Loddon Herald 20 January 2022

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Vol 2 No 1 THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 ISSN 2653-1550

SUPPLY CRISIS

By CHRIS EARL

SNAP shutdowns and freight delivery delays are hitting Loddon communities and businesses.

Staff at multiple Loddon business have been forced into isolation in the past fortnight as local COVID cases jump.

There have been more than 110 COVID cases in the shire in two years - more than half recorded in the last three weeks.

Coupled with existing staff shortages, some businesses have had to reduce opening hours

n Sporadic deliveries n Business hours hit

and services. Several have been temporarily closed and the case spike also impacted local sport at the weekend as Victoria’s daily case numbers stay in five figures.

Wedderburn’s 24 Karat Cafe last week was told its milk deliveries would be reduced to once a week with freight companies struggling for staff and supplies.

Inglewood IGA’s Peter Moore said: “The whole supply chain is

in turmoil. The supply timeline is between 48 and 72 hours behind where it would normally be and one in five products are simply not available.”

“Deliveries we would receive on a Wednesday are not coming until Friday or Saturday,” he said.

Mr Moore said some suppliers were limiting product range and praised customers for their understanding.

“Customers have been really

good and our staff have had a real learning curve over the past 12 months in letting customers know what is happening.”

Yarrawalla’s Kai-Ora Piggery production manager Jarad Smith said supplies were continuing to be delivered to processors in Melbourne as the industry battled transport challenges.

“We’re crossing fingers that the rules will adapt to keep every -thing running and the supply chain running,” he said.

“We’ve been fortunate to date.”

The double-whammy of COVID and staff shortages saw several Loddon hotels close early on New Year’s Eve.

Victoria Hotel Pyramid Hill licensee and Boort Railway Hotel manager Paul Carter said he had advertised extensively across regional Victoria late last year for hospitality staff and received no applications.

Loddon’s five swimming pools continue to be hit with a shortage of lifeguards. Mitiamo opened at the weekend for the first time in weeks while the gates at other pools have remained shut on some scheduled opening days.

MORE - PAGES 3 & 5 SPECIAL REPORT: SWIMMING CHALLENGES - PAGES 12 & 13

Let’s celebrate ... with flags and flowers SCORES of paper wattles and waratahs are taking shape for the return of Pyramid Hill’s Australia Day celebrations next Wednesday.

Daily workshops are being held at the town’s neighbourhood house where Harry Cain, Charlotte Pickles and Fletcher Cain were making the colourful decorations last week.

The creative trio are pictured being cheered on by Kim Bennett, Rachel Cain and Tammy Peter ahead of the local Lions club’s community gathering.

Club president Tania Quinn said the club was excited to be bringing locals together on Australia’s national day after the event was cancelled last year.

Tania said a government grant for the community celebration meant COVID compliance could be managed and music, activities and meals provided.

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2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

Protect your child with the coronavirus vaccine for 5-11 year olds Throughout the pandemic, our kids have given up a lot to help keep their families, schools and friends safe.

And with children eligible for vaccination from January 10, now it’s their turn to feel safe.

The coronavirus vaccine for kids 5 - 11 will keep them protected from serious illness and will get you off to a safe start to the school year.

To find out where and how to book visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Know the how what & when of vaccination for 5-11 year olds Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 3

Public complaints trigger business checks: Govt

COVID compliance complaints against Loddon businesses have been received by the State Government.

As government authorised officers continue their inspections of local businesses, the Government last week confirmed 11 complaints were received between October and November through its industry engagement and enforcement operation.

The Government says 33 business inspections were conducted in the shire over the three months.

Those inspections continued through to Christmas when officers were visiting shops as they served customers during busy lunch hours.

Several businesses later told the Loddon Herald that they had received three and four visits from authorised officers over the final three months of the year.

A Government spokesman again said that four Loddon businesses had been fined for COVID compliance infringements.

Three of those businesses Wedderburn Fish and Chips, Wedderburn Farm and Produce and Boort’s Tallis Hardware - are contesting the $1800 fines but have had no response over penalties they say are petty.

Authorised officers have been back in Boort, Pyramid Hill and

Authorised officers check businesses in Inglewood in the days before Christmas. LH PHOTO Wedderburn in the first weeks of 2022.

In a statement to the Loddon Herald, the Government said: “Throughout October, November and December 2021, the Victorian Government’s industry engagement and enforcement operation has received a total of 11 public complaints relating to businesses in Loddon.

“Authorised and surveillance officers have conducted 33 inspections throughout Loddon in October, November and December 2021 that have led to a total of four infringements.

“There are several reasons why a business could be visited multiple times by authorised and surveillance officers.”

The Government told the Lod-

don Herald those reasons included: z Industry engagement and enforcement operation engagement officers visiting businesses to help them understand their obligations; z Authorised officers visiting businesses to ensure compliance and talk businesses through their obligations or non-compliance issues they might need to rectify; z Discovery of non-compliance results in a revisit and reinspection to check on the remediations made by the business to return to compliance; z Public complaints received about a business would result in a separate inspection, subject to the standing triage and assessment protocols; and z Businesses may fall within a targeted strategy in line with a major public event or other industry location-based intelligence, against set timeframes.

The Government said there had been 652 inspections and 24 infringements issued across adjoining local government areas of Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander, Campaspe, Buloke, Central Goldfields and Northern Grampians during October, November and December The Government was asked for a breakdown on visits and fines in each council area.

IN BRIEF Barbecues from dawn to dusk AUSTRALIA Day celebrations will be held in nine Loddon communities next Wednesday.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub has encouraged residents to be part of the day’s events.

Barbecues locally kick off the national day in Bridgewater and Serpentine and continue through to evening events in Wedderburn and Pyramid Hill.

“These celebrations are also a chance to reflect on the resilience of our communities and their spirit of helping and giving that defines the Australian way,” Cr Straub said.

Bumper weekend BRIDGEWATER and Boort are preparing for another bumper visitor weekend.

Accommodation has been at a premium over the holiday break with strong bookings reported for this weekend before schools open for 2022. Students return to school from January 31.

Landfill hours WEDDERBURN landfill station and transfer station was forced operate reduced hours earlier this month following a temporary staff shortage. The station is closed on public holidays and Code Red fire days.

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4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

W

ITH the grain harvest winding up across the Loddon, our local farmers have been thanking their lucky stars there were few interruptions caused by Hughie sending down drops on their crops. The absence of massive precipitation, however, did not dilute discussions on bragging rights for who had the best falls over the year. With release of the Loddon Herald’s 2022 calendar and rainfall chart, the Oracle was swift to engage a sparring partner from more northern districts of the Loddon, Stinger. A few days after Christmas, when there were some menacing clouds on the horizon, Stinger was told the chart would limit his opportunities to inflate the 2022 rainfall around Calivil. It was claimed that Stinger has been known to use a funnel to inflate readings in his gauge, something he vehemently denied but that did not stop the Oracle from pressing the bragging rights claim.

S

PEAKING of Stinger, we’ve waited a while to publish this little ditty but back in March last year, his bowls team was in the grand final.

We arrived before the appointed match time to take a team photo only to discover bowling had started early “because we were all here”. Stinger said he could get a photo of the premiership team the following week. Only problem, the match result did not turn out their way.

W

HILE the rain has pretty much behaved itself in mid-summer, there has still been the odd vehicle or two getting bogged in loose soil and sand. That happened outside the old Bridgewater railway station a few days ago when heavy transport delivered a shipping container - wheels went right down to the axles and required a mighty effort and assistance from a truck of similar size to extract the stuck truck. Not like one local travelling the back roads after a downpour just before Christmas.

He tells OTF that the “nuisance value” rain made the fine soil surface of this particular

road a more slippery experience than snaring yabbies in local dams. The red caked soil is still dropping from the under carriage, he says weeks later.

BRINGING HOME GOLD: Water Wheel’s Peter Cumming

A

COUPLE of locals who did head out over the break to net some “bush prawns” spent three hours doing the dams, 30 minutes cooking and peeling and devoured their catch in a quick five minutes.

A

NYWAY, it’s almost New Year again Chinese New Year and in 2022 it’s the Year of the Tiger. February 1 is when the Lunar New Year is celebrated and Australia Post has released a special series of stamps for the occasion. People born in the Year of the Tiger are said to be very active, courageous, persistent, stubborn and imperious, with a tendency to irritability. Famous people born in the Year of the Tiger include Marilyn Monroe, Usain Bolt, Lady Gaga, Steve Irwin and Queen Elizabeth.

T

he Chinese Zodiac dates back to the Qin Dynasty more than 2000 years ago.

The Tiger is the third of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac.

Share your yarns in Over the Fence loddonherald@gmail.com

Wineries in the medals LOCAL wineries have been in the medals at premier wine shows.

Water Wheel Wines received silver for its 2019 Baringhup Shiraz at the Victorian Wine Show and went one better with gold at the Daylesford show where its Memsie Shiraz also picked up a top medal The Bridgewater winery also received bronze for its 2020 Water Wheel Viognier and 2019 Water Wheel Shiraz at the state show.

Black Wallaby Wines’ 2021 Sylvie Sangiovese was awarded a bronze medal in the Victorian show. Success for the new release from the Bridgewater winery follows a gold medal at the Australian New Zealand Small Winemakers’ Show. Black Wallaby also received bronze in the for its 2020 Estate Shiraz.

Ban on glass GLASS containers have been banned from Wedderburn Cemetery. The cemetery trust said the

IN BRIEF

ban was to protect its volunteers who mow the grass, water and maintain the cemetery. “Several times broken glass has had to be removed which otherwise could cause serious injury, not only to our valuable volunteers but also visitors,” the trust said.

Water use charge A LAKE Meran man, 53, is more than $20,000 out of pocket after being found guilty of water theft. He was charged with unauthorised taking and using water.

Goulburn-Murray Water prosecuted after the man extracted 2ML of water from Lake Meran for irrigation in March 2019 while there was a temporary qualification of rights to water.

He has been placed on a two-year good behaviour bond, ordered to donate $4000 to the court fund and to contribute $20,000 to GMW’s costs.

Don’t travel to high risk areas on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days.

If you plan to travel through Victoria, during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day.

If the rating is Extreme or above, avoid travelling to high risk areas, including to cities and towns.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 5

RAT race demands

PHARMACIES and supermarkets across the Loddon are seeing limited supplies of rapid antigen tests quickly disappear from shelves.

At Inglewood IGA, supplies ordered last month are still to be delivered.

“We’re not sure when they will arrive,” said IGA’s Peter Moore.

The town’s pharmacy has been receiving some supplies but the “out of stock” sign has been soon back on display.

The demand for RATs has jumped since the State Government changed testing and isolation requirements as cases remain high across Victoria.

The Government commenced distribution of three million RAT kits this week.

Since Tuesday, essential workers in health, emergency services, disability and aged care have been given priority access to RAT kits.

The State Government yesterday anounced people aged over 18 would now be eligible to get their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine after three months.

Staff returning to work after being positive to COVID must first have a daily rapid antigen test for five days and return a negative result each day.

Under pandemic orders from last week, workers in those sectors and food distribution who were already required to be fully vaccinated must get their third dose before being permitted to work onsite - residential aged

NO TESTS TODAY: Jayda Smith puts up the sign at Inglewood Pharmacy. LH PHOTO care workers by March 1, food distribution workers by March 12 and health care workers by March 29.

People who test positive on a rapid antigen test are now considered probable cases and must isolate immediately for seven days and notify their contacts.

They must report their positive test to the Department of Health.

Meanwhile, Inglewood Pharmacy is now part of the national vaccination rollout, joining other Loddon pharmacies and GP clinics offering third dose vaccines. The mandate to be vaccinated has also been extended to children aged five to 12.

Both Inglewood and Boort health services are continuing drive-through COVID tests.

80kmh: country speed limit proposal draws ire A STATE Government proposal to slash speed limits on country roads to 80kmh has drawn the ire of Ripon MP Louise Staley.

The Government at the weekend said it would support a Parliamentary inquiry recommendation to cut the limit on roads where upgrading infrastructure or installing barriers was not an option.

But Ms Staley said country roads should be fixed.

“Country motorists deserve a high level of roads just like city motorists do,” she said.

“It is unacceptable for the Government to just propose to just cut the speed limits rather than fix the roads which any coun-

try motorist will tell you are in the worst condition they have been in for decades “If they (the Government) weren’t wasting billions of dollars on cost overruns on their Melbourne projects, the money would be there.

“A fraction of that could be spent fixing our country roads,” Ms Staley said.

The Government says roads with high traffic volumes would be be considered for priority upgrade funding A network safety plan will identify infrastructure improvements and those which can have their speed limits lowered will be completed by the Department of Transport in the next two years.

Bookings are required at both health services.

Both health services are currently closed to visitors.

Victoria on Tuesday had more than 250,000 active COVID cases with 42 in the Loddon Shire including 13 cases in the Bridgewater postcode, seven in Inglewood, eight in Boort district and seven in the Dingee-Prairie area

‘Shadow of lockdown’ VICTORIA’S already delicate efforts to recover and rebuild had been dealt a savage blow as business owners across the state cry out for more support, said Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh.

Mr Walsh said despite Government trumpeting of no more COVID lockdowns once vaccine targets were met, tightening isolation requirements, coupled with density limits and further restrictions, had left the state, including regional areas, in a “shadow lockdown”.

“Supply chain workforce shortages are forcing more doors, right across the state, to be closed,” he said.

“The reintroduction of density limits, mask mandates and other restrictions has also meant consumers are most hesitant to shop, keeping vital dollars way from local businesses.

“It’s another slap in the face to business owners, most of whom have suffered through two years of the harshest restrictions in Australia and the world,” he said.

Mr Walsh said the only difference between now and previous lockdowns; was the Government leaving small businesses to fend for themselves by not provided the support needed at this crucial time.

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

It was a grand life for Leonie

Leonie with family on her 100th birthday.

CENTENARIAN Leonie Pollock has been farewelled by family at a private service, two months after reaching her 100th birthday.

Leonie, a Women’s Land Army member in World War Two and cricket trailblazer, passed away at Inglewood and Districts Health Service just before Christmas.

Daughter Kathryn said her mother died peacefully after several strokes.

“She was very much loved and received wonderful and amazing care from everyone at Inglewood ... beautiful care,” Kathryn said, Leonie had marked her 100th

birthday on November 11 and later with a gathering of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the family’s Derby property.

In an interview before her birthday, Leonie said she had always loved the outdoors - she was born in the country, preferred delivering letters to being behind an office desk when working in Melbourne and cherishes memories of her days as a member of the Women’s Land Army.

It was Leonie’s enjoyment of tennis that saw her meet future husband Neil who was having a break in Melbourne and just happened to catch her eye.

An afternoon tea was soon arranged and in 1945, they married and returned to the family farm at Derby.

There, Leonie set about enjoying more of the outdoors and raising the family. In the days before household mod-cons, she would use a honey tin to boil and wash nappies.

“It was a busy time. You did what you had to do,” she said of country life that also included dances in the Derby hall.

Kathryn said: “She was one very active lady around the farm where she lived until January 2020.”

“She had a great life.”

Students receive their uni offers

PETER PETER WALSH WALSH

YOUR YOUR VOICE VOICE IN IN GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENT We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours — but most of all we are a community.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on We are in this together, and together we will get through.

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

YOUNG Loddon residents last Friday received their first round university offers.

Among them was East Loddon P12 College dux Zekie Johns who has been offered a place to study Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University.

Zekie was the region’s top VCE student receiving an ATAR score of 99.3 last month.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to hear from students and parents throughout today and to discover they have achieved their first preference and are on their way to achieve their dreams,” said East Loddon P12 College senior sub-school leader Sarah Byrne.

“It’s a special part of my role that I honestly cherish and feel so fortunate to be a part of this process.”

Sarah said 10 of the 13 2021 VCE students received first preference offers.

News of Wedderburn College’s Kelsey Nisbet receiving an offer to study for a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences at La Trobe University came as she was on duty as a lifeguard at Inglewood swimming pool.

Kesley Nisbet Kelsey has had little time off since completing her VCE examinations, working at Graincorp’s Donald silos during harvest and a fortnight ago starting as a swimming pool lifeguard on duty at Inglewood, Boort or her home-town of Wedderburn.

She is hoping to pursue a career as a livestock veterinarian, specialising in cattle.

Gold drillers return to district DRILLING has resumed at Catalyst Metals gold exploration sites in the Mitiamo and Dingee districts.

Teams of drillers are again in paddocks taking samples following the completion of harvest.

Catalyst has been exploring the Four Eagles project area since 2011.

Last April, the company announced

high grade zones with visible gold at the Tandarra Gold Project with two diamond drill holes at the Macnaughtan prospect intersecting visible gold.

Catalyst also purchased a 263-hectare block for the Four Eagles Joint Venture.

The land covers the Boyd’s Dam gold zone as well as potential newly-discovered gold zones to the east.

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 7

NEED TO GET TESTED BUT WORRIED ABOUT MISSING WORK? A $450 payment is available to help you stay home and stay safe.

This payment is available for everyone - you don’t need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to receive it.

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

Centennial toast to ‘Arthur’

HOWARD Rochester toasted the memory of Loddon residents who served in World War One when Inglewood marked the centenary of its town’s memorial.

Howard is a descendent of three soldiers - Alfred, Charles and Thomas Rochester are among more than 220 names on the Grant Street war memorial.

The centennial commemoration was attended by more than 100 people who stood around the statue the town’s historical society says was modelled on Melbourne monumental mason and World War One veteran Arthur Fell.

Guest speaker Glenn Catto, also a descendant of three veterans honoured on the memorial, said the idea for a town memorial was first proposed in 1918.

“The efforts of locals to raise money with the help of council for the structure was outstanding. The people worked with passion to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers and recognise those who returned,” he said.

He said it been an honour for grandfather, Lt John Catto MM, to lead returned soldiers to the memorial’s opening in 1921 “and to represent his fallen brother Robert.”

“The memorial has 220 names of those who served in the Great War from Inglewood, Rheola, Kingower, Glenalbyn, Powlett

IN BRIEF Director position LODDON Shire Council has engaged local government headhunters Davidson Recruitment to fill its director corporate services position.

Council said the position had been advertised “to ensure that council has the best people in place for the successful achievement of its strategic objectives and priorities. Council has four executive positions, each being a fixed-term contract, three directors and a CEO.” Sharon Morrison is the current director.

$750 raised

Poppies again surround Inglewood’s war memorial during centenary commemorations. LH PHOTO

Howard Rochester, Glenn Catto and Michael Hobson. LH PHOTOS and Salisbury West districts and in total 43 men died in action,” he said, “The memorial is here to recognise the efforts of the local

soldiers ... oozing both sadness and profound pride and serving as a reminder to the sacrifices made to help shape the country we enjoy today.

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“They should be remembered always,” Mr Catto said.

During the ceremony, red poppies were tied to the memorial railings as they were 100 years ago for each of the local soldiedrs who did not return from the war.

A cake was cut by InglewoodBridgewater RSL sub-branch social committee president Wendy Gilmore.

Sub-branch president Michael Hobson drew on newspaper reports of the official opening a century earlier by Major-General Tivey when Mayor Nixon said the memorial “breaths with the spirit of the men and women whose memory it perpetuates”.

ALISON Dean has finished packing up Mysia’s Christmas Wonderland after raising $750.60 for the Uncle Bobs Club.

She said more than 100 lolly bags were handed out over the Christmas week to children who were accompanied by their parents and grandparents. “We had a bus load of residents from the Boort District Health and people visited from all over including Boort, Calivil, Inglewood, Wedderburn, Charlton, Pyramid Hill, Ouyen, Portland, Warrnambool, Bendigo and Melbourne.”

Low pressure COLIBAN Water worked into the night after a main burst reduced pressure in Boort on December 28. Supply was affected throughout town.

Heavy stubble has ‘fire risk still high’

COUNTRY Fire Authority volunteers want Loddon residents to remain vigilant with the fire risk still high in the region.

Inglewood brigade captain Andrew Smith said lightning from storms over the past three weeks had started multiple fires.

“There was a lot of growth around the district over winter and now there is heavy stubble in many paddocks,” he said.

“This has been one of the busiest periods we have experienced for a few years.”

Mr Smith’s summer fire alert call comes as Inglewood brigade was officially allocated one of 20 new heavy-duty dual-cab tankers.

The first of 48 new tankers, including Inglewood, are expected to be delivered from next month under the $23 million program.

Mr Smith said lightning a fortnight ago started seven fires between Inglewood and Serpentine. “The rain put out all but one.” he said.

“It’s been a hectic period and has taken a huge effort. One night we had crews out from 10pm that didn’t get home until 3am.”

The largest fire burnt 75 hectares near Morses Road, between Bridgewater and Newbridge.

Investigators found that fire started after a bird had dropped a piece of fencing wire on powerlines.

Mr Smith said there had been

Inglewood brigade captain Andrew Smith. LH PHOTO several fires across the Loddon started during harvest. A blaze at Serpentine grew from a campfire.

Since the declaration of the Loddon’s fire danger period in November, Serpentine brigade had been called to 15 fires, said secretary Simon Tuohey, a simi-

lar number for all Loddon brigades.

Mr Smith said trees hit by summer lightning strikes could smoulder for days. “That’s a danger everyone should keep an eye on by checking trees in the days after a storm,” he said.

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE To all those Unsinkable Guys out there – You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the lifejacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.

But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

UNSINKABLE GUY

RETHINK

TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 9

Station window, doors smashed

VANDALS have broken windows and doors a second time at the former Bridgewater railway station.

Damage was discovered on January 7, a day after the station being developed into a community hub was last used.

Police investigated.

Meanwhile, police say they are close to identifying offenders responsible for the theft of a battery from Coliban Water’s Wychitella site.

Sgt Zac Bull, of Wedderburn police, said community assistance was helping investigations following the theft last September.

Police are investigating the theft of an estimated 800 litres of water at Kingower last month. Water was taken after 8pm on December 15. They have also appealed for public help after $400 was stolen from behind the counter of an Inglewood shop.

If you have any information on these or any other crime event in our region, please call your local police station, the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Goldfields highway patrol police are continuing to monitor local roads where over the Christmas-New Year period more than fines totalling more than $30,000 were issued.

A 37-year-old Kangaroo Flat man was arrested for reckless

Jenny Hosking and Colleen Condliffe inspect damage at Bridgewater railway station.

LH PHOTO

conduct and excessive speed, before subsequently failing an oral fluid test on Boxing Day. Police allege the car was detected doing 144 kmh on the Loddon Valley Highway, Jarklin, about 4pm.

“The car overtook numerous other vehicles before taking the Prairie West Rd towards Calivil. Along there, the car reached speeds of 170kmh before being intercepted by police,” said Sgt Brad Hall.

“The vehicle was unroadworthy – the rear tyres were so excessively worn, they were showing signs of wire and canvas through the rubber as well as two wheels missing some wheel nuts!”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

Rate rise cap lifts

THE STATE Government has raised the cap on local government rate increases.

The late December announcement will allow all Victorian councils, including Loddon, to lift rates up to 1.75 per cent in 20222023. Councils had previously been restricted to 1.5 rate rises under the Fair Go Rates system.

The Government said the new cap would “help ease cost of living pressures for Victorians”.

The Fair Go Rates system began in 2016 to limit rate hikes and to provide councils with a clear framework to guide their budgeting while ensuring essential services continue to be delivered.

The cap is set each year by the Minister for Local Government with advice from the Essential Services Commission, guided by the Consumer Price Index.

“We introduced the Fair Go Rates system to help reduce costof-living pressures for Victorians by preventing uncontrolled rate hikes from local councils across Victoria,” said Local Government Minister Shaun Lean.

“Community members have the chance to engage with their local councils as they make decisions about rate rises through their budget process each year.”

Loddon Shire councillors will consider council the draft budget later this year, including proposed rate and fee levels.

The process includes community consultation.

IN BRIEF Heat beater TARNAGULLA Community Centre had an unscheduled opening last week as temperatures rose into the high 30s. The air-conditioned centre opened to provide a cool spot, and a change of scenery, for locals looking to beat the heat.

Vietnam anniversary PLANNING has started events around Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War in 2023. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said the Australian Government had committed $6 million to ensure this important milestone was marked with respect and appreciation for all those who served and those who gave their lives in Vietnam.

Culvert works

Louise Staley presents new flags to Wendy Sutton and committee vice-president Hans Read.

LH PHOTO

Flags hoisted at historic reserve FLAGS are again flying from the historic pavilion at Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve, Ripon MP Louise Staley presented new Australian and Aboriginal flags to the reserve’s committee during an end-of-year afternoon tea.

Committee secretary Wendy Sutton said the committee was delighted to accept the flags,

adding to the spectacle of the historic two-storey cricket pavilion built in 1884.

The reserve committee continues to push for State Government funding to upgrade the reserve’s septic tank. Camping at the reserve has been impacted for almost 12 months after the current system failed.

Australia Day 2022 is a time to reflect, respect and celebrate.

On Australia Day, 26 January, award ceremonies will be held across Loddon Shire to recognise what it means to be Australian, to acknowledge our rich history and celebrate the selfless contributions of our volunteers.

We reflect on the resilience of our

communities and their spirit of helping and giving that defines the Australian way, epitomised in the Australia Day awardees to be honoured in Loddon Shire.

LODDON Shire is expected to complete replacement of a culvert at Gladfield in coming days. Council says Gladfield Road was closed to through traffic from last week for the completion of culvert replacement works on the Calivil Creek between Shipps Road and Herdmans Road.

Town tour GLENN Catto took members of Inglewood and District Historical Society on a tour of the Rheola area on Sunday.

juggled home schooling, work and life in general.

We celebrate our nation’s place in the world – a proud, ancient, multicultural nation built on shared values that allow us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that other nations aspire to.

We respect the stories, histories and contributions of all Australians, especially our frontline workers and those who sacrificed so much over the past year, business owners, our students plus the parents who’ve

Reflect, respect, celebrate – we’re all part of Australia’s story.

Join in at our local community celebrations Boort – Nolen’s Park, food vans and activities from 11am Bridgewater - Sloan’s Park, barbecue breakfast from 8am Eddington Community Centre, barbecue breakfast from 8am Inglewood Swimming Pool, sausage sizzle from 11am Newbridge Hall, sausage sizzle from 11.15am Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall, community dinner from 5pm Tarnagulla - Soldiers Memorial Park, barbecue from 5pm Serpentine TJ Rudkins Reserve, barbecue from 8.30am (BYO chairs) Wedderburn - Soldiers Memorial Park, barbecue from 5pm

Recipients of the 2022 Loddon Shire Australia Day awards will be honoured at these community celebrations.

Presentations will also be made to winners of the Shire’s annual Australia Day competitions.

COUNCIL OFFICE T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au Cr Dan Straub Mayor Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

Open to the public, subject to COVID-19 restrictions Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

CONTACT COUNCIL

41 High Street Wedderburn 3518

Community water traders expand A COMMUNITY-OWNED water trading company has expanded its presence into the Loddon.

Boort’s Lawrence Cameron is one of three client liaison officers for the Kyabram-based Waterpool Trading.

Lawrence said he would be working with farmers across the Loddon, including Boort, Serpentine, Dingee, Bridgewater and Newbridge as they managed their water trading requirements.

He said the water market was robust and it was important for farmers to maximise their use and trades of allocations.

Following a recent restructure, Waterpool is now a member-based company, effectively owned by the community for the benefit of the community.

The company said its transition to a new model was to provide market-driven price outcomes and transparency while ensuring it was community owned in perpetuity.

“This new entity presents an exciting opportunity to further enhance our services to the irrigation community, whilst maintaining the trusted methods of trade for which the Waterpool brand has become well recognised,” the company said.

“Our members and traders consist of irrigators, farmers, government organisations, corporate clients and other water trading organisations.”

Lawrence spent 35 years with Goulburn-Murray Water before joining Waterpool.

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 11 ADVERTISEMENT

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SPLASHIN’ AROUND: Sophia de Jong, Jed Paton and Maddi Paton knew how to cool off when they took to the water at Inglewood swimming pool last Friday. The trio were among family groups enjoying a cool dip. LH PHOTO

Roo harvest plan extended VICTORIA’S kangaroo harvest management plan will be extended until the end of 2023 with the 10 per cent quota remaining in force.

The State Government announced the quota will be 127,850 this year.

The lagrest harvest allocations in 2022 are 46,150 in the central zone that includes Ballarat, Seymour and Mount Alexander council areas and lower Wimmera (30,550) that includes Loddon, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra and Northern Grampians Shires.

Two-thirds of the lower Wimmera allocation were to be released from January 4. Active kangaroo harvesters are to be

feds

given an initial allocation of 200 tags and must use at least 50 per cent before a second allocation..

A planning permit application by Campaspe Meats to establish a kangaroo pet meat processing plant at the former Inglewood abattoirs is still to be formally considered by Loddon Shire councillors.

Council has received two petitions from animal rights objectors containing thousands of signatures from people in Australia and overseas.

Two activists addressed council’s December meeting and councillors have decided the application can only be assessed on planning grounds.

C/A 1 Section 5 Area: 0 A 3 R 27 P Equalling 3751 m2 On edge of Newbridge Township Services available (not connected) Excellent development block (STCA) Terms 10% deposit, balance in 30/60/90 days Particulars on request

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12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

SPECIAL REPORT: SWIMMING CHALLENGES

Local activities key to patronage lift at pools Vaughan Herrick

Friends back push to keep gates open VAUGHAN Herrick spent 35 years as treasurer of Pyramid Hill’s local swimming pool committee.

Before that he had been one of the local youngsters cooling off on warm days after the pool opened in 1966.

The committee, in later years a council-appointed group, was disbanded last year when the contract for management of local pools was awarded to Belgravia Leisure.

Vaughan and other committee members had hoped they could still “have a bit of say and help out” under a proposed friends’ group model.

“But nothing has happened,” Vaughan said last week. “We were told at the start of the (swimming year) that pools were struggling and if we didn’t get numbers through the gates we could be in trouble. ““If the pool’s not open, you can’t get people through the gates.”

Vaughan said management of swimming pools was vastly different today compared with his early days on the committee.

“We’d appoint a caretaker and ... maybe one or two people,” he said.

Vaughan said greater regulations had made it more difficult to find lifeguards over the last 10 years. “It’s not good when the pool is not open and annoys people who then won’t buy a (season) membership.”

PATRONAGE among the Loddon’s five swimming pools is highest at Boort where the town’s swimming club is again providing lessons.

This season, 70 youngsters are part of the program during school terms and there is also a special kindergarten program.

“It’s a unique program and has been running for decades,” said club president Kathryn Lanyon.

“It gives children access to lessons in their home town ... without it, the majority would not be learning to swim.”

The Loddon Shire’s 2018-2022 swimming pool improvement plan showed Boort was the most -used pool in the region with the turnstile ticking over 7702 times in the 2018 season.

More than half were family season ticket holders.

Among users has been Ella Lanyon, now one of the volunteer teachers for the swimming club program and this week running Vicswim classes at the pool.

“We needed swimming teachers to run the program so I did the training,” Ella said. “There are very important skills for young people to learn whether swimming in the pool, in the lake or a dam.”

“The Boort pool is a really good facility for the programs and younger people are disappointed when it’s not open.”

Kathryn said the club was future proofing its programs by developing a cohort of local young qualified teachers, including paying their training costs.

Swimming club and Vicswim instructor Ella Lanyon. LH PHOTO

Rising costs of compliance, maintenance THE Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games triggered a boom in the building of swimming pools in Victorian towns.

Within a decade, five Loddon communities had raised money, sometimes matched by government funds, and opened pools inspired by the feats of gold medal heroes like Dawn Fraser and Faith Leach.

Volunteers often constructed and then managed the pools before increased compliance and maintenance of facilities skyrocketed and councils stepped up to help communities, often assuming management roles.

In its 2018-2022 swimming pool plan, Loddon Shire says that in the five years to 2018 costs associated with the op-

eration and maintenance of the swimming pools significantly increased, placing greater pressure on council to find ways of operating more efficiently.

“Water, energy, water treatment and waste water disposal costs contribute a large amount to the operation of running swimming pools<’ the plan says.

“In the past 10 years these ex-

penses have doubled in price.

Council has little flexibility in limiting these costs as legislative requirements dictate levels of compliance in the operations of all public swimming facilities.”

In the decade to 2018, council spent $2.5 million in maintenance and improvements at its pools. Every visit was subsidised by $22.34 a person in 2021-2022.

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 13

SPECIAL REPORT: SWIMMING CHALLENGES SUMMER OF DISCONTENT

CALLS TO COMMUNITY

18 SIGN UP FOR WORK

POOLS across regional Victoria have often been shut this summer as temperatures jump into the high 30s.

A shortage of lifeguards coupled with the impact of COVID isolation and precautions have impacted all five Loddon Shire pools - Boort, Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn - plus pools in Buloke Shire and across Bendigo that has seen them close for a day or two or even weeks.

BELGRAVIA Leisure, awarded the contract to manage Loddon Shire pools last September, has called on local communities to assist in the recruitment of lifeguards. In a Christmas Eve announcement, the company said that “sadly this will not be a normal season” Last week, the company said it was still looking for at least two senior lifeguards at each of the five local pools.

EIGHTEEN new lifeguards have been recruited by Belgravia Leisure for Loddon pools in recent weeks.

Two lifeguards, including one aged 18 or over, are required to operate a pool at any time. The company says further recruitment at each pool would “help

support the current team who are doing an exceptional job in the current situation”.

Kids just want a dip MORE than a dozen youngsters waited at the gate to Mitiamo’s pool last week ... hoping that the gates might finally open.

Apart from a handful of days, including New Year’s Eve, the gates have been locked during the staff crisis.

Parents and residents say they are fearful of the future for their 61-year-old pool.

They say not knowing when the pool will be open has reduced confidence in people buying season tickets.

“We’re really disappointed.

Belgravia has stopped taking our phone calls ... they should come and talk to us,” said Sharon Shepherd.

“It’s not easy on the town and district when we keep being told the pool will re-open soon. It’s like they’re teasing the hell out of us.”

Sharon and parent Kate Ellis also want to see hours changed at the pool.

“It’s crazy to be opening in the middle of the day when it’s the hottest,” Kate said.

The two would rather see the Mitiamo pool opening later in the evening when it could be used by families and also drillers working in the district on the Catalyst mining projects.

Ian Anderson, who managed the pool for almost two decades, said unknown opening days took away the incentive for families to buy a season ticket.

He said the pool had been a community initiative 60 years ago.

Sharon said driving to another town on hot days was not a realistic option. “We don’t want to spend more money and hop in car when its 36 degrees and drive to another pool,” she said.

Kate said East Loddon P12 students were forced to travel to Pyramid Hill for an end-of-year activity last month because the Mitiamo pool was not open and she expressed concern about

WEEKS WAITING: Mitiamo district youngsters have spent most days over the last month waiting for their local pool to be open. LH PHOTO future school programs held at Mitiamo unless there were more days with the gates opened.

Progress association secretary Wayne Brandt said: “The swimming pool should be a centre of activity in summer. It’s not now and we feel like we’re into a death rattle.”

“When the pool has been open, the staff have been fantastic. We just need it open more,” Sharon said.

Mitiamo pool opened for the first time in almost three weeks at the weekend although Inglewood pool was closed one day because of staff shortages.

Belgravia Leisure’s latest information on Mitiamo pool has the facility opening for five days this week.

Paul Condliffe, Kate Ellis and Sharon Shepherd believe district families would embrace regular opening days and hours at Mitiamo. LH PHOTO

‘Rosa’ future on drawing board LODDON Shire will develop a new recreation open space and aquatic strategy (ROSA) this year.

It says the strategy is needed to help meet community’s contemporary recreational, open space and aquatic needs, by considering current and future needs of residents at all ages and stages of life, the upgrade and renovation needs of the existing pools, recreation reserves and parks, council’s long-term financial sustainability, and future population trends.

“Council will be commencing the recreation open space and aquatic strategy from the start

of the next financial year,” the shire said.

“This strategy will replace the recreation strategy, open space strategy and swimming pool improvement plan and will combine these into one document that will strategically support the provision of quality recreation, leisure and open space facilities and services across the shire.

“The aquatic component of the strategy will review available swimming pool attendance data over time (including the current season) to understand user trends.

“The strategy will also analyse

the condition of our swimming pool facilities and provide strategic action recommendations to ensure our aquatic facilities are fit for purpose, are efficient to operate and maintain and are best positioned to increase use.”

Council said it was receiving attendance data from Belgravia Leisure throughout the pool season.

“This data will be used in the development of the ROSA strategy. To assist in the development of the ROSA strategy, consultation will occur with all relevant stakeholders including community, clubs and organisations.”

Town ‘hit hard’ by staff crisis A COMMITMENT has been given to Mitiamo that its pool will be open.

Belgravia Leisure’s regional manager Rod Simms said Mitiamo had been severely affected by the lifeguard crisis.

“While we acknowledge the current industry staff shortage is providing many operational challenges, we are committed to providing services to the Mitiamo community, which unfortunately has been severely affected regarding opening hours and days,” he said.

“The industry staff shortage has also been compounded by the recent effects of COVID-19 on staff availability, meaning we have seen day-to-day situations unfold where staff have simply not been available to work.”

Mr Simms also said having pools open for school swimming carnivals would remain a priority.

“While we still need the communities’ help with senior lifeguards, we will strive to deliver this important service for our local school communities.”

And Mr Simms said Belgravia Leisure strongly supported the Friends of the Pool initiative “which we have seen establish and grow in regional Victoria.

While this is not a Belgravia Leisure initiative we have and will continue to advocate the ‘friends of’ to communities looking to help support their local pool.”

Loddon swimming pools were previously managed for council by the Maryborough-based Unified Community Sports and Leisure.

User groups have told the Loddon Herald that the shortage of lifeguards has existed for several years but not to the levels of 2021-2022 pool season.

Belgravia Leisure manages pools, aquatic and leisure centres across Victoria.

Sudden closures leaving residents hot under collar LAST-MINUTE changes to opening hours at some Loddon swimming pools left residents upset over the Christmas break.

Local pools were particularly hard-hit with staff shortages announced late afternoon on Christmas Eve, dramatically reducing opening days for the following week.

Verneece Woodman wrote on a Loddon Herald report of the changes: “This needs to be fixed, the kids and their fami-

lies enjoy going to the pool for a swim, considering we are looking at weather in the 40s this week it would be great to be able to use it.”

Murray Smyth said: “Locals kids and families lose out.”

And Peter Talbot said opening of pools for only three or four days a week made him question having a facility when “we can’t use it”.

Vera Hanson expressed disappointment that “children would miss out”.

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

Planning for a new year MEMBERS of Pyramid Hill’s Filipino committee are planning activities and programs for 2022.

President of the town’s United Filipino Organisation and parish priest at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Fr Novelito Lim, said he hoped to continue local connections and support.

“The organisation has provided valuable connection within the community and enabled the Catholic Church, the UFO, local businesses and the wider community to work together,” he said, “As we were helped by the Australian community when we first arrived, it is now our turn to give back to our community.”

Fr Lim said the UFO was a small organisation led by the migrant Filipinos in Pyramid Hill and surrounding towns.

“Migrating to a different country is already difficult nonetheless, to a small town is much more difficult and challenging,” he said.

“However, due to the great help and a welcoming sense of community we were able to adjust easily to the life in northern country Victoria.”

Fr Lim said UFO had been able to run several programs last year. “We were able to have a la-

ARTS

IN BRIEF Webster in chair REGIONAL news services in Australia are the focus of a new Parliamentary inquiry.

Mallee MP Anne Webster is chairing the House of Represenitatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts to hear evidence on newspaper services in rural, regional and remote areas. Dr Webster said: “Local news is a vital component to an interconnected community, and a thriving democracy.”

Startup begins Pyramid Hill’s Filipino community at the Christmas dinner last month. dies’ night out, for the women to catch up and gather,” he said.

“The Christmas in Pyramid Hill is an event when everyone is welcome, a time to refresh and celebrate Christmas in the community especially after all the lockdowns that we have experienced.

“One of the ongoing programs is Cafes for COVID which is supported and funded with the help of Bendigo Food Share.

“The focus has been on supporting the older members in the community, as well as those who

have been unwell, have a disability or have recently had surgery.

“This group often struggles to access fresh food, and as we all know cooking for yourself or just one other can be a challenge.

“The volunteers had noticed this group were not necessarily accessing the regular Food share delivery, due to a combination of finding it hard to get to without a car or in bad weather, a sense of pride and the feeling that others are more worthy.”

Fr Lim said the church, UFO, the school and the businesses

themselves identified people who could do with some help but who were not receiving any.

“They gifted them the meals, turning up at the front door with them and taking the time to have a bit of a chat as they went.”

Fr Lim said the Rice Project was significant in Pyramid Hill.

“As Asians the staple is rice and a day in the life of these Filipinos will not be complete without having rice sometimes once or even three times a day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” he said.

APPLICATIONS for Startup Central Victoria’s next Accelerator Program close on Monday. The program, has 15 places available, and is open to aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs aged over 18 from central Victoria, including Loddon Shire, who are looking to startup or scale up a business idea.

Days on hold TARNAGULLA History Archive has put a hold on its monthly open days due to COVID cases and uncertainty.

Ross uses art to express the beauty of nature

ALLOWING nature to lead the way, artist Ross Currie from Wedderburn finds inspiration in seemingly ordinary objects and landscapes to create stunning artworks.

Ross’s method for expressing his love of art is through pyrography, where stunning imagery is captured through smoke and fire, with fine detail burnt into wood.

Pyrography still captures the attention of art lovers today. Ross is a modern day pyrographer, taking a more sophisticated approach to the art form, opting for a pyrography pen over heated metal rods.

Beginning his artistic journey in 1986, Ross moved away from traditional art forms after discovering his passion for pyrography during his time spent doing rehabilitation for a work injury.

Ross has since expanded his repertoire to work with natural wood formed sculpture, charcoal and carving.

Art for Ross is his way of expressing nature’s inherent and unique beauty.

Through a light touch he can recreate a misty veil across native forestry, and hazy burn marks capture a snapshot of beauty

in an ever-shifting natural landscape. One of his signature pieces is a snake, taking form from a large vine previously wrapped around a peppercorn tree.

Sanded and oiled to showcase its natural twists, Ross’ wooden snake winds and wraps around itself with movement reminiscent of life.

Many are interested to learn that Ross has a studio named Cuzz’s Studio which is well worth visiting while in the area.

When visiting you might also have the pleasure of meeting his four-legged companion named Basil.

When driving within the Loddon Valley you may spot some roadside art created

by Ross, such as ‘Ned’ somewhere along the Calder Highway from Inglewood to Wedderburn.

Ross is a passionate local striving for an art culture throughout the Loddon Valley region, and helped to form the Wedderburn Open Air Mural Committee. Ross now provides a walking tour for people keen to explore in detail the Bird’s Eye View murals.

Ross Currie at his Wedderburn studio.

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 15

Season of records in region HIGH-YIELDING canola and faba bean crops have lifted Loddon harvest to record levels.

Boort Grain Co-op has taken delivery of 15,000 tonnes of faba beans, triple its previous high of 5000 tonnes in 20202021.

And at the Graincorp Mitiamo silo, a record 82,000 tonnes of canola, wheat and barley was received– the most grain the site has ever received.

Silos across the region are now at the tail end of their harvest receivals with some farmers recording three good seasons on the trot.

Boort Co-op manager Jon Bucknall said the increase in faba beans, mostly destined for export to the Middle East, had also been driven by better yields and growers in southern New South Wales delivering to the local silos.

“We would normally receive

about 2000 tonnes of faba beans from local growers, last year it was 5000 and this year almost 15,000 tonnes,” he said.

“Across all grains, we’ve finished just shy of the record 170,000 tonnes in 2016-2017, probably making it three good years in a row and up on last year’s 150,000 tonnes.”

Mr Bucknall said canola yields were also up on last season.

He said there was a normal spread in wheat grades from the high-protein H1 and H2 down to ASW while deliveries had again been good for malting barley.

While some receivals had been affected by field tip and fungi, reducing quality, most farmers in the region had avoided crop damage from major rain events.

Mr Bucknall said quality Victorian yields contrasted with downgrading of some crops in NSW by heavy rain while in Western Australia, wheat had

FABA-LOUS: Jon Bucknall surrounded by a record delivery of faba beans to Boort. LH PHOTO been particularly hit and protein levels dramatically reduced.

“Buyers were very cautious as the Victorian harvest started but across the state the quality spreads were normal and prices picked up again the week before Christmas,” he said.

“The buyers still have orders to fill.”

Grains are currently being stored in 20 bunkers at the co-op site while old hay storage sheds are being used for faba beans.

Mr Bucknall said about 3000

tonnes of grain had been carried over in storage from last season but expected up to 20,000 tonnes a month will be sold from the site this year.

“We’ll probably be empty, or near to it, by next November at the start of the new harvest,” he said.

Mr Bucknall said the co-op’s staff had grown by 45 people as dozens of trucks arrived daily during harvest, including an extra five people required for COVID compliance.

The fumigation of Boort bunkers has now started to protect grain in storage.

Graincorp said it had received more than 171,000 tonnes at its Loddon sites in Mitiamo, Tandara and Boort.

Most Graincorp sites are now only open by appointment.

Mr Bucknall said he expected the final trucks to deliver harvest yield at the Boort Coop over the next three weeks.

“We’re at the tail end now.”

Quality control TILLY Lanyon (left) has worked as a sampler and tester at Boort Grain Coop again this harvest.

She returned home for harvest from Melbourne where she is studying oesteopathy at RMIT. Tilly has been part of the co-op’s harvest team for six years and this year checked the quality of grain being delivered before drivers were despatched to a bunker to unload.

Dozens of people from across the district, including university students home on leave, were part of the 45-strong team.

SHEEP MARKET ANOTHER quiet yarding with just 11,500 lambs and 4500 sheep at Bendigo on Monday.

There was some very good fed shorn lambs in the heavy weight ranges which were expected to yield well, while quality over the general run of lambs off grass was mixed.

There was six regular processing orders that were either absent or didn’t purchase stock to COVID staffing issues at abattoirs.

However there was still demand to keep lamb prices at similar levels to a week ago.

Although some secondary lambs and small penlots didn’t attract a lot of buyer attention, with the market favouring the better finished shorn lambs off grain or pellets.

The sale also tended to loose

some momentum as it progressed.

The heaviest export lambs over 30kg cwt sold from $250 to a top of $276/head, ranging from an estimated 780c to 830c/ kg cwt.

Pens of shorn and fed lambs in the 24-27kg cwt range sold to the best demand at $204 to $235/head, most sales trending from 840c to 870c/kg cwt.

The general run of domestic lamb with less carcass finish from $175 to $195/head.

Woolly unshorn lambs didn’t receive as much support as the shorn types, with buyers wary of condition underneath the pelt.

The lead of the woolly young lambs from $185 to a top of $208/head for pens in the heavy trade category.

Light lambs to restockers

and MK processing orders from $135 to $165/head for the better framed types.

The selection of Merino lambs was generally plain and in the lighter weight grades, selling to $180/head.

There was some very secondary and small lambs that sold from $24 to $80/head.

The sheep yarding still had a reasonable selection of weights and grades considering the low numbers.

Heavy Merino ewes in wool sold to $210, with the heaviest crossbred ewes also reaching $210/head.

Most trade and heavy sheep sold from $130 to $180/head at an estimated cost of 520c to 590c/kg cwt.

There was some light mutton, and young Merino wethers that

did sell above 600c/kg cwt at times.

There was some restocking support for ewes with frame that lacked condition.

SUCKERS JD Cox Charlton (65) $208, Summit Farms Kotupna (50) $204, G Lester-Smith Woodend (54) $202, J & B Wright Terrapee (45) $195, PA & NE Clarke Newham (84) $189.

CROSSBRED LAMBS P & D Sexton,Terappee (95) $270, G Allan Wycheproof (60) $269, WL & PJ Johnson, Myola East (79) $255, RW & AL Baker Dingee (55) $255, A & T Cole Neilborough (118) $255, McKay Farms Drummartin (70) $251, Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (190) $250, Nedna P/L, Willangie (60) $250, Mildenhall Farm Serpentine (53) $248, B & M Barlow Wanalta (89) $248, JH Hay Kamarooka (52) $244, GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (111) $242, T & K Campbell Macorna (25) $240, C & S Cox Farms P/L Moama (59) $239, Stoke Ferry P/L Woomelang (45) $238, AW & PM Gould & Sons Mysia (70) $236, D & K Barber Nullawil (147) $235, Andshara Family Trust Wychitella (146) $230, Hay Bros Kama-

rooka (42) $230, D & H McKInley Leichardt (53) $225, JD Cox Charlton (32) $224, N & M Hocking Pyramid Hill (23) $215, MD Connors Moama (53) $204.

MERINO LAMBS Brassy Downs Pyramid Hill (33) $145, BD,D & NM McLennan Terip Terip (59) $135.

CROSSBRED EWES Wokinmel Past Co Rochester (85) $210, Nedna P/L, Willangie (7) $190, G & R Dickinson Heathcote (53) $174, AR Davis Newham (3) $161.

MERINO EWES McKay Farms Drummartin (13) $175, G & D Nation Koyuga (18) $170, Summit Farms Kotupna (163) $170, BD,D & NM McLennan Terip Terip (54) $160.

GRAIN Boort Grain Co-op prices:

WHEAT - HL1 $340. HL2 $340. APW $330. ASW $310. GP1 $284. BARLEY - PL1 $288 ISCC. SP1 $287. BAR1 $250. BAR2 $240. PULSES - Faba1 $350. Faba2 $340.

Field peas $540 DELD MELB.

16 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

FEATURES | PERSPECTIVES | QUIZ

Life experiences back strong vaccine stance

1. What is the constellation on the Australian flag?

2. What is the national animal of Australia?

3. What’s the national gemstone of Australia?

4. What’s the national flower of Australia?

5. Which two native animals are on the Australian coat of arms?

6. At which beach will you find the first Australian lifesaving club?

7. Which latitude line runs through Australia?

8. Who is the head of state of Australia?

9. How many time zones are in Australia?

10. Which was the first Australian state to celebrate Australia Day on 26 January?

11. What is the largest cattle station in Australia?

12. Which law was first adopted in Australia in 1970?

13. What’s the national bird of Australia?

14. Australia is home to the world’s longest fence. What is it called?

15. Which was the first Australian state to give women the right to vote?

16. What is the only living structure that can be seen from space?

17. Where is the Dog On The Tucker Box? 18. Which famous bridge is a twin of the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal, Canada?

19. How many cities does Tasmania have?

20. What is the capital of Australia?

ANSWERS

UNFORTUNATELY, I contracted polio in the summer of 1948-49. That summer 28 people in Boort fell to the disease, some quite seriously. I remember one young lady in the Boort Hospital spending about 10 years mostly in an iron lung to keep her breathing while lying on her back with a mirror to look up the passage to see what the world offered.

In Boort we still have Peter Coutts permanently in a wheelchair as a result of post-polio syndrome. Of course we have just lost John Piccoli, who spent most of his life in a wheelchair as a result of polio.

The Boort Swimming Pool was shut as it was suspected of spreading polio, also schools and churches had to shut for a while. The fear of children catching polio was immense. Barry Barnes told me as a young child he never left the farm for three months in case he caught the dreaded disease.

I had my legs in callipers for almost two years mainly to keep my legs straight. I remember the many trips to Melbourne and Ballarat for treatment including curvature of the spine. If only the polio vaccine was a few years earlier I would be leading a normal life. With the onset of the post-polio syndrome I most likely will be in a wheelchair within five years.

I remember so well the day the vaccine arrived in Boort, every school pupil for kilometres around turned up. The queue started at the Boort Health Centre in Godfrey Street and went down to the Commercial Hotel and around the corner. Polio is now absent from Australia as a result of vaccines. It makes me so disappointed that people are refusing to take part in the Covid vaccine program, it is no different.

Up until 1920, around 30 per cent of deaths at the Boort Cemetery were children under three years of age, I would not know of one child in the last 30 years who has passed away. This is a result of good hygiene and vaccinations. Science, by giv-

By PAUL HAW ing us many vaccines has increased our life expectancy between 10 and 15 years.

Back in the 1950s practically every student lost at least six weeks of education as a result of contracting mumps measles and chickenpox. Sometimes with consequences from the disease for the rest of their lives. This no longer happens.

My mother (Thelma) lost a sister to diphtheria. My grandfather William Haw almost died from typhoid around 1900, the nurse who was looking after him died from the complaint, vaccines and antibiotics have stopped these in their tracks.

I was called up to serve my country against my wishes, spending 12 months in Vietnam. On April 12, 1968, I was wounded when an M-16 mine exploded, killing two and wounded five soldiers. I had a near death experience where I was floating beside my body with the feeling of no weight and the bright lights. I spent time in hospital at Vung-tau receiving five operations to remove shrapnel and to drain wounds. Now I wonder if it was worth it, especially after seeing anti-vaxers damaging the Shrine of Remembrance and urinating on the walls.

Having a religious experience on the battlefield stays with you all of your life. It now disappoints me to see the socalled Christians protesting and refusing to get vaccinated in my community. So much so, Cathie and I have stopped attending church for a while to think this over. I couldn’t get my vaccinations quick enough as I saw it as “my obligation” to protect myself and others, not the selfish attitude “I have rights”.

The two greatest Commandments are to love God with all of your heart, soul and mind and the second Commandment is to love others as yourself. By not getting vaccinated, is going against this important principle and science. This attitude

gives Christianity a bad reputation. If we all took this anti-vaccine advice and let it rip through our community we would have lost between 50,000 100,000 people in Victoria and hospitals would not have coped. Please go and get advice off your doctor or chemist as they have studied for years. I find most of the antivaxers have no qualifications at all. When you study some of their Facebook pages it makes me wonder where we are heading as a nation. Our shire has one of the highest vaccination rates in Australia, possibly the world, probably due to the fact that we are also one of the oldest populations in Australia and have experienced the same things that I have.

In Australia we have had very good leadership compared to the rest of the world, as we have only lost one person in every 11,160 people. In America under President Trump’s leadership, they lost one person in 390 people or 850,000 deaths.

Now we have anti-vax protesters expecting herd immunity on the backs of those who have demonstrated they care for our community by getting vaccinated.

COVID is a risk to the vulnerable, why reward such selfishness? We just want to get on with our lives in a way that is safe and allows hospitals to keep functioning, we don’t want fringe majorities to threaten our health system.

The word freedom is totally misused, we don’t have the freedom to drink drive, steal from our neighbours or drive without our seat belts, it’s not hard putting others before yourself.

Those who choose not to get vaccinated still have moral obligations to take other precautions against contracting or transmitting the virus, such as wearing masks, social distancing, checking in and getting tested. If they don’t, they are just rebels against science and society.

What have we learnt? Apply it to avoid another ‘Groundhog’ year DAYS into 2022 and there is already great caution as a new wave of pandemic challenges are thrust forward.

The pessimist may say it’s like a scene from the movie Groundhog Day, with signs everywhere that this year may have equal the number of confronting situations as were presented, met and overcame in 2020 and 2021.

Again, in Loddon communities as with every other town in Victoria, there is disruption to both the normal and “COVID normal” way of life. Although the latter normal should have us expecting and prepared for bumps and potholes in the roads being travelled.

Many of our local businesses have already had occasion to reduce operating hours as they juggle the combined factors of trying to fill existing staff vacancies and the “knockout” of workers under ever-changing exposure, testing and vaccination compliance framework.

The cynical would question why government still struggles to articulate a clear pathway through this pandemic, asking what has been learnt and applied in two years.

Compliance has already cost some Loddon businesses. Visited and subsequently fined for what, to some readers, have seen

By CHRIS EARL as minor omissions in COVIDSafe plans that have changing and evolving requirements.

These businesses are the same family enterprises that have continued to service our local communities through lockdown after lockdown, snap changes to restrictions and the sheer confusion updated public health orders may have created at times.

Like the amazing and wonderful staff at Loddon health providers, smiles have been retained.

From care of the elderly to sharing important health information and messages, we continue to be thankful to local health professionals in guiding everyone through this pandemic.

It was disappointing to have the State Government tell the Loddon Herald that a third of businesses inspected for alleged compliance breaches in the final months of 2021 were off the back of public complaints.

Whatever the motivation, every part of our communities need support and assistance, co-operation and understanding.

Not the instigation of action over what have been described as minor breaches.

While New Year resolutions have proven something of a waste the last two years, let’s hope that the genuine spirit of Loddon communities will be all encompassing in 2022.

Greater levels of resilience and strength have been developed since this pandemic brought life as we knew it to an almighty thud.

We have met the challenges with oldfashioned country focus and commonsense. And already there are more cases across local communities, reported case numbers at levels not seen before.

But by following the advice from our local health services, clearly exercising caution and retaining a smile, there can remain a pervading air of optimism.

Groundhog year can be avoided, students able to experience a term and year at school after eight consecutive disrupted terms, community still coming together for local events, activities and sports.

That may mean stepping up even more as shops and services work through and around short-term staffing shortages.

It also will require government to be consistent with policy responses, not over-burdening our local communities with compliance and controlling decrees.

We live in hope.

1.Southern Cross. 2. Red kangaroo. 3.

Opal. 4. The golden wattle. 5. The emu and kangaroo were chosen to hold the shield on the coat of arms to symbolise a forwardmoving nation because these animals are incapable of moving backwards quickly.6.

Bondi Beach. 7. Tropic of Capricorn. 8.

Queen Elizabeth II. 9. Three. Australia has three time zones: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST). However, there are two more during daylight savings when TAS, ACT, NSW and VIC move to Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT). At the same time, SA and Broken Hill move to Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT). 10. Victoria in 1931. 11. Anna Creek Station. 12. The seat belt law. 13. The emu. 14. The rabbitproof fence. 15. South Australia. 16. The Great Barrier Reef. 17. Gundagai. 18. The Story Bridge in Brisbane. 19. Six – Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, Glenorchy and Clarence. 20. Canberra.

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 17

FEATURES

Putting skis on lake

Seeing a photo in Popular Mechanics of a boat towing a bob sled behind a boat with a person standing up, seemed like a lot of fun to us. Wrecking an old door, we soon manufactured a makeshift sled, however, without the curved up nose.

Try as we may, the poor old outboard motor just never had the power to do much more than create a small wave, let alone us being able to stand up on it, possibly having three people in the boat would not have helped, so our early attempts at some sort of aqua planning failed.

BOORT Ski Club foundation member Murray Lanyon shared his recollections of the beginnings of water-skiing and the club at its 60th anniversary dinner.

From his introduction to the sport seeing a photograph in Popular Mechanics magazine to the early days at Lake Leaghur and developing facilities in Boort, Murray’s snapshot of 60 years was also a tribute to the club’s founders.

Murray shares a few stories from the early days in this edited extract of his address to the anniversary dinner:

‘

There were many challenges to be over overcome in the move to Boort, a boat slipway was needed, the foreshore to be cleaned up to provide a suitable area, for skiers and their families to congregate, stumps on the lake bed that could possibly damage both boat propellers, and skiers, needed to be removed, plus many other probable con concerns that hadn’t been envisaged yet.

As there were only three speed boats in the region - Les Saunders, Warwick Greaves, and Robert Lanyon’s Skiff - skiing was conducted on the Big Lake at your own risk, a row of painted posts were driven into the lake bed to differentiate reasonably safe water to the north, and the dangerous tree stump zone to the South. A makeshift slipway made of wooden planks was constructed to the west of the gun club to facilitate the launching of boats, Robert Lanyon, president of the Lake Boort Development and Tourist Promotion Committee, contacted the Victorian Tourist Development Authority, asking if there were grants available to help with the construction, and installation

The progress association were extremely pleased with the activities as presented on the Lake, as there had been little activity on the lake in previous years.

The early days of skiing in Boort of a double slipway at a suitable location on the Little Lakes Foreshore in Nolen’s Park, and if funds were also possible to help generally clean up the foreshore in the area.

Contact was also made with the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, plus the Lands Department, outlining the proposed idea, and that if the project was proceeded with, that the Lake would need to be kept at a high level through the warmer months of the year to sustain its use, this was generally agreed to.

Correspondence, plus personal approaches, were made to the councillors of the Gordon Shire, and Allan Johnson, the shire engineer, to inform them of the proposals that were being put in place, and to seek their approval to proceed, which was greeted with encouragement and enthusiasm.

(When) funds had arrived from the Victorian Tourist Development Authority to build the double slipway, a professional concreting company was engaged to complete the works, with help being available through the progress association, and other organisations, the slipway would be operational before the 1961 summer season, this would give boat owners easy access to the lake.

In November 1961 the Boort Progress Association convened a meeting of interested people to form a ski club, a vote was taken with those present, and it was unanimously agreed that a club was to be formed.

Robert was elected president with vicepresident Peter Weaver, secretary Bruce Meadows and treasurer Oliver Wright As early summer is always a busy time

Competitions and championships in the club’s early years

in communities such as Boort, with the grain harvest in full swing, and the last paddocks of baled hay to be carted, there is not a lot of time to spend on other projects, however the Boort Ski Club executive and committee were eager, as a newly formed club, to contribute towards the Australia Day Carnival coming up towards the end of January.

Robert who was very keen on boat racing, suggested that this could certainly provide some interesting action for the crowd, and maybe some exhibition skiing would be a good contribution from the club.

The executive and committee agreed, with Robert who had contacts through Lloyd Willian, was left in charge of the racing.

As it turned out the day was a total success, Lloyd Willian, had several boats arrive from Bendigo, as well as his own Hoots Mon, the first fuel-injected Chevy V8 in a boat, Lenny Chew’s incredible Neroli and the famous two from Balranald, Rocko and True Blue, other boats also fronted from Yarrawonga, as well as other Victorian Speed Boat Club Members.

The racing was spectacular, and all competitors agreed that the lake was a very suitable venue, with good spectator viewing area, and perhaps should be included in Victorian Speed Boats annual racing circuit.

In between the boat races, skiing displays were presented to the public, Rosemary Margan was the celebrity skier, of TV fame, and as an added attraction the Balranald crew had arrived with a gyrocopter mounted on floats, which they flew, towed behind one of their boats.

Work was commenced on the building of the jetty, and fuel installation, Robert was in charge of this project, with help from many of the members, a key person involved was, Russel Hicks, a plumber by trade, and a founding member of the Castlemaine Hot Rod Club, who arrived frequently in his magnificent hot rod, The Scarlet Pimpernel, his expertise in the installation of the fuel tank, connections, and bowser was invaluable.

This project was completed prior to the 1962–63 summer season, complete with lighting to illuminate the slipway at night, a meter box with power points available, a large fire extinguisher and first aid kit located near the bowser.

The club again participated in the Australia Day Carnival held with a local competition event, a temporary slalom course being erected on the northern side adjacent to the viewing area along the lake foreshore, trick skiing, plus other novelty displays such as barefooting, threeperson pyramids and other ideas which didn’t always work.

During 1963, the club had become a member of the Mid-Murray Ski Zone, helping to promote a regional championship, and interaction between Member Clubs.

There had been talk between members, the original membership being 28 with three boats, which had grown now to 54 members with nine boats, that considering the coming earthworks to be carried out on the southern Lake’s bank, that we should also move soil to a position beside the slipway as a pad for a future clubhouse, that would be an enviable location for all to enjoy. Plans for the site were drawn up, with appropriate level suggested by the shire engineer Allan Johnson.

Four years later and Boort was hosting the Victorian Ski Club Championships ... we needed key personal to attend to any problems that may arise, these tasks were allotted to various members.

The ski club house was set up for championships, with the judging deck on the roof, the same as used for the regional Championships, Luckily, we never had the same OH&S standards then, as we have today.

The championships went off with hardhardly a hitch, with competitors, and VWSC officials pleased with the amenities, and professionalism of the committee, and club members.

‘

18 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

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

BIRTH NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES

INFANT IMMUNISATION IMMUNISATION PROGRAM INFANT INFANT IMMUNISATION PROGRAM 2022 2022 PROGRAM 2022 Lilian Rothacker Born 5 January 2022 Daughter for Brent and Bianca Rothacker Little sister for Sebastian and Denzel.

PUBLIC NOTICES

INFANT IMMUNISATION PROGRAM Infant Immunisation sessions will be available at the following locations:

Immunisation sessionswill will be be available thethe following locations: InfantInfant Immunisation sessions availableatat following locations Serpentine

Did you know?

Boort District Health has a 2 bed Urgent Care Centre (UCC).

This is not an Emergency Department (ED).

It is different to an ED because:  It is not staffed with a doctor on site.  It does not offer the full suite of emergency equipment/facilities that larger organisations such as Bendigo Health has.

The BDH UCC is staffed with qualified Registered Nurses 24/7.

It is supported by Dr Olise of the Boort District Medical Centre either in person or over the phone.

2022Dingee

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

Dingee

37 Peppercorn Way

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre 21 King Street 21 King Street

Infant Immunisation sessions will be available at the following locations: Pyramid PyramidHill Hill Senior Senior Citizens Citizens Centre Centre Serpentine 8-10 Loddon ShireStreet Offices McKay 8-10 McKay Street

Inglewood Maternal Maternal & Child Health Centre Inglewood & Child Health Centre Dingee Dingee Bush Nursing Centre 75 Grant Street 75 Grant Street 21 King Street

37 Peppercorn Way

 There is a doctor on call 24/7 who will be consulted over the phone regarding your care and will either give advice and medical orders over the phone to the nurse treating you OR they will assess you and consult with you via Telehealth OR they will come in and see you face to face in our UCC. If you phone BDH for advice and are advised to present to UCC OR if you present to UCC in person of your own means or are brought to UCC by Ambulance Victoria, our nurses on duty will triage you.

For additional information Phone 5451 5200 www.bdh.vic.gov.au

Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY

Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire loddonherald@gmail.com or Phone 0419549743 Managing Editor - Chris Earl www.loddonherald.com.au The Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by Newsprinters Pty Ltd McKoy Street, West Wodonga, VIC 3690

State Rules made under the Marine Act 1988 1. Clause 2(a) – must not exceed 5 knots with in 50 metres of a person in the water 2. Clause 2(c) – must not exceed 5 knots with in 50 metres of another vessel

ThursdayJanuary January 13Citizens Centre Thursday Thursday 13 ThursdayFebruary February10 10 Boort Senior 9.15am Serpentine Serpentine 9.30am 9.15am 9.30am Inglewood Inglewood 30-44 Godfrey Street 11.15am Boort Boort 11.30am 11.15am 11.30am Dingee Dingee 2.00pm 2.00pm Pyramid PyramidHill Hill

Thursday March 10 10 Thursday March 9.15am 9.15am Serpentine Serpentine 11.15am 11.15am Boort Boort

Waterway Rules made under the Marine Safety Act 2010 / Marine Act 1988

January ThursdayApril April14 14 13 Thursday 9.15am Inglewood Serpentine 9.30am Inglewood 9.30am 11.15am Dingee Boort 11.30am 11.30am Dingee 2.00pm Pyramid Hill

February Thursday ThursdayMay May12 12 10 9.30am Inglewood 9.15am 9.15am Serpentine Serpentine 11.30am Dingee 11.15am 11.15am Boort Boort 2.00pm Pyramid Hill

March Thursday June 9 109 Thursday June 9.15am Serpentine 9.30am 9.30am Inglewood Inglewood 11.15am Dingee Boort 11.30am 11.30am Dingee 2.00pm Pyramid Hill

April14 14 Thursday July

12 11 Thursday May August Thursday August 11 9.15am Inglewood Serpentine 9.30am 9.30am Inglewood 11.15am Dingee Boort 11.30am 11.30am Dingee Hill 2.00pm Pyramid

June 9 Thursday September 8 Thursday September 8 9.30am Inglewood 9.15am Serpentine 9.15am Serpentine 11.30am Boort Dingee 11.15am 11.15am Pyramid Boort Hill 2.00pm

July 14 13 Thursday October

August 11 10 Thursday November Thursday November 10 9.30am Serpentine Inglewood 9.15am 9.15am Boort Serpentine 11.30am Dingee 11.15am 11.15am Boort Hill 2.00pm Pyramid

September88 Thursday December Thursday December 8 9.15am Serpentine 9.30am Inglewood 9.30am Dingee Inglewood 11.15am Boort 11.30am 11.30am Pyramid DingeeHill 2.00pm

Senior Senior Citizens Citizens Centre Centre Pyramid Hill 30-44 SeniorGodfrey CitizensStreet Centre 30-44 Godfrey Street 8-10 McKay Street

Pyramid Hill

Thursday 14 9.30am July Inglewood 9.15am Serpentine 9.15am 11.30am Serpentine Dingee 11.15am Boort 11.15am 2.00pm Boort Pyramid Hill Thursday 13 9.15am October Serpentine 9.30am Inglewood 9.30am 11.15am Inglewood Boort 11.30am Dingee 11.30am 2.00pm Dingee Pyramid Hill 2.00pm Pyramid Hill

2.00pm

Inglewood

Pyramid Hill

2.00pm

2.00pm

Pyramid Hill

Pyramid Hill

Thursday October 13 Thursday November 10 Thursday December 8 9.30am Inglewood 9.15am Serpentine 9.30am Inglewood To an appointment telephone Loddon Shire –Shire 5494 1201 11.30am Dingee 11.15amtelephone Boort 11.30am Dingee To make anmake appointment Loddon – 5494 1201 2.00pm Pyramid Hill an appointment telephone Loddon Shire 2.00pm To make – 5494Pyramid 1201 Hill For information regarding immunisation, or to contact immunisation staff during sessions, telephoneor0488 095 205 For information regarding immunisation, to contact immunisation staff during sessions, To make an appointment telephone Loddon telephone 0488 095 205 Shire – 5494 1201 Please bring your Medicare Card and Child Record Book to each Immunisation Session For bring information or toRecord contact immunisation staff during sessions, Please your regarding Medicareimmunisation, Card and Child Book to each Immunisation Session telephone 0488time 095following 205 Please allow 15 minutes waiting immunisation

For information regarding immunisation, or to contact immunisation staff during sessions, telephone 0488 095 205

Please bring your Medicare Card and Child Record Book to each Immunisation Session Please allow 15 minutes waiting time following immunisation Please bring your Medicare Card and Child Record Book to each Immunisation Session

Please allow15 15minutes minutes waiting time following immunisationimmunisation Please allow waiting time following

pP

What does this mean?  There is a qualified nurse on duty every single day, every single shift, every day of the year, who can see you and assess you if you present to BDH UCC feeling unwell or injured.

Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for the waters of Loddon River at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeneys Lane, makes the following declaration under section 203(3) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).

For the purpose of conducting the 2022 Australian Masters Water Ski Championships to be held from Friday 21 January to Sunday 23 January 2022 between the hours of 7am to 7pm, participants are exempt as follows:

Maternal & Child Health Centre 75 Grant Street

Boort Boort

2.00pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Loddon Shire Offices Loddon Shire Offices 37 Peppercorn Way

Serpentine

DECLARATION OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXEMPTION

MEETING

ENTERTAINMENT

PUBLIC MEETING To be held at Serpentine Memorial Hall on 3rd February 2022 commence at 7pm.

For further enquiries, please contact the Chairman, Simon Tuohey via email on janiemberpark@gmail.com

6. Regulation 103 – person being towed must wear a PFD at all times.

7. Regulation 104(1) – master must ensure all occupants of vessel are wearing a personal flotation device (of type specified) 8. Regulation 104(2) – master must not allow the vessel to tow a person unless the person is wearing a PFD. Exemptions subject to the conditions detailed below:  Masters of participating vessels are only exempt from items 1 and 2 when undertaking rescue responsibilities to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety on shore.  Masters of participating vessels are only exempt from items 3-5 for the duration of the events.

 Masters of participating vessels are only exempt from items 6,7 & 8 when towing water skiers who are participating in trick events, and when retrieving waters skiers who are participating in trick events and exempt from wearing a personal flotation device.

Notice is given of a

Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning office or at the meeting.

Marine Safety Regulations 2012

 Water skiers are only exempt from item 6 when participating in trick skiing activities.

Serpentine Recreation Reserve Committee of Management

The purpose of the meeting to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Serpentine Recreation Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire 17th January 2022. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to and on the night.

Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

3. Clause 62.2 of Schedule 62 – 5 knot speed restriction within waters not specified as Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Areas between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeney’s Lane.

4. Clause 62.6(a) of Schedule 62 – Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Area for Slalom and Ski Jumping - modified to allow for trick skiing.

5. Clause 62.7(d) of Schedule 62 – operating times for the Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Area for ‘Water Skiing’.

 All persons on vessels associated with the event, or participants performing acts which are not ‘Trick’ events, must wear PFDs at all times.  Should vessels or persons not involved in the event enter the exclusion zone, the event must be stopped until the unauthorised vessel or person has moved outside of the zone.

Pick up you free copy of the Loddon Herald from one of 25+ great local business

 These exemptions apply between 21 January and 23 January 2022 between hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm, to persons and vessels registered to participate in the 2022 Australian Masters Water Ski Championships on the Loddon River, within the exclusion zone waters between the Calder Highway Bridge and the boat ramp at Sweeneys Lane, provided the stated safety controls and undertakings detailed in the application form and associated documentation are adhered to.

BY ORDER OF LODDON SHIRE COUNCIL

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 19

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

PubLIC NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

HOTEL CLEANER Permanent part-time

NOTICE OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXCLUSION ZONE

Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for the Loddon River at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeney’s Lane, hereby gives notice under section 208(2) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) that the waters of the Loddon River between the Calder Highway bridge and the boat ramp at Sweeneys Lane are prohibited to all persons and vessels not registered to take part in the 2022 Australian Masters Water Ski Championships. The exclusion zone takes effect between 7:00am and 7:00pm from 21 to 23 January 2022.

BY ORDER OF LODDON SHIRE COUNCIL 10 January 2022

CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

The Victoria Hotel Pyramid Hill has a vacancy for a permanent part-time cleaner.

The position includes duties cleaning the bar, lounge and kitchen areas of the hotel and accommodation.

Mostly morning work, the position is for between 25 and 30 hours a week.

For further information contact Paul Carter Victoria Hotel PYRAMID HILL 0417111297 035455 7391 Written applications to: Victoria Hotel 20 Victoria St Pyramid Hill VIC 3575

CASUAL CLEANER WANTED Monday to Friday and occasionally Saturday or Sunday (approx. 8 to 10 hours per week)  must be fit and able bodied; honest; reliable; able to work on own; prepared to assist guests if required  attention to detail and able to use own initiative important  previous experience working as a cleaner preferred but not essential as training will be given Contact: Pauline Wellman for more information (03) 5438 3232

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

ADVERTISE IN THE DIRECTORY - $66 A MONTH - PHONE 0419549743

20 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

COLOURING COMPETITION Your name: ..............................................................................................................................

Age ..................... Address .....................................................................................................

COLOUR-IN: Post to Loddon Herald PO Box 1188 Kangaroo Flat or email loddonherald@gmail.com by February 1. Winner announced next month.

Bluey says ...

Congratulations Congratulations to Alison C on winning the December colouring competition. Your special prize from Bluey is in the mail.

Remember to send in your entries each month to Bluey!

SPOT the DIFFERENCE

Hi Everyone It’s been a warm few weeks over the school holidays. I’ve kept cool in the shade of the gum trees and caught up on cleaning around my home.

How have you spent the holidays? I hope you have been for a swim and enjoyed special time with your family and friends.

Holidays are always fun times.

I’ve seen people out for walks, fishing in the rivers and creeks, playing games and having big smiles.

I’ve chosen lots of Australian activities for our Bluey’s Puzzle Patch this month. Enjoy colouring and the puzzles and have a great Australia Day. Your friend

Bluey

1. Windmill loses blade. 2. R missing in Australia. 3. Aeroplane two wheels. 4. Bird moves. 5.

Extra star on shorts. 6. Smaller nose. 7. One less leg on barbecue. 8. Smaller house window. 9.

Curly tendril altered. 10. House chimney in different position.

There’s only a few days before it’s back to school and for some of our readers, starting kindergarten or school for the first time. There’s all the Australia Day celebrations next week, I’m sure you are looking forward to attending one of the local community events and enoying a sausage or two from the barbecue. Make sure you leave some for me!

CROSSWORD

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 21

SPORT

World standings riding on results TOP water-skiers will take to the Loddon River at Bridgewater tomorrow for the start of the Australian Masters.

In it’s 13th year at Bridgewater, the titles will be contested by skiers from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland over three days.

Competitors will be also vying for the Glenn Thurlow trophy for the championship’s outstanding skier.

Six members of Australia

2022 junior world cup squad will be in action - Lochie Butlin, Kiera Wiseman, Jada Sweeney, Isabel Shaw, Kristy Appleton and Jacob Saddington.

Joining them will be the current No 2 world ranked over 65 men’s jump competitor Mark Louder. A strong showing by Louder jumping on local waters could see him claim the top ranking.

Bridgewater Waterski Club member Jason Sleep, of Bendigo

is also in the entries after taking out the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation Disabled Athlete of the Year for a second time last month.

Joining the Australia Day weekend action in jumps, slalom and tricks will be Brian Heys currently ranked Number 2 in Australia for over 65 men’s slalom and Patrick Crisp who was a member of Australia’s 2021 senior world competition team.

Action from last year’s Masters on the Loddon. LH PHOTO

Wendy’s barrier horror WENDY’S Watching came within two metres of a miraculous comeback in the feature event at Boort Trotting Club’s Northern Oasis summer holiday meeting.

The strongly-supported race favourite galloped as the mobile barrier gates closed and was soon at the rear of the field, being joined by Murdoch who had an unsettled start and Valkyrie who also galloped at the start.

But while the field bunched for the final half lap, Wendy’s Watching could not overtake The Kew Legend driven by Ellen Tormey who got to the outside in what was a brave drive.

The Kew Legend won by 1.8 metres from Sugoi Alto with Wendy’s Watching a neck behind after travelling 1900 metres in the Northern Oasis Pace sponsored by Tim and Wendy James of Boort Lakes Holiday Park.

Fourth-placed Murdoch, driven by Jackie Barker also had an unsettled start, Valkyrie driven by Greg Sugars had a disappointing run with the starting gallop, The Kew Legend had steady

IN BRIEF Netballers try out INGLEWOOD Netball Club is among the first in the Loddon to start preparations for the 2022 season.

Senior tryouts are being held in Bendigo tonight and at Inglewood on Monday while junior registration night is also next Monday.

Lowe signs FORMER Sandringham Dragons player Alex Lowe has been signed by Inglewood for the Loddon Valley league season. Lowe is crossing from Caulfield Grammarians in the VAFA and also played for the Sandringham Dragons in the NAB Cup in 2016.

Training starts

Trainer Justin Brewin, driver Ellen Tormey and Boort Lakes Holiday Park’s Tim James. LH PHOTO improvement in the month leading up to success at the Boort track.

An end-of-field finish at Geelong was followed a week later with a win at Bendigo and then a a third at Cranbourne days before.

Sugars had started the day well, however, when he drove favourite Rock Phone to victory

in the three-year-old maiden pace over 2250 metres by almost 10 metres and followed up in the second when outsider Jay Bee Flex come home by 3.7 metres.

Sugars was unlucky not to have another success early in the day when favourite Crossroader was edged out in the Duncan MacPherson Pace by the Stephen

Mixed luck on tracks HARNESS action this Saturday night is at Ballarat, when the Ballarat Pacing Cup of $110,000 will be conducted.

The race has attracted a top class field including Victoria’s best pacer Lochinvar Art who resumed from a 12-month injury enforced break with a stunning second in the Shepparton Cup last Saturday night.

Spirit of St Louis, who won the Shepparton Cup and the Bendigo Cup will be one of the main contenders along with top class NSW pacer Expensive Ego. The main trotters’ race on the program is the time honoured E.B. Cochran Trotters Cup of $30,000.

District-owned and trained horses have had mixed luck over the last few weeks.

Wedderburn-owned Glengarriff finished fourth at Boort and followed it up with good third at Bendigo and will compete at Bendigo tonight.

Inglewood-owned and trained Vincent Kai is off the scene for short time, after receiving a small injury.

January 30 will see the spotlight on Wedderburn with the conducting of the Loddon Shire Wedderburn Pacing Cup of $14,500 and the Insurance House Wedderburn Trotters Cup of $14,500.

Len Baker writes: Serpentine breederco-owner Robert Rothacker and wife Karen shared in a winner at Kilmore last

Blacker-driven John Richard.

Despite the high temperatures, there was a large crowd of locals and holidaymakers at the meeting.

Club president John Campbell said it was a tremendous day.

“And the track has been one of the best you’d see anywhere in the country on a hot summer day ... no dust anywhere,” he said.

Send your sports news and results to loddonherald@gmail.com by 4pm Mondays.

Reddies are making comeback BOORT Angling Club president Rod Stringer says there have been good reports indicating that redfin was having a real comeback in reservoirs and many lakes.

And Murray cod and yellow belly were more plentiful than most coulld remember in most waters, he said.

There have also been good reports of redfin and yellow belly on the Loddon River between Bridgewater and Laanecoorie.

Boort club members this month at-

week when Captaintreacherous-Aniteattheopera gelding Kaptain Kidd on debut scored in the 2180-metre three-year-old pace.

Kaptain Kidd driven by Ross Payne settled at the rear of the field from gate four on the second line as the heavily supported Lollipop led from gate four.

With Lollipop travelling easily approaching the home turn, the race changed complexion dramatically when she galloped wildly veering outwards checking several runners.

This allowed Kaptain Kidd one/four last lap) to avoid the trouble and he charged down the outside to prevail by 3.8 metres over Eye See Amour.

MITIAMO and Bears Lagoon Serpentine football clubs started training at Bendigo venues this week. Meanwhile, Bears Lagoon Serpentine says it is looking to recruit an A Grade netball team for the season that would end the association bye.

tempted to clear carp from Little Lake Boort.

“The attempt to capture large numbers of carp from Little Lake Boort and have them taken for processing was not as successful as we planned,” Stringer said, “The carp did not respond to the incoming fresh water as well as predicted and, also, we had hoped that they may be mating at that time which should have helped. Result was very few carp were, captured.”

Angling club members attempt to flush out carp.

22 | Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022

SPORT

Dingee gives leaders one massive scare

DINGEE came within four shots of causing the big upset in Saturday’s Bendigo region Division 5 pennant bowls.

Colin Koch’s rink was the best performed, winning 26-20 while Bruce Lawry’s rink fell a shot short against Marong currently second on the ladder.

Dingee sits four points outside the four after the round.

Inglewood’s Division 1 side had the bye after a torrid start back since the break.

Its double header weekend turned into a double whammy. starting with disappointing flogging at the hands of Eaglehawk. whose skill and overall consistency were too much for Inglewood on the day and the final score was 56 to 94.

The next day Inglewood came up against Golden Square and was again found wanting against their greater will to win. In a disappointing loss the final scores were 75-84 shots.

One rink stood up and had a good 23-15 win. They were deservedly the winners of the “The Fat Butcher” prize for the best performed rink of the day - Rob Day, Ian Chamberlain, Jack Nevins and Mark Roberts.

Inglewood’s Division 5 team started 2022 with a home game against Campbells Creek on Saturday.

The team was flirting with the bottom of the ladder and needed a win to boost their stocks.

Campbells Creek is a good team, in this division, and it took all day to finally get in front of them for a crucial win.

The final score being Inglewood 89 to Campbells Creek 75.

The Empire State Hotel prize for the best performed rink on the day went to the rink of Darren Rowe, Tony Noonan, Tim Birthisel and Ray White. And, what a great performance it was by this rink with three newcomers to the club in it – Tony Noonan out of retirement, Ray

Tony Noonan and Tim Birthisel boosted Inglewood’s Division 5 pennant team stocks for the match against Campbells Creek.

Tony came out of an eight-year retirement while for Tim, it was his first-ever pennant game. L;H PHOTO

REGION PENNANT RESULTS

Colin Koch skippers his rink to victory. LH PHOTO White a first year bowler and Tim Birthisel, who played in his first pennant game.

In the last midweek pennant round before the break, Inglewood Division 1 lost 55 to Eaglehawk 67. Shirley Sloan’s rink had a brave win after dropping eight shots on one end half-way through the game.

Division 5 had a huge win, beating Eaglehawk 61 to 23 and may its success continue. The Cousin Jack’s Bakehouse/Jacqui Hecker prize for the best win-

Dingee’s Bruce West.

ning rink went to Chris McEwan, David Whitehead, Phyliss McEwan and Edna Patterson.

Both midweek teams performed well by having vital wins when play resumed last week.

Division 1 had a game that was vital to their prospects for the rest of the season and fought hard for a win, with the final score being Inglewood 68 shots to White Hills 45. Pat Schram’s rink continued their good form by having a convincing 26-10 shot win and they are again the

LH PHOTO

winners of the Cousin Jack’s Bakehouse/Jacqui Hecker prize for best winning rink. The team comprised Pat Schram, Lindsay Kelly, Patsy Lyndon and Geoff Wilson.

Division 5 had a wonderful contest against a very determined Castlemaine team. Inglewood’s rinks had to come from behind in their contests and amazingly ended up winning both their games by one shot each on the last ends. The final score Inglewood 39 to South Bendigo 37.

BENDIGO - Division 3: South Bendigo 91 d Serpentine 61, Ladder: South Bendigo 111, Bendigo East 84, Golden Square 82, North Bendigo 74. Heathcote 60, Serpentine 41, Bendigo 27, Strathfieldsaye 25.

Division 5: Kangaroo Flat 133 d Castlemaine 49, Inglewood 89 d Campbells Creek 75, Eaglehawk 85 d Calivil 67, Marong 78 d Dingee 74. Ladder: Eaglehawk 98, Kangaroo Flat 93, Marong 74, Castlemaine 62, Inglewood 54, Campbells Creek 46, Dingee 42, Calivil 35. Division 6: Strathfieldsaye 123 d Bridgewater 61, NORTH CENTRAL - Division 1: Boort 53 lost to Donald 97. Wedderburn 59 lost to St Arnaud Country 81. Ladder: Donald 92, St Arnaud 84, St Arnaud Country 80, Wycheproof 80, Wedderburn 60, Charlton 56, Donald 45, Boort 31.

Division 2: Donald 59 lost to Korong Vale 62, Wedderburn 55 lost to St Arnaud Country 76, Boort 71 lost to Donald 73. Ladder: Korong Vale 89, St Arnaud Country 69, Wedderburn 66, Donald Golf 58, Wycheproof 54, Donald 54, Boort 52, Charlton 44, St Arnaud 42.

Midweek: St Arnaud Country 74 d Boort 71, Korong Vale 62 d Wycheproof 60, Wedderburn 88 d St Arnaud 70. Ladder: Korong Vale 80, Wedderburn 73, Donald 71, Wycheproof 65, Charlton 64, Boort 62, Donald Golf 62, St Arnaud 57, St Arnaud Country 42.

NORTHERN - Division 2: Pyramid Hill 77 d Cohuna 3 49. Ladder: Barham 2 93, Kerand 73, Pyramid Hill 72, Barham 3 61, Cohuna Golf 3 61 Cohuna 2 54, Cohuna Golf 2 52, Kerang Golf 50, Cohuna 3 22, Leitchville 2.

Midweek - Division 1: Barham 2 51 lost to Pyramid Hill 69. Ladder: Kerang 59, Cohuna 52, Cohuna Golf 51, Pyramid Hill 42, Barham 1 39, Barham 2 9. Division 2: Barham drew with Pyramid Hill 45.

2022 NORTH CENTRAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DRAW APRIL 2

MAY 7

Wycheproof Narraport v St Arnaud Charlton v Wedderburn Birchip Watchem v SL Nandaly Donald v Boort

Wycheproof Narraport v Donald Charlton v Birchip Watchem SL Nandaly v St Arnaud Wedderburn v Boort

APRIL 9

MAY 14 - BYE

Wedderburn v Wycheproof-Narraport SL Nandaly v Charlton Boort v Birchip Watchem St Arnaud v Donald

MAY 21

APRIL 16 - BYE

Birchip Watchem v Wycheproof Narraport Charlton v St Arnaud Donald v Wedderburn Boort v SL Nandaly

APRIL 23

MAY 28

Wycheproof Narraport v SL Nandaly Charlton v Boort Birchip Watchem v Donald Wedderburn v St Arnaud

Wycheproof Narraport v Charlton Wedderburn v Birchip Watchem SL Nandaly v Donald St Arnaud v Boort

APRIL 30

JUNE 4

Boort v Wycheproof Narraport Donald v Charlton St Arnaud v Birchip Watchem SL Nandaly v Wedderburn

St Arnaud v Wycheproof Narraport Wedderburn v Charlton SL Nandaly v Birchip Watchem Boort v Donald

JUNE 11 - BYE

JULY 23

JUNE 18

Wycheproof Narraport v Birchip Watchem St Arnaud v Charlton Wedderburn v Donald SL Nandaly v Boort

Wycheproof Narraport v Wedderburn Charlton v SL Nandaly Birchip Watchem v Boort Donald v St Arnaud

JUNE 25 SL Nandaly v Wycheproof Narraport Boort v Charlton Donald v Birchip Watchem St Arnaud v Wedderburn

JULY 2 - BYE JULY 9 Wycheproof Narraport v Boort Charlton v Donald Birchip Watchem v St Arnaud Wedderburn v SL Nandaly

JULY 16 Donald v Wycheproof Narraport Birchip Watchem v Charlton St Arnaud v SL Nandaly Boort v Wedderburn

JULY 30 Charlton v Wycheproof Narraport Birchip Watchem v Wedderburn Donald v SL Nandaly Boort v St Arnaud

AUGUST 6 Wycheproof Narraport v St Arnaud Charlton v Wedderburn Birchip Watchem v SL Nandaly Donald v Boort

AUGUST 13 Wedderburn v Wycheproof Narraport SL Nandaly v Charlton Boort v Birchip Watchem St Arnaud v Donald

FINALS August 20, August 27, September 3, September 10.

Loddon HERALD Thursday January 20, 2022 | 23

SPORT

Team scramble for players after break PLAYER shortages impacted the weekend’s Marong and District Tennis Association.

Back from the break, just two games were contested with clubs scrambling to assemble teams.

Harcourt brought in two of its former junior players who contributed to the strong win over Lockwood.

Willow Kelly, David Gearing and Col Green were three-set winners for Harcourt.

The match also saw many close sets with Harcourt finishing just 12 games ahead of the visitors.

The victory puts Harcourt well clear of Lockwood on the ladder.

At Woodstock, neighbours Newbridge were again in dominant form and secured a convincing victory.

The big test will come this Saturday for Newbridge when at home to Harcourt.

Newbridge is reasonably secure in this spot on the ladder but a strong showing could see it rise higher.

And Derby takes on Wilsons Reef with the chance of extending its buffer on the ladder, currently sitting in fourth spot ahead of Marong.

In other matches, Woodvale

plays Woodstock and Lockwood takes on Marong.

WOODSTOCK 4-53 lost to NEWBRIDGE 14.99 A LADIES: J. Leversha N. Earl lost to E. Jenkyn K. Graham 1-6. J. Leversha K. Punton d E. Jenkyn S. Wallace 6-1. N. Earl K. Punton lost to K. Graham S. Wallace 3-6.

B LADIES: K. Punton A. Andrews-Stone lost to A. Broom D. Bouwmeester 4-6. K. Punton H. Stone lost to A. Broom R. Madden 2-6. A. Andrews-Stone H. Stone lost to D. Bouwmeester R. Madden 3-6.

A MEN: G. Leach D. Heather lost to M. Johnson D. Graham 4-6. G. Leach L. McKinley lost to M. Johnson A. Broom 0-6. D. Heather L. McKinley lost to D. Graham A. Broom 1-6.

B MEN: L. Stone T. Stone d J. Sutherland D. White 6-5. L. Stone S. Stone d J. Sutherland G. Waller 6-5. T. Stone S. Stone lost to D. White G. Waller 0-6.

MIXED: J. Leversha G. Leach lost to E. Jenkyn D. Graham 2-6. N. Earl D. Heather lost to K. Graham M. Johnson 0-6. K. Punton L. McKinley lost to S. Wallace A. Broom 5-6. K. Punton L. Stone d A. Broom J. Sutherland 6-4. A. Andrews-Stone T. Stone lost to D. Bouwmeester D. White 4-6. H. Stone S. Stone lost to R. Madden G. Waller 0-6.

HARCOURT 12-85 d LOCKWOOD 6-73 A LADIES: K. Walters E. Landy d D. Wells L. Knight 6-5. K. Walters W. Kelly d D. Wells R. Coutts 6-4. E. Landy W. Kelly d L. Knight R. Coutts 6-3.

B LADIES: M. Atkin F. Hards d C. Shevlin A. Wells 6-2, M. Atkin S. O’Brien d C. Shevlin J. Daly 6-3. F. Hards S. O’SBrien lost to A. Wells J. Daly 0-6.

Newbridge’s Emma Jenkyn returns serve in the match against Woodstock. LH PHOTO A MEN: S. Gearing L. Tunn lost to J. Coutts R. Wells 0-6. S. Gearing H. Eastwood d J. Coutts M. Harvey 6-5. L. Tunn H. Eastwood lost to R. Wells M. Harvey 5-6.

B MEN: C. Green D. Gearing d C. Dixon

W. Daly 6-1. C. Green M. O’Brien d C. Dixon B. Wells 6-1. D. Gearing M. O Brien d W. Daly B. Wells 6-4.

MIXED: K. Walters S. Gearing lost to D. Wells J. Coutts 4-6. E. Landy L. Tunn lost

Top bowlers rested on second day

Huge opening stand delivers

By MICHAEL ROSE DAY two of round six of Upper Loddon junior cricket was played on Saturday with Arnold completing a comfortable win over Wedderburn.

The undermanned Wedderburn team needed a miracle to overcome Arnold’s big total of 270 made the previous week.

The miracle didn’t eventuate, however the young Wedderburn batsmen did manage to bat out their overs. Losing just the three wickets they defended grimly to reach a final total of 37.

Beau Hartnell was again able to keep the bowlers at bay, while Nash and Aihen Turner occupied the crease for a long period of time.

Arnold rested their normal opening bowlers, Gabe Nevins and Jaspa Wendels, with Campbell Hancock, Kale Hewitt and Aaron Thomas the three wicket takers, This week is the start of another two-day round with Boort-Yando hosting Wedderburn and Kingower at home to Bridgewater.

to R. Coutts R. Wells 0-6. W. Kelly H. Eastwood d L. Knight C. Dixon 6-3. F. Hards C. Green d C. Shevlin M. Harvey 6-1. S. O’Brien D. Gearing d J. Daly W. Daly 6-5. M. O’Brien partner lost to A. Wells B. Wells 0-6.

Arnold junior coach Aaron Lock and Campbell Hancock. LH PHOTO

TOM McKinley and Pat Murphy have single-handedly put Bridgewater back in serious contention for Upper Loddon Cricket Association honours this season.

The opening bats had an unbeaten partnership of 216 runs to defeat Arnold on Saturday - McKinley finishing on 115 and Murphy 101.

Arnold, depleted by the current COVID testing and isolation rules, tried eight bowlers over 32 overs without success. Among players missing were association leading bowlers Cam Dale and Ben Power.

Tom McKinley was also part of the action in the field, taking a catch off the bowling of Harry McKinley in claiming Arnold opener Matt Giri on 73 and soon after Harry scored the wicket of Arnold captain Phil Scholes.

The weekend’s round now has BoortYando 12 points behind other sides on the ladder with seven rounds left before finals.

ARNOLD lost to BRIDGEWATER ARNOLD MW Giri c T McKinley b H McKinley ............................. 73 P Scholes c J Bowen b H McKinley ............................ 36 D Mason c T Naughton b PB Murphy .......................... 22 R Metelmann b D Wood ............................................... 25 HR McCullough c K Lister b K Bloom ............................ 8 M Dale not out ................................................................. 3 J McHale b D Wood ....................................................... 5 R Taylor not out .............................................................. 2 Extras ............................................................................. 9 Total ....................................................... 6/183 (cc)

Arnold d Wedderburn Arnold 1st innings 0/270 Wedderburn 1 st innings N. Turner b K. Hewitt ...................................................... 4 T. Lowe b C. Hancock .................................................... 2 B. Hartnell retired ............................................................ 5 A. Turner retired .............................................................. 1 C. Uddin not out ............................................................. 2 T. Blair lbw b A. Thomas ................................................. 0 D. Witham not out .......................................................... 0 Extras ............................................................................ 23 Total .................................................................3/37

Bowling: K Bloom 7.0-1-1-30, D Wood 7.0-1-2-28, H McKinley 7.0-0-2-34, T Naughton 7.0-0-0-52, T McKinley 4.0-0-0-21, PB Murphy 3.0-0-1-14.

Bowling: F. Lock 8-3-0-6, C. Hancock 8-6-1-4, B. Coffey 3-2-0-1, K. Hewitt 5-3-1-5, M. Pickering 3-3-0-0, M. Whitton 3-1-0-2, G. Hancock 3-0-0-7, S. Hewitt 3-2-0-1, A. Thomas 3-0-1-3.

Bowling: J McHale 7.0-1-0-40, HR McCullough 6.0-0-056, B Metelmann 1.0-0-0-17, MW Giri 3.0-0-0-20, R Metelmann 7.0-0-0-32, D Mason 2.0-0-0-16, M Dale 5.0-0-034, R Taylor 1.0-0-0-10.

BRIDGEWATER T McKinley not out ...................................................... 115 PB Murphy not out ..................................................... 101 Extras ........................................................................... 10 Total .............................................................. 0/226

Wedderburn’s Beau Hartnell and Attila Clarke. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD

sport

Thursday January 20, 2022

BRIDGEWATER captain Harry McKinley delivers the ball that claimed the key scalp of his Arnold counterpart Phil Scholes in Saturday’s Upper Loddon Cricket Association clash. Jay Bowen was waiting in the field to catch Scholes’ knock as last season’s premiers sent an ominous warning that it is finding form after the Christmas break. McKinley also had a hand in the dismissal of Arnold’s other opener Matt Geri. LH PHOTO

HITS AND MISSES

RISING COVID case numbers across the region played havoc with scheduled sporting fixtures at the weekend.

Only one senior game was played in Upper Loddon Cricket Association after Boort-Yando was unsuccessful in mustering numbers late Friday night for the match against Kingower.

And a COVID-depleted Arnold

lowered its colours for the second time this season in the key match against Bridgewater, Arnold was without a handful of its leading players who had been sent into isolation or were awaiting test results.

Play was abandoned by Loddon Valley Tennis Association as a COVID precaution.

The association has also scrapped matches scheduled for this weekend.

President Carl Chamberlain

said the association executive had a telephone hookup late last week.

“There were a combination of factors we had to consider,” he said, “We draw players right across the Loddon Valley and from Bendigo to Kerang where there have been quite a few (COVID) cases.

“And teams were telling us that they had some players in isolation that combined with the late harvest and families just be-

ing able to take a break now, was making it difficult for some to muster sides.”

Chamberlain said the executive would continue to assess the situation and make a call on future rounds next week.

Should play resume on January 29, that draw sees Calivil North playing Calivil, Dingee at home to Lake Meran, ladder leaders Mincha West at home to Yarrawalla and Raywood meeting Serpentine.

Forfeits also impacted the weekend’s Marong and District Tennis Association round.

Meanwhile, Boort Tennis Club is taking names for its 2022 season to start on January 29. The club delayed starting the new season because of the late harvest.

And Inglewood and District Tennis Association will resume from its break the same day.

WEEKEND RESULTS - INSIDE

Summer entertaining essentials in stock