Loddon Herald 20 July 2023

Loddon HERALD

STAR STUDDED

LODDON Merino studs stood tall against the best sheep and fleeces in Australia at the weekend.

Terrick West Poll Stud at Prairie West was awarded the national March-shorn pairs champion and reserve champion sashes for the second year.

It is the first time a stud has achieved back-to-back double success in the event’s history.

By CHRIS EARL

Calivil’s Kedleston Park picked up champion performance exhibit plus most valuable fleece.

Matching the competition was the commercial flock fleece of Pyramid Hill’s John Farrer, awarded the reserve champion sash in the same section.

And one of Victoria’s newer Merino studs, Rod and Nicola

Kirk’s Longdale Park at Berrimul,

came home from the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo with the fine-medium two permanent teeth champion’s sash.

“The Loddon Valley is doing well ... standing at the top of the line for sheep and wool against studs from all over the country,” said Terrick West’s Ross McGauchie.

“We have very good sheep being bred in our district by local studs. Our local studs are consist-

ently competing with the best in Australia.”

Mr McGauchie is a former president and current committee member of the show organisers Australian Sheep Breeders’ Association and was awarded life membership at the weekend.

There was success for Norm Weir’s Kerrilyn Stud at Dunluce. The Loddon Valley Stud Merino Breeders’ Association member won the medium wool champion

Merino ewe and then went on to win grand champion Medium wool ewe. Kerrilyn also won the champion fine medium poll Merino ewe.

The weekend’s results were achieved against studs from every Australian state. “We are holding our own as a region when put alongside other sheep and fleeces,” said Kedleston Park’s John Humbert.

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MARSHMALLOWS turned golden brown and warmed Abby Smith, Penny Balic and Talia Smith at Friday night’s community bonfire in Yarrawalla. They also tried their hands at damper making as district residents came togther for a local night out.

AP PHOTO

WELL may Bradley be laughing his head off after bumping the elbow erecting his latest Treemendous Sign. But down south of Boort, the land of lakes and water captioned the Northern Oasis, there are genuine tears of grief and distress.

THE Good Doc has sent a late night text message to OTF lamenting the likely onset of the El Nino weather pattern. For it has been confirmed that Sunday was indeed a sad day at Woke Farm with the confirmed passing of resident spider Bill Collins who has accurately been predicting recent drops of precipitation from the sky. Doc has assured OTF readers that it is indeed Bill - the spider had only seven legs! We extend our sympathies to the Good Doc on his loss of weather forecasting ability.

IT IS not only his weather skills in need of being pumped with a good prescription of Vitamin C pills, The diary records are also a bit on the deficient side, so we are told. The Good Doc had been slated to be with umpiring mate for major milestone game this week. Turned out he double booked

and decided to stay in far warmer climes up north dispensing sage medical advice. The caterers can ease up on preparations!

NOW, catering is a fine art at sporting events around the Loddon, as has been remarked upon many times in OTF (and put to the test, may we candidly add). We’re now expecting a report in the next few weeks on how the golf tournament spreads stack up, Chatting to Dave the other day. he and mates are doing to sandscrape circuit at the moment. Started outside the patch over in Maldon ... good array on the tables, he says, but expecting better at Wedderburn and Inglewood in a pitch that would make any repaired house roof look good.

JOINING a very tenuous link on golf and the roof - did you hear about Bad Birdie? The story goes like this: At a home in North Phoenix, the homeowner insists on feeding the birds. This has attracted a flock of around 200 pigeons that live on the roof, apparently enjoying the warmth of the asphalt shingles and the nearness of their food supply. At times, it looks a lot like an Alfred Hitchcock movie! In the past year, the homeowner has replaced the roof twice, particularly over the patio. During the most recent monsoon rains in September, the homeowners climbed the roof with a bucket of tar to stop a leak. We suspect yet another roofing project is on the offing for this homeowner! The lesson, don’t feed the birds. Perhaps gourmet Dave has a few hints after hitting a golf birdie.

SWISH PIPPA Pippa was swishing her tail in delight after taking a bath in Inglewood’s new dog wash. Pippa, an English Staffordshire-Jack Russell cross lapped up the experience with owner Melissa Richardson last week. Pauline and Gerry Wellman have installed the dog wash at their motel and caravan park for use by guests and local dog owners looking for a safe place to wash their best friends.

State card offers vet discounts

LODDON RSL sub-branches are encouraging veterans to apply for a special Victorian discount card.

Inglewood-Bridgewater subbranch president Mick Hobson said the State Government’s veterans’ card was available to service members.

“The Victoria Government is currently offering a range of discounts to service members who

sign up for a veterans’ card including $100 off your car registration, free trailer and caravan registration, free marine licence, fishing license exemption and veteran employment programs,” he said.

“Anyone who served or is serving in the ADF and living in Victoria are entitled, whether you have a DVA card or not,” Mr Hobson said.

only. Snooze’s

Barren footpaths

FOOTPATHS have been left bare outside some Loddon shops after the shire council last week told businesses they had to pay for permits.

Residents says the stripping of footpaths of signs and goods has left some local towns looking closed.

“It sucks,” said Inglewood’s Frank Pane after Sharpe’s Bazaar took stock inside and removed a bench seat used by locals for their daily chats. “It’s not sending the right message to people.”

Horseworld’s Carey Imms has moved her shop front display into door recesses of historic buildings in Brooke Street.,

“I’ve never been asked to pay a fee before ... I’m prepared to pay a flat fee,” she said.

Gaylia Bell, of Loddon Larder, said: “We look shut, we look like a ghost town.”

Inglewood traders said people had faced a greater risk tripping on raised and indented sections of the footpath than goods and signs displayed by businesses.

Fusspots Catherine Norman said: “We have been using the display outside our store to cover footpath holes.”

And she says requirements on placing displays away from buildings and near gutters increased risk. “People could trip on a sign near the gutter and fall or the sign could blow out onto the road and cause an accident.”

“And there’s an increased risk

we could lose business because of the letter from council telling us we have to have permits for each item,”

A vintage cigarette butt bin

Catherine had placed outside her store to reduce litter, an item she said would need a $56.70 permit, has also been removed.

In Tarnagulla, where an old piano sits on the footpath for peo-

ple to stop and play, Commercial Road resident Joan Ansell said: “I don’t find it a problem ... quite a good idea and I just wish it was played more.”

Other traders said they had been paying a fee for many years. Wedderburn Fish Shop’s Jenny Round said she was happy to pay the fee for a sign, two tables and chairs outside her shop.

Businesses face bigger bills

LODDON Shire Council last year issued 15 permits for businesses to have signs and goods on local town footpaths. Operations director Steven Phillips said permits”are largely issued in response to enquiries that are received”.

Last week, dozens of Loddon businesses received a letter from council advising compliance costs if they wanted to use the footpath to promote their stores.

Under new fees, an advertising sign will cost $56.70 a year, a permit to display goods for sale the same fee and $20 for each table and $10 a chair, council told the Loddon Herald.

It said there would be no fee for wind barriers, umbrellas and patio heaters.

In 2022-2023, the fees were set at $54.80 while businesses were charged a flat $28.90 for tables and chairs.

“(This was) regardless of the number of tables and chairs a proprietor placed

IN BRIEF

Track crash

V/LINE is investigating a collision between track maintenance vehicles at Mitiamo at about 4am last Thursday. Two workers were injured in the incident and were taken to hospital but later released. A third staff member was shaken, but uninjured. V/Line has commenced an internal investigation. Cranes have removed the vehicles from the track. The track was inspected and certified safe and trains resumed travelling the track later on Thursday. “V/Line has advised the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and WorkSafe and will assist with any investigations into the incident,” a spokesperson said.

Channel works

Loddon Shire said it would work with businesses “in an effort to find a suitable solution that takes into account all the different user’s needs as well as compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.”

However, Catherine said the council’s decision to crack down on footpath permits had shown a lack of common sense.

GOULBURN Murray Water said it had treated weeds across 200km of 250km channels in maintenance works and removed silt from more than 30km as part of the major refurbishment of Waranga Western and Murray Valley Channels, Works are due to be finished next month.

Hanging up

THE STATE Government will ban the telemarketing of products under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program,

outside. For example, a business with just one table and chair setting was charged the same fee as a business which placed four table and chair settings,” he said.

In comparison, traders in Australia’s first notable town Maldon, in Mount Alexander Shire, pay $68.30 a sign, $107.60 to display goods for display and $6 for each table, umbrella and pots or plants.

Mount Alexander charges $22.80 for each outdoor seat at unlicensed premises and $29 for licensed businesses.

STOP PRESS: The Loddon Herald understands footpath permit fees will be discussed by Loddon Shire councillors at their monthly meeting in Wedderburn next Tuesday after an agenda item was submitted to review previously-adopted fees.

READER REACTION

- PAGE 12

Footpath dischord ... Joan Ansell plays a tune in Tarnagulla for Trevor McDougall. LH PHOTO

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETINJULY

HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT

Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.

Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and con dential nancial support - Call 1300 735 578

Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au

Orange Door - You have a right to be safe - Call 1800 512 359

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area. 1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732

Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.

Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au

Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au

Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821

Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au

Translation and Interpreter Services

Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au

National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Health/Hospitals

Boort District Health

3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200

Inglewood and District Health Services

3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000

Northern District Community Health

P: (03) 5451 0200

Boort Medical Centre

2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309

Marong Medical Practice

8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308

Wedderburn Health Clinic

25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511

Legal Services

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909

Neighbourhood Houses

Boort Resource and Information Centre

(BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort

P: (03) 5455 2716

Inglewood Community

Neighbourhood House

Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood

P: (03)5455 2716

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House

43 Kelly St, Pyramid Hill P: (03) 5455 7129

Wedderburn Community House

24 Wilson St, Wedderburn

P: (03) 5494 3489

WHOLE LODDON LOVE: 6-15 OCTOBER

Whole Loddon Love is a series of contemporary music gigs taking place in community halls + pubs along the Loddon River, areas severely affected by ooding in 2022, on beautiful Dja Dja Wurrung and Barapa Barapa country.

Five locations in the Loddon Valley (across Loddon Shire & Mount Alexander Shire) will host live music events over the rst two weekends of October 2023.

Tickets free for locals, and super-a ordable for others! Money raised will go to local community groups and ood recovery.

The events in Loddon Shire are:

Grant Update

Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants is a small grants program aiming to contribute to the success, vibrancy and wellbeing of rural and regional communities nationwide.

Nutrien Ag Solutions seeks to support local grassroots organisations with funding for projects that are meaningful for their communities. For more information and to apply go to: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/nutrien/ Closes: 5pm, 10 August 2023.

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS

Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love To hear from you and assist you through your ood recovery.

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

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

Friday 6 October - Victoria Hotel, Pyramid Hill

Queenie, Dan Kelly + more

Saturday 7 October - Railway Hotel, Boort

Queenie, Dan Kelly, Jess Parker Band + more

Sunday 8 October - Newbridge Hotel (daytime)

Jess Parker Band, Dan Kelly + more

Saturday 14 October - Bridgewater Hotel

Jess Parker Band, Valley Road + more

For more information and to book tickets go to wholeloddonlove.com

WHAT’S ON

Tuesday 1 August 9am-5pm

Accidental Counsellor Session in Boort Lifeline o ers a set of toolbox skills for those moments when you might least expect to be called upon in a counselling or caring capacity.

Boort District Health Service 31 Kiniry Street Boort. Register at https://rb.gy/kqnfe

Thursday 3 August 9am-4 pm

Lessons in Disaster training

Gender and Disaster Australia has partnered with Women’s Health Loddon Mallee to bring its award-winning training to Serpentine Memorial Hall.

Register at https://rb.gy/29x7s

Friday 4 August 6pm for 6.30 pm

A meal with David Younger Bridgewater Hotel, Bridgewater-on-Loddon

Come and listen to David Younger, a Melbourne-based Natural Disaster Recovery and Preparedness consultant, talk about common recovery challenges along with tips and pointers that can help you and your community to recover better. Meals free. Drinks at bar prices. Places limited.

Please register with Mal Brown, mobile: 0499 978 145 or email mbrown@loddon.vic.gov.au

Monday 14 August 9am – 4.30pm

Red Cross Communicating in Recovery Workshop. This training promotes best-practice e ective communication for those working in emergency recovery. Register at https://rb.gy/n1os4

For up-to-date information regarding ood recovery and council services:

 Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au

 Call our o ce between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or

 Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/

Hundreds turn out to put views on VNI West route

LANDOWNERS in the 1km-wide VNI West preferred corridor will be contacted next month.

Transmission Company Victoria on Tuesday said the corridor between Bulgana, near Stawell, and Kerang would be made public after landowner talks.

The corridor will be between 500 metres and 1km wide running between Wedderburn and Charlton and through the Boort district,

A spokesperson said: “We have not yet commenced direct landholder engagement, so have not had any discussions about land access for field studies or access payments.”

TCV’s $10,000 offer to landowners for access has been criticised by the Victorian Farmers’ Federation.

The company was also forced to update information brochures during community consultation when it was confirmed TCV did not have authority to enter land.

The last of five consultation sessions was held in St Arnaud on Saturday when 103 people attended to make known their views on the project.

TCV said 72 people had attended the first session in Boort, while Navarre had 48, Kerang 81 and Charlton 89.

The company’s Nicola Falcon

Farmer protest rally revving up

OPPONENTS of VNI West renewable energy project are planning to make their voices heard in Melbourne.

Farmers across northern Victoria will join with landowners in the path of Western Renewable Link for the August 15 protest.

Glenden Watts is among organisers of the Regional Victo-

said: “The community sessions provided a valuable opportunity to talk to almost 400 farmers and members of the local community face-to-face, to answer questions and provide information about the process we are going through to identify the corridor for the transmission lines.

“While we recognise that not everyone supports the project, we welcomed the chance to listen to landholders, to talk about issues of concern, answer questions and outline the process we are following,” she said.

“The biggest area of focus was the transmission route – where would the final transmission corridor be located, and when would we have more informa-

ria Power Alliance protest on the steps of Parliament House.

“We need your support - in a tractor, a truck, a ute, on horseback or just your presence on the steps of Parliament,” he has said in a call to action.

Local VFF officials say they expected Loddon landowners will be part of the protest.

tion. There were also many broader discussions around the need for the project, the rationale for selecting this particular area of interest, potential impacts on farms and risks to agricultural production, the cumulative effect of renewable generation and transmission development, and the benefits to the region from the project.

“We also heard that unfortunately, the prospect of new transmission is causing significant stress for some community members and landholders, particularly at this early stage of the project due to the level of uncertainty.

“We are working to refine the current area of interest to a

Games cash ‘can go into roads’

INJECTION of State Government cash into crumbling rural roads should come from the axed 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

Crossing push gains support

A DESIGNATED pedestrian crossing on the Calder Highway at Wedderburn would improve community safety, said Sgt Ben Huismann.

The Loddon police chief has backed a move by local residents collecting signatures on a petition that calls for the crossing.

“We definitely need a crossing,” said Sgt Huismann. “If we can prevent injury and death and reduce the road toll and even, better, prevent accidents that’s a good outcome.”

Sgt Huismann said Wedderburn’s main street was a major highway and not ideal for elderly residents and young people to be crossing.

“It’s a wide stretch of road and that means it takes longer to cross. It is quite a danger for elderly people with slower mobility to get across the road with the amount of traffic on the highway.

“The gap gets closed when vehicles are

travelling the road and it is easy for people to fall and visibility can be reduced both for pedestrians and vehicles.

“If we could get lighting and flashing lights (for a crossing) that will make the road safer for the community to cross.”

Petition organiser Cheryl Fowler said residents and visitors to Wedderburn were adding their support to the call for a crossing, upgrading the school-hours crossing on High Street. Underground infrastructure for a pedestrian crossing was installed at the site as part of Wedderburn’s streetscape improvement.

Cheryl said copies of the signed petition would be sent to Calder Highway Improvement Committee.

The push for a lower speed limit on the Calder Highway through Inglewood has also been put on the future agenda of CHRIC. The town’s development and tourism committee wants the limit lowered to 40kmh.

500-metre to 1km corridor over the next six weeks, and we will make this information public once we have had the chance to make contact with the owners of land within that zone.”

Ms Falcon said more than 1200 comments had been added to an online pinpoint map.

“We are working to find a route that minimises impacts to agriculture, cultural heritage, communities and the environment. Input from the community and landholders is a critical part of that process. We thank everyone who attended, and plan on conducting more community forums as the project progresses”.

“There was considerable interest in a new report and a series of maps we had on display, which illustrate the important areas of land use across the project area following a study by engineering and environment consultant AECOM.

“The maps provide an insight into the process underway, identifying significant features that will influence the location of the transmission lines. Large maps showed the constraints identified in six key areas - agriculture, ecological values, Aboriginal cultural heritage, flooding, land use and infrastructure and engineering.”

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said rural communities would miss out on vital tourism dollars after Premier Daniel Andrews pulled Victoria out of hosting the Games.

“The Premier indicated cost was a reason and that more than $2 billion would instead be diverted to social housing, tourism and sporting facilities in regional centres that were to have held Games events,” he said.

“The big regional capitals still get a boost. Unfortunately, it appears rural areas like Loddon have been cast aside. We urgently need a massive injection of funds to fix our roads.

“Rural Victoria could spend the entire $2 billion on roads and still not catch up on repairs, maintenance and upgrades desperately needed to transport freight while also increasing safety of all road users.”

Then-Victorian parliamentary secretary Danielle Green last year said upgrade of Loddon pools could be a legacy of the 2026 Games. No commitments were made for rural areas in the Premier’s announcement.

Railway Hotel

Leading Senior Constable Joy Jenkins at the current High Street school crossing. LH PHOTO

VICTORIA HOTEL

Friday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm  Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Crackling yarns around fire

CRACKING yarns and music filled the night air around a crackling bonfire in Yarrawalla on Friday night.

The community came together for the district’s first major get-together in more than three years.

Key organiser Sue Bennett said more than 80 people turned out, including many newer residents in the district.

“After COVID, we had been a little concerned that the community was not getting together, particularly those who have moved into the area,” she said.

Tom and Brian Smith built the bonfire that was surrounded by residents listening to yarns from storyteller Jan Wositzky and vocalist Sherri Parry at the event assisted by Loddon Shire Council. And Sue said discussion also turned to holding more social functions that will be discussed at a community meeting next month.

“On Friday night we decided to form a local walking club as one of the first ways to bring the community together,” Sue said.

Cancer, heart disease biggest killers

HEART disease and cancers are the biggest killer of people in Loddon communities.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data released last week showed 60 people died in the Loddon Shire from cancers between 2017 and 2021.

There were 52 people who died from heart disease in the shire’s total of 265 for the five years.

WIN

LIVE MUSIC DUO

MENU

Saturday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm  Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm The

Dementia has jumped to the No 1 cause of death in women across Australia and in Loddon there were 19 people who died with the disease in 2017-2021.

Nationally, coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death in both 2011 and 2021 for men, accounting for 16 per cent of deaths in 2011 and 12 per cent in 2021.

The largest change in leading causes of death for males from 2011 to 2021 was the rise of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, from sixth to second place.

The rankings for all cancers within the top 10 causes of death (lung, prostate and colorectal) decreased between 2011 and 2021. For women, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease fell in rank from 2011 to 2021.

There was a notable increase for demen-

tia including Alzheimer’s disease from third to first place, accounting for nine per cent of deaths in 2011 and 13 per cent of deaths in 2021.

The ranking for breast cancer was the only cancer within the top 10 causes of death to decrease between 2011 and 2021.

Influenza and pneumonia moved out of the 10 leading causes of death for women after 2011 and was replaced by accidental falls in

Three injured in crash

TWO 21-year-old men were injured in an early morning accident at Wedderburn on Sunday.

The men from IWedderburn were passengers in a vehicle that hit a tree in Bond’s Road.

One was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital and the other taken by ambulance to Bendigo Health. They were in a satisfactory condition.

Police said the driver, an Inglewood man, 21, received minor injuries.

Second club theft

2021. Similarly, for men, heart failure and other complications moved out of the top 10 causes of death after 2011 and was replaced by accidental falls in 2021.

In Loddon there were four deaths from accidental falls recorded for the five years.

There were six deaths listed from Loddon road accidents.

POLICE are investigating a second football clubroom theft in a week. Thieves stole alcohol valued at more than $2000 at Newbridge Recreation Reserve last Tuesday after forcing open a door. Police are reviewing CCTV footage. A week earlier, $4000 was stolen from Serpentine Recreation Reserve.

Yarns from Jan Wositzky around the bonfire at Yarrawalla on Friday night. AP PHOTOS

Sue Bennett

Paige Smith, Moira Walton, Sophie Pickles and Charlotte Pickles.

Keeping warm and engaged on a winter’s night.

Deadly highway dog find

POLICE have appealed for public assistance after two dogs were stolen in Moliagul this weekend and later found dead.

Police said two Jack Russells - three-year-old Sassy and sixmonth-old Buzzy - were outside a property with their owner on Moliagul Drive on Sunday.

A photograph of Sassy and Buzzy was released by police yesterday as well as an image of a utility similar to the one believed used in the incident.

It is understood the tray of the utility was damaged.

Police understand a white utility pulled up at the property about 11.30am.

Police were told the driver opened the door, stole the two dogs then fled the scene in the vehicle.

“Both dogs were located by a member of the public along the side of Wimmera Highway on Monday, around 6km away from where they were stolen,” police said.

Police say they are continuing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and investigations are ongoing.

People with information have been asked to contact Leading Senior Constable Mick Balazs at Bridgewater police on 5437 3232 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Community’s double celebration

NEW partnerships in community connection and engagement were celebrated in Bridgewater on Thursday.

Spotzrulz opened its Loddon Inclusive Precinct that will operate across three locations in the shire and the town’s community garden was unveiled after months of working bees by volunteers.

The inclusion program will operate from the old railway station and Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Bridgewater with activities starting in Tarnagulla in coming weeks.

Sportzrulz’s Pam Dawkins said: “Our aim here is to have spaces for like-minded people, to create spaces for the community and help the community. It’s about bringing people together.”

She said connectivity would allow activity participants to engage in sessions held simultaneously in Bridgewater and Tarnagulla.

“We see ourselves being here for a long time with local staff,” she said.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub officially cut the ribbon at the ceremony attended by residents and students from Bridgewater Primary School.

“Community will be the biggest aspect of a precinct like this,” he said.

Cr Straub praised the collaboration

Youth shape health recruitment message

RECRUITMENT brochures with a youthful message will be launched by Boort District Health next month.

The information packs were developed during an eight-week Youth Take Over Loddon Campaspe project.

Six Boort District School students worked at Boort District Health on solving challenges of recruiting and sustaining a diverse local health workforce. The students investigated the many different jobs at the hospital and shined a light on the roles and lives of six BDH staff.

BDH and North Central LLEN will release recruitment material developed by students for the Health Heroes of Boort pitch on August 2.

between old railway station operators Kooyoora Women’s Network, Sportzrulz, the school and Loddon Plains Landcare Network.

KWN president Colleen Condliffe said the community garden would increase activity around the precinct.

“We have had amazing volunteers, a few setbacks when sleepers were stolen, to bring the project to this point,” she said.

“The involvement of the school is important as is the partnership with Loddon Plains Landcare Network and the community.”

Creatives in third arts trail pitch

AFTER a pandemic and floods, Loddon creatives are going for third time lucky to launch the shire’s first arts trail weekend.

Tenar Dwyer has stepped up to encourage local artists to be part of the weekend arts showcase on October 7 and 8.

“We had 22 artists wanting to be part of the trail before it was cancelled last year because of the floods. In 2023, we’re looking for even more to be part of an amazing weekend sharing creations in Loddon communities and attracting visitors to the region,” she said.

“We are looking at artists who have their own studio, collectives who can

come together to create impressive displays in community spaces and even businesses and cafes who could host pop-up galleries for the Loddon Valley Arts Trail.

“Traditional and unique display spaces will make our Loddon trail weekend engaging, inviting and a success.”

Tenar has contacted local artists who previously wanted to be part of the aborted weekends and has had enthusiastic responses.

“I’ve been part of the organising team for Tiny Towns Arts Trails and now looking forward to creating the new event in our Loddon Valley,” she said.

Cr Straub, Colleen Condliffe and Will Sanson in the community garden

Police have released an image of a utility similar to the one believed used in the incident.

Cr Linda Jungwirth, Pam Dawkins, Mayor Dan Straub, Carly Noble and Cr Wendy Murphy cut the ribbon at Thursday’s Loddon Inclusive Precinct opening. LH PHOTO

Innovative physio solutions

WITH a commitment to offering high quality care in rural areas, 3D Physiotherapy is bringing latest physio research and innovative exercise solutions to Boort.

Brodie Leonard-Shannon and Isaac Watson will work out of Boort District Medical Centre.

They will provide physio for all muscular and joint issues including arthritis, sports injury management and rehabilitation for footballers, netballers, hockey players and other sportspeople in the Loddon. Treatments will also be available for headaches, neck and jaw pain, massage, mobilisations and taping and dry needling. Brodie played with Boort Football Club and Bears Lagoon Serpentine Football Club for more than a decade.

“I understand the physical demands of competitive sports and how difficult being injured can be,” he said.

“Getting you back to doing what you love is what motivates me to keep learning and improving as a physio.”

Brodie says his role as a physio is to empower you to become the best version of yourself and achieve all of your goals, however big or small they may be.

“I thoroughly enjoy getting to know all about you and how we can work together

to get you where you want to be,” he said.

“I am a strong advocate for using exercise and strength training to get you moving.

“To do this, I use the experience I had from working as an exercise scientist before starting my career as a Physiotherapist. I also believe that manual therapy can be a powerful tool in improving your pain and function.”

Director and senior physiotherapist of Bendigo-based 3D Physiotherapy Julie Sheahan said: “We saw the need in Boort as there hasn’t been a permanent physio for a while now.

“It is only just over an hour from Bendigo and I am keen for my physios to have an interesting and varied caseload.”

Julie says 3D Physiotherapy helps people

move through pain, injury and major life changes by “listening to you and learning about you”.

“Teaching you what’s caused your pain and why, we empower you to treat the issue and educate you to reduce risk of it happening again.

From the moment you make contact with us, you’ll feel the difference - from our super friendly reception staff to our experienced physios.

“You will receive individualised attention and care to help you feel welcome and part of our 3D community.

“We use highly regarded assessment tools for accurate diagnosis and handson techniques including dry needling, mobilisation and soft tissue work to reset your body, ease your pain and improve motion.

“Our effective, safe and sustainable exercise programs and self-treatment techniques help you manage your health long-term, in our groups, at home or in your gym.

“We explain your diagnosis and the contributing factors that lead to your issue. You’ll learn to tune into your body, how to prevent re-injury and we’ll help you discover exercise you enjoy to boost your overall health,” says Julie.

Brodie Leonard-Shannon and Isaac Watson ... bringing the latest physio research and innovative exercise solutions to Loddon residents.

Weekend to remember

CONSISTENCY has seen Terrick West Poll Merino Stud dominate the national March-shorn pairs competition at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show for a second year.

The Prairie West stud won both champion and reserve champion sashes to hang besides last year’s success in the competition.

“The secret of (winning) pairs is to have consistency,” said stud principal Ross McGauchie.

“You can have the best ram and ewe but they can be different types of sheep.

“We have really got set now the type of sheep we breed, especially the folds, after moving from the horned over the last 10 to 15 years.”

Championship judge Mitch Hogg said the Prairie West winners “were so similar it’s not funny ... they were a true pair that were matched very well.

“They have well-nourished, heavy-cutting white wool, and their constitution is flawless,” Mr Hogg said.

The winning pair shared the same sire and Clairie McGauchie said: “We had two very good, but different, pairs to enter this

year.” She said characteristics on show in the successful combinations included thicker, richer and subtle wool, big carcass and a bolder crimp.

Terrick West also won the champion Victorian-bred ram fine/medium and ewe strong wool, champion Marchd-shorn strong wool poll ewe, junior champion strong wool ewe, March-shorn ewe showing no permanent teeth and Marchshorn ewe showing not more than two permanent teeth.

Mr McGauchie said the Marchshorn champion and reserve champion pairs were by a group of three rams that were “as good as we’ve ever bred” that they never got a chance to show after COVID cancelled the 2020 show.

The winning rams will be offered for sale at the Adelaide auction in September.

Mr McGauchie has been part of the Australian Stud Breeders’ Association committee since the show moved to Bendigo more than 20 years ago, including two stints as president.

At the weekend, he was named one of two new association life members.

Rams in demand at national auction

SUNDAY’S Australian Sheep and Wool Show ram sale saw Loddon studs sell all except two of their listed lots.

Terrick West achieved the sale’s equal third top price of $15,000 for a 13-month-old 18.4 micron animal described as a “long stapled ram nice nourished tip good shaped ram stands well”.

Another Terrick West ram sold for $12,000 and the stud had an average of $7500 for its five lots.

The Kirk’s Longdale Stud sold four of five rams listed in the catalogue for an average of $2645, Doug Perryman’s Panorama Stud, Mysia. sold four of five rams for an average of $2750 while Norm Weir’s Kerrilyn Stud had a clear-

ance of all four rams for an average of $1750.

Top price at the auction was $24,000 paid by Thalaba Pastoral Company, NSW, for a 20.4 micron offered by West Australian stud Rangeveiw Poll Merinos.

The sale had an 83 per cent clearance for an average of $5390.

Terrick West stud’s Ross McGauchie after taking out the national pairs title for a second year. LH PHOTO

Nicola and Rod Kirk with their March-shorn champions. LH PHOTO

Kirks steer to show success

LONGDALE Merino Stud has marked just its second year of showing at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show by claiming the champion and reserve champion Marchshorn fine-medium wool ram awards.

The Berrimal stud also took out the reserve junior champion fine-medium wool ram prize.

Stud master Rod Kirk said he and wife Nicola had registered the stud four years and entered the show at Bendigo for the first time last year. “We would have been

happy to get second ... to take the next step is unbelievable,” he said.

Mr Kirk breeds the traditional horned Merinos and believes that as a heavier cutting sheep, they retained a place in the industry.

“We are aiming to increase the animal’s carcass traits while maintaining the wool cut with a target of 19 micron,” Mr Kirk said.

Longdale Park was also awarded first in three other sections at the show.

sheep market

LAMB numbers more than doubled at Bendigo on Monday on the low levels of the past fortnight, reaching 9400 head on the back of last week’s stronger market.

Some very good lines of heavy fed lambs came forward alongside the usual winter mix of plainer and woolly types.

One northern-based exporter rejoined the buying group but was mainly focused on mutton. Demand from the buying fraternity was subdued and prices for trade and export lambs were $20 to $35 per head cheaper, noting Bendigo was one of the stronger performing markets last week.

Light lambs under 20kg cwt varied from $5 to $20 cheaper. Buyers were harsh on any secondary lambs across the sale that lacked fat cover, breed quality or were in long and seedy skins. Just two pens of very heavy export lambs, over 35kg cwt, sold above $180 to a top of $186/head. After this just another five pens made over $160.

Heavy crossbred lambs in the 26-30kg cwt range sold from $135 to $154 and this category lost the most value on a week ago. Heavy trade lambs $121 to $128, and medium trades $108 to a top of $132 for neat shorn pens.

On a carcass basis most processing lambs above 21kg cwt were estimated between 450c to 540c/kg cwt.

The heaviest lamb categories still maintained averages just above 500c/kg, however some trade lamb averages dipped below this benchmark.

Quality in the light lambs under 20kg was very mixed and they varied from $32 to $90 for most.

Another limited yarding of 2500 sheep. Heavy mutton was dearer at $90 to $135/ head. Merino wethers sold to $110, with

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Increased yarding with subdued demand, especially for heavy lambs.

some of the bigger lines of young wethers selling to a local agent.

Price results across light and trade sheep were more varied, due in part to a lot of mixed pen-lots. Better lines of mutton mostly estimated at 330c to 380c/kg cwt.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

P & B Meighan Mitiamo (44) $186, A & T Cole Neilborough (44) $182, Lehmann Family Trust Kerang (143) $165, Stevenson Family Trust Lake Charm (39) $163, F & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (87) $159, S & R Snelson Tongala (121) $159, Colin Osborne Boort (33) $159, Malleedoon Lake Boga (75) $155, FS Cockroft & Sons Myall (60) $144, M & P Tyquin Canary Island (49) $143, A & C Dalrymple Narrewillock (195) $140, E & B Cox Rochester (100) $132, Davis Past Trust Sutton Grange (34) $126.

MERINO LAMBS

ST & JJ Verley Boort (173) $137.

CROSSBRED EWES

H.B.R Farming Woomboota (68) $112. MERINO EWES

D &

G ra IN

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

John picks right for top fleece

WHEN shearing finished in John Humbert’s shed in March, he put aside what he considered the best fleeces from the Kedleston Park Stud’s first clip of the year.

Over the next three months, spare time was spent picking through the special clips and selecting entries for the Australian Fleece Competition.

“I’d spend time going over each fleece, hopefully picking the right one,” he said on Sunday after winning the performance class section for the second time in three years with a 17.8 micron fleece shorn on March 7.

And this year, the Calival stud went better by winning the performance class championship and the most valuable fleece award in his section.

John Farrer, of Elanvale, Pyramid Hill, made it a top two Loddon finish with his commercial flock 19.7 micron fleece being awarded the reserve champion flock.

Many exhibited fleeces, including’s the one entered by John Farrer, have been donated for auction with funds raised to be donated to Down Syndrome Australia. The fleece competition has now raised more than $204,000 for charity over more

Over 60s new focus in farm safety

FARMERS over 60 are in the spotlight of Making our Farms Safer project.

A National Farm Safety Week pledge by the State Government to continue its support of the project came as the Victorian Farmers’ Federation announced a shift in focus to experienced farmers.

“Farmers aged over 60 years tragically account for more than 40 per cent of deaths on farms throughout the country,” said president Emma Germano.

“Last year, six people aged over 60 lost their lives on Victorian farms. That’s someone’s mother, father or friend that can never be replaced. We hope this project will help ensure loved ones come home at the end of the day.

than 20 years. Australian Fleece Competition Convenor and Nutrien wool account manager Candice Cordy said the performance classes showcased fleeces from wool growers who shear at six to eight-month intervals.

“Each fleece is fully tested to Australian Wool Testing Authority standards and also judged subjectively by a judging panel

“It’s the largest fully measured

How to report road issues by phone and online

The quickest way to report a road issue is directly to Council itself. This is so issues can be logged in the system and dealt with as soon as possible – ensuring your concern is documented and dealt with e ciently.

Council takes its responsibility to provide a road network seriously and appreciates the community’s feedback.

Council has designated sta who are responsible for taking these enquires and ensuring that they are seen to.

If you encounter an issue about one of Council’s roads, you can contact customer service on 5494 1200.

Issues can also be lodged via Council’s website at http://www.

loddon.vic.gov.au and clicking on

“Report an issue”.

Council also operates an after-hours service for urgent road issues, this is also accessed through the (03) 5494 1200 phone number.

There are several roads in Loddon Shire that are the responsibility of VicRoads.

These include the highways and major routes. Issues on these roads can be reported to VicRoads on 13 11 70.

A list of VicRoads roads within Loddon Shire can be found on Council’s website at www.loddon. vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Footpathsroads-and-drains/Roads and opening the appropriate tab.

fleece competition in the world and provides a benchmarking opportunity for exhibitors, and is a forum for woolgrowers and stud breeders to showcase their fleece to a wider national audience.”

Meanwhile, Mr Humbert is hoping for the rise in wool markets before the traditional midyear break was a sign of better prices this year.

“Wool prices went up in the last

couple of sales before the recess,” he said.

“Whether this is a signal of improvement after the break we don’t know.”

Australian Wool Innovation reported a buoyant sale room atmosphere last week with the most well sought-after commodity being Merino wools from 19 to 22 micron that were pushed up three per cent.

Notices to be mailed outPayment options for rates

During July, property owners will begin receiving their 2023/24 annual rates notice from Council.

You can elect to pay your rates in full as a lump sum (which is due to be paid by 15 February 2024).

You can also opt to pay your rates in quarterly instalments, which are due on or before 30 September 2023, 30 November 2023, 28 February 2024 and 31 May 2024.

To assist in working toward these due dates, payments can be made on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis using a formal payment

arrangement.

If you’ve noticed that your contact details are incorrect, are unsure about your valuation or have any questions or would like to discuss payment of your rates, please contact Julie in Council’s Rates Department on 5494 1200.

If you anticipate that you might have an issue in paying your rates, please make sure to chat with Council.

For more information visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/ For-residents/Your-home/Yourproperty-valuation-and-rates

“With the help of a working committee consisting of older farmers and their adult children, the project will develop specific content and resources, such as a guidebook and monthly newsletters to help make Victorian farms safer.

“Farmers and our regional communities told us loud and clear how important this project was to them, and I welcome the government’s commitment to helping us keep farmers safe,” Ms Germano said.

Farm crime

Dr. Kyle Mulrooney and Dr. Alistair Harkness, the Centre for Rural Criminology Co-Directors at the University of New England, have launched the Australian Farm Crime Survey, the rst of its kind in nearly 20 years.

Farm crime has cast a long and troubling shadow across our rural landscapes. The toll it takes on farmers and rural property owners, both psychologically and nancially, is immense.

The October 2022 ood event saw Loddon Shire witness a surge in farm theft. Reported incidents involved batteries, solar panels, 10,000 litres of diesel fuel and substantial losses of livestock.

For more information or to participate in the survey please click here: https://bit. ly/farmcrimeune

Double fleece success for Kedleston Park’s John Humbert. LH PHOTO

Do wrong and be caught

By Inspector Della NIHILL

WE ARE continuing to see fatal, serious injury and injury collisions across our police service area.

To date, 166 people have tragically been killed on Victorian roads – a 28 per cent increase on the 130 lives lost at the same time in 2022.

These collisions have devastating effects on those involved as well as their friends, family and the broader community.

Road deaths and injury collisions are a continued concern in regional areas and we will remain focused on intentional high risk driver behaviour, rural roads, speeding, impaired driving, wearing of seatbelts and restraints, distraction and unauthorised driving.

Police will continue to be highly visible on major arterials as well as back streets,

POLICE PERSPECTIVE

holding those who choose to do the wrong thing to account

This weekend celebrates the fourth annual TAC and AFL Victoria Road Safety Round with local football and netball clubs showing their commitment to reducing road trauma.

It is great to see some of the local clubs in our area donning blue armbands to honour people killed on Victorian roads and driving home the road safety messaging.

On August 23, Goldfields Police Service Area will be hosting the 2022-23 CommSafe forum in Maryborough.

We invite our community, stakeholders and emergency management partners to participate in discussions with a police panel on local and state-wide issues.

The panel will consist of executive command, divisional and local police on a range of current policing issues and trends and will discuss common problems faced by police and the community with a view of determining a shared responsibility for solving these issues.

Some of the topics to be discussed includes, crime themes and drug related crime, family violence, road policing, youth offending and emergency management.

Attendees are required to register with the event co-ordinator at Maryborough. UNI@police.vic.gov.au

*ActingInspectorDellaNihillisthe Goldfieldslocalareacommanderfor VictoriaPolice

Fee hike puts strain on businesses

Sir, I write in regards to a letter posted to all local businesses from Loddon Shire Council on July 6 regarding changes to the footpath trading permit (Loddon Herald July 13).

While I understand the need to have this permit and the council’s role in ensuring all local businesses are meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the significant price increase puts financial strain on businesses already dealing with rising inflation.

For our small family owned and operated business, our fees have increased by $154.90 or 111 per cent.

When every dollar counts to our business surviving, we may be pushed to remove our outdoor seating for patrons.

This goes against Loddon Shire Council’s commitment to local business “to building and supporting a strong local economy

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

that provides for the innovative and sustainable business base, says its website.

“There are over 300 non-farming small businesses within the Loddon Shire, one of the largest rural shires in Victoria.

“The economic development staff are responsible for the management and implementation of initiatives to support the business community, enhance and promote the local retail and tourism precincts and foster and promote a co-operative culture within Council in its dealings with the business community,” says the council’s website.

With council forming part of the Goldfields World Heritage bid, I wonder how detrimental it will be to our shire when

many businesses remove footpath dining and signage?

Unfortunately, our local laws department have been unhelpful in our concerns and unwilling to listen to the impact such decisions have on our community.

MatthewandMicheleMizzi Newbridge

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters submitted for publication should not exceed 300 words. Phone number and address must be provided for verification (not publication. Letters may be edited for legal or space reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com

Council footpath permit letter upsets residents and traders, question compliance costs

Kylie Turner writes: Surely the administration and compliance officer costs will far exceed the income. Especially as most will be forced to forego paying the fees. We are not high turnover stores and most owners are already paying rates for the business property and rates for their homes.

Dianna Linton writes: Town shops are going to look like they are closed so people passing through towns won’t stop and there will be less trade.

From the Loddon Herald facebook page

1. Indiana Jones is played by which actor?

2. In a non-leap year, which date is the middle day of the year?

3. RGB in relation to colour stands for what?

4. Above which number on a standard keyboard would you find the $ symbol?

5. In the cartoon ‘Tom and Jerry’, who is the mouse and who is the cat?

6. Ichthyology is the study of what?

7. Which well-known brand makes motorbikes and musical instruments?

8. What is the largest breed of horse in the world?

9. In which year did sponsor logos first appear in the VFL on player’s jumpers?

10. The author of Winnie the Pooh is A. A. Milne, but who originally illustrated him?

11. The cornet is closely related to which other orchestral brass instrument?

12. Who beat Novak Djokovic to win the 2023 Wimbledon Men’s Singles final?

13. What is the chemical symbol for oxygen?

14. Harry Potter has a scar in the shape of what?

15. The Gibson Desert is found in which country?

16. Is the Boeing 737 a single or double decker plane?

17. Lachanophobia is the fear of what?

18. What is the rarest M&M colour?

19. Kal El is the real name of which superhero on their home planet?

20. Which famous composer wrote the ‘Moonlight Sonata’ for piano?

ANSWERS

If you need advice

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

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

assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and

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

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.

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.

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

us on

1. Harrison Ford 2. July 2nd 3. Red, green, blue 4. Four 5. Mouse – Jerry, Cat – Tom 6. Fish 7. Yamaha 8. Shire Horse -(aver age weight 850-1100kg) 9. 1977 10. E. H.

11. Trumpet 12. Carlos Alcaraz

-Super man

Beethoven

Gentleman Mal’s 700th Friends, sausage rolls and the grand final streaker

By CHRIS EARL

UMPIRING in the North Central Football League with Mal Burge can be like traveling with the Pope.

People line up to pay homage as soon as he enters the ground, Mal stops and has a chat with everyone, says Max Higgs of the farmer from Woosang who on Saturday will have whistle in hand for his 700th game.

Max says of his good friend that it’s even worse at the end of the day when you want to get home - Mal is always on for a chat with players, officials and supporters of opposing clubs while indulging in the repast laid out on tables in country football rooms.

Mal Burge has had a reputation for being the gentleman of umpiring ever since he switched from being a defender with Wedderburn to a man in white back in 1991.

“I wanted to do something to stay fit and I still loved football. So I spoke with Peter McHugh and Ian Jackson and decided to give it a go,” he said.

“And it gave me a break on Saturday afternoons from farming,” said Mal who now lives in Wedderburn but still runs the 1100-hectare farm with brother-in-law Brian Dickson.

Mal’s love of football was nurtured over more than 200 games with the Redbacks’ reserves.

“I played mainly full-back ... enjoyed that position and if I could hold the fullforward to three or four goals I think I was going okay. Of course, things didn’t always happen that way,” he said.

“And enjoyment, I have found though even more as an umpire, especially in North Central league matches.”

A life member of the now disbandedNorth Central umpires’ group, Mal has taken the field in the Loddon Valley and former Mallee leagues.

His special affinity with Southern Mallee clubs and Nullawil in particular, meant naming where he would officiate for game No 700 was easy.

“There were always good times at Nullawil and when they joined the North Central league this year I was happy about that,” Mal said.

“They are great people up there, a great part of the Mallee and it’s good to see the team doing well in the North Central league since coming in this season.

“This Saturday I’ll get to umpire Charlton and Nullawil. Max Higgs was to have been my partner but he got the dates mixed up and is away working up north. Instead, it will be with another great Loddon umpire Richard Hicks.”

Mal Burge is also part of local football folklore, officiating at four senior grand finals and numerous reserve grade deciders.

As Max Higgs recounts, Mal is regarded as the only Aussie Rules umpire to have chased a streaker in a grand final and then have a horse named after him.

“He didn’t catch him and the horse Coulddowitharain was not much good,” says Max.

While Mal has experienced, and enjoyed, the pressure from raucous crowds when grand finals have gone into extra time, he’s more circumspect about the pressure umpires face when reporting a player.

“That takes courage under pressure. But the players have generally been pretty good and only rarely have I had to report anyone,” he said.

Now 65, Mal hopes to have a few more years running around in the umpire’s livery that is now a distinctive olive colour.

He says former players can make excellent umpires with their knowledge of the game and fitness.

“Perhaps a few more will make the move across when they retire.”

He says the North Central league is one of the most harmonious around and “come 5 o’clock we can all relax in the room for a few beers”.

And he says injuries are uncommon for umpires. “I did miss a few games when an old hamstring injury flared.”

The umpire coterie is renowned for a banter that they prefer to call encouragement and support.

Mal says coach Dean Goodridge, himself a North Central life member, has been a great mentor. Goodridge reciprocates the praise for Mal’s endurance and contribution over more than 30 years.

It’s left to Max Higgs to spill the beans on Mal’s training route. “Doesn’t believe in over-training. Notoriously difficult to get him to training, then even harder to get

him home. Likes to talk to at least 15 different people after training, have a can of Coke and devour two sausage rolls.

“If hassled to leave early, strews crumbs and sauce over car seats. Is also partial to a Hungry Jacks value meal and a Crown Lager on the trip home from training - leaves his wrappers and empties on the passenger seat floor,” comes flying more of the banter that Mal says is healthy.

Then the tone turns a little more serious: “All umpires make mistakes, have bad days and cop plenty of advice from both sides of the fence. Mal is no different in that respect, but I’ve never known a player, official or supporter to doubt his integrity or, at the end of the game, treat him with anything other than respect and affection. He’s earned that,” says Max.

Mal hasn’t confined himself to just the farm and football.

All year round, he’s on call as a member of the Woosang Fire Brigade and still turns

up on a Saturday afternoon in summer swinging a tennis racquet.

Back at the farm, he says breeding Merinos is his greatest love on the land. “I’m not as keen on cropping.”

And over the years, he has picked more than a few prizes for fleeces in agricultural show competitions.

Mal says the day will come when has has to make the decision to hang up the whistle. “That will be a tough decision to make and I will miss umpiring enormously ... it’s been a big part of my life and made possible thanks to the support of my wife Leanne.”

Ahead of game 700, Mal Burge has started receiving accolades for the achievement.

The one from friend Max Higgs perhaps says it all: “The best thing to come out of Woosang. A gentleman. Loves the game. Part of the heart and soul of country footy. A better person than most of us.”

The Woosang farmer has seen it all umpiring football across central and northern Victoria. On Saturday, Mal Burge will take to the ground for game number 700.

Part Time Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

We are seeking a part time Endorsed Enrolled Nurse to join our friendly team. This position is for 4 days per week, negotiable. Previous experience in wound management, pathology collection and health assessments an advantage.

Please send application letter and CV to Centre Manager.

Applications close at 4.30pm 21st July 2023.

To apply for this position or to obtain further information, please contact: Kylie Smith/Heather Gale Centre Manager

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre 21 King St, Dingee, Vic 3571 PH: 5436 8309

Email: centre.manager@dbnc.com.au

Careers at Loddon

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

Community Recovery Support O cerref.J/226

 Part-time, xed term position (until March 2024)

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce with exible work location options available

 Band 4 - $64,566.32 - $69,060.16 per annum pro rata plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 31 July 2023 at 5pm.

Inclusive Communities O cer - ref.J/201

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce with exible work location options available

 Band 6 - $85,590.96 - $92,720.68 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 24 July 2023 at 5pm. For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

SPORT

Striking form has Diggers winners

WEDDERBURN Bowling Club team Gold Diggers has won the Loddon Darts Association grand final.

Gold Diggers defeated Korong Vale Chuckers in the season decider on Sunday,

Following the grand final, the association conducted its singles championship.

A Grade: Brent Nunn 1, Grant Tooth 2, Robert Day 3. B Grade: Gerard Herbert 1, Joel Fletcher 2. Ladies: Coralie Fitt 1, Robina Little 2. Highlights: Robert day 180, Joel Fletcher 180.

LODDON HERALD BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Wool buyer

Cash payments On-farm appraisals

92 Rowena Street, East Bendigo Ph 5406 0629

Premiers Sean Ballinger, Bob Montebello, Laurie Witham and captain Robina Little. LH PHOTO

Runners-up Wayne Ford, Rob Day, Scott Haynes and Yvonne Cashen.

Kane snags honours at tournament

BOORT champion Andrew Kane has taken out the 27-hole feature event at the club’s annual tournament.

Kane hit 36-69-105 for A Grade honours in the scratch event.

Shayne Morris won the nett section with 35-69-104, Michael Stringer the 18-hole nett returning Michael Stringer 73-4-69 and Wedderburn club champion Byron Bird the nine-hole nett with 38-3-35.

Twenty-two players contested the day with the highlight being 84 year-old Kara-Kara life member, Vince Grant from Wycheproof, shooting 83 off the stick to beat his age and take out the B Grade scratch event 40-83-123.

Grant Tooth won the 27-hole nett with 34-74-108, 18-hole nett Tony Holt 87-15-72 and nine-hole nett Clinton Olive 407.5=32.5.

Nearest the pins: Michael Stringer, Chris Loeliger, Byron Bird, Tim Lanyon.

Teams: James Loeliger, Vince Grant and Shayne Morris.

Nineteen pairs of men battled it out across two grades in the

North Central sets finals venues

NORTH Central league football, netball and hockey grand finals will be played at Boort.

Venues for the 2023 series were announced to clubs this week.

The first week of finals will be at Sea Lake with the second semi-finals at Wycheproof.

Preliminary finals will be played at St Arnaud’s Lord Nelson Park.

The grand finals on September 16 could feature several Boort sides with reserves and junior footballers and senior grade netballers sitting high on ladders.

men’s fourball on Friday with some hot scores recorded by the winners.

A Grade: Sam Newth and Greg Reynoldson 44 from James Ritchie and David Mann 41. B

Grade: Grant Tooth and Scott Rollinson 47 from Ted Carmody and Wayne Maxted 45.

Best nine out: Malcolm Goldsworthy and Steven Toose 22. In: John Kennedy Tony Mullins 24.

Nearest the pins: Ted Carmondy, Steve Toose, Tony Mullins and Bob Arnold.

Ladies’ four-ball best-ball stableford - A Grade: Wendy Laffin and Di Roberts 41.

Runners-up: Mandy Maleand and Heather Hogan 39 on threeway countback from Julie Wilson and Meryl Cameron Glenda O’Neill and Di Johnston.

B Grade: Sally Keeble and Pat Smith 39. Runners-up: Dot Beattie and Marie Ring 38.

Nearest the pins: Wendy Laffin, Glenda Bird, Ruth McAlister.

Teams: Meryl Cameron, Julie Wilson, Mandy Male and Heather Hogan.

To round off tournament week, a mixed foursomes event

took place with 12 pairs enjoying the sunny conditions on Sunday. The highlight of the day was Kate and Andrew Hood taking out the Weaver Cup for best nett score of the day, a trophy donated by Kate’s grandparents Nancy and

Marhsall takes out Jim Hoban Memorial Day trophy

PYRAMID Hill’s annual Jim Hoban Memorial Day was played on Sunday by a large field of competitors on the course in good weather conditions.

Jed Stewart continued his excellent form from the championships and won the day with 37 points.

Runner up with 36 points was Maree Ring.

The Jim Hoban Memorial Day (count your putts) winner was Sue Marshall with an excellent score of just 22 putts

The club’s tournament runs from August 11 to 13.

TARNAGULLA

Ambrose pairs were played at

Tarnagulla last Saturday with the father-son combination of Ron and Peter Sanderson taking out honours.

Runners-up were Dave Shay and Mick Radich.

Longest drive for the day was Garry Harwood and nearest the pin Tim Mortlock

WEDDERBURN

Wedderburn’s annual tournament started on Tuesday with a women’s four-ball best-ball stableford.

Play continues tomorrow with the men’s four-ball while Saturday will be the men’s and women’s 27-hole stroke and Sunday a three-person ambrose.

Bruce Weaver. Scratch: Karen Allison and Craig Allison 82. Nett and Weaver Cup: Kate Hood and Andrew Hood 69 from Hamish Lanyon and Damien Lanyon 67, Maree Cullen and POug Cullen 71.

Nearest the pins: Glenda Bird,

Mandy Male, Gary Thorne, Kate and Andrew Hood.

Nearest the pins (overall) - Ted Carmody 4.32 metres on the first, Steven Toose 2.52 metres on the ninth and Byron Bird 0.92 metres on the 15th.

Pyramid Hill president Steve Marshall presents the Jim Hoban trophy to winner Sue Marshall.

Weaver Cup winners Kate and Andrew Hood

A Grade ladies’ winners Wendy Laffin and Di Roberts

B Grade winners Sally Keeble and Pat Smith

Winners of the ladies’ team event in the four-ball best-ball stableford day were (from left) Meryl Cameron, Julie Wilson, Mandy Male and Heather Hogan.

LODDON VALLEY

Eyes on finishing in top three

MITIAMO has confirmed its conviction of pressing for a top three A Grade finish by breaking clear of Newbridge after a tight opening term on Saturday.

Amelia Ludeman in the centre was again key, creating play to setting up the 25-goal win.

Only two goals had separated the fourth and fifth placed sides at the first break.

The Superoos sit half a game behind Marong and their opponent this Saturday, Pyramid

Another close call for Pies

BOORT has held off a strong attacking Donald to win Saturday’s A Grade clash by four goals.

The Pies’ defence was challenged for a second week running as opponents start to work out how to play the side sitting on top of the ladder undefeated.

Wycheproof Narraport came close a fortnight ago and the Royals had their tilt at Boort Park in Saturday’s round.

Boort is missing the speedy mid-court presence of Jo Isaac who is currently overseas but Grace Hosking and Sophie Perryman helped cover the absence and worked the Pies to a matchwinning position.

However, a real test may come this Saturday when the Pies take on arch-rival Wedderburn in the the Loddon Derby at Donaldson Park.

The Pies will need to settle from the beginning against a rival that has gradually regrouped this season without several of its 2022 premiership stars.

51, (51) d Wycheproof

50, (50).

13, 23, 38, 48, (48) d Sea Lake

9, 15, 20, 28, (28). Boort 11, 21,

Courts lighting up in $50,000 upgrade project

LIGHTS have been switched on at Bridgewater’s netball and tennis courts in a $50,000 project that has seen an upgrade to lighting at the recreation reserve.

Reserve committee president Bryan Ryan said the project had been achieved with installation of court lighting.

“For the past five years we have upgraded the internal and external lighting at the Bridgewater Recreation Reserve to LED lighting.

“We have now achieved this with new lighting being installed on the tennis/netball courts, and the

installation of the final three LED lights on the oval.

“This has been a $50000 project for 10 new LED lights. The internal lighting was upgraded to LED lighting with a grant from the Federal Government.

“We started with a grant from the Loddon Shire for the installation of two light towers and lights about five years ago on the southern side of the oval, then followed with the purchase of six new lights for the existing towers on the southern side of the oval.

“Then this year has seen the purchase of four new lights for the courts,” he said.

NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

Wycheproof Narraport 1-1, St Arnaud d Charlton 3-1. Ladder: St Arnaud 93, Wycheproof Narraport 79, Charlton 67, Birchip Watchem 60, Donald 43, Sea Lake Nandaly 37, Wedderburn 10, Boort 0.

Under 15: Boort d Donald 4-0, Birchip Watchem d Wycheproof Narraport 3-0, St Arnaud d Charlton 3-2.

Ladder: St Arnaud 89, Birchip Watchem 80, Sea Lake Nandaly 73, Boort 48, Donald 47, Charlton 42, Wedderburn 10, Wycheproof Narraport 9.

Women: Boort d Donald 6-2, Birchip Watchem lost to Wycheproof Narraport 2-3, St Arnaud lost to Charlton 2-8. Ladder: Charlton 93, Wycheproof Narraport 93, Birchip Watchem 60, St Arnaud 52, Boort 36, Sea Lake Nandaly 33, Wedderburn 20, Donald 0.

Men: Boort d Donald 2-1, Birchip Watchem lost to Wycheproof Narraport 17, St Arnaud d Charlton 13-0.

Ladder: Wycheproof Narraport 89, St Arnaud 88, Boort 80, Donald 38, Sea Lake Nandaly 26, Charlton 22, Birchip Watchem 4.

Mitiamo centre Amelia Ludeman puts in another impressive performance as the Superoos eye a top three finish. LH PHOTO

Under 12: Boort lost to Donald 0-4, Birchip Watchem drew

Late withdrawal headaches rattle Pies’ selection table

BOORT’S hopes of a bolstered line-up for Saturday’s clash against Donald were cruelled almost from the first bounce.

The undermanned Pies were unable to selected new recruit Luke Dowdle who became unavailable late week after having wisdom teeth extracted.

The anticipated return of ruckman Nathan Twigg was delayed after the club sent him for a precautionary MRI, still displaying some concussion symptoms from a heavy knock three weeks ago.

And then his replacement Frasier Holland had to withdraw on Friday night, a knee knock from the previous round still niggling.

And with Chisari and Muscatello now not expected to play for the remainder of the season, the pressure was on the younger Pies

Cam Ross would eventually step in to the No 1 ruck role for Saturday’s clash and battled valiantly all afternoon.

The Pies were missing too many key players to realistically expect a win but

NORTH CENTRAL JUNIORS

- Boort: Not supplied. Donald:

O. Brennan, J. Reilly, J. Lydom, M. Burke, T. Lydom.

- Boort: C. Hird, C. Gooding, R. Chislett, C.

N. Howe. Donald: B. Donnellon, J. Lydom, M. Burke, B. Coleman-Young.

sure forcing midfield errors by the Pies. Boort was only a goal down at the main break and had some hope of stemming the tide.

They had many successful stoppages but were unable to counter the strength and influence of Donald’s Sam Dunstan who went onto kick eight goals for the game, often capping off the work of ruck rover Steve Dinnell who was named best on ground.

Hayden Geddes commanded the Royals’ defensive zone, his example pressure crucial in turning over Boort’s forward thrusts in the second half.

SENIORS

GOALS - Nullawil: J. Humphreys 2, A. Oberdorfer, J. Bamford, D. Smith, A. Casey, M. Quigley, N. Grigg.

Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Summerhayes 4, T. McKenzie, T. Donnan 2, B. McInnes, W. Simpson, A. Mertz, T. Cox.

BEST: Nullawil Seniors: D. Putt, J. Humphreys, D. Smith, P. Kelly, M. Quigley, J. Casey, BEST: Sea Lake Nandaly Seniors: M. Farrelly, R. Osullivan, T. Mckenzie, C. Roberts, J. Poulton, J. Summerhayes.

(73)

GOALS - St Arnaud: J. Hicks 2, B. Organ, J. Needs, J. Beavis. Charlton: N. Thompson 7, C. Gavaghan 2, J. Zagame, H. Taylor.

BEST- St Arnaud: Z. Notting, J. Hicks, D. Gifford, A. Bourke, B. Organ, K. Torney. Charlton: J. Thompson, N. Thompson, C. Fitzpatrick, J. Taylor, R. Thiesz, T. Baird.

Birchip Watchem 4.2 8.2 10.3 12.11 (83) Wycheproof N 0.0 3.2 6.6 9.6 (60)

jumped out with commitment to establish a three-goal lead in the first term, moving the ball well across the midfield and for the first time since opening rounds of the season, finishing off in front of goal.

The Royals set about changing fortunes in the second term, their up-tempo pres-

For Boort, Jack Smith was named the best. And although Dunstan was in form, had it not been for Smith’s tight work, the total may have been higher.

Smith in fact worked overtime for the undermanned Boort defence. McGhie and Aitken also saw plenty of the play across the midfield.

Again, however, a depleted Boort ran out of legs in the second half.

Loddon Derby: Pride goes on line for rivals

THE 2024 North Central season hasn’t exactly gone to plan for Loddon rivals Wedderburn and Boort.

Their chances of making finals are all but non-existent thanks to that early season draw between Boort and Wycheproof Narraport that creates 10 premiership points gap and has the Wyche half a game outside the four, ready for a Nullawil slip.

This Saturday, the clash of Wedderburn and Boort at Donaldson Park will be the chance for some Loddon bragging rights.

Last time they met back in May, the Redbacks stumbled over the line by two points.

GOALS - Boort: Not supplied. Donald: B. Donnellon.

- Boort: B. Whykes, N. Scott, B. Arnold, R. Wagner, H. Malone. Donald: G. Morgan, E. Clapham,

Pearse, B. Donnellon.

Boort had a 15-point lead at the main break before the Redbacks systematically started work on salvaging a game.

This time again, Wedderburn will be coming off the bye. Expect to see No 1 ruckman Adam Postle selected and lining up.

The Redbacks have also gained a handy mid-season pick-up in Jackson McEwen, three games already with goals and best player next to his name.

down Barnes but also negate the influence of fellow veteran Danny Benaim and the flamboyant Tom Campbell.

On the flip side, Boort’s fortunes will come down to three things - who is fit to play, finding accuracy around goal and the success of work in defence being capped off up the ground.

And for good measure, the Pies can throw in overcoming a parochial Donaldson Park crowd.

Both Wedderburn and Boort have challenged top sides at different times this year - for a quarter, a half, even almost to the final siren - they are close and if not for fate and circumstance, Saturday could have been a battle of two top teams.

Instead, for 2023 the Pies and Redbacks will have to settle for honours on Loddon soil.

Boort could level the season tally but up against the Redbacks at home may find the opposition has a little more grunt.

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: D. Castellano 4, N. Gordon 2, C. Wilson, M. Rippon, D. Batarilo, L. Foott, J. Reid, N. Rippon. Wycheproof Narraport: B. Fraser, D. McLennan, D. Horbury 2, G. Hommelhoff, L. Van Schaik, A. Hogan.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: D. Reid, D. Hinkley, D. Castellano, N. Rippon, L. Ryan, C. Frank. Wycheproof Narraport: K. Hommelhoff, J. Bateson, L. Van Schaik, A. Hogan, J. Turner, G. Hommelhoff.

GOALS - Boort: P. O’Rourke, B. Aitken, N. McLaren, L. Moss, J. Fitzpatrick, A. Davis. Donald: S. Dunstan 8, L. Geddes, C. Anderson, J. Potter, R. McGough, J. Wall.

BEST - Boort: J. Smith, R. McGhie, B. Aitken, D. Hawker, A. Davis, M. Hodoras. Donald: S. Dinnell, S. Dunstan, N. Berry, T. Grant, H. Geddes, W. Burke

RESERVES

GOALS - St Arnaud: J. Kell, D. Needs, N. Gorrie 2, T. Johns, D. Bridgeman, C. Campbell. Charlton: J. McGrath, S. O’Connor 2, S. Postlethwaite, A. Johnstone.

St Arnaud Reserves: M. Birthisel, S. Elliott, D. Bridgeman, J. Kell, D. Needs, S. Male,

Charlton Reserves: E. Needs, H. Bourke, J. McGrath, P. Sait, S. O’Connor, P. Sanderson,

- Birchip Watchem: J. Ryan 3, J. Goldsmith, M. Love 2, M. Rickard, T. Colbert. Wycheproof Narraport: J. McHutchison, W. Allan 2, J. Parker, D. Turner.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: T. Colbert, J. Ryan, B. Colbert, M. Rickard, B. Baxter. Wycheproof Narraport: J. McHutchison, T. Keane, D. Turner, R. Botheras, J. Caulfield, D. Allen.

Nullawil 0.0 1.2 5.2 8.5 (53)

Sea Lake N 1.3 4.7 4.10 5.11 (41)

Ladder: St Arnaud 44, Boort 42, Birchip Watchem 38, Sea Lake Nandaly 26, Wycheproof Narraport 18, Donald 16, Charlton 12, Nullawil 10, Wedderburn

AFL CENTRAL VICTORIA

Bridgewater 5.4 11.7 13.14 18.16 (12)

Pyramid Hill 1.2 2.3 3.3 4.4 (28)

GOALS - Bridgewater: Cooper Orton 5, Seth Hewett-Scull, Sam McMahon 3, Tate Woodhatch

2, Harry Carter, Jackson Hetherton, Tarrant Pidoto.

Pyramid Hill: Blake Gibson 2, Oscar Emmerson, Conor McCoy.

BEST - Bridgewater: Hunter Daldy, Seth HewettScull, Cooper Orton, Sam McMahon, William Salau, Tate Woodhatch. Pyramid Hill: Connor McCoy, Blake Gibson, James Correa, Jack Gould, Toby Peter, Toby Fernandez.

And then there’s coach Sam Barnes, more than making his mark in front of goals the last couple of weeks as he gets the rhythm going in his comeback season.

If the Pies were challenged last week handling Dunstan in front of sticks, Barnes will give defenders more than a few headaches.

Key for Boort will be to not only shut

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Wycheproof Narraport v St Arnaud

Donald v Birchip Watchem

Wedderburn v Boort

Charlton v Nullawil

Sea Lake Nandaly bye

FRONT OF GOAL

Callum Goode - Birchip Watchem

Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil

Patrick O’Rourke - Boort

Gerald Riley - Wedderburn

GOALS - Nullawil: M. Barry, M. Harrop 2, J. Barry, N. Williams, C. Fawcett, G. Forrester. Sea Lake Nandaly: N. Wight 2, I. Durie, D. Hickey, R. McClelland.

BEST - Nullawil: J. Barry, D. Kelly, T. Fawcett, C. Fawcett, M. Barry, M. Harrop. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Donnan, R. Mcclelland, C. Allan, C. Elliott, W. Conlan, C. Tait.

Boort 5.5 9.9 14.11 19.16 (130)

Donald 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)

GOALS - Boort: A. Cockerell 5, M. Rice 4, N. Gooding 3, D. Cameron, B. Slatter 2, L. Hall, O. Toose, E. Lanyon.

BEST - Boort: M. Buchanan, A. Cockerell, K. Streader, J. Wilson, B. Arnold, J. Dowling. Donald: J. Talty, K. Green, J. Funcke, G. Morgan, E. Clapham, J. Tellefson.

Late withdrawal ... Frasier Holland

Opening blitz stuns Maroons

RESURGENT Mitiamo made its intentions clear from the first bounce against Newbridge on Saturday.

The Superoos went deep and within minutes Kobe Galvin had what would be the first of his side’s six goals for the term on the board.

Brayden Baines followed with two goals in quick succession - one from a free kick awarded on the boundary, the second as he joined the drive out of the centre.

Much as that drive was coming from veteran Luke Lougoon, holding the halfback line tight and roaming across the midfield where he constantly cut off home side Newbridge.

Andrew Cussen was one Superoos capping off the work of Lougoon with goals. Two goals within minutes, the second after being awarded a free, had seen Mitiamo assert dominance despite the efforts of Newbridge’s Argus, Fortune and Lloyd.

A snap from vice-captain Ross Turner was the icing on the cake in the first quarter.

The Superoos were without Calvin for part of the second term, a knock saw him leave the ground just before the break siren.

Mitiamo started the second quarter in similar style but encountered a more determined Newbridge. The lift in Maroons’

Waylon Draper (Mitiamo) goes the spoil against Newbridge’s Dylan Lloyd. LH PHOTO

work rate would restrict the Superoos to just three behinds for the term while adding 2.4 onto its first term lonely tally of a single goal

Caleb Saunders kicked one of his three for the day and had the Maroons back within four kicks of the lead.

Mitiamo was not about to surrender and after the main break gained an edge

for the quarter - although six behinds was testament to the pressure of Newbridge in defence.

Thomas, Cussen, Lougoon and Turner were behind the steamroller final term as Mitiamo added another five goals and held Newbridge to just one goal.

The Superoos showed signs of continuing a strong second half of the season.

PYRAMID Hill’s bounce back to winning form has come at a high cost.

The Bulldogs lost the consistent Bailey George with a shoulder injury mid-way through the third term against Bridgewater.

His exit from the game came as Pyramid Hill had lifted from a sluggish start in a lacklustre encounter.

Pyramid Hill was up by just three points at the first break and then added 3.6 to expand the lead by half-time.

Billy Micevski rose to put in probably his best game this season and a display that had all the unselfish characteristics that he puts to the fore.

Just as Bridgewater was trying to again stifle the visitors, an Ed Caburnay goal midway through the third was soon followed up by Zach Alford after inspirational play in the midfield by Micevski.

Sebastian Relouw and Jesse Sheahan were pivotal cutting off Mean Machine play and also chipping in with goals.

SENIORS

INGLEWOOD has gone into the bye with a strong win over Maiden Gully as it looks to lock in fourth position on the Loddon Valley ladder. The Blues were bolstered by the return of several key players for last Saturday’s match and only faltered in the third term before finishing too strong for the Eagles. Keegan Payne kicked six goals in the win, including a re-shoot in the second term when an awarded goal was disputed but assured after umpires ordered the kick be taken again.

LH PHOTO

Jack Symons in defence for the Mean Machine was frustrating forward lunges as play seesawed.

But the second half was a more settled performance from the Bulldogs as they sought to avenge the memory of the previous round’s drubbing at the hands of Marong.

The determination of the Bulldogs with their backs to the wall was borne out in the final quarter. Without George and Scott Mann (concussion), Pyramid Hill almost doubled it score with 8.4 while denying Bridgewater any addition on the scoreboard.

The Bulldogs may have been hurt, but the bark remains.

Upsets could be on cards this weekend

INGREDIENTS for a potential round of upsets have been mixed.

The injury-hit Pyramid Hill is at home to buoyant Mitiamo. The Bulldogs are likely to be without Bailey George now taking his spot in the growing line being treated in the trainers’ room.

George’s ability to win the hard ball across midfield may have been tempered a little this year but his on-field influence has continued undiminished. With a cloud over his selection this week

SENIORS

and Mitiamo injecting life into the final month of home and away games like the Superoos of old, that 24-goal thumping back in round six could be reversed.

The tip is with Bridgewater to take the points against Calivil. On paper, that’s a given.

However, the young Bridgewater team could be without regular best Symons. His loss will add to the challenges of rebuilding and up against a gritty Calivil back from the bye, will put another layer

IN FRONT OF GOAL

94 - (13) - Brandyn Grenfell - Marong

45 - (3) - Kain Robins - Marong

39 - (0) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater

36 - (1) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

34 - (0) - Matthew Riordan - Marong

30 - (0) - Charlie McGaw - Inglewood

29 - (3) - Jay Reynolds - Mitiamo

29 - (0) - Andrew Gladman - BL Serpentine

27 - (0) - Justin Laird - BL Serpentine

26 - (6) - Keelan Payne - Inglewood

RESERVES

49 - (6) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill

32 - (0) - Bradley Matthews - Marong

24 - (0) - Clay Anstee - BL Serpentine

23 - (7) - Tucker Thach - Marong

21 - (7) - Reece Gretgrix - Marong

20

- (0) - Kyle Simpson - Inglewood

20 - (2) - Joel Pianto - Mitiamo

17 - (0) - Jayden Gladman - BL Serpentine

15 - (1) - Tom Grant - Marong

14 - (3) - Joey Doolan - Maiden Gully

of pressure on the Mean Machine.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine won the third quarter when it last met Marong. The Bears have continued improvement while Marong is, well, cruising.

Expect more fight from the Bears this time even though Marong looks too strong.

The final match of the round should see Newbridge crack its fourth win of the season over the patchy and disappointing Maiden Gully.

THIS SATURDAY

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Pyramid Hill v Mitiamo

Newbridge v Maiden Gully

Calivil v Bridgewater

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Marong

A. Fortune, W. Daly, C. Argus. Mitiamo: A. Cussen, K. Galvin , J. Reynolds 3, B. Baines 2, Z. Morrison, R. Turner.

3,

Maiden Gully 1.3 2.4 5.4 7.7 (49) Inglewood 4.1 10.3 11.9 14.12 (96)

GOALS - Maiden Gully: B. Dimech 4, D. Bice, C. Walsh, N. Murley. Inglewood Seniors: K. Payne 6, T. Kendal, M. Rowe 2, S. Dundas, C. Wright, F. Payne, B. Cotchett.

Marong 7.2 12.7 21.11 26.13

(169)

GOALS - Marong: B. Grenfell 13, K. Robins 3, P. Gretgrix, M. Bradbury 2, M. Grant, J. Davis, J. Gadsden, R. Taylor, C. Gregg, B. Hartland. Calivil: K. Newton, J. Manderson, B. Baker, T. Martin, L. Brook, J. Lawry.

Bridgewater 1.1 2.1 3.5 3.5 (23) Pyramid Hill 1.4 4.10 8.12 16.16 (112)

GOALS - Bridgewater: T. Naughton, N. Hall, B. Stepien. Pyramid Hill: J. Sheahan 5, S. Relouw 3, T. Walker, B. Micevski, W. Perryman, Z. Alford, E. Caburnay, S. Mann, J. Woodward, T. Nunn.

Marong 13 13 0 2102 357 588.80 52 Pyramid Hill 12 10 2 1275 741 172.06 40 BL Serpentine 12 9 3 1198 917 130.64 36 Inglewood 13 7 6 1177 1129 104.25 28 Bridgewater 13 6 7 814 969 84.00 24 Mitiamo 12 4 8 756 1256 60.19 16 Newbridge 13 3 10 619 1377 44.95 12 Calivil 12 2 10 648 1245 51.89 8 Maiden Gully 12 2 10 553 1147 48.21 8 RESERVES Bridgewater 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 (7) Pyramid Hill 5.3 11.5 13.9 17.14 (116)

GOALS - Bridgewater: J. Boyd. Pyramid Hill: R. Pollock 6, N. Skinner 4, G. Quinn 3, N. Moon 2, M. Swiney, P. Walker.

Marong 7.4 15.8 23.12 30.17 (197) Calivil 0.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 (12)

GOALS - Marong: T. Thach, R. Gretgrix 7, C. Stacey, J. Gretgrix, G. Dowler, N. McCaig 2, S. Taylor, J. Evenden, T. Grant, R. Hender, Z. Turnbull, C. Ling, B. Stewart, J. Cummins. Calivil: S. Fawcett, T. Wakefield.

BEST - Marong: J. Gretgrix, R. Gretgrix, T. Thach, J. Cummins, A. Collins, C. Ling. Calivil: M. Wakefield, M. Bell, P. Hansford, T. Wakefield, B. Jenkin, O. Murphy.

6.3

8.4 9.6

Inglewood 1.0 2.2 4.7 4.11

GOALS - Maiden Gully: J. Doolan 3, N. Johnston 2, I. Holden, T. Hudson, S. Turner, C. Sungalis. Inglewood: D. Gorrie 2, T. Kilcullen, P. Ingamells.

Mitiamo 2.1 4.4 7.9 8.13

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(27)

GOALS - Mitiamo: C. Milne 4, J. Pianto 2, C. Collins, K. Pentreath. Newbridge: M. Hocking, N. Gray 2.

BEST - Mitiamo: S. Scragg, J. Rawe, L. Jones, J. Rawlings, M. Byrne, J. Carracher. Newbridge: C.

Marong 13 13 0 1568 276 568.12 52 BL Serpentine 12 10 2 712 555 128.29 40 Pyramid Hill 12 8 4 941 531 177.21 32 Maiden Gully 12 6 6 581 723 80.36 24 Inglewood 13 5 8 793 711 111.53 20 Newbridge 13 5 8 723 715 101.12 20 Mitiamo 12 4 8 552 730 75.62 16 Bridgewater 13 3 10 421 954 44.13 12 Calivil 12 2 10 276 1372 20.12 8

More hits for injury-riddled Dogs

Loddon HERALD sport

EQUATION TIME

By CHRIS EARL

SIX TEAMS face four danger games in the final month of Loddon Valley football’s home and away season.

The final month draw puts Bridgewater at risk of losing its top five spot to rapid season improver Mitiamo.s

The Supeeroos have gone from a 1-8 just four weeks ago to now being within striking distance of snatching a berth in the finals.

The first hurdle comes on Saturday against injury-depleted Pyramid Hill.

The re-ignited form of reigning club best and fairest Jake Lougoon and fellow veterans Doug Thomas and Ross Turner have bounce again in Mitiamo’s game.

Pyramid Hill at home on the plains of Mitchell Park will be

tested by the club that appeared down and almost out eight months ago before the steady resurrection under new coach John Vercoe.

The Superoos have two other chances to cause late season upsets. Redemption for wasted opportunities in round eight against

Bears Lagoon Serpentine could be on the cards.

And for a wildcard, they face undefeated Marong in the final round of the home and away season. If ever there was a chance to end country Victoria’s current longest winning streak, the eve of the finals looms ominously. A

bye and two other almost-certain victories mean there is no chance of Marong dropping from ladder top spot.

The Panthers have one eye on 2023 and another on next year, already re-appointing coach Linton Jacobs and re-signing gun forward Brayden Grenfell in the past week. Grenfell will kick his second ton before finals.

What league the Panthers are in next season - Loddon Valley or Heathcote - time will tell.

They want back-to-back flags in three grades but with eight weeks to grand final day, there’s no certainties in football.

Pyramid Hill faces a second potential tough encounter when travelling south to Inglewood in round 17.

The Blues are almost certain to play finals for the first time in 20 years and at home, where the crowd is enthusiastic, could

step up to orchestrate an upset. The Blues, however, will need to be on their mettle after the bye, leaving nothing to chance.

This brings the battle for fifth spot back into play. Bridgewater has Marong in the penultimate round followed by the bye. Mitiamo is up against the Panthers in the last home and away season match-up.

The size of likely defeats at the hands of the reigning premiers could be the difference in percentage to claim the final spot. From a season that looked pretty much settled at the halfway mark, rejuvenation of Mitiamo means every top six team will need to be on its A game.

And that’s before one of the other three clubs - Maiden Gully, Newbridge and Calivil - put in surprise performances to challenge or roll higher-placed teams.

Luke Lougoon Brandyn Grenfell