PREMIER Jacinta Allan has been labelled “no friend of country Victoria” after the release of the State Government’s final plan that increases the size of renewable energy zones in northern Victoria.
Loddon Mayor Dan Straub has been part of a chorus of criticism levelled at the Government.
“The only one conclusion I can draw on this matter is that the Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan, representing the regional/rural seat of Bendigo East along with her Cabinet are not friends
of country Victoria,” Cr Straub said following Sunday’s release of the final Victorian Transmission Plan.
The Government wants 65 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035.
Several solar farms proposed for the Loddon Shire are already years behind schedule with work still to start while multiple foreign-owned wind speculators are targeting northern Loddon districts with planned projects that would sit in the north-west renewable energy zone.
“This plan has been sold as a way to keep the lights on, but it still leaves
farmers in the dark,” said Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking.
“The Government has redrawn the renewable energy zones to suit developers, yet we still don’t know how much power will actually be built, what protections farmers will get, or what benefits will flow back into local communities.”
VicGrid said on Sunday: “If you live in or near a renewable energy zone, over time you will see more development of renewable energy generation and storage.”
“You can choose whether or not to
host new renewable energy such as wind turbines, solar farms or batteries on your property. It’s your decision and we encourage you to talk to your neighbours about it.”
Victorian Farmers’ Federation members have already called for a 5km exclusion zone between projects and landowners refusing refusing to host projects while the Government wants fines of $12,000 for farmers and $40,000 for corporations refusing access to land for renewable energy projects.
The plan confirms doubling capacity of the Bendigo-Kerang power line. MORE REPORTS - PAGES 8-9 COMMENT - PAGE 14
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Service recalls Australia’s longest war
THE 59th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and Australia’s longest war-time involvement was commemorated in Inglewood on Monday evening. A small crowd attended the brief Vietnam Veterans’ Day service at the Grant Street memorial.
Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL sub-branch president Mick Dobson recalled the service of Australians in Vietnam over 10 years until 1972.
IN BRIEF
National double STERRICK West Poll Merino Stud last week took out the taken out Grand Champion March Shorn Ram and Reserve Grand Champion March Shorn Ram at the National Merino Sheep Show in Dubbo. The success came in in a strong field of quality sheep from across the country. The Grand Champion will now be offered for sale in Adelaide next month while the Reserve Grand Champion will be retained as a stud reserve “where we’re excited to see the influence he’ll have on our future breeding,” says Ross McGauchie. “What makes these results even more rewarding is seeing rams that not only excel in the show ring but also have ASBV data to back up their performance.”
Agri job fears
Following the laying of a wreath at dusk on Monday, the Last Post was sounded followed by the Australian flag being raised to full mast.
An estimated 20 people attended the service.
More than 60,000 Australians, including ground troops and air force and navy personnel, served in Vietnam, 523 died as a result of the war and almost 2400 were wounded.
VICTORIAN Farmers Federation is concerned proposed staff reductions to key State Government departments could leave Victoria’s $20 billion dollar agriculture industry vulnerable to the risks posed by devastating pests and biosecurity threats. President Brett Hosking said the future of key roles in Agriculture Victoria involving biosecurity, emergency response, invasive-species management was under threat and the government must not shirk at its responsibility to protect the industry.
Layla, Kayden and Kate Warke at Monday’s commemoration service. LH PHOTO
Festival spirit will live
FOUR like-minds have banded together to continue Wedderburn’s annual Christmas and Arts Festival.
MIchelle Hargreaves, Alex Holt, Vicki Bainbridge and Fiona Turnbull hanve banded together to stage the 2025 festival.
They will be a sub-committee of the town’s Lions Club and take the two-day festival into a new era.
Wedderburn Patchwork Group had ran the event for more than 30 years and donated thousands of dollars to charities across the region.
However, an ageing membership saw the group retire from running the festival and look for new organisers.
Alex said that Michelle had been a key leader in assembling the festival sub-committee.
“We all love the Christmas festival and how it brings people together,” Alex said.
“We’re being proudly supported by the Wedderburn Lions Club, there will be a jazzed-up new schedule so you can let your creative imagination go wild ...to Infinity and beyond.”
“The Wedderburn Town Hall is a splendid venue to showcase a vast and resplendent assortment of craft entries including decorated Christmas trees, patchwork quilts, floral arrangements, baked delights, an extensive number of artworks.
“There will be an endless list of sections to exhibit extraordinary artistic talents that will delight
every visitor. And creative craft sections are open to children under school age right through to hostel residents.
“This will be the year to thrive, to feel alive, to surprise, to create the remarkable, to dazzle and sparkle and celebrate the most wondrous time of the year with the most creative christmas cheer.”
The new organisers used this week’s announcement to dust off Christmas clothing and promote the continuation of the festival.
Alex said there would be expanded food and drink options at the festival in November.
“And we will have numerous art, craft and homewares’ stalls will also be offering excellent Christmas gifts for sale so start
Season opens without rationing
LODDON Valley irrigators have been able to place season opening orders without the fear of rationing.
A Goulburn Murray Water spokesperson said orders received between August 1 and the opening of the irrigation season for the last Friday meant that rationing will not be required at this time.
They said it was hard to determine at this stage whether local irrigators would face a second year of rationing during the new season.
“It depends on how much water customers use leading into spring,” they said.
“ Water orders are not significant at this stage but that could change with the weather.
“Goulburn-Murray Water will continue to monitor the situation as necessary.”
Low storage levels had seen GMW raise the possibility of seaon-opening rationing.
An estimated 370 irrigators had been on
rationing from early March to April this year, Loddon Valley the only GMW district to be hit with limits.
General manager water distribution services Warren Blyth had said: “Water orders tend to peak in autumn, and we expect that in some parts of our system, orders may exceed what our channel network is capable of delivering.
“If water demand does reach the levels we are expecting, a rationing cycle will help ensure all customers receive a fair supply, based on their delivery share, as we manage congestion,” Mr Blyth said.
Irrigators had been critical of GMW ahead of rations being introduced. Transfer fees and the lack of flexibility and guarantee of regaining delivery share next season were key sticking points at the briefing in Boort.
saving your pennies,” Alex said this week.
“We’re really pleased to keep this tradition alive and so grateful that the Lions Club has kindly become our auspicing body.
“The festival always attracts large crowds and we hope that they will keep rocking into Wedderburn when the 2025 festival is unveiled.”
IN BRIEF
Fire prevention SCHOOLS across the region have received funding under the State Government’s bush fire preparedness program. They are: Bealiba Primary School $18,085.44, Boort District P–12 School $29,880.72, Dunolly Primary School $22,106.63, Inglewood Primary School
$20,620.85, Marong Primary School $26,495.73, Raywood Primary School $22,851.13, Tarnagulla Primary School $19,914.51 and Wedderburn College $30,084.55.
Acting CEO
BOORT District Health’s chief executive officer Donna Doyle has been acting CEO at Kerang Health this month.
New plan
INGLEWOOD and Districts Health Service has started consultation as part of preparation of its new strategic plan.
Oat workshop
BIRCHIP Cropping Group is running a North Central Crop Walk at Mitiamo and Prairie next week with talks on oat variety performance by plant breeder Allan Rattey.
Spring network
LODDON Valley Arts Trail co-ordinator Rosemary Sorensen will be guest speaker at the Loddon Valley Tourism’s spring networking event next month
Albert Postle, Alex Holt, Michelle Hargreaves, Fiona Turnbull and Vicki Bainbridge creating a new Christmas vibe
Ban slapped on old pub works
LODDON Shire and owners of Inglewood’s former historic Royal Hotel building are again at loggerheads.
Council has slapped a ban on Jika Jika Land Pty Ltd saying the removal of walls on the second storey of the hotel is “a danger to life, safety and health of members of the public and any person using the building”.
A council order signed by council’s Glenn Harvey and taped to the building, renamed King Charles III by owners earlier this year, says work contravenes the Building Act.
The order also says Jika Jika Land must instal a temporary ballustrade at the rear of the building to provide fall protection.
Director operations Steve Van Orsouw said: “Council has no comment on this matter, however we can confirm that there are no current building applications for this site”.
Jika Jika Land’s Steve Prior said on Tuesday that no walls had been removed during “repairs and maintenance” and permits were not required for the work.
Mr Prior said the temporary ballustrade had been installed and council had told him the ban on works would be removed.
He said the order had been disputed.
Mr Prior said plans to attract a tenant to re-open the downstairs hotel area, closed since 2020, were continuing as were plans for a separate accommodation business on the second storey.
Loddon Shire had earlier been locked in a battle with the building’s owners over the safety of the verandah.
Safety fencing surrounded the verandah for more than two years before the courts granted Jika Jika Land time extensions to complete replacement of the verandah.
The latest building order has not impacted trading of Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary’s op-shop.
Manager Faye Orange said the op-shop was in a separate part of the old hotel.
“We’ve had a lot of people asking us ... but we’re still open,” she said.
The op-shop moved into the former lodge room part of the building two years ago.
Truck seized after firewood investigation
A truck has been seized by forest and wildlife officers after alleged illegal timber cutting in Tarnagulla State Forest.
Conservation Regulator’s Taskforce Ironbark officers say the truck was seized 390km away in Drouin as the probe their probe continues
“On May 25, it’s alleged the men were detected illegally cutting timber in the Tarnagulla State Forest and loading the wood into a white Nissan tipper truck,” according to the regulator.
“The men are accused of felling a significant number of Ironbark trees with the intention of selling the firewood com-
mercially. Ironbark trees provide critical habitat for some of our most threatened species, such as the Swift Parrot.
“Following a detailed investigation, Taskforce Ironbark with support of Victoria Police, executed a search warrant at a property at Drouin ... officers seized the White Nissan tipper truck and a mobile phone,” according to the statement released on Monday
Manager Taskforce Ironbark Brady Childs said “This investigation demonstrates the reach and effectiveness of Taskforce Ironbark in tackling organised firewood crime across the state.”
(Grades Prep - 4 show their home-made Hobby Horses)
(Grades 5, 6 & open - sash for winners)
Arts & Crafts Displays (products for sale)
BYO Chair
Coffee Van & Ice Cream Cart
Officers seize a truck as part of investigations into reports of illegal logging at Tarnagulla
Massaging the service
AFTER working in disability and aged care for many years, Bernadette Wood branched out into massage when she moved to Inglewood in June.
“I actually planned to retire when I moved here but I found I wasn’t ready to give up working yet,” Bernadette said, “I enjoy doing massage and it means I can set my own hours as well.”
While she was happy to work anywhere, responses to her online post inspired her to complete a massage course.
“I posted in a group before I moved here to see what services might be needed in the community that I could provide, and a few people mentioned massage. So, I was able to complete a course and add that to my qualifications,” she said.
Currently Bernadette is operating out of the Inglewood Town Hall Community Hub. “I was able to rent a room there so I could get started. I’m currently building a house in Inglewood so eventually I’d like to move the business to there once it is finished.”
Supporting the community is one of her main focuses with her business. “I want to give back to the community, everyone has been so helpful, giving me advice and supporting me,” she said.
“Even with building my house I’m hiring tradies from Bridgewater and Inglewood as much as I’m able to, I just want to help support the community when I can.”
Her massage room in the
community hub is all about relaxation, “I’ve got low lighting and candles so the whole experience is relaxing as well as the massage,” she said.
“I’d love to grow my business to a point that I’m able to support other businesses and community groups as part of what I do as well.”
Residents have their say on cats and dogs
LODDON Shire held its final listening post for their Domestic Animal Management plan on Friday in Bridgewater.
Nicole Taylor and Matthew Glascott (pictured) spoke with locals about the plan and how it affects them and their communities.
While the plan is related specifically to cats and dogs, they welcomed questions about livestock and how to deal with animals loose on or near roads.
The 22-question survey includes questions about cats and dogs and the impact stray, unrestrained or barking animals have on residents as well as what education and support they would
like to see offered to increase responsible animal ownership in the Loddon Shire.
The survey closed on Monday and the council will prepare a draft plan for public comment before adopting a final plan.
Bernadette Wood has plans to grow her business. LH PHOTO
Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary secretary Deb Coon was among models when clothes from the auxiliary’s op-shop were paraded on the catwalk. More than 60 people attended the fundraising evening. LH PHOTO
STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOOK: Students at Wedderburn College were dressed to their literary best on Tuesday for the Book Week Parade. Year Two student Jack Thomas (above) was among students out to impress judges Ellie Donnellon and Tori Cramp (left).
But the students were not the only ones putting on a show. Staff joined the lunchtime antics while Kerry Walker had a youngsters from playgroup - next year’s new students - in the spirit of the day.
Developer green light, farmers told sit tight
THE State Government’s new Victorian Transmission Plan looks more like a roadmap for developers than a fair deal for regional communities, said Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking.
Mr Hosking said many farmers believed in deep, economy-wide emission cuts and the industry had already made huge steps forward, but the way the Government was going about its plans was leaving families in the regions facing an uncertain future.
“This plan has been sold as a way to keep the lights on, but it still leaves farmers in the dark.
The Government has redrawn the renewable energy zones to suit developers, yet we still don’t know how much power will actually be built, what protections farmers will get, or what benefits will flow back into local communities,” he said. “We keep seeing
the see-sawing cost of these projects and you must wonder where it will end.
“How is a plan a plan if it fails to outline even the basic details of how much it will cost?”
“The plan shows that renewables in the new zones could either double what’s in the ground now, or grow by more than ten times by 2040. But the Government admits it hasn’t set any firm limits.
“That means a farming family can wake up and find themselves mapped into a zone, but have no idea whether they’ll see a few turbines or a wall of projects built around them,” Mr Hosking said.
The zones now cover nearly two million hectares of farmland, yet the rules on compensation, community benefits and fair consultation are still missing.
“Right now, developers are getting the green light, while farmers are told to sit tight and that’s
completely unacceptable. “If you want a fast and fair transition, you’ve got to bring communities with you and not just bulldoze past with a plan to have a plan.
“The Government is forgetting that in the path of these megaprojects are generational farming families, utilising some of the most productive farmland in the country. They matter and we won’t let the government forget that,” Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking said the VFF’s message was simple: the government needs to stop leaving farmers guessing and be transparent.
“Farmers can work with change. But we won’t cop being treated as second-class citizens on our own land.
If the government wants to get this transition done, it needs to put communities at the centre, not at the end of the queue,” Mr Hosking said.
Plan architects promise regional benefits ‘over time’
VICGRID has promised new community and regional economic benefits will be “delivered over time”.
While without details, VicGrid said in its transmission plan that country Victoria can expect: the introduction of new re-
newable Energy Zone Community Energy Funds to benefit regional and rural communities; payments for landholders who host transmission guidance for payments for significantly impacted neighbours of new transmission;
A Flood Management Plan is being prepared for Wedderburn.
The consultants for the project, HARC, would like to hear about your experience and knowledge of flooding in Wedderburn. A drop-in session will be held at the Council Chamber, Wedderburn, between 2pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday, 2 September.
Council is also seeking up to three community members who wish to be included on the Project Reference Committee (PRC) for the Wedderburn Flood Management Plan.
The PRC will oversee the governance and management of the project. Inclusion on the PRC will involve attending up to six meetings during a work day over the life of the project (18 months), review of reports and representing the views of other community members. To nominate for the PRC, please send your name, phone number and the reason for your interest to planning@loddon.vic.gov.au before 5pm Monday, 25 August.
For more information please email the above address.
a commitment to co-design a new approach to economic benefits for traditional owners.
“In addition to government initiatives, developers of projects will be required to implement their own community benefits programs,” the plan says.
Region at risk of becoming ‘industrial wasteland’
THE controversial VNI West transmission line project and renewable energy zones were being driven by an ideology, according to Mallee MP Anne Webster.
Dr Webster said the policies of Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were forcing states to fall into line with federal renewable energy targets.
“We do not need Mallee turned into an industrial wasteland, it is no good for our food security,” she said.
Criticism of expanded renewable energy zones, including the western REZ that now comes closer to Charlton, has seen Buloke Mayor Alan Getley critical of late changes to the Victorian Transmission Plan without real consultation. Loddon Shire and other country councils had similar criticism of the late change to the preferred route of VNI West more than two years ago.
Meanwhile, state Opposition shadow minister for energy and resources David Davis said: “Labor has botched its energy policy and the rollout of low emission technologies in Victoria.
“Far from going ‘down, down, down’, as claimed by Lily D’Ambrosio, electricity and gas costs across the state have surged, hurting families and they appear set to surge upwards further.
“The renewable energy zones announced by the Government won’t constrain these surging bill costs and appear to have little support across vast areas of regional Victoria.
“The changes to so-called renewable energy zones come amid controversy on Labor’s heavyhanded approach to its roll out using authoritarian laws and bullying tactics to overwhelm regional communities.
“What has happened to basic democracy in Victoria?
“And the roll out of Labor’s big transmission wires will force the electricity bills of every Victorian family upwards.
“VNI West for example is increasing from $3.4 billion to $7.6 billion with an upper estimate of $11.4 billion with every cent to be paid by Victoria’s long-suffering households and businesses through their electricity bills.
The Victorian Transmission Plan has also drawn criticism from Professor Bruce Mountain who has spoken against VNI West.
“Now in its 11th year, the tired Labor government has delivered the worst of all worlds; uncertain electricity and gas supply, matched with surging energy costs. Every Victorian’s electricity and gas bill went up on August 1, just adding further nasty payments for struggling families and small businesses on top of already increased energy costs.
Council has opened up entries for both the 2026 Australia Day awards as well as the three competitions run to mark the day.
Australia Day Awards - These recognise outstanding Australians and community groups within Loddon Shire: Citizen and Ward Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group/Event of the Year.
Australia Day Competitions - Based on the theme ‘Australian Vegetation’ Council is conducting Colouring, Photographic and Literature competitions. Nominations and entry forms are available from Council’s website, or by emailing australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au. Nominations and entries must be received by 4pm on Friday, 24 October.
Council is hosting one further information session about the Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement project at Cafe 3517 in Inglewood on Thursday, 21 August.
Come along and find out more, or ask the project team any questions, from 9am to 10am and visit https:// connect.loddon.vic.gov.au/inglewood-streetscape-enhancement (or scan the QR code on the left) to make a submission.
Cr Dan Straub - Mayor
Cr Gavan Holt
North-west zone to generate just 5% of state total
VICTORIA’S new north-west renewable energy zone will produce about five per cent of wind and solar energy under the state’s transmission plan released on Sunday.
Plan modelling shows no wind and solar projects are currently committed in the zone that runs through northern Loddon districts and almost to Charlton.
Three scenarios on new wind and solar in the region by 2040 show between 0.4 and 1,.9GW of energy being produced, about five per cent of the total under each model.
“Communities in declared renewable energy zones will see increased investment in renewable generation and storage infrastructure over time,” VicGrid said.
“Project proponents will need to negotiate with landholders for rights to develop projects on their land and a landholder has a right to say no to having new renewable generation on their property.
“Landholders who do agree to new renewable development will receive financial compensation that is negotiated with the developer.”
While key Murray River areas have been excluded from the zone that includes part of the Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon and Buloke Shires, other irrigation areas still fall within zone boundaries.
VicGrid said: “We considered agricultural land uses when shaping the draft proposed REZ, including areas of irrigated farmland along the Murray River and near Tragowel and Kerang terminal stations. Engagement with agriculture industry stakeholders identified some areas of irrigated farmland as less compatible with renewable energy
infrastructure, and these were taken into account.
“It is acknowledged that there are still several rivers, lakes, wetland systems, parks and reserves within this REZ all of which will require careful consideration when considering project location and design.”
VicGrid said that when identifying the north-west zone it aimed to “carefully balance community concerns about the potential impacts of uncoordinated widespread development with developer interest and the pressing need to position renewable energy zones with access to strong wind and solar energy and near existing transmission lines.
“This proposed zone will help contain development and coordinate connections to the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project and existing lines, and ensure regional benefits are delivered to those experiencing the impacts of infrastructure development.
“In response to feedback that the size and generation capacity of renewable energy zones needed to provide more flexibility, further assessment was undertaken to identify potential areas suitable to include in the zone.
“Given the sensitive areas of biodiversity and land use surrounding the proposed North West Renewable Energy Zone, changes to the zone were limited to a small expansion south-west along the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) corridor, providing more options for future generation projects to connect to VNI West.”
Plan charts ‘orderly energy transition’
THE Victorian Transmission Plan maps out where transmission infrastructure was needed to build over the next 15 years, according to VicGrid
The plan proposes the creation of six renewable energy zones that “signal to the community, landholders and industry where wind and solar projects and batteries for storage should be developed”.
Chief Executive Alistair Parker said VicGrid had carefully considered all the feedback it received from the community, regional stakeholders, Traditional Owners
Aged Care Employee Day has been celebrated at Boort District Health.
A big thank you to our incredible team for the compassion, dedication and care you show every single day.
Sta enjoyed co ees from the Spanner
Café in the morning and gathered for a lovely a ernoon tea in reception.
During the celebration, Acting CEO Mubarak Meera Sahib shared a few kind words from our residents about the wonderful care they receive, it was lovely to hear and appreciated by all.
A heartfelt thank you to all past and continuing members for your commitment and passion. Your e orts truly make a di erence.
e Ladies Auxiliary team runs the muchloved Op Shop, organises fund raising to support purchasing of equipment for our hospital – all to bene t the Boort community.
and the agriculture and energy industries in preparing the plan.
“The plan will ensure an orderly energy transition and has been designed through consultation to minimise impacts on landholders, regional communities and crucial regional industries like agriculture,” he said. “VicGrid has worked hard to balance a range of factors as we make difficult decisions about where energy infrastructure is needed to deliver reliable and affordable power to Victorian homes, businesses and industry.”
JOHN BYRNE
THE passing of John Byrne, aged 88, has left an immeasurable hole within the Boort Trotting Club.
In a tribute penned by former president John Campbell and Daryl Poxon, the service that spanned the better part of his lifetime was praised.
Mr Campbell says that Mr Byrne became a larger than life figure, not only at club level, but throughout the wider harness racing community as a greatly respected and admired administrator.
“It was then president Keith Holmes that encouraged John to join the club during 1964 and for the next 14 years John gained a solid grounding within the club serving as saddlecloth, patrol and raceday steward.
“With the retirement of secretary Keith McClelland during 1978, John was elevated to fill the position which he held until the end of 1991.
“He then assumed the presidency for the next 10 years before stepping down but still retained his position on the committee and kept involved with all facets of the club.
“His involvement spanned 60 years and encompassed so many changes, challenges, awards, social engagements, meeting at club and state wide level that were all part and parcel of being associated with the trotting club.”
Mr Campbell and Mr Poxon recalled memorable bus trips to Moonee Valley amid social functions in the clubrooms, and on one such occasion during 1984 a power failure plunged the rooms
into total darkness. “Treasurer
Pat Dwyer came to the rescue with a gas lamp, but in the interim John as only John could do took centre stage and entertained all present with his story telling and reciting as he breezed through Hanrahan - the farmer’s lament, not to mention singing numbers that would have done the Black and White Minstrels proud.
“He had a wonderful association with president Bernie McGrath and on Bernie’s retirement John had this to say; ‘Badger and I are going into our 10th year as sec-
retaries and have found Bernie to be an excellent link man with other clubs and also the board.
“We have certainly seen the club progress Bernie, and have had a hell of a lot of fun together and I see your retirement as an end of an era’.”
During 1989 John was awarded a life membership of the club and joined a select group to have achieved this honour.
The Boort Trotting Club was to celebrate its centenary during March of 1991 and John was very much front and square in the organisation of such a major event.
“It must be mentioned that a tvery short notice he was able to encourage the then Sports Minister Neil Tresize to attend and launch the club’s history book.
“Never lost for words in thanking the Minister for attending John mad two memorable comments in his speech that only John could ... ’We hear the minister is going to retire, but hope that before he does, he leaves a nice little report saying - they’re good operators at Boort and if they ask for something just give it to them’.
“He then followed on ’We don’t change our personnel every year in the Boort Trotting Club, in fact once you get in it takes a while to get out’.”
According to Mr Campbell, John was heavily involved in two major upheavals at club level.
The Arthur Anderson report (1988) and more recently V3 (2005) threatened the Club to race at alternate tracks or close down. For six years V3 forced the Club to race at other venues which the club adhered to in the hope of one day returning to their home track.
V3 necessitated countless trips to meetings, rallying support to the cause of retaining the club’s race meetings and no one would have been more proud than John to see the persistence come to fruition and racing returned to Boort Park during 2012.
And at Gordon Rothacker Medal night 2008, the most prestigious social event of the Victorian harness racing calendar John was honoured with the volunteer of the year award in recognition of his involvement with the club.
Diggers prepare for big bash
GOLD prospector and television show star Brent Shannon will play a leading role in this year’s Laanecoorie Gold Bash.
Brent, whose companies have several exploration areas in the district, will auction off goods raising money for the Peter Mac Cancer Centre.
He will be joined by Andrew Bales from the Weekend Prospector giving talks and sharing stories from the diggings to hundreds of gold bash participants.
The October gold bash has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Peter Mac over the past 12 years.
The 2025 event will put neck cancer treatment in the spotlight with gold hunters encouraged to wear maroon and white ribbons.
“Whether you’re an experienced prospector or just looking for something fun to do with the family, the Gold Bash is the perfect place to learn, have fun, and maybe even strike it lucky,” says coordinator Mandy Dowling.
She said the weekend of gold fever promised family fun, and community spirit on the banks of the Loddon River. Mandy said the gold bash had grown into one of Australia’s premier gold prospecting events.
This year’s program will feature stalls for gold enthusiasts from leading industry suppliers, token hunts and live music.
Pyramid Hill Progress Association Art Competition
Entries open 14th November 2025 close 31st Jan 2026
Winners announced February Friday 13th 2026
Travel to and return by train to the Pyramid Art Show
Art entries & winners Available for inspection from the 14th to the 19th of February 2026
Contact Anne Grogan Ph 0458 524 163 Email aegrogan16@gmail.com
SHEEP AND LAMBS
NUMBERS lifted to 12,725 lambs at Bendigo on Monday, up more than 4000.
However a lot of the increase was from a flush of lightweight new season lambs from the Riverina region of NSW.
The actual supply of quality heavy slaughter lambs remained very limited with the yarding now a typical late winter offering of very mixed clean-up lots, often with less than 30 head in a pen.
The market was fairly settled at last week’s price levels with only modest changes. Some of the neatest trade and heavy lambs were a few dollars dearer amid low supplies, and some categories of light lambs averaged stronger than last Monday.
But the benchmark price rate for processing lambs remained similar at 1100c/kg cwt, with the majority of trade and heavy crossbred lambs tracking either side of this level at 1020c to 1180c/kg cwt.
The talking point of the sale was a big wing of light young store lambs from southern NSW, bred out of Merino ewes and by White Suffolk and Dorset lambs and offered in lines of more than 500 head at times.
There was also a draft of firstcross ewe lambs from NSW which would usually be a feature of the special crossbred sales held at Bendigo each November.
All these young lambs did receive solid competition from restockers and sold at robust c/ kg rates based on size, particu-
larly the lightest lambs. Only a few pens of heavy export lambs were available and sold at $372 to a top of $423/head. Best heavy trade crossbred lambs $280 to $306/head, followed by the general mixed trades, 22-25kg, at $230 to $280/head. More new season young lambs are starting to appear and the lead pens with weight and finish at an estimated 26kg cwt to nearly 30kg cwt from $300 to a top of $350/head. Young trade lambs under 25kg cwt with not quite as much handle from $220 to $270/head.
Restockers paid from $170 to $233 for the advertised line of young first-cross ewe lambs, and from $190 to $230 for young fattening lambs with frame and growth.
The big lines of more genuine sized young store lambs under 18kg cwt from $130 to $190/ head, with the tail-end drafts from $80 to $116/head. On a size basis young store lambs sold strongly at high c/kg cwt cost estimates.
There was 7400 sheep were yarded, and the quote was 680c to 780c/kg for most mutton, with the majority of the better quality lines selling above 720c/ kg to hit 800c/kg on occasion. In dollars per head heavy Merino ewes with skin values $230 to $286; big crossbred ewes $200 to $274; general run of trade sheep $140 to $200; light sheep $65 to $135. It is worth noting processors were reluctant to take very light ewes under 14kg cwt in this
yarding, and a large line of Merinos were passed in.
EXOTIC LAMBS
D Thomas Salisbury West (16) $302. SUCKERS
AR Gibson & Sons Pyramid Hill (81) $350. BC & AM Martin Barham (132) $325. GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (21) $321. Everdale Holdings Calivil (81) $314. CJ & HA Glenn Mathoura (122) $312. Whinfield Farms Macorna 32 $300. Gredgwin Ridge Boort (83) $300. Richmond Park Moama (42) $278. DJ & JL Porter Booroorban (219) $233.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
GD & LJ Richards Calivil (7) $330. AR Gibson & Sons Pyramid Hill (14) $328. Minto Pastoral Deniliquin (50) $325. Kellalac Pastoral Newbridge (45) $300. FW & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (33) $293. PJ Main Deniliquin (56) $290. M & M Ryan Kilmore (14) $289. TS & GG O’Neil Canary Island (27) $285. Wanalta Pastoral Wanalta (32) $282. D & F Graham Moama (53) $279. Nutbyrne Pty Ltd Knowsley (40) $279. B & J Tuohey Serpentine (17) $265. B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (54) $258. Mrs L Dingwall Pyramid Hill (21) $249. MERINO LAMBS
Milojevic Family Trust Echuca (94) $249. DM & KP Barker Nullawil (109) $223. Kellalac Pastoral Newbridge (47) $220. GC & JD Carlson Euroa (62) $215. A & A Holt Wedderburn (44) $206. Bradford Hills Maldon (32) $198. G Chandler Barmah (35) $196. R & B Pascoe Elmore (20) $185. MERINO WETHERS Freemantle & Bell Woodstock on Loddon (64) $250. CR McLeod (Estate) Kirwans Bridge (27) $240. LC Soulsby Rheola (93) $160. CROSSBRED EWES
BC & AM Martin Barham (121) $274. GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (18) $266. AR Strang Tallygaroopna (36) $258. Ettrick Farms Serpentine (102) $255. Julian McMahon Barham (160) $243. Goulburn Valley Water Shepparton (61) $238. NA & ME Hocking Pyramid Hill (8) $235. McNaulty Farming Logan (63) $210.
MERINO EWES
BC & AM Martin Barham (58) $294. Barrabogie Willangie (229) $286. RS Lamont Tamleugh (128) $272. Wanbi Plains Raywood (89) $270. G Mulquiny Koyuga (16) $232. MN Isaac Family Trust Powlett Plains (26) $214. A Soulsby Rheola (16) $205. MERINO WITH LAMBS Kiriwina Pty Ltd Durham Ox (53) $257. Order of sales next week – Nutrien, Nuttall, McKean McGregor, Elders, Nevins.
Trio of ribbons at Sheepvention
DERBY Downs Poll Dorset stud has collected three major ribbons at Hamilton Sheepvention and Expo.
The stud won the April shorn ram and ewe classes, as well as the May drop ram lamb class.
The Hamilton success followed major prizes at the Victorian Sheep Show in Ballarat six weeks earlier.
Derby Downs will be offering 60 flock rams and 10 specially selected rams at its annual sale next month.
Meanwhile, Loddon’s run of Merino stud ram sales continues tomorrow at John and Rosemary Humbert’s Kedleston Park stud, Calivil.
Willera’s ram sale at Serpentine is next week.
Lachlan Bailey with the Derby’s Downs champion
WORKSHOP
Forum questions fire and benefits
We spend all year growing our crops. Challenge is how to safely store them & how to get the best NET return from our grain & hay production.
Brad Knight – Grain Markets, Compliance, Marketing Strategies and on farm storage benefits
Chris Warrick – On Farm Grain Storage & Management (Inc Treatments & Safe Application)
Mick Stone – Hay Production and Storage. Also, End User requirements and Market update.
Justin Eales – Twine, Netwrap & Hay Preservation Including discussion on new Extra HD Twine Products.
Breakfast at 8am for an 8:30 start, morning tea to follow, all courtesy of Farmware.
Info:
8:00am - 11:30am FRIDAY, 29TH AUGUST
Bridgewater Bowls Club
Calder Hwy, Bridgewater
A MOUNT Korong Eco Watch’s will ask people to consider the use of fire in land maintenance and the potential ecological benefits.
The forum next month will have several expert panellists attending to assist with facilitating discussions.
The experts include Paul Foreman from Blue Devils Consulting, Dale Tonkinson the biodiversity officer in the CFA and Oli Moares on behalf of Djarra.
“We really want local people and experts to come together and create processes and resources for the use of fire in land maintenance,” said group secretary Sally Gardener.
“While we have expert panellists to speak at the forum we want to hear from people with local knowledge and experience of the area,” Sally said.
“We don’t want it to be a simple question and answer for the panel, we want as many people involved in the discussion as possible.”
The forum will have four session which begin with a short talk from experts to summarise the ideas and issues relating to the topic.
“After the opening talk it’s more about having discussions as a group and building communication,.
“You don’t have to know everything about the topic to be able to take part and share your thoughts, it’s a learning opportunity for everyone.”
The group has partnered with Loddon
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
The market was slightly cheaper overall, with trade and heavy sheep easing $10–15, light sheep $15–20, suckers holding firm and Merinos $5 cheaper.
Plains Landcare to host the forum after they received a grant from Landcare Victoria last year.
“We found after the 2019-2020 bushfires people were more aware of alternative practices for land maintenance including the use of fire,” Sally said, “we wanted to learn more about this and how it could apply to our local area.”
The Mount Korong Eco Watch group has been meeting monthly since November to discuss parameters and benefits of using fire in land management.
“We mostly have online meetings, but we have been able to meet on site a few times, not to actually do any burning but to observe the land and consider how it could be used as a tool for ecological and community benefit,” said Sally.
These discussions led to the creation of the forum as they wanted a way to involve people from the wider community in discussions. As well as the consideration of how fire can be used, they also consider the different local criteria and what the best course of action for land maintenance is for specific areas.
“While there haven’t been major fires in the Loddon Plains area recently, bushfires are always a risk and we want to find ways to reduce the risk for our communities and prevent the spread of fire where we can,” Sally said.
“We want people to be well informed about fire, including its ecological use and benefit.”
Premier’s not a country friend
Government’s policies are working against rural Victoria, writes Dan Straub
AT THIS point in time, for many it feels like every way you turn there is something closing in on you. What do you mean you may ask?
Well, if you own and work on a farm across rural Victoria you will know exactly what I mean.
The right to farm the land you own is bit by bit, being taken from you.
Over the past few years, the current State Government and Federal Government legislation changes have shifted the balance of private land ownership rights away from the hard-working men and women farming the land to feed and clothe the world, to priorities what can only be explained as the biggest contradiction of unarchivable renewable energy policy in the country.
Sure, there are solar projects in areas of Loddon that have merit and community support because they made sense, not to take up good productive farming land and provide power directly to local industry.
Projects like these were ultimately canned with the final announcement of the new VNIWest transmission line route in early 2023.
This decision to run a new 500kva extension lead on 80-meter-high towers across
multiple shires has had strong opposition ever since.
It does not stop there. First, we had pressure and the unknown regarding powerlines, then we have the foreign-owned wind turbine companies encroaching on our region and to top it off we now come under immense presser from mineral sands mining.
We have seen the steamroller approach deployed by government agencies to stifle landowners into compliance.
When this has been more challenging for the current government to achieve, they have just shifted the goal posts and made up new legislation on the spot to force submission.
Is this a government that’s really working for the people?
Or you could ask which people are the current government working for? Because it is not the hard working people of rural Australia.
I have met with and heard from many landowners in the path of one or more of these controversial and narrow sighted projects, the stress and anxiety is mounting, not being listened too, not being consulted, and told their livelihood and family farm will change for good.
I have even heard first-hand from a farming family in the path
of a mineral sand mine that they will lose their house, their home, where they live and have raised their family.
But the law and government legislation on all these invasive projects, is in the favour of the companies that buy the licences and rights from the government.
We as local government (the shire) are powerless to have any authority in any of these matters, even our planning processes authority was stripped away before we had any chance of consultation.
I, along with others have taken this message from our community, of concerns and objection to both Parliament House in Canberra and Spring Street on numerous times, to fell on deaf ears. We have stated more suitable location for transmission, and renewable projects, we have made it clear that the current location footprint is in direct competition and determent of prime agriculture.
The only one conclusion I can draw on this matter is, that the Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan, representing the regional/ rural seat of Bendigo East along with her cabinet are not friends of country Victoria.
Dan Straub is the Mayor of Loddon Shire
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will
1. What is Monday named after?
2. Gibraltar is an overseas territory of which country?
3. What number of items is a gross equal to?
4. Colcannon is a traditional dish from which European country?
5. What is the symbol of St Patrick’s Day?
6. Who wears a glass slipper?
7. Which sport is played at Lords?
8. NaHCO3 is the chemical formula for what?
9. Which character did Leonardo DiCaprio play in ‘Titanic’?
10. The Bermuda Triangle is located in which ocean?
11. What is the name of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 movie about dinosaurs?
12. Spinach is a favoured food of which cartoon character?
13. What temperature in Fahr-
THE hint of idyllic spring days must be taking a toll on Bradley of Boort, judging by his latest Treemendous Sign. And we must add, this iteration appeared not at the traditional weekend timing but midweek. Obviously Brad’s not feeling well!
HOWEVER, reports reaching OTF are kind of spilling the beans on Bradley’s next theatrical performance. We’re told bright, colourful clothes are already being trialled at reheasals. It’s even been suggested a pencil-thin moustache could be the order of day to have Bradley very much in character.
TIME’S ticking to get in some mentions about The Oracle this footy season. While his tipping has at
enheit does water freeze at?
14. Cadel Evans won the Tour de France in which year?
15. A drake is the name given to which male animal?
16. Michael Hutchence was the lead singer of which Australian band?
17. In a game of pool, what colour is the number 12 ball?
18. Cataracts affect which body part?
19. What is the second book of the Bible?
20. The ‘Moonlight Sonata’ was written by which famous classical composer?
times been way off the mark, we’re told similar form has been on show at the Sunday night cards table. If he keeps this up, playing partners will send him away to the nearest game of solitaire.
OTF popped into Wedderburn College’s Book Week parade on Tuesday. If ever there was leading by example, the teachers and staff take the cake. Elaborate costumes would not have been out of place on Broadway.
AND a shout out to Inglewood Lions member Annette. Made sure one more senior customer at Inglewood IGA on Saturday didn’t miss out on her Loddon Herald. Just as the rack was being replenished, Annette was ready and eager to help.
IAN JONES
Dan Straub
THE NEW ‘FORGOTTEN’ WAR
VP Day risks becoming footnote in history, writes Chris Earl
MRS E.J. Hartman feverishly waved her hand-made Australian flag when there was finally peace in the world 80 years ago.
On that August day in 1945, the former Boort resident was joined by other Australians in relief and joy that Japan has announced it would surrender and World War Two was over.
The war that came perilously close to our shores, had claimed the lives of an estimated 70,000 Australian men and women who donned the uniforms of army, navy or air force and saw almost one million Australians serve.
When peace came, Mrs Harman was living in East Brunswick. She had waved her flag in May of 1945 when VE Day marked the cessation of fighting in Europe and wasted no time doing the same on August 15 for VP Day - Victory in the Pacific.
The story of her flag made Melbourne
newspapers of the day - when the relief of Mafeking was announced in 1900, she could not buy a flag, so she made one. While she was about it, she also made one for Boort Post Office.
Her same flag was waved two years later at the Boer War finished and then when the Armistice was declared to end World War One in 1918.
I was taken by the snippet in history of Mrs Hartman. She was clearly loyal and patriotic, not one to let an occasion slip in thanks and commemoration.
Yet move forward a century or more and how many thought to remember the 80th anniversary of end of World War Two?
On the 50th anniversary in 1995, there were events in every city and town badged as Australia Remembers. At the time, many thousands of ex-servicemen and women were still alive
Numbers had dwindled by the 75th
anniversary and any thought of special commemorations scuttled by COVID.
Today only a couple of thousand who fought for freedom between 1939 and 1945 remain and that number is predicted to dwindle into the hundreds by next year.
Age has wearied those veterans and sadly, time is beginning to forget the great threat Australia faced in World War Two. Forgetting history poses peril and risk to the future.
Barely a whimper across Australia over the last week. In a way, commemorations for World War Two have been overtaken by Vietnam Veterans’ Day - a time to properly honour those who served, most conscripted, in Australia’s longest war.
When these conscripts returned, they faced unwarranted hostility from antiwar protesters and even some within the ex-service rank.
For many years, Vietnam was relegated to being Australia’s forgotten war. These days, August 18 is the major day of commemoration for that Asian conflict. Vietnam veterans remain a very visible part of our communities, the mainstays of commemorative events along with those who completed National Service and in later years have voluntarily enlisted in the armed forces.
The effluxion of time increasingly consigns World War Two to the mantle of Australia’s “new” forgotten war. Wedged between Anzac Day, while honouring and thanking those who have served in all conflicts it is still centre on Australia’s greatest military defeat at Gallipoli in 1918, and more recent wars and conflicts, those six years when Australia was under threat of invasion by military oppressors have been relegated to being a footnote in history. Even still, we should not be allowed to forget.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Intention to sell –
77 Ridge Street Wedderburn
Loddon Shire Council gives notice under section 114 (2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2020 and in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy, that it intends to sell property located at:
The land will have no council or community purpose at the cessation of the current kindergarten service, and as such will be surplus to Council needs. It is proposed that Council sell the land and building via an appointed licenced real estate agent.
A person may make a submission on Council’s intention. Submissions must be received by close of business on 11 September 2025, and should be addressed to the Chief Executive O cer, Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn 3518 or via email to executive@loddon.vic.gov.au.
Any person who has made a written submission to Council may request in writing to be heard in person in support of the written submission or by a person acting on their behalf before Council at a time and date to be advised.
Any queries can be directed to the Executive Department, on 5494 1200 or via email executive@loddon.vic.gov.au.
Central Victorian Radio Operators CVRO Radio
meet every Friday night on 27.205usb - 7pm check in. Amateur-CB-SWL welcome with a live stream on
Facebook: Central Victorian Radio Operators page
Notification by Buyer
Intention
to
Apply for
the
Permanent Transfer of
a
Licence to Take and Use Groundwater
GMW Reference No: BPTWE0016-25
We Willera Ag Pty Ltd of 200 Nixons Road BEARS LAGOON VIC 3517
Refer to Vic Roads Map 30 B7
Intend to make application to Permanently Transfer Entitlement to our existing Licence to Take and Use Groundwater and increase the licensed volume from 789.0ML/Year to 989.0ML/Year.
The volume sought in this application is 200.0ML/Year
The water will be used for the purpose of: Irrigation
To be used on lands described as:
VVolume Folio
Janiember East
Janiember
Janiember East
Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the transfer of this Licence including any intended Surface Water use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.
To make a submission please read the information available to download from Make a submission about a licence application - Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.
Save the date - Sunday 12th October is CANCELLED
WE ARE NOW offering all local communities a sponsorship of up to $5,000
For A WHOLE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS EVENT
APPLY VIA OUR SMARTY GRANTS
PORTAL - invoiced costs required for your application. Closing date is 31.10.2025.
Temporary Road ClosureGlad eld South Road, Pyramid Hill
A section of the following road will be closed to through tra c from 26 August to 25 October 2025, for the duration of culvert replacement works on Glad eld South Road. Detour routes will be in place. A section of Glad eld South Road, Pyramid Hill will be closed between Halls Road & Boundary Road.
CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT
EMPLOYMENT
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.
Civil Maintenance Worker
Permanent Full-Time position
An attractive salary range of $64,319.12$66,655.86 per annum plus employer superannuation
Based in our Loddon Plains team
Applications for the position above will close on Monday 1 September 2025 at 5pm.
Early Childhood Educator
Casual position
An attractive hourly rate of $33.96
Work across one, some or all of Council’s ve sessional kindergartens
Maternal and Child Health Nurse
Casual position
An attractive hourly rate of $73.15$78.84
Based at our Wedderburn O ce with carpooling services available between Marong and Wedderburn
Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received
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 OrganisationDevelopment Unit on (03) 5494 1200.
Sustainable Agriculture Project Manager
• Lead natural resource management agency
• Proactively achieve sustainable agriculture and natural resource management
• Great lifestyle location
The North Central Catchment Management Authority creates natural resource management partnerships and programs that deliver lasting change. We are currently seeking an energetic, passionate and inspiring person to join our Sustainable Agriculture team as Project Manager.
The Project Manager will play a key role in dryland agriculture across our region, through the development and delivery of strategy, projects and engagement. They will display a passion for agriculture, engagement with community, industry and Traditional Owners. The successful applicant will need a firm understanding of agricultural practices and current issues and opportunities facing dryland farmers.
This position is up to 22-30 hours per week for a fixed term period to September 2027.
We understand that life balance is an important part of our employees’ lives and offer a wide range of flexible arrangements.
For more information further information contact Mandy Coulson, Manager Sustainable Agriculture on (03) 5448 7124.
For a copy of the position description or to apply, visit the Careers section of our website at www.nccma.vic.gov.au or email HRManager@ nccma.vic.gov.au. Applications will be accepted until 4:00pm Monday 1 September and should address the key selection criteria.
We embrace diversity and inclusion; we welcome you to apply if you are a person with disability, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and linguistically diverse, or LGBTQIA+.
We welcome applications from people with disability and aim to provide an inclusive and accessible workplace.
If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please contact: Trephina Marek, HR Manager on 03 5448 7124.
Connecting rivers, landscapes, people
Garden maintenance Boort Area
Light Duties – Pruning Spraying Weeding Mowing
Flexible days and hours
20 – 25 hours per week
Please send some details to tsawers@sawersfarms.com
Visiting combos take out events
INGLEWOOD Golf Club’s annual tournament attracted players from across the state.
The ladies four-ball best-ball was contesdted by 12 pairs.
Winners in A grade were Dianne Walker and Debbie Bish with 41 points. Second to them with 38 points was Ange Broadbent and Di Wenzlau just ahead of Andrea Kelly and Julz Roulston on 37 points.
In B grade first went to Carol Canfield and Helen Ward with 40 points just in front of Eilish Whelan and Sonya Linehan on 39 points.Equal on 36 points were Gail Barker and Faye Reid and Sherryn Pedersen and Denise Pappin.
Nearest pin 9th was Christine Pearce with Carol Canfield closest on the 18th.
The men’s four-ball best-ball had 17 pairs on Friday. A grade winners on 42 points were Les Barnes and Neil Sayers from Marong.
Paul Condliffe and Barry Meighan from Mitiamo with 41 were second on a countback ahead of Marty Novak and Brett Illman from Nepean.
The B grade winners were Harry Condliffe, Mitiamo, and
Logan Wilson, Neangar Park, with 50 points.
Second were Ron Tonkin and Rob Day who had 45 points, Nearest the pin 9th was Ken Scarff while closest on 18 was Ken Morrison.
The ambrose’ event on Saturday was won by Brett and Oliver Scholes, Ryan Harling, Belvoir Park with nett 59.5 ahead of Dehne Charry. Glen Trevorton Shane Kessler, Jeparit/Nhill on nett 61.5.
Nearest the pins were won by Ron Hart and David Vanston.
Damp conditions greeted the 30 men who played the 27 hole stroke event on Sunday .
Winner of the A grade gross and handicap was Glen Trevorton from Nhill with scores of 111 and 102. Mark Smith from Belvoir Park won the am 18 nett with 72 while Ron Hart,Nepean, had 38.5 to win the pm 9 hole nett.
In B grade Ron Thouliss, Sea Lake, won the 27 hole gross with 126 and the 9 hole nett with 37.5 while Dehne Charry won the 18 hole nett with 66 and the 27 hole nett with 103.5.
Nearest the pin on the 9th and over the tournament was Brett
Illman, Nepean, and closest on 18 was Dean Leggett , Rosanna.
TARANGULLA
Phil Lloyd won the Social Nines competition, followed by Liam Radich in second place. Nearest to the pin was won by Jill Sharp and the longest drive was taken out by Gary Barker.
The women’s club champion is Jill Sharp ahead of Jenny Honeyman.
The men’s Club champion is Peter Sanderson.
Dave Shay has been awarded life membership.
Dave has been involved with the club for 48 years. Initially as a young child whacking golf balls as he followed his keen golfer parents, to becoming junior club champion, representing the club in pennant, helping to maintain the course, providing free golf lessons to our members, head handicapper.
Members have also made a special presentation to Jan Sharman who has been club treasurer since 2017.
The club will hold a three-hole monty event next month as the season across the districts draws to a close
Stringer’s jack honour marks 50th anniversary
Indoor Bias Bowls Club held their 11th annual tournament on Sunday.
Twenty teams of 4fourplayers each competing. Teams visited Boort from Warrnambool, Wedderburn, Charlton, Coomealla, Golden Square, Rochester, Echuca, Minyip, Stawell, Bendigo and Benalla.
Each team played four matches of 10 ends over the day.
Loddon Shire’s Boort Ward councilor David Weaver spoke at the beginning of the day, welcoming all to Boort.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Boort Indoor Bias Bowls Club and to acknowledge that, Nola Stringer rolled the first jack down the mat, followed by Elma Gierisch who has
played for 38 years, bowled the first bowl to start the day.
The day was held in the school stadium this year and this enabled teams to be able to play four matches each, in a single fill.
The three winning teams were all from Warrnambool.
Temporary kitchen facilities were set up in the foyer.
Organiser Ian Potter said people volunteers handled the new location well and served a great meal to all players and helpers.
“Well done for the effort required to do this. Players all said that they enjoyed the day, despite the cold weather and expressed a desire to come again, especially for the food,” Potter said.
Wedderburn’s
Hendy
Charlton 39, St Arnaud 28, Wedderburn 19, Boort 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 7, Donald 6.
HOCKEY
BOORT
Brett White tees off at Inglewood in the four-ball event. LH PHOTO
Ron Thouliss and Inglewood secretary David Vanston
Laurence Thomnas, Carol Canfield and Marlene Lamprell
Maddison
battles with St Arnaud’s Abby Weir. LH PHOTO
Grand standard bearers
THE Redbacks ruthlessly ripped apart the struggling Saints ... simply no other way to sum up the final game of 2025 for the North Central Football League’s unluckiest side of a lop-sided season.
Wedderburn had easily accounted for the league’s bottom tier, as again happened at Donaldson Park on Saturday against St Arnaud, pushed top sides and battle through injuries.
Not even one of the best four percentages in the league could secure Wedderburn a spot in the finals despite a stunning win last month over rival Boort.
A lop-sided draw dealt the cruel blow to Wedderburn, Boort had the far easier run in the two third-time encounters of 2025.
But Wedderburn showed the league what it will miss out on when finals start on Saturday without the Redbacks.
Wedderburn last Saturday played to a grand standard. Coach Tom Metherell told his players it was their best performance over four quarters for the year.
St Arnaud had the ball in its forward 50 for barely five minutes in the opening term as Wedderburn piled on 10 goals.
Woeful kicking in the second quarter - 11 behinds - still could not flatter the Saints as Hamish Lockhart went on a rampage through the midfield where Darcy Jackson and Noah Furlong were also bobbing up and weaving play deep. Mitch Jensen was in super form around goals and would end the match with eight to his name. If not for injury earlier in the season, he would have been a century man in 2025.
Round 1 - Sea Lake Nandaly v Wedderburn: 1 - Lachy McClelland (SLNT) 2 - Thomas Cox (SLNT) 3 - Wade Donnan (SLNT). Donald v Calder United: 1 - Jack Exell (CU) 2 - Dean Putt (CU) 3 - Mitch Farmer (CU). Charlton v Birchip Watchem: 1 - Sam Simmons (BWFC) 2 - Ben Edwards (BWFC) 3 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC). St Arnaud v Boort: 1 - Ethan Coleman (BFC) 2 - Tom Potter (BFC) 3 - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (BFC).
Round 2 - Calder United v Sea Lake Nandaly: 1 - Zane Keighran (CU) 2 - Wade Donnan (SLNT) 3 - Thomas Cox (SLNT). Birchip Watchem v Donald: 1 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC) 2 - Ben Edwards (BWFC) 3 - Nicholas Rippon (BWFC). Boort v Charlton: 1 - Jarrod Fitzpatrick (BFC) 2 - James Wilson (x) (BFC) 3 - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (BFC). Wedderburn v St Arnaud: 1 - Tom Metherell (WFC) 2Hamish Lockhart (WFC) 3 - Mitch Jensen (WFC).
Round 3 - Charlton v St Arnaud: 1 - Mitch Egan (STA) 2 - Ben Lanyon (CFC) 3 - Sam Woods (CFC). Sea Lake Nandaly v Birchip Watchem: 1 - Thomas Cox (SLNT) 2 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC) 3 - Marshall Rippon (BWFC). Donald v Boort: 1 - Keiren Wilson (x) (BFC) 2 - Jhye BaddeleyKelly (BFC) 3 - Jarrod Fitzpatrick (BFC). Calder United v Wedderburn: 1 - Matthew Wade (CU) 2 - Hamish Lockhart (WFC) 3 - Rylee Smith (CU). Round 4 - Boort v Sea Lake Nandaly: 1 - Thomas Cox (SLNT) 2 - Tom Potter (BFC) 3 - Ryan McGhie (BFC). St Arnaud v Donald: 1 - Luca Rice (DFC) 2 - Zac Phillips (STA) 3 - Jay Kirwood (STA). Wedderburn v Charlton: 1 - Zach Pallpratt (WFC) 2 - Ben Lanyon (CFC) 3 - Hamish Lockhart (WFC). Birchip Watchem v Calder United: 1 - Sam Simmons (BWFC) 2 - Matthew Wade (CU) 3Nicholas Rippon (BWFC). Round 5 - Sea Lake Nandaly v St Arnaud: 1 - Cruz O’Sullivan (SLNT) 2 - Tyson McKenzie (SLNT) 3 - Wade Donnan (SLNT). Donald v Charlton: 1 - Ben Lanyon (CFC)
2 - Daniel Pearce (DFC) 3 - Mitch Collins (CFC). Birchip Watchem v Wedderburn: 1 - Jake Pallpratt (x) (WFC) 2 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC) 3 - Ben Edwards (BWFC). Calder United v Boort: 1 - Jordan Humphreys (CU) 2 - Steven Kennedy (CU) 3 - Kobe Lloyd (CU).
Round 6 - Charlton v Sea Lake Nandaly: 1 - Trent Donnan (SLNT) 2 - Wade Donnan (SLNT) 3 - Thomas Cox (SLNT). Donald v Wedderburn: 1 - Isaac Holt (WFC) 2Tom Metherell (WFC) 3 - Hamish Lockhart (WFC) St Arnaud v Calder United: 1 - Jack Exell (CU) 2 - Mitch Farmer (CU) 3 - Matthew Wade (CU). Boort v Birchip Watchem: 1 - Nicholas Rippon (BWFC) 2 - Marshall Rippon (BWFC)
3 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC).
Round 7 - Sea Lake Nandaly v Donald: 1 - Wade Donnan (SLNT) 2 - Lachy McClelland (SLNT) 3 - Thomas Cox (SLNT). Calder United v Charlton: 1 - Rylee Smith (CU) 2 - Jack Exell (CU) 3 - Steven Kennedy (CU). Birchip Watchem v St Arnaud: 1 - Dale Hinkley (BWFC) 2 - Daniel Bell (BWFC) 3 - Ben Edwards (BWFC). Wedderburn v Boort: 1 - Matt Austin (BFC) 2 - Carlos Egan (BFC) 3 - Hamish Lockhart (WFC). Round 8 - Wedderburn v Sea Lake Nandaly: 1 - Thomas Cox (SLNT) 2 - Cruz O’Sullivan (SLNT) 3 - Joe Lockhart (WFC). Calder United v Donald: 1 - Rylee Smith (CU) 2 - Zac Caccaviello (CU) 3 - Matthew Wade (CU). Birchip Watchem v Charlton: 1 - Rhys Thompson (CFC) 2 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC) 3 - Nicholas Rippon (BWFC). Boort v St Arnaud: 1 - Carlos Egan (BFC) 2 - Jayden Dick (BFC) 3 - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (BFC).
Wedderburn’s dominance was hard to fault and went beyond the skill and endurance limits of a younger Saints’ side.
Redbacks played as they had trained on Thursday night - to their standard and in their own style, wasting no opportunities
Round 9 - Sea Lake Nandaly v Calder United: 1 - Dale Pearce (CU) 2 - Wade Donnan (SLNT) 3 - Zane Keighran (CU). Donald v Birchip Watchem: 1 - Jacob Christie (BWFC) 2 - Dale Hinkley (BWFC) 3 - Nicholas Rippon (BWFC). Charlton v Boort: 1 - Carlos Egan (BFC) 2 - Tom Potter (BFC) 3 - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (BFC). St Arnaud v Wedderburn 1 - Mitch Jensen (WFC) 2 - Joe Lockhart (WFC) 3 - Mitch McEwen (WFC). Round 10 - Birchip Watchem v Sea Lake Nandaly: 1 - Trent Donnan (SLNT) 2 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC) 3 - Rhona Conboy (BWFC). Boort v Donald: 1 - Carlos Egan (BFC) 2 - Lachlan Hall (BFC) 3 - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (BFC). St Arnaud v Charlton: 1 - Scott Driscoll (STA) 2 - Ben Lanyon (CFC) 3 - Liam Collins (CFC). Wedderburn v Calder United: 1 - Steven Kennedy (CU) 2 - Jordan Humphreys (CU) 3 - Koby Hommelhoff (CU).
Round 11 - Sea Lake Nandaly v Boort: 1 - Ryan O’Sullivan (SLNT) 2 - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (BFC) 3 - Wade Donnan (SLNT). Donald v St Arnaud 1 - Max Hungerford (STA) 2
- Josh Talty (x) (DFC) 3 - Zac Phillips (STA). Charlton v Wedderburn: 1 - Adam Postle (WFC) 2 - Hamish Lockhart (WFC) 3 - Mitch Jensen (WFC). Calder United v Birchip
Watchem: 1 - Zane Keighran (CU) 2 - Rhona Conboy (BWFC) 3 - Daniel Bell (BWFC).
Round 12 - St Arnaud v Sea Lake Nandaly: 1 - Trent Donnan (SLNT) 2 - Max Cahoon (x) (SLNT) 3 - Wade Donnan (SLNT). Charlton v Donald: 1 - Archie Patterson (CFC) 2 - Ben Lanyon (CFC) 3 - Liam Collins (CFC). Wedderburn v Birchip Watchem: 1 - Mitch Jensen (WFC) 2 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC) 3 - Ben Edwards (BWFC). Boort v Calder United: 1 - Jayden Dick (BFC) 2 - Zane Keighran (CU) 3Travis Cloke (CU). Round 13 - Sea Lake Nandaly v Charlton: 1 - Max Cahoon (x) (SLNT) 2 - Trent Donnan (SLNT) 3 - Wade Donnan (SLNT). Wedderburn v Donald: 1 - Mark Robinson (WFC) 2 - Zach Pallpratt (WFC) 3 - Mitch Jensen (WFC). Calder
United v St Arnaud: 1 - Steven Kennedy (CU) 2 - Zac Kelly (CU) 3 - Jack Marlais (CU). Birchip Watchem v Boort: 1 - Ben Edwards (BWFC) 2 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC) 3Marshall Rippon (BWFC).
Round 14 - Donald v Sea Lake Nandaly: 1 - Charlie Campbell (DFC) 2 - Lachy McClelland (SLNT) 3 - Bryce Delmenico (SLNT). Charlton v Calder United: 1 - Steven Kennedy (CU) 2 - Rylee Smith (CU) 3 - Jack Exell (CU). St Arnaud v Birchip Watchem: 1 - Lachlan Ryan (BWFC) 2Nicholas Rippon (BWFC) 3 - Ben Edwards (BWFC). Boort v Wedderburn: 1 - Carlos Egan (BFC) 2 - Noah Furlong (WFC) 3 - Hamish Lockhart (WFC).
Round 15 - Sea Lake Nandaly v Wedderburn: 1 - Trent Donnan (SLNT) 2 - Wade Donnan (SLNT) 3 - Ryan
O’Sullivan (SLNT). Donald v Calder United: 1 - Zac Caccaviello (CU) 2 - Steven Kennedy (CU) 3 - Zane Keighran (CU). Charlton v Birchip Watchem: 1 - Jacob Christie (BWFC) 2 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC) 3 - Ben Edwards (BWFC). St Arnaud v Boort: 1 - Jay Kirwood (STA) 2Kayne Rutley (BFC) 3 - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (BFC). Round 16 - Wedderburn v St Arnaud: 1 - Mitch Jensen (WFC) 2 - Mark Robinson (WFC) 3 - Hamish Lockhart (WFC). Birchip Watchem v Donald: 1 - Ben Edwards (BWFC) 2 - Jacob Christie (BWFC) 3 - Hamish Hosking (BWFC).
let alone time driving play deep into the forward zone.
The superior strength was clear with an 11.5 final term.
Clubs in the finals will perhaps be glad not to be coming up against the ruthless Redbacks. - CHRIS EARL
It’s moment of truth for Pies
BOORT will need to replicate its early-season form if it is to beat Sea Lake Nandaly in Saturday’s North Central football first semifinal at Birchip.
The Magpies were top of the ladder after four rounds following massive wins over St Arnaud, Charlton and Donald and a shock victory over two-time reigning premiers Sea Lake. They fell back to earth with a thud in round five, losing to Calder United by 125 points, but a narrow defeat at the hands of the Tigers in round 11 is another reason for optimism.
The ladder, however, suggests an easy Sea Lake win.
Boort finished two matches and a whopping 111 per cent behind the Tigers, and despite two wins in a row enters the finals in so-so form.
Victories over St Arnaud (91 points) and Charlton (77 points) were barely par for the course in a season where those teams were largely uncompetitive. Before that, four consecutive losses put the Magpies in danger of missing the finals.
Much will rest on midfielderforward Jhye Baddeley-Kelly’s shoulders. He finished third in the league’s Feeny Medal after another fine season, but his record against the top sides is in stark contrast to his repeated monstering of poorer opponents. Boort will contest finals in all four grades this year.
FIRST SEMI FINALS
FIRST SEMI FINALS
SATURDAY AUGUST 23 AT BIRCHIP
SATURDAY AUGUST
It takes two ... Saints Luke Jackson and Bailey Durward block Wedderburn’s Mitch Jensen. LH PHOTO
SENIORS
Bridgewater 6.4 9.8 11.10 18.12 (120)
Pyramid Hill 2.4 5.6 9.9 11.10 (76)
GOALS – Bridgewater: L. Sharp, O. McKinley 5, B. Alexander 3, J. Neylon, J. Roberts, J. Ellings, T. Estrada, H. McKinley. Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford, B. Bisset 3, H. Goodes 2, M. Gunther, B. Carroll, S. Relouw.
BEST – Bridgewater: A. Powell, J. Mayes, L. Ellings, H. McKinley, O. McKinley, B. Alexander. Pyramid Hill: L. Sidebottom, B. Carroll, Z. Alford, K. Daniels, L. Moss, B. George. BL Serpentine 3.2 8.3 9.3 11.3 (69)
Inglewood 3.5 6.8 9.13 11.18 (84)
GOALS – BL Serpentine: J. Mellington 7, J. Wilkinson 2, R. Turner, C. Gadsden. Inglewood: S. Erharter, L. Marciano 3, K. Cavallaro, B. Cotchett 2, L. Harris. BEST – BL Serpentine: T. Miles, N. Twigg, F. Priest, J. Mellington, J. Bailey, R. Turner. Inglewood: H. Veitch, T. Kennedy, J. Whittle, K. Cavallaro, L. Marciano, B. Cotchett.
RESERVES
Bridgewater 1.3 2.11 2.12 4.14 (38)
Inglewood 0.1 1.4 3.6 4.7 (31)
GOALS – Bridgewater: A. Pollock 2, M. Baker, C. Hindle. Inglewood: D. Gorrie, J. Lovett, A. Lister, J. Essex. BEST – Bridgewater: C. Hindle, T. Naughton, C. Clapp, M. Baker, J. Higgins, A. McDowell. Inglewood: J. Barnett, J. Essex, A. Lister, C. Cohalan, T. Kilcullen, C. Martin.
BEST – Boort: J. Fitzpatrick, K. Rutley, M. Austin, R. McGhie, J. Baddeley-Kelly, L. Hall. Charlton: B. HooperDixon, B. Lanyon, E. Fitzpatrick, J. Thompson, R. Thompson, B. Kemp.
Birchip Watchem 7.6 12.9 19.13 26.18 (174)
Donald 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 8, J. Christie 5, M. Rippon 3, T. Gibson, H. Hosking, R. Conboy 2, R. Hogan Jr, L. Foott, D. Hinkley, C. Frank.
BEST – Birchip Watchem: J. Christie, M. Rippon, T. Gibson, C. Frank, H. Hosking, S. Simmons. Donald: H. Forrest, D. Pearce, C. Campbell, B. Griffiths, D. Bell-Warren, J. Adams.
Calder United 2.3 5.7
Sea Lake Nandaly
(60)
(68)
GOALS – Calder United: K. Hommelhoff 3, J. Exell 2, M. Farmer, D. Munro, R. Allan. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins, J. Summerhayes 3, L. McClelland 2, A. Collins, B. Delmenico.
BEST – Calder United: D. Watts, Z. Keighran, B. Bish, M. Wade, D. Munro, M. Trzeciak. Sea Lake Nandaly: T. Donnan, R. O’Sullivan, B. Delmenico, M. Cahoon, K. Donnan, A. Pattison.
Wedderburn 10.5 16.16
St Arnaud
(218)
(17)
GOALS – Wedderburn: M. Jensen 8, H. Lockhart, D. Jackson 5, J. Miller, N. Furlong 3, M. Smith, Z. Pallpratt 2, M. McEwen, D. Benaim, T. Metherell, O. Holt. St Arnaud: B. Nicholas, T. Petrie.
BEST – Wedderburn: H. Lockhart, J. McEwen, M. Jensen, D. Jackson, M. McEwen, J. Miller. St Arnaud: J. Kirwood, H. Durward, J. Male, M. Goode, L. Jackson, D. Gifford. Birchip Watchem 16 16
– Birchip Watchem: O. Cook, C. Jones, N. Dean, B. Kemp. Donald: Not supplied.
(3)
BEST – Boort: B. McPherson, C. Hird, D. Perryman, R. Wagner, C. Gooding, J. O’Flaherty. Charlton: I. Bourke, E. Soulsby, L. Van Boven, J. Monaghan, J. Wright, J. Fitzpatrick.
Calder United: M. Fawcett, D.
R. Hogan, D. Coles, T. Perry. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Allan, A. Renney, B. Kelly, H. Warne, R. Newick, C. Kelly.
Pyramid Hill 1.0 2.1 2.2 2.2 (14) BL Serpentine
(71)
GOALS – Pyramid Hill: K. Castleton, T. Aitken. BL Serpentine: J. Gladman 5, F. Holland, J. Murley, D. Poulter, B. Harrison, L. Murley.
BEST – Pyramid Hill: J. Douch, D. Lovell, P. Monaghan, D. A’Vard, R. Mitchell, N. Moon. BL Serpentine: C. Tuohey, M. Frecker, D. Poulter, T. Clarke, J. Stuart, C. Davies.
UNDER 18
East Loddon 2.4
(116)
Pyramid Hill 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.2 (8)
GOALS – East Loddon: A. Addlem 5, M. Gray 4, A. Roulston 3, J. Ketterer, F. Clymo 2, O. Balic. Pyramid Hill: T. Pritchard. BEST – East Loddon: M. Gray, A. Addlem, T. Rasmussen, J. Ketterer, J. Smith. Pyramid Hill: T. Pritchard, M. Caspani, T. Caine, E. Ray, K. Manton, J. Peter.
Maiden Gully 1.1 2.3 5.4 12.7 (79)
Inglewood 2.4 3.4 4.7 4.9 (33)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: L. Hancock 4, L. Budge 3, O. Bowman, S. Neervoort, J. Hutton, D. Bown, M. Lines. Inglewood: K. McClellan, M. Pickering 2. BEST – Maiden Gully: Z. Turner, T. Brook, L. Budge, L. Hancock, J. Beagley, H. Carter. Inglewood: J. Penrose, W. Schepers, T. Murphy, C. Hancock, T. Lovett, K. McClellan.
NORTH CENTRAL
SENIORS
Boort 4.3 5.5 9.8 15.10 (100)
Charlton 0.2 1.3 3.5 3.5 (23)
GOALS – Boort: K. Rutley 6, J. Baddeley-Kelly 4, H. Weaver, N. Whyte, T. Potter, P. Barbopoulos, J. Fitzpatrick, E. Coleman, T. Rutley. Charlton: B. Kemp, A. Patterson, B. Xiriha.
RESERVES
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: A. Hay 4, T. Wiantara 3, B. Colbert, M. Rickard 2, A. Noonan. Donald: G. Burke, G. Pearse. BEST – Birchip Watchem: B. Colbert, J. Lindeback, T. Wiantara, G. Addis, J. O’Donnell. Donald: J. Sheridan, G. Burke, B. Harrison, J. Borden, G. Morgan, D. Tatarskyj. Boort
Charlton
GOALS – Boort: A. Cockerell 7, J. Baker 4, P. O’Rourke 2, M. Beattie, C. O’Rourke. Charlton: Z. Dean, A. Wood. BEST – Boort: A. Trethowan, C. Ross, N. Scott, A. Cockerell, F. Millar, M. Coleman. Charlton: L. Dunne, J. Leathan, A. Wood, J. Durie, T. Catherine, N. McCallum. Wedderburn
– Calder United: T. Harrison, H.
G. Vearing, V. Harrison, J. Poyner, R. Harrison. Sea Lake Nandaly: R. Bailey, K. Wight, S. Pearce, M. Bailey, H. Landry, H. Cox. Birchip Watchem
(18)
(8)
BEST – Birchip Watchem: Not supplied. Donald: E. Geddes, S. Mortlock, N. Clapham, L. Clapham, C. Michael, R. Jones.
(1)
(87)
(46) St Arnaud
GOALS – Wedderburn: J. Piccoli 3, C. Hargreaves 2, N. Winslett, M. Woods. St Arnaud: T. Petrie 4, J. Hicks 3, H. McNally, J. Hicks, T. Ward, H. Torney, J. Male, C. Leach.
BEST – Wedderburn: A. Younghusband, R. Tonkin, M. Woods, R. Holt, S. Carroll, N. Winslett. St Arnaud: S. Elliott, H. McNally, T. Moore, T. Ward, A. Craddock, J. Hicks.
Calder United
Sea Lake Nandaly
BEST – Boort: L. King, T. Stringer, L. Lanyon, J. Durie, W. Brooks. Charlton: D. Olive, C. Zagame, I. Roberts, T. Fitzpatrick, J. Bartlett.
Arnaud
(76)
(38)
GOALS – Calder United: C. Green 4, H. Senior 2, T. Trewin, J. Turner, L. Cooper, B. Barker, D. Kelly, S. Kelly. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Weir 2, C. Michael, J. Clohesy. BEST – Calder United: J. Morrison, B. Forrester, C. Green, T. Trewin, S. Kelly, B. Barker. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Michael, C. Elliott, B. Weir, B. Stadon, R. McGarry, C. Tait.
Calder United 16 15
(13)
(50)
BEST – Wedderburn: B. Cramp, W. Huismann, L. Martin, C. Gault, B. Noordennen, J. Dierickx. St Arnaud: C. Hendy, C. Kirk, M. Stewart, S. Weir, X. Taylor, F. Wilson.
LODDON VALLEY
PYRAMID Hill has set up another epic A Grade netball clash with reigning premiers Mitiamo after a hard-fought qualifying final win over Newbridge.
The Maroons, who finished three games behind the Bulldogs after the home-and-away season, took it right up to their opponents in the first half in front of a big crowd at Marist College.
The margin was just a goal in Pyramid’s favour at the main break but with Jess Holdstock in top shooting form, the Bulldogs pulled away to win by 16 goals, asserting their dominance with a 20-9 last quarter.
Holdstock’s height and shooting accuracy always presented a challenge to Newbridge’s undersized defenders, who fought bravely, but inevitably the dam wall broke.
Redbacks top season on a high Bulldogs assert dominance to set up an epic encounter
Unbeaten Mitiamo, which had a week off after topping the ladder, has beaten the Bulldogs twice this season, but the most recent meeting saw just two goals between the sides.
Earlier in the year the Superoos won by 10 goals but clearly Pyramid Hill provides their strongest challenge in the competition.
The clash at Serpentine promises to be one for the ages.
Last year the two clubs met on the same weekend, with the Bulldogs emerging as victors.
BRIDGEWATER ended Marong’s season with a last-quarter surge that saw a tense battle appear clearer cut than it really was.
In bitterly cold and drizzly conditions on Mitiamo’s courts, Bridgey’s18-8 final term proved the difference between the sides.
A Grade
Pyramid Hill 11 23 37 57 (57)
Newbridge 12 22 32 41 (41)
Player of the match: Jess Holdstock (Pyramid Hill)
Bridgewater 14 28 40 58 (58)
Marong 12 23 38 46 (46)
Player of the match: Olivia Hoiles (Bridgewater)
A Reserve
Maiden Gully 12 32 45 62 (62)
Marong 17 28 40 49 (49)
Player of the match: Tammy Russel (Maiden Gully)
Pyramid Hill 10 20 30 40 (49)
Newbridge 11 18 30 40 (51)
Player of the match: Aleesha Flanagan (Pyramid Hill)
B Grade
Marong 12 25 45 57 (57)
Newbridge 11 19 27 40 (40)
Player of the match: Savannah Waters (Marong)
Pyramid Hill 14 24 31 38 (38)
Maiden Gully 5 12 15 21 (21)
The Panthers were always playing catch up but trailed by only two goals at the final change of ends.
Bridgewater’s bustling wing attack Olivia Hoiles provided a constant threat in mid court, with her clean ball handling and speed on the slippery surface a standout.
Bridgewater will now come up against Newbridge in the first semi-final to be played at Marong on Sunday, with the winner to play the loser of the MitiamoPyramid Hill match.
For the loser of Bridgey versus Newbridge, it’s season over.
In a remarkable club effort, all of Marong’s teams in Loddon Valley netball and football made the finals, with only the A Grade and B Reserve teams now out of premiership contention.
WEDDERBURN and Boort have a week off to ponder the next instalment in their bitter rivalry in North Central A Grade netball.
The Redbacks finished their unbeaten home-andaway season on a high with their biggest win of the year, a 94-35 demolition of bottom side St Arnaud. Boort’s 54-35 win over Charlton secured second place on the ladder, and another meeting with Wedderburn in the second semi-final, to be played on the Magpies’ home deck on August 30.
Redbacks coach Susie Lockhart said all her players – including those on the bench – contributed to the win, with Kelsey Pallpratt, playing as wing defence instead of her normal centre role, the team’s best on the day.
Assistant coach Aliza Lockhart played her first full A Grade match since returning from an ACL injury in June last year, adding to the team’s enviable depth. A 25-goal first quarter set the standard for Wedderburn, which increased its lead at every break against the wooden-spooners.
The Redbacks will train as usual tonight and will have an in-house hit out on Saturday morning before heading to Birchip to watch the clash between Sea Lake Nandaly and Calder United,
Those teams met last Saturday, with the Lions winning a low-scoring battle 36-32 to give them a psychological advantage going into the finals.
BOORT’S victory over Charlton came after a tug-of-war in the first half, with the Magpies leading by three goals at half-time.
The second half saw Boort exert its dominance, pouring on 30 goals to 14. Coach Carly Isaac said
the competitive nature of the match was welcome at this point in the season.
“Charlton is always tough, and they were at full strength, but we are looking pretty strong.”
Claire Smith, Isabel Soulsby and Remi Jeffery, who was later named as the team’s best-and fairest player for the season, were best for Charlton.
With all netball and football teams in the finals, it is an exciting week for the Magpies.
Isaac and her team may train on Saturday morning before going to Birchip to cheer on the B- and C-Grade netballers in their semi-finals.
She said her team was “super keen” to have another crack at the Redbacks on Saturday week.
“There’s a lot of things to work on – the girls all know that – and we’re pretty hungry for it.”
Magpies’ best
Boort held its best and fairest count on Sunday. A GRADE: Roxy Train. Runner-up Carly Isaac. Coach’s award Georgia Haw. B GRADE: Isabelle Hosking. Runner-up Emma Darker. Coach’s Award Britney Sykes. C GRADE: Ella Streader. Runner-up Anna Lanyon. Coach’s Award Anna Marcus. C RESERVE: Brooke Arnold. Runner-up Kristen Gooding. Coach’s Award Kristen Gooding UNDER 17: Anna Lanyon. Runner-up Hayley Yasa, Team Player Award Laci Streader. UNDER 14/GO: 14a Coach’s Award Amelia Hosking. 14b Coach’s Award Scarlett Crilly. Go Coach’s Award Mae McNally
Wally Manallack Award: Indie Gooding, Anna Lanyon.
St Arnaud 42
C Grade
Pyramid Hill 8 17 22 31 (31)
Maiden Gully 7 17 26 37 (37)
Player of the match: Hannah Flood (Maiden Gully) Newbridge 8 24 32 49 (49) Marong 11 19 29 35 (35) Player of the match: Jaci Rutter (Marong)
Boort 13, 24, 35, 49, (49) d Charlton 7, 13, 20, 27, (27). Wedderburn 22, 41, 61, 85, (85) d St Arnaud 10, 17, 32, 41, (41). Birchip Watchem 63, (63) d Donald 36, (36). Calder United 13, 29, 44, 59, (59) d Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 15, 22, 28, (28).
Wedderburn 64
Calder United 52
Boort 48
Birchip Watchem 44
St Arnaud 20
Sea Lake Nandaly 18
Donald 10
Charlton 0
Boort 17, 24, 42, 52, (52) d Charlton 7, 16, 25, 40, (40). Wedderburn 23, 38, 51, 59, (59) d St Arnaud 13, 25, 35, 46, (46). Birchip Watchem 42, (42) d Donald 19, (19). Calder United 18, 35, 44, 57, (57) d Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 16, 26, 34, (34).
Calder United 60
Wedderburn 48 Boort 44
Sea Lake Nandaly 40
Birchip Watchem 36
St Arnaud 20
Charlton 4 Donald 0
C Reserve
Wedderburn 14, 26, 37, 54, (54) d St Arnaud 9, 16, 19, 22, (22). Calder United 15, 23, 31, 42, (42) d Sea Lake Nandaly 5, 15, 26, 37, (37). Boort 40
Sea Lake Nandaly 40
Calder United 28
Birchip Watchem 16
Wedderburn 12
St Arnaud 0 17 & Under
Wedderburn 3, 13, 17, -, (29) lost to St Arnaud 16, 31, 46, -, (63). Calder United 18, 30, 49, 60, (60) d Sea Lake Nandaly 7, 12, 14, 17, (17). Boort 7, 18, 28, 35, (35) d Charlton 9, 13, 23, 28, (28). Birchip Watchem 77, (77) d Donald 37, (37).
Calder United 60
Birchip Watchem 56
Boort
LODDON VALLEY
NORTH CENTRAL
Wedderburn C Reserve goal shooter Jaymee Bailey. LH PHOTO
Best on court in the elimination final was Bridgewater’s Olivia Hoiles LH PHOTO
GOALKICKING
114 - (5) - Lachie Sharp - Bridgewater
99 - (7) - Josh Mellington - BL Serpentine
73 - (3) - Benjamin Bisset - Pyramid Hill
62 - (3) - Seb Erharter - Inglewood
44 - (0) - Kain Robins - Marong
43 - (5) - Oscar McKinley - Bridgewater
20 - (1) - Zach Alford - Pyramid Hill RESERVES
47 - (0) - David Blume - Marong
41 - (0) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill
35 - (0) - Cooper Hale - Marong
32 - (1) - Frasier Holland - BL Serpentine
31 - (0) - Sebastian De Napoli - Marong UNDER 18
62 - (2) - Mitchell Pickering - Inglewood
62 - (4) - Lincoln Hancock - Maiden Gully
50 - (0) - Raymond McNamara - Marong
41 - (0) - Riley Doorty - Marong
NORTH CENTRAL
SENIORS
124 - (8) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem
72 - (4) - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort
63 - (2) - Jack Exell - Calder United
61 - (8) - Mitch Jensen - Wedderburn
55 - (0) - Max Cahoon - Sea Lake Nandaly
39 - (6) - Kayne Rutley - Boort
34 - (0) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem
30 - (0) - Jordan Humphreys - Calder United
27 - (0) - Adam Pattison - Sea Lake Nandaly
27 - (2) - Lachy McClelland - Sea Lake Nandaly
26 - (1) - Mitch Farmer - Calder United
26 - (2) - Rhona Conboy - Birchip Watchem
24 - (2) - Tom Gibson - Birchip Watchem
23 - (0) - Jye Mortlock - Wedderburn Seniors
22 - (0) - Joseph Reid - Birchip Watchem
20 - (1) - Mitchell McEwen - Wedderburn
20 - (1) - Peter Barbopoulos - Boort
Bridgey bonds of brotherhood
By GARY WALSH
THE MESSAGES from the rival coaches at three-quarter time of Bridgewater and Pyramid Hill’s qualifying final on Saturday could not have been more different.
Bulldogs boss Nathan Fitzpatrick, having seen his team fight back from a six-goal deficit in the first quarter to get within 13 points at the last change, was all about momentum.
The Mean Machine were on the run, he told his players. They were panicking, ripe for the kill.
Thirty metres away, Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp was preaching unity and the bonds of brotherhood.
By contrast, Pyramid Hill’s players – drawn from far afield –didn’t train together, he said, and didn’t really know each other.
And in the last quarter Bridgey played like men who knew one another inside out, pouring on seven unanswered goals before the Bulldogs pulled two back in the last minutes, winning by 44 points.
The Mean Machine got into their opponents’ heads, with two of the first three last-term goals aided by 50-metre penalties.
Pyramid Hill star Kai Daniels, who had played mostly in defence and had been impressive, was matched up against the relatively diminutive Bo Alexander.
Twice Alexander led hard for the ball and out-marked Daniels.
The first time, Bulldogs veteran Gavin James strayed into the protected area and gave away 50, putting Alexander on the goal line.
When Alexander marked strongly again, a frustrated Dan-
iels threw him to the ground, conceding another 50-metre penalty.
The Bridgewater veteran strolled to the goal line as players pushed and shoved, with Sharp tangling with Daniels and nuggety utility Ben Knight.
With those two goals sandwiching Sharp’s fifth major, Bridgey’s lead was – seemingly in an instant – stretched to 31 points.
Four more followed, the margin blowing out beyond 50 points before Pyramid’s two late goals had Mean Machine players demanding more focus, angered to be giving up even those largely insignificant scores.
The Bulldogs won the toss and kicked with the breeze, although the wind was mostly blowing across the ground towards the pavilion.
Bridgewater promptly kicked six goals in the first 25 minutes of the match, with Sharp booting four of his own.
The lead was 39 points when Pyramid full-forward Ben Bisset won a free and converted, and then Zach Alford marked on the goal line to trim the margin to 24 points at the first change.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle, with neither team able to gain ascendency, but after the main break the Bulldogs for
the first time took control. With ruckman
on top in an epic battle with Alex Powell and Jack Milligan, Pyramid kicked four goals to two in the third quarter to set up what looked likely to be a grandstand finish.
But the Mean Machine had other ideas. Powell, key defender Joe Mayes, star midfielder Luke Ellings and the McKinley brothers, Harry and Oscar (five goals) were best for the winners.
The Bulldogs’ best included Sidebottom, Brodie Carroll, Alford and Daniels, with the team needing to regroup quickly before facing Inglewood.
Woodies ruin Mellington’s push for a party
WITH Bears Lagoon Serpentine closing to within 13 points halfway through the last quarter of Saturday’s elimination final, Inglewood decided enough was enough.
The Woodies forced ball up after ball up, contest after contest, spending the best part of 15 minutes parked on their half-forward line while the Bears’ enigmatic full-forward Josh Mellington stood marooned on 99 goals at the other end of the Mitiamo ground.
If the footy was kicked forward by Serp, there was always an Inglewood player to take a relieving mark, with the team set up brilliantly behind the ball.
In the end, 15 more scoring shots translated into a 15-point win for the Woodies, who now face Pyramid Hill for a spot in the preliminary final.
With Melllington needing eight goals to reach his century, it was always going to be a fractious day.
Josh Whittle was chosen to stand the former Fremantle player, and while he gave up seven goals, he was one of Inglewood’s best on the day – scragging, pushing, niggling, and giving as good as he got.
Poking the Bear was never more fun Four of Mellington’s seven goals came from free kicks – some of them 50-50 calls at best – but the Serp star wasn’t content.
He was in the field umpire’s
ear claiming that Whittle had jumper-punched him in the third quarter, calling for frees and berating spectators who delighted in taunting him.
But this was really the sideshow to a do-or-die main event.
Inglewood kicked the first three goals of the match, establishing a lead that was turned around by half-time, with the Bears’ accurate kicking putting them seven points in front at half-time.
Slippery conditions and persistent drizzle made ball-handling an inexact science for both sides, with gaining territory the main focus.
The Woodies kicked 3.5 to 1.0 in the third term and turned for home with a 10-point lead.
Two early goals saw the margin reach 24 points before Gabe Nevins kicked the proverbial handy point with a roost from beyond 50. A couple of quick breaks saw Mellington’s two goals trim the lead, but Inglewood always had things in hand and took a succession of uncontested marks to close out the win.
Bears ruckman Nathan Twigg and his Inglewood counterpart Tom Kennedy had a tremendous battle all day, with honours even.
Midfielder Harry Veitch was the Woodies’ best along with Kai Cavallaro, Liam Marciano and Bregon Cotchett.
Tyler Miles, Farren Priest, James Bailey and Ross Turner were best for Serp.
Lachlan Sidebottom
Inglewood spoils
Josh Mellington in his chase for a century. LH PHOTO
In pursuit of lucky 13
BRIDGEWATER is looking for lucky 13 this week against Marong in the Loddon Valley Football League second semi-final at Serpentine.
If the Mean Machine can stretch its winning streak by another week, it will head into a grand final looking for a first flag since 2016.
Bridgey tends to deal in streaks – that premiership was the club’s remarkable sixth in a row and last week’s win over Pyramid Hill came on the back of six-and seven-goal runs.
Coach Lachlan Sharp said the Panthers were a quality outfit and his side needed to be on song to win against the three-time reigning premiers for a second time this year.
In round 13, Bridgewater shocked Marong by 29 points on its home turf, inflicting the Panthers’ biggest loss in four seasons.
“If we can get going, our game stacks up,” Sharp said. “Bringing our A-game is good enough to get us into a grand final.
“We’re happy to get first crack at Marong – they have been the best for a long time now.”
Ruckman Oliver Watt will try to prove his fitness for the weekend, but Sharp was unsure if he would return through the seniors or reserves, with Marong the opponent in both grades.
There is great incentive for Panthers’ coaches Kain Robins and Paul Thomson to get their team into the grand final, with the pair handing over the role to former Kangaroo
Flat boss James Flaherty next year. Robins, at 40 years of age, is still a mainstay of the Marong attack, with 44 goals for the season and Ryley Taylor has 42.
Both Bridgewater and Marong have forward lines that share the
Last year’s preliminary final saw Marong stop the Mean Machine’s flag thrust. Can they do it again?
BREATH easy Inglewood! The vocal cheer squad of Howard Rochester and the legion of fans will have a sigh of relief that I am tipping against the Blues for Sunday’s Loddon Valley first semifinal.
Not that I don’t believe the Blues can do it, and boy have they brought joy and pleasure to fans with a tremendous season against the odd.
Rather, only the very brave and totally foolish would tip against a Pyramid Hill that faces going out in straight sets after having been there for a final crack the last two seasons.
Nathan Fitzpatrick can still weave a bit of magic and have the Bulldogs staying in contention.
This match will not be won with a quarter or two of good play, it will required a total fourterm commitment.
Until proven otherwise, Marong still has one hand on the premiership cup for a fourth time.
burden. Sharp’s 114 for the season is a standout.
But the Mean Machine also has Oscar McKinley, who has kicked 43 goals from just nine games while commuting from the Gold Coast.
The team whose defence can get on top will go a long way to securing that grand final berth.
Skipper, defender face fitness tests
INGLEWOOD, already on its best run of form in more than 20 years, is likely to be strengthened by two key inclusions for Sunday’s first semi-final.
Captain Nathan Angelino and key defender Cody Stobaus are expected to prove their fitness for the do-or-die clash.
Coach Fergus Payne said the side had no injuries in last week’s win over Bears Lagoon Serpentine and would enter the match with confidence, having beaten the Bulldogs by 44 points in round 15.
The Woodies have won six games in a row and celebrated their first finals win in 22 years last Sunday, while Pyramid Hill lost to a rampant Bridgewater.
The question is whether Inglewood can sustain its run for another three weeks, beginning with the team that has made the past two grand finals.
Payne said key forward Ben Bisset, who has kicked 73 goals for the season, was one player his team would need to focus on, with a range of options to stand him including Josh Whittle, who
fought a fascinating battle with Josh Mellington last week.
“We’re playing good football, and we need to ensure we’re all on the same page,” he said.
Pyramid Hill’s form has fluctuated over the season as the team has dealt with injury disruption.
Last week’s loss to Bridgewater featured six- and seven-goal bursts by the Mean Machine, a problem the Bulldogs will need to address against Inglewood, which has a potent forward line led by Seb Erharter (62 goals) and Kai Cavallaro (24).
Star midfielder Bregon Cotchett has kicked 22 goals for the season as well.
Bulldogs coach Nathan Fitzpatrick noted after the Bridgewater defeat that his team outscored the Mean Machine apart from the two goal blitzes in the first and fourth quarters.
However, while he was encouraged by the fightback in the middle quarters, he bemoaned the head start his team gave Bridgewater and the inability to disrupt the Mean Machine’s run-on in the last quarter.
South-bound Tigers lodge paperwork with league
IT’S ALMOST time to welcome the Tigers.
Macorna Football Netball Club has officially notified AFL Central Victoria of its intent to transfer to the Loddon Valley league next season, and AFLCV is hopeful of resolving the issue by the end of the month.
On Tuesday at 11am, the Golden Rivers league club lodged the paperwork to begin the process of seeking approval for the move.
AFLCV will now meet with Tigers officials to go over the reasons for choosing the Loddon Valley league after a decision was made in June to abolish the Golden Rivers competition at season’s end.
Loddon Valley clubs will then be given an opportunity to look over the application before voting on whether to accept Macorna as the league’s 10th club.
The Tigers will need at least seven of the clubs to approve the transfer, with strong support from the league’s administration expected to help smooth the process.
Loddon Valley president Richard Hicks said the clubs would come together to vote on Macorna’s application as soon as possible, but with finals being played a decision might not be possible by the end of August.
“I’m hopeful it will be a unanimous decision from the clubs,” Hicks said.
“Clubs I have spoken to over the weekend seem fairly positive about it.
“We’ll look to have it tidied up as soon as possible.”
He said a prompt decision was important for Macorna, which could then go about recruiting players with its future secured.
And on the subject of players … Bridgewater coach and champion goalkicker Lachlan Sharp is a Macorna boy, playing his early football with the Tigers. He is contracted for next season with the Mean Machine, but might he travel north to his old hunting ground after that?
Sharp welcomed Macorna’s likely arrival and said it would be “surreal” playing against his old club, but wouldn’t be drawn on the possibility of pulling on the yellow and black in future years.
The Marcorna move comes as Maiden Gully is tipped to make a fresh bid to join Bendigo league in 2027 and Maryborough, that stood out of senior competition in Bendigo this season, confirms it will remain a junior only club next season.
Sure, Bridgewater is on one of those great rolls. But a loss, a reality check is the term used on post-match press conferences, would not do any harm, to the Mean Machine’s chances of dethroning their kings.
Marong, the minor premiers, will come into the second semifinal with fresh legs and news of a new coach in 2026.
There’s four left in this hunt for the flag and any one of them, on their day, could emerge victors.
However, one must drop out of the race this weekend.
There’s been talk that a Bridgewater-Inglewood grand final at Newbridge would be an absolute blockbuster.
Unless my tips are totally off whack for this weekend, that will not happen in 2025.
My crystal ball says it could not that far into the future.
- GLENN CATTO
PREDICTIONS
goalkicking
Sharp has booted 16 goals and McKinley 15 in the past two matches, with both snaring five against Pyramid Hill.
Loddon HERALD sport
Thursday AUGUST 21, 2025
THE LEGEND STEPS UP AGAIN
TRUE BLUE
By GARY WALSH
TRUE Blue Darrell Billett is suddenly back in the thick of football as Inglewood pushes its rising Loddon Valley league credentials.
The Blues’ legend who forged a reputation as a player, goalkicker, premiership team member and coach has again stepped up for the club.
Billett’s key role return this time is as interim president after Tim Birthisel was forced to step down due to ill health.
Approached to become president while in Perth a fortnight ago and despite not being a member of the club committee Billet said he had agreed to accept the responsibility, at least until the AGM in October.
“I’d just got used to not being involved. My wife and I have a van, and we move around during the winter,” he said.
But Billett’s connection to the club of which he is a life member is powerful, and he couldn’t say no at a time of need.
His return has coincided with Inglewood’s best season in decades and saw a stunning win over Bears Lagoon Serpentine last Sunday for its first finals success in 22 years.
The senior team has now won six games on the trot and booked a semi-final meeting with Pyramid Hill this weekend.
The Woodies beat the Bulldogs by 44 points in round 15 and began the season with narrow losses to three-time premiers
Marong, Serp and Bridgewater. “There’s no ceiling really, considering how competitive we were at the start of the year,” Billett said.
He first played for the Woodies in 1980: “I had a couple of mates, and we formed a real bond and wanted to play together. We were a close group for a long period of time.”
Apart from a season with South Bendigo in 1983, Billett spent his entire career at Inglewood, and he is a member of the Team of the Century.
He kicked a century of goals on his return to the Loddon Valley league in 1984 and was a
member of Inglewood’s last premiership side two years later.
Billett played until 1996 when he retired at 35 but was back in the coaching box in 2006 at a time when the club was at a low ebb.
Inglewood didn’t win a game in his first two years as coach but improved in 2008 before Billett stepped down because of family commitments.
HHe bobbed up as coach again in 2020, a season which was wiped off the map by COVID. Inglewood was again in crisis, losing 52 players and ending the 12game 2021 season winless.
“We were really decimated at the time, with half a dozen play-
ers each week having to play twice,” Billett said.
“We knew it was going to be ordinary.”
Improvement came in 2022, and in 2023 the team returned to the finals, only to lose to Bridgewater in a thrilling elimination final.
Billett then handed the reins to current coach Fergus Payne, who has brought the team back to the finals in his second year.
And the new president said he was happy to “stand back” and let Payne get on with his job, enjoying the ride from the sidelines as Inglewood pushes deeper into Loddon Valley finals action.
THE TIGERS ARE COMING - PAGE 23
Cockerell claims best reserves
BOORT has been given a fillip heading into North Central football finals with reserves forward Alex Cockerell taking out the league’s best-and-fairest award.
In a late swoop, Cockerell shared the Goldsmith Trophy win on 15 votes with Sea Lake Nandaly’s Brody Weir.
He kicked 49 goals in his 16 games, with three votes for his seven goals against Charlton last Saturday enabling him to catch Weir, who did not poll a vote against Calder United.
Cockerell’s goal tally saw him tied with another Tigers player, Joel Clohesy, in the goalkicking lists after the home-and-away season.
The Magpies reserves will take on ladder-leading Calder in Saturday’s second semi-final, with a grand final spot on offer for the winners.
For the second year in succession, Boort’s Jhye Baddeley-Kelly has finished in the top three of voting for the Feeny Medal in senior football.
He polled 22 votes to finish two behind joint winners Hamish Hosking from Birchip Watchem and Sea Lake’s Wade Donnan, who took out the medal last season.
Baddeley-Kelly kicked 72 goals for the year as Boort returns to the finals, including two hauls of 10.
He had eight votes after three matches to take an early lead in the count.
Baddeley-Kelly feasted on the bottom three sides, compiling 20 votes, including six matches named best afield, in seven games against St Arnaud, Charlton and Donald.
He polled in every game against the cellar dwellers – 20 of 21 possible votes – but only claimed votes in one other match, with two against Sea Lake Nandaly in round 11.
Wedderburn’s Hamish Lockhart finished equal fourth with 21 votes.
Darrell Billett ... Inglewood blood still running strong. LH PHOTO
