Loddon Herald 20 May 2021

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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 17 THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

HAGEN, Jonty and Piper Hooke are sharing the excitement of lambing season across the Loddon.

The Serpentine youngsters were out in the paddocks at the weekend with parents Will and Tia checking the drop of lambs on their Willera Merino Stud farm.

YOUNGSTERS WELCOME THE STUD’S NEW LAMBS

On the Land - PAGE 15

LH PHOTO

LOCAL ROAD BOON

THE LODDON region has been given a $4.77 million boost in the Federal Budget.

Phase 3 funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is the largest allocation yet received

by Loddon Shire Council.

Almost $9 million has now been awarded to the Loddon by the Federal Government for

By CHRIS EARL

priority projects. Only Mildura Rural City Council has received more in the Mallee electorate.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, said local councils would directly benefit from the funding boost announced in last week’s Budget.

“This Budget injection for our hard-working local councils means even more funding

for upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Dr Webster said.

“This is fantastic news for local councils ... who will be able to access additional funding to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects,” Loddon Mayor Neil Beattie said he was pleasantly sur-

prised by the level of support from the Federal Government to a rural shire.

Cr Beattie said council would assess possible projects across the shire, including a number of roads that had been previously identified for maintenance or upgrading.

He also said discussions would continue with the State Government with the aim of achieving similar support for the Loddon Shire.

“There’s no doubt VicRoads Bendigo headquarters is short of funds - they say they are not - but you only need look at the amount of maintenance required on our roads.

“We need major investments from government to fix the road problems in rural areas “We didn’t expect this extra money from the Federal Government.

“It’s very welcome,” Cr Beattie said.

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

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MAZING the rural report last week of a merino ewe giving birth to six lambs and hearing the famer from down on the edge of the Western District talk about the battle between them for two teats. As we know, twins and triplets are kind of common in the paddock but six must have taken an almighty effort for mum. For all we know, the multiple birth may just have been an Australian record.

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VER in Britain, the was a record for giving birth to lambs of seven - the odds of that happening are more than a million-to-one. Back in 2015, the Texel cross ewe starting lambing at 6am and within just half an hour had already delivered six offspring. But the farm owners were shocked when they came back later to discover she had given birth to two more. One of the two was stillborn but that still left the ewe with a mini-flock of seven lambs.

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transmission and wooden work. And where does a farmer get his medicine from? The farmacist.

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LL these farm puns reminds of school holidays many (make that many many) years ago at grandma’s place. Spot the dog was a great playmate in the paddocks but even he played second fiddle to chasing the chooks. And after holidays, poor grandma used to wonder why the chooks weren’t laying for a week or two.

UT wait, there’s more. It’s claimed the world record is eight and was only equalled back in March in Scotland. A homebred four-year-old Suffolk-cross ewe has the honour and surprised everyone, particularly after a scan two months earlier had only shown four wee lambs in the making. “After four lambs were delivered, my son-in-law could feel another one and then it just kept going,” said the farmer.

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E haven’t many puns being thrown over the fence for a few weeks ... here’s some old classics. As a farmer, I hear lots of jokes about sheep. I’d tell them to my dog but he’d herd them all. Or why shouldn’t you tell a secret on a farm? Because the potatoes have eyes and the corn has ears. And why did the scarecrow win the Nobel Prize? Because he was out standing in his field. Keep a bit of a roll going here, Did you hear about the magic tractor? It turned into a field. Did you hear about the wooden tractor?

It had wooden wheels, wooden engine, wooden

HAT was back in the day when Thursday was shopping day in town (wearing Sunday best clothes), the milkman came around twice a week, the mailman three times and the butcher once a fortnight.

OW did grandma keep up with the news back then? There was the Astor black and white television for the news and the greatest form of communication ever invented walking to the end of the paddock and talking to their nearest neighbor from over the fence!

Conversation is the best way to stay connected even in this tech age.

Share your stories with Over the Fence email loddonherald@gmail.com

Groups quick to view stunning bird murals BUSLOADS of visitors have started arriving in Wedderburn to experience the town’s new bird murals.

Within days of the official launch, groups have come from East Loddon Garden Club and Stawell Probus Club.

Open Air Gallery committee chair Julie Benaim said visitation and interest in the six murals was growing quickly. ““More and more people are coming here, more people are taking the time stop and look at the murals,” she said.

“There’s lots of early interest and tourists now have another great reason to stop in Wedderburn.”

Julie said the committee now hoped to raise funds for the installation of lighting on the murals.

“We believe this will enhance the visitor experience even more and encourage overnight visitation,” she said.

“And we expect to see flowon for businesses - accommodation, cafes and the hotel as more people come to look at the six murals.”

The mural launch included a

talk by Birdlife Australia’s Sean Dooley.

The event also saw the launch of the Storytown “Birds Eye View” podcast to provide an entertaining experience for both travelling tourists and locals.

The podcast tells the story of the Mistletoe Bird mural on the Wedderburn Newsagency wall.

It also features local conservationist and amateur ornithologist Jeroen van Veen and artist Andrew Bourke telling the story of Jimmy Dvate who painted the mural.

All six murals feature native birds found in the Loddon.

“We aim to bring vibrant colour to the town that locals and visitors will use as inspiration,” said Andrew Bourke, one of the artists who brought the project to life.

“Potentially, it would be great to see the community build on the mural concept.”

Wedderburn’s Open Air Gallery originated from local artist Ross Currie, who approached Wedderburn Tourism with the idea of developing murals around the town.

Plus

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Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021 | 3

Key child care talks

DISCUSSIONS have started with key stakeholders on the Loddon’s child care crisis.

Wedderburn College principal Danny Forrest has held talks with several stakeholders over the past week.

And Bendigo Community Health Services has called for more home-based educators to help ease the child care crisis in Loddon communities.

“We have been watching with interest the concerns from the Wedderburn community around the lack of child care available,” its Family Day Care team manager Terrie Killen said.

“Our Family Day Care team has helped provide registered

Rural educators walked when rules changed

home-based child care for the Wedderburn community since 1993 after passionate community members approached Bendigo Community Health Services for support.

“We understand the pressures and concerns. We have one educator working in Wedderburn five days per week for school-aged and pre-school children and they are fully booked. Unfortunately, we recently said goodbye to our other Wedderburn educator who

moved interstate and this has impacted on the available vacancies in the area.

“The opportunity is there to build our service to support more families in the Wedderburn area but we need people willing to open their homes as child care educators for this to happen.”

Ms Killen said the FDC team would work with any potential child care educators to ensure they and their homes become accredited.

“New national laws and regulations mean all child care educators must be qualified with a minimum of Certificate III in Early Childhood. Sadly many educators chose to leave the childcare industry for good when these new regulations were introduced and the impact has been particularly felt in rural areas,” Ms Killen said.

Mr Forrest said: “We want to keep the momentum in addressing the absence of child care in the region. Talks to date have focused on where to next in finding a workable answer.”

The Loddon Herald last week reported the lack of local child care and the impact on schools, businesses and families.

IN BRIEF Tickets selling fast THE full house sign is being prepared to hang outside Tarnagulla’s Victoria Theatre on Saturday when Mr Lyster’s Touring Colonial Opera returns to the town in Donizetti’s classic comedy Don Pasquale.

Cast member Jamie Moffat said tickets had been selling fast ahead of the performance with limited numbers still available.

Under musical director Pamela Christie, the cast will also perform in Avoca this weekend and there are plans for another performance in Tarnagulla later in the year.

Late pop-up COLIBAN Water held lastminute pop-up consultation sessions in the Loddon last week. Team members visited Inglewood, Bridgewater and Wedderburn on Thursday, announcing the sessions earlier in the week.

Reading together YOUNG Loddon families yesterday joined the fun of the National Simultaneous Storytime as libraries across the region celebrated Australia’s biggest storytelling session. Libraries at Boort and Inglewood were part of the national initiative.

Balcony action LODDON Shire Council has contacted the owner of the Royal Hotel Inglewood after granting a permit to remove the building’s dangerous verandah with conditions including retention and maintenance of the historic grapevine.

Council said it was “waiting on action from them (the owners)”.

LH PHOTO

COMMUNITY members are being thanked and cele- Sargent and Jean Derrick who were on duty at the brated across the Loddon this week - National Volun- Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary Op Shop that raises teers’ Week - for their amazing work as the lifeblood in funds to support emergency services in the region. many towns.

Among local volunteers are Faye Orange, Roxanne VOLUNTEER FEATURE - PAGES 9-11

Funding wait STAKEHOLDERS at Donaldson Park Wedderburn are waiting on a decision from the State Government for a grant application to redevelop the precinct. An announcement is expected this month.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

Owen (left) and Gary Redman welcome the road trip goodies from Katrina Wiseman. LH PHOTO

Redder and Redder ... brothers spreading messages of care TWO ex-navalmen have temporarily upped camp from Newbridge Recreation Reserve as they travel Australia connecting with fellow veterans promoting the importance of mental health.

Owen and Gary Redman have just finished a three-week stint at Newbridge where they found time for gold prospecting and making friends with district residents.

The brothers - known as Redder and Redder - describe themselves as “a submariner and a skimmer taking on the wilds of Australian pubs and scrubs.” But their message wherever they travel is mental health.

While they were unable to strike gold of the metallic kind, it’s been a different story with

the locals. “We’ve met some amazing people and caught up again with some we first met when staying here,” the brothers chorused while enjoying time at the Newbridge Hotel and conversation with bar manager Katrina Wiseman.

Owen said: “She’s the best host around ... even baked some biscuits and cakes for us to take on our travels.”

Gary said: “A cheap fantastic campsite on the Loddon river, amenities adjoined to the footy club are cleaned by a great team of ladies volunteers.

“Can’t name everyone but the whole town has treated us to many laughs and many characters you’d expect from a country club.”

They plan to return to Newbridge in spring.

Cactus link to ‘spread of fruit fly’

AGED 50 AND OVER? COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out to those most at risk.

People aged 50 and over can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at one of the selected vaccination clinics or at participating general practices.

It’s voluntary, free and the best way to protect you and your community.

Our Therapeutic Goods Administration continues to closely monitor the safety of all vaccines in Australia.

To find out where you can get vaccinated visit australia.gov.au or call 1800 020 080

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

WHEEL cactus has been identified as a potential host of fruit fly in Victoria.

In the battle for greater State Government resources to combat and eradicate the pest, Loddon farmers have confirmed its role in the spread of fruit fly.

President of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation Wedderburn branch, Graham Nesbit, said he had received advice that the cactus flowers were a potential host to fruit fly.

“We’re an important fruit and vegetable growing region in the Loddon and we’re too close to existing fruit fly exclusion zones and vital orchards around Castlemaine and the Goulburn Valley for the risk to be ignored by government,” he said.

Mr Nesbit said he had been in discussions with the National Fruit Fly Council.

“They said prickly pear was a definite host and we all know that wheel cactus is a first cousin and there’s an ugly patch of prickly pear near Wedderburn,” he said. ““Whether wheel cactus or prickly pear, there’s a real threat to our biosecurity and there’s not the money to do anything about it.

“This is a problem that extends beyond the threat to productive farmland to just about every aspect of agriculture in the Loddon, central and northern Victoria.”

Mr Nesbit said that since the Loddon campaign on wheel cactus had escalated, reports had been received of the weed now growing at Terrick Terrick.

“We are about sustainable amd viable agriculture but without proper resources, the State Government is risking our exports by leaving the door open on real action,” Mr Nesbit said.

School eyes an image makeover THE creative call has gone out from Pyramid College for a new logo.

The school is asking students, staff, family and local residents to come up with a fresh look for its branding.

The main criteria in the logo competition is to include the school values of Respect, Learn and Community.

The school says it has loved the existing logo but it’s time to evolve. Entries are being received until May 30.

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021 | 5

Park action has expansion plans running to schedule THE first of 16 new cabins are due at Boort Lakes Holiday Park next month.

Owner Wendy James said the cabins were being constructed in Bendigo as part of the $700,000-plus expansion to boost seasonal worker accommodation.

Wendy said the first four cabins would arrive early next week with four being transported to Boort each month.

She said concrete footings had been installed ready for arrival of the cabins.

New boom gates are expected to be installed within the

fortnight. The expansion is being jointly funded by owners Wendy and Tim James and the State Government.

Meanwhile, projects that have received Loddon Shire support at the the park are also progessing.

Wendy said a new roadside fence had been completed and roads sealed near the park office. “Everything is on schedule,” she said.

New power heads and sullage points had been installed on powered sites. And a new toilet block arrived on Friday ready for connection this week.

A 23-YEAR-OLD man has been committed for trial on charges following the death of Wedderburn man Ray Meadows in June 2019.

Billy-Jo Salter, appearing in Bendigo Magistrates Court this week, pleaded not guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing death and other alleged offences.

The case has been listed for a directions hearing in the County Court in Melbourne on June 15.

Work underway at Boort Lakes Holiday Park.

care models were skewed to in-home services and that would disadvantage Loddon residents.

“We don’t expect any problems getting money from the community ... it’s the governments,” she said.

“We’re planning a big push for pledges again later in the year. We already have more than $220,000 in pledges.

“A survey five years ago showed that people in the area

wanted a stand-alone facility in Wedderburn. We’re looking to have a 15-bed low-level facility run by the community.”

Jude said it was planned to prepare a business case and convince governments of the need to change their current funding models.

Since the project was first mooted, Jude believes the need for a facility had increased.

“We just have to attract government funding,” she said.

CALIVIL will be raising money for the Cancer Council when it hosts the Biggest Morning Tea next Monday.

This year’s gathering will include the inaugural bra decorating competition.

Every year an average of 68 people in Loddon Shire are diagnosed with cancer, while 36,000 people are diagnosed in Victoria.

Freight shift fear MURRAY Plains MP Peter Walsh, says the State Government has again sliced money from the vital Mode Shift Incentive Scheme.

He fears it will force more transport trucks back onto crumbling country roads.

FSA/DET0020-01

a $1500 quilt. Jenny’s mother was a resident at Inglewood and District Health Service for more than 15 years.

According to Jude, Wedderburn had the highest proportion of over 70s in the Loddon Shire but was the only town without an aged care facility.

“Looddon people are being spread everywhere,” she said.

However, Jude was concerned that current Federal Government funding and aged

Case to trial

Morning tea

Push to grow aged vision pledges A RENEWED push for an aged care facility in Wedderburn is planned as the town’s Lions Club continues fundraising for the project.

Club member Jude Raftis said more than $220,000 had been pledged for the vision first floated in 2004.

And the club is currently raising funds with raffle.

Ex-Wedderburn resident and award-winning quilter Jenny Robertson has donated

IN BRIEF

Kinder teachers help our kids dream big.

The Victorian Government is rolling out Three-Year-Old Kinder.

And that means 6,000 new teaching jobs across our state.

To find out what it means for a career in early childhood - including financial support visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

Gates taken from farm, house windows broken POLICE are investigating the theft of gates from a Pyramid Hill farm.

The two silver galvanised farm gates valued about $300 were removed from the Nankervis Road property between May 6 and 8.

Loddon police are seeking assistance after windows were smashed at a house in Namarra Street, Wedderburn, on May 3. Two side windows were smashed by unknown persons using unknown implements.

Investigations are continuing into the attempted burglary at the Pyramid Hill Post Office on March 31 and the Boort Newsagency ram raid the same morning.

The post office incident allegedly involved two men in a white 4x4 utility around 3am.

In the Boort ram raid, entry was forced to the front of the store and a large sum of cash taken. Police said some good information had been received from the public.

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

Traffic A 51-year-old Bendigo man was intercepted by Loddon police on April 24 at Loddon Vale after being detected travelling 125kmh in the 100kmh zone.

The male then underwent a breath test where he returned a reading of .0129.

His car was impounded and he will

Changes to Disabled Parking Permit Applications

Careers at Loddon Shire Loddon Shire has a proactive and enthusiastic workforce of approximately 200 employees. The Council is the largest employer in the municipality providing a broad range of services to the community.

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

Accounts Payable Officer – ref. J/96 ● Fixed-term position – 12 months ● Part-time – 8 hours per week (able to be worked flexibly) ● Classification – Band 4 - $31.52 per hour plus employer superannuation Applications for this position close Monday 24 May at 5:00pm.

For further information in regard to this position including a detailed position description please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

Mayor Cr Neal Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

attend court at a later date to answer several driving charges.

On April 25, a 31-year-old man was stopped for routine licence check in Wedderburn and was found to be driving an unregistered vehicle.

The man was also discovered to be driving on a suspended learner’s permit and will attend court at a later date to answer those charges.

Several fresh skid marks in Wedderburn were reported to police on Sunday.

Police said the marks were dangerously close to residential properties.

“This behaviour won’t be tolerated.

Investigations continue and anyone with information is urged to contact Loddon police,” they said.

Events Police would like to thank the public for their behaviour at local football matches being held in the Loddon Shire.

With no football last year due to COVID-19, they say it’s great to have footy back and flourishing in the area.

Loddon police couldn’t be happier following no reports of anti-social behaviour to date.

From 12 April 2021, our Council will be transitioning to the new APP Scheme. Our residents and organisations who require a new permit, or need to renew or replace a permit, will need to apply with the new application process by going to www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/.../disability-parking

Registrations open for our 2020-2021 shire event calendar

The new APP Scheme will streamline the application process, making it easier, simpler and consistent across the state. The new permit also will better align with the COAG 2010 Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme (ADPS).

Event organisers and local community groups who would like their event featured in the 2021-2022 calendar of events brochure are asked to submit their events to Council by Thurssday 27 May 2021.

If you require assistance through the application process, please contact our customer support team on 03 54942101

To include your event in the brochure please submit the event date and time, event description (at least 250 characters), price, event location, contact details of the event host, including telephone number, website, email, Facebook page address or website address.

Feedback on Community Engagement Policy A new policy adopted by Council at its Ordinary Meeting in February encourages greater engagement by the community. The Community Engagement Policy, which is a requirement under the new Local Government Act, aims to communicate how Council will inform, consult with, involve, collaborate and empower the community in various engagement activities undertaken by Council.

A high-quality image, in landscape orientation, is also to be provided.

A group of community members assisted with the development of the policy and will continue to monitor and review the policy over the next six months.

You can provide your event submission by email to loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au or register your event online at:

A copy of the Community Engagement Policy is available on Council’s website. Feedback on the policy is welcome anytime and can be provided via loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au or by calling Council on (03) 5494 1200.

www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-loddon-valley/ register-your-event-loddon-valley

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

WEDDERBURN 41 High Street Wedderburn 3515

SERPENTINE 37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine 3516

T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003 E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

T: 5494 1202 F: 5437 8407 E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

Ambo times blow out, prompts resource call AMBULANCE response times across the Loddon have blown out and local MPs want an immediate boost to resources in the region.

Ripon MP Louise Staley said recent Ambulance Victoria data showed 27.3 per cent of Code 1 calls in Loddon were attended by an ambulance within the target of 15 minutes.

Loddon is well below the state-wide average of 75.1 per cent and further behind the Ambulance Victoria target of 85 per cent.

And Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said the situation was not improving.

He said that in the third quarter 2019-2020, an appalling 38.2 per cent of 144 Code 1 calls in Loddon were responded to within 20.52 minutes but in the matching period for 2020-2021 the time had blown out to 23.32 minutes.

“Our region’s hard-working paramedics, ambulance community officers and Community Emergency Response Teams do an incredible job under challenging circumstances, but they urgently need more resources,” Ms Staley said.

“Every one of these statistics is a person who didn’t get an ambulance in the time the

Andrews Labor Government promised he or she would, and they reflect an ambulance system at breaking point and badly under-resourced.”

Mr Walsh said the blowout was not the fault of the frontline ambos, they were simply being overstretched with not enough resources to meet demand.

“Incredibly, Loddon Code 1 response times have collapsed compared with Ambulance Victoria’s statewide target of responding to 85 per cent of Code 1 calls within 15 minutes or less,” Mr Walsh said.

“Communities across my electorate of Murray Plains continue to face terrible delays for ambulances.”

Mr Walsh said data for the January-March 2021 quarter also revealed Loddon residents classified as Code 2 had seen their response times hit desperate lows, from an unacceptable 31.09 in 2019-2020 to 39.02 in 2020-2021, with an increase of just nine callouts.

Ms Staley said that in the lead-up to the 2014 election, Premier Andrews spoke about ambulance response times, saying “those minutes matter and too many people have waited too long for an ambu-

lance and, you know, people have actually died, and we can’t settle for that”.

“It seems that, in the case of ambulance response times, the Premier’s memory is short, and when it comes down to it, he is willing to risk lives and settle for a system in crisis,” Ms Staley said.

Mr Walsh said: “In regional Victoria, an ambulance is more likely to fail to meet a Code 1 response time than to fulfil it.”

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021 | 7

All Loddon roads lead to the movies SCHOOLGROUNDS will be tranformed into a drive-in theatre when cars pull into East Loddon P-12 College.

A six metre LED screen will show the 2011 comedyromance Zookeeper starring Kevin James and an FM radio transmitter will beam sound into an expected several hundred cars next week.

College wellbeing support staff member Leanne Welsh said the school had earlier planned a drive-in movie night but COVID stopped that taking place.

“After speaking with many

community members and teaching staff already about volunteering for this night as parking attendants, bringing their classic cars, organising volunteers and training for the cappuccino machine - there is a real buzz of excitement about this type of event coming to our area,” she said.

The drive-in theatre kiosk will offer a sausage sizzle and snacks. Leanne said because of COVID requirements, bookings were required for the drive-in night raising funds to support the school’s wellbeing activities.

Sleepers are being placed ready for laying on rail line between Korong Vale and Dunolly.

EVERY TEST HELPS US PROTECT EVERYTHING WE’VE ACHIEVED Every test keeps us on top of this virus.

And keeps us doing the things we love.

So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

LH PHOTO

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

LODDON craftswoman Jenny Hosking has returned from exhibiting at Tasmania’s premier field days AgFest.

An estimated 40,000 people attended the four-day event at Carrick, near Launceston, where Jenny, of Bridgewater, was selling her well-known knitted berets and was interviewed on

state radio talking about how she came to knit berets.

Now home, Jenny has more orders for her Scottish clan and fairisle berets, which will keep her busy while also preparing for the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in July and Scottish events around Victoria.

Positive outlook for future of town and its health

So, what do you do?

Right now across Victoria there are opportunities for people who want to make a difference in a career that’s meaningful, challenging and rewarding.

From social workers and educators, to communicators and researchers – the family violence sector needs people with different skills, experiences and backgrounds for roles as diverse as the communities we serve.

What if your new job was helping people affected by family violence?

Be part of a team working to make positive change and end family violence.

Visit the jobs hub at familyviolence.vic.gov.au/jobs If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For help and support, call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.

LODDON Shire Mayor Neil Beattie presented a positive outlook for the future of Boort at a public meeting arranged by the town’s Probus Club.

There was a good attendance and some interesting questions posed which Cr Beattie was able to answer, highlighting the proposed developments and investments in the future of the town.

He told the meeting irrigation was now producing a variety of crops, some new industries were developing and providing employment and there was growth in the community.

Cr Beattie said Boort greatly outnumber other small towns with the number of sports participants on the fields each Saturday, which was a healthy sign for the future.

The shire is spending millions on im-

provements in the district which attracts new investment from big corporations and increased tourism, which is encouraging for locals who have a vested interest in Boort.

Jennie Weaver, of Probus, said the club had plans for an interesting year ahead, with guest speakers including CEOs of Boort’s new industries.

“We might even see if Gina Reinhart is available to tell us about her gold exploration in our area,” she said.

Next month, club members will visit the Mary Quant exhibition in Bendigo with outings also planned for the Golden Dragon Chinese Museum, Yi Yuan Gardens and Guan Yin Temple, and the Grand Stupa nearing completion in Bendigo.

Boort Probus meets on the first Friday of each month at BRIC at 10am.

Grants aid COVID-safe return PYRAMID Hill Football Netball Club will receive a $1950 grant under the Safe Return to Sport program.

The State Government grants program provides clubs with up to $1000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $5000 for training coaches, officials and volunteers, up to $5000 to improve club operational effectiveness and up to $5000 to help sports get back on their feet after the pandemic.

Learner test rollout THE STATE Government last week announced a further rollout of online learner permit testing.

The online tests were first trialled in Gippsland and have now been made available for people with bookings in Melbourne, Ballarat and Hoppers Cross-

IN BRIEF ing, Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh has earlier called for the rollout of online testing to all regional and rural areas.

No indication has been given by the Government when Loddon residents will have access to the new online sixhour course. Access to in-person learner permit testing has been restricted since early last year.

Duck season to start DUCK hunters are expected in the Loddon from next Wednesday when the annual reduced season starts. The season will open at 8am and close 30 minutes after sunset on June 14 with the daily bag limit cut to five birds.

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021 | 9

Auxiliary stands with first responders LOCAL volunteers have been active for more than 40 years supporting first responders.

INGLEWOOD and District Community Bank helps community organisations across the Loddon through its Community Grants Program.

District residents have given of their time at the local Ambulance Auxiliary Op Shop in Brooke Street, Inglewood, since the start of efforts to have an ambulance in town.

Auxiliary secretary Deb Coon said the Shire of Korong President called a meeting in 1978 to form an Auxiliary Committee to establish an ambulance service in Inglewood, many fundraising activities were held including an Annual Ball. In 1979, $3566 was banked from sales at the Op Shop towards the establishment.

“Forty-three years later we are still open and assisting our local ambulance station and supporting community groups throughout the Shire by providing defibrillator units and training.”

The auxiliary recently donated funds to

Local organisations get helping hand from our local bank

Many volunteer organisations in the region have been recipients of the grant program since it began - the Loddon’s bank assisting to build local communities. the Inglewood CFA for the purchase of a Heartstart Defibrillator for its Forward Command Vehicle after finding out that the vehicle did not have one. The forward command vehicle is often first on scene at emergencies.

And earlier this month, a Laerdal Portable Suction unit was presented to Ambulance Victoria. The suction unit is a portable unit used for pre-hospital conditions and effectively improves patient safety.

Community bank Murray Baud said:

chairman

“Our community investment last year totalled $180,010 through sponsoring events, schools and clubs as well as substantive grants for university scholarships, Serpentine Playgroup, Inglewood Town Hall Hub, Korong Historical Society,

Bridgewater Bowling Club and the Eucalyptus Distillery Museum.

“And we are again ready to support the community through the Community Grants Program,” he said.

“It’s about supporting community and also recognising the invaluable role played by volunteers right across the Loddon in building communities.”

The Community Grants Program is designed to make better, targeted use of funds that are responsive to community needs.

“The program support projects that make a positive contribution in surrounding districts,” Murray said.

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

Dedicated and valued team THE 2021 theme of NVW is “Recognise. Reconnect. Reimage” and to embrace this year’s theme, IDHS would like to introduce to the community our valuable volunteer Leanne who makes a world of difference to the social and emotional wellbeing of our residents.

was a huge change to her normal routine when the restrictions began last year.

Leanne volunteers at IDHS three days a week with the Leisure and Lifestyle team at IDHS and has done so for four years.

She enjoys having contact with the residents playing cards and assisting with other activities. Leanne recommends volunteering with IDHS - the staff and residents are beautiful to work with.

When the COVID-19 restrictions began, Leanne was not able to come to IDHS for over 12 months.

During that time, Leanne has missed the connections she has with the staff and residents at IDHS. Her time at IDHS is something she enjoys very much. It

Therefore, instead of working at IDHS, she was looking after her grandchildren and helping with home-schooling.

Leanne finds the time she spends with the residents a lot of fun.

“By all means it’s a great place to volunteer. The staff and residents are very friendly,” Leanne says.

IDHS currently has 15 dedicated community volunteers who are valued members of the IDHS team.

Celebrating our Community Volunteers during National Volunteer Week Inglewood and Districts Health Service is celebrating National Volunteer Week from 17-23 May 2021 by acknowledging the generous contribution of our community volunteers.

Inglewood Districts Health Service is currently recruiting volunteers looking to help people in our community stay active, involved and doing as much for themselves as possible. If you have time to assist older members of your community and you would like to give your time, we would love to hear from you! IDHS are also currently looking for more volunteer drivers.

For further information, speak to a member of our Social Support Team, Deb Williams, contact IDHS on 5431 7000.

Inglewood & Districts Health Service providing Health Care now and the future.

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021 | 11

You’re our most valuable asset ST MARY’S Primary School has a long and proud history of volunteerism.

It’s one of the many aspects of what makes the school community such a special and welcoming place, recognise volunteers are one of the most valuable assets.

The sense of teamwork that has been evident already this year is outstanding, and the can-do approach is always on display. It’s a credit to everyone who gives so generously of their time for the betterment of our students, school and broader community.

The teaching team and students are looking forward to reconnecting more with the school’s dedicated volunteers as they plan events and activities throughout the year.

And the powerful connection is helping grow the spirit of volunteering and taking it from the classroom to the

community. Students understand the importance of volunteering, and feel proud to be part of activities that support our wider community.

Their efforts are already re-imagining the future of volunteering, with a new generation so willingly giving their time at working bees, sausage sizzles, the Inglewood Fire Brigade, the Inglewood Alive Festival, Auskick and more.

Principal Kim Carter says the contributions of the volunteers at St Mary’s build social connectedness within the community.

“And they and help make a positive difference to the wellbeing and educational outcomes of the children within our care,” she said.

12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

BUDGET 2021 OUR PLAN TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF REGIONAL COMMUNITIES Our plan will help boost our economic recovery, create local jobs and keep our local communities safe.

We’ve fought hard to secure extra support for regional Australians in this Budget because we know that now is the time to create jobs and stimulate growth and provide a better quality of life for people living in the regions.

We know that more and more Australians are moving to regional Australia and that is why we are investing record amounts in local infrastructure.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY In March 2020, there were 13 million Australians employed. When the pandemic hit, around 900,000 Australians lost their job.

By March 2021, there were 13.1 million Australians employed – 74,000 more than pre-COVID. Australia was the first advanced economy to have more people back into employment than pre-COVID. Last year, Australia’s economy contracted by 2.5% – compared to 5% for Canada and Japan and over 8% for the UK, France and Italy.

Consumer sentiment is at its highest level in 11 years.

There’s more to be done, but our plan is working.

INVESTMENT FOR JOBS 20,900 businesses in Mallee will be able to write off the full value of eligible assets purchased for an additional 12 months.

It’s a great opportunity purchase that new ute, or harvester or oven, or for a local manufacturer to expand their production line.

TAX RELIEF 59,500 taxpayers in Mallee will benefit from tax relief of $1,080 for individuals and $2,160 for couples.

Rewarding hard work and putting more money back into the pockets of individuals.

REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS Digital connectivity in the bush drives economic growth for the nation, which is why we’re delivering a further $105.8 million for Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program – Round 1 delivered Fibre To The Premises NBN for Hopetoun and Kaniva.

DELIVERING LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing its record investment in infrastructure, especially in regional Australia. Our 10-year, $110 billion infrastructure pipeline will see a boom in regional construction – sealing roads and improving safety for freight and families with $1 billion for the Road Safety Program.

Round 1 and 2 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program saw 151 projects across Mallee receive $35.8 million to build vital community infrastructure, but we’re going further. Round 3 will deliver $37.7 million in Mallee for more of these vital local projects to be completed.

And we’re delivering round 6 of the Building Better Regions Fund, which has seen 25 projects supported throughout Mallee so far, funding shovel-ready infrastructure projects up to the value of $10 million.

SUPPORTING CHILDCARE

These incentives will further fill our nation’s order books, and generate opportunities for small businesses, to buy, sell, deliver, install and maintain these assets.

The Government will increase the Childcare Subsidy for families with more than one child up to five in childcare. This stands to benefit 870 families in Mallee.

The Budget also includes substantial measures to encourage more R&D and onshore manufacturing.

The Government will also remove the $10,560 cap on the Childcare Subsidy.

For more information go to: www.nationals.org.au/budget2021

Anne WEBSTER MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MALLEE Authorised by A. Webster, National Party of Australia, 1/146A Eighth Street, Mildura VIC 3500.

MORE AGED CARE FOR THE REGIONS

In response to the Aged Care Royal Commission a further $17.7 billion is being committed to significantly improve the age care system.

This includes another 80,000 new home care packages nationwide, and supports 33,000 new training places for personal carers, higher payments for residential care, upgrading care in regional areas and stronger regulation and $630.2m to improve access to quality aged care services for regional Australians for the 34,346 senior Australians living in Mallee.

HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH The Liberal and Nationals Government has committed $1.9 billion to expand the vaccine rollout, including prioritising remote communities of less than 5,000 people. The Budget includes record funding for hospitals, Medicare, mental health, aged care and the NDIS and $65.8 million to increase the Rural Bulk Billing Incentive, so doctors are incentivised to stay in our growing regions. Mallee residents have received 417,879 telehealth consultations through Medicare since the start of the pandemic - and these services are now being extended, Improving healthcare access to all.

WOMEN’S SAFETY This Budget invests a further $1.1 billion in women’s safety, including: more emergency accommodation; more legal assistance; more counselling; and more financial support for those escaping abusive relationships.

SECURING AGRICULTURE The Liberal and Nationals Government will provide $850.4 million over five years from 2020-21 for a package of measures to back-in the farm sector’s ambition of a $100 billion industry by 2030, support Australia’s soils and biodiversity stewardship, and maximise the benefits of Australia’s fisheries and forestry resources.

And we’re delivering a better deal for farmers and our regions with over $400 million for agricultural biosecurity including $96.9 million to protect the industry from pests that can devastate our local producers.

1/146A Eighth Street, Mildura VIC 3500 03 5021 5987 anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au annewebster.com.au AnneWebster.Nationals

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021 | 13

WEDDERBURN SWAP MEET

HAPPY HUNTER: Nicole Thibault with her new treasures ready for the trip to Charlton. LH PHOTOS

Records are smashed HUNDREDS flocked to Wedderburn on Saturday for the return of the swap meet.

The town’s historical engine and machinery society, that has more than 200 members spread across Victoria, was blown away with a record 90 stalls selling everything from collectables to cactus and discarded treasures.

President Trevor Bailey said the event had been running for 15 years and usually had 50 stalls.

“People are just glad to be out and about after lockdowns and restrictions,” he said.

“We have stallholders from New South Wales, South Australia and all parts of Victoria” The swap meet was given approval to run as a Tier 3 event, limiting attendance to 1000 people, and throughout the day came close to the maximum.

Trevor and his volunteer team made several supermarket dashes to replenish supplies of bread and bacon.

Local stop on 4400km cycle ride

BROTHERS Brian and Ian Schumacher have cycled through the Loddon on their 4400km ride from Fremantle to Sydney.

They left Western Australia on April 1 and stopped off in Boort before continuing the journey raising funds for the ACT-based Integra Service Dogs Australia, which works with veterans and first responders experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Brian and Ian arrived in Sydney last week .

They raised more than $100,000 from being in the saddle for an average 120km daily for 41 days.

“This is our way of saying thank you for your service,” they said.

“The impact of providing vulnerable people with a support dog that gives them renewed purpose, greater confidence and unconditional support is life changing – and it saves lives.”

Integra pairs veterans and first responders experiencing PTSD with an assistance dog and takes them through a training program together, strengthening their bond.

The Boort stop included time for a coffee at local cafe Godfrey and Bear.

Leadership in context Society president Trevor Bailey (left) and officials Bob Passalick and Barry Bolwell.

LOCAL participants in this year’s Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program attended a retreat last weekend.

Facilitated by program director Jude Hannah, the second retreat weekend of the course featured guest speakers including Bob and Heather McNaught, Anita Dickons and Louise Scott.

Participants explored the critical importance of selfawareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience within a regional leadership context.

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

FEATURES perspective | quiz

So many questions that lead to a helping hand

By ELIZABETH BORG

Elizabeth’s son David ... where the Aussie Hands journey started. learnt to play the guitar in his early teens and had no problems at all meeting girls.

By the time David turned 18, he was working and living independently and, is now an Ambassador for Aussie Hands providing mentoring to younger members who are living with a hand difference.

One of the common questions asked is ‘how many people in Australia are born with a hand difference’ and ‘what causes a hand difference’?

Through many years of collaboration with the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, on May 30, 2018, the Australian Hand Difference Register was established with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne and research commenced in August 2017.

The Register was established to find out how many children are born with a hand/arm difference in Australia, learn more about possible causes and risk factors, gain information to help plan

services, identify possible participants for future research (iv) identify the effects of hand differences on children and decide how to best manage hand differences.

The Aussie Hands website continues to provide invaluable links/resources.

Through social media (Facebook and Instagram) membership continues to grow with almost 2000 families across Australia.

If you know anyone with a hand difference in Loddon, please pass on the details below to them so they can meet others and receive support from the Aussie Hands community.

* Elizabeth Borg is a Wedderburn resident who founded Aussie Hands and was recently guest speaker at the Kooyoora Women’s Network Dinner.

How to contact Aussie Hands Website www.aussiehands.org Email info@aussiehands.org The Australian Hand Difference Register

www.mcri.edu.au/ahdr

1. What is the capital of Poland?

2. Which musician’s real name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight?

3. What was the most downloaded app of 2020?

4. Europe is separated from Africa by which sea?

5. What is the collective name for a group of crows?

6. What is sake made from?

7. Who is the only person in the UK who is allowed to drive without a licence?

8. How many countries still have the shilling as currency?

9. Which rock band has topped the UK album chart for a fifth time with Medicine At Midnight?

10. How many Olympic gold medals has Mo Farah won?

11. What is the Chinese New Year animal for 2021?

12. Which Beatle crossed Abbey Road first?

13. Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortes led an expedition that caused the fall of which Empire?

14. Which of Shakespeare’s plays is the longest?

15. Enchiladas originated in which country?

16. What colour is a giraffe’s tongue?

17. Which year was the Premier League founded?

18. Which country was the first to give women the right to vote, in 1893?

19. How many teeth does the average adult human have?

20. Brothers Richard and Maurice founded which company in 1940?

ANSWERS 1. Warsaw. 2. Elton John. 3. Tik Tok. 4.

Mediterranean Sea. 5. Murder. 6. Rice.

7. The Queen. 8. Four - Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia. 9. Foo Fighters.

10. 4. 11. Ox. 12. John Lennon. 13. The Aztec Empire. 14. Hamlet. 15. Mexico.

16. Blue. 17. 1992. 18. New Zealand.

19. 32. 20. McDonald’s

ON ANZAC Day 1999, my second son David was born with the three middle fingers missing from his right hand.

How did this happen? Did I cause this? Is it hereditary? How many people are born with this? So many questions … his life laid out before me from being a baby, toddler, child, teenager to a grown man.

Will he be bullied? Will he able to do things by himself, play an instrument, meet girls? … so many more questions … mixed emotions were felt by family and friends.

After six weeks, a hand surgeon at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne diagnosed David’s condition as ‘symbrachydactyly’ (a 16-lettered word meaning mid-hand deficiency) – in Australia one in 100,000 are born with this condition.

I was keen to learn more about his condition and meet others, so joined a support group called LimbKids VicTas, however, there were no children in this group that had a hand difference. I asked the founder of this group ‘should I start a ‘hand support group’ and she said, well, that would be a great idea, so, on the October 18 2000, I established The Aussie Hands Foundation Incorporated.

The purpose of setting up Aussie Hands was to bring people together who are living with a hand difference and support them with their family and friends, share inspirational stories and provide pivotal support during milestone years (particularly from newborn to early-teen years), provide links and resources, run workshops/programs and support research initiatives to answer all those questions I had when David was born.

When David turned 16 months he had a slither of bone removed from his middle toe on his right foot which was then infused into the lower part of his thumb to improve functionality on his right hand.

Although David progressed well with his education during his kinder years to secondary school, there were times he was bullied which affected his selfesteem.

School counselling and support from family and friends helped a lot. He

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021 | 15

Rates look good as lambs drop WILL Hooke says the first weeks of the season’s lamb drop have returned good scanning rates at his Willera Merino stud.

The Serpentine stud owner hopes to join 4800 ewe lambs this year.

“The first month of dropping has been good,” he said.

Willera Merinos continues to push hard for staple length and density without compromising a free-growing plain bodied animal, allowing the stud to carry a mules free flock.

Will says genomic sampling will again be used on the flock to map genetics.

Among data captured will be

wool and meat traits, number of lambs weaned and worm egg counts.

“These are important breeding values and while we’re pushing fertility growth, we

Farm bootcamp AGRICULTURE Victoria will run its first face-to-face Young Farmer Business Bootcamp in 12 months in Bendigo next month.

The two-day business bootcamp is for those who are young or new to managing a farm business and wanting to forge a long and successful career in beef, sheep or mixed farming enterprises. Young

One of the Loddon’s leading merino studs, Will and Tia Hooke are also committed to enhancing the Loddon River biodiversity with sustainable cropping and land care projects.

Autumn lambs at Willera Merinos and (inset) Will Hooke.

LH PHOTOS

Fox bait program prepares to roll FOREST Fire Management Victoria has started its annual fox baiting program in state forests across central Victoria to reduce the impact foxes have on native wildlife, livestock and the environment.

Forest and roading officer Jeffrey Wilkie said foxes were declared pests in Australia so it was important the fox population was controlled.

“In addition to preying on livestock and native animals, foxes carry disease and increase the spread of weeds by carrying seeds in their droppings and fur,” Mr Wilkie said.

Areas where baits will be placed include Mount Hooghly State Forest. The program will run for two months, with baits removed about the end of June.

still work to have a 68-70kg type of animal,” he said.

“The data helps us map the genes and will be important when we selected ram lambs for sale.”

Farmer co-ordinator Sarah Wallis said participants could expect to improve their understanding of profit and loss and cash flow budgeting, balance sheets and gross margins, risk management, and financial planning and analysis from doing the camp.

Skill scholarships THE Upskill and Invest – Young Farmers Scholarship Program applications close on June 6.

The scholarship program provides young farmers and young farm workers up to $5000 towards training or study (Upskill), and up to $5000 extra funding to invest on-farm or in professional development (Invest), to put new skills into practice.

Each year, 12 to 14 scholarships are awarded to young farmers aged 35 or younger.

The scholarships are through Agriculture Victoria.

Safety cash THE Farm Safety Rebate Scheme has been given a further $2 million by the State Government to meet all eligible applications that were received by the closing date.

MARKET REPORT A MODEST increase in lamb numbers to 15,700 head at Bendigo this week.

The offering was dominated by crossbred stock with Merino numbers declining on recent sales.

Still, some very good quality in the lead runs of heavy lambs off grain, while trade and light lambs remained mixed for finish and presentation. Not all the regular export buyers attended, and demand from the buying ranks was selective and more subdued than a week ago.

Very little restocking interest was evident. The market fluctuated, opening cheaper before improving and then loosing momentum again.

Lamb prices were $5 to $15 a head cheaper compared to the previous week’s stronger sale.

The heaviest export lambs over 30kg cwt sold from $230 to a top of $274/head, and with some big weights on offer the carcase average came back to an estimated 725c/kg cwt. Some of the heaviest lambs trended below 700c/kg cwt. The heavy 26 to 30kg cwt lambs, $204 to $228/head for a spread of 720c to 780c/kg, the lighter weights selling the best in this category.

Competition was still robust for the very neat trade lambs at $180 to $210/head, and some pens still pushed over 800c/

kg cwt. However, when plainer trade lambs were averaged into the figures, costings came back to an estimated 760c to 770c/ kg cwt.

There was very little restocking support and processors were able to purchase light lambs at cheaper rates.

Demand for Merino lambs also waned. The mutton run included a mix of heavy Merino wethers and crossbred ewes, down to smaller lots of plain sheep.

Not all buyers were active and prices were cheaper. Pens of big crossbred ewes topped at $225 and tracked in a tight price range of $200 to $215 ahead, and on weight, were estimated at less than 600c/kg.

Merino wethers sold to $235 and heavy ewes to $226/head.

The better lines of Merino mutton were estimated at 620c to 670c/kg cwt.

AVERAGES CROSSBRED LAMBS Gallagher Farms (161) Eastville $274, Marston Downs (168) Sea Lake $268, Jm Hiscock & Sons (35) Kilmore $268, BG & L Kennaugh (39) Corop $255, M Borger (17) Colbinabbin $254, Rex James Transport (73) Nathalia $248, J & B Kennedy (54) Shepparton $246, JA & JC Stuart (57) Serpentine $242, GF & CM Rathjen (73) Colbinabbin $236, JT Bennetts (16) Cora Lynn $234, D & J Pascoe (120) Elmore $233, Tarcombe Herefords (73) Ruffy $228, J Boyer (45) Nagambie $228, F & M Schmidt (75) Pyr-

amid Hill $227, A Hamilton (119) Echuca $226, J & S Cox (111) Bamawn $225, J & L Dettman (73) Barfold $224, E & B Cox (207) Rochester $222, R & R Seach (33) Molka $220, Lombardy Enterprises (73) Elmore $220, R & N Comer P/L (109) Drummartin $218, R & K Mullane (105) Nanneella $218, R & K Sloan (30) Powlett Plains $218, A Hooppell (47) Rochester $215, RN Neilson (40) Baringhup $210, Nutbyrne (40) Knowsley $194.

MERINO LAMBS A Hooppell (69) Rochester $205, DN & MJ Curnow (101) Barham $205, Link Agricultural (106) Hopetoun $200, DM & P Goode (108) Sutherland $196, SJO Haulage (82) Elmore $187. B & T Talbot (37) Pyramid Hill $186, Wanalta Ag (76) Wanalta $184, E Hooppell (95) Rochester $182. GJ Chandler (103) Barham $176.

CROSSBRED EWES NJ Hammond (57) Murchison $235, C & P Turnbull (12) Korong Vale $225, S & A Baker (16) Baringhup $225. Crofton Park (12) Barfold $220, Hamilton Ag (106) Broken Hill $220, GA & ML Whelan (27) Wakool $214.

CATTLE A very small yarding again this week at Bendigo with similar numbers to last week coming forward. The market remained fully firm across the board. Vealers sold extremely well with one exceptional calf making up to $5.12 per kilo, the rest of the vealers ranged from $4.40 to $4.80 per kilo. Trade cattle sold from $4.10 to $4.30 per kilo. Cows sold to a top of $3 per kilo.

MARKET REPORT SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

16 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

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SPORT

Top sides shoulder duties SUNRAYSIA made the most of its sporting foray into the neighbouring North Central region on Saturday when it won all four sporting contests at Sea Lake, The senior football match proved a drought-breaking for Sunraysia, denied inter-league success for nine years Coach Don Falvo was understandably delighted and his players may well have drawn inspiration from Don’s passionate final brea address, when he described Saturday’s match up with North Central as the biggest game they will play in this year.

Unfortunately many in North Central do not see representative football in the same light, with two clubs, Sea Lake-Nandaly and Wedderburn, shouldering the bulk of responsibility of fielding the local team.

The Tigers contributed nine players and the Redbacks seven, out of a team of 22, in what can only be described as a massive misrepresentation of the overall depth of the league’s football talent.

Nicholas Rolfe, chairman of AFL Central Victoria, provided an answer during his halftime address to North Central and Sunraysia representatives, when he raised the possibility of staging a tournament for players under the age of 23.

This would take away the impost on senior and more experienced footballers, many of who are recruits from well outside North Central ’s catchment area.

On Saturday, there could be no doubting the commitment of the 22 players who represented North Central, from 19-year-old debutante Will Sheahan, to the 40-ish Ryan O’Sullivan, as they gave everything they had to answer Sunraysia’s challenge.

O’Sullivan willingly accepted coach Joel Donnan’s invitation to play, after other potential ruck candidates were ruled out. And his experience in big matches proved invaluable, as he competed strongly against

Fleeting glimpses of North Central skill Sunraysia’s blonde giant, Reece McNally, for which he was rewarded with North Central’s medal for best player.

Two early goals from Will Sheahan and Jordan Rosengren had the North Central faithful thinking positively about the afternoon’s prospects.

But then Sunraysia settled and its players started to have a greater impact on the game, in particular rebounding halfback Cambell Davison, midfielders Daniel Tung, Ashley Rowe and Harley Cole, who had a run-with role against North Central’s key driver, Trent Donnan.

Combined with the accurate conversion of lively forwards Brad Vallance, Josh Dean and Finn Ellis Castle, Sunraysia went in to the first break with a 26-point lead.

Sunraysia’s ball movement from half-back to deep in attack was crisp and clean,

whereas North Central players were not as precise, but the pressure they brought to bare on the opposition helped to limit the damage on the scoreboard.

Two early goals in the second term, including Will Sheahan’s second following a strong overhead mark, revitalised North Central’s game.

But as had been the pattern in the opening term, Sunraysia lifted its tempo, regained control and finished the quarter 32 points to the better of North Central.

Sunraysia’s defence, led by Braiden Turner at full-back and Matt Mazzini at centre half-back, kept a tight rein on the opposition forwards, with only Sheahan the stand out performer, finishing the day with four goals.

And with the likes of Zach Wandin, Ryan Middlebrook, Dom Scullino and Jackson McEwen winning plenty of

the ball, in support of Tung and Rowe, North Central’s defenders were constantly under intense pressure.

In the circumstances, the effort of Kane Donnan at centre half-back,captain Jordan Hargreaves, Luke Martin (a late inclusion after St. Arnaud’s Tom Douglas was ruled out because of injury), and first gamers Jack Poulton, Jordan Bath and Josh Potter, was impressive.

Down by 43 points at the last change, North Central’s chances looked very remote, but when Billy McInnes started the ball rolling in the home team’s favour, converting after receiving a bullet-like pass from tireless midfielder, Trent Donnan, momentum was building.

A run of four goals, two to Will Simpson and one each to Will Sheahan and Tom Campbell (from long range) had North-Central within striking distance, just 20 points down, and on the cusp of a remarkable turn around, but Sunraysia could not be denied, and finished 26 points to the better of North Central.

SHANE O’SHEA

IN BRIEF Season starts PLAYERS are travelling from across the Loddon and Buloke regions for this year’s Boort badminton competition.

Matches are being played on a Thursday night and Mubarak Meera Sahib says the club wants to involve more players in the sport. “We looking for new and returning players to be part of the local competition,” he said.

Last week’s games saw 15 players compete with the women’s winner Amanda Mitchell. Play is at Boort Sporting Complex from 7.30pm.

First home game INGLEWOOD played at home for the time this season on Saturday. Early home games had been switched to away venues while the oval surface was sprayed and re-seeded.

The round also marked Cade ‘Kouta’ Cohalan’s 150th game with the club and 100 games for Jack Nevins, Kyle Simpson and Benny Quick.

League training FORMER Kingower junior cricket captain Emily Leach is training in Bendigo for selection in Victorian Country Cricket League women’s squad.

Mean Machine defender Tom Dowd evades the Panthers in Saturday’s Loddon Valley league match. LH PHOTO

18 | Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021

SPORT LODDON VALLEY NETBALL

AROUND THE LINKS

A GRADE: Marong 53 lost to Bridgewater 57. MGYCW 54 lost to Mitiamo 73. Inglewood 26 lost to Newbridge 52.

Mitiamo Bridgewater MGYCW Pyramid Hill Calivil United Inglewood Marong Newbridge

136.61 125.41 104.98 126.49 96.50 54.05 94.91 75.65

BOORT

24 16 16 12 12 8 4 4

B GRADE: Marong 39 lost to Bridgewater 44. MGYCW 58 d Mitiamo 38. Bears Lagoon Serpentine 23 lost to Calivil United 68. Inglewood 24 lost to Newbridge 60.

Bridgewater Calivil United Newbridge Mitiamo Marong Pyramid Hill MGYCW Inglewood BL Serpentine

126.11 152.55 129.17 104.94 118.27 79.41 86.57 72.00 54.26

20 16 16 16 12 8 4 4 0

C GRADE: Marong 45 d Bridgewater 41. MGYCW 47 d Mitiamo 34.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 40 d Calivil United 39. Inglewood 12 lost to Newbridge 48.

MGYCW Newbridge Marong Bridgewater Mitiamo BL Serpentine Calivil United Inglewood Pyramid Hil

148.50 139.55 130.54 130.00 98.51 95.59 80.97 50.00 61.90

18 18 16 16 12 8 4 4 0

C RESERVE: Marong 31 lost to Bridgewater 52. MGYCW 65 d Mitiamo 20. Bears Lagoon Serpentine 42 d Calivil United 31. Inglewood 21 lost to Newbridge 38.

MGYCW Bridgewater Newbridge Mitiamo BL Serpentine Marong Calivil United Inglewood Pyramid Hill

267.65 162.14 120.79 85.46 101.08 91.67 73.79 82.74 28.92

20 20 16 12 8 8 8 4 0

17 under: Marong 32 lost to Bridgewater 48. MGYCW 78 d Mitiamo 18.

Inglewood 10 lost to Newbridge 64.

MGYCW Bridgewater Calivil United

435.48 212.00 110.00

20 20 16

Inglewood’s Emily Rollinson in action against Newbridge. LH PHOTO Newbridge Marong Mitiamo Inglewood

95.00 55.05 54.15 27.07

16 8 8 8

15 under: Marong 29 lost to Bridgewater 56. MGYCW 61 d Mitiamo 12.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 23 lost to Calivil United 43.

MGYCW Newbridge Calivil United Bridgewater Marong BL Serpentine Pyramid Hill Mitiamo

189.52 177.42 120.00 154.62 110.87 59.09 61.24 28.36

20 20 16 12 12 8 4 4

13 under: Marong 12 lost to Bridgewater 25. MGYCW 22d Mitiamo 8.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 4 lost to Calivil United 17.

Calivil United MGYCW Bridgewater Inglewood Marong BL Serpentine Mitiamo Pyramid Hill

220.45 217.14 202.63 88.64 95.28 50.00 48.04 57.32

24 16 16 12 8 8 8 4

NORTH CENTRAL NETBALL SENIORS: North Central 38 lost to Sunraysia 68. Best for North Central: Meg Lockhart. 17 and under: North Central 47 lost to Sunraysia 56. Best for North Central: Aliza Lockhart

HOCKEY Under 13 boys: North Central d Glenelg 3-2. North Central lost to Ballarat 0-5. North Central d East Gippsland 1-0. North Central d Goulburn Valley 2-1. North Central drew Albury Wodonga 0-0. North Central d Sunraysia 5-1.

Under 13 girls: North Central drew Glenelg 0-0. North Central lost to Albury Wodonga 0-1. North Central drew Sunraysia 2-2. Semi-final: North Central drew Albury Wodonga 1-1. Third place play-off: North Central d East Gippsland 7-0.

Under 15 boys: North Central 1 lost to Goulburn Valley 1-2. North Central 1 lost to West Gippsland 0-2.

North Central 1 lost to Ballarat 0-3.

North Central 2 lost to Albury Wodonga 0-9. North Central 2 lost to Glenelg 1-2. North Central 2 lost to Sunraysia 2-3. Crossover: North Central 1 lost to Glenelg 1-2. North Central 2 lost to West Gippsland 0-3. Seventh place play-off North Central 1 drew North Central 2 2-2.

Under 15 girls: North Central d Central Victoria 4-1. North Central d Goulburn Valley 5-0. North Central d Glenelg 2-0. Semi-final: North Central lost to Ballarat 1-3.

Third place play-off: North Central d Glenelg 3-0.

Under 18 boys: North Central lost to Ballarat 0-4. North Central lost to Central Victoria 1-8. North Central lost to East Gippsland 0-4.

North Central lost to Albury Wodonga 2-5. North Central lost to Sunraysia 2-3. North Central drew Goulburn Valley 2-2.

Under 18 girls: North Central lost to Goulburn Valley 0-2. North Central lost to East Gippsland 0-1.

North Central lost to Sunraysia 1-2.

North Central lost to Albury Wodonga 1-7. Elimination final: North Central lost to Sunraysia 2-3.

EIGHT brave souls ventured out in breezy conditions on Saturday to contest a stableford competition.

In the absence of “Dominant Doug”, it was Kevin Linehan who returned to the winner’s circle with a fine 37 points.

Ray Taylor was runner-up on 33 points while Allen Stringer edged out the luckless Tim Lanyon for the last ball in the ball run on a countback after they finished tied on 32 points.

In the nearest the pins, Stuart Tweddle walked away with two of the prizes, with Ray, Tim and Hamish Lanyon claiming the others between them.

This Saturday will be another round of stroke in the Mercer Cup while Sunday sees the annual men’s pennant day at Wedderburn.

TARNAGULLA KANGAROO Caddy was played at Tarnagulla on Saturday with Leo McCartin winner of the nine-hole singles event.

Runner-up was Dave Shay while the ladies winner was Sharon Coghill with Faye Newlan runner-up.

David Vanston recorded the longest drive and Shaun Maver nearest the pin.

WEDDERBURN SHIRLEY Postle cleaned up with an impressive 84-17-67 and least putts with 23. Elizabeth Canfield also had a handy round with 98-26-72.

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

We’re supporting a great event ... be part of it!

THE first Active Farmers’ Run for Resilience will be held in Bridgewater on July 18.

Active Farmers is a national organisation commited to building stronger and more resilient rural communities by providing a proactive program, designed specifically to be routinely on the ground in small farming districts.

In the Loddon, weekly fitness classes are held and the run builds on the engagement with people from Loddon communities.

“We know there are significant benefits to both physical and mental health when we are physically fit and have a challenge to work towards,” said Bridgewater event organiser Claire Harrison. “This event will also provide the community with an opportunity to get together, have some fun and enjoy the community connection.”

The Loddon Herald is proud to be sponsoring Run for Resilience and each week we will publish a training schedule as you prepare for the run.

Loddon HERALD Thursday May 20, 2021 | 19

SPORT LODDON VALLEY GOALKICKING

SENIORS Bridgewater Marong

3.2 3.4

9.6 7.5

11.8 9.10

14.13 (97) 11.11 (77)

SENIORS

GOALS - Bridgewater: Andrew Collins 4, Harry McKinley 2, Nicholas Hall 2, Nicholas Naughton, Joshua Martyn, Darren Clutton, Alex Powell, Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Liam Jacques.

Marong: Kain Robins 3, Adrian Pappin 2, Adam Ward 2, Corey Gregg, Bradley Matthews, Callum Williamson, Richard Tibbett.

BEST - Bridgewater: Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Alex Powell, Jake Rusbridge, Thomas Dowd, Zeb Broadbent, Tom Broadbent.

Marong: Nathan Devanny, Harry Graham, Corey Gregg, David Johnstone, Adam Ward, Josh Cooper.

Braidy Dickens (Pyramid Hill) 0 ........ 31 Joshua Martyn (Bridgewater) 1 ..........25 Bailey George (Pyramid Hill) 0 ...........23 Ryan Wellington (Mitiamo) 1 ...............19 Tyrone Downie (Mitiamo) 4 ..................18 Kane Robins (Marong) 3 .....................18 Alex Powell (Bridgewater) 1 ...............18 Timothy Brooks (Mitiamo) 2 ...............14 Lloyd Needs (Bridgewater ) 4..............14

Mitiamo Maiden Gully

RESERVES

6.3 3.0

9.8 5.3

13.10 15.13 (103) 6.3 8.8 (56)

Rowan Pollock (Pyramid Hill) 0 ...... 21 Brayden Baines (Mitiamo) 0 ........... 14 Cameron Berry (Marong) 0 .............. 12 Alex Chapman (Mitiamo) 2 ............. 11 Nicholas Harris (Bridgewater) 0 ....... 10 Kyle Pentreath (Mitiamo) 1 ............. 10 Joseph Doolan (Maiden Gully) 1 ..... 10

GOALS - Mitiamo: Tyrone Downie 4, Brent Downie 2, Luke Lougoon 2, Timothy Brooks 2, William Spicer, Kyle Patten, Ross Turner, Ryan Wellington, Andrew Cussen. Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Luke Gray 2, Nathan Murley, Tori Ferguson, Tom Ferguson, Kallum Schepers, Cohen Kekich, Nat McLaren.

BEST - Mitiamo: Lee Dale, Matthew Wiegard, Lachlan Woodward, Maxwell Simpson, Braydan Riddell, Dylan Mutu.

Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Travis Mercadante, Tom Ferguson, Tori Ferguson, Nathan Murley, Steven Turner

BL-Serpentine Calivil United

1.1 1.5

6.5 1.8

THIS WEEK

9.7 15.12 (102) 6.11 8.13 (61)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Andrew Gladman 5, Darcy Poulter 4, Tannar Cerrone 4, Brodie Hawke, Bailey Harrison. Calivil United: Benjamin Baker 3, Rhys Lourie, Oscar Hocking, Bailey Greenwood, Ryan Brunker, Thomas Dargaville.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Nathan Twigg, Zachary Stone, Darcy Poulter, Tannar Cerrone, Jesse Evans. Calivil United: Brady Childs, Jake Lawry, Ryan Brunker, Bailey Greenwood, Rhys Lourie, Benjamin Baker.

Newbridge Inglewood

6.4 0.0

7.5 3.2

13.9 15.10 (100) 3.3 4.6 (30)

GOALS - Christopher Dixon 3, James Oliver 3, Harry Whittle 2, Logan Dixon 2, Joshua Connolly, Austin Fithall, Tyler Romeril, Dylan Lloyd, Jordan Anderson. Inglewood: Joshua Taig 3, Michael Coonerty.

BEST - Newbridge: Mitchell Hocking, Logan Dixon, Ryan Burt, Ricky Cathie, Harry Whittle, Dylan Lloyd. Inglewood: Jasper McClelland, Thomas Alexander, Joshua Taig, Taj Rodwell, Daniel Lloyd, Aaron Lister.

Mitiamo Bridgewater Pyramid Hill Marong BL Serpentine Maiden Gully Newbridge Calivil United Inglewood

6 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 5

6 5 4 3 3 2 1 0 0

0 0 1 2 2 3 5 6 5

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

754 804 623 480 433 376 286 149 126

214 228 188 309 370 407 557 938 820

352.34 352.63 331.38 155.34 117.03 92.38 51.35 15.88 15.37

24 20 16 12 12 8 4 0 0

RESERVES Marong Bridgewater

4.1 0.1

6.2 3.4

6.6 6.4

7.7 (49) 7.6 (48)

GOALS - Marong: Lachlan Frankel 3, Corbin Stacey 2, Aaron Collins, Max Campbell, Bridgewater: Hamish Terry 2, Mitchal Collins, Tom Mckinley, Declan Maher, Jackson Davis, Archie Conway, BEST - Marong: Thomas Wilson, Lachlan Frankel, Corbin Stacey, Daniel Bourke, Brett Burdeu, Aaron Collins. Bridgewater: Tom Mckinley, Luke Harrison, Jack Mckinley, Archie Conway, Tyler Estrada, Jackson Wild.

Mitiamo Maiden Gully

3.1 1.0

5.3 2.0

7.6 2.3

8.6 (54) 7.6 (48)

GOALS - Mitiamo: Jarad Webster 2, Alex Chapman 2, Kyle Pentreath, Zac Tuohey, Daniel Brennan, Robert Lawry. Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Thomas Harrington 5, Joseph Doolan, Cody Wright.

BEST - Mitiamo: Aaron McKean, Cody Tuohey, Brayden Baines, Jarad Webster, Zac Tuohey, Riley Marlow. Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Cody Wright, Thomas Harrington, Mitchell Dean, Taylor Collins, Matthew Cusack, Max Grant.

Mean Machine wingman Pete Rothacker marks at Malone Park. LH PHOTO Calivil United BL Serpentine

1.7 0.1

4.8 3.3

4.11 5.4

7.13 (55) 6.6 (42)

GOALS - Calivil United: Elias Ashman, Ashley Smith, William Sexton, Nash Viney, William Cole, Cody Anderson, Simon Dundas. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Joshua Hutton 5, Patrick Hancock.

BEST - Calivil United: Jack Sinclair, Caleb Smith, Keelan Beattie, Zac Clark, Simon Dundas, Tyson Peautagitama. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Joe Stuart, Joshua Hutton, Charlie Treseder, Jaye Farnsworth, Simon Tuohey, Patrick Hancock.

Newbridge Inglewood

0.2 0.4

0.5 0.5

1.7 1.6

3.9 (27) 1.8 (14)

GOALS - Newbridge: Nick Gray, Keelan Bertuch, Jirah Dawkins. Inglewood: Jesse Gasperoni .

BEST - Newbridge: Bradley Wilson, Matthew Harvey, Jack Murray, Keelan Bertuch, Corey Dixon, Ethan Wright. Inglewood: Fletcher Runnalls, Jesse Gasperoni, Kristopher Doran, Jack Smith, Connor Filcock, Malcolm McLean.

Mitiamo Marong Bridgewater Pyramid Hil Maiden Gully Bl Serpentine Newbridge Calivil United Inglewood

6 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 5

5 5 4 3 3 2 1 1 0

1 0 1 2 2 3 5 5 5

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

643 411 452 562 342 301 166 85 32

204 156 139 172 203 249 450 761 660

315.20 263.46 325.18 326.74 168.47 120.88 36.89 11.17 4.85

20 20 16 12 12 8 4 4 0

UNDER 18 Maiden Gully Inglewood

4.5 1.0

13.6 1.0

19.10 28.15 (183) 3.1 4.1 (25)

GOALS - Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Cody Riddick 6, Max Ludwig 5, Ian Formentera 3, Lachlan Phillips 2, Jaidyn Taylor 2, Tyler Wastell 2, Mana Clark 2, Austin Long 2, Darcy Langdon, Mitchell Leed, Oscar Keogh, Brock Passalaqua. Inglewood: Connor Evans, Jackson Luckman, Jye Rasmussen.

BEST - Maiden Gully YCW Eagles: Tyler Wastell, Darcy Langdon, Connor Lee, Cody Riddick, Oscar Keogh, Cooper Hale.

Inglewood : Connor Evans, Jye Rasmussen, Kepler Thomson, Tate Van De Ven , Harrison Noble.

Marong Bridgewater

1.8 1.0

4.10 2.0

4.13 3.0

6.21 (57) 4.0 (24)

GOALS - Marong: Fraser Stewart 2, Jay Cummins, Kaleb Crothers, Bryce Chapman, Thomas Wilson. Bridgewater: Harrison Wrigglesworth 3, Darcy Wood.

BEST - Marong: Thomas Wilson, Jay Cummins, Bailey Holland, Bryce Chapman, Sam Taylor, Kaleb Crothers. Bridgewater: Cale Woodhatch, Harrison Wrigglesworth, Jack Langtree, Toby Naughton, Mitchell Spurr, Kai Lister.

Maiden Gully 6 6 0 0 672 188 357.45 24 Marong 6 4 2 0 464 252 184.13 16 Bridgewater 6 2 4 0 362 361 100.28 8 Inglewood 6 0 6 0 138 835 16.53 0 * Under 18 clubs are using a special draw this season

IT’S the confirmed contender verus aspirant round in Loddon Valley football.

Mitiamo and Bridgewater have clearly stamped themselves flag favourites going into round seven and both can expect solid workouts.

The Superoos are at home to Pyramid Hill, coming off the bye and likely to be refreshed and rejuvenated with the return of some players.

While the Bulldogs are clearly in the ladder grouping with eyes on the premiership throne - goalkicking duo Dickens and George are key magnets - their fitness will be stretched over the four quarters against Mitiamo who are for now, a cut above.

Bridgewater has better system and skill in their game and while injury depleted should account for Maiden Gully.

The Mean Machine will want to maintain momentum leading into the next two rounds facing Pyramid Hill and then the big game, Mitiamo on June 5.

In other matches, the tenacious Calivil can build on their good first quarters so far this season and win against Inglewood.

Meanwhile Bears Lagoon Serpentine clashes with Marong, the result likely to define the battle for fifth spot.

Bridgewater v MGYCW, Mitiamo v Pyramid Hill, Marong v Bears Lagoon Serpentine, Calivil United v Inglewood

NORTH CENTRAL

Leading contenders have first clash SPECTATORS have a potential grand final preview in this Saturday’s round with the top two teams set to clash.

Reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly will be at home to Wedderburn Redbacks. Both are undefeated - although Wedderburn had an opening round draw.

The Holts in front of goal,

Guan and Rosengren have been pivotal in the Redbacks’ rise in 2021.

Co-coach Danny Benaim told the Herald the Redbacks were focusing on their game.

“They are obviously a really good side and going to be hard to beat but we are playing well and have a very determined group. Our

approach this year has just been trying to concentrate on our own game,” he said.

“We want to continue with the things that have been working but we still have some areas we need to improve on.

“With a good start to the year it has put us in a good position but there is still a lot of hard work ahead.”

Meanwhile, Boort should return to the winning circle with a win over St Arnaud ahead of the Loddon Derby on May 29 when the Magpies will travel to Wedderburn.

Donald v Charlton, BirchipWatchem v Wycheproof-Narraport, Boort v St Arnaud, Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers v Wedderburn Redbacks.

SENIORS SUNRAYSIA NORTH CENTRAL

15.14 (104) 12.6 (78)

GOALS - Sunraysia: Z Nelson, J Carmichael, F Ellis Castle, J Dean 2, B. Vallance, C. Davison, A. Rowe, D. Tung, N. Mee, J. Cotrell, L. Hickey. North Central: W. Sheahan 3, W. Simpson, T. Campell 2, J. Summerhayes, A. Zuk, W. Donnan, M. McEwan, B. McInnes.

BEST - Sunraysia: J. McNally, C. Davison, J. McEwan, F. Ellis Castle, N. Mee, J. Cotrell. North Central: R. O’Sullivan, K. Donnan, J. Rosengren, J. Poulton, T. Donnan, T. Campbell.

UNDER 17 SUNRAYSIA NORTH CENTRAL

14.9 (93) 1.3 (9)

GOALS - Sunraysia: C. Kiel 4, B Anderson, J. Norton, H. Pinyon, J. Mezzatesta, H Smith, M. Cirigliano, J. Connolly.

Sunraysia: T. Potter. BEST - North Central: T. Lowry, I. Holt, F. McGarry, B. Griffiths, B. Daniels.

Loddon HERALD

sport

Thursday May 20, 2021

VICTORY WITH TOLL

By CHRIS EARL

SIX ROUNDS in and clear trendsetters have emerged in Loddon Valley football.

Reigning premiers Mitiamo and the dominant side of the last decade, Bridgewater, are sharing flag favouritism.

But the early season honour has come at a huge price for the Mean Machine who withstood the physical pressure of Marong on Saturday.

Mean Machine pumps over fancied Panthers

The injured list reads like a who’s who of the team - Andy Collins, Liam Jacques, Cam Ross, Joe Mayes and Tristian Nalder among them.

The toll is even greater than what Pyramid Hill suffered in their heart-breaking loss a fortnight earlier to the Panthers.

Bridgewater was two points down at the first break and

450 GAMES

SATURDAY’S trip to Calivil will have special significance for two Loddon Valley league stalwarts.

Inglewood netballer Kristy Noonan will take the court for her 450th game while Mal McLean will be

clawed their way in front to be two goals up at half-time.

While players were falling, the Mean Machine still managed to win by three goals.

Better system and skill overcame the Panthers’ constant lunges, the Mean Machine’s marking prowess on display.

Darren Clutton was one who kept bobbing up with telling

marks in the hard-fought final term. Late goals by an injured Collins (he finished with four) and Alex Powell negated the fading hopes of Marong.

Bridgewater finished the match a bit short for numbers but used smart football to counter brute presence.

Mitiamo put another severe dent in Maiden Gully’s season aspirations with Tyrone Downie leading the way up forward with four goals.

Maiden Gully is now locked in a battle for fifth spot with Bears Lagoon Serpentine who

won over Calivil. Calivil saw the game as their first proper competitive match-up and the young side began with seasonform gusto, holding a slender lead at quarter time.

The second term saw Serp capitalise on the wind advantage and kick out to a 27-point lead. The third term was a great example of the improvement by Calivil as they rallied to kick five goals.

With two goals separating the sides at the last break, it was Serp who stood tall, kicking away to a seven-goal win,

300 GAMES

on the field in the Blues’ reserves for his 300th game with the club.

Mal, the 2013 John Forbes medallist for the league reserves competition, has come out of retirement

this season to help Inglewood and also notch up the milestone. He first played junior football with Inglewood in 1994 and has kept coming back for the “friendship, mates and beers”.

LH PHOTOS