s) 17-23. A Bamkin, J McDonald, I Colt, T Costello (s) d A Hay, J Monaghan, R Thompson, K Murphy (s) 21-18. J Hawkins, J Judd,

L Parker, S Vowles (s) d T Kavanagh, B West, Lyn Demeo, N Lister (s) 28-14. T Hyland, R Miller, K Browell, W Schmidt (s) lost to K Pollock, G Devanny, R Robertson, F Grieves (s) 16-20.

Ladder: White Hills 138, Woodbury 136, Calivil 117, Dingee 110, Harcourt 84, Bendigo East 83, Marong 71, Bendigo 53.

Division 5 – Bridgewater 107-16 d Campbells Creek 67-2. B Catto, M Wright, A Harrison, R Smith (s) lost to J McMennemin, J Harding, M Holland, K Odgers (s) 14-27. C Wattie, P Short, N Saunders, J Fagan (s) d K Gallagher, V Ellis, H Wilson, K Delmenico (s) 31-12. G Catto, C Brooshooft, R Broadbent, G Mangan (s) d D Stevens, I Trevena, M Rhodes, P McKendry (s) 37-15. B McNaught, T Bryer, B Oughtred, C Mangan (s) d J Hall, C Gallagher, T Woodman, B Chester (s) 25-13.

Division 6 – Bendigo East lost to Inglewood 31-58. A Von Sierakowski, S Ayson, M Pysing, G Washington (s) lost to K Stewart, C McEwan, W Wilson, I Bradley (s) 12-18. K Lockett, C Butler, L Robertson, G O’Connell (s) lost to W Concol, P Lyndon, P Kelly, V Tierney (s) 13-18. B Collins, M Hockley, R Hoffman, L Randell (s) lost to B Smyth, C Leach, B Taig, H Leech (s) 16-22.

Ladder: Castlemaine 125, Golden Square 119, Inglewood 110, Eaglehawk 105, Kangaroo Flat 85, Heathcote 82, Marong 42, Bendigo East 36.

Division 7 – Bridgewater 27-0 lost to Strathfieldsaye Blue 52-14. G Mabon, V Wilson, I Clutton, R Brown (s) lost to I McIndoe, N Dewhurst, S McMurray, M Filan (s) 13-29. J Oughtred, P Gath, F Shea, D Wilson, (s) lost to W Henderson, T Iser, V McLoughlin, D Dole (s) 16-23.

Monday pennant - Division 1: Kangaroo Flat 80-14 d Inglewood 53-2. D Budd, G Boyd, P Moller, B Marron (s) d M Chamberlain, B Taig, D Wilson, I Chamberlain (s) 4212. S Howard, B Waegeli, S Howes, E White d L Kelly, C McEwan, J Jackman, R Day (s)

19-17. G Howes, L Troy, P Jennings, B Hogan (s) lost to D Vanston, H leech, B McClymont, L Witham (s) 19-24.

Ladder: South Bendigo 150, Kangaroo Flat 120, Inglewood 102, Bendigo 97, Eaglehawk 96, Golden Square 90, Bendigo East 75, Woodbury 38.

Division 4 – Golden Square 70-14 d Calivil Serpentine 53-2. J Rogers, A Schults, B Banyard, L Eeles (s) d L Dennis, J Clymo, C Maxted, S Hope (s) 23-11. J Watson, S Rooke, J Holcombe, M Bayliss (s) d K Richards, J Wiltshire, H Gronow, D Walker (s) 28-17. S Grant, C Hutchinson, K Dullard, K Watson (s) lost to L Gronow, M Boyd, N Ralphs, C Mitchell (s) 19-25.

Dingee 47-2 lost to North Bendigo 71-14. K Pollock, V Sproull, F Grieves, M Grieves (s) d E Wagnitz, V Lisle, W Pell, S Bryan (s) 1917. A Hay, P Plant, B West, S Cail (s) lost to H Hall, M Gorrie, S Wilkinson, J Emerson (s) 13-30. N Thomas, S Lawry, K Murphy, Lyn Demeo (s) lost to R Pettit, F Ayres, E Staff, A Hall (s) 15-24.

Ladder: South Bendigo 170, North Bendigo 129, Kangaroo Flat 108, Dingee 100, Strathfieldsaye 69, Calivil Serpentine 66, Harcourt 65, Golden Square 61.

Division 5 – Harcourt 32-2 lost to Inglewood 33-12. F Harman, C Roberts, M Tucker, I McMillan (s) d E Patterson, C Leach, P Lyndon, D Whitehead (s) 18-14. I McGibbon, R Douglas, J Starbuck, V Maltby (s) lost to J Roberts, D Roberts, A Harrison, P Kelly (s) 14-19.

Ladder: Bendigo 127, South Bendigo 118, Inglewood 99, Bendigo East 77, Campbells Creek 75, White Hills 66, Golden Square 57, Harcourt 53.

NORTH CENTRAL Division 1 – Wedderburn 69-10 d Charlton 61-2. R Hall, A Holt, A Caserta, A Jackson (s) d R Porter, G Bateson, M O’Brien, K Willey (s) 24-18. A Roberts, D Stephenson, R Mon-

tebello, L Witham (s) lost to J Cox, B Patton, S Perry, K North (s) 20-22. R Guelfo, W Roberts, C Mills, N Holt (s) d C Brien, W Southwell, D McCallum, L Southwell (s) 25-21.

Boort 58-0 lost to St Arnaud Country 9012. D Gibson, A Matley, C Newsome, K Ritchie (s) lost to D Mullins, R Pole, T McDonald, W Rodger (s) 19-27. K Birt, G Gardner, S Roberts, S Morris (s) lost to F Rodger, D Goode, J Neville, J Abbott (s) 18-31. P Waters, J Maxted, K Walton, L Maxted (s) lost to D Moulday, L Lunch, M Esmore, S Elliott (s) 21-32.

Ladder: St Arnaud 89, Wycheproof 88, Wedderburn 87, St Arnaud Country 86, Donald Golf 84, Boort 63, Charlton 48, Donald 31.

Division 2 – Wedderburn 76-10 d Charlton 67-2. S Lear, J Murnane, A Noordennen, I Hall (s) d S Simpson, S Harper, J Headon, E Rosewall (s) 30-17. S Standfield, N White, J Matthews, B Hargreaves (s) lost to B Chester, B Catherine, D Finlay, M Preston (s) 1927. L Holt, A Benaim, L Standfield, J Grant (s) d G Barnard, B Laffin, D Gretgrix, W Keenan (s) 27-23.

Boort 78-8 d St Arnaud Country 64-4. I Allison, T Nisbet, J Gibson, G Smith (s) d G Fullarton, N Bales, K Pole, G Shaw (s) 33-15.

J Hampson, D Brunt, A Gould, G Hudson (s) lost to L Watkins, A Bond, C Webb, P Elliott (s) 21-24. G Charles, M Nelson, C Roberts, J Earl (s) lost to G White, K Meade, P Jorgensen, J Needs (s) 24-25.

Ladder: Wycheproof 118, Charlton 91, Wedderburn 90, Donald Golf 88, St Arnaud 68, St Arnaud Country 62, Boort 48, Donald 11.

Midweek – Boort 77-12 d St Arnaud Country 48-0. P Baker, T Noles, J Maxted, L Maxted (s) d Y Templar, S Wright, R Pole, H Esmore (s) 23-22. Y Cashen, A Matley, D Gibson, J Gibson (s) d D Fullarton, R Marchment, L Moulday, D Moulday (s) 26-15. C Roberts, G Gardner, G Tweddle, T Moresi (s) d F Rodger, K Meade, P Goode, A Marland

(s) 28-11.

Donald Golf 74-8 d Wedderburn 65-4. S Evans, S Donnellon, T Boyd, G Rigby (s) lost to H Stephenson, S Steel, N Holt, A Jackson (s) 26-29. J Pearce, B Kones, B Dixon, P Hibberd (s) d J Murnane, S Standfield, R Hall, A Caserta (s) 28-15. W Livingston, C Stopps, J Hollis, S O’Shea (s) lost to L Standfield, J Matthews A Roberts, L Witham (s) 20-21.

Ladder: Wedderburn 107, Wycheproof 101, Donald Golf 99, Boort 82, Charlton 66, St Arnaud 64, Donald 46, St Arnaud Country 11.

NORTHERN Division 2 – Kerang 76-12 d Pyramid Hill 51-0. M Theobald, F Macguire, R Pascoe, L Frantz (s) d R Harris, C Cauchi, I Bartels, M Noelker (s) 23-16. D Hall, T Nolan, D Randell, L Hein (s) d W Boyd, T Stobaus, E Carmody, M Scott (s) 32-20. J Harrison, C Fisher, J Pay, P Pascoe (s) d D Demaine, R Price, J Mann, L Mann (s) 21-15.

Division 3 – Kerang Golf 64-7 drew Pyramid Hill 64-5. S Phillips, M Rawson, F Boxshall, J McKerrow (s) lost to M Mahoney, J Cauchi, A Roberts (s) 12-26. R Carter, S Robinson, D King, G Borg (s) d R Boyd, A Fidler, L Dingwall (s) 24-17. C Hicks, A Medson, M Pors, N Robertson (s) d G Godward, D Kaye, R Fidler, A Bennett (s) 28-21.

Midweek – Division 1: Pyramid Hill 50-0 lost Cohuna Golf 78-12. I Bartels, M Noelker, E Carmody, M Scott (s) lost to L Mathers, L McManus, J White, P Bibby (s) 20-27. C Cauchi, J Cauchi, M L’Hullier, A Cantwell (s) lost to M Rodwell, I Coates, P Quinn, Y Eckhardt (s) 13-30. P Coates, T Stobaus, J Mann, R Opie (s) lost to R Bibby, N Brown, J Henty, F Trezise (s) 17-21.

Division 2 – Pyramid Hill 46-0 lost to Leitchville 54-8. A Fidler, W Cowan, W Boyd, D Miller (s) lost to R Cornwill, D Hipwell, P Griffiths, S Bennett (s) 22-26. R Harris, R Fidler, G Miller, L Dingwall (s) lost to J Walters, G Wilson, H Crichton, S BarnesRandell (s) 24-28.

Loddon HERALD Thursday February 1, 2024 | 23

Quick hit encounter

SWINGING batsmen hitting big injected excitement into Saturday’s clash between Arnold and Wedderburn.

The clubs agreed to play a 20/20 match that saw the ball regularly belted to the boundary and plenty of sixes scored too.

Ryan Metelmann had the home side off to a flyer despite the loss of opening partner Kyle Hewett on the third ball when bowled

by Will Holt and caught by Isaac Holt.

Metelmann scored half his 40 runs with boundaries before a run out.

Campbell Hancock had a handy innings to finish on 21 not out, including two boundaries, while Heath Lock was the last Arnold wicket to fall but not before he hit two sixes.

Arnold’s showing at the crease was helped by poor fielding by Wedderburn - seven dropped catches.

Metelmann made an early impact with the ball, having Will Holt back to the pavilion and Wedderburn 1/2.

Luke Holt steadied the top order and went on to make 79 - six sixes and a pair of fours in the total - before caught and bowled

by Lock.

But by then, Holt had taken Wedderburn beyond the 107 set

by Arnold.

In a good, tight game, Kingower won with just six balls to spare against Boort Yando.

Runs were hard to score for both sides and the outfield slow.

The four top scorers for the match, Boort’s Alex Cockerell (59 off 104 balls ), Fergus Bear (33 off 76 balls) and Kingower’s Matt Rowe (51 off 105 balls) and Ben Rose ( 42 off 96 balls ) all having a strike rate of only around 50 per cent.

Just 10 boundaries and two sixes hit for the day - Cockerell (two sixes, two fours), Knight (a four ), Weaver (two fours ), Rowe (three fours), Rose (a four ) and

Matt Rowe top scores for Kingower with 51

Alex Cockerell

Boort Yando’s Harry Malone falls to the bowling of Jayden Leach. LH PHOTOS Leach (a four). Harry Malone, who had starred earlier in the day for the Boort juniors, could not put in a repeat performance and was bowled inside stump by Jayden Leach, ending a handy partnership with Cockerell.

Kingower’s bowling was tight but Boort persisted with finding the singles that would account for half the home team’s score..

Cockerell brought up his half century with a stirring boundary.

Kingower just got ahead in the scoring rate after the 32nd over and was able to take a few risks with wickets in hand to get over the line.

Play was held up following the 29th over in the Kingower in-

nings when Boort Yando fieldsmen David Melville misjudged a catch in the outfield and suffered a cut to the nose and was taken to hospital.

J. Leach c H. Weaver b A. Cockerell ...... 17 L. DeJong not out . ................................... 4 T. Murphy not out ...................................... 0 Extras ..................................................... 19 Total ........................................... 3/133

Boort Yando v Kingower

Bowling A. Cockerell 6-1-1-18, H. Weaver 7-2-0-11, A. Knight 7-0-1-42, W. Gould 4-00-11, F. Bear 7-0-0-28, G. Zanker 3-0-0-16.

Boort Yando

Arnold v Wedderburn

A. Knight c B. Rose b M. Rowe . .............. 9 A. Cockerell not out . .............................. 59 F. Bear c L. McNeill b M. Rowe .............. 33 H. Malone b J. Leach ............................... 7 H. Weaver not out .................................. 12 Extras ..................................................... 12 Total ........................................... 3/132 Bowling J. Leach 7-0-1-31, M. Rowe 7-1-217, L. DeJong 7-1-0-33, B. Rose 7-0-0-23, R. Murphy 2-0-0-5, L. McNeill 4-0-0-13, T. Murphy 1-0-0-4.

Kingower M. Rowe c A. Malone b A. Knight .......... 51 B. Rose run out (T. Zanker) . .................... 42

Arnold R Metelmann run out (S Giorlando) . ...... 40 K Hewett c I Holt b W Holt ....................... 0 A Davies c F Turnbull b I Holt ................. 14 C Hancock nout out ............................... 21 C Dale c M Smith b S Steel . .................. 10 H Lock c L Holt b M Woods ................... 17 P Scholes not out ..................................... 0 Extras ....................................................... 6 Total ........................................... 5/107 Bowling: W Holt 4-0-1-15, F Turnbull 4-0-022, S Giolando 4-0-1-8, L Holt 1-0-0-10, I Holt 4-0-1-20, C Steel 2-0-1-21. M Woods 1-0-1-10.

Wedderburn L Holt c and b H Lock............................. 79, W Holt b R Metelmann ............................. 1 C Steel c Metelmann b C Hancock ........ 22 I Holt b A Davies . ..................................... 9 M Smith not out . ...................................... 3 Extras ....................................................... 3 Total ........................................... 4/113 Bowling: R Metelmann 3-0-1-11, M Dale 3-0-0-23, C Dale 4-0-0-0-29, C Hancock 3-0-1-30, A Davies 2-0-1-30, H Lock 2-01-9.

LADDER Wedderburn...............................30 Kingower ................................. 28 Arnold ...................................... 14 Boort Yando .............................. 4 THIS WEEK Kingower v Arnold Wedderburn v Boort Yando

Leading teams stamp mark with emphatic victories

ROUND eight of Upper Loddon Junior Cricket concluded on Saturday with top teams Boort Yando and Kingower both having comfortable wins over Bridgewater and Wedderburn respectively.

Wedderburn started their chase of Kingower’s total of 156 disastrously, when Edwin Sellick was bowled with the first ball of the day.

Things didn’t improve with Wedderburn unable to get any worthwhile partnerships going, while the run out of Lannon Sellick didn’t help their cause.

The one bright spot for Wedderburn was the innings of Shelby Giorlando.

Coming to the wicket with the score at 3/6, Giorlando was able to stand firm and bat through

By MICHAEL ROSE the rest of the innings, to remain 27 not out scoring most of these runs from the short ball. Giorlando shared in the best partnership of the innings with Atti Clarke and scored just under half of Wedderburn’s final total of 55.

Kingower’s Riley Leach brought a rapid end to the innings, when he cleaned bowled the last three batsmen in his ninth over to give him a five wicket haul.

Bridgewater needed early wickets if they were going to defend their total of 100 against league leaders, Boort Yando.

This didn’t eventuate and in fact Boort Yando didn’t lose their first wicket until they were just

two runs from victory. Harry Malone and Lachlan Hall set the innings rolling with the big hitting Malone hitting two sixes and six boundaries before retiring on 50.

Hall also hit two sixes before being the first wicket to fall with his total on 37.

Sam Toose, Luke Boyd and Owen Byrne all made solid contributions before early retirements, and they helped push Boort Yando’s total out to 4/185 when stumps were called.

Bridgewater who were a couple of bowlers short, had a good period late in the game where they picked up three wickets in the space of 15 runs.

Mitch Whitton, Van Harrison and Jensen Birthisel were the successful bowlers while Ned

Wickham sent down an economical spell of five overs.

Wedderburn v Kingower Kingower 1st innings 6/156 Wedderburn 1st Innings E. Sellick b T. Murphy . ............................. 0 L. Sellick run out ( M. Lonza ) ................... 4 T. Clarke c L. McCoy b R. Murphy ........... 1 A. Thomas b X. Wilson ............................. 2 S. Giorlando not out ............................... 27 E. Clarke b R. Leach ................................ 4 B. Cramp b F. Lonza . ............................... 4 A. Clarke c L. McCoy b R. Leach ............. 1 K. Cramp b R. Leach . .............................. 5 L. Finch b R. Leach .................................. 0 C. Finch b R. Leach . ................................ 0 Extras ....................................................... 7 Total ................................................ 55 Bowling T. Murphy 1-0-1-1, R. Murphy 1-10-0, J. Luckman 1-0-0-2, E. McCoy 1-0-0-2, R. Smith 1-0-0-1, M. Lonza 1-0-0-5, X. Wilson 8-3-1-8, R. Leach 9.5-0-5-20, F. Lonza 4-0-1-5, H. Leach 4-0-0-10.

Kingower 2nd innings H. Leach b A. Thomas . ............................ 0

R. Leach b E. Clarke ................................ 1 X. Wilson run out ( B. Cramp ) .................. 3 F. Lonza not out ........................................ 1 Extras ....................................................... 4 Total ............................................... 3/8 Bowling A. Thomas 1.4-1-1-0, B. Cramp 2-1-0-1, K. Cramp 1-0-0-1, E. Clarke 2-1-12, L. Finch 1-0-0-3, L. Sellick 1-1-0-0

Boort Yando v Bridgewater Bridgewater 1st innings 7/100 Boort Yando 1st innings L. Hall c S. Hewitt b M. Whitton ............. 37 H. Malone retired . .................................. 50 O. Byrne not out ..................................... 12 S. Toose retired ...................................... 30 L. Boyd not out . ..................................... 26 T. Zanker run out ( M. Whitton ) . .............. 4 D. Perryman b J. Birthisel ........................ 6 D. King c H. Daldy b N. Harrison . ............ 1 Extras ...................................................... 19 Total ........................................... 4/185 Bowling S. Hewitt 7-1-0-29, C. Alexander 7-0-0-53, M. Whitton 4-1-1-20, N. Harrison 5-0-0-25, N. Wickham 5-1-0-8, X. Power 5-0-0-14, J. Birthisel 4-0-1-5, H. Kilby 5-10-17, V. Harrison 2-0-1-9.

Loddon HERALD

PIONEER MATCH OPENER

BENDIGO Pioneers under 18 women’s squad will kick off the 2024 community pre-season football and netball carnival in Pyramid Hill next month.

The Pios will play an intra-club match at Mitchell Park, one of four football matches for the 4th annual event.

The regional club’s build-up for the 2024 Coates Talent League started in November at Swan Hill. Bases for the pre-season hit outs are in Bendigo, Echuca and Moama, Swan Hill, and Mildura.

Community day organiser Geoff Hickmott said the event had developed into a regular event on the local sport and community calendar with 2024 featuring teams from four district leagues, plus the Bendigo Pioneers.

The day kicks off at 11.30 am with Bendigo “Yellow” and Bendigo “Blue” under 18 Pioneers women involved in full-scale match simulation, which will be followed by Wandella playing Newbridge, then Ultima versus Charlton.

The penultimate clash sees Moulamein playing Lake Boga, with the final match, Pyramid Hill and Boort kicking off at 5.30 pm on March 24.

“All matches will be under the watchful eyes of umpires from the Golden Rivers and Loddon

Valley umpiring squads,” Hickmott said.

“As has been the case in the previous three events, games will be played over three terms of 25 minutes, with five minutes allowed for change of ends.

“With no added time and unlimited interchange each game makes for non-stop action.

“And while this is happening, it will also be fast and furious on the netball courts.

“Participating in unison with the football matches, all eight clubs will be playing a minimum of two games each on the netball courts.”

Hickmott said the Pyramid Hill Football Netball Club organising committee had been able to source Netball Victoria umpires who will be present to mentor and advise club volunteers who are seeking to develop their umpiring skills.

Entry to Mitchell Park will be by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to the local fire brigade.

Hickmott said more than $3000 had been raised for the brigade over the first three years with proceeds used to purchase equipment that was used in the recent flood response efforts.

An extra edition to this year’s event will be the Keep In Touch Kit, a mobile health van promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for young people.

sport

Thursday February 1, 2024

LH PHOTO THRILLS ON THE RIVER: Bridgewater Ski Club staged its Australian Masters championships on the Loddon River over the Australia Day weekend with competitors thrilling crowds lining the banks. Corey Saddington took out the under 21 tricks title on Saturday and then finished an impressive third in the spectacular open jumps event on Sunday. STORY & PHOTOS - PAGE 21