Loddon Herald 21 October 2021

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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 39 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 ISSN 2653-1550

NEW TREATMENT TO ‘REMOVE ODOUR FROM TOWN SUPPLY’

WATER IS OKAY

A NEW treatment unit will be installed this week to improve the taste and odour of Boort water.

Coliban Water says the powdered activated carbon unit will be commissioned within days.

“The taste and odour compounds that are causing the issue are naturally-occurring and can be produced by algae or a range

By CHRIS EARL

of microorganisms that live in raw water,” a Coliban spokesperson said on Tuesday.

However, Coliban said Boort’s water supplied continued to “comply with all health-based guideline values in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines”.

The regional water corporation late Friday evening first issued an assurance on water

quality after complaints about its taste and smell last week.

In its update, Coliban said: “An additional water treatment process is expected to be commissioned by the middle of this week to remove taste and odour compounds which are affecting raw water quality in Boort.

“There are no health risks associated with the drinking water.

It is safe for all drinking, bathing and food preparation purposes.

“We are working as fast as we can to make the additional water treatment process operational.

“This will involve commissioning a powdered activated carbon, or PAC, dosing unit. PAC dosing units are widely used in water treatment, in Australia, and overseas.”

Coliban said water quality samples had been taken on Tuesday and the results would be received later in the week.

“We will continue to sample for the presence of taste and odour compounds after the PAC dosing unit is commissioned to make sure it is effectively removing these compounds,” Coliban said.

“We are working as fast as we can to make the additional water treatment process operational.”

Coliban said it would continue to update customers on its work to improve the Boort supply.

HAY PADDOCKS CUT ... AND DRYING WYCHITELLA farmer Keith Bird has cut more than 890 hectares of vetch and oaten hay this month.

Destined for local suppliers and the export market, Keith says that after last week’s 20mm of rain, a few clearer days are needed to help with drying the hay before baling.

“If there’s not much more rain, it should turn out quite good quality,” he said when checking moisture levels in the paddocks.

“The more rain, the poorer the quality ... the protein level comes down. That’s one of the challenges with hay.”

Hay Australia’s Victorian operations manager Geoff Walker says quality hay will be in demand again this season.

Access to containers for export continues to impact the market with fodder being prepared for shipment from the company’s Bridgewater facility.

FULL REPORT - PAGE 9

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2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021

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HRISTMAS is just around the corner and there have been a few lists start to emerge ... not those prepared by youngsters detailing the presents they would like left by the jolly old fellow during his whirlwind world tour rewarding boys and girls who have been well behaved throughout the year. These lists are telling Santa’s deputies representing him at shopping centres and the like what will happen in the weekends leading up to the great December day. Even though the jolly chaps already have thick, flowing white beards, they have been instructed to still wear a mask and not even to whisk it off for a photograph with his admirers. The big question is: Will the mask be over or under the long white locks?

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E also learned in the last week that kids won’t be able to join Santa on his throne or sit on his lap to tell Mr Claus what is included on their Christmas present wish lists at those big city shopping centres. And to keep Santa safe, out of quarantine and controlled by the dictates of QR codes and all the other apps, the lengthy queues waiting for Santa photos will also vanish as online bookings will have to be made prior to arriving at the shopping centres.

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E’RE not sure whether Santa check-ins will be possible at some Loddon locations where internet connectivity is dodgey at the best of times. Perhaps, Rudolph can hover above and using his blinking nose, Morse code style, to relay location.

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OW talking of location, we bumped into regular OTF correspondent Will at the weekend. He was out on the golf course hiding his scorecard from fellow golfers also in training - you might remember that Will shares the Loddon Herald weekly quiz with a cousin over in England and meekly admits that the quiz score is sometimes above par for his

returns with irons and woods around the district. Turns out Will has been loving the quiz in recent weeks, questions seemingly giving him an advantage of the brainiac cousin. We could have easily taken his thanks but had to be honest. There’s been a guest quizmaster the last few weeks, part of the repayment for changing the parents’ empty-nest status ... temporarily.

But like all empty nesters, it’s good when the young adults are back home.

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HERE’S a few stories about empty nesters adjusting to life - you still think of eating out as going through the drive-through at McDonalds, you still walk around your car, checking for new damage, you start having more conversations at home, especially in that cutesy baby-waby tone of voice . . . with your cat or dog.

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ND finally, some Santa jokes. What’s Santa’s favourite type of music? Wrap.

Why is Santa so good at karate? He has a black belt. Why does Santa go through the chimney?

Because it soots him.

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UT being more than eight weeks to Christmas, we’ll give Yuletide writings a rest until the month of December.

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

FAMILY CONNECTION: Ron Heenan with his copy of the 1931 Tarnagulla poster. LH PHOTO

From the maestro to town’s ‘Worst Circus’

RON Heenan is over the moon after receiving a copy of a famous 1931 poster that’s part of his family history.

The Inglewood identity has been proudly showing friends the promotional poster for Tarnagulla’s grand athletic sports meeting in 1931.

The billing of events included a monster procession along the main street to “that old and favourite resort the reservoir reserve” with the Dunolly and Tarnagulla Brass Band at its head under baton of maestro Heenan,

Ron’s grandfather. “He was a great cornet player and my father also played in brass bands,” Ron said.

“I didn’t play, I was too busy doing other things.”

The day’s events included many tongue-in-cheek sideshows with General Jim Tobin’s The Worst Circus, The Great Spanish Bull Fight from Santa Arnaud and lots of clowns.

The event raised money for Inglewood and Dunolly hospitals and Ron says the poster is now one of his prized possessions.

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Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021 | 3

It’s best to be safe STAFF at an Inglewood business have been given the all-clear after closing Friday night.

Inglewood Cafe owner Peter Driffill said he closed the shop as a precaution after a person received a phone call that they might have been in contact with a COVID-positive case.

“We had to put our customers and staff first,” Peter said.

“In a small town, community must come before profit and the feedback from our customers is that they appreciated it.”

Peter’s cafe call came as cases continue to rise in regional Victoria with at least five schools closed in Bendigo during the week.

On Sunday, Premier Daniel Andrews announced Melbourne would come out of its worldlongest lockdown from 11.59pm tonight although people will not be allowed to travel into regional Victoria unless an authorised worker.

The Premier also announced that all school levels would return to the classroom from tomorrow and gave the go-ahead for indoor sport with minimum numbers allowed.

Up to 10 visitors a day will be allowed to homes and patron caps have been increased for indoor and outdoor dining, Outdoor venues will increase from 20 to up to 100 people per venue, but only if everyone is fully vaccinated. If vaccination status is unknown, the venue can only have a total of 20 people.

The next milestone in the Government’s roadmap will be when Victoria hits the 80 per cent double-dose vaccination target, which is predicted to be the first week of November.

Local priority LODDON residents will be given priority for COVID-19 testing at Inglewood and Districts Health Service. Inglewood and Boort health services are providing week day testing. In a statement, IDHS said: “Priority is given to Loddon Shire residents who are unable to travel to larger regional centres for testing. Members of the public from outside our catchment are encouraged to call and check if we have capacity for additional appointments.” Bendigo testing sites have been closing early this week as queues form from early morning with recent increase in cases and exposure sites in that city.

Kim Gibson starts work under the guidance of Michelle Murray. LH PHOTO

Looking afar to fill worker vacancies JENNY Round has overcome a staff shortage at her Wedderburn fish and chip shop, recruiting staff from hundreds of kilometres away.

She was forced to look further when available staff numbers were reduced with introduction of the worker vaccination mandate.

The State Government now requires employees in

hundreds of occupations, and CFA volunteers, to be vaccinated.

Among those to answer Jenny’s call for help has been Kim Gibson who arrived from Cranbourne last week. But coming from an area that was still in lockdown, Jenny said she had 10 pages of government paperwork to complete for Kim to start.

Pubs waiting on legal details from Government HOTELS and cafes are waiting on details from the State Government after Sunday’s announcements increased patron caps for indoor and outdoor dining.

“The new caps will allow us to work towards getting back to some type of normality,” said Victoria Hotel Pyramid Hill publican Paul Carter.

“This should make it easier to

offer dining bookings on Friday and Saturday nights,” he said.

However, hotels say the release of detailed information to work with the new patron caps would be vital to making the changes work.

Australian Hotels Association has told local member hotels that it expected the new government directions to be available yester-

day, 48 hours before larger numbers are allowed at hotel.

The AHA wrote to members saying it wanted information around the legal capacity and responsibility of publicans in enforcing new rules.

These include how hotels are to verify vaccination status on entry, required record keeping and vaccination verification

methods additional to the Service Victoria QR code check-in with linked vaccination certificate.

The association also said it is seeking clarity on “the legal protection provided to the venue operator to implement vaccination certification requirements.”

Lower caps will apply if all patrons are not vaccinated.

Download proof TO add a COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app, you’ll need to be fully vaccinated and have the latest version of the Service Victoria app installed.

You’ll also need a Medicare online account or individual healthcare identifier linked to your myGov account or the latest version of the Express Plus Medicare app. Full instructions www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-yourcovid-19-digital-certificate

Health checks LOCAL businesses have reported visits over the past week from Department of Health and Human Services authorised officers checking COVID and vaccination compliance.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021

Wedding seeds grow hall harvest life party plan

YANDO hall is finding new life after a wedding earlier this year.

Since Anna Beamish and Damien Lanyon chose the hall for their ceremony, Anna has become hall committee president and is now organising a harvest and Christmas celebration at the hall.

“It’s a gorgeous little hall and our wedding has been one of the few functions held there for years,” she said.

“The committee has decided to bring the community together

a few days before Christmas in celebration of the festive season but also to celebrate harvest.

“Harvest will be a busy time for people in the area and should be finished by Christmas week, so we want to celebrate that as well.

“Even if there’s still a few days to go, the farmers can knock off for a few hours, enjoy a couple of drinks and see others in the community.”

Anna said the building was a town hall and she wanted to

generate extra community spirit in the Christmas week function with locals volunteering as performers and helpers.

“People have so many hidden talents, whether they can sing, dance or play an instrument, so this is their chance to share them at a happy time of the year,” Anna said.

The Yando harvest and Christmas celebration will be on December 21.

“This is a way we can gather and catch up,” Anna said.

It started with a wedding ... Anna and Damien’s marriage has spurred a new function for Yando hall.

Pink month check call AS Loddon communities join in Pink Up Your Town throughout October, the call has gone out for residents to keep ahead of the state for breast cancer screening.

Inglewood and Districts Health Service health promotion officer Cindy Gould said that among local women aged 50 to 74, 91.8 per cent had been tested with a mammogram, “This compares with the state average of 90 per cent,” Cindy said.

“And in the two years to 2017, 80 per cent of woman had a mammogram, again up on the state average.

“But with the interruptions of COVID over the past two years, it’s important the people still have a mammogram. Breastscreen Victoria is continuing to offer the checks.”

Cindy said it was fantastic that the Loddon community had increased screening rates in the past 10 years and “it is important this type of prevention continues”.

In 2010-2012, Loddon’s reported rate of breast cancer screening was slightly below the Victorian average - 53 per cent compared to Victoria 55 per cent.

“October is the month to remind everyone to have a regular breast screen,” she said.

“Pink Up Your Town is an incredible initiative run through the McGrath Foundation in which communities come together to ‘Pink Up’ – not only to raise funds that support specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses, but to create a visual show of support for local families experiencing breast cancer, and also to remind women aged 50-74 that Breastscreen Victoria are still operating through restrictions.”

And in case you missed it, today’s front page of the Loddon Herald has turned pink in support of the region-wide breast cancer awareness campaign. We’ll stay pink for the rest of October encouraging people to have regular breast cancer checks.

Campground decision expected this month Before we can do the thing we want to do, there’s something we all need to do first.

Book your COVID-19 vaccination.

Visit Australia.gov.au or call 1800 020 080.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

A DECISION on Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve committee’s application for funds to upgrade the campground sewerage system is expected within weeks.

The committee applied for a grant from Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning after the park was temporarily closed to campers in April when the existing plant was unable to treat effluent.

The committee was given a reprieve after assistance from the department and Loddon Shire Council that included regular removal of septic waste.

Replacement costs have been estimated at $100,000.

The campground is popular with visitor gold fossickers, detectorists and caravanners.

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021 | 5

Poppy Appeal turns 100 VETERANS across Loddon communities are preparing for a special year selling poppies in the lead up to Remembrance Day. It is 100 years ago that the first RSL Poppy Appeal was conducted to raise funds for assisting veterans from World War One. And local RSLs are hoping Loddon residents will support the centenary appeal and buy a poppy or a special 100th anniversary badge.

Members of Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL sub-branch gathered at the Inglewood memorial on Saturday morning to begin the 2021 appeal.

The Grant Street memorial was nearing completion this time in 1921 and the sub-branch will hold a special commemorative service on the centenary of its unveiling in December.

Sub-branch secretary Bill Concol said poppies would be available from a number of shops and businesses leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11, marking the Armistice that ended fighting in World War One at 11am on that day.

Canadian Colonel John McCrae first described the red poppy, the Flanders’ poppy, as the flower of remembrance.

The red poppies were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking

Tuesday lunches

Wendy Gilmour pins a Poppy Appeal centenary badge on Arthur Alsop’s lapel on Saturday as Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL members look on. LH PHOTO the ground and in England in 1919, the British Legion sought an emblem that would honour the dead and help the living. The Red Poppy was adopted as that emblem and since then has been accepted as the Emblem of Remembrance.

It was adopted by the RSL in Australia in 1921 who said: “The

Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia and other Returned Soldiers Organisations throughout the British Empire and Allied Countries have passed resolutions at their international conventions to recognise the Poppy of Flanders’ Fields as the international memorial flower to be worn on the

anniversary of Armistice Day.” The poppy is worn in memory of the buried in Flanders’ Fields, to keep alive the memories of the sacred cause for which they laid down their lives and as a bond of esteem and affection between the soldiers of all Allied nations and in respect for France, the common battleground.

The second round of the Future Drought Fund is now open and accepting applications by 15 November 2021.

Funding is available for activities that focus on strengthening social connectedness, building social capital and funding transformative local initiatives that will enable agricultural communities to be more prepared for the impacts of drought.

Victorian Seniors’ Festival 2021

The grants can fund community-led initiatives such as events, projects, activities, training and small-scale infrastructure that will strengthen community engagement, networking and preparedness for drought.

Have you checked out the 2021 Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined!

Seniors online is delighted to bring you some fantastic online programs and performances - presenting a diverse and rich mix of programming for their online and radio audience through to the end of the year.

To learn more about the funding, the types of initiatives the program can support, how to apply, and to download the guidelines: https://frrr.org.au

New performances are being added every month and special programs have been curated for you to enjoy. They feature a range of cultures in Victoria’s diverse society, bringing cultural leaders and emerging artists together in conversation, and meeting artists and cultural practitioners in their studios and workplace – the 2021 Festival Reimagined will surprise and delight you.

Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 2 November, is a public holiday in the Loddon Shire.

Council’s Wedderburn office and other facilities will be closed on that day, however, should emergency assistance be required, please report the matter by contacting Council on 5494 1200.

The Visitor Information Centre in Wedderburn will be open on Melbourne Cup Day to assist people visiting the region.

Visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival

Melbourne Cup Day holiday

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

TARNAGULLA Primary School has decided to continue with Tuesday lunches for students in term four.

The lunches have been enjoyed by students when not in lockdown throughout the year and because of those interruptions, will continue this term.

Last classes LODDON school students in Year 12 had their final day of formal classes last Friday.

They are now preparing for the start of VCE examinations over coming weeks with graduations planned by schools for December.

Swimming Hole – new ladder A custom-built ladder has been installed on the island swimming pontoon at the Bridgewater Swimming Hole.

The ladder was designed and constructed specifically for this location and we would like to thank Bridgewater community members for their input into the design.

The new stainless steel ladder has more rungs and length making the ladder easier and safer to use.

Please contact Council’s Community Support Department on (03) 5494 1200 if you require further information.

WEDDERBURN

SERPENTINE

41 High Street Wedderburn 3515

37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine 3516

T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003

T: 5494 1202 F: 5437 8407

Open to the public, subject to

Currently closed to the public, customer support service available by phone

COVID-19 restrictions Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

Streetscape in community plan STREETSCAPE improvements will be a focus of Inglewood Tourism Development in its 2021-2031 community plan.

The committee’s 10-year plan was presented to Loddon Shire councillors last week after review and community consultation.

President Carey Ims said streetscape works had been a hope of the committee for some years., “It will certainly be our focus under the new plan and we look forward to favourable consideration of our requests to council,” Carey said.

Future Drought Fund

Mayor Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

IN BRIEF

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021

Mark Simmonds and Robert Condliffe remove the drinking fountain from Inglewood pool last week. LH PHOTO

Lions giving new water of life to drinking fountain

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FOR more than 50 years, generations using Inglewood swimming pool have sipped thirst-quenching water on hot summer days from a drinking fountain.

The fountain, donated by the town’s Lions club in 1967, has now been removed for refurbishment.

It had stood in a corner near the toddlers’ pool but the upgrade of facilities in recent years by Loddon Shire Council meant time had come for a makeover.

Club member Robert Condliffe said

members would give new life to the fountain.

“We don’t know yet whether the fountain will be returned to the swimming pool or whether to place it outside our clubrooms that are part of the RSL hall,” he said.

“Either way, we’re not throwing it away.

The fountain was one of the local community projects in the early years of the club and helps show the work club members have done since the club was formed.”

100% across the board THE Murray system has been added to other northern Victorian catchments with a 100 per cent allocation of highreliability water shares.

Resources manager Mark Bailey last week announced the latest changes to his determination with other systems, including the Loddon, unchanged at the full allocation. Dr Bailey said availability of seasonal determination against lowreliability water shares was expected to increase with an announcement expected in his next update.

History of house MITIAMO resident John Pedersen has asked readers’ for assistance with infor-

IN BRIEF mation and photographs on the town’s former police station residence. John, who now lives in the house, is hoping to learn about the building’s history from construction until he moved in a decade ago. He can be contacted on 0459 720 710.

Progress meeting PYRAMID Hill Progress Association was holding its annual general meeting last night. The association committee, currently chaired by Neville Miller, urged residents to become involved ahead of the meeting and assist with initiatives.

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021 | 7

COUGH OR COVID COUGH? The only way to be sure is with a test at the first sign of any symptom.

ONLY A TEST CAN TELL For testing locations, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021

Active art connects community RURAL woman from across the Loddon on Sunday transformed the “members’ area” at Bridgewater oval into a painters’ paradise.

They were part of the Active Farmers’ wellbeing initiative Bottle and Brush event.

Over three hours, 28 people from the region enjoyed the company of other rural women and created artworks that are now being sold to raise funds for the local Active Farmers program engaging rural communities.

Organiser Claire Harrison said Bottle and Brush had been “a wellbeing workshop of choice” for the women and gave them an engaging activity for focus.

IN BRIEF Closing dates NOMINATIONS for Loddon Shire’s Australia Day awards close this month. Nomination forms for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Service Award, Community Group of the Year, and Community Event of the Year are on the Loddon Shire Council website. Entries in the competitions for colouring (Prep to Grade 2), photography (junior, senior and open) and literature (for Prep to Year 12) also close on October 29.

Biosecurity project

Sarah Gladman, of Pompapiel, enjoys the art experience at Bottle and Brush. LH PHOTO

VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation has launched its Stock Sense Project which aims to help improve animal health and welfare and on-farm biosecurity in Victoria’s livestock industry. VFF Stock Sense is open to all livestock farmers and provides access to a dedicated support team, important information and events to further establish the Victorian livestock industry as a leader in animal health, welfare and on-farm biosecurity.

Show support

Bridgewater oval is transformed into an art studio.

LH PHOTO

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST WRITERS | SALES The Loddon Herald is calling for expressions of interest for anticipated casual part-time positions with the region’s local paper.

If you’re a journalist or writer and love telling stories about local people, towns and sport, we’d love to hear from you.

We’d also love to hear from people with an advertising or sales background interested in being part of our special projects.

FOR A CONFIDENTIAL DISCUSSION IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, PLEASE CALL MANAGING EDITOR CHRIS EARL ON 0419549743

Sam Ellis, of Dingee.

LH PHOTO

MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster said the Federal Government would offer a second round of funding under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program, providing $21 million for the operational costs of shows cancelled in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Weekly number juggle keeps playgroup, mums together YOUNG families in Boort have been forced to put their names on a roster to attend the town’s weekly playgroup.

The group has shifted its activities to the town’s Baptist church hall after COVID restrictions meant they could not access the kindergarten facilities.

But with numbers capped under current State Government restrictions, the group has started an informal roster.

President Nikki Lanyon said the group currently had 22 families and 35 children.

“We have two families with twins and there are a lot of new families now in the district,” she said.

“We’re so thankful to be allowed to use the Baptist church facilities after trying an outdoor format at the lake ... that was a bit hard for parents to catch up with each

other and at the same time keep an eye on the young children.

“But we’re only allowed to have 20 people in the hall so we are asking parents each week if they are coming.”

Nikki said the number cap meant that some mothers and their children were only able to catch up with other group members once or twice a month.

“Playgroup is really important for the parents and the children,” she said.

“It gives us time for interaction and is wonderful for new parents to connect with other young parents in the district.”

Nikki said assistance of the Baptist church in providing rent-free facilities “had been amazing while we wait for easing of restrictions to again use the preschool”.

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021 | 9

Good prospects if rain stays away HAY farmers across the Loddon are watching weather forecasts and international trends as they prepare to bale their 2021 season produce.

Wychitella’s Keith Bird said he hoped rain would be a rarity over the next few weeks as his oaten crop cures on hundreds of hectares.

Keith said the crop had been cut over recent weeks and he aimed for a low-teens moisture content before baling.

“Hopefully, the quality of our bales will see them destined for the export market,” he said.

Keith has been turning out the large square bales for more than 20 years.

“Before that we did the round and little square bales. They were really hard work,” he said.

Apart from risk of rain to the Wychitella farm’s vetch and oaten hay crops, this year Keith has had to look further for staff during harvest.

“We have usually employed backpackers. But with COVID restrictions and everything, this has been the first time in 15 years we haven’t had any and that’s been an additional challenge as continuity of staff helps with harvest.

“Now we’re just watching the weather in coming weeks as the oats and vetch cures. Too much and it’s protein levels drop.”

Keith hopes to deliver oaten hay to three exporters, including Hay Australia at Bridgewater.

Hay Australia’s Victorian operations manager Geoff Walker said: “With the knock on effects of COVID still having a major impact on imports and exports in to Australia the hay exports industry is no exception.

“It started with the lack of

Hay Australia’s Geoff Walker at the Bridgewater facility where the fodder is being packaged for export and (inset) Wychitella farmer Keith Bird who is waiting for his crop to cure. LH PHOTOS container availability, now combined with the lack of available ships, is causing major delays in shipping fodder.

“Adding to this 25 out of 28 hay exporters have not had their registration to China renewed causing inventory issues with most fodder exporters which in

turn puts pressure on traditional markets.”

Mr Walker said that with the Loddon now into another hay making season, it was imperative that strategies used in the past to help with quality were “being used to the max in this present challenging hay making

season”. “Quality hay will be in demand - cutting your crop at no less than 200mm, making sure your windrows are nicely thatched are just a couple of strategies,” he said.

“The fodder export industries future remains positive with traditional markets strong and

Ballarat and north-east Victoria helped underpin prices for lambs under 24kg cwt.

The heaviest young lambs over 27kg cwt from $270 to a top of $289/head. Most of the lead pens of crossbred lambs were in the 24kg to 26kg cwt range and sold from $230 to $270 to average $244/head for the fat score 4 run.

The best 22kg to 24kg cwt lambs, $214 to $234 to average $226/head. There was a wide carcass spread of 850c to 950c evident across much of the market, however decent lines of processing lambs were estimated as still costing buyers 900c to 920c/kg cwt.

Ballarat agents were strong buyers of trade weight lambs to shear, paying from $200 to $237/ head. Lighter lambs to the paddock in the 18kg to 20kg range cost $180, the smallest lambs $135 to $155/head.

Less sheep were penned following the hefty price falls of a week ago. Competition for mutton did improve, although prices for the heaviest crossbred ewes only showed slight gains at $170 to a top of $196/head. In comparison, lighter sheep under 24kg cwt gained $10 to $20 at $130 to $155/head and were significantly dearer on a cents per kilogram carcass basis compared to the heaviest ewes.

Bros Laanecoorie (59) $242, K & R Carter Wycheproof (28) $240, Mc-Kay Farms Drummartin (46) $235, G Allan Wycheproof (28) $235, Verge Past Co Gooram (95) $233, Elliott Farms Diggora (63) $230, C Stirling Rochester (34) $230, T Myers Stuart Mill (50) $229, A & C Dalrymple Narrewillock (73) $229, B & S McCahon Terrick Terrick East (50) $223, DC & L Lougoon Leichardt (45) $222, G & W Collins Fenton’s Creek (139) $220, MJ Turnbull Wedderburn (61) $220, NS & PA Collins Bridgewater (8) $218, Stevenson Family Trust Lake Charm (28) $218, Peter J Howie Mansfield (44) $218, Nolobahe T/A Tivey Past Metcalfe (52) $215, B & P Balmer Harcourt (49) $215, Mrs L Dingwall Pyramid Hill (51) $215, RA & VL Hampton Kerang (59) $210, DL & FD, Bunnaloo (23) $205.

the likelihood of new markets emerging.

Mr Walker said Hay Australia remained committed to its growers and was appreciative of growers’ continued support.

“So it’s good luck with the season at hand,” Mr Walker said this week.

SHEEP THERE was a drop in numbers down to 20,000 lambs, 4000 less, at Bendigo this week.

Young unshorn lambs now account for the majority of supply and quality was good to very good, although there was only limited pens of heavyweights above 27kg cwt.

On the demand side, domestic competition was the strongest of the buying ranks with some exporter orders still quiet or not operating. The market did fluctuate around quality, with buyers favouring the freshest presented young lambs over plainer types that were drier in the skin.

The sale also improved late in the auction.

Overall, price results for trade weight and light lambs were within a few dollars either side of last week, while the heaviest lambs were slightly easier on limited sales.

Restocking competition from

SUCKERS

The Active Corp Sutton Grange (50) $289, DJ & SL Lloyd Stuart Mill (30) $288, AL & GJ Lloyd Stuart Mill (55) $280, DI Gitsham & Sons Kerang (49) $278, AP & K Abarri Glenhope (79) $270, AD & PA Bickford Lockwood Sth (112) $270, Strathfillen Past Stuart Mill (72) $267, N & M Hocking Pyramid Hill (SHORN) (51) $266, GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (40) $262, Jason Davis Sutton Grange (78) $262, KF Howard Goornong (144) $258, Tarcombe Herefords Ruffy (28) $250, RG Love Violet Town (19) $250, DP & SA Ludeman Raywood (59) $249, Anker Farms Broken Creek (42) $248, RL & KD Mountjoy Neilborough (104) $246, FS Cockroft & Sons Myall (80) $243, Cain

CROSSBRED LAMBS J Park Deniliquin (57) $266, R & E Verley Jarklin (46) $254, NW & ER Davis Sutton Grange (21) $246, J & L Cartwright Raywood (20) $246, Strathfillen Past Stuart Mill (42) $242, Jenames P/L Berriwillock (36) $239, AP & KA Barri Glenhope (40) $238, Trewelland P/L Eddington (56) $230, Link Ag, Hopetoun (65) $203.

MERINO LAMBS Glen Ewan Past Balranald (30) $190, BT & MH Green Barham (60) $156, RC & EJ Tonkin & Sons Wedderburn (148) $152.

MERINO WETHERS C,DJ & SD Chamberlain Arnold (58) $ 200, C,DJ & SD Chamberlain Arnold (36) $187.

CROSSBRED EWES J & D Hawkes Tomleven (8) $206, Cain Bros Laanecoorie (81) $192, Ettick Farms Serpentine (40) $192, AR Davis Newham (7) $190, Larkfield Past Glenburn (59) $186, MJ Turnbull Wedderburn (47) $185, G & M Healy Mt Camel (7) $185, B & S McCahon Terrick Terrick East (84) $184, MPJ Nominees Nagambie (77) $180.

MERINO EWES G Repper Quambatook (182) $217, Ettrick Farms Serpentine (47) $193, ND & RL Massina Golden Square (8) $190, WA & VJ Barlow Wanalta (56) $186, Wyam Past Wyam (152) $185, B & S McCahon Terrick Terrick East (72) $185, The Springs Mathoura (96) $185.

GRAIN Wheat: H1 332. H2 $327. APW1 $322 MG. ASW $307. Barley: PL1 $286, SP1 $260.

BAR1 MG $250. BAR2 $230 Pulses: Non-GM canola $895+/- AOF. FABA1 $365

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021

FEATURES

All Victorians deserve to have freedom back

IF ANYONE in Australia has earned a Freedom Day; it is Victorians.

A day suddenly brought forward, not by the almighty ‘best medical advice’ but by the Labor Party’s own polling, which showed people have finally had enough.

At which point – compounded by the rapid progress of NSW towards freedom – the Victorian Premier decided he would play the hero.

Yet on October 4, Melbourne became the most locked-down city in the world.

Regional Victoria was not far behind; and may have been even worse were it not for the fact country people were better able to get it right; virtually every time.

But all that effort does not even have a clear roadmap to guide us into the post-COVID world. In too many cases Victorians have lost hope, a tragedy magnified by the state stumbling at the first hurdle; and missing the predicted deadline to achieve Phase A of Labor’s roadmap by three days.

Victorians will now have to wait until Phase D (tentatively expected to be reached at Christmas) to finally be able to have 30 visitors to the home.

But there are no guarantees.

Mismanagement of the virus in Victoria has hampered people’s lives, businesses and mental health worse than anywhere in Australia, and, indeed, across the globe.

Failures in the Government’s own state-managed COVID response systems have led to the lockdown of millions of Victorians – and recently prompted WorkSafe to lay charges against the Department of Health for last year’s failures in hotel quarantine.

The Nationals believe Labor’s roadmap is too slow; and does not acknowledge or reward the sacrifice and hard work of

PERSPECTIVE

regional Victorians, particularly when compared to NSW. Nor does it take into consideration the many communities who have worked to avoid COVID-19 completely.

Victorians need confidence the worst is behind them.

That is why The Nationals’ plan will deliver certainty for the way out of restrictions – no ifs, no buts, no indicative easings, no being subject to change.

Our alternative roadmap for regional Victoria is consistent with the National Plan. It is comparable to the NSW roadmap, which relies on the Doherty Institute’s health modelling. Our roadmap ensures all Victorians are safe as we begin to reopen, rebuild, and recover from the pain caused during this pandemic.

We want fair freedoms for regional Victorians at 70 per cent of 16+ fully vaccinated This phase of our roadmap only applies to fully vaccinated people, to those under 16 years of age, and to those with medical exemptions.

These alternative restrictions are consistent with the National Plan, the Doherty modelling, the NSW roadmap, and advice on schools from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Throughout the pandemic, regional Victoria has led the way in both how to keep the virus out of the community and how to get vaccinated.

Our regions should no longer be shackled to the case load and vaccination figures of Melbourne.

If an outbreak occurs, restrictions should be limited to the affected hotspot, not the entire state.

While it took too long for The Nationals to be heard, LGA-by-LGA lockdowns have

finally been adopted by the Government to manage outbreaks in regional Victoria.

That approach should continue, albeit much less often as vaccination thresholds are reached.

Should regional Victoria reach the threshold of 80 per cent of 16+ fully vaccinated before metropolitan Melbourne, The Nationals believe the regions should move to the next phase of our roadmap without having to wait for the metropolitan Melbourne to catch up.

This incentivises regional Victorians to get vaccinated and assists with our recovery.

This is consistent with the National Plan, as is our commitment that unvaccinated Victorians will not be subject to specific restrictions once we hit that 80 per cent threshold.

The Nationals have also been on record in support of rapid testing being added to our toolkit against COVID-19 as an additional protection for Victorians.

We welcome the TGA’s recent announcement it will be approving individual testing kits for use from November 1.

Under our alternative roadmap, Victoria will deploy rapid testing for use in appropriate settings, such as in schools, health care, major events, and essential workplaces.

Finally, we believe, in keeping with the National Cabinet plan, that when we reach that 80 per cent milestone we should have a Freedom Day for the whole state to celebrate such a major moment in the comeback from COVID.

* Peter Walsh is the member for Murray Plains

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Sir, I’m writing to you from Italy to express my sadness and my horror reading that may be a kangaroo slaughter house up and running in Loddon shire. If approved, a set up at an old abattoir will “process” up to 2000 precious kangaroos killed in their own homes per week!

The international community are shocked about this! How is possible.?

Kangaroos are your native Icon loved

all over the world.!! They are on your coat of arms and they represent your beautiful Country Australia in the world.

Kangaroos are gentles, beautiful, empath and they deserve the best life in your country. They live only in Australia.

I ask you with my heart in my hand to stop this proposal. I ask you to do the right thing for the mental well-being of your Community and for people from

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SHOULD BE

BOOMING REWARD YOURSELF THIS SEASON WORKING IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY (Bar attendants, Food waiting, Food Handlers) EARN GOOD EXTRA MONEY BEFORE YOU GO BACK TO SCHOOL OR OUT OF NORMAL WORK HOURS (9 to 5) JOBS AVAILABLE IN AND AROUND BOORT WEDDERBURN PYRAMID HILL AND KERANG SEND IN FIRST INSTANCE CONTACT INFO TO hospitalityareas@hotmail.com Age is no barrier

overseas. Please consider the impact on residents via the health risk, smells, waste, disturbing visuals of kangaroo trucks in the area, loss of amenity and lost of tourism. I will never visit your shire (and like me, many from overseas) if you don’t stop this proposal.

Maria Paola Torti Italy

1. What is the main symbol of Judaism 2. Which drug was discovered in 1928

by Alexander Flemming?

3. And in which decade was that drug made medically useful?

4. How high is the elevation of the French Alps?

5. What does LED (as in LED light) stand for?

6. The popular video game ‘Minecraft’ was released in which year?

7. The heaviest bell in the world is the Tsar Bell, in Russia. How heavy is it?

8. What country did Lego originate from?

9. Who starred as Australian pianist David Helfgott in the 1996 film ‘Shine’ about that musician.

10. In which forest does Robin Hood reside?

11. What is the name of the traditional Scottish pouch worn at the front of a kilt?

12. I have a duck-like bill, a venomous spur on one of my hind legs, and I lay eggs. What am I? 13. Which two volcanos on the Australian mainland were the last to erupt?

14. Once the Myki card system was introduced, when did metcards become unavailable?

15. What is the scientific name for the tiger?

16. Name the capital city of Poland.

17. Who the British Prime Minister immediately before Boris Johnson?

18. How many islands lie within Australia’s maritime borders?

19. Who invented the belt buckle?

20. In which Egyptian Pharoah’s tomb, were the two oldest trumpets found?

ANSWERS 1. The Star of David. 2. Penicillin. 3. 1940s.

4. 4810m. 5 Light-emitting diode. 6. 2011.

7. 204,924kg. 8. Denmark. 9. Geoffrey Rush.

10. Sherwood Forest. 11. Sporran. 12. Platypus. 13. Mt Gambia and Mt Schank, around 5000 years ago. 14. 2012. 15. Panthera Tigris. 16. Warsaw. 17. Theresa May. 18. 8222.

19. William Cummings. 20. Tutankhamun.

By PETER WALSH

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021 | 11

FEATURES OCTOBER HISTORY MONTH

The Major and a rail line change fortunes St Patrick’s catholic church, horses and conveyances can be seen under the trees.

The area between the church and the hill is the racecourse.

THE history of Pyramid Hill and district started the day in June 1836 when Major Mitchell climbed Pyramid Hill and wrote ”As I stood, the first intruder in the sublime solitude of those verdant plains as yet untouched by flocks and herds, I felt certain of being a harbinger of mighty change, for our footsteps would soon be followed by men and animals for which the land seemed to have been prepared”.

This laid the foundation of a community encouraged by the words of Major Mitchell. Firstly, by the squatters that settled the area and brought with them their sheep and cattle. They made a large contribution to the wealth of the country. That period came to an end when the plains you see from the top of Pyramid Hill were surveyed and thrown open for selection in the early 1870s.

Many families moved northward after the Land Act of 1869 made land available. Many came from Bendigo, Geelong and Colac areas in the 1870s. They were the true pioneers, try to imagine what lay ahead for them.

The lack of water, no infrastructure, no services that we have today, transport was a variety of vehicles pulled by horses.

They had to build a home, finding water was difficult, there was a spring at Mt Hope and at Riegel’s rock in the Terrick Forest. Many wells were dug only finding saline water or none. Travelling miles to

By HELEN STEVENS get water was accepted as being part of life.

Two significant events took place to improve the lifestyle of people. The railway arrived at Pyramid Hill in 1884. Water was brought from the Loddon river, what a relief that must have been, however it was inadequate and it was not until the Waranga Basin was built on the Goulburn river. It was commenced in 1902 during the bad drought, some farmers from the Pyramid area took their horse teams and worked on the basin which finished in 1905. A channel was built from there that made adequate supplies of water available.

The township of Pyramid Hill commenced at the hill and was known as Mt Pyramid. Thomas Watson built the first hotel in front of the boundary rider’s hut and all that remains of the Pyramid Hotel is the chimney of the hut and some pepper trees. There was a racecourse south of the hill.

Other buildings were a Temperance hotel, blacksmith, private homes and a school. The first school was near the south side of the main hill by a spring, it was a simple structure 20 feet by 12 feet with two windows, a door and natural earth floor. This soon became too small,

Pyramid Hotel and hall that burnt down in 1926 and a new larger school was built to the south beside where the cemetery is now.

The Catholic Church and Presbytery were also in this area on the east side of the road and on the west was Mrs Mortimer’s boarding house north of the cemetery gates.

Everything changed when the railway came through. Durham Ox was a larger town and on the coach route to Swan Hill, Terrick Terrick was also a larger town and serviced by the coach from Echuca and Rochester.

After many meetings the route for the railway line came though west of the hill, leading to the demise of Durham Ox and Terrick Terrick and businesses and private homes being moved into the new town of Pyramid Hill by the railway line.

On the first train to Pyramid Hill, a journalist reported that the public opinion was the site for a station could not be improved on.

NEXT WEEK: Robyn Brown writes about the history of East Loddon

12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

MEETING

EMPLOYMENT

Louise STALEY MP LIBERAL MEMBER FOR RIPON

Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure Shadow Minister for Roads Shadow Minister for Regional Recovery

LouiseStaley.com.au LouiseStaleyRipon

2022 Council meeting schedule

Authorised by Louise Staley MP, 177 High St, Maryborough.

CAREERS AT LODDON ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THURSDAY 18th NOVEMBER AT BRIDGEWATER RAILWAY STATION 11.00AM ALL WELCOME

Ordinary Council Meetings of the Loddon Shire Council for 2022 will be held on the following dates: Tuesday 25 January Tuesday 22 February Tuesday 22 March Tuesday 26 April Tuesday 24 May Tuesday 28 June Tuesday 26 July Tuesday 23 August Tuesday 27 September Tuesday 25 October Tuesday 22 November Tuesday 13 December

DURHAM OX CEMETERY TRUST The Durham Ox Cemetery Trust is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified members of the community who would be interested in becoming honorary trust members. Women and those from a diverse background are actively encouraged to seek appointment.

EMPLOYMENT

Inglewood & Districts Community Enterprises Ltd (IDCEL)

The meetings will commence at 3.00 pm.

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts are responsible for the proper and efficient management of the public cemeteries under their control, including planning for future cemeteries services and the preservation of local history.

Council Meetings are held in the Council Chambers, off Peters Street, Wedderburn.

Being appointed to a cemetery trust provides successful applicants with a unique opportunity to develop their competencies as a board member. The Department of Health provides free governance training to all trust members.

For links and up-to-date details, check the Council website closer to the meeting date, https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/ Council/Council-Meetings.

Communications Officer Permanent Part-Time Inglewood

In the event that the impact of COVID-19 is preventing the ability to meet face to face, meetings will be held on a virtual basis.

IDCEL are licensed to operate the Community Bank Inglewood & Districts Branch of Bendigo Bank, the only Bank with a presence in the Loddon Shire. We are seeking to fill a permanent part time (1 day per week) position of Communications Officer (PT) to manage our communications and publicity across several channels. This is an exciting opportunity to assist in the growth of the company by maintaining strong company presence in the community via social media and other communications, increasing brand awareness, and growing the company marketing opportunities. You will be building relationships with local community organisations.

Loddon Shire Council offers video live streaming, allowing proceedings to be viewed via the Internet without the need to attend Council meetings.

Suitable candidates will have:

Current trust members whose terms of appointment are due to expire may apply for reappointment as part of a competitive selection process.

More information about the role of cemetery trust members is available at: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/publichealth/cemeteries-and-crematoria/ cemetery-trust-appointments/class-bcemetery-trust-appointments

Temporary Street Closure Boort The following street in Boort will be closed to through traffic from 9am to 5pm on Sunday 24 October 2021 as part of the 1st Lake Boort Sea Scouts Annual Billy Cart Derby.

To register your interest please contact the Secretary of the Durham Ox Cemetery Trust as follows within two weeks of the date of this advertisement: p. 5455 1246

 Station Street from King Street West to Malone Street

This part-time position has the flexibility of hours to fit your lifestyle.

If you are interested in this position, you can request a job description or send your application with covering letter, resume and any qualifications to: companysecretary@idcel.com.au or PO Box 98, Inglewood Vic. 3517 Applications close: Tuesday 26 October, 2021.

We, Pickering Farms (Meran) Pty Ltd of 26 Hewitt Road, Applin, 3579 Refer to VicRoads Map: 20 F8 Intend to make application to permanently transfer entitlement to our existing Licence to Take & Use Surface Water and We’re not all banks. increase the licensed volume from 16ML/Year to 160ML/Year.

The water will be used for the purpose of: Irrigation.

To beLoan used offers on lands described as:on Þxed and Our Complete Home 100% offset variable home loans.

Which means you could your home Volume Folio Lot No Plan No Plan Type Block Crown Section ownParish sooner.

Allotment 4197

349 349

5A Bank home 2 loans. Meering Find out more. Search Bendigo

Australia Day nominations closing soon

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All nominations for the Australia Day awards close at 5pm on 29 October 2021.

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Community Care Workers – ref.J/102 l l l

Casual position Band 3 - $35.80 per hour inclusive of casual loading Location – Shire-wide

Community Care Workers – ref. J/105 Permanent, part-time roles – range of hours available l Band 3 - $28.64 per hour l Location – Shire-wide l

Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99 l l l

Permanent, either part-time or full-time Salary negotiable Location – Wedderburn office with some opportunity to work remotely

Community Project Development Coordinator (two positions) – ref.no J/113 l l l

Full-time, fixed-term positions (two years) Band 7 - $47.53 per hour Location – Wedderburn Office

Community Development Officer – ref.

J/107 l

Permanent, part-time – 28 hours per week (7-day fortnight) Band 6 - $41.85 per hour Location – Wedderburn Office

Early Years (Child Care) Project Officer – ref.no J/116

Not all banks offer 100% offset on their Notification by Buyer - Intention to apply for the permanent transfer of a Licence to Take and Use Surfacewater GMW Reference No: BPTWE0025-21 home loans.

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

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PUBLIC NOTICE

F20425

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. This includes appropriate representation of women, people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse and intersex people.

 Some prior experience with business, communications and event management,  Excellent verbal and communication skills  Be familiar with content preparation and publishing,  Operation and understanding of social media platforms,  Computer literacy with standard business publishing and email applications.

Located in a unique and wonderful part of Central Victoria, about 175 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, Loddon Shire is home to over 7500 residents, and supports a vibrant and growing agribusiness and horticulture sector.

Our vision is to be a prosperous, vibrant and engaged community and we deliver a broad range of programs and services to enhance the sustainability and liveability for the community.

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Full-time, fixed-term (12 months) Band 7 - $47.53 per hour Location – Serpentine office, or Wedderburn as required Applications for the positions above will be assessed as they are received.

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

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Nomination forms for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Service Award, Community Group of the Year, and Community Event of the Year are available on the Loddon Shire website. The forms are now fillable online and can be sent via email to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au

Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the transfer of this Licence including any intended surfacewater use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.

If you prefer to print the form and complete it manually, it can be sent to PO Box 21 Wedderburn VIC 3518.

To make a submission please read the information available to download from https://www.g-mwater.com.au/customer-services/forms refer to No 4 (or contact G-MW to arrange for a copy to be posted to you).

Submissions must be lodged in writing using the template available by either mail or email to Customer Support Coordinator, Licensing Administration, PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616 or email licensingadmin@g-mwater.com.au

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Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY

Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire loddonherald@gmail.com or Phone 0419549743 Managing Editor - Chris Earl

www.loddonherald.com.au The Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by Newsprinters Pty Ltd McKoy Street, West Wodonga, VIC 3690

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021 | 13

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

ThANkS

FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY Old bottles with town or company names.

Marble bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons With my wholehearted appreciation for all the kind wishes, cards and phone calls I received on the occasion of my 90th birthday.

They all added to the enjoyment of my day Love Shirley Heather

Any old bottles - single items or

Pop-top caravan Phone 0418304930

box lots

John Deere 1750 and Daiken 5ft. slasher 45hp. Good order, del. 100km radius Bridgewater. $10,500. Ph. 0417375260

CASH PAID ON DAY Phone 0452 264 661

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Offering on-site repairs a service to farmers TIM Heather of Agrifab specialises in on-site maintenance and welding repairs to truck tippers and trailers and agricultural machinery across the Loddon.

He also does general fabrication, aluminium and stainless welding, cutting edges and wear plating.

Tim established his business 12 months ago and trained in the industry working on anything from commercial structural steel to maintenance in the mining and agricultural industry.

“The favourite part about what I do is getting a fellow farmer or

Wanted to buy

member of the community back up and running after they have had a breakdown,” Tim said.

And if you’ve been to a Bridgewater netball game and noticed new scoreboards, they’re Tim’s handywork too.

Agrifab is one of the Loddon’s new and important businesses assisting the agricultural community.

Speak with Tim for those repairs needed before harvest!

Tim Heather on the job

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

CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021

ARTS

Linda draws on her passions LINDA Watson’s gallery is home to unique clothing made in the Loddon - wearable art that showcase her passions for drawing and dressmaking.

And this weekend, Linda’s Secret Platypus gallery will be open to the public.

Linda will be among a handful of Loddon creatives still showing their art on Saturday and Sunday after current COVID restrictions forced postponement of the shire’s inaugural arts trail weekend.

“A few years ago, I decided to live in my favourite town on my favourite river Bridgewater on Loddon,” she said.

“This is where I have realised

my dream of combining my passion for drawing and my passion for dressmaking by creating wearable art under the label Secret Platypus.

“I create clothing and bags using natural fibre fabrics with my own artwork and also showcase screen and lino-printed fabrics from Babbarra Women’s Centre in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land.

“Secret Platypus Creations are made using natural fibre fabrics. silks, cottons, linens, hemps and some combinations of these.

“Our store on the main street of Bridgewater also has a beautiful range of art and crafts by talented local women artists.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING LODDON CREATIVES OPEN THIS WEEKEND ARTS OF OLDE - Main Street Bridgewater: Open 10am-4pm.

Paintings by Ainsley McPherson, Jenny Hosking of Bridgewater Berets and other local artists. Sunday workshop: alcohol ink card marking.

SECRET PLATYPUS - Main Street Bridgewater.

MAL GILMOUR 2021 COLLECTION: Open 10am-4pm 7 Tarnagulla Road, Inglewood.

BEACH DREAMS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES - 10am-5pm Octopus and Queen, Tarnagulla ALVAH ART GALLERY AND VINTAGE CARS - DunollyBridgewater Road Dunolly.

Combining passions in her favourite town ... Bridgewater artist Linda Watson.

2021 ART COMPETITION WINNERS

There’s always a helping hand SAM Arnup has found there is always a hand waiting and willing to help.

The Year 11 Wedderburn College student drew on those experiences in life for inspiration for her winning artwork in this year’s Loddon Healthy Minds Network art competition.

“I’ve experienced mental health challenges over the last 18 months and channelled those experiences into the work,” Sam said after being announced as winner of the best-in-show award for the competition.

“The hand reaching out shows there is always someone there for you. You may not be aware but they are willing to help.”

Sam said she was encouraged to explore the use of UV paint and spent two months finding the right colour for use in her work that takes on an added dimension when viewed under UV light, capturing the competition theme It’s OK not to be OK -Stay Connected.

Art and history are Sam’s passionate subjects at school and she had aspirations to further her study at university.

This year’s Loddon Healthy Minds Network competition had a record number of entries.

Section winners were - Years 9-12: Chelsea Giorlando (Wedderburn College), Charli Bone (Pyramid Hill College). Runners-up: Kaitlin Broad (Pyramid Hill College), Ayla Hartnell (Wedderburn College).

Grade 5-Year 8: Noah Richardson (Bridgewater Primary), Matilda Smith (East Loddon P12), Kaitlyn Coughlan (Inglewood Primary), Judd Chislett (Pyramid Hill College), Ruby Scolafi (St Mary’s Primary), Gillian Pacala (St Patrick’s Primary). Runners-up: Isaac Ferguson (Bridge-

Sam Arnup’s art judged best in show in this year’s Loddon Healthy Minds Network competition. water Primary), Paige Johnston-McCloud (East Loddon P12), Emily Canham (Inglewood Primary), Rian Pantig (St Patrick’s Primary), Grades 3-4: Rylea Bailey (Bridgewater Primary), Jessica Diss (East Loddon P12), Rhiannon Murphy (Inglewood Primary), Brady Gilmore (Pyramid Hill College), Abby Wilson (St Mary’s Primary), Jace Pacala (St Patrick’s Primary).

Runners-up: Angus Ferguson (Bridgewater Primary), Oliver Lister (East Loddon P12), Billy Maddison (Inglewood Primary), Tyler Mantan (Pyramid Hill College), Emily Birthisel (St Mary’s Primary), Sarah van Gyk (St Patrick’s Primary).

Prep-Year 2: Billy Addlem (East Loddon P12), Logan Roberts (Inglewood Primary), Lillian Broad (Pyramid Hill College), Kiarah McEwan (St Mary’s Primary), Matilda Mowat (St Patrick’s Primary). Runners-up: Holly Gleisner (East Loddon P12), Chloe Bentley (Inglewood Primary), Alice Roberts (Pyramid Hill College), Jordan Pickering (St Mary’s Primary), Svea Apostol (St Patrick’s Primary),

Runner-up works by Chelsea Giorlando (left) and Charli Bone.

Loddon HERALD Thursday October 21, 2021 | 15

SPORT

Commitment brings players ‘back to clubs they love’ NORTH Central league president Tim Lockhart has praised players returning “home” to play with clubs.

All league clubs have team lists with players from outside the immediate region.

Those players now living in Melbourne, Bendigo and other cities can make up to half the list and when COVID restrictions varied across Victoria this season, the league reduced premiership points won if Melbourne players were unable to take the field.

Those restrictions also forced several forfeits.

However, Lockhart in a special end-of-season interview with the Loddon Herald said: “We hope they have been maligned.”

“The clubs have got enough players in town for two teams and of the players coming from

Melbourne, a big percentage are ex-locals who live there now for careers,” “They come home to play with their mates, in the town they grew up in and the club they love the most.

“They play with people they know, sometimes bring new friends ... sport helps bring local people back home.

“It’s a big commitment for them to travel more than three hours each way at the weekend for a game.”

Lockhart said it had been an incredible effort by league clubs across football, netball and hockey to rally players and volunteers in 2021 after the cancellation of last season.

“We got back most of what we had for players and volunteers in 2019,” he said.

Lockhart said lockdowns

throughout 2021 had been a challenge as the board continued to adjust the draw.

“We got to the end and adjustments were to no avail. But we had the priority all season of playing whenever we could. We couldn’t be precious about having two weeks of training before playing.

“That wasn’t ideal from a player perspective but we never knew when there was the next chance to play.”

Lockhart said the board had been able to respond to changing lockdowns and restrictions on the back of discussing scenarios and re-adjusting those plans as the Government made changes.

“That (scenario planning) made it easier to implement. Sometimes they were board calls, sometimes after club consultation,” he said.

Lockhart said one of the more difficult calls had been to play even when crowds were banned from matches.

“The no crowds ruling became more and more frustrating to supporters,” he said.

“They had already gone through last season without the social interaction.

“We negotiated a way through the first lockdown no worries.

Subsequent ones became tougher for clubs unable to train, cancelling social events and it was difficult in particular for coaches to keep their teams motivated.”

Lockhart said all credit for the North Central league having matches played was to the clubs.

“The clubs put in an incredible effort,” he said.

“And for the board, we just wanted to do the best for the clubs and the league.”

These old Blues still bask in flag glory MEMBERS the 1971 Loddon Valley Football League invincibles, Inglewood, had been trying all year to be together.

Plans by the club to hold an official reunion 50 years on had been thwarted by COVID lockdowns but on Friday, captain-coach Ralph Conboy joined seven other members of that side and the last surviving member of the committee, Ted Bradley, 88, for lunch at Steve’s Empire State Hotel.

Ralph was in his first year at the helm of Inglewood when they proved themselves the league’s champion side.

He had coached Yarrawalla to the grand final the previous year only to be sacked.

“They were a very social side, we changed a few little things and got the boys pulling in one direction,” Conboy said.

The flag heroes said that while disappointed with the Blues’ lack of on-field success for some seasons, they could see a bright future with the emergence of good youngsters.

“We’ll do what we can to push to club’s fortunes the right way,” Conboy said.

Bliss in the money again KORONG Vale mare Courts Bliss continued with her wonderful run of racing with a great second at Charlton last Thursday.

Courts Bliss’s last seven starts have yielded four wins and two seconds for Trainer Steve Branson and driver James Herbertson.

The main harness racing meeting of the week is at Geelong on Saturday night for the running of the Flying Brick Cider Co. Geelong Pacing Cup of $60,000 and the timehonoured McNamara Trotters Cup. Tips for Geelong - Race 3 No 3 Petillant, Race 7 No 9 Tango Tara.

Third round in voucher plan MORE vouchers to help pay for sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships are on offer for young Victorians to lap up more activity this summer as restrictions continue to ease.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced applications for the third round of the $21 million Get Active Kids Voucher Program had now opened.

New pennant date set BENDIGO Bowls Group has announced that pennant competition will start from November 6.

First games will be for Division competition and the group says new fixtures will be released this week.

Meanwhile, the group told clubs on Tuesday that only double vaccinated bowlers will be able to play and train this season.

Ted Bradley and Ralph Conboy with members of the 1971 premiership side on Friday. LH PHOTO

Wicket grants pave change ARNOLD cricketers are ready to lay their new synthetic centre wicket.

The club has received grants from Loddon Shire Council and the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund for improvements at the Arnold ground.

The full-length synthetic pitch is expected to be layed this weekend after several working bees by players and supporters to prepare the centre pitch area.

Improvements will also see a widening of the practice pitch.

The oval shape has also been altered with southern boundary moved in. The club says that from the centre, all four boundaries will be about 60 metres,

meaning straight hits are still going to be a 70-metre strike to hit a six.

Grants for the works have totalled more than $8500 and the club also received donations from sponsors and supporters.

Arnold will again be one of six teams in the Upper Loddon Cricket Association with the season to start on November 13.

Association secretary Michael Rose expects the draw to be released in the next week.

All association games in 2021-2022 will be one-day matches with an extra grand final day if rain disrupts play in the season decider.

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

Cohalan stays at club helm

Leigh Lamprell

CHRIS Cohalan has been re-elected Inglewood Football Netball Club president.

Last week’s annual meeting saw David Rose returned for a further term as secretary, Among other positions elected was Leigh Lamprell as vice-president.

Leigh was awarded life membership by the club this month. Last week’s Loddon Herald incorrectly had a photograph of Stewart Luckman instead of Leigh.

The club hopes to appoint a treasurer shortly.

Loddon HERALD

sport

Thursday October 21, 2021

DAVID KEEPS EYE IN DAVID Patterson was out in Sunday’s sun enjoying a round of golf at Inglewood.

He was joined by a few friends playing the picturesque course.

While most Loddon golf clubs had to cancel their 2021 tournaments, members are keeping in form hoping for a return to regular play next season.

But for now, local golfers are still making the most of spring weather and being allowed on the “training track” under current COVID restrictions.

LH PHOTO

YOUTHFUL CALL

PROMOTION of junior sport has been identified as a crucial key to the future of country clubs.

North Central Football League president Tim Lockhart made the call during a special-end-ofseason interview with the Loddon Herald this week.

Lockhart said: “It (junior sport) is probably the most important role in every club.”

“We monitor the situation with our junior sports every year. It can be a balancing act but the No 1 aim is to keep young-

LEAGUE BOSS PUTS JUNIORS IN TOP SPOT

sters involved with a game every week,” he said.

While several North Central clubs struggled for junior players this season, Lockhart said the cooperation of all clubs made play possible.

“The clubs with extra players lend players to those who don’t have the numbers,” he said.

“We rely heavily on sides shar-

ing players,” the league president said.

Backing for junior sport from one of the Loddon’s leading sports administrators comes as summer sporting codes have put out the call for more juniors.

Marong Tennis Association has already ditched its C Grade competition for 2021-2022 because of the shortage of juniors.

And Inglewood association clubs are actively encouraging greater engagement with young players.

President Rob Senior wants to see greater junior participation in the sport across the Loddon.

The North Central Football League, also running parallel competitions for netball and hockey, is pinning its future success on continued community engagement.

Lockhart said part of league management was the constant review of junior football age groups, changed more than a decade ago to under 16 and un-

der 13 with provision for overage permit players in the upper level.

He said that with neighbouring leagues running different age groups, North Central always assessed its junior structure.

This year’s Loddon Valley league junior football competition was reduced to just four teams, some struggling for numbers throughout the season.

Some local juniors are travelling to play in the Bendigo junior competition.

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