are refusing to clear rubbish dumped in Loddon parks in a pay dispute with the State Government.
Union members have staked placards at illegal dump sites in Wedderburn State Forest.
Avid bushwalker Darryl Arnott said the placard near a pile of tyres was erected at the same time Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action installed new park signs.
“There’s even one sign telling people not to dump rubbish,” Mr Arnott said.
He wants government agencies to respond to reports of dumped litter with the same efficiency as Loddon Shire Council.
“I do a lot of walking in the bush and other areas around town,” Mr Arnott said.
“If I see something, I report it ... Loddon Shire does the job well of cleaning up if it’s their land.
“I love the bush, it’s so unique around here and it’s a shame to see rubbish being dumped. It doesn’t look good.”
DEECA has started installing new orange and white livery signs at state parks in the Loddon Shire.
ban on collecting rubbish because they are some of the lowest paid employees in the Victorian Public Service. This action is bringing to the attention of the public and the government just how important our members are to the community and the environment.
The department says its field staff are represented by the Australian Workers Union and are currently undertaking protected industrial action while bargaining for a new enterprise agreement.
Industrial action covering recreation site maintenance, including removal of rubbish left by campers has been in place since December 13.
A spokesperson said: “Keeping Victoria’s state forests and parks free of rubbish is a shared responsibility. It is vital that all users take responsibility for their actions and leave sites as they found them, ensuring they take all rubbish home with them.
”Forest Fire Management Vic-
toria crews play a vital role, responding to bushfires and maintaining forest assets such as recreation sites, walking tracks and roads.”
Australian Workers’ Union country north east organiser
James Newbold said: “AWU forest firefighters are undertaking the
“The action is anticipated to continue until AWU forest firefighters accept an offer from the Victorian government that satisfies our members desperate need for a fair pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living - five per cent in each year - and pays them at least as much as their counterparts at Parks Victoria who are performing substantially similar duties.
“It is in the hands of the Victorian government to determine when this will occur,” Mr Newbold said.
DEECA did not respond to questions on the cost of new signage and who erected the signs.
Darryl Arnott ... disappointed dumped rubbish is not being removed.
PHOTO
Loddon HERALD
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Colbert
has been adding to the excitement of a new school year at Tarnagulla Primary School. Jeanette has started as assistant principal this month and will share duties at the school with long-time principal Leigh Mellberg. She was previously leader of literacy and learner diversity at Sacred Heart School in Elmore. Janette is pictured with Year 5 students Aliannah Long, Archie Read, Archer Bass, Vivi Read and Mia Brown.
Choir singing farewell notes
INGLEWOOD Community Choir hopefuls have put away the music.
Efforts of previous members of the Goldfields Choir have failed to create a new choir with the small group opting to halt the initiative.
One, of them, Duncan Campbell, said they had been unable to muster numbers needed for a
sustainable chour. He said choir numbers in the district had declined since COVID 19 and “despite efforts to create a new choir with the support of Inglewood Community Centre, the lack of members has called time on the choir as they made the decision to disband”.
The Goldfields Choir was an important part of the local com-
munity since 2002 and sang at many towns and churches in the Loddon Shire Council area as well as being part of concerts from Wangaratta to Lorne.
Highlights of the choir included concerts in Bendigo and awarded joint Northern Victoria Champion Choir in 2004.
Former members will have a farewell function next month.
IN BRIEF
Share unchanged
SEASONAL determinations in the Murray, Goulburn and Loddon systems are unchanged at 100 per cent of high-reliability water shares under the latest update from the Resource Manager. The Bullarook system remains at 12 per cent HRWS. The Campaspe system seasonal determination is unchanged at 100 per cent HRWS and 48 per cent low-reliability water shares.
Women’s Day
WOMEN’S Health Loddon Mallee, the region’s lead organisation for gender equality, is encouraging people to get behind this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8.
Half-year results
COBRAM Estate Olives will release its half-year results tomorrow. The company with its major grove and processing plant at Boort will hold an investor seminar following an ASX announcement.
Ridsdale dies
GERALD Ridsdale, Australia’s most notorious paedophile priest, has died. He had been in prison since 1994 and was aged 90. Ridsdale served in Catholic parishes across Victoria, including briefly at Inglewood in the mid 1970s. He had been due to face court again this week.
JANETTE
(centre)
LH PHOTO
Bank’s $250k on table for second care centre
THE push for a second Loddon child care centre has started.
Inglewood and District Community Bank has pledged $250,000 towards the cost of a centre in Inglewood.
It has told Loddon Shire Council and members of Parliament the need for child care in the town is “clear, desperate and growing”.
“Supporting the development of child care is consistent with our purpose and values. It is a big project with big benefits,” board vice-chair Max Higgs said.
Loddon Shire will remain a child care desert until next year when the State Government’s new co-located centre at Wedderburn College is scheduled to open.
A strong community campaign by young parents and backed by the school secured the Government’s commitment to build one of 50 new centres. The first four opened this year.
Dr Higgs said: “Access to affordable long day care benefits the education and health of children, parents and in particular addresses ingrained gender inequality by enabling women to participate in the workforce and the broader community by making the town more attractive to live and work.
“A child care feasibility business case developed and endorsed by Loddon Shire in 2020 recommended the establishment of long family day care in Boort and Inglewood, co-located at school/kindergarten with sites owned by the shire and operated
by a state provider,” he said in a letter to Loddon Shire councillors and MPs
“Subsequently, the State Government elected to build and operate a facility in Wedderburn, however, the needs in our community remain unmet.”
Dr Higgs said there were three
keys to providing Inglewood with long day care - changes to the federal funding model to meet unique needs of rural communities, a facility and trained staff.
He said the bank board wanted to work with Loddon Shire “to advocate for a funding model that caters for the needs of small ru-
Yes, let’s work together for better
LODDON Shire says it will work with the community bank in continuing local advocacy for a rural funding model for child care.
Chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said council strongly supported the bank’s ongoing efforts to lobby both state and federal governments for the necessary funding to build and operate childcare facilities within the Loddon Shire, addressing the current child care desert.
“We believe that a collaborative effort is essential to ensure all residents have access to highquality early childhood services,”
he said. “The responsibility for building and operating child care facilities rests with the State and Commonwealth Governments.
“Council has long advocated for the government to invest in this service within our municipality and was pleased with the announcement from the Victorian government to build and operate a facility at Wedderburn which will open in 2026.”
Mr Fitzgerald said councillors councillors resolved last September to prioritise advocacy for child care as part of the 2024 priorities document.”
GOULBURN Murray Water will waive the application fee for farmers hit with irrigation water rationing if they vary or transfer delivery shares.
GMW’s backflip comes a fortnight after Loddon irrigators questioned the fee as rationing looms in the Boort and Pyramid Hill districts. Transfer fees and the lack of flexibility and guarantee of regaining delivery share next season were key sticking points at the briefing in Boort.
In the past two weeks
GMW says it has received 374 orders for 8153 ML in the Loddon Valley area. During the same period in 2024 GMW received 308 orders for 6138 ML.
General manager water distribution services Warren Blyth said: “Water orders tend to peak in autumn, and we expect that in some parts of our system, orders may exceed what our channel network is capable of delivering.
ral communities to run the facility sustainably” and to lobby for state and federal funding to build a centre in Inglewood.
The board had agreed to provide funding to training local people as child educators on top of the $250,000 towards the facility.
model: council
The priorities document includes the following summary:
Rural Child care Model in the northern part of the Shire – Rural funding model to attract long day care providers to the northern area of the shire.
Availability of childc are has been identified as a high priority for parents, caregivers and services providers for many years.
With the announcement of the upcoming child care centre in Wedderburn 2026 is a significant step forward, continuous advocacy is necessary to ensure that families in the northern part of
the municipality have access to the long daycare services they need.
Government investment is sought for a rural funding model to attract long day care providers to the area. Council has produced a childcare feasibility business case which identifies a model that would allow the development of viable, reliable and sustainable long day care options in small rural communities.
Mr Fitzgerald said councillors had discussed the community bank’s $250,000 pledge at a meeting last month.
“If water demand does reach the levels we are expecting, a rationing cycle will help ensure all customers receive a fair supply, based on their delivery share, as we manage congestion,” Mr Blyth said.
“If GMW does go into a rationing cycle in the Boort or Pyramid Hill areas, messages will be updated on WaterLINE – the platform irrigators use to order water – notifying customers ahead of any changes to arrangements that may be made.
“GMW has been closely monitoring demand in the Boort and Pyramid Hill areas and has been in regular contact with customers who are most likely to be affected by channel capacity issues.”
Licence granted
TRANSMISSION Company Victoria will gain the right to enter properties after it was granted a transmission licence. Essential Services Commission on Monday said it had granted the VNI West renewable energy transmission company a licence last week.
Pushing for child care in Inglewood ... Prue Milgate with son Darcy, Stewart Luckman, Annie Higgs, Rob Leach, Jill Burdett and bank chairman Linda Younghusband. LH PHOTO
Compost fire jumps road
FIRE that spread from an organic waste processing plant at Newbridge on Saturday is under investigation by owners.
A compost heap fire at BioGro jumped Yorkshire Road and created a 1km-long front fanned by strong winds after 4pm.
More 30 CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria units were involved fighting the fire that started late Saturday afternoon. A chopper made several dumps to stop the spread.
Loddon brigades were supported by units from Bendigo including Maiden Gully and Eaglehawk.
CFA Loddon South group officer Tim Ferguson said 85 hectares of farmland had been burnt.
He said the fire was believed to have been started when piles of organic compost at the BioGro facility self-combusted.
CFA units had the fire under control more than an hour after being called to Yorkshire Road and brigades were mopping up by 7.15pm as BioGro had an excavator separating smouldering piles of organic waste and pouring water onto flames.
Volunteer CFA units were refilling tankers from the BioGro water storage tanks.
A police roadblock had been in place at the intersection of Yorkshire Road and Bridgewater-Maldon Road.
Powecor arrived about 7.30pm to switch off electricity. The burning piles of organic waste were within metres of a power pole.
Smoke continued to drift across the district Saturday night as relief crews arrived to monitor smouldering piles.
BioGro’s business relations manager Patricia Scott said: “Bio Gro’s fire emergency plan was activated when the fire started in one of the onsite maturation blocks.
“Fire crews from the local brigade, along with Bio Gro’s local and South Australian staff and contractors from the Bendigo area, responded quickly to the call.
“The fire was extinguished Saturday night using water and turn in methods and while no injuries were reported, a Bio
VEC catches up with errant voters
PLEASE explain letters are in the mail to people who did not vote in last October’s Loddon Shire Council elections.
They will be among more than half a million people across Victoria being asked to explain why they should not be fined $99.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said the Victorian Electoral Commission wanted people who receive a notice to respond with a detailed explanation “as the VEC is required to issue a fine of $99 if a person fails to respond in writing within 28 days”.
“An ‘apparent failure to vote notice’ is not a fine – it’s a chance to explain why you appear not to have voted,’ Mr Bluemmel said.
:If you respond to the notice in writing with a valid reason and evidence, you are much more likely to be excused.
“Completing and sending the notice back to us within the 28-day timeframe gives us a chance to consider your explanation and whether you can be excused.”
Gro excavator was damaged along with minor damage to neighbouring paddocks and fence lines. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but please be assured that all actions were swiftly handled as per Bio Gro’s fire emergency protocols.”
South Australia-owned BioGro took over the 400-acre organics facility in Newbridge in 2022.
The company says it processes more than 300,000 tonnes of organic material to create products for the horticulture, viticulture, agriculture and landscape market.
Local volunteers refill tankers before returning to the fire front. LH PHOTO
An excavator opens up a smuldering organic waste compost block at Newbridge after selfcombusting on Saturday. LH PHOTO
Friends in toast to legend Ray
LIVING legend Ray Tonkin last week brouight friends together to celebrate his 95th birthday. The Wedderburn identity was acknowledged for decades of work in the community and acting as a mentor to young generations.
Among those paying tribute to Ray for “another year around the sun” were Loddon Mayor Dan Straub and Wedderburn Ward councillor Gavan Holt.
VICTORIA
Ray said he was pleased to share the celebrations with friends from Wedderburn and district communities.
Opt-in to avoid new tax
increasing rates of natural disasters “like VICSES and CFA”.
The fund will replace the fire services levy from July 1 and exemption will be on the volunteer’s primary place of residents.
The Government has been criticised for delays on detail for the new tax amid revelations that only a third of almost $15 million collected from Loddon Shire ratepayers in the last decade has been returned to support local fire brigades.
The new tax will be almost double the old levy with the State Government saying funding is aimed at helping those emergency services most impacted by the
“An exemption from the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will be provided for active and life member volunteers with the Country Fire Authority and Victoria State Emergency Service on their primary place of residence, such as a house or farm,” the government said this week.
“This is in addition to other significant tax benefits provided to primary production land - including a full exemption from land tax.
only one property within the enterprise, instead of one for every property.”
Farmers fear they face a doubling or tripling of the tax under the new fund that the State Government will make local councils collect as part of rates.
VICTORIA HOTEL
PYRAMID HILL
“Additionally, farmers with multiple properties that operate as a single enterprise may already be eligible for a single farm enterprise exemption, which means they may pay the fixed charge on
And Loddon Mayor Dan Straub last week told the Loddon Herald the low return on levies collected over the past decade from local property owners pointed to country Victoria being used as a “milking cow” by the Government.
VICTORIA
HOTEL
A Government spokesperson said: “Our emergency services put their lives on the line without a second thought. This package is about making sure they have what they need to keep all of
1874
every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a
Trading hours
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
us safe including more funding, more trucks and the latest technology.”
“Every single dollar raised by the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will go back into our emergency services.”
“The volunteer exemption sees brigades and members recognised for the work they do in their community,” the spokesperson said.
The Government did not respond to questions on when local councils would receive details about the new fund.
Loddon Shire said it was waiting on information about the exemption process and the Government is yet to tell volunteers how the scheme will work. CFA members are also waiting for advice.
Neighbours coy on collection
THE State Government could be collecting more in fire services levies from Loddon Shire than its neighbours.
But while Loddon Shire last week released a breakdown of levies the Government makes it collect, neighbouring councils have been coy.
Central Goldfields said: “Given the money goes straight to State Government we’ll leave you to chase it up with them.” That council’s last financial statement showed $383,000 still held in trust indicating a possible $1.5 million levy hit in 2023-2024. Loddon Shire last year collected $2.4 million. Gannawarra Shire also did not release its annual collection total while the State Government did not respond to a request for a breakdown of levies collected by newighbouring shires.
Lunch from 12.00pm
Trading hours
Dinner from 6.00pm
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Pot’n’Parma Night
Thursday – Open Midday
Dinner from 6.00pm Social Darts Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Friday – Open Midday
Dinner from 6.00pm Trivia Night
Lunch from 12.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm With Hot Bar Snacks,
Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm
Pot’n’Parma Night
Thursday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Saturday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Friday –
Nonagenarian Ray Tonkin is joined by Anne and John Donaldson at the celebrations. LH PHOTO
Elias sings from the heart
THE heart has guided Elias Lanyon in writing the lyrics of his first professional-release single I’ve Ran Out of Tears.
The Boort singing sensation shared the story of his latest composition before taking the stage for its official release at Jarklin on Friday night.
A busload of family and friends had arrived from Boort to grow the crowd of music fans to several hundred.
Among them were Elias’ mates, friends sharing a bond and understanding the power of the lyrics he had penned for the song recently recorded in a Melbourne studio.
“I didn’t think about it, the words just happened,” Elias said.
“That’s what was going through my head at the time and from watching how people were effected,” he said of the sudden loss last year of a special person in the
lives of family and friends. He said the song had a “lot of meaning behind it. It was written after we lost someone pretty prominent in our community that meant a lot to all of us and these are the words that just poured out of me when I was feeling all of the emotions”.
“I hope listeners can find something to relate to within this song.”
The song starts with the words
I’ve ran out of tears, Don’t know what time is,This is how it feels to lose a brother , I can’t believe that you’re gone, You won’t pick up the phone, I wish I could’ve known how to fix this.
Elias, who last year wowed judges on national television, has a solid diary of gigs to start the year including performances in Charlton, Swan Hill and Barham.
The new single is available online.
The State Labor Government is helping local families with the cost of living.
$400 School Saving Bonus
$200 Kids Sport Vouchers
Free kinder for 3 and 4-year-olds, saving families up to $2,500 a year
Free dental care for kids
Free glasses for kids who need them
Free L and P Plates
Free car rego for apprentices, saving up to $865 a year
Free TAFE Find out more at marthahaylett.com.au
Accelerator on earlier licence call
YOUNGSTERS could be on the road sooner if a petition to lower the driving age is backed by the State Government, Northern Victoria Region MP Gaelle Broad wants to reduce the minimum probationary drivers’ licence age from 18 to 17, matching other Australian states.
Ms Broad has launched a petition for the change after being contacted by many young people, parents and grandparents keen to see the probationary driving age reduced.
“I raised the issue in Parliament ... but was told the Minister had safety concerns with the idea.
“As a parent of two P-platers and one L-plater, I agree that safety is crucial, and training is vitally important to ensure our young people are ready for the responsibility of driving solo. Any road accident statistic is a bad one, regardless of your age,” Ms Broad said.
“But in Victoria right now you need to do more training to serve coffee than you do to drive on our roads. We require learner drivers to record 120 hours of driving in a logbook, but unless they have someone teaching them properly, at the end of it they may still not know how to park a car.”
Josh Patterson, Ollie Toose, Jett Hird, Brady Whykes, Ryan Brown and Liam Baker joins Elias (centre) at Friday’s launch.
LH PHOTO
TCV’s regional pop-ups recommence in February 2025
Community members can meet the TCV team in towns across the region in February and March, as the regional pop-ups program resumes.
TCV will rotate between Charlton, Kerang, Boort, Donald and Stawell each week, hearing from community members directly, responding to questions and sharing project information.
Drop in for a casual chat, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the project with our engagement team.
Please note that these dates are subject to change, please check the TCV website for more details.
All welcome!
Boort
Date
Wednesday, February 19
Wednesday, February 26
Wednesday, March 5
Wednesday, March 12
Wednesday, March 19
TimeLocation
10amOutside IGA, 96 Godfrey St, Boort
Visit www.transmissionvictoria.com.au/ landholders-community/community-events or scan the QR code to the right for more information about the regional pop-up events.
Carly wants to keep
‘the bastards honest’
FORMER Loddon Shire Council candidate Carly Noble is making a tilt for the Senate.
The Arnold farmer was on Monday named as No 2 candidate on the Australian Democracts ticket for the federal election expected to be called within days.
Mrs Noble last October ran as a candidate for the Tarnagulla Ward in the council election, where she received 12.33 per cent of votes.
She said: “I stand firm on valuing evidence-based science and problem solving, as well as fairness, transparency and accountability
“I am a long-time advocate for policies that minimise the effects of climate change on farmers and am a proud supporter of Farmers for Climate Action.”
Heading the Democrats’ ticket will be Seaford’s Heath McKenzie, a business development manager for a major producer of vegetable seedlings, which supplies farmers around Australia.
The party was formed by former Liberal minister Don Chipp in 1976 with the slogan
“keep the bastards honest” and held the balance of power in the Senate for several years.
A Democrat has not been elected to the Senate since the defeat of Lynn Allison in 2007.
Mrs Noble lives and farms at Arnold with her husband and three children breeding dual purpose cattle.
She said she aimed to be a strong advocate for the domestic supply chain and its importance to farmers around Australia and was passionate about promoting the mental health and wellbeing of rural and regional farming communities.
An agribusiness consultant and voluntary agri-food advocate with the City of Gastronomy in Bendigo, Mrs Noble said: “For the economy to remain strong we do need a plan that builds sustainability and resilience across the whole agri-food industry in Australia. I am a long-time circular economy student and continue to promote the importance that recycling offers within industries”.
Fire engulfs weatherboard farm house
AN 80-YEAR-OLD house has been destroyed by fire.
CFA units from Pyramid Hill, Boort, Lodon Vale, Yarrawalla and Mitiamo were called to the blaze on Boort-Pyramid Hill Road, Durham Ox, last Wednesday afternoon.
Pyramid Hill captain Steve Mann said the house had been unoccupied for several years but was being tidied by new resi-
dents. “They were outside tidying the yard, looked around and saw flames,” he said.
Mr Mann said flames had fully engulfed the weatherboard house, believed to be 80 years old, when brigades arrived. Fire had also spread to grass around the house.
However, Mr Mann said investigators had probed the fire and there were believed to be no suspicious circumstances.
Making a tilt for the Senate ... Arnold’s Carly Noble
Totally destroyed ... the scene as firefighters arrived
Extended duck season draws ire of activists Tower upgrade delayed a week
DUCK hunters will have a longer season and a bigger bag limit this year.
Last Friday’s State Government announcement had been applauded by hunters but condemned by activists opposed to the duck shooting.
The season will start on March 19 and hundreds of shooters are expected to again be on northern Loddon wetlands in what the shire council has said is an annual economic boost for the region.
The start time is 8:00am for the first five days of the season, after which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise until June 9.
The 2025 daily bag limit is nine ducks, and seven duck game species can be hunted. The blue-winged shoveler cannot be hunted this season, and the use of lead shot for quail hunting is also banned.
This year is the first time the Adaptive Harvest Management model has been used to guide the daily bag limit in Victoria, with the modelling tailored to the state’s conditions, habitats and species, according to the government.
New hunters must complete online knowledge training and testing – including Aboriginal cultural awareness training – as part of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan. All hunters renewing their licence from 2026 will also be required to complete this training.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said: “Duck hunting is a legitimate activity that matters to thousands of Victorians and we’re making sure it can continue sustainably and responsibly –backed by science.”
“Our wounding reduction action plan will improve animal welfare and is a significant step to make sure recreational hunting can continue sustainably in Victoria.”
Victorian Duck Hunters’ Association’s Danny Ryan said that with good seasonal conditions hunters could take to the field
Adaptive Harvest Management model
“with confidence, continuing long held traditions, enhance familial bonds, harvest free range game and importantly contribute to regional economies”.
“The world class leading science developed by the Victorian Game Management Authority and Arthur Rylah Institute using Australian data and experience in a highly technical scientific approach to season settings and bag limits all while maintaining a safe, sustainable and responsible harvest is applauded,” he said.
The Coalition Against Duck Shooting, a group that has protested around Boort
lands, this government thumbs its nose at the Victorian public.
“This unwanted activity happens in our communities. The needs and living standards of Australians have changed since the 1950s. There is a reasonable public expectation that our laws be updated to reflect these standards and shooting our native birds for pleasure is just not on in 2025.”
“Less than half of one percent of the population shoot birds for recreation. But the carnage caused to others is signifi cant,” Ms McCann said.
UPGRADE works at Telstra’s Dingee tower have been delayed to Tuesday.
Work was to have started on this week but Telstra regional manager Steve Tinker said “unforeseen circumstances” had pushed back the start.
There will be no Telstra mobile coverage during the day from Tuesday to Friday next week.
“The site will be restored at the end of each day,” Mr Tinker said.
The network will continue to operate on the weekend of March 1 and 2. Mr Tinker said there would be further interruptions during the day on MArch 6 and 7 for call testing and integration of the network.
The tower will be upgraded to 5G.
You are invited to to the KWN International on Wednesday the 5th of March Time: 6:00 pm - 6:15 pm arrival
Location:The Bridgewater Hotel
RSVP: 1/ 3/ 25 to Sue Brown at 0409 198 974
The theme this year is March Forward Kate Mannix, AFS CEO will speak about Marching Forward……….
Kate was appointed CEO of AFS in 2017 after a decade with the firm, working in audit, establishing the share registry department, and serving as General Manager Corporate Services. She previously gained experience at PwC and Blockbuster Australia.
Kate is dedicated to making AFS the preferred accounting firm for clients and an employer of choice, while also advocating for business growth in Central Victoria.
Beyond work, she supports her three children and volunteers as Secretary at Lockwood Tennis Club and with the Marong Football Netball Club.
Professional Involvement: Member, Bendigo Health Fundraising Advisory Board Regional Chair, Victorian Chamber Regional Advisory Committee, Australian Institute of Company Directors Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors Member, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Community lines up to support Keeble family
A COMMUNITY walk led to a morning of line dancing, traditional games and cakes as Wedderburn rallied to support the family of a toddler who died in a New Year caravan fire.
More than 100 people were part of Sunday’s fundraiser organised by the town’s community house and Rejoov hair salon committee to support Lori and Ben Keeble.
Lori has been a hairdresser at the community enterprise salon since its opened six years ago, with breaks for the birth of her children, including son Carter, 4, who died in the tragic fire in Boort in early January.
“Everyone here is quite close to Lori and we are here to show support,” said organiser Jess Polkinghorne.
She said the community and district communities had been
generous in donating raffle prizes. “The whole concept has been to be family orientated including people bringing a plate of food for morning tea,” she said.
Line dancing was run by DedeJo Williams with many in the crowd donning cowboy hats in tribute to Carter.
Robyn Vella, who along with Alex Holt helped Jess put the morning together, said: “Lori is a part of our community and we adore her.”
She said the morning raised funds to allow Lori to stay at home while grieving with her family “knowing people love and support them”.
Sunday’s event acted as a fundraiser for the Keeble family. An earlier public appeal after the January 2 fire raised more than $72,000 to assist the family with “financial breathing room”.
TCV will pop in every week
TRANSMISSION Company Victoria will start popping up every week in communities along the preferred route of the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line.
Weekly consultation sessions are planned for Boort, Charlton, Kerang, Donald and Stawell from this week.
TCV spokesperson Claire Cass said sessions were introduced last year in response to community feedback.
“In response to requests for a greater community presence and more opportunities to meet at convenient times, we introduced regular pop-up sessions last year, which were well attended by local residents,” Ms Cass said.
“Being present in local towns gives the broader community a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and stay informed about the project’s progress.” she said.
Blowout on VNI West link project
MEMBER for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says a 71 per cent blowout in the EnergyConnect transmission project demonstrates that the Government’s 28,000km of transmission lines will cost Australians “even more than existing eye-watering estimates”.
“The Albanese Government’s scheme includes 900km of the NSW-SA interconnector transmission lines which will now cost $1.5 billion more than expected,” she said. VNI West will link to Energy Connect.
website to view this month’s agenda
Council o ers live stream and on-demand access to Council Meetings, enabling members of the public to view proceedings via the Internet as an alternative to attending in person.
Visit, Council’s Facebook page at the time and date listed above to
Jess Polkinghorne ... community showing its love and support. LH PHOTO Alex Holt has people up dancing at Sunday’s fundraiser. LH PHOTO
Vanners’ vintage decade
GRAHAM Bradshaw said he felt something of an interloper in Bridgewater last week.
The retired timberyard worker from Maldon was making his first visit with van in tow for the annual vintage caravan weekend.
But Graham’s van, a 1950s style teardrop design, is only a few years old.
“I liked the idea of a caravan but it had to be small ... I’ve a small car and I wasn’t getting anything bigger,” Graham, said as he bumped in for the vintage weekend’s 10th anniversary in Bridgewater.
“So I made the teardrop and still have the same car.”
Graham said he spent three years assembling the caravan and then took it on a maiden trip to the Otways.,
“I visited Bridgewater last year and this year I’m back with the caravan,” he said.
“And it won’t be the last time ... the bakery is brilliant.”
Graham parked his van beside a more vintage teardrop version as hundreds of people with vans in tow, many behind veteran and classic cars, arrived at the caravan park.
Campers organised day trips around the Bridgewater and Inglewood districts, went lawn bowling and had an 80s-theme trivia night.
Billed as a private event, van owners set up stalls selling camping memorabilia and ephemera throughout the weekend as caravans from the 1950s and 1960s dominated the Bridgewater caravan park vista.
Storytime at the Inglewood Library returned on Tuesday with plenty of stories, singing and dancing with Ange Graystone. The seven children were enthralled by the whole experience, from listening to Ange read them Hairy Maclary to the monkey and crocodile puppets that
to the
FARMERS and families could now celebrate a huge costof-living win, after the Coalition forced the Federal Government to bin its bad fresh food tax, said Mallee MP Anne Webster.
She said the Coalition last week moved a successful motion in the Senate to remove the fresh food tax, known as the biosecurity protection levy, allowing common sense to prevail.
“Labor’s fresh food tax would have hurt families at the checkout, as well as 84 agricultural commodities that were facing $50 million in annual taxes under Labor to pay for the risks their competitors bring to our shores by importing from overseas,” Dr Webster said.
“In what parallel universe would a government charge its own farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks their competitors are creating?
“Labor’s fresh food tax was senseless given The Nationals offered sensible, better alternatives such as an importer container levy, which would charge importers to pay for biosecurity risks they create bringing produce into the country.
“However, Labor and the Greens haven’t ruled out taxing Australian agriculture and farmers in the future,” she said.
Graham Bradshaw debut’s his teardrop cravan at the vintage weekend in Bridgewater. LH PHOTO
Show that makes an impact
BRUSH novices and artists with international showings on their resume have shared top awards at the third annual Pyramid Hill Major’s Vision art show.
Several hundred people eagerly awaited the announcement of results in the memorial hall last Friday.
Surrounding them, a record 300 entries from 68 artists, on display a high standard of works that won praise from judge Joy Tatt and caught the eye of potential buyers.
Newbridge artist Teresa Siesmaa claimed her shared of $7000 in prizemoney for her painting titled Murrumbidgee Magic.
But it was Colin Brown’s Bunch of Rocks that keep drawing back Ms Tatt that was awarded top prize of $1500 for best in show.
He was in demand at the weekend, the Bendigo-based artist giving demonstrations of his art that captures the colours and variety of the Australian bush.
Pyramid Hill’s Indiana Eberle was one of two entrants recog-
nised by Ms Tatt in the indigenous section.
Former judges Terry Jarvis and Geoff Paynter were among artists from across Victoria with works on display.
Adam Place, representing sponsor Catalyst Metals, officially opened the show that was attended by Loddon Mayor Dan Straub and member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.
Mr Place said the show, organised by Pyramid Hill Progress Association, highlighted the “in-
credible creativity and talent that exists in country Victoria”.
He said Major’s Vision fostered a deep connection between art, people and their community and “inspire and provoke thought”.
Association president Drew Chislett praised the organising efforts of Terry Wood and Anne Grogram that had again encouraged high standard artists to enter the Pyramid Hill show.
Mr Wood said: “We have been absolutely thrilled with the number of entries. There is hardly a
spare spot in the hall ... we have even put entries on the stage.” Major awards - Best in show: Colin Brown. Ties to the Past: Geoff Paynter. Pyramid Hill and surrounds: Harold Beck. People and portraits: Des Lowry. Landscapes, seascapes, urbanscape: Teresa Siesmaa. Birds and animals: Robyn Clark. Still life and flowers: Alannah Cheshire. Indigenous art: Melanie Lane and Indiana Eberle. Region artist: Cindy Parker.
The show closes today.
Helen Stephens was the portrait prize winning subject
Organisers Anne Grogran, Drew Chislett and Terry Wood with Colin Brown’s best in show award. LH PHOTOS
Adam Place
Dan Straub with Teresa Siesmaa
Alannah Cheshire
Cindy Parker
Indiana Eberle (left) shows off her award-winning Indigenous art
We’re basin customers
too: Hosking
AGRICULTURE had to be considered in decisions about water in the Murray Darling Basin, new Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hoskling has told a region branch forum in St Arnaud.
More than 100 people attended the forum last Wednesday organised by Wedderburn and St Arnaud VFF branches.
Mr Hosking said basin decisions did not “consider us a customer ... they are only the environment and the Government.”
In one of his first major branch addresses since being elected last December, Mr Hosking spoke about securing a sustainable future for the state’s peak farmer organisations.
Mr Hosking said other groups had sprung up in the region as debate flared on renewable energy transmission lines, wind turbines and mineral sands mining.
He said those groups were were still needed.
“My intention is that the VFF
is there to support and advocate alongside you,” he said.
Mr Hosking said the VFF needed to better engage with peak national commodity groups and the new board was looking at funding mechanisms to make that happen.
“We’re looking at ways to add horsepower to commodities.”
He also said the state organisation was in a sound financial position despite challenges that included court battles in recent years.
His address at St Arnaud came hours after the Federal Government’s bid for a biosecurity tax had been rejected in Parliament.
“Withdrawal of the biosecurity tax is significant,” Mr Hosking said.
“We need a biosecurity tax but on the people creating the risknot farmers but those importing goods.
“That’s where the risk is being created but these people are not paying ... they need to be (made)
accountable as well,” Mr Hosking said.
Among motions the regional forum will send to state conference is a call for all wind turbines to be fitted with fire sensors and fire retardants, the fitting of slashing lights on the sides of freight trains and the vetoing of renewable energy projects on genuine food production land.
The meeting also voted to oppose Victoria’s emergency services and volunteers fund.
Bring back adequate service: Telcos told
REGIONAL farmers want the Victorian Farmers’ Federation to push for the return of adequate telecommunications in rural areas.
Wedderburn branch president Graham Nesbit gained the backing of last week’s regional meeting for a motion to go before the VFF state conference.
Mr Nesbit’s push also calls on telcos to foot the bill of new
booster services in country regions.
“The telcos are there to provide a service,” he said. “Between Wedderburn and St Arnaud there is now little mobile service.
“If this was Melbourne or Bendigo that wouldn’t happen. We are seeing agents’ calls dropping out as we try to do business.”
Mr Nesbit said connectivity had diminished since the end of 3G.
Presidents three ... Colin Coates (St Arnaud branch), Brett Hosking and Graham Nesbit (Wedderburn branch) at last week’s region forum in St Arnaud. LH PHOTO
WOOL REPORT
Despite many industry observers predicting a dearer market, based on overseas enquiry, the Australian wool market has defied predictions, recording losses across both selling days of the week, thus ending its strong opening to the 2025 calendar year. The higher prices on offer the previous week, encouraged some sellers back to the market, pushing the national offering up to 40,651 bales, including in this offering was 6.3% of wool that had been offered in a previous sale. On the first selling day the benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped by 9 cents, ending its run of four selling days of consecutive rises. This was followed by a further 14 cent drop on the second. The EMI fell by 23 cents for the series, closing at 1,192 cents. This was the highest weekly fall in the EMI since August last year (Week 9). Although the EMI lost ground this series, it is still trading higher for the calendar year. The EMI opened 2025 at 1,154 cents, meaning it is 38 cents higher for the year, an increase of 3.3%. Understandably, the softer market was met with seller resistance, pushing the passed in rate up to 14.0%. This was the highest passed in rate since August 2023 when it was 15.3%, by comparison during that series the EMI dropped by 36 cents. The total dollar amount of wool sold so far in this season continues to track well below that of the previous season. Season to date there has been $1,186 million worth of wool sold at auction, this is $204 million below last season, a drop of 14.7%. This fall tracks closely with the overall fall in the national offering, which has reduced by 15.8%. The weaker market has not been a major deterrent and this week’s national offering is expected to rise. There are currently 44,748 bales rostered in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.
Source: AWEX
109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM
Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 8648 5816
Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064
Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333
Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior
Agronomist | 0408 188 351
Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044
Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
SHEEP AND LAMBS
LAMB supply held at 15,000 head at Bendigo on Monday but sheep numbers nearly halved down to 5900 head.
The lamb market was erratic, some sales $15 to $30 dearer than a week ago but other lambs just holding firm in a sale which was difficult to follow at times.
Overall there was enough dearer results across the auction to lift overall lamb averages by $8 to $20/head. It is worth noting that a lot of dearer outcomes were driven by just a handful of buyers, with the rest of the buying group not actively participating at the higher rates. Another market mover of note was light Merino lambs which were significantly dearer in places amid stronger MK processing orders.
Heavy export lambs sold from $237 to a top of $285/head. Heavy crossbred lambs, 26-30kg cwt, ranged from $203 to $276/ head and this was a slot that had hits and misses depending on lamb shape and presentation. Heavy trade lambs $189 to $218/ head with one domestic order very strong late in the auction on any better quality types. Medium trades $174 to $204/head and light trades mostly $150 to $165/head.
The estimate for good processing lambs was 780c to 850c/kg cwt and even higher at times, but noting there was still some handy lambs in the 720c to 770c/kg price range. Light lambs were dearer at $115 to $150/head across a mix of crossbreds and Merinos. There wasn’t a lot of quality store lambs available and any decent lines were well supported by feeders.
The talking point in the sheep run was a rebound in value for light mutton which lifted by up to $30/head on the dull outcome of a week ago. Light sheep $59 to $78/head. Heavy mutton was firm to dearer with not as much weight or condition across the yarding. Most heavy Merino and
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
crossbred sheep $105 to $145/head with some big Merino wethers topping at $161/ head. Better lines of mutton were estimated at 380c to 440c/kg cwt.
DORPER LAMB
WM & AM Hannasby Barham (13) $185. SHORN LAMBS
JR & KA Kennedy Pyramid Hill (33) $240. N & M Hocking Pyramid Hill (17) $199.
CROSSBRED SUCKERS
N & D Humbert Dingee (16) $240. C Gale Talamba (11) $183. WI Gould & Son Woosang (53) $160. WOOLY SUCKERS
Jason Bourke Moama (26) $260. PA Bourke Moama (28) $210.
CROSSBRED LAMBS PA Condely Lake Meran (27) $285. Bennalong Ag Cobramunga (42) $283. Lislea Lodge Picola (150) $281. DJ &
BENDIGO
Farm sells after auction
FARMLAND at Burkes Flat has been sold for the first time in 125 years.
FP Nevins and Co, Inglewood, last Thursday auctioned the 367acre property on Burkes FlatWedderburn Road.
Bidding started with a vendor offer of $3000 an acre before the property, including the 1880s cottage, was passed in.
A later offer of $2700 came after the hammer fell.
Auctioneer Luke Nevins said the property was sold after auc-
tion for an undislcosed price to a local buyer.
More than 20 people attended the auction on behalf of the estate of Eileen Perry.
The property had been bought by her father James O’Brien in 1900 after moving from Orville, near Rheola where he had ran the post office and store and a chaff plant that was taken to work on farms in the district.
The Burkes Flat property, known as Perry’s House, is subdivided into three paddocks, has
dams and is near the GWM pipeline.
Mr Nevins described the property as 85 per cent arable, gently undulating Mallee loams to clay base, some stone/ shale on rises and with excellent fencing.
He said the auction had been a historic day with the property held by one family for more than a century.
Last week’s sale continues the record of district properties remaining tightly held by local owners.
Calls to delay caged egg phase out
VICTORIAN Farmers Federation has callied on the State and Federal Governments to pause the proposed national phaseout of conventional cages by 2036 until a reliable supply of eggs to the community and businesses can be guaranteed.
VFF Egg Group President Meg Parkinson said: “Recurring avian influenza outbreaks has demonstrated the need for a robust and resilient egg industry. We need
Last November, the historic 1305-acre Longview property at Fernihurst sold at auction for $5.1 million.
It was the first time in 152 years the property had been on the market as Rob and Colleen Coutts prepare for retirement.
Successful bidder was neighbour and Concordia Merino Stud owner Bob Rollinson. Mr Rollinson paid $3900 an acre for the main Longview property that includes the historic Coutts family home dating from the 1870s.
a supply chain that is designed with consumers in mind and their needs.”
This supply chain, she says includes eggs from all production systems, enabling consumers to choose how their eggs are produced and at the same time ensuring supply of eggs is as resilient as possible.
“Australian egg farmers invest considerably in strict biosecurity protocols and uphold world-leading animal welfare standards.”
Nevins’ Nicholas Pickering chats with Gary Perry before last Thursday’s auction. LH PHOTO
CLEARING SALE
Tractors & Vehicles New holland 8970 4 WD Tractor 240 HP (3400 hrs.), Case IH JX 1090U with LSX F.E.L, FWA (3700 hrs.) bucket & forks, Inter Acco 2150 B Tray truck with 555 Cummins V8 (Reg’d, no RWC), 20’ tray & bulk bin, 20’ cattle crate, UD single axle prime mover with 30’Borcat aluminum tug bogie trailer (Reg’d, no RWC), 98 Suzuki stockman 2 door Ute with tray, (Reg’d no RWC), 87 Ford Courier XL 4WD Ute (Reg’d, no RWC) Farm Machinery Shearer 33 Tyne scarifier, Inter 511 28 run combine with SSB, Horwood Bagshaw 45’ harrows, Alfarm 40’ cultivator bar, 30’ Ackland bar, Farmall 10’ land grader, Daken 6’ slasher, 3PL channel crowder, 12’ rubber tyre roller, Vicon super spreader (3PL), Gibson 16’ Cultivator bar, UFO twin disc 3PL mower 6’ 9” cut, Rawlins cultipac roller, Goldacres Ute spray unit, 1000 Ltr portable fuel tank, 3PL jib, old Mitsubishi generator, 5” riverside pump, NH Bale loader Livestock, Grain holding & Seed Keogh 45’ x9” Auger w 20 HP Kohler motor, Keogh 35’ x 7” & Honda GX 90 motor, Bromar MF 36 multifeeder trailer (as new), Sherwell 15 bag grain feeder trailer, Bromar Superior stock feeders (8), Venning’s 14’ box grouper & Hobbs hoist, Lyco dominator electric wool press, hay ring, 22 panel portable yards / draft, mobile bagging bin, Oregon wool table 10’ x 5’, Cain wool baskets on wheels x 6, sheep cradle, 200 bags Spartacus barley & 200 bags Matika oats (cleaned w pickled), 2.5 Ton MD vetch, Qty bale hooks, Coutts cattle feeder on wheels, Sunbeam Dble end grinder
Fencing 3PL post hole digger, Qty 7’ x 8’ concrete strainer posts, Gal Iron stays, 240 new Gal Iron posts, 8 coils 7-line Ringlock, wire spinners (plain & barb), 550 steel droppers, 14’ & 12’ gates, Qty treated pine posts, fence strainers
Collectables 4 x Furphy water tanks excellent condition dating 1895 to 1943 – all with lids & taps, Qty Furphy wheels, Furphy pig trough, Avery platform scales / weights, Swage block & molds, CI render tub missionary CI pot, Burgin ball friction wheels x 8, Burgin ball shearing grinder, 4 HP Southern Cross stationary engine, Qty Furphy wheel bearings & McKay butterfly hinges, large Anvil, Butter churn, Qty Sunshine gates (various models), Sunshine Wheels, Dawn drill, leg vices (3), Trawella jack, Robinson harrow leaf, Sandstone wheel, Jas Smith grain grister, old wagon chain, CI stovetops/ doors, Ajax wool box, MH sickle mower, Mulboard ploughs, 2 x Woden jacks, Sharmango manual blower, Smith Windmill air valve, old McKay plough, old Jenkins & Berger scarifier, Broad axe, Bag trolley, Stillards, Qty Cast Iron post & Stone jars, Haymes, Lister O/H shearing plant (3), Vanguard wheel cover, Qty Blacksmiths tools
Sundries Aluminum painter ladders & trestles, 3PL Ripper, Concrete mixer, Polymaster water trough, air compressor, Qty rubber mating, Qty ½” Rod & Flat Steel, 8” steel strap, 50mm tube, Qty sundry steel / iron, Bluestone slabs, large 21’ steel H iron plank, host of sundries to numerous to mention.
Terms Numbers system operating, ID required, cash / cheque/ EFTPOS available. GST applies. No buyers premium
Photos www.fpnevins.com.au
Further Particulars Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166
Robert Coutts 03 5455 2129
A/C Mal Chambers
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT 2012 Jeantil Eva 15-12 manure spreader, Leith spreader
8T, 2 X Cat 920 Artic F.E.L, 7’ X 8’ Buckets (1 working, 1 blown motor), 04 Holden Rodeo 4X4 Ute with 7’ X 6’ steel tray & 2 tool boxes, 77 Acco 1810A twin axel truck tray with 18’ X 7’ steel tray & hoist, old comer truck & tray frame, 52 Dodge tray truck (Parts), 18’ X 7’ grain bin, Tri- Axle plant trailer 25.5’ X 8’ with Hydraulic Ramps (Not Registered), Single axle plant trailer (21’ X 7’ Not Registered), Major 8’ X 5’ tandem trailer, Inter 711 Harvester with 16’ comb front, 18’ Inter Comb front, Inter 711 Header (parts only), 65 MF Tractor with F.E.L, Chamberlain C6100 tractor with Gason cab (not going), Hyd remotes & PTO, Class 630 4X4 Tractor with remotes/ PTO, Chamberlain 9G Tractor (Not running), 30Ft 13 Leaf harrow bar, Ryan 30’ folding cultivator bar, Chamberlain 24 & 28 row combines with SSB, Sunshine 10 plate offset disc, Hardi 2000 Lt 35’ boom spray, HB 25 spring tyne scarifier, Rear loading “Grainline” tipper Auger with 6.5 HP Honda motor (new), HB clover harvester, 6’ Howard slasher, 3PL Lely 328 disc mower, 3pl 7’ Grader Blade, 3PL 6 wheel hay rake, 2 X Sunbeam Shearing plants, Ajax wool press (2), Morton baker wool press, Quantity rear tractor tyres.
SUNDRIES Quintex boat with 7 HP mercury motor, Murray’s double camper unit (Fits rodeo), Mobilco swing saw/ Tungsten Tip black & Wisconsin, 8HP motor, belt driver saw bench/ Tungsten tip black, concrete pipes 8’ (4), DH Fuel tank, 4-wheel Mulholland plough (Parts), dune buggy with VW motor, 6 X railway line sleepers, 2 X stone wheels, quantity steel wheels/ rims. “Silvan” Elec 400 Ltr fuel jack with new pump. Host sundries too numerous to particularize.
Terms Numbers system operating, ID required, cash / cheque/ EFTPOS if available. GST applies. No buyers premium
Directions Turn off Loddon Valley Highway into Chambers Road, first house on the right
Photos www.fpnevins.com.au
Further Particulars
Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166
Vendor: Mal Chambers 0427 375 263
FOR LEASE BY TENDER - “JACKEL’S”
– Nine Mile District 853.46
16 paddocks approximately
Dams in all paddocks, GWM Pipeline connected
Some store, Ironstone, Buckshot
Self mulching grey loams
Undulating country
Improvements:
2 stand shearing shed & yards 18m x 9m
Gal Iron machinery shed 45m x 10m
3 x Macey silos totalling 600 bags each
years plus 2 year option Payments to be made quarter
Tenders close:Thursday 20th February @ 3pm at iinglewood Office, 92 Brooke Street
Lease Commences: 1st March 2025
Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted
Suitable for cereal/Fodder,
Excess farming clearing sale
Avoca Forest, St Arnaud (Vic)
INSPECTION DATES: 19th & 24th of Feb, 9am - 12pm.
BIDDING STARTS: Friday, 28th February 2025 at 10am and closes Friday, March 6th at 7pm.
List can be viewed: https://driscolldouglaseast.com.au/property/clearing-sale-avoca-forest-logan/
Bidding on Nasco website: https://nasco.bidsonline.com.au/catalogue-group.aspx?chid=503&BID=
-Fixed price offering, $60 plus GST per acre per annum.
-Shearing shed and sheep yards available.
FOR INSPECTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: BRETT DOUGLAS 0447 162 455.
'Offers to Lease' to be emailed to: brett@driscollag.com.au or delivered to 5938 Sunraysia Highway, St Arnaud VIC 3478
This beautifully presented 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house is perfect for families seeking comfort, convenience and style. This property offers exceptional value in a desirable location. Fully fenced, outdoor living, remote controlled garage, spacious living areas and ducted heating. Contact
FEATURES | OPINION & QUIZ
Can’t hose down poor return fears
Where is the the fire services levy money really going? Asks Chris Earl
FIFTEEN million dollars ... that’s a lot of money handed over to the State Government over the last decade through the fire services levy.
This tax - call it a fund, a levy, a contribution, it’s still a tax - was designed to support volunteer fire brigades and firefighters.
If that $15 million collected from property owners in a decade was invested in local brigades, there would not be trucks approaching double the average life still stored at Loddon fire stations, engines started by farmers when the pager calls them to action.
There would not be delays in building the much-promised (and supposedly funded) new fire station at Serpentine. A station, as reported in last week’s Loddon Herald that will be an 18-month construction period and cost double the last new station opened in Inglewood five years ago.
There would be even more sophisticated equipment kept in the Loddon Shire, instead of being called in from larger centres.
So where is the money, your money that Loddon Shire is instructed by the State Government to collect, going after it lands in the wallets of the bureauracy?
Surely, as Mayor Dan Straub pondered last week, Spring Street is not simply using country communities as a milking cow?
The Government has ducked, so far, from revealing just how much it rakes in through the fire
services levy from the Loddon Shire and adjoining municipalities.
Perhaps release of that data would trigger more questions from residents who are about to see the levy axed, replaced by a fund where their required contribution will double.
That just an estimated third of money from this area has been returned is reason enough for alarm. The prudent and diligent will naturally ask questions.
What percentage is going towards bureaucrats and bureaucratic functions?
Before 2013, insurance companies were required to pay the Victorian Government a fire services contribution each financial year based o premiums it collected from its customers, a change that came from the Black Saturday Royal Commission recommendations.
The Department of Treasury and Finance, in trying to sell the new emergency services and volunteers fund, says: “Time and time again, Victorian State Emergency Service volunteers have stepped up to keep Victorians safe from natural disasters.
“But in recent years, we’ve seen increasing floods and storms, and the lasting devastation they bring.
“Between 2009 and 2013, VICSES averaged roughly 20,000 callouts a year. Over the last three years, they’ve averaged about 35,000.”
yOuR ONLINE wORDS
LODDON VaLLEy FOOTbaLL TO INTRODuCE uNDER 12s
Tracey Cox wrote: Half-time senior games for under 12s is a great idea to kickstart young kids, beyond Auskick in the LVFL.From there you can form the building blocks for more junior footy teams.
KyLIE TuRNER ON NaTIONaL POST OFFICE COuNCIL
Bev Taig wrote: Well done! This is fantastic news! Your hard work and dedication have really paid off.
You should be incredibly proud of yourself.
Jen Lockwood wrote: Congratulations Kylie you’re so deserving of this and your such a lovely lady.
Lyn Hecker wrote: Well done Kylie.
LEVy INEQuITy: FRaCTION OF FIRE SERVICE TaX COMES baCK
Peter Bell wrote: What would you except once the Government are involved in charging taxes? They think that they have the right to take a dip into the levy funds. The grab for cash.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
OPINION PIECES
The Loddon Herald welcomes receiving opinion pieces for consideration of publication. These pieces should be no more than 800 words and should be discussed with the editor before submission.
1. From which language does the word ‘graffiti’ come?
2. Which famous brewery comes from Dublin?
And it adds: “This will bring Victoria’s funding arrangements for emergency services into line with other states.”
Honorable sentiments, maybe. But what was once funded by the Government - other emergency services and functions - will be funded by a new, bigger tax.
And just how much better will country volunteers be? The available figures we analysed for last week’s article on levy inequity, indicates, at the very best, local brigades will still be in the catchup cycle. And the worst scenario, possibly more money diverted from volunteer fire brigades, and the SES, towards the functions of paid staff in other emergency areas.
What was once the beacon of country spirit and volunteeringthe CFA - some critics say, was diluted when Fire Rescue Victoria picked up more functions outside of Melbourne.
If this new tax is required to meet a larger wages bill, at least the Government could be transparent. And then people would know more of where their money is going and the true outcome of an organisational restructure.
But the current blanket and bland hyperbole of supporting volunteers will struggle to fly when put beside the historic return on taxation delivered for brigades under the old levy, one designed to also support volunteer fire services across country Victoria.
3. Regarding genetics, what is the opposite of dominant?
4. What board game that has 144 tiles is commonly played in Hong Kong?
5. What can be waxing gibbous or waning gibbous?
6. Mick Fanning is an Australian sportsman competing in which sport?
7. Which early version of an airplane had two sets of wings?
8. Who saw four ghosts on Christmas Eve?
9. U-boats were WWII water vessels belonging to which country?
10. The Polka dance originated in which former country?
11. And which modern day country is that former nation now part of?
12. ‘The Four Seasons’ is a wellknown work composed by which composer?
SCHOOL’S in and Bradley of Boort has done some good homework. His latest Treemendous Sign is encouraging everyone to keep reading, students and all, otherwise ... they could end up like the dinosaurs.
ON THE subject of signs, regular travellers of the Loddon Valley Highway know there’s a regular change of messages outside St John’s Anglican Church at Bears Lagoon. See they have gone for the pun with latest incarnation of the sign, with message of sending a kneemail to be in touch with God.
AND while on the subject of knees, weekend report has The Oracle
13. What is Murphy’s Law?
14. What type of clothing is a muumuu?
15. Charon is the name of a moon belonging to which planet?
16. How many elements appear on the periodic table?
17. Cuttlefish is a close relative of which two marine species?
18. What name is given to a group of rats or mice whose tails are intertwined or bound together?
19. What do the rings on the Olympic flag represent?
20. Macaulay Culkin is most known for his work in which series of films?
and sidekick The Northern Correspondent having a bit of tournament success. The pair then proceeded to perform double somersaults in celebration.
SAME correspondent on the previous ditty,. has been fleecing others in the district. He also offered up a photograph of The Cockerell loading prized ewe Glenda into the family chariot. Creature comfort plus! They say modern creature comforts include climate control, phone connectivity, and carbon-fibre bucket seats. Guess Glenda hit the jackpot
Did you hear about the sheep that climbed over the mountain instead of around it? He took the path of fleece persistence.
1. Italian 2. Guinness 3. Recessive 4. Mahong 5. The moon 6. Surfing 7. Biplane 8. Ebenezer Scrooge 9. Germany 10. Bohemia 11. Czech Republic 12. Antonio Vivaldi 13. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong 14. A loose dress 15. Pluto 16. 118 17. Squid and Octopus
buSHy TaLES BY IAN JONES
OLD BOYS & GIRLS
Keeping up connections for a century
By CHRIS EARL
COUNTRY ties hold tight ... even as study and employment has taken youngsters to Melbourne and beyond in the last century.
Brothers, sisters, cousins and friends creating a special bond hours from the town where they went to school and picked up their first job.
Or businessmen taking their families south in quest of new opportunities.
In 1925, they were the Old Boys and Old Girls of Wedderburn who decided to hold a reunion, like similar organisations that formed in Melbourne in the years between World War One and the Great Depression.
This weekend, 100 years of Wedderburn reunions will be celebrated when the event is held in Bendigo for the first time.
For organiser Doug Steel, who left the ‘Burn in 1975 after being transferred in his job with the ANZ Bank, the change will tap into a greater potential group of ex-residents.
“There’s probably more exWedderburn people living in Bendigo now than there are in Melbourne,” he says.
“Bendigo’s more central ... less than an hour from Wedderburn people to attend and within reach of those coming from Melbourne.”
Scots Church Hall in Russell Street, Melbourne, was an early venue for ex-Wedderburn resi-
dents to catch up when the Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Association first brought expats together.
The idea grew and more than 150 were at the sixth annual reunion in 1930 organised by president T. Gray and secretary C.R. Goode.
Three years later there was an impromptu reunion at the Green Door Cafe during Royal Melbourne Show Week.
“The functions proved to be the most successful of any social gathering held by the association,” Melbourne newspapers reported.
“There was a large attendance, which included representatives
of kindred associations and the evening was pleasantly passed in dancing and competitions and in reminiscences of old days.”
Wedderburn was part of the Federated Council of Old Boys‘and Girls’ Associations.
There was also Ararat, Alexandra, Beaufort, Bright, Beechworth, Beulah Benalla, Bealiba, Bridgewater, Carngham, Colac, Clunes Castlemaine Cassilia-Tonglo, Dunolly, Drouln, Donald, Deniliquln, Echuca, Eaglehawk, Gisborne, Golden Square, Hopetoun, Haddon, Horsham, Kerang, Linton, Maldon, Malmsbury, Maryborough, Mount Egerton, Omeo, Queens-cliff, Redan, Rutherglen,
Stawell, Smythesdale, Scarsdale, Sebastopol, St Arnaud, TaturaMooroopna, Tarnagulla, Taradale, Talbot and Warracknabeal among the roll call more than 1200 people attended the council’s 10th annual reunion ball in Melbourne Town Hall in 1935.
The council has long disappeared and Wedderburn’s group disbanded. But not the sense of belonging that has continued to bring ex-Wedderburn residents together for the annual reunion.
“Country people are a lot different to city people,” says Doug.
“Coming together for the reunions still gives you a sense of belonging (to the town) ... I still have
some brothers in Wedderburn and plenty of cousins.” For many years, Wedderburn expats have been gathering in Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens for the annual reunion.
“We’ve still been getting 20 or so people but we think the permanent move to Bendigo will make the reunion more central,” says Doug.
“The numbers were dwingling and we needed to refresh it. There are many ex-Wedderburn residents now living in Bendigo and with the ‘Burn less than a hour away we want a huge attendance.
“There are no restrictions on attendees. Korong Vale, Inglewood and surrounding area people are welcome, as are any who had had a connection with the area.”
Doug says the 100 years of holding reunions meant stories of Wedderburn kept being told.
His ancestors arrived on the goldfields, not digging for riches but selling picks, shovels and other tools for the miners.
“When I was working in the bank ... I got to look at the old records and saw my great-great grandfather had been the third person to open an account at the branch,” he said.
When the reunion is held in Bendigo Botanical Gardens on Sunday, Doug is hoping for a big attendance. “Instead of 20 people, a couple of hundreds would be great,” he said.
The first Wedderburn Old Boys’ Committee
The 2023 reunion in Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens
public
DAY, Faye
The Chairman, Board, Management, members of CFA North West Region and District 20 regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to her family.
Yung Balug Keeping Place
The Museum is situated on the property of Paul & Cathie Haw.
Well worth a visit to see the amazing Artefacts collected from the Boort Region.
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT KURTING INCLUDING 5G
Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunications facilities at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment: Inglewood-Powlett Road, Kurting VIC 3517 (54~D\PP2946) (RFNSA: 3517002)
The proposed 5G upgrade will consists of:
Removal of two (2) existing omni antennas;
3RD ANNUAL MAJOR’S VISION EXHIBITION - OPENING NIGHT
The Club has activities planned from 1pm on the second Friday of each month in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. On the fourth Friday of each month, a light meal will be available costing $10 -00. Again in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. You are welcome to pop in even if you would prefer just a cup of tea/coffee and a chat. There is no pressure to participate in the available activities.
Membership fee is $5-00 annually.
The above will be in place until the Club moves to the new building currently being constructed in McKay St. Terry Wood email tp.wood@bigpond.com Ph 0429843479
A recent addition is 34 photos taken by John Hunter Kerr in the 1850s. This was made possible by the State Library of Victoria.
Everyone is welcome. but please call or Email before visiting.
Phone - 0417 333 171
Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com
Replacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);
Replacement of three (3) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with two (2) new RRUs;
Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including a GPS antenna, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and
Internal works within existing equipment shelter.
Optus regards the proposed installation as a Lowimpact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), the based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Friday 7 March 2025. If you would like to know more about the site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3517002
Fiona Moon and Denise McDougal. LH PHOTOS
Jean Mann, Tess Hampson and Rochelle Guilbert
Linda Leshetz and Julie McLoughlin
Sarah Wallace-Smith and Heather Murrowood
Bradd Worrell and Mandeep Singh
Gary Walsh discovers that competing at tennis Country Week for 40 years makes
The legend, the Mann
NOT MANY people know a knockabout farmer from Pyramid Hill called Colin Mann.
“Stan the Man”, though, is a different story. Everyone knows Stan.
In the world of regional tennis he’s a Legend, officially, having been elevated to that status at the 2025 Tennis Victoria Country Week event at Swan Hill last week.
The award came as a shock to Stan, who has been playing Country Week since about 1989 at Swan Hill – and for about 15 years before that at Bendigo.
“It was a surprise,” he tells the Loddon Herald. “I had no clue.
“It turns out a few of the jokers I know put my name forward.”
Stan – there’s no point calling him Colin – was one of six named as Legends this year, placing him among only 38 people with that title.
He’s pretty chuffed to be in that elite category: “It’s all I’ve ever done. I haven’t been useful in any other department.”
Stan’s Country Week exploits began when he was 15, and he is 66 now, with no plans to call it quits any time soon.
“I’ve missed maybe three or four events over the years when the kids were young and we sometimes struggled to get a team going.”
And given the citation for his Legend elevation – “He epitomises Country Week and his determination to win on the court is only surpassed by his desire to catch up with the many friends he’s made over the 40-plus years of playing” – it’s fair to say he enjoys the social side of the game as much as tennis.
The citation also notes: “Always keen to share a story and a beer, Stan has always been committed to ensuring Pyramid Hill fields a team at Country Week.”
“It’s not just about the tennis,” Stan says. “The people you meet, it’s fantastic.
“Someone said to me that in all their years at Country Week they’ve never seen a disagree-
ment or a blue at any of the social functions where everyone’s enjoying a few drinks.
“I never have either.”
According to Stan, at Country Week you have “the fun part and the tennis.
“I’ve pulled back on the partying side of things, but it’s still more fun than farming.”
He claims he “now hopeless” with racquet in hand, although he admits to having won a few singles competitions at Pyramid Hill over the years.
Up until recently, tennis was a year-round pursuit for Stan, with a group of family and friends playing most Fridays at Pyramid Hill, and pennant on a Saturday in summer.
He started in the under-16s when he was less than 10 years of age, and while he played a little basketball and cricket as a junior, tennis always was the sport for him.
“At cricket we used to play twoday games, and one week you’d bat and the next week you’d stand out in the hot sun all day,”
Stan says.
Football, too, had no appeal.
“I played a few games for the Pyramid Hill fourths, and a few for the Macorna thirds,” he says.
“I’ve got two boys who just love footy, but it wasn’t for me.”
Stan admits to having hated football training, especially the amount of running required.
“I could run like a greyhound, long distances, just for the fun of it, but not at training.”
So, at the age of 16 or 17 he pulled the pin on footy.
Tennis gets an altogether different response: “It’s a good game, a great game, an awesome game. It’s very social. I could recommend it to anyone.”
Country Week is a chance to run into old friends and to meet new ones.
“People tend to keep coming back, and I’m not the oldest bloke by a long shot. I met one guy from Bendigo who was 74,” Stan says. These days his son David runs
the family farm. “I just do what I’m told now,” Stan says.
In a shed on the farm sits a small aeroplane.
It’s Stan’s. He got his pilot’s licence in 2016 at the Bendigo Flying Club.
“It’s ready to rock and roll,” he says.
“I’m a recreational pilot and I can only fly planes under 600kgs.”
He intends to kick it into life when he has the time, but he is still working, and also coming to terms with a tsunami of grandchildren.
“Until six weeks ago I had a favourite grandchild,” Stans says.
“Now we have got three, and another coming in the next month, so I don’t have a favourite any more.”
David is set to be a father for the second time, while Stan’s daughter Chelsea and his other son Scott have just had a boy and a girl respectively.
And just how did anonymous Colin Mann become local legend “Stan the Man”? “I went to Kerang High School for three years, and some silly bugger decided to name me after a famous dodgy
crook,” he says. “Someone christened me ‘Stan the Man’ and it just stuck”
In passing, Stan notes that the Pyramid Hill tennis courts are right next to the bowls club. Might that be his next sporting move?
“It’s not in my plans at the moment,” he says.
“I tried it a couple of times years ago, and it was boring me to death. Too slow.” Country Week saw fellow Loddon Valley player Michelle Balic lead her Tandara team to victory in women’s section one.
Stan Mann takes a break during his match on Saturday for Mincha West against Calivil North. LH PHOTO
Stan and wife Chris, with fellow Legend inductees at Swan Hill (centre) and playing a cagey game at the weekend.
Junior final on Saturday
UNBEATEN Boort Yando will face Kingower in the Upper Loddon junior cricket grand final on Saturday at Bridgewater.
The Magpies completed an easy win over Wedderburn Band, which did not win a match for the season, when it resumed batting on Sunday in the two-day semifinal.
The Band was bowled out for 58 on Saturday, and Boort Yando finished off the job scoring 5-152 from 33.1 overs.
Beau Hartnell’s 35 from 99 balls was the only double-figure score for Wedderburn, and his two fours and a six were the only boundaries scored by his side.
Shelby Giorlando was next best with six runs as the Band recorded six ducks, including two golden versions.
Brodie McPherson took 4-8
from 4.2 overs for the Magpies.
Boort Yando had little trouble passing Wedderburn’s total, with Cooper Gooding back in form, making 50 retired not out off 48 balls, highlighted by three fours and two sixes.
Opener Owen Byrne retired not out on 20, and Jake O’Flaherty also retired unbeaten on a rapidfire 25 from just 13 balls, with 22 runs scored in boundaries.
Eli Clarke claimed 3-18 from his two overs, while Nate Turnbull and Beau Hartnell also took wickets.
Kingower’s place in the grand final was all but confirmed when Bridgewater was bowled out for a trifling 33 on Saturday morning. With a top score of eight by Jenson Birthisel, and five ducks, the Bulls were never in the contest. Captain Ryder Smith was
devastating with the ball, taking 6-17 from his eight overs. Kingower passed the Bridgewater total without loss before Morgan Lonza (18) and Tyler Murphy (28) both retired not out, giving some of the younger players a hit in the middle.
The team was on 3-82 from 25 overs when the game was called on the first day.
Birthisel was the best bowler for the Bulls with 2-3, while Ned Wickham took the other wicket to fall.
Boort Yando will be a hot favourite against Kingower in the one-day grand final, having not lost a game this season. Kingower won five and lost three of its matches over the summer.
The strength of the Magpies’ top order is likely to be the decisive factor on Saturday.
TENNIS RESULTS
Smith 2-7. J Ritchie B Wagner lost to L Maxted J Smith 4-7. D Mann B Wagner lost to C Smith J Smith 4-7. D Stewart R Wagner d L Strochan O Balic 7-6. D Stewart J Pepperell lost to L Strochan K Maxted 3-7. R Wagner J Pepperell lost to O Balic K Maxted 6-7. Ladies: E Prout J Wagner d C Rogers L Strochan 7-2. E Prout T Wagner d C Rogers G Maxted 7-3. J Wagner T Wagner d L Strochan G Maxted 7-4. C Pickles C Mann lost to A Lister A Maxted 5-7. C Pickles M Stewart lost to A Lister A Maxted 5-7. C Pickles M Stewart lost to A Lister H Vinnicombe 2-7.
C Mann M Stewart d H Vinniecombe A Maxted 7-2.
Mixed: D Mann E Prout d L Maxted L Strochan 7-2. J Ritchie J Wagner d C Smith C Rogers 7-3. B Wagner T Wagner lost to j Smith G Maxted 5-7. D Stewart C Pickles lost to L Strochan A Lister 5-7. R Wagner C Mann
d O Balic A Maxted 7-4. C Mann M Stewart lost to K Maxted H Vinnicombe 0-7. Lake Meran 0-77 lost to Yarrawalla 5-113
Z Porlai
to G Leach D Heather 4-6. A
B
d G Leach N Punton 6-0. Z Porlai B Taylor d D
N Punton 6-0. S Taylor J
d D Tolly L McKinley 6-2. S
H
d D Tolly A Curnow 6-0. J
H Taylor d L McKinley A Curnow 6-4. Mixed: B Taylor Partner d J Leversha G Leach 6-2. E Molenaar A
lsot to K Punton N Punton 2-6. C McKinstry S Taylor d K Punton D Heather 6-0. H Russell Z Porlai d H Stone D Tolly 6-3. F Lucas J Taylor d A Andrews-Stone A Curnow 6-1. J Taylor H Taylor d G Collins L McKinley 6-0. Derby 8-70 lost to Newbridge 10-82
MARONG
J Sinclair B Zuidema lost to R Ellis B Baker 6-7. P Harris C Haw lost to R Lawry E Lawry 6-7. N Marlow M Ludeman lost to B Duncan S Hay 2-7. R Demeo S Demeo lost to M Hocking K Pay 4-7. M Haw B Adams lost to D Condliffe K Ellis 5-7. Calivil North 3-96 d Mincha West 2-92 Mens: J Ritchie D Mann lost to L Maxted C
Mens: C Chamberlain A Chamberlain lost to L Forster L Boyd 3-7. C Chamberlain E Moresi d L Forster V Herrick 7-3. A Chamberlain E Moresi lost to L Boyd V Herrick 3-7. W Perryman B Moresi lost to R Stevens T Winfield 6-7. W Perryman R Fawcett lost to R Stevens T Broad 2-7. B Moresi R Fawcett
lost to R Broad T Broad 1-7. Ladies: C
Ladies: L Naughton F Dangerfield d E Jenkyn S Wallace 6-2. L Naughton K Galea lost to E Jenkyn Partner 5-6. F Dangerfield K Galea d S Wallace Partner 6-5. D Normoyle T Flood lost to N Jenkyn T Higgs 2-6. D Normoyle S Niemann d N Jenkyn M Nally 6-0. T Flood S Niemann lost to T Higgs M Nally 1-6. Mens: M Dineen N Pollock lost to A Broom Partner 3-6. M Dineen L McCullagh lost to J Holm Partner 4-6. N Pollock L McCullagh lost to A Broom J Holm 0-6. N Naughton
Mincha West’s Riley Wagner (left) and Derby’s Mark Dineen in action on Saturday. LH PHOTOS
Edmund Wilson at the crease for Kingower. LH PHOTO
Bul-a-Bul braggers
BRIDGEWATER has the bragging rights and the Bul-a-Bul Cup after a win over local rivals Inglewood in Division 5 of the Bendigo area bowls weekend competition.
Bridgey won 82 shots (14 points) to 69 shots (4 points) at home on Saturday, with all bowlers braving a fierce wind that made it particularly difficult for those using smaller and lighter bowls.
It was the first time the neighbouring towns had met for eight years, as they had been playing in different divisions.
The winning rinks were split two-two, but Bridgewater’s victories were more comprehensive.
The team of Chris Wattie, Nicholas Saunders, Robert Smith and John Fagan won by 14 shots, while Peter Gath, Glenn Catto, Tyler Estrada and Glenn Mangan won by 10 shots.
Inglewood’s wins were by eight shots and three shots.
BRIDGEWATER
The midweek side played Golden Square at Kangaroo Flat in the first semi-final and went down in a close contest by six shots overall.
The one winning rink was John Fagan, Barb Catto, Jenny Hosking and Chris Wattie, 16 shots to 13.
The club’s annual tournament was held last Sunday with all rinks full.
The winning side at the end of the night was the Serpentine rink of Gordon Addlem, Shane Rudkins, Lionel Baber and Daryl Mc Crae, with the runners up teams from Bridgewater and Calivil.
INGLEWOOD
The Division 5 midweek pennant side is into the grand final
after a hard-fought three-point win over South Bendigo in their Monday semi-final clash.
The two rinks won by two shots and one shot respectively, with Inglewood taking out the contest 41 shots (14 points) to 37 shots (0 points).
The team will face the winner of the preliminary final between on March 3.
The Division 1 weekend team faced a massive task in taking on the youthful and strong Strathfieldsaye side, which is three games clear on top of the ladder.
Playing at home, Inglewood put in a creditable performance in only losing by 11 shots overall.
Best rink on the day was the team of Robert Stranger, Helen Leach, Bruce McClymont and Geoff Wilson (skip) with a fiveshot win.
The other three rinks were beaten, but two very narrowly, by only three and four shots.
The final result was Inglewood 66 shots (2 points) defeated by Strathfieldsaye 77 shots (16 pts).
The midweek Division 1 pennant side had a three-shot win over Golden Square in their last game for the season, recording just their second victory.
The team finished second last on the ladder, with two wins, two draws and 10 losses.
The day’s best rink was David Vanston, Bev Taig, Bruce McClymont and Ian Chamberlain (skip), who came away with a four-shot win.
WEDDERBURN
Wedderburn’s defence of its North Central Division 1 title is over after a heartbreaking oneshot loss to Wycheproof in their semi-final clash.
Bendigo
Division 1 Inglewood 66-2 lost to Strathfieldsaye 77-16. B. Smyth, D. Whitehead, D. Wilson, L. Kelly (s) lost to G. Dixon, M. Shanahan, A. Cullen, A. Tomkins (s) 16-25. B. Hopcott, B. Jackson, V. Tierney, G. Jackson (s) lost to N. Morley, D. Brown, G. Bacchin, C. Wilson (s) 14-17. R. Stranger, H. Leech, B. McClymont, G. Wilson (s) d T. Gow, C. Moyle, A. Morris, J. Moloney (s) 19-14. S. Laird, D. Vanston, D. Garrett, A. Harrison (s) lost to B. Toomey, I. Logan, B. Probert, K. Probert (s) 17-21. Castlemaine 86-14 d White Hills 59-4. Bendigo East 76-9 drew Kangaroo Flat 76-9. North Bendigo 88-15 d Golden Square 64-3. Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 188, Castlemaine 135, Bendigo East 125, North Bendigo 110, Kangaroo Flat 109, Golden Square 101, Inglewood 97, White Hills 71. Division 2 Bendigo 98-18 d Serpentine 60-0. B. Morley, R. Jobson, L. Campbell, J. Jennings (s) d J. Addlem, J. Collinson, R. Gladman, D. Walker (s) 22-20. J. Ovenden, S. Koch, H. Taylor-Irwin, L. Harris (s) d M. Mathews, K. Canfield, S. Rudkins, B. Gladman (s) 27-15. T. Lokys, R. Thomson, T. Mertz, G. Briggs (s) d A. James, B. Tuohey, K. Collins, B. Long (s) 28-14. D. Hamilton, P. O’Neil, M. Darroch, B. Whiffin (s) d L. James, L. Baber, W. Hasty, N. Tonkin (s) 21-11. South Bendigo 84-16 d Harcourt 70-2. Kangaroo Flat 89-18 d Bendigo East 66-0. Strathfieldsaye 64-2 lost to Eaglehawk 9416. Ladder: Bendigo 166, South Bendigo 155, Strathfieldsaye 153, Eaglehawk 144, Harcourt 141, Kangaroo Flat 76, Bendigo East 60, Serpentine 41.
Despite winning two of the three rinks, Wedderburn lost 62 shots (4 points) to 63 shots (8 points). The overall loss came with the last bowl of the contest, with Wedderburn looking like the winners until the very end.
The rink of Rob Guelfo, Bruce Hargreaves, Andrew Caserta and
Division 4 Harcourt 83-16 d Dingee 662. F. Corstorphan, D. Marsh, C. Frost, K. Tribe (s) d A. Hay, B. West, R. Thompson, B. Lawry (s) 26-12. R. Maltby, R. Douglas, K. Harding, L. Harding (s) lost to K. Pollock, K. Kavanagh, S. Cail, F. Grieves (s) 13-22. C. Maddern, T. Robinson, L. Harris, W. Walsh (s) d W. Wilson, N. Hocking, K. Murphy, N. Lister (s) 21-20. A. Manallack, W. Walsh, I. McMillan, D. Cunningham (s) d B. Cail, T. Kavanagh, L. Hocking, L. Demeo (s) 23-12. Marong 90-16 d Calivil 72-2. P. Williams, E. John Sheen, W. Cason, R. Williams (s) d K. Richards, G. Lourie, G. Ray, L. Gronow (s) 29-16. J. Simons, D. Williams, R. Danger-
field, M. Corry (s) d W. Lourie, R. Lourie, M. Collett, G. Maxted (s) 25-19. J. Aldous, M. Smit, W. Bramley, J. Leed (s) lost to R. Boyd, B. Meighan, W. Miles, A. Leech (s) 14-23. D. James, J. Stewart, J. Balkin, A. Corry (s) d N. Dennis, A. Dennis, J. Pickles, M. Dennis (s) 22-14. White Hills 62-4 lost to Bendigo 77-14. Bendigo East 78-18 d Kangaroo Flat 61-0. Ladder: Bendigo 173, Calivil 138, White Hills 132, Harcourt 120, Marong 106, Bendigo East 102, Kangaroo Flat 89, Dingee 76. Division 5 Bridgewater 82-14 d Inglewood 69-4. P. Steenhuis, B. Catto, C. Payne,
Damien Mason won by 14 shots, and Alan Jackson’s rink won by two, but Laurie Witham’s team fell by 17 shots, which proved to be the difference on the day.
The Division 2 side also had a loss to Wycheproof but lives to fight again after finishing second on the ladder.
Wycheproof won 78-62, winning one rink and losing a second, with one rink drawn.
Unfortunately for Wedderburn, their rink win was by three shots, but the loss was by 19. Wedderburn faces St Arnaud Country Club in Saturday’s preliminary final.
A. Harrison (s) lost to E. Patterson, K. McNaught, P. Lyndon, C. McEwan (s) 17-25. C. Wattie, N. Saunders, R. Smith, J. Fagan (s) d W. Concol, D. Shay, K. Stewart, J. McClymont (s) 25-11. P. Gath, G. Catto, T. Estrada, G. Mangan (s) d B. Scoble, D. Roberts, W. Wilson, B. Taig (s) 22-12. L. Catto, V. Wilson, M. Wright, C. Mangan (s) lost to D. Shay, B. McNaught, D. Smyth, I. Bradley (s) 18-21. Bendigo 116-16 d South Bendigo 56-2. Golden Square 98-18 d Woodbury 48-0. Campbell’s Creek 72-4 lost to Strathfieldsaye 83-14.
Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 178, Bendigo 178, Campbell’s Creek 154, Golden Square 134, South Bendigo 81, Inglewood 80, Bridgewater 76, Woodbury 37. Monday pennant - Division 5 Inglewood 41-14 d South Bendigo 38-0. W. Wilson, D. Roberts, K. McNaught, A. Harrison (s) d S. Howe, R. Poulter, G. Pinniger, K. Presley (s) 21-19. E. Patterson, P. McEwan, P. Lyndon, D. Whitehead (s) d R. Challinor, S. Gill, B. Jennings, E. Bullow (s) 20-19. Marong 44-12 d Campbell’s Creek 34-2. Division 6 Golden Square 43-12 d Bridgewater 37-2. J. Rogers, T. McManus, T. Cantwell, L. Marshall (s) d R. O’Toole, H. Fagan, C. Mangan, M. Wright (s) 30-21. H. Penning, L. Watt, S. Rooke, T. Cope (s) lost to C. Wattie, J. Hosking, B. Catto, J. Fagan (s) 13-16. South Bendigo 42-2 lost to Castlemaine 50-12.
North Central
Division 1 Wedderburn 62-4 lost to Wycheproof 63-8. D. Stephenson, A. Rob-
erts, B. Montebello, L. Witham (s) lost to E. Rayes, B. Macdonald, D. Groves, A. Mead (s) 12-29. R. Tonkin, A. Holt, N. Holt, A. Jackson (s) d A. Jones, J. McKay, N. Coles, J. Grylls (s) 23-21. R. Guelfo, B. Hargreaves, A. Caserta, D. Mason (s) d P. Coles, A. Coatsworth, P. Wellington, P. Allan (s) 27-13.
St Arnaud 76-12 d Donald Golf 63-0.
Division 2 Wycheproof 78-9 d Wedderburn 62-3. D. Nicholls, S. Barratt, H. Grylls, P. Connolly (s) drew S. Lear, N. White, A. Noordennen, I. Hall (s) 26-26. P. Bagley, J. McLean, G. Coatsworth, M. Nicholls (s) lost to R. Ashley, B. Catherine, C. Mills, J. Grant (s) 22-25. S. Wellington, V. Grant, D. Denney, R. Grylls (s) d S. Steel, M. Guelfo, R. Hall, L. Standfield (s) 30-11.
St Arnaud 64-2 lost to St Arnaud Country 77-10.
Midweek - Wycheproof 71-10 d Wedderburn 54-2. C. Jones, V. Grant, H. Grylls, J. Grylls (s) d R. Little, S. Standfield, A. Roberts, L. Witham (s) 27-16. C. Rayes, L. Nicholls, A. Jones, D. Groves (s) lost to L. Standfield, J. Matthews, S. Steel, A. Jackson (s) 22-25. A. Coatsworth, S. McKenna, D. Nicholls, M. Nicholls (s) d H. Stephenson, J. Murnane, R. Hall, A. Caserta (s) 22-13.
Northern District Division 2 Cohuna 2 51-10 d Pyramid Hill 1 47-2. K. Peace, S. McIvor, T. Howard, N. Hosking (s) lost to T. Stobaus, R. Price, J. Mann, N. McGann (s) 16-18. B. Keely, R. Bradley, B. Main, G.
McIvor (s) d D. Demaine, M. Noelker, K. Wood, L. Mann (s) 18-15. V. Dehne, K. Hocking,
Bridgewater’s Peter Gath. LH PHOTO
Inglewood’s Bev Taig. LH PHOTO
Deadly seven collapse sCoreboarDs
AN ASTONISHING collapse of 7-1 saw Bridgewater manage only 88 in search of an unlikely 361 to beat Arnold in their two-day Upper Loddon cricket match.
A lone hand by Bulls opener Tom McKinley, who made 60 from 102 balls, helped his side to 2-87 before the wheels fell off.
It was a day when the bails frequently were blown from the stumps, when caps went flying, and medium pacers bowling with the wind behind them from the scoreboard looked as quick as Jeff Thomson.
Bridgewater’s ambitious quest to overtake Arnold’s massive score from day one began well enough, with Tom and Harry McKinley putting on 32 for the first wicket, and Tony Naughton joining Tom McKinley to push the total to 66 before Naughton fell for 14.
Another handy partnership of 21 between McKinley and Sam Harrison ended when Harrison was spectacularly caught by Adam Davies off Flynn Lock.
And that was about it.
Next in was Andrew Duguid, who unwisely called for a quick single and was run out by a direct hit at the bowler’s end for a duck.
McKinley’s fine innings then ended when he was given out LBW, throwing back his head in frustration as he left the field.
Three ducks followed – including Seth Hewett-Scull bowled first ball by his brother Kale Hewett – while Hunter Daldy finished not out on nought.
There were no spectacular bowling figures: Hewett took 2-7 from two overs, Michael Dale claimed 2-14 and Campbell Hancock’s seven overs saw him collect 2-32.
Boort Yando won its third match for the season when it successfully defended its day-one total of 195 against Wedderburn Band.
Wedderburn was missing key players including captain Will Holt, and only veteran Adam Postle, with 56, was able to really get going with the bat.
Postle smacked five fours and three sixes in his innings, with last-man-in Bradley Holt the next best with 27.
Remarkably, Postle was the only Band batsman to reach the boundary.
Harry Weaver took 4-41 off 23.5 overs for the Magpies, and Jarrod Hodoras took 3-30.
This week Arnold faces the improving Boort Yando in the final round, a one-day clash that will decide third place on the ladder.
Top side Kingower plays Bridgewater, while Wedderburn Band, which will finish second on the table, has the bye after a couple of tough weeks where they have been missing key players.
- GARY WALSH LADDER
Chilled and cool ... grant warms Pies
BOORT Yando Cricket Club has had a big win off the field, claiming a $3000 grant for key works on its clubrooms.
The Magpies were one of 21 Victorian cricket clubs to receive funding under the CitiPower and Cricket Victoria Canteen Grants program.
Club president David Rees said the money had already been spent in having the pavilion wired, installing fans and lights, and buying a refrigerator.
A generator once used for running a bowling machine now powers the upgraded facility.
Last weekend cricketers were able to enjoy chilled drinks and afternoon tea when the generator was switched on.
Two ceiling fans now cool spectators sitting on the veranda while another spins internally.
“We had a nice new pavilion ready at the start of the year, but when you’ve got no services its pretty rustic,” Rees said.
Next on the club’s agenda is a water tank and portable toilet, with solar power a further down the track.
Harry’s dispair ... McKInley after being dismissed on Saturday in a tough day for the Bulls. LH PHOTOS
Loddon HERALD sport
Ruth’s champion title in heart-stopping finish
IT HAS taken a dozen or more attempts, but Wedderburn’s Ruth Hall is the North Central bowls Champion of Champions – at the young age of 83.
“If you wait long enough, sometimes good things happen,” a modest Ruth told the Loddon Herald the day after her big win.
And it was a heart stopper, with Ruth at times leading by nine shots against Charlton’s Lynne Southwell before sneaking home after 26 arduous ends, 25-24.
She was virtually becalmed from the 15th end to the 25th end, scoring only two shots while her opponent picked up 10.
Ruth fell behind for the first time, 23-24, after the 25th end, but managed to score two shots in the last end to take out the prestigious title.
“I’ve been runner-up before,” she said, “and I nearly did it this time, too.”
The Champion of Champions
brings together champions from the eight North Central clubs in a one-day knockout format.
Ruth came from eight shots behind to beat St Arnaud Country Club’s Heather Esmore 25-22 in round one.
The semi-final was always close, with Ruth eventually winning by four shots over Donald’s Lindy Morgan.
Ruth reckons she has won the Wedderburn club championship “at least” 12 times over 30 years – she’s not entirely sure – and she didn’t go into Sunday’s tournament with any great expectations. “I just went along and took whatever happened,” she said. And the result? “It was good. I was happy.”
The massive championship shield will have her name inscribed on it and is bound for Wedderburn. “I think I’ll take it to the clubhouse,” Ruth said. “It’s just too big.”
THE SHARP FOCUS
BRIDGEWATER coach Lachlan Sharp wants internal growth and development of young players to catapult the Mean Machine into the Loddon Valley league’s top echelon
It may seem ironic, given that he was the league’s biggest outside signing in years when he joined from Strathfieldsaye last season but the focus is now firmly within.
It’s as much about making the Bridgewater community proud of the club and feeling connected to it as on-field success on the field. Sharp, 34, was playing co-coach with Rick Ladson last season but
By GARY WALSH
takes over the reins fully in 2025.
“I enjoyed being mentored by Rick last year, and now I’m finding coaching busy but very enjoyable,” he said of his solo season.
“I have had some really good coaches throughout my career, and I’ve also taken advice from some people I’ve played against.
“I am still learning football –you never stop learning. Now it’s satisfying to be the one teaching, helping, preparing.”
“When you’re playing, it’s still a team game, but watching someone develop is something that has really driven me.”
Expect a mix of last season’s players, some former stars returning to the club, players coming back from injury, and a few new signings that will be announced in the coming weeks to power the Mean Machine in the new season.
of the Bendigo inter-league team.
Xavier Walsh would be like a new recruit, Sharp said, on his return from injury that restricted him to seven games in 2024, while Alex Powell would rejoin the Mean Machine after playing 41 games and kicking 103 goals from 2018-21.
and Harry McKinley, and Nic Naughton.
“They are the future of the football club.”
On field, Sharp was a raging success in 2024, kicking 128 goals despite some niggling leg issues.
Bridgewater finished third but was thrashed by Marong by 85 points in the preliminary final.
Sharp is excited by the signings of brothers Jacob and Luke Ellings.
Sharp said the most rewarding part of his expanded role was helping to develop young players into better versions of themselves.
Jacob missed last season with an ACL injury and will bolster Bridgewater’s midfield, while younger brother Luke joins from Kangaroo Flat, where he was part
“There’s going to be a lot of internal growth with a lot of young guys coming through,” Sharp said.
“Kids coming through are returning for pre-season extremely fit and committed to their fitness these days.”
He named Darcy Wood as a player to look out for this season, as well as young brothers Tom
Sharp said he personally had enjoyed a strong pre-season after getting over a medial ligament injury, and was confident of still playing a key role on the field.
“I believe our best is definitely good enough, and I’m looking forward to trying to bridge the gap to the top teams.”
North Central bowls champion of champion Ruth Hall
