Loddon Herald 20 April 2023

Farmers’ half-time unity rally

FIERCE sporting rivals united at the weekend as protests against Australian Energy Market Operator plans to dot hundreds of highvoltage transmission lines across the Loddon escalate.

The impromptu half-time protest during the opening North Central Football League clash between Wedderburn and Charlton saw a tractor driven onto the Donaldson Park trotting track. Within minutes it was surrounded by dozens of football and net-

ball fans from Wedderburn, Charlton and across to Mysia waving placards saying “No Go AEMO”.

Organiser Alex Holt also handed out “A Monumental Mistake” and “Needless Damage to Communities” posters - quotes from a report last week by Professor Bruce Mountain claiming AEMO’s 220km 500-kiloVolt line through the Loddon was flawed.

Professor Mountain has accepted a Loddon Herald invitation to attend a special local forum on AEMO’s plans on May 5.

Mysia’s Sue Gould, who has been appointed to the Victorian Farmers’ Federation re-

- PAGE 4

newable energy taskforce was among families holding signs. More than 250 people attended a second VFF forum in St Arnaud on Monday - AEMO had accepted an invitation to attend but withdrew.

Mallee MP Anne Webster on Tuesday said Nationals’ leader David Littleproud would visit the region early next month to talk with landowners about AEMO plans.

AEMO’s formal consultation on its plan to send the line from near Stawell to the Murray River ended yesterday.

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MORE REPORTS - PAGE 5 Sue and Stuart Gould with Alex Holt. LH PHOTO

Charlie Hargreaves, Arlo Brown and Ivy Sexton with Billy Sexton at Saturday’s half-time protest.

LH PHOTO

WITH commentary on bank closures, Bradley of Boort has certainly seen interest grow in his Treemendous sign faster that decisions of the Reserve Bank this year. And while money certainly doesn’t grow on trees, we again say well done Bradley for investing wit and humour to our daily dose of laughter.

WAS talking with the Good Doc at the weekend and he was steadfastly refusing to watch or even listen to the commentary of his beloved Magpies. Particularly as they were up against St Kilda, the team he said still brings backs memories of disturbed sleep because of that 1966 grand final loss.

GOOD Doc doesn’t blame the umpire but one of the Loddon’s famous olive-wearing whistle blowers was reported a bit nervous come Saturday lunchtime. Trembling more that having to explain player misdemeanours to a tribunal, the Cockerell was heard to express fear about what could appear in this week’s column when he spotted OTF in deep conversation with league head honchos during the half-time break. All we’ll say this week is that he covers more ground in five minutes than some others in a full game. Explains why the water bottle

was emptied in quicker time than at the end of a hot summer’s day toiling in the dusty paddocks out Serpentine way!

NOW talking about water, one visitor to the football lamented the design of the spare shelter on the boundary at Donaldson Park as buckets sprung super leaks on Saturday afternoon. The Charlton chap told Wedderburn locals that the shelter needed a verandah extension to keep rain out.

OUR news story last week about the paint bomb job on the Kurting silos has spurred a few to proposition that the new Calder Highway attraction be added to the popular silo art trail. “The finished product at Kurting is so abstract and contrasts with the themed styles of silos further north,” one remarked. They could be on to something here ... plenty of old silos around that a bit of colour would do wonders on!

NOW golfers started appearing again at the weekend and disrupted the travel paths a few times ... of kangaroos hopping across fairways dodging wayward balls as some local golfers tried to swing with club in one hand and umbrella in the other.

AND finally this week, must give a special mention to the crew at Rheola for the charity carnival. Super effort!

Children’s report in pipeline

CONSULTANTS have been asked to tender for a contract to report on “state of Loddon Shire’s children and young people”.

The tender had been listed by the council on a tender website.

A council spokesperson said: “The report will deliver in-depth data and information to inform future strategic work including the development of a municipal early years and youth plan and the integration of the Best Start Best Life Kindergarten reforms into Loddon’s kindergarten services.”

Council is funding the report and partnering with North Central Local Learning Education Network.

“NCLLEN has recently assisted Buloke and Gannawarra Council’s to develop their own State of the Children and Youth reports and will assist Loddon Shire Council to complete its report,” the spokesperson said.

“The Loddon Shire State of the Children and Youth report will provide a comprehensive knowledge and data base across the three municipalities.”

Energy, enthusiasm ahead in second run of ...

Strength and resilience

HUNDREDS of Loddon residents are expected to put fitness and wellbeing to the fore when Bridgewater holds its second Run for Resilience next month.

Planning for the May 7 event has been bolstered with Inglewood and Districts Community Bank becoming the run’s first major sponsor.

The local bank joins the Loddon Herald and other local businesses in supporting Run for Resilience for 2023.

Run organiser Claire Harrison said: “Loddon and Bridgewater is one resilient community - the town and district was hit with the October floods and experienced great loss.

“We look forward to bringing a great community event to the district,” she said.

“We know there are significant benefits to both physical and mental health when we are physically fit and have a challenge to work towards.

“This event will also provide the community with an opportunity to get together, have some fun and enjoy the community connection.”

Run for Resilience will again honour Lesley Morrison with the Fitty’s Five 5kmn course encouraging family groups to take part.

“There’s great enthusiasm building and we expect strong participation in the 5km, 10km and 21km courses,” Claire said.

Scammers hitting local club social platforms

SOCIAL media pages of Loddon community groups have been peppered with scam links and posts over the past fortnight.

Links have appeared directing readers to live streams of the Rheola Charity Carnival and last weekend’s Loddon Valley football clash between Calivil and Pyramid Hill.

Both clubs quickly warned supporters of the scammers’ activity on Saturday.

“If you see something dodgey on our page before we do, let us know,” said Calivil secretary Bec Cullen.

It took a little longer for Rheola organisers to act. The recreation reserve is in an internet blackspot and scam posts were only detected when they arrived home af-

ter the successful carnival and started deleting the phoney posts.

And scammers also took to Wedderburn Band Cricket Club’s page on Good Friday offering to sell cheap tickets in the club’s Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal raffle.

Scammers have also hit a number of Loddon business Facebook pages in the past year with giveaway offers.

Cyber experts say the bottom line is to be skeptical and vigilant whenever interacting on the social media platform.

“The social media channel doesn’t come without risks,” says advice about the platform.

Weekend break

STEADY weekend rain has signalled the autumn break, according to one Loddon farmer. Fernihurst’s Ken Pattison recorded more than 30mm and said: “This is a the break for sure ... it’s on.” Rainfalls were highest in the north with 30mm at Canary Island, 26.4mm at Mincha and 25mm at Prairie while Korong Vale recorded 19.6mm.

Health partners

NATIONAL Centre for Farmer Health has partnered with a leading telehealth mental health service provider, LYSN, to improve access to mental health support for Victoria’s flood affected farmers. The Farmer Online Assist Program provides free, short-term, confidential psychology support to help Victorian farmers deal with immediate, or compounding, issues related to mental health.

Latest numbers

There were 5811 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria last week, including seven in Loddon Shire communities. Currently 4.4 million Victorians are eligible for a 2023 booster dose.

New grant date

THE closing date for primary producer flood recovery grants has been extended to July 13

Local bank board member Annie Higgs, Lucy Morrison and Claire Harrison show their enthusiasm for the 2023 Run for Resilience, cheered on by the Morrison family. LH PHOTO

VICTORIA HOTEL

We regret inconvenience - bank tells customers

BENDIGO Bank has sent letters to Pyramid Hill customers a fortnight after announcing the town’s agency will close in July.

“We regret any inconvenience the cessation of this service may cause,” the bank said in it letter mailed to customers as many were protesting in Cohuna against the closure of agencies across Victoria.

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“Closing a branch or agency is never a decision we make lightly, however, as more and more customers choose to do their banking online or over the phone, our bank must respond and invest to support these changes in customer behaviour,” the bank wrote.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark (Lacey) and the team at the Pyramid Hill depot for the care and support provided to our customers, particularly as we all navigated the impacts of COVID-19.

“The decision to permanently close our Pyramid Hill agency in no way reflects on the service the team has provided.

“Bendigo Bank has been well supported by the people of Pyramid Hill.”

Customers have been told transactions at the Kelly Street agency operated by owner Mark Lacey for the past seven years will end at midday on July 20.

The bank letter directs customers to use branches in Echuca or Kerang. It also says they can use Bendigo Bank ATMs although there is not an ATM in Pyramid Hill. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of Bendigo Bank. We look forward to continuing to meet your banking needs.”

It says an alternative is to use banking services at post offices.

A group of Pyramid Hill and district residents joined last week’s protest in Cohuna.

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said: “More than 250 people turned up at the rally to protest against the Bendigo Bank’s decision to shut down its agencies in Co-

huna, Pyramid Hill and Barham. This short-sighted plan will have a severe negative impact on these communities and yet another local service disappears. And it’s not just about transactions, it’s also about social transactions, the help these mini-banks give people in their communities,” he said.

“This decision is wrong and I have met

with Bendigo Bank to convey that belief.” Hundreds of petition signatures were collected during the rally protesting against agency closures.”

Mr Walsh said staff from the agencies appealed for as many people as possible to attend the protest and “help them send a strong message about the need for these services in smaller regional towns”.

Carnival smashes record Shelter

RHEOLA’S 150th charity carnival has been officially declared a record breaker.

President Peter Mason late last Wednesday confirmed more than 3000 adults had attended the Easter Monday celebrations, paying a record gate.

Organisers say that with children admitted free, the crowd has been estimated at more than 5000 people.

The large crowd devoured 700 hot pies during the day plus another 700 pasties and sausage rolls.

The sell-out pie van was almost matched for trade by the hot dog stall with more than 600 red-skinned sausages consumed.

Barbecue food was also popular - 40kg of sausages, 450 hamburgers, 150 steaks and 100 chicken steaks, 25kg of onions and 15 dozen eggs all wrapped in 190 loaves of bread.

Baked potatoes, too, found a spot in the crowd’s stomach with volunteers cooking 160 spuds.

Washing down the hot food was 70 dozen cans of soft drinks plus sales at the bar.

And in the luncheon room, diners tucked into 16kg of silverside and 20kg of cheese along with other salads.

Congratulations have continued to roll in for the carnival committee and its more than 300 volunteers who ran the day.

“We are so pleased with the day and would like to thank everyone who came to enjoy the fun at our 150th event,” Mr Mason said

Funds will be distributed to Inglewood and Dunolly hospitals and Rheola’s recreation reserve and hall committees.

Secretary Debbie Hancock said the committee hoped to finalise the event’s finances in the next few weeks.

After waiting three years to hold the sesquicentenary celebrations, last week’s success now has organisers looking towards the 2024 staging of the Rheola Charity Carnival.

And topping the list of items to reviewhow much food will be needed to cater for another big crowd soaking up the iconic country atmosphere that draws them to Rheola on Easter Monday.

guest speaker

BENDIGO Night Shelter co-ordinator

Geoff Young was guest speaker at the Country Women’s Association Newbridge branch association day on Tuesday.’

Mr Young spoke about his work providing shelter for the homeless during winter months.

Meanwhile, Wedderburn members met last night.

Guest speaker Anthony Butt discussed how to best use mobile phones to take photographs.

PETER WALSH MP YOUR

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

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If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

Mitiamo’s Nick Marlow joins the bank agency closure protest.

TRANSMISSION LINE PLAN Gould takes spot on VFF taskforce

MYSIA’S Sue Gould has been appointed to the Victorian Farmers’ Federation energy and transmission taskforce.

Formed following release of the Australian Energy Market Operator’s new preferred route through the Loddon Shire, taskforce members met for the first time on Friday.

“The taskforce agreed to call on the Victorian Government to slow down the progress of transmission projects, so a state-wide plan for renewable energy generation and transmission can be developed,” Mrs Gould said.

“Taskforce members shared their outrage over the way that farmers and regional communities are being treated in the planning processes for transmission infrastructure.

“Members also supported the need for energy companies and government to look at all alternatives, including the undergrounding of powerlines, to minimise disruption to agricultural production and regional communities.

“The taskforce agreed to undertake further investigation into policy options around the issues of alternative technologies and the rights of farmers.”

Signs have started appearing

on farm fences across the Loddon and adjoining districts with the slogan “No Go AEMO”. A sign was also erected at the entrance to Boort Park for Saturday night’s North Central football and netball matches between Boort and Sea Lake Nandaly.

Terrapee broadacre farmer Billy Sexton was among dozens who took part in a half-time protest at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park when the local side faced off against Charlton.

“There’s a fair chance nothing good will come from the project for us,” he said. “We are In the dark on what it looks like.”

Meanwhile, more than 50 farmers from the Wedderburn districts attended last week’s Victorian Farmers’ Federation branch meeting with many also travelling to St Arnaud on Mon-

day for the second forum in that town in a month.

AEMO Victorian Planning and Transgrid is assessing the technical and economic viability of expanding the transmission interconnector capacity between Victoria and New South Wales.

The project assessment draft report last July had the interconnector running from Bendigo through Prairie West to Kerang.

However, the project partners the route was changed with the VNIO West report released in late February.

Days before the new preferred route was announced, Victorian Energy Minister Lily d’Ambrosio issued an order to enable AEMO to consider alternate VNI West options could expedite the VNI West project development and “still deliver the project at a rea-

Report author for local forum

VICTORIA University professor

Bruce Mountain will speak at the Loddon’s first public forum on AEMO’s transmission line plans.

Professor Mountain has accepted the Loddon Herald’s invitation to speak at the May 5 forum in Wedderburn at 2pm that will also be live streamed.

He last week released a report claiming AEMO’s plan would be a monumental disaster for local communities.

“The Victorian Government has used its legislative powers to make the consultation report the last step in the regulatory approval process,” he said.

sonable cost to consumers”. Mallee MP Anne Webster said the project was raised during her mobile office visits in the region last week.

““What we are seeing is citybased federal and State Labor Governments pushing forward with an agenda, taking a politically expedient road with no care for how it impacts Mallee farmers and their communities.

“We need transparency from AEMO and from both levels of government about the true impact this infrastructure will have,” Dr Webster said.

“(People) are getting little clarity; I’m being told they are being fed high level jargon-heavy information so AEMO can tick a box and say they have consulted, which is a sham process – it’s a Clayton’s consultation.”

“AEMO’s WRL-VNI relies on a 13 year old blueprint for the development of a 500 kV supergrid NEMLink from Tasmania to Townsville. That blueprint has long since been superseded as a result of reductions in solar and wind generation costs.”:

AEMO, MPs and government ministers have also been invited to attend the Loddon Herald forum in Loddon Shire chambers.

Loddon protests rev up against transmission line proposals and lack of detail. LH PHOTO

Bruce Mountain

How Stride Bendigo can help you navigate NDIS applications for mental health support

REGIONAL and remote communities, such as ours, in and around the Greater Bendigo area largely rely on the land for a living and we often experience undesired weather events or disasters like droughts or floods that can greatly affect our livelihood.

As a farming community, we are either losing livestock or crops, which profoundly affects our financial situation with a compounding influence on our personal lives. These difficulties can contribute to stress, anxiety disorders and depression, or can make already existing mental health issues like bipolar, schizophrenia, and social phobia worse.

For people facing mental health issues in these isolated areas, the lack of community awareness, a scarcity of appropriate supports and the isolation itself, create a barrier to getting the aid they need, whether it is talking to someone about their problems or accessing the resources to manage their mental health.

Stride is Australia’s longest-serving mental health provider and the largest provider of integrated services offering individualised support to children, adults, families, and their carers.

Our presence in Greater Bendigo puts us in the position to understand the unique challenges faced by the communities in this region.

This also allows us to deliver Psychosocial Recovery Services (PRS) that enable

people to access mental health support and care through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Disability Support Pension (DSP).

What are Psychosocial Recovery Services?

Our Psychosocial Recovery Services helps people with psychosocial disability, which is described by the NDIS as “a disability that may arise from a mental health issue”.

People with a psychosocial disability, such

Psychosocial Recovery Services

Access free community based mental health services tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Stride Bendigo are your go-to specialists in helping you navigate the complexities of living with a mental illness with free access to our Psychosocial Recovery Services (PRS).

PRS can assist you and your carer network to find and engage with services that are best suited to your individual needs. We utilise our strong community connections and expertise to link you with appropriate services and supports within the Loddon region.

as bipolar, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may find it difficult to interact with others, set goals and make plans, manage stress, concentrate on tasks, and engage in education, training or employment.

With our Psychosocial Recovery Services, we reach out to qualified people and help them identify the evidence they need for NDIS, DSP, or other supports. We also support them in collecting this evidence, such as preparing applications, arranging for cost-effective assessments, and formatting doctor’s reports so that they comply with NDIS and DSP.

This might involve giving them a ride to their appointment for the report, or making sure their online applications are done properly.

In other words, we help people navigate applications for NDIS, DSP and other supports, including retesting for NDIS eligibility and making sure that they are successful.

Benefits of Stride’s Psychosocial Recovery Services

Stride’s Psychosocial Recovery Services are free to access. We provide individualised support and collaborative care based on your needs and goals in a setting of your choice, whether it is from your home, a public park, or somewhere else that you are omfortable with.

Our non-judgemental team in Bendigo will support you in gathering evidence and preparing your application for NDIS, DSP, and other services.

One of our main objectives is to build your capacity and life skills so that you can be as independent as possible and achieve your goals.

Through our Psychosocial Recovery Services, we reinforce capacity-building. For example, when we make the first specialist appointment for you, we will show you how to do it. To make the next appointment yourself, we will guide you so that you develop the skills and confidence to make appointments independently.

When you are successful in getting your NDIS plan, you have the choice to access our range of mental health services and specialist support, such as Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, Therapeutic Support and Support Coordination.

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History of peoples and land

EUROPEAN settlers in the 19th century had applied western concepts to land use in the Loddon, according to researcher Jennifer Jones.

The associate professor in interdisciplinary studies and history program co-ordinator at La Trobe University has told a Pyramid Hill Historical Society gathering that had been seen as an opportunity to profit.

Dr Jones said land use for profit was particularly evident with mining around Bendigo.

She told the audience that her research on movement of indigenous people across the Loddon Plains following the gold rush and land settlement would form a chapter in a new book.

Research had included a reexamination of the natural development of rural places and how western land use concepts differed to those of indigenous people.

However, Dr Jones said land use should not be judged retrospectively. instead looking at how settler management adapted land use.

Dr Jones said indigenous people who moved had been “traditional people keeping their beliefs alive” and preserving their attachment to the land.

During the afternoon, geologist Rob Boucher spoke on the formation of Pyramid Hill, the Terricks Ridge and Kow Swamp.

Dr Boucher also discussed the use of rocks quarried in the Pyramid Hill district in buildings,

roads and railway line construction.

He also referenced rocks collected by Boort’s Paul Haw in discussing the local landscape.

Meanwhile, society president Allan Mann said his committee was in the early stages of building a facility to hold the many

tractors and a large collection of farm machinery in its possession, as well as old quarry machinery.

Mr Mann said the society was preparing grant applications for the project.

“A museum needs more than a static display. To bring life into

Irrigation season end looms ahead of maintenance blitz

GOULBURN Murray Water’s irrigation season will end in three weeks.

The three-month shutdown from May 15 will see GMW conduct maintenance works on its channels and assets.

Water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said it was important customers were prepared for the irrigation off-season.

“During the irrigation off-season, we lower and dewater channels to treat weeds, remove silt, remediate channel banks, and repair assets,” he said.

“This crucial work helps GMW deliver water efficiently and effectively during the irrigation season ensuring we meet our service standards across the distribution network.

Multi-million dollar eucy plans in pot

A NEW multi-million dollar eucalyptus distillery will be built at Kuracca.

Bosisto’s managing director Henry Minson said production capacity would increase 300 per cent when new vats imported from Europe were installed at the Brent Road site.

The new distillery will replicate the company’s Glenalbyn site “but on a larger scale”.

Mr Minson the Glenalbyn plant with 10 cubic metre vats would be retained as a back-up facility.

“We will be distilling in larger vats - 30 cubic metres - and anticipate starting from mid2024,” he said.

Bosisto’s is completing design plans for the expansion that has been approved by Loddon Shire Council. The project includes a distillery and associated buildings and conversion of the existing dwelling for rural worker accommodation.

The company has 1500 hectares under plantation between Inglewood and Wedderburn plus state forest harvesting licences.

“Channels can be lowered at any point during the three month off-season, so customers who still need water during this time should make alternate arrangements to secure their water, such as filling their tanks and dams.

“GMW cannot guarantee that you will have access to water from the channel network for domestic and stock or irrigation purposes.”

GMW also said customers should be aware of any blue-green algae alerts in their area, particularly if they are planning to fill on-farm channels.

Irrigators have until May 10 to submit water orders to ensure delivery and the 2023-2024 season will open for orders in August.

a museum it needs active displays,” he said.

“The Ruston Hornsby engine from the butter factory generating electricity as it used to, telephone exchanges talking to each other as they used to, overhead shearing machines, to name a few,” said Mr Mann.

Mr Minson said there had been strong growth for the company’s products during COVID, raising awareness of benefits for disinfectant and anti-bacterial uses.

The project would generate benefits for the local economy with more on-site jobs expected, Mr Minson said. Local contractors would be used for construction.

Dr Julie Jones (centre) with Helen Stevens and Allan Mann. LH PHOTO

Think about their ordeals

MURALS commemorating Inglewood district men who served in World War One were installed in Brooke Street last Friday.

Artist Marilyn Cummings hopes people will stop and read the stories of the men ahead of ANZAC commemorations next Tuesday.

“And then, realise what they went through,” she said as descendants gathered outside the IGA supermarket to see the final panels installed.

Among them was Alexander Milgate, the great-great-grandson and namesake of Glenalbyn’s William Alexander Medcalf who was awarded the military medal.

Alexander was one of three generations attending the unveiling with mother Prue and grandfather Garry Addlem.

Alan Woodfield and Geoff Cumming had a special connection to the mural of Alan’s great uncle Paddy with a panel telling the story of Paddy’s funeral where Geoff’s grandfather, Gallipoli veteran Alan played the Last Post.

Marilyn’s latest murals also tell the story of the Rochester family. Mary-Jane Rochester lost three sons in World War Two and descendant Howard, this year’s Loddon Shire citizen of the year, joined the simple unveiling on Friday.

The ANZAC-theme murals replace Marilyn’s paintings of town pioneers.

Pool and spa registrations reminder

Owners of pools and/or spas constructed from 1 July 1994 until 30 April 2010 are reminded that the deadline for inspection and lodgement of a barrier compliance certi cate is 1 June 2023.

On 1 December 2019, new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into e ect in Victoria. They introduced new registration, inspection and certi cation requirements for property owners. This includes pools and spas constructed (or where construction commenced) before 1 November 2020. As part of the changes, owners are required to register their pool and spa with Council.

Owners are also required to have their pool safety barrier/fence inspected every four years or if they are selling a property or leasing a property that has a pool or spa capable of holding more than 300mm of water. The requirements to provide a safety barrier/fence applies to all pools and spas with the exception of a relocatable pool that are only capable of holding a depth of water less than 300mm.

The date by which your pool and/or spa is required to be inspected will depend on when the pool or spa had a certi cate of nal inspection issued, if any. The date by which the owners must have their pool and/or spa safety barrier/fence inspected and the relevant standard to which the pool safety barrier/ fence must be constructed will be speci ed in the certi cate of registration issued by Council.

For more information, including a link to the application form to register your pool or spa, visit Council’s website:

www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Buildingservices/Swimming-pool-and-spa-barriers

You can also nd more information at the Victorian Building Authority website, including self-assessment check sheets to help check the level of compliance of your safety barrier/fence.

Visit: www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/swimmingpools/pool-safety-barriers

COMMEMORATION SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITIES

6am Bridgewater

Dawn Service followed by gunfire breakfast

6am Wedderburn

Dawn Service followed by gunfire breakfast

6.30am Tarnagulla

Dawn Service followed by gunfire breakfast

7.45pm Mologa

8.30am Rheola

Opposite former school

9.30am Korong Vale

Borella Park

10am Boort

March followed by service. Guest speaker David Wagner

10am Newbridge

Soldiers’ memorial Bourke Street

10am Pyramid Hill

Memorial Hall - Readings from the diary of Norman Cameron

10.30am Calivil Hall

10.45am Wedderburn

March followed by service in RSL memorial gardens. Guest speaker Dean Lockhart

10.50am Inglewood

March followed by service at war memorial. Guest speakers Wendy Murphy and David Rose

This weekend in Loddon

Tiny Towns Arts Trail 2023

Saturday, 22 April to Monday, 24 April 2023 | 12:00 PM

Wind your way through historic tiny towns over three incredible days and discover the hidden treasures and luscious local secrets buried in the creative heartlands of the Victorian Central Gold elds and surrounds. Participating towns include: Adelaide Lead, Avoca, Bealiba, Clunes, Dunolly, Eastville, Eddington, Laanecoorie, Maryborough, Newstead, St Arnaud, Talbot, and Tarnagulla. More information www. tinytownsartstrail.com.au

Liquid Gold – The History of the Eucalyptus Distillation in a Gold Rush Town

Sunday, 23 April 2023 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

A live demonstration of Eucalyptus Oil Distillation in Inglewood’s model distillery will follow a short talk on the history of eucalyptus oil production in Australia and the history of & Blue Eucy oil in Inglewood and surrounds. Visitors can walk around the heritage listed Old Jones’ Distillery circa 1890, and view the old boiler, concrete vats, crane and International truck. They can then peruse the museum and partake in a live demonstration and talk discussing the industry and history of the town of Inglewood. Contact: 03 5438 3247 or info@eucymuseum.com.au

T: 5494 1200

F: 5494 3003

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

ANZAC DAY 2023

Geoff Cummings and Andrew Woodfield share a connection with one of the new Inglewood murals. LH PHOTO

Howard Rochester recalls family service. LH PHOTO Artist Marilyn Cummings and Medcalf descendants. LH PHOTO

de Kraan works storm New York

A NEW York gallery has become home to the works of Loddon-based artist Philippe de Kraan.

Last week’s opening of De Kraan Art Museum by New York International Contemporary Art Society displays the works of De Kraan who moved to Tarnagulla two years ago.

He tucked himself away in the solitude of goldfields history to create works for exhibition and sale in New York where the prize tags will range from $50,000 to potentially more than $500,000.

““The buyers at the big galleries in New York are serious investors. It’s a business for them compared with in Australia where people buy based on the decor of their home,” he said from his Tarnagulla studio and describing New York as the epicentre of the art world.

Dutch-born De Kraan has been exhibiting and selling works in the American market for several years.

While de Kraan opted to stay in country Victoria instead of attending the opening, reports say his works were acclaimed at the dedicated museum’s opening night.

According to the society, de Kraan was inspired by the “indomitable spirits of Van Gogh and Rembrandt to create art and express their passions against all odds, de

Kraan strives to create timeless stories from a blank canvas that people can relate to and love today and tomorrow.

“De Kraan’s innovative style combines a fresh, novel form of impressionism and expressionism. He creates lush, vibrant, and textured portraiture and landscapes. His visually rich works exhibit a luminosity and a whimsical sense of fantasy.

“His unusually shaped figures interact harmoniously with his color palette which ranges from bold, striking colors to serene pastel hues.”

De Kraan tells art aficionados on the museum’s website: “To have mastered the meaning of expressionism is what I’d like my legacy to be.

“While living in Europe, he paid fees to people from all walks of life, including beggars, to allow him to reveal their inner secrets and stories in his popular and meticulously crafted brush and ink character studies.

“When you paint a person you have to make them live. You have to touch the soul.”

The society says de Krans’s paintings have been compared to the post-impressionist George Seurat’s pointillism style and that he was compared to iconic expressionist painter Paul Klee.

Artists create annual weekend trail

ARNOLD ceramic artist and printmaker

Mary-Ann Scull will display her work this weekend when the seventh Tiny Towns Arts Trail has creative enthusiasts visiting Loddon and goldfields towns.

Mary-Ann’s Heads Up exhibition in Tarnagulla Community Centre explores her current interest in the nuances of facial expressions and the effects of ageing on the body.

Landscape artist Gunter ‘Joe’ Jakitsch

will open his studio in one of the town’s former churches while textile artist Melanie Young opens her Commercial Road studio and Octopus and Queen will host the exhibition of Yvonne Wells’ whimsical metal characters.

Eastville potter and painter Kerry Punton will open her studio for the first time while studios and exhibitions are also part of the trail in Eddington, Bealiba and Dunolly.

First steps to aged care exit

A SIX-FIGURE job is being offered as Loddon Shire Council prepares to exit the aged care services space from July.

Council has looked outside the shire to advertise for an aged care navigation coordinator with a salary up to $106,000 for the two-year position.

It says the position will “co-ordinate and support the community care team to transition clients to new service providers”.

Councillors last November voted to stop delivering home support program services, home and community care program for younger people services and veterans’ home care services.

The Loddon move followed other councils in country Victoria opting out of home

services after Federal Government reforms to in-home aged care services.

“Council would not be able to effectively operate under the new in-home aged care program without significant investment in and changes to its operating model and reduction in operating costs,” wellbeing director Wendy Gladman told councillors.

Council also decided that “all processes and matters related to the transition process will remain confidential until the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments provide consent for release of information”.

No announcements have been made on transition or replacement service providers in Loddon Shire.

Tarnagulla artist Philippe de Kraan. LH PHOTO

Grape quality high despite wet spring

YIELD is down but quality up for Loddon vineyards as the 2023 vintage wraps up.

Newbridge Wines’ Andrew Simpson said growing conditions had been difficult with the wet spring but said picking had proven one of the easiest seasons.

“The yield was certainly much lower than normal but quality is still high,” he said.

Newbridge Wines picked grapes earlier this season as it prepares to bottle its first rose variety.

“The earlier picking reduces tannin from pips and skins and we will prepare the base in the traditional French method,” he said. “It will be 12 to 24 months before we do the first bottling of our rose.”

Mr Simpson said: “There was little rain in the later part of the

GRAIN

season and this made it ideal for picking.”

Newbridge Wines also picked from its fiano variety vines that were planted in 2018.

The southern Italian white variety was chosen by Mr Simpson to expand his range.

“We are only the second vineyard in the Bendigo region to plant fiano,” he said.

“I thought fiano is well suited to our climatic conditions. It’s a very upright but low yielding variety.”

He said there had been a 30 per drop in yield, a decline also experienced by Peter Cummins, of Bridgewater’s Water Wheel

He is in the final stages of harvesting and said this season’s picking was among the latest in three decades.

“But the quality of the yield is

Wheat – H1 $370 FIS. H2 $363 FIS. APW1 $355 FIS. ASW $343 FIS. AGP1

$342 FIS. SFW1 $342 FIS. FED1 $315 FI. Barley – PL1 $348 FIS. SP1 $348 FIS.

PLX $315 FIS. SPX $302.50 FIS. BAR1 $308 FIS. BAR2 $280 FIS. BAR3 $250

FIS. BAR4 $230 FIS. Faba1 $410 FIS. Faba2 $410 FIS. New season – APW MG $373.00. ASW $323.00. BAR1 MG $283.00. Non-GM canola $615.00. GM canola $575.00.

showing potential to make great wines,” Mr Cummins said.

“We’re probbaly down about half the normal yield but we’re happy with what’s coming off the vines.

“The grapes have great colour and are ripening with the weather. The colour we are seeing has the potential for it to be a great year.”

Mr Cummins said losses had been minimal early in the season despite a wet September and October.

Black Wallaby’s Dave Lawson said yield at his Bridgewater North vineyard was down about 15 per cent.

“Everyone we supply grapes to have been happy with the quality,” he said.

“The dry summer helped us overcome the beginning phase of the season.

“We were able to pretty much stay on top of downy mildrew that was a challenge during the wet start to spring.”

Black Wallaby and other local wineries will be part of an endof-vintage festival for Bendigo wine region growers in Bendigo this weekend.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Positive signs in sheep market.

Lamb prices were consistent with prices from a fortnight ago.

THERE was a smaller yarding of both lambs and sheep at Bendigo on Monday.

The pattern of the sale having a reasonable run of fed lambs before quality quickly dropped off continued. The two major supermarkets remained absent, with all the other regular buyers operating.

Heavy lamb prices did drift down from the stronger preEaster market for a spread of 660c to 750c/kg, although all the major fat score 3 and 4 crossbred categories still hung-on to averages of just over 700c/kg cwt.

Prices for the best trade lambs improved slightly amid limited numbers, while results for light lambs varied on quality.

There was dearer sales of small store lambs to the paddock provided they were well bred and in decent lines.

Export lambs over 30kg cwt from $215 to a top of $242 to av $228 at a ballpark cost of 720c/ kg cwt. Heavy 26-30kg lambs $175 to $229 to average $204 at around 705c/kg. Lot of trade lambs from $140 to $175 for results of 680c to 710c/kg. Light lambs mostly $100 to $140.

Restockers paid to $148 for lean trade lambs needing more finishing, and from $70 to $120 for smaller types.

Mutton was the highlight with a few exporters pushing for numbers. A line of outstanding shorn Merino wethers estimated

at 33kg cwt sold for $191 in a much dearer result. Big crossbred ewes $130 to $171 and Merino ewes in a skin to $174. Good mutton mostly 430c to 480c with occasional pens selling above 500c/kg cwt.

CROSSBRED

LAMBS

A & J Soulsby Buckrabanyule (79) $242, D & K Barker Nullawil (166) $235, G & I Watson Rochester (30) $230, IL Filbey Creek View (45) $229, DJ & ED Lees Rochester (121) $229, I & J Whatley Goornong (168) $229, O’Sullivan Trading Moama (161) $228, G & T Allan Wycheproof (50) $228, F & M Schimdt Pyramid Hill (55) $227, A & C Branson Colbinabbin (166) $226, CA Brown & Sons Bridgewater (123) $226, Raleigh Estate Rochester (86) $220, Angus Forrester Nullawil (51) $219, BJ &JP Lynas Lake Boga (62) $215, Mirnee Partnership Hunter (43) $213, D & S Harbour Elmore (22) $209, D & S Martin Barham (63) $200, Woodside Moliagul (36) $200, AK Collins P/L Bridgewater (51) $192, J & M Fritsch Donald (33) $191, E & B Cox Rochester (39) $190, R & B McKenzie Elmore (60) $190, RK Payne King Island (79) $179, T & K Dobson Echuca (21) $178.

MERINO LAMBS

K White Axedale (68) $168, M & L Burge Woosang (74) $130.

MERINO WETHERS

P Weeks Elmore (194) $191, J & L Coffey Wycheproof (13) $168, TGB Watts & Sons Coonooer Bridge, (134) $166, Colvin Family Farm Eppalock (65) $155.

CROSSBRED EWES M & R Vallance Tyntynder Sth (25) $167, S & L Mofachami Tetoora Road (22) $157, G & P Pearson Cohuna (28) $155, J & B Wright Terrapee (30) $140, P & A Bell, Merricks (43) $128, G & V Sabo Little Hampton (9) $126, P Weeks Elmore (5) $120.

MERINO EWES

AK Collins Bridgewater (74) $174, EW & FM Pascoe Raywood (20) $134, CH & C Watkins Heathcote (10) $134. SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

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

Boosting bottom lines

ADVICE to improve farm profits and productivity were shared by industry experts when Wheelhouse AGnVET opened the doors of its new Bridgewater showroom last week.

Company and industry specialists spoke to more than 20 district primary producers in what new manager Andrew Bodycoat said would be the first in a series of information sessions this year.

Mr Bodycoat was appointed manager at Bridgewater earlier this year to oversee the company’s operations across the Loddon and to Rochester and Charlton.

“If farmers improve productivity and reduce costs, they improve the bottom line,” he said.

“Through our series of presentations, we want to make sure they have the correct advice.

“Wheelhouse is based on value and integrity and now a a part of AGnVET, we continue to be that trusted resource for primary producers,” said Mr Bodycoat who has spent 25 years working in the sheep, beef and dairy industries.

Mr Bodycoat said information sessions this year would be at both the new showroom and onproperty.

“We will work with our staff and the best of the industry to provide sound information and assist in driving profitability across farms,” he said.

During last Wednesday’s session, AGnVET’s Doug Clark spoke on pasture and paddock feed and Andrew Smith provided an insight on the current fertiliser market. Dickson AG’s Tania Lud-

ers discussed nutritional requirements of ewes coming into lambing season, explaining graziers must consider pasture status after last October’s floods while Adrian Jackson of Virbac Animal

Tree-planting pilots carbon project

A PILOT program planting agroforestry and shelterbelt trees will start in the region this year.

The Victorian Government said it was looking for businesses to work with landholders in the North Central Catchment Management Authority region on the joint initiative with CSIRO.

The project includes an online carbon

calculator for landowners to learn about opportunities for farm and plantation forestry.

The Government said its pilot program would provide landowners with expertise and support to plant trees with benefits including emission offsets and sale of carbon or timber products.

Grants will flow from mid-year.

Health spoke about pregnancy and conception rate optimisation.

McKean McGregor’s Alexander Pollock provided a sheep market update and opportunities for the market this year.

Barley tarrif end a chance

MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster says she is cautiously optimistic for Australian barley growers following China’s announcement it will review its tariffs on the crop.

In May 2020, China imposed tariffs of 80 per cent on Australian barley for five years, crippling a trade worth up to $1.5 billion a year.

However Beijing last week announced it would conduct an expedited review over the next three months while in return the Australian Government would suspend its World Trade Organisation appeal on the tarrif.

“China is an incredibly important trading partner for us and the removal of these tariffs would be a positive step for our growers,” Dr Webster said.

“These sanctions were not justified in the first place and I know many farmers across Mallee will be waiting to hear the outcome on this.

“The Opposition has supported the Prime Minister and Government in their outreach to many countries in our part of the world, and that will continue.”

Australian barley exports to China peaked at 6.3 million tonnes in 2016-17.

“It is hoped that if the review provided a pathway to have the barley tarrifs lifted then a similar process could be followed with China’s tarrifs on Australian wine,” Dr Webster said.

FOR LEASE BY TENDER

Water to multiple dams

Primarily loam soils with shelter belts fencing fair to good condition

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted

Terms: Payment quarterly in advance, Tender will include + Rates + GST HIGHEST OR ANY TENDER NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED

1st May 2023 Tenders

Lease

27th April 2023 @ 4pm at offices of FP Nevins & Co Further

Andrew Smith, Adrian Jackson, Andrew Bodycoat and Doug Clark at last week’s information session. LH PHOTO

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

Flushing out flesh wrapping future

THERE are voices and information missing from discussion on what looms as the biggest transformation of the Loddon landscape since the 19th century discovery of gold and railway lines started cutting through the countryside.

The plan, albeit a far from detailed one, to have a 500 kiloVolt energy transmission line running through the shire has been increasingly front of mind for rural residents since the surprise change of direction was announced just under two months ago.

Come and join us during our winter trading times. We will keep you warm with a range of specials and classic pub meals.

Farmers have been vocal, not in opposition to renewable energy, but angered and disappointed that the State and Federal Government along with Australian Energy Market Operator appear to be ramming through a big ticket project without discussions and informed alternatives to overhead lines that will not have any capacity to take in locally-generated wind or

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Give AEMO direction on transmission line

Sir, Thank you for allowing me to reply to some very negative letters in your last edition.

My father, William Haw B.E.M. was one of the wisest men in Boort, he always quoted “Very few people can see progress until it happens, and there are not very many visionary people in most communities”.

I have experienced this first hand, when around 2002 we tried to get an Aboriginal culture centre built in Boort, a vision of mine.

THURSDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY - OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

LUNCHTIME SENIORS DAY

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE FULL MENU AVAILABLE

SATURDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

A fine pub with 100 years of trading – supplying you with friendly service, cold beer, spirits & wine, great meals, restaurant, accommodation & bottle shop.

84 Godfrey Street, BOORT 03 5400 9650 railwayhotelboort

Unfortunately a petition was circulated in Boort saying “that under no circumstances the Community of Boort want an Aboriginal Cultural Centre” with a strong hint of racism, 300 people signed this petition and presented to the Loddon Shire Council.

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

DISUSED SILOS GET OVERNIGHT PAINT BOMB

Rachael Taylor wrote: Looks better! Great colours. Can see it from my front door. Now just need a couple of silhouettes of farming or mining to make it a local attraction.

Rylan Anna Adams wrote: Definitely looks better than it was.

EDITORIAL

solar energy. There has been no painting of the canvas that shows what future stages of engagement with local people, dubbed consultation by proponents, will even look like. Only a few members of Parliament representing Loddon communities have entered the discussion space on merits of the plan. Criticism of the consultation process has been plenty, with stock handbook phrases of encouraging people to have their say. But of the project’s merits ... very little.

When the surprise change of route was announced, the Loddon Herald called for a period longer than the initial six weeks. At the end of what will be eight weeks of consultation, Loddon communities are just realising what hundreds of 80-metre

transmission towers through the region could look like.

Calls to send the lines underground have been dismissed as too costly. But not once has there been an indication of that option being studied let alone presentation of any cost analysis.

Building a transmission line without capacity to take in locally-generated energy raises questions about adequate planning of the project. If the proposed route is adopted, will we be back in the same space discussing expansion of the line in five years?

The people with the answers - State and Federal Government ministers and AEMO - must visit the Loddon to look, listen and explain to the people.

Three years ago I decided to start a temporary museum at my property. We are now receiving visitors every day of the week from all over Australia, sometimes we receive 100 visitors a week.

This is now a great benefit to the Boort Community through meals, accomodation and visiting other tourist venues.

Unfortunately, the letters in the Loddon Herald last edition were very negative without having a solution. This transmission line is to help with the distribution of renewable energy, by now we should all be aware of the need to combat the threat of climate change.

By 2050 severe bush fires are expected to increase by 10-fold due to the effects of climate change, in theory this transmission line should help reduce this threat.

In the last 20 years we have seen the driest period for almost a century and three major floods.

I am sure that Australian Energy Mar-

ing suspicious. We thought it was getting ready for some silo art .. still looks better like this than it did anyway!

another starter that had been expected to race in the blue and white hoops? That starter’s name: Zipandthree. Stewards are investigating, according to sources close to the starting gate.

Jacqueline Roberts wrote: I must say I’m against vandalism but I do like it. l drive past it everyday, it looks better than graffiti tag names all over it. Love the colours.

ACTIVE April, Boort Bingo and now adding to the seasonal fitness craze sweeping Loddon com- munities is none other that the Treemendous tree now emblazoned with a special Easter message, we hear erected by Bradley of Boort on Easter Sunday ... just in time to challenge the thinking of people looking to get active. What type of activity? Perhaps heaps after they may have spent the day indulging in the bountiful array of Easter eggs dropped at various locations.

Tania Rollinson wrote: We are there twice a day for the bus stop and we saw noth-

1. Which Doctor Who villain has “delete” as their catchphrase.

2. Name the famous artist who cut off his ear?

TRIPPING around over the Easter weekend, you’ve got to say a huge well done to kitchen crews at making sporting tournaments - the roasts at Boort had all hands cooking up heaps of beans and peas while there was a good three meats on the salad plates at Wedderburn, the latter also with something of a reputation of fantastic fish on Good Friday as bowlers juggled play between showers.

Andrew Roberts wrote: It’s s...house, I wanna hack my eyes out everytime I drive past it.

AFEW hops closer to the lake and Boort had it’s premier sporting event of the year on over Easter. Forget about the harness racing or football or even that other Easter event, the tennis. We reckon the real reason these tennis players keep coming back is for the Saturday night ferret races. Again there were some quality fields with starters including One More Beer Please, Jye’s Big Sausage, Bangers and Mash (surely related to the previous starter) and Moolap Mahem.

From the Loddon Herald Facebook

NEWS coming in from out Bridgewater North way could see some tense moments over the barbed wire fence this week when the Good Doc’s cold Pies come up against The Oracle’s Sainters, or as he’s calling them, April champions. Sure bet there won’t be any cordial invitation for a leisurely afternoon tea until the dust has settled.

3. The name for which type of cloud is the Latin word for cloud?

4. What is the name of Harry Potter’s first broomstick?

THERE was some questioning about the pedigree of Moolap Mahem. Those with a pass in geo- raphy were quick to point out Moolap is a suburb of Geelong. Was this a ruse by tournament director Alister to divert attention from the absence of

5. Freddie Mercury was the front man for Queen, but who was that band’s drummer?

6. What is the name of the Australian Prime Minister’s official residence in Canberra?

7. The tv ad for which dairy product is known for the phrase “I just want milk that tastes like real milk”?

8. Who was the last Australian actor/ actress to win an Oscar award?

9. And for which film was that award for?

10. Which was the highest selling beer in Australia for 2022?

AFTERNOON tea? When OTF tucked into one or two (maybe more) of those salted caramel hot cross buns pumped out of the Bridgewater Bakehouse ovens, they were yummo. More dangerous than a big box of Red Tulip chocolates! Surely they go down as one of the great Loddon culinary creations and definitely be getting our tick of approval and perhaps the need to more active in April.

11. Name the largest rodent species in the world.

12. What is the main ingredient in making gin?

13. The tallest building in Australia is found in which state?

ket Operator needs guidance on where the power line should go, with common sense they will not traverse our wetlands, olives, significant Aboriginal sites and other sites of interest.

There are plenty of closed three chain roads that could be used, also, there is a huge benefit for farmers to join in on the renewable industry with solar panels and wind farms.

Remember, climate change will have a greater effect on your farm than a transmission line erected in the correct place.

It is quite obvious that a lot of our local farmers do not take climate change seriously as last week I had many calls from concerned ratepayers of landholders deliberately burning large paddock trees.

Please, give AEMO more direction as it is actually helping reduce climate change and ponder over my Father’s statement.

PaulHaw Boort

PAINT BOMBED: The silos at Kurting. LH PHOTO

Disused silos get bombing

MIDNIGHT paint bombers could be responsible for creating an unofficial mural on disused grain silos at Kurting.

The Calder Highway silos last received grain deliveries from Loddon farmers more than three decades ago.

But last Sunday week, the stark weathered white silos changed colour.

aircraft is known for which sight that in other planes would be alarming?

Local farmer Brett Wilson said: “They were white and then the

next morning mostly red, orange and brown. It looks like a paint- bombing job in the cover of darkness,” he said. Brett said the changed decor had reached the top in places on the 15-metre high silos. The Murphy-style silos are owned by GrainCorp and when last used had a capacity of 4900 tonnes.

17. Roughly how many years ago was the last volcanic eruption in Australia?

GrainCorp leases out its disused silos across the Loddon.

Quad bike theft under investigation

LODDON police are investigating the alleged theft of a quad bike over the Easter weekend.

18. What is Victoria’s official floral emblem?

Wedderburn police were told that a Polaris Commercial Pro XD 200D bike was taken overnight Friday near Borung. Own-

AUTUMN SALE

14. Horology is the study of what?

15. In October 2017, which car manufacturer ceased production in Australia?

16. The Lockheed Super Constellation

19. Which two colours are found on the flag of Nigeria?

ers told police that a Nissan Navara with a horse logo was seen in the area towing a Pegasus horse float with red stripes. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or Wedderburn police.

20. A lunar eclipse from Earth’s point of view turns the moon what colour?

FACES OF SERVICE

They enlisted for God, King and Country ... young country men leaving their homes for a war on the other side of the world. Some would return, others were killed fighting for democracy and freedom. On ANZAC Day next Tuesday, Tarnagulla will unveil banners remembering 20 men from the district - their faces and stories to be shared with today’s generation

BOB Clark was a born and bred son of Tarnagulla and a farmer in the district until he died in 1967.

But 50 years earlier the one-time Tarnagulla State School high achiever had just finished his first year as a member of Bendigo’s own 38th Battalion fighting on the Western Front.

He is one of 20 soldiers featured in a new temporary exhibition of district servicemen who enlisted in World War One.

Bob was descended from Robert and Prudence Hooks who had arrived in the district when gold was discovered in the 1850s.

He swapped life as a labourer when the call went out for more enlistments in early 1916 after the evacuation at Gallipoli.

Bob followed the path to an enlistment station that had been travelled the previous year by the Whimpey brothersArthur, Claude and Bert.

Their family operated the Criterion Store, a general store and all three worked in the business.

The Whimpey family had lived in Tarnagulla and Newbridge since the early gold rush days, and later became shire cartage and passenger bus contractors as well as miners.

All three boys were good local sportsmen. Arthur and Bert enlisted within five days of each other in January 1915. Claude would join up in the July - unlike his brothers, never to return to Australia, killed in France less than two years later during the disastrous Second Battle of Bullecourt.

Records show that Claude’s loss devastated his family and the Tarnagulla community where Claude was a popular young fellow and a member of the urban fire brigade.

“The banners were created as a way to commemorate the military service of those who lived in this district - Tarnagulla, Llanelly, Waanyarra and Murphy’s Creek,” said hall committee president and former long-time fire brigade captain Barry Condick.

“All 20 banners - we hope to have more in future - will be exhibited in Tarnagulla on ANZAC Day and commemorative periods to bring to life some of the district’s heroes.”

Mr Condick said the banners had been inspired by the Homecoming project, an annual exhibition in Maryborough and Dunolly, was created in 2016 by Michael Grant, now curator at the Australian War Memorial.

A Federal Government Saluting Their

Service grant has made the Tarnagulla project a reality.

“The Tarnagulla Public Hall Committee established the Tarnagulla History Archive in 2018 to preserve the history material of the district which might otherwise be at risk of being lost,” Mr Condick said.

“The Archive now has thousands of artefacts, photos, maps and research files including some materials on people from the district who served in military conflicts. Amongst these are some great photos and stories but they were not really in the right formats to display. We thought it would be good to transform them into an exhibition format to be able to present on ANZAC Day each year.

“One of our volunteers, David Gordon, has very good local history knowledge and he outlined the personal stories of these men and who they were before they served, and after the war for those who made it home.”

David helped unearth the story of George Graham who enlisted late in 1916, aged 32, and joined reinforcements in France where he fought until gassed just over two months before the Armistice in November 1918.

“George’s father was the first non-

indigenous child born in Tarnagulla in 1854, where the family actively engaged in gold mining until taking up farming at Murphy’s Creek in the 1870s,” David discovered in his research.

David said after discharge and returning to the district, George worked as a gold miner and forestry and railway employee until his death in 1957.

Mr Condick said the 20 banners to be unfurled on ANZAC Day would put faces to the names on town honour boards and the war memorial.

“There are people from the local area who served in other conflicts and we are aware of at least two women who served as nurses in World War One but unfortunately we did not have photos of these people,” he said. Those nurses were May Langan and May Duggan.

“The choice of those represented on the banners was based on the images available with information on the banners compiled by Archive volunteers from service records in the National Archives and unit diaries at the Australian War Memorial ... the 20 represent many,” Mr Condick said.

Tuesday’s commemorative Dawn Service in Tarnagulla is being organised by the hall committee and members of the fire brigade.

Tarnagulla Fire Brigade captain George Filev and Barry Condick prepare banners for display on ANZAC Day. LH PHOTO

Arthur Whimpey

Claude Whimpey Bert Whimpey

Bob Clark George Graham

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PUBLIC NOTICES EMPLOYMENT

GARDEN CONSULTATION MEETING

Congratulations

Les & Margaret (Taig) Miller celebrating 61 year of marriage.

Margaret was born and went to school in Inglewood, Les grew up in Merbein & Inglewood, they were married in Dunolly in 1962 and they have lived in Brooke Street Inglewood all there married life, where they have raised there 4 children.

Les & Margaret have been very involved in their community, which they still love and support.

We would like to congratulate Margaret & Les nanny & poppy, on the occasion of their wedding anniversary

Love & best wishes from your children, grandchildren & great grandchildren

NETWORK DINNER

Wednesday 10th May

Supper Room

Inglewood Town Hall. 6p, for 6.30pm

2 Course meal $28 / Drinks and glasses

GUEST SPEAKER

TENAR DWYER

The theme is Black and White with a splash of colour

BOOKINGS TO SUE BROWN 54373258 or 040 919 8974

RSVP May 2

All welcome

Community Bank

Full Time Permanent MC (B-Double) Position Available

Our Client, Power’s Country Express is a well regarded logistics business based in Bendigo, Central Victoria.

Power’s are currently looking to employ a Multi Combination Driver – (B Double) Afternoon Shift on a permanent basis to service one of our long term clients.

This set run is performed Monday to Friday only using tautliner trailers.

We need someone that has:

 MC Drivers Licence

 LF Forklift licence

 Clean Driving Record with ability to produce a current Vic Roads Report

 Be a team player who works e ectively with minimum supervision.

 Self motivated driver with experience.

 Customer focused with a strong focus on safety and care for Companies, clients, people, vehicles and property.

If this sounds like a role you or someone you know could complete, please apply via the ESP HR Portal –https://espapplication.entirehr.com.au

IS NOW HIRING!

Bring your experience as a truck driver with experience in heavy vehicle operations and join the branch team at BridgewaterOn-Loddon. A great opportunity to further develop your career in retail branch operations and join our friendly and committed team.

The Role is to manage the distribution and application of fertiliser, lime, gypsum and manures for Wheelhouse Group as required throughout the distribution area. Driving spreader trucks and maintaining equipment to ensure regular and reliable service. Wheelhouse AGnVET services clients across a considerable area with branches in Bridgewater, Dingee, Boort, Rochester.

If you’re interested in the role available, please contact:

Andrew Bodycoat | Branch Manager Mobile 0400 785 096 | Store 03 5437 3174

Email: andrewbodycoat@agnvet.com.au

For full role description and online applications visit: www.agnvetservices.com.au

Inglewood & Districts would like to reassure the public that our agency in Wedderburn is under NO threat of closure.

We value our Wedderburn and district customers and look forward to supporting their community for many years to come.

Opening day honours

OWEN Bailey and Vicki Bainbridge have taken out Wedderburn Golf Club’s opening event of the season.

The pair finished with net 68.5 points in the ambrose competition on Saturday.

Twelve players contested the opening day in wet conditions that made the course heavy to play.

Nearest the pin on the seventh was Ralph Stephenson.

TARNAGULLA

Meredith Harwood, Garry Harwood and Leigh Fotheringham took out the Easter Cup competition at Tarnagulla.

Runners-up were Rowan McNamee, Sarah Luxton and Sean Radich.

Longest Drive: Brian McNamee. Nearest the pin: Sean Radich. The club’s next event is a par three par-tee of nine holes of par threes on May 13.

INGLEWOOD

The second day of junior golf clinics will be conducted by the club today.

It is the second year Inglewood has presented school holiday clinics, funded by Inglewood IGA Community Chest.

Pyramid Hill club held its opening day last Sunday.

Glenda Bird, Ralph Stephenson and Carolyn McHugh at Wedderburn’s opening day. LH PHOTO

New junior seasons underway

CENTRAL Victoria under 18 football league played its first game on Saturday.

The new league, starting with five ex-Loddon Valley league teams, had 2022 premiers Marong again too classy for its opposition.

East Loddon Rams, formed only last year, faced the the region’s junior powerhouse club.

Rams were not at full strength with several players recovering from pre-season injuries, including ruckman Mason Hocking.

It was left to Joshua Diss, Jaxon Addlem and Cade Tuohey to lead the way.

The Rams had their major scoredboard breakthrough in the final term when Addlem kicked a goal.

But the young Rams were overall no match for a physically bigger and stronger Marong outfit in the opening split round.

Inglewood and Bridgewater meet this Saturday to conclude the round while Pyramid Hill make its return to junior football the following week.

AFL Central Victoria is yet to release the season’s draw.

z In North Central under 17s, Boort has quickly stamped itself as a strong contender with a 37-point win over Sea Lake Nandaly.

Alex Cockerell was named best for the Pies, starting the game in defence. Cockerell also lined up in the reserves for Boort.

The Pies held the visiting Tigers to just four behinds.

The weekend’s opening North Central league round also marked the return to under 17 football of Wedderburn.

The Redbacks, after going into recess last season, were able to get a team together and return to the field for round one of 2023.

The going was tough from the outset as the Navy Blues through a greater physical presence were able to take early control of proceedings and held the Redbacks at bay for three quarters where an exchange of personnel made for an entertaining final term.

Robert Whyman battled manfully for four quarters and received sold support from Noah

NORTH CENTRAL

GOALS - Boort: Not supplied. Sea Lake Nandaly: A. Renney, T. Borlase 2, H. Cox.

BEST - Boort: Not supplied. Sea Lake Nandaly: A. Renney, N. McClelland, T. Borlase, C. O’Sullivan, B. Barbary, R. Bailey.

GOALS - Wedderburn: E. Clarke, J. Benaim, J. Thomas, T. Clarke, B. Mansell, L. Benaim. Charlton: J. Nisbet 3, S. Zagame, C. McGrath 2, C. Zagame, M. Fitzpatrick.

BEST - Wedderburn: T. Clarke, T. Lovett, B. Cunningham, C. Gault. Charlton: E. Soulsby, M. Fitzpatrick, S. Zagame, J. Nisbet, M. Boyle, C. McGrath.

GOALS - Not supplied.

(4)

BEST - Boort: A. Cockerell, L. Hall, J. Potter, Z. MacIntosh, A. Chamberlain. Sea Lake Nandaly: N. Barbary, F. Warne, N. McClelland, J. Stacey, B. Allan, T. Griffiths.

(101)

Winslett, Maika Punguika and Beau Hartnell.

Charlton’s best were Murphy McGeown, Jye Roberts, Joe Monaghan, Isaac Bourke and Hugh Sait.

In the under 14s, Wedderburn endured the best conditions of the day where the Navy Blues were able to gain early control of the game and keep the Redbacks at bay throughout. An entertaining contest where the Navy Blues displayed good skills by both hand and foot against an always determined Redbacks outfit which could not quite match their opponent’s output.

- BOB STEEL AND CHRIS EARL

GOALS - Not supplied.

BEST - Wedderburn: R. Whyman, N. Winslett, B. Hartnell. Charlton: M. McGeown, J. Roberts, H. Sait, J. Monaghan, I. Bourke.

CENTRAL VICTORIA

GOALS - Marong: Z. Conroy 5, Z. Rowe 4, S. Taylor 2, Z. Justice, F. Waters, H. Bourke, K. McCaig, K. Terrill, details incomplete. East Loddon: J. Addlem.

BEST - Marong: Z. Conroy, K. Terrill, K. Thomson, S. Taylor, H. Bourke. East Loddon : J. Diss, J. Addlem, C. Tuohey, F. Clymo, N. Ramskill

THIS WEEK: Inglewood v Bridgewater

Redbacks’ title defence ticks first box

WEDDERBURN’s new A Grade coach Emma Lockhart had her first win in the role when the Redbacks’ defeated Charlton in the grand final rematch on Saturday.

The Redbacks, premiers and champions last season, overtook their keen rivals in the final quarter of a hard-fought match to win by five goals.

The Navies were constantly on the look out for goalshooter Chloe Walsh who used her height to advantage and kept Charlton in the match as rain

made playing conditions slippery.

Holly Lockhart, who alternated the game between goal attack and defence, was named the best in the Redbacks’ successful start to defending their mantle as the association’s top side.

The A Grade win comes as Wedderburn promoted a number of players to cover retirements and players unavailable this season. Redbacks also had strong wins in B Grade and C Grade.

At Boort, the Pies also sounded an early warning to rivals that they intend to improve on last year’s finals’ finish.

While Sea Lake Nandaly was within touch at the first break, the Pies went on to take honours by 31 goals.

The break came in the second and third terms when Boort piled on 30 goals.

Carly and Jo Isaac were named Boort’s best players. Like Wedderburn, Boort also took honours in B and C Grade clashes.

Rebuild brings return of excitement

FRESH coaching face Chelsea Hargreaves says she is determined to bring excitement to rebuilding the hockey fortunes at Wedderburn.

The hockey veteran has returned to her home club and taken up the challenge to have more people playing the sport after the Redbacks dropped out of the North Central competition last season.

Hargreaves led the club’s women’s team on their return at the weekend and wants to recruit more players for the side.

“I get very passionate about hockey and want to see fun and excitement among people to play the sport and for the club,” she said.

Hargreaves said the Redbacks had encouraging numbers for their junior teams. “But we need more to develop our women’s team this season and for the future.”

RESULTS

Under 12: Boort lost Sea Lake Nandaly 0-3, Donald

lost to Wycheproof Narraport 0-1, Wedderburn lost to Charlton 0-2.

Under 15: Boort lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 0-4, Donald d Wycheproof Narraport 1-0, Wedderburn lost to Charlton 1-9.

Women: Boort drew Sea Lake Nandaly 0-0, Donald lost to Wycheproof Narraport 1-7, Wedderburn lost to Charlton

0-15.

Men: Boort d Sea Lake Nandaly 3-1, Donald lost to Wycheproof Narraport 0-5.

East Loddon Rams’ Tom Harcourt in action against Marong on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Chelsea Hargreaves and netball manager Tom Nisbet

NETBALL | SPORT

NORTH CENTRAL

Wedderburn’s Holly Lockhart puts in a strong performance against Ellie Rae. LH PHOTO

Wet weather saunter drill

PACEY midfielder Joe Lockhart and key forward Tom Campbell have helped Wedderburn to a stunning North Central football opening round victory.

The Redbacks took a quarter to settle before taking control of the game from Charlton and sauntering through a final term training drill to win by 71 points.

Lockhart was in the play thicker than rain falling at Donaldson Park, helping propel the Redbacks into attack where Campbell was dominant with five goals and coach Sam Barnes, playing his first game in four years, chipped in with three.

Barnes’ return game - an eye injury had put paid to his playing days until necessity triggered a comeback - showed he will be more than a thorn for defenders.

His leads gave the Redbacks options up forward on what could have been a miserable day in front of goal. Fellow veteran Danny Benaim had two goals while Isaac Holt and Lockhart also recorded pairs of majors.

Ruckman Jordan Hargreaves did well in aerial contests and brought skipper Cory Lowry and Mackay into the game, But it was also the pressure of Wedderburn defenders that could not be overlooked. Charlton was forced into nine behinds in the second term when the Redbacks stepped up and had just two more scoring shots in the second half.

Wedderburn faces Wycheproof Narraport - last Saturday claiming the scalp of 2022 runners-up Donald - this round.

Meanwhile, Boort takes on Charlton and on the form last week, plus the possibility of more new names being ready for their first game, has a chance to register points.

Charlton had been hyped pre-season as one of the big improvers for 2023. So too is Boort although coach Dale Cameron is just looking for four competitive quarters as he builds structure and game plans.

The form showed last Saturday points to the Pies being well on the way to achieving their first objective.

Boort looks the fitter of the two sides and a win would be a fitting early season reward.

IN FRONT OF GOAL

THIS SATURDAY

Nullawil: D. Putt, J. Humphreys, D. Smith, Z. Caccaviello, M. Farmer, M. Quigley.

GOALS - Wedderburn: T. Campbell 5, S. Barnes 3, I. Holt, D. Benaim 2, J. Lockhart 2, Louis Holt 1, Luke Holt 1. Charlton: N. Thompson, T. Baird, J. Cowling, S. Woods.

BEST - Wedderburn: J. Lockhart, I. Holt, T. Campbell, J. McKay, J. Rosengren, Louis Holt. Charlton: D. Thiesz, J. Cowling, R. Woods, J. Thompson, S. Woods, T. Hill.

GOALS - Boort: J. Fitzpatrick, D. Cameron, F. Holland, J. Smith. Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Simpson 2, B. McInnes, T. McKenzie, J. Summerhayes, A. Mertz, M. Elliott.

BEST - Boort: T. Potter, L. Moss, J. Fitzpatrick, M. Hodoras, N. Twigg. Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Farrelly, R. O’Sullivan, B. Delmenico, L. Martin, J. Poulton, C. Cox.

GOALS: Donald Seniors: S. Dunstan 3, N. Berry, J. Adams. Wycheproof Narraport: C. Green 3, G. Hommelhoff, B. Bish, D. McLennan, R. Allan.

- Donald: J. Wallin, R. Barrack, J. Papalia, J. Heslop, R. Young, S. Dunstan. Wycheproof Narraport: D. Horbury, J. McHutchison, D. McLennan, J. Walsh, G.

RESERVES

Hayes, R. Butters. Charlton: B. Lanyon, M. Thompson, C. White, R. Thiesz.

BEST - Wedderburn: M. Lockhart, C. Lang, G. Riley, T. Boneham, R. Whyman, J. Hayes. Charlton: B. Lanyon, B. Sexton, R. Thiesz, C. White, T. Catherine, A. Johnstone.

GOALS - Not supplied

SENIORS

5 - (5) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn

3 - (5) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

3 - (5) - Cody Green - Wycheproof Narraport

3 - (5) - Sam Barnes - Wedderburn

3 - (5) - Sam Dunstan - Donald

3 - (5) - Mitch Farmer - Nullawil

3 - (5) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil

2 - (5) - Danny Benaim - Wedderburn

RESERVES

3 - (3) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil

3 - (3) - Joel Pardella - Wycheproof Narraport

2 - (2) - Jacob Piccoli - Wedderburn

2 - (2) - Tom Fawcett - Nullawil

2 - (2) - Nicholas Williams - Nullawil

2 - (2) - Ben Brennan - Wycheproof Narraport\

2 - (2) - Robert Whyman - Wedderburn

Nullawil v St Arnaud

Sea Lake Nandaly v Birchip Watchem

Charlton v Boort

Wycheproof Narraport v Wedderburn

BEST - Boort: P. O’Rourke, M. Buchanan, S. Barraclough, J. Kerr, W. Toose, T. Flick. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Noonan, C. Michael, J. Clohesy, A. Collins, B. Stadon, B. Poulton. Donald

(10)

(62)

GOALS - Donald: T. Letts. Wycheproof Narraport: J. Pardella 3, B. Brennan 2, X. McKersie, T. Rumbold, H. Fawcett, D. Allen.

BEST - Donald: K. Green, H. Forrest, D. Hawkes, B. Griffiths, N. Clark, J. Landwehr. Wycheproof Narraport: A. Zuk, U. Unknown, D. Allen, J. Ison, D. Turner, W. Allan. Birchip W 1.0

(6)

(79)

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: J. Liston 1. Nullawil: S. Goldsmith 3, N. Williams, T. Fawcett 2, D. Braine, G. Forrester, J. Vearing, C. Fawcett.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: M. Rickard, K. Leith, A. Samuels, M. Ryan, J. Liston. Nullawil: T. Fawcett, S. Goldsmith, M. Barry, J. Barry, A. Forrester.

Redback Jordan Hargreaves tussles with Cobi Fitzpatrick at the centre bounce. LH PHOTO

Captain Corey Lowry, president Chris Holt and coach Sam Barnes after winning the Woosang Shield. LH PHOTO

Tom Campbell receives the Pappas Medal from Roger Paterson at the after-match function. LH PHOTO

Big win primes Bears for early season reckoner

TWO weeks into the Loddon Valley season and Bears Lagoon Serpentine has stamped itself as a team on the rise.

Saturday’s 90-point thumping of Newbridge was sown up with solid defence and a handy five-goal haul by veteran Andy Gladman.

Gladman was backed up by midfield recruit Nash Kemp who created multiple forward attacks and ruck rover Louis Mott who also chipped in with two majors for the afternoon.

Serpentine restricted Newbridge to a single goal, scored by Romer in the second term.

But the first real test comes for the Bears when they face Pyramid Hill at Mitchell Park on Saturday.

The Bulldogs are again hungry for success - this match will provide an early season yardstick for Serpentine and the challenge to at least stay in touch with Pyramid Hill for four quarters.

z The paradox that is Maiden Gully saw the Eagles challenge Bridgewater until the final siren.

The Eagles made early running in the game, putting three behinds on the scoreboard before two quick goals.

Bridgewater’s quick response saw the Mean Machine take a five-point lead at the first change and extend the margin to 13 points at the main break.

Desperate to avoid a repeat of the previous week against Marong, Maiden Gully had a third quarter edge and set the scene for classic wet weather tussles in the final term to fall just four points short of the young Bridgewater lineup.

Bridgewater will likely face a more challenging opponent on Saturday when clashing with Inglewood in the annual ANZAC weekend match.

z Inglewood had league dominator

Marong in all sorts of trouble in the hour after the Panthers unveiled the 2022 premiership flag on Saturday.

Great defence from Inglewood kept Marong to just four behinds in the first quarter when the Blues kicked five of their six goals for the game.

But Marong took over in the second half, holding Inglewood to a single behind while slotting through 14 majors.

While Brandyn Grenfell had a quiet day with two goals, Kain Robins kicked seven.

z After the week off, Mitiamo faces off against Maiden Gully this Saturday in what will be a good indicator for both teams. Below the mark of last season at this stage, a win for Mitiamo against an inconsistent Eagles could lift confidence.

Debutantes show four-quarter form

A BELATED start to the year, courtesy of a round one bye, had Pyramid Hill keen to kick-start a new season, and at Calivil they were made to earn what was a firstup win, in true wintery conditions.

The senior game kicked off with rain, and it refused to abate until the final buzzer.

The ball spent most of the day on the surface and Calivil were up to the task, with their tackling and intensity at the stoppages keeping them in the contest until midway through the final term.

Initially, the clash was a low-scoring affair, with just a collective two goals at the main change.

The second half saw the Dogs gradually assert increasing authority on the contest, and by scoring 6-9 to 2-3 in that period, the visitors finally kicked clear and won by a comfortable margin.

The Bulldogs welcomed six new players to the senior team and they slotted in

SENIORS

SENIORS

seamlessly and were all very handy contributors.

Debutantes Jesse Sheahan and Declan Slingo were genuine four-quarter contributors, and with regulars Bailey George, Adrian Holland and Zac Dingwall also making significant contributions, the Dogs wore down the hosts and secured a hard-fought, but convincing win.

Tom Brennan was also a factor, with his three goals pivotal to the end result.

Twenty-three scoring shots to 12 was an indication of the final authority the visitors were able to attain and the margin of 32 points was a true reflection of the control Pyramid Hill were able to develop in the second half.

Club legend Gavin James played his 250th game for the Dogs, and typically his output and contribution was of the highest level. The win for the Bulldogs was also a win for a great Club ambassador.

IN FRONT OF GOAL

12 - (2) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater

8 - (2) - Brandyn Grenfell - Marong

8 - (7) - Kain Robins - Marong

8 - (5) - Andrew Gladman - BL Serpentine

4 - (3) - James Bailey - BL Serpentine

4 - (0) - Sam Gale - Newbridge

4 - (2) - Darcy Poulter - BL Serpentine

4 - (2) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

4 - (2) - Keelan Payne - Inglewood

RESERVES

6 - (3) - Jonty Davis - Marong

5 - (1) - Austin Fithall - Newbridge

5 - (5) - Jayden Gladman - BL Serpentine

5 - (5) - Bradley Matthews - Marong

4 - (2) - William Beagley - Marong Reserves

4 - (1) - Reece Gretgrix - Marong

4 - (0) - Grant Dowler - Marong

4 - (4) - Gregory Quinn - Pyramid Hill

The reserves contest kicked off in perfect conditions, but by game’s-end the rain had set in.

From the first bounce it was a one-sided affair with the Dogs amassing a centuryplus margin by the final siren, courtesy of tallies of five, six, six and four goals in each of the quarters.

Like the Seniors, the Reserves also welcomed new players and a returning former senior coach in Adrian McErvale. Similar to the senior squad, the ability of new players to slot smoothly into the game plan was clearly noticeable.

Lachlan Carroll, in his return to the Dogs proved to be a very handy asset, and Tom Walker and Dylan Goulding, also returning members, were also valuable over four quarters.

Greg Quinn was unstoppable in a key forward role, and his four goals made him the game’s highest scorer.

- GEOFF HICKMOTT

THIS SATURDAY

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Pyramid Hill v Bears Lagoon Serpentione

Marong v Newbridge

Inglewood v Bridgewater

Maiden Gully v Mitiamo Newbridge bye

GOALS - Bridgewater: D. Wood

N. Hall, J. Martyn 2, T. Estrada. Maiden Gully: B. Dimech 2, J. McDonald, D. Wust, W. Noden, K. Franzini, T. Durston. BEST - Bridgewater: H. Donegan, J. Symons, T. Estrada, C. Hindle, N. Hall, B. Irvine. Maiden Gully: H. McCartney, T. Miles, E. Crisp, B. Dimech, J. Worsley, J. McDonald.

GOALS - Calivil: D. Thompson, M. Avard, J. Lea, details incomplete. Pyramid Hill: T. Brennan 3, W. Perryman, B. Micevski, B. Morison, B. George. BEST - Calivil: D. Thompson, J. Hynes, W. Cole, J. Lawry, M. Avard, C. Anderson. Pyramid Hill: B. George, J. Sheahan, A. Holland, Z. Dingwall, D. Slingo, T. Brennan.

GOALS - Marong: K. Robins 7, B. Grenfell, J. McCaig, M. Bradbury, R. Taylor 2, J. Gadsden, N. McCaig, P. Gretgrix. GOALS - Inglewood: K. Payne 2, S. Dorevitch, T. Kendal, I. Povey, J. Nevins. BEST - Marong: K. Robins, M. Bradbury, J. Gadsden, N. Devanny, J. McCaig, R. Tibbett,

Inglewood Seniors: T. Kennedy, A. Lowe, C.

S. Dorevitch, L. Matheson, I. Povey.

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: A. Gladman 5, J. Bailey 3, L. Mott, D. Poulter 2, O. Downing, C. Draper, H. Gadsden. Newbridge: D. Romer 1,

Bears Lagoon Serpentine: N. Kemp, A. Gladman, L. Mott, B. Roy-Clements, D. Poulter, C. Draper.

D. Lloyd, C. Argus, W. Daly, A. Moore, D.

L. Nihill.

RESERVES

GOALS - Marong: B. Matthews 5, J. Davis 3, W. Beagley 2, S. Taylor, C. Stacey, R. Gretgrix, A. Collins, R. Hender, T. Grant. Inglewood: M. Rowe, C. Maher, J. Rouse, Z. Schmidt.

BEST - Marong: J. Davis, B. Matthews, T. Thach, T. Grant, F. Stewart, S. Bell. Inglewood: Not supplied.

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Gladman 5, C. Anstee, P. Russell, Z. Stone, O. Amy. Newbridge: J Harkness 2, A. Fithall, O. Friswell.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Gladman, K. Walton, C. Davies, Z. Stone, O. Amy, J. Stuart. Newbridge: J. Langtree, J. Harkness, O. Friswell, J. Oneill, O. Gordon, R. Hipworth.

(47)

GOALS - Bridgewater: H. Pidoto, M. Collins, J. Roberts, J. Spiller, H. Terry. Maiden Gully: L. Podhajski 3, G. Brown, A. Cazar, H. White.

BEST - Bridgewater: J. Campbell, A. McDowell, J. Higgins, O. Horan, H. Terry, D. Valentini.

Maiden Gully: T. Hudson, G. Brown, W. Anderson, R. Strauch, L. Podhajski, S. Keneally.

(142)

GOALS - Calivil: T. Wakefield 2, S. Fawcett, J. Manderson. Pyramid Hill: G. Quinn 4, T. Nunn, N. Moon 3, M. Bone, L. Carroll, R. Pollock 2, T. Walker, B. Culross, N. Skinner, A. McErvale, P. Walker.

BES - Calivil: D. Masson, B. Mensforth, J. Manderson, G. Holdsworth, C. Smith, T. Wakefield.

Pyramid Hill: L. Carroll, G. Quinn, T. Walker, D. Goulding, M. Moon, M. Bone.

Bridgewater’s Harry McKinley flies from the scramble in the clash against Maiden Gully. LH PHOTO

HERALD sport

Thursday April 20, 2023

SCATTER ROUND

BIG guns failed to fire in the opening North Central football round that sees Wedderburn on top of the ladder.

Reigning premiers Birchip Watchem was downed by league newcomer while 2023 runner-up Donald lost to Wycheproof Narraport on Saturday.

And Boort, without the full bevy of new recruits including Western Bulldogs premiership player Shane Briggs, outgunned Sea Lake Nandaly under lights in the first and last quarters.

The Pies had dominating passages with rover Tom Potter

n REDBACKS TOP LADDER n GLORIOUS DEBUTANTES

showing the way, teaming with bigger onballers Nathan Twigg and Jarrod Fitzpatrick and centreman Levi Moss to create play.

Battling reduced visibility under lights and building rain, Boort took longer to adjust the game plan and was held scoreless by the more-fancied Tigers for two quarters. New coach Dale Cameron expects Boort will be strengthened as it evolves over the next few rounds.

Despite the pre-season hype of

Community bank backs league

INGLEWOOD and District Community Bank has been named as major sponsor of Loddon Valley Football Netball League this season.

The announcement last Friday sees the Loddon’s only local community bank take on a mantle previously with the Bendigo Bank.

Manager Michael Prowse said: “We’ve had a long history of partnering with clubs within the league and this is now a way we can support the whole league. I look forward to meeting with committees of all clubs over the coming weeks.

“Our partnership with the Loddon Valley league presents exciting opportunities for the community bank to grow connection and partnerships with the league and its clubs,” he said.

League vice-president Richard Hicks said Inglewood Community Bank had provided support to local football and netball clubs since it was established more than 15 years ago.

“This is a great fit ... the local bank supporting local sport in local Loddon communities,” he said.

strong recruits to lead an upward ladder push, Charlton capitulated to Wedderburn in the Woosang Challenge clash at Donaldson Park.

The Redbacks turned the game into a training session as they piled on seven goals in the final term and held the Navies to a solitary behind, ending 71 points clear on the final siren.

Tom Campbell picked up where he finished last season with five goals and collected the Pappas

Medal for best-on-ground. Roger Paterson, one of the brains behind inaugurating the Woosang Challenge back in 2014, presented Campbell with the medal at the post-match function.

Campbell was the highestscoring goalkicker of the opening round and Wedderburn has a percentage twice Nullawil who sit in second place after round one.

When Woosang disbanded in the 1950s, players continued their careers at either Wedderburn or Charlton.

The Redbacks have had a mortgage on the shield in recent seasons. But it was not all plain sailing early on Saturday when the

Navies took a seven-point lead to the first break and added nine behinds in the second under pressure from Wedderburn as the home side broke away.

Debutante Nullawil was rarely challenged as it controlled its game against Birchip Watchem and recorded an impressive start as the league’s ninth club, winning by 41 points.

It was a goalless final term for both Donald and Wycheproof Narraport in their matches.

Torrid rain reduced skill and scores as last season’s top three sides struggled to show a repeat of that form.

SCOREBOARDS - PAGE 18

Loddon Valley vice-president Richard Hicks, bank manager Michael Prowse and league executive officer Laura Naughton. LH PHOTO