STATE Government red tape has forced Loddon Shire Council to abandon some flood recovery funding bids.
More than 75 per cent of recovery projects to fix roads, bridges and culverts damaged in the October 2022 floods are still waiting on bureaucratic approval.
The 648 projects budgeted to cost $22 million on latest estimates remain stuck in the Government’s in-tray.
A frustrated council has already pulled two projects from the list and has had only three projects approved this year.
“Council has (instead) funded two significant projects that could have been claimed through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements - a gravel road resheet to a school bus route named Emu Logan Road ($123,000) and a sealed road reconstruction on one of our busiest roads, Pyramid Yarraberb Road ($1.2 million),” shire CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald said on Monday.
He said the Government had approved just three Loddon projects since January 1, worth a total of $301,740. Some roadworks across the shire have been finished while contractors will start the third, a bridge at Arnold, within weeks.
Council leaders have vented frustration with the Government’s multi-layered approval process.
Delays were raised with Premier Jacinta Allan in early January as the region was hit last summer by floods for a second time in 14 months. Some roads damaged in 2022 still waiting copped another whammy as more than 250mm on Christmas Day marked the start of a fortnight of flooding in Victoria.
But Mr Fitzgerald said: “Delays in pro-
gressing claims has started to improve in the past six weeks, however this process is now almost two years post-flood. Progress is still slow and the risk of completing works within the set timeframes remains significant.”
Council has until next June to finish flood recovery repairs funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements between the Federal and State Government.
According to Mr Fitzgerald, it is likely further works will be removed from Loddon’s list of funding applications “due to insufficient photographic evidence of damage” demanded by the Government.
He said: “Delays occur as a result of the need to satisfy the high evidentiary requirements of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements agreement between the Commonwealth and State Government but also the State’s DRFA
Guidelines which set a higher standard for local government to apply for funding and provide evidence.”
Mr Fitzgerald said the $22 million of outstanding approvals was separate to damage from the 2023-2024 summer storms.
“Inspections following the December 2023 flood event initially identified a proximately 199 items of damage with some work being removed from the October 2022 event and included in the December 2023 event where additional damage has occurred,” he said.
Repairs to the Chamberlains Road Bridge, off the Calder Highway near Inglewood, have also been rejected for Government disaster funding with Loddon Shire last month transferring work to its infrastructure program for this year.
The bridge was abruptly closed in June, sending residents on an 8km de-
tour to reach the Calder Highway. And works at Wedderburn’s Skinners Flat Reservoir, where the wall breached in October 2022 has also been ruled out of getting disaster funding.
“Long-term rectification of the Skinners Flat Reservoir wall and spillway is not eligible for funding under the DRFA,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“This work is beyond the financial capacity of Loddon Shire Council without significant financial assistance from State and/or Federal governments.
“Council is currently working to redesign the spillway and wall structure to meet modern standards as well as regular monitoring activities to ensure safety.”
A Victorian Parliament inquiry last month found councils had been left with a government flood recovery funding model that did not rebuild infrastructure to withstand future disasters.
Parliament’s environment and planning committee report on the October 2022 floods called for funding models to prioritise “betterment initiatives”.
The 10-member committee found the process for funding under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements posed “a significant administrative challenge for local governments who bare the evidentiary burden”.
“The feedback from councils to the committee clearly called for a more streamlined, efficient, and transparent disaster recovery funding process.
“The process should enable local councils to focus on recovery and mitigation without being unduly burdened with administrative hurdles,” the Parliamentary inquiry found.
Council’s flood inquiry response - PAGE 8
The October 2022 floods left Loddon towns marooned. LH PHOTO
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Catto weighing up ward options
GLENN CATTO has not ruled out making a second tilt for a spot on Loddon Shire Council.
The Bridgewater North farmer said he would make a decision shortly on whether to stand in October’s council elections.
Mr Catto ran in Inglewood Ward at the 2020 poll when he received more than a quarter of the vote.
However, the redrawing of ward boundaries by the Victorian
Electoral Commission has put his property just inside the Tarnagulla Ward.
Mr Catto said: “I’ve certainly been asked to run again but I’ve made no decision yet.”
“The next couple of weeks will be spent considering whether to continue contributing to the community through the Bridgewater Bowling Club, Rheola Charity Carnival and other groups or put a very firm focus on repre-
senting all communities, whether that be Inglewood or Tarnagulla Ward,” he said.
Four residents have declared they will run in Tarnagulla - sitting councillor Linda Jungwirth, Laanecoorie’s Nick Angelo, Arnold’s Carly Noble and Moliagul’s Charmain Sheppard.
Sitting Inglewood Ward councillor Wendy Murphy is yet to indicate whether she will seek a second term.
Ram sale tomorrow
THE second Loddon sale of the Merino auction season will be held at Calivil tomorrow when John Humbert’s Kedleston Park Stud puts 40 rams under the hammer.
Small increases
THE Resource Manager for northern Victoria has updated the 2024-2025 seasonal determinations. The Murray system seasonal determination increases from 73 per cent of high-reliability water shares to 76 per cent. The Goulburn and Loddon systems increase from 89 per cent HRWS to 92 per cent.
Stop vaping campaign
THE STATE Government has backed an initiative that will see local councils, universities, sporting clubs and community organisations join forces to help stop young people vaping. Minister for Health MaryAnne Thomas announced a $2 million investment to deliver workshops, community events, and develop a peerto-peer digital platform for young people aged 14 to 25 –to educate them on the harms of vaping.
Varroa mite found
AGRICULTURE Victoria has confirmed varroa mite has been detected for the first time in Victoria at a property in Nangiloc near Mildura. The infested beehive was identified during Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities.
RIPON MP Martha Haylett was assisted by students Archer Bass and Samuel Buckingham when she officially opened the $2 million upgrade at Tarnagulla Primary School on Tuesday. Principal Leigh Mellberg and school council president Denis Farrell welcomed completion of the project. LH PHOTO
Elias puts in a blinder
Singer ‘shakes’ way onto national stage
THE Railway Hotel was jumping on Monday night when Boort singer Elias Lanyon hit the TV screen in the season opening of The Voice Australia.
The 20-year-old local farmer wowed judges in the blind auditions to be first to be selected in coach Kate Miller-Heidke’s team.
Australia’s competitor in Eurovision Song Contest 2019 hit the button saying Elias had a gorgeous voice and belonged on her team.
She said Elias’ performance of the orchestral gothic pop ballad inspired by Paul the Apostle’s teachings and Biblical allusions, Daylight, had been “emotionally underpinned with real authenticity”.
The recorded show’s live audience cheered when Elias chose to be on Kate’s team - two other judges had also wanted himwere matched in Boort where Elias had gathered in the hotel with more than 30 family and friends.
“Mum and dad were there and some friends. We watched the show and then I went home and watched it again, then spent a long time replying to phone messages,” he said on Tuesday.
“It was unreal. A massive difference to what I have been doing around the area ... I was shaking with nerves and trying to make sure my voice did what it nor-
mally does. The feeling walking off stage was insane.”
Elias’ parents Rosemary and Isaac had encouraged him to enter the national competition.
They were side stage when episode one of the blind auditions was recorded. “A few friends were in the audience but they didn’t make footage on the show,” he said.
Elias said he chose the sing Daylight because “it resonated with me and the lyrics are cool”.
“I was able to put my own spin on it in a performance I hoped would bring out my best and impress the judges.”
And Kate agreed: “I felt you were really inside of that song.”
Fellow judge Guy Sebastian also praised the unique voice of the Boort singer.
Four judges will each select six singers during the blind audition episodes before they prepare the musical aspirants for team battles and showdowns in the 13th series of The Voice.
Elias, who has been singing since he was 15 and is a regular at Loddon Shire events, also has several gigs booked in the region in coming months.
He said the “cool experience” aired on Monday night had been “pretty unreal”.
The Voice continues next Monday night.
IN BRIEF
August falls
THE Wedderburn district has had a mid-August drenching. Rain over the past week has totalled more than 19mm at the official weather station. The Wedderburn district’s fall is more than twice other Loddon areas with Inglewood recording just 10mm up to Tuesday although there was steady morning rain still to be recorded. Mincha has received 6.6mm, Charlton 10mm and Dunolly 7mm in the past week.
Global markets
THE STATE Government says is backing regional farmers and food and beverage businesses to increase their exports and explore new markets by partnering with the Federal Government. Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas has announced the establishment of trade managers in Barwon South West, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Hume and Gippsland to turbocharge exports for regional Victorian businesses. The trade managers will support new and established food and fibre businesses to enter or expand in priority export markets, Ticket agent
WEDDERBURN Community House is now an official V/ Line ticket agency. The town has been without a V/Line ticket seller since the town’s newsagency closed earlier this month.
Elias Lanyon wows judges in his blind auction on Monday night
FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETIN
HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT
Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.
Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and con dential nancial support - Call 1300 735 578
Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au
Orange Door - You have a right to be safe
- Call 1800 512 359
Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area.
1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732
Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.
Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au
Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au
Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821
Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au
Translation and Interpreter Services
Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au
National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.
LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Community Health/Hospitals
Boort District Health
3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200
Inglewood and District Health Services
3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000
Northern District Community Health P: (03) 5451 0200
Boort Medical Centre
2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200
Dingee Bush Nursing Centre
21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309
Marong Medical Practice
8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308
Wedderburn Health Clinic
25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511
Legal Services
Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909
Loddon Shire Council’ Community Flood Recovery team is hosting a great free event for Loddon Shire farmers next Wednesday, 28 August. The day will commence at 7am with barista co ee and breakfast at Donaldson Park.
Farmers will then board a bus to visit three farms to look at growing lentils, ood proof fencing and liquid fertilizer trials. Then back to Donaldson Park to hear a key note address from former AFL professional footballer and mental health advocate Wayne Schwass, followed by a delicious lunch. Meet at car park via Hospital St. Please register for catering purposes at https://shorturl. at/yTmOP
Pizza at the Pub with Legless and Blind, Four Posts at JarklinWednesday 11 September
For Loddon residents only - Have a chat, have a laugh and have some pizza at this fun, family-friendly event for the Loddon community! Striking a balance between humour and talking the tough stu , Mike and Ben seamlessly blend the light-hearted with
the serious, weaving together real life anecdotes with researchbacked strategies. Despite facing their own unique physical challenges, they have perfected the art of engaging audiences and delivering a lasting impact. Meals free. Drinks at bar prices. Book your tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/pizza-at-the-pub
Women’s Gathering, Durham Ox with Jane Edmanson OAM, Thursday 12 September
Come and be a part of this very special day for Women of Loddon Shire. With barista co ee on arrival, keynote address from Jane Edmanson, creative workshops facilitated by inspiring locals and a delicious lunch catered by local businesses, this is sure to be a truly memorable day.
Stay connected with your community at this brilliant free event from 9.30am to 2.00pm in the Durham Ox Hall. Numbers are strictly limited and registration IS ESSENTIAL at: https:// shorturl.at/Zcw75 or scan the QR code
Photographic Exhibition, Coach House Gallery, Wedderburn, from Wednesday 25 September
A free photographic exhibition will be on show for six weeks in the Coach House Gallery, Wedderburn, from Wednesday 25 September. Husband and wife ( lm photographer Greg Wane and smartphone photographer, Heidi Wane) are bringing their 30 piece photo exhibition featuring the two di erent technologies to Loddon as part of the Loddon Valley Arts trail. Keep up-to-date at: https://www.facebook.com/pro le.php?id=100063686194232
2024 Loddon Valley Arts Trail launch – Friday 4 October
Loddon Valley Arts Trail kicks o this year’s ‘Seeing is Believing’ weekend with a free community celebration, at Tarnagulla Public Hall from 5pm on Friday 4 October. Barbeque, live music, all welcome.
For information visit: https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/visitloddon-valley/loddon-valley-arts-trail
2024 Community Flood Recovery Grants Program
Following the success of the 2023 grants program Loddon Shire Council is pleased to announce a 2024 Community Flood Recovery Grants Program.
The Program will provide grants to not-for-pro t community groups in Loddon Shire to hold activities and events which create opportunities for connection, resilience, capacity building and positive wellbeing and help keep our communities strong. Projects must link to ood recovery and have clear outcomes for communities across Loddon Shire that were impacted by the October 2022 oods. Applications for grants ranging from $500-$5,000 are now open. The amount of the grant depends on the activity or event. Grant applications will close midnight Sunday 1 September 2024. Applications must be submitted via Council’s online SmartyGrants portal. For guidelines and to apply visit: https://loddon.smartygrants. com.au/
LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS
Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love to hear from you and assist you through your ood recovery.
Please get in touch if you would like to chat about ood recovery for you and your community.
Call Mal: 0499 978 145 or Josie: 0474 911 783
For up-to-date information regarding ood recovery and council services:
Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au
Call our o ce between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or
Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/ LH1629224
Andrew Lockhart will talk of his experience growing lentils in Loddon at Farmer’s Day Out
Jane Edmanson
Blackspot tower upgrade
TELSTRA will upgrade its mobile base station in Mount Moliagul from next week.
The area has been labelled a notorious Loddon telecommunications blackspot with residents saying they have been unable to receive emergency warning alerts.
Telstra’s upgrade will add additional infrastructure that it says will “bring better 4G services and new 5G coverage to the community”.
But the works over a fortnight will see a series of temporary outages or reduction in mobile coverage.
Regional general manager northern and Western Victoria,
MAL Gilmour stood in silent reflection before laying a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemoration service in Inglewood on Sunday.
The Vietnam and Royal Australian Navy veteran was joined by more than a dozen people at the Grant Street memorial.
The day marked the anniversary of men of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment encountering the Viet Cong in a rubber plantation outside the village of Long Tan in 1966.
Steve Tinker, said: “On Monday there will be no Telstra mobile coverage from this site during daylight hours as we prepare for the installation of the new equipment.”
From next Tuesday to August 31 there will be no mobile coverage from the site. Mr Tinkler said work would continue the following week.
“The mobile network will be restored at the end of each day, as we complete the call testing and integration of the mobile network.
“Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages advising of the upcoming work,” he said.
Telstra earlier announced plans to bring 5G services to Mount Moliagul site that would “deliver improved mobile coverage and capacity for our customers in the area”.
“We expect 5G services to be up and running before the end of 2024,” Telstra said.
Major telcos Telstra and Optus had planned to switch off the 3G network this month.
PRIZEMONEY for Pyramid Hill’s third annual Major’s Vision art show and exhibition has been increased by $2500.
The 2025 show will open with a preview evening on February 14 and run in the memorial hall for a week.
“We are thrilled to announce that prizemoney for the event has been increased to $7000 including two major prizes of $1500,” said co-organiser Terry Wood.
One of the top prizes will be for best in show and the other for the winner of the special section with next year’s theme of “Ties to the past”.
Mr Wood said the early announcement of 2025 dates should help further grow entries. “Our show has quickly established a reputation among artists for its quality and also attracting visitors to our town,” he said.
However, they last week announced the end of 3G had been pushed back to October 28.
Telstra early last month said all Loddon 3G-only sites had been upgraded to 4G.
Mallee MP Anne Webster said:
“I welcome the plans which Telstra and Optus have announced, including a public safety campaign for those still relying on the 3G network.”
“For four months I have publicly called for Telstra and Optus to delay the 3G shutdown because many residents across Mallee are stressed about not being able use health alert devices or farm technology that remains 3G-dependent,” Dr Webster said.
Olive results out tomorrow
COBRAM Estate Olives will release its financial year results tomorrow.
The company has more than 3500 hectares of groves at Boort and has invested more than $20 million in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest processing plant.
Cobram Estate, with interests in Australia and the United States, has paid a dividend of 0.033 cents a share for each of the past three years. On Monday, the company was trading at $1.655 a share, up on $1.24 a year ago.
Tours EVERY WEDNESDAY 11am-1pm
Nomad days are over
PARTNERSHIPS aimed at strengthening the community will see Inglewood Lions Club’s monthly markets move to the town’s recreation reserve.
The collaboration between the reserve committee and Lions is part of a vision for greater community use of the reserve.
“We’ll have certainty for a location and be able to grow the monthly market,” said Lions president Eddie Sydor.
“The last few years we have been something of nomads coming out of hibernation.
“COVID put a halt to our markets and we brought them back in Brooke Street but safety concerns saw us move to outside the town hall.
“When the town hall precinct became unavailable pretty much for the rest of the year while roof work is done on the hall, we didn’t know what would happen.”
Talks between Mr Sydor and recreation reserve president Tim Birthisel provided the solution.
Mr Birthisel said: “We are trying to attract more people to use the community centre and make the reserve a place that can be part of strengthening the community.
“We want to work together with like-minded community organisations because the outcomes will be better for the community through collaboration,” he said.
“The Lions Club market will now have a home and together we hope it will grow.”:
Mr Sydor and Mr Birthisel said
the market would also provide opportunities for local groups to have stalls raising funds for their activities.
“The market brings our community together and also provides another reason for people to visit Inglewood,” Mr Sydor said.
“There are stallholders from
across the shire and beyond selling local produce and crafts. More local organisations at the market will add to the atmosphere and show off the great Inglewood community,” Mr Sydor said.
The partnership between Lions and the recreation reserve will extend to user groups with the Lions catering team enlisted
for next month’s Loddon Valley Football Netball League’s preliminary finals at the reserve.
“It’s another way of supporting the community and Lions raising funds to put back into local groups and projects,” Mr Sydor said.
The first market at the reserve is planned for September 14.
Farm walk navigating water use
FLEXIBLE irrigated farm systems, summer crop options, and strategic water planning will be the focus of a Boort farm walk next week.
Irrigation Farmers’ Network will host the session be at Graeme and Michelle Lawrence’s Leaghur property. Network research manager Damian Jones will highlight local research being conducted to help farmers with key decisions about ensuring system are flexible and sustainable oing forward. Other key focus areas for discussion will include:
Flexible Irrigated Farm Systems: Discover how farm businesses are adapting to changing climatic conditions by implementing flexible irrigation methods.
Summer Crop Options: Explore a variety of summer crop options that can help diversify farm output and reduce risks associated with climate variability.
Strategic Water Planning: Discussions about long-term water planning strategies that can futureproof farms.
The Lawrences grow processing tomatoes and maize on trickle irrigation during summer and cereals, canola and pulses during winter.
Tourism and Visitor Economy Strategy consultation
The Loddon Shire Council is in the process of developing a Tourism and Visitor Economy Strategy to help guide the future direction of our Shire. As we look ahead to 2030 and the exciting possibilities for the Loddon Valley region, we warmly invite our tourism industry and general community to join us in shaping this important development.
This Visitor Economy Strategy will align with the upcoming Bendigo Region Destination Management Plan, including the Loddon Shire Local Area Action Plan, as well as the Loddon Shire Economic Development Strategy 2025-2029. Together, these plans will guide us in growing and strengthening our tourism and visitor economy, ensuring it bene ts our community and preserves the unique character of our region.
The visitor economy includes all the tourism activities and services that welcome and support visitors, whether they are here for leisure or business. This ranges from transportation and accommodation to cultural and recreational experiences, all contributing to our local economy and social well-being. Our region, with
its friendly town centres and diverse cultural and natural attractions, has great potential as we look toward 2030 and beyond. Tourism is a key driver of economic growth for our area, and it is important that we build a visitor economy that is sustainable, resilient, and true to our community’s values and aspirations.
We invite you to share your thoughts and ideas about tourism in the Loddon Valley. We want to hear what you love about our region, what you think could be improved, and your vision for our future together.
Community Drop In Consultation Sessions
Monday 26 August - Wedderburn Visitor Information Centre - 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
Tuesday 27 August - Boort Resource Centre5:30 pm to 7 pm.
Wednesday 28 AugustInglewood Neighborhood House - 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
To attend a drop in session or to complete an online survey, please scan the QR Code or visit connect. loddon.vic.gov.au
Come this way ... Tim BIrthisel and Eddie Sydor encouraging more stalls at the new market home. LH PHOTO
New projects good bites to healthy living
NEW health programs will be rolled out in Loddon Shire schools.
The Healthy Loddon Campaspe’s programs will aim to strengthen physical activity and healthy eating within the school environment.
And Pyramid Hill has been slated as one of two new parkrun locations in the region.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe coordinator Alicia O’Brien said Loddon projects would build on previous initiatives.
“Activating public spaces is about making people more aware of these areas and could potentially include installation of lighting to encourage use across more hours each day,” she said.
“We will be trying to do this in as many (Loddon) towns as possible.”
Ms O’Brien said parkrun initiatives at Pyamid Hill and Heathcote would build on the success of the world-wide fitness movement at Boort.
“Pyramid Hill has got the hill and loop at the bottom that would make it very suitable for a parkrun.”
She said: “Data from the Active Living Census told us that
62.5 per cent of Loddon Campaspe residents are overweight or obese, and only 13 per cent of adults and 14 per cent of children meet the daily vegetable consumption guidelines.
“Delivering this new round of place-based activation projects across our region will help to address these statistics by encouraging and enabling healthy eating and physical activity.
“HLC is excited to be scaling up projects already successfully delivered in other areas, as well as piloting new, innovative projects that consider the needs of our local communities.
“A number of the new foodfocused projects have also been designed to align closely with the objectives of the Flourish Regional Food System Framework, contributing to the initial stages of the implementation of the framework.”
The Loddon projects are among 21 across the region - City of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires - aimed at encouraging physical activity and healthy eating. Ms O’Brien said projects would be rolled out by next June.
Science week orbits life on Mars
YEAR eight students from East Loddon P12 College went to the next level in discovery during Science Week.
The 23 students were part of last Friday’s workshops at Bendigo Tech School focused on sustaining life on Mars.
They joined with students from Maryborough Education Centre at the school’s innovation hub at the Bendigo campus of La Trobe University.
The university’s Plants for Space investigator, Associate Professor Kim Johnson, said: “We are so excited to have students explore how to support human survival in Space with fun STEM activities that include designing new Space plants and foods, automated and remote access farming.
“Australia has a great track record of farming in extreme environments and by partner-
ing with the amazing team at Bendigo Tech School and local industry experts, we hope to inspire young people to explore the many career opportunities in space, agriculture and food industries, key growth areas in our regions and across Australia.”
East Loddon students have this year been looking at food chains and last term had investigated Mars.
Oscar Balic, Ruby Cullen, Gracie Noonan, Ethan Cockerell and Paige Smith don the lab coats for experiments with La Trobe University’s educational and engagement manager Dr Frazer Thorpe (centre). LH PHOTO
Shire backs flood probe change call
LODDON communities would have strengthened resilience to recover from future floods if the State Government adopts recommendations from a Parliamentary inquiry.
The Legislative Council’s final report last month called for a more integrated, community centred and accessible approach to emergency management, from planning through to recovery.
Loddon Shire CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald said on Tuesday that council welcomed the report.
Among the report’s 90 findings and 73 recommendations were improvements to flood governance arrangements and boosting resources for emergency services responses.
“The 2022 floods had a devastating impact on the Loddon Shire, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, homes and the livelihoods of our residents,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“Council acknowledges the vital importance of the recommendations presented in the report, particularly those that address the unique challenges faced by rural communities like Loddon Shire.
“This includes around Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements; in particular that the Victorian and Federal governments work together to simplify the application process and that funding arrangements are not unduly burdensome.
“Cutting the red tape when it comes to applying for disaster recovery funding and management of funding, will help ensure councils like Loddon Shire are able to get out and start the recovery process as quickly as possible – including repairing crucial infrastructure such as local roads and bridges.
“Operational control is another important recommendation to come out of the inquiry.
“In particular, clearly stating the operational role and responsibilities of each emergency service in preparation for a flood emergency, outlining the appropriate chain of command, communication protocols and engagement with the local community.”
Mr Fitzgerald said Loddon Shire looked forward to the Victorian Government response due by next January.
Environmental returns ‘more than buyback target’
THE Federal Government should not be proceeding with Murray Darling Basin water buybacks while the quietly released evidence shows farmers have returned environmental water by many times more than the buyback target, the Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said.
She claimed the Murray Darling Basin Authority had quietly released its 2022-2023 report
into water take in the basin six months late “which lays waste to Labor’s claims in a $14 million advertising campaign that water is being overused.
The 2022–23 Sustainable Diversion Limit Accounts Registers of take and interim registers of take, March 2024 report shows that consumptive water use across the Basin is well below allowed levels.
The report found that every valley in the basin used less water than was permitted in 20222023, continuing a trend across multiple valleys ever since accounting commenced in 2019.
Across the Basin, 1568.8 gigalitres less was taken than irrigators were entitled to use.
Dr Webster said the report did not back Government claims on the need for buybacks.
Ride back for Christmas
THE historic merry-go-round at Boort’s Nolens Park could be back in action by Christmas.
The town’s tourism development Committee is overseeing repairing and upgrading of the merry-go-round in Nolens Park that has not operated since January.
The 1940s merry-go-round on the Little Lake Boort foreshore was brought to Boort from Geelong in 1959 and is a popular attraction in holiday periods.
A report on progress was given at the committee’s annual meeting this month where Sophia Herrington re-elected president.
Wendy James retired as secretary and has been succeeded by Alister Knight. Barry Kennedy continues as treasurer.
Sophia spoke about the many achievements during the year, the main one being concreting the floor and upgrading of the community storage shed with the help of a Loddon Shire Community Grant.
Orrin Hogan, Manager of Community Partnerships from the Loddon Shire attended the meeting to give a presentation on The Little Lake Boort Precinct Plan.
The plan will be available for the public for feedback.
Members were told proposals for a skate park are still a concept and are not costed.
The tennis club will hand over two courts next to Nolens Park for the project $750,000 has been allocated to the project from the Loddon Shire community fund for new tennis court fencing and lighting,
The project is expected to be completed within two years.
John Nelson reported that Goulburn Murray Water had costed replacement of the irrigation channel next to the caravan park with a pipe.
Committee members had earli-
er expressed concern for the children, saying the channel safety fence is already eroding into the channel.
They hope this project is able to be completed soon.
Members have also handed a petition to Loddon Shire requesting work in Godfrey Street where bitumen build-up has created a surface dome.
Paul Haw and Barry Kennedy were among residents to start the petition, concerned the dome prevented the opening of car passenger doors. Boort Tourism Development Committee hopes works will become a priority.
Youth awards open with a revamp
BLG Youth Awards have a new format this year.
The awards recognising achievements of youngsters from the Loddon, Buloke and Gannawarra Shires aged 12 to 25 will have eight categories in 2024.
And in a change from the last two years, a winner will be announced for art, music, community service, agriculture, leadership, events, teamwork and young person of the year for each of the three shires.
There will also be commendations in each category.
The awards are organised by Northern District Community Health and North Central LLEN.
On the treadmill
HEARTBEAT Victoria Bendigo branch has donated a treadmill to Inglewood and Districts Health Service gymnasium.
“This addition to our gym is a step forward in the recovery and wellness of our patients, residents and clients, offering them an excellent resource for improving their cardiovascular health and wellbeing,” said CEO Dallas Coghill.
Boort Tourism Development committee members elected at the annual meeting (from left) Barry Barnes, Alister Knight Jacqui Verley, Barry Kennedy, Kate Daymond, Lee Lanyon, Sophia Herrington, Damien Balzer, Margaret and John Nelson
Field guide engages youngsters with flora
SCHOOL groups exploring Kooyoora State Park have a new guide to discovery after the launch of Bush Colours.
The Friends of Kooyoora field guide to the park’s wildflowers grew out of a visit by Tarnagulla Primary School students.
Their interest spurred the group to prepare the limited-edition book that was launched by Tarnagulla Ward’s Cr Linda Jungwirth last week.
Group convenor Michael Barkla said his members regularly took school groups on tours of the park.
“We will have this special edition field guide to present to students taking one
of our tours,” Mr Barkla said. “There are something like 150 species, grouped by colour in the guide.”
He said artwork by Tarnagulla students had been featured on the guide’s cover.
“These are drawings by the students after one of their visits with us to Kooyoora,” Mr Barkla said.
While the student edition guide is not for general sale, Mr Barkla said the group was planning an expanded edition that would be available for sale.
Mr Barkla said Friends of Kooyoora would soon start work on a revised edition of the Kooyoora and Inglewood area.
Streetscape group will meet in November
MEMBERS of a community advisory group for Inglewood’s streetscape project are expected to meet for the first time in November.
Loddon Shire Council this week said the first members appointed to the group were post office owner Kylie Carter, Inglewood and Districts Health Service CEO Dallas Coghill, retailer Alan Davies, community hub manager Tenar Dwyer, Inglewood Community Bank board member Stewart Luckman, tourism and development president Peter Moore, retailer David Smyth and
Ward.
group
A council spokesperson said the group would “represent the best interests of the community, act as a conduit for any information gathering and work collaboratively to look for opportunities to harness community enthusiasm and energy, promotional and fundraising opportunities.”
Bendigo-baseds Aboriginal enterprise
DJANDAK has been given the job of designing the revamp of Inglewood’s historic streetscape.
Kirsten
The
will be chaired by the Inglewood Ward councillor.
Vivi Read, Nevaeh Long and Skylah Long have their artwork featured on the cover of Bush Colours, the latest field guide produced by Friends of Kooyoora. LH PHOTO
AUSTRALIAN Energy Market
‘Quality partner’ tender gauge Angry farmers take grumbles to Premier
Operator will put its bid to find a VNI West partner out to tender next month.
But AEMO says the tender process is not linked to the renewable energy transmission’s preferred corridor also scheduled for release within weeks.
A spokesperson said this week: “Preparation for the invitation to tender is underway now however a specific date has not been announced.
“Transmission Company Victoria is planning to release the preferred easement in September, noting that the timing of these communications is not tied in any way to the AEMO tender process. Impacted landholders will be advised of the preferred easement as a priority, ahead of any broader public communications.”
AEMO has said its project partner would become the VNI West infrastructure owner who will “build trust with the community and deliver on community benefits”.
According to the spokesperson, building trust criteria in assessing tenders will include:
Social procurement is an important part of the overall tender process. As part of their tender responses, proponents will be required to submit a detailed overview of their approach to delivering long-term social value for VNI West’s traditional owners and communities impacted by
the project, how they will leverage the purchasing power of the project to drive local economic growth, skills development and employment opportunities.
Programs to make positive contributions in line with the needs and priorities of communities impacted by the project.
Authentic engagement with traditional owner groups for meaningful long-term outcomes.
“AEMO will develop robust
of interest to review “as the first step in the multi-stage procurement process”.
Meanwhile, a third meeting this year of the VNI West community reference group was held in Charlton this month.
AEMO’s Claire Cass and Merryn York spoke with members. “Topics of discussion included land access agreements, an update on TCV’s transmission licence application, further details on the
evaluation criteria for assessing and selecting the successful tenderer with input from the Victorian Government, key community stakeholders and traditional owners. Early conversations have already begun to engage with stakeholders around this process,” the spokesperson said.
They said AEMO had received several high-quality expressions
Environment Effects Statement process, the tender to build, own and operate VNI West, TCV’s approach to consultation, insurance for landholders, as well as key project milestones,” AEMO said.
When asked for specific changes TCV and AEMO introduce for better community engagement and consultation, the spokesperson said: “TCV recognises consultation, engagement and com-
munications regarding VNI West can improve, and a number of changes have been made to address community feedback on these areas.
“TCV’s April community dropin sessions provided opportunities for community members and landholders to speak directly with project experts, to ask specific questions relevant to them, with longer sessions convenient for landholder schedules. Technical infrastructure and design experts, agriculture, environment and planning team members were on hand to field a range of questions.
“TCV opened its first regional field office in Kerang at the start of the year with a second office planned to open in the coming months.
“The VNI West project has also increased the amount of advertising and number of monthly columns placed in newspapers throughout the draft corridor, including a provision for broader notice for planned survey activities.
“The project is also in the process of hiring community liaison officers to provide an increased presence within communities across the draft corridor.
“TCV’s in-person engagement is ongoing including regular group meetings with landholders, as well as a presence at community events such as the upcoming Elmore Field Days in October,”
LOCAL farmers will be among protestors taking their message of discontent to Premier Jacinta Allan tomorrow.
Ms Allan, who is the member for Bendigo East, will speak at a Rural Press Club of Victorian luncheon in Bendigo where a Reset Victoria Rally organiser say wll put rural issues on her agenda. Farmers who have been opposing the VNI West renewable energy transmission line from Stawell to Kerang will be among protesters.
Several Loddon farmers have told the Loddon Herald they will be part of the protest with the message “people power together to show we matter”.
The Bendigo protest comes 12 months after farmers from across the region rallied on the steps of Melbourne’s Parliament House against the Government’s renewable energy plans.
Opponents of the Western Renewable Link in Western Victoria are also expected to be at the Bendigo rally. Tomorrow’s luncheon for journalists from across Victoria is also expected to be attended by representatives of the Murray River Group of Councils,. including Loddon Shire, who have been calling for an end to the Federal Government’s latest water buybacks.
Biosecurity fund boost keeps program running
VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation said new State Government’s biosecurity control funding would enable the VFF Stock Sense biosecurity initiative to continue operating for another year.
The funding includes $395,000 from the cattle fund and $395,000 from the sheep and goat fund.
VFF livestock president Scott Young said the increasing importance of the initiative since the launch in its current format in 2021 had made it a vital part of Victoria’s biosecurity safety net.
“It’s incredible to witness the overwhelming participation at our recent events. In some locations, attendance has been three times higher than we typically expect,” he said.
“We welcome this funding as it will al-
low Stock Sense to continue its vital work to protect and progress Victoria’s livestock industry and guard against the ever-present biosecurity threats we face.
“Stock Sense has firmly established itself as a primary resource for education on livestock biosecurity and animal welfare. This program brings widespread benefits to both the community and the state.
“Our events feature experts discussing a wide range of topics, including stock handling, fencing, feeding, general ownership, supply chain management, and more, making it ideal for peri-urban and hobby farmers.”
“The emphasis on biosecurity is more critical than ever. That’s why these projects are so essential now and into the future,” Mr Young said.
Grain research forum stops off in Loddon
GRAINS Research and Development Corporation held the second of its current three-series grower network forums in Pyramid Hill yesterday.
Presentations were given by Frontier Faming Systems’ Dr Jason Brand discuss-
ing pulse agronomy in the low rainfall zone, Birchip Cropping Group’s Dr Yolanda Plowman talking about disease management in Southern and Chris Davey on local weed control. The forum also looked at research and extension opportunities.
SUPPLY lifted to 15960 lambs and 8250 sheep for a combined increase of around 5000 head at Bendigo on Monday.
More new season lambs appeared, although a lot of the extra supply was in the lighter weight categories stemming from a large line of 1000 very young Dorpers and a draft of Merinos under 20kg cwt.
In fact a good percentage of the overall yarding today comprised lambs under 22kg cwt. It played into market results, with the best heavy and trade lambs firm to dearer in places, while secondary and light lambs lost $5 to $20/ head on a week ago.
New season lambs also showed a price fall of $10 to $20/head, although noting Bendigo was coming off some strong results last week and Monday’s results were more aligned with the general trend of the past five days.
As a guide the best processing lambs tracked in the range of 800c to 860c/kg cwt in this sale, while the average and plainer lots of old lambs were generally in the 700c to 770c/kg range.
The segment of the sale which lost the most momentum was the general run of old season light lambs weighing less than 20kg cwt. Some agents led their runs with new season lambs, and the lead pens of heavy tradeweights mostly sold in a range of $210 to $235/head, with just a few small pen lots of heavier types at $240 to a top of $250/head. Leaner trade young lambs, around 22-
24kg cwt, sold from $172 to $204 and the size down, 20-22kg cwt, from $146 to $160/head.
The best of the processing young lambs were estimated at 800c to 860c/kg cwt, rates slipping below 800c/kg cwt on trade lambs with less finish and weight.
The big run of young Dorper lambs sold from $48 to $84 to restockers, with the tops to $126/ head to MK processors. The big line young Merino lambs, in fresh condition, to a top of $150 to processors and then from $78 to $128/head to restockers.
There was less weight in the old season lamb run this week, the 30kg cwt plus pens from $234 to a top of $261/head.
The best of the heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs from $215 to $248, and heavy trades $187 to $216/head.
Where the market became selective and showed more price variance was on the general run of plainer old lambs between 2024kg cwt with a lot of sales from $144 to $184/head.
But it was light lambs under 20kg cwt which lost the most traction in the auction at $50 to $110/head over a lot of pens. The sheep market was weaker. Heavy mutton lost $10 to $20/head after holding-up a week ago, with prices for most big ewes between $80 and $120/head, with just a few sales higher to a top of $132 when a couple of buyers argued.
Decent trade and light sheep were a few dollars easier at $40 to $78/head. Very plain light ewes struggled at $2 to $20/head.
The average rate for the better lines of processing mutton was 300c to 380c/kg cwt, with plain and light sheep below this level.
MERINO SUCKERS
DK & LM Combs Oxley (113) $160.
SUCKERS
Gredgwin Ridge Boort (54) $250. PB Meighan
Mitiamo (62) $230. O Toose Boort (25) $223. Bernard Smith Pyramid Hill (29) $220. GC Mc Kinnon Pyramid Hill (77) $214. GE & LJ Broad Durham Ox (29) $210. Gwarra Pastoral Cohuna (90) $204. Shelwood Ent Lockward South (32) $200. AL & GJ Lloyd Stuart Mill (32) $200. Ross Armstrong Yea (9) $190.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
AJ Wilson Boort (38) $261. Jenames Berriwillock (109) $253. IDP Durie Wycheproof (158) $250. Cummins Pastoral Kerang (66) $248. Lyndoch Farming Macorna (42) $247. RI Brown Pompapiel (96) $234. Dunnellon Family Trust Donald (54) $230. Blencowe Farm Massey (44) $228. O Toose Boort (62) $228. Golden Wattle Quambatook (46) $216. Kaja Park Girgarre (48) $215. B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (73) $210.
MERINO LAMBS
A & L Hiscock High Camp (60) $183. M Rowland Swan Hill (134) $165. H & P Bennett Spring Plains (46) $148. Wanalta Ag Rushworth (20) $119. Meadow Valley Mia Mia (28) $112. MERINO WETHERS Hopeavon P/L Kurting (50) $110.
CROSSBRED EWES
O Toose Boort (42) $135. J & M Standen Kyalite (142) $125. W & G Perry Nagambie (120) $120. Cain Bros Lannecoorie (47) $113. AJ & LJ Ryan Mia Mia (39) $111. Banyandah Pastoral Moulamein (301) $106. W Bennett & L McElroy Moulamein (79) $106.
MERINO EWES
Meadow Valley Mia Mia (140) $130. Scott J Wright St Arnauld East (27) $118. RJ Bryan Mellool (54) $114. L Gleeson & Sons Moormbooh (61) $110. PA & JJ Chisholm Swan Hill (157) $110. Wooraglen Bunguluke (88) $106. BA & MT Ryan Pyalong (36) $106.
Economist will talk on farming factors
AGRICULTURAL economist Professor Ross Kingwell will reveal the top farm performance factors at Birchip Cropping Group’s main field day next month.
After tracking the financial performance of 250 farms over 10 years Professor Kingwell said there were factors farmers might not expect.
“Farming is not a nine-to-five job and it can’t be. You have to commit to that lifestyle to be successful. You do have to put in 70 hour weeks at various times of the year,” he said.
“In contrast the most successful farms are not the work-aholic businesses. Rather those that spent more time focusing on planning: farmers who are okay with more office and phone time rather than the doing - the cab or maintenance time for example.”
His research also showed strong social networks and personal development were key performance indicators.
“While social supports within the businesses proved positive, those outside the organisation, including networking with advisers and researchers also boosted farm performance,” Professor Kingwell said.
“Success in farming is about getting the big decisions right, but it’s also about the one percenters; doing the smaller things
at the right time in the right way.”
Farm expansion and machinery investment were also key performance factors which Professor Kingwell will expand on at the event targeted at farmers and advisers across the region.
Professor Kingwell will also deliver a critical message to growers regarding the importance of understanding and lobbying for protection and improvement of their grain supply chains.
“Victorian farmers can’t change the world price of grain. Supply grain costs beyond the farmgate get taken off that world grain price to create farm-gate returns for farmers,” he said.
Ross Kingwell
FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ
AEMO plans an attack on regional living
Sir, ‘The buffalo theory’. . .The Lions control the majority, whilst attacking the minority’ AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) with the support of the Australian Labor Party continue to be the coward villain, hiding under the cover of their inner-city streets and mainstream media, where they are passive aggressively threatening ‘blackouts’ as result of the ‘hottest/driest on record’ (with 200 years of records in a 4.5 billion year existence) whilst attacking the minority.
On the city streets AEMO prides itself on ‘community engagement’. Where in reality they are infiltrating their sickening culture into regional lives like a modern day totalitarian state ran by Premier Jacinta Allan.
With actions like removing regional landowners rights to challenge their land being taken away from them at VCAT, or her Minister Lily D’Ambrosio changing laws to ensure their unethical agenda can be fast tracked and not legally stopped all whilst claiming to be ministers of a democratic government?
Minister D’Ambrosio recently told me that she isn’t aware of any concerns that have been raised by regional communities over her forced roll out.
AEMO comes into our regional communities not to listen, but to be seen, not to communicate, but to dictate with comments like ‘...this transmission line is going to happen, regardless of whether you like it or not’, ’where can we spend some money to help you accept that?’.
The helpless cries that come from the mothers and fathers, kids and neighbours in the regional communities that will be destroyed in this foiled project is a clear ‘NO’.
No, I don’t want you to take my property, No, don’t ruin my life, No, I don’t want your money. In any other civil setting NO is a negative used to express dissent or refusal. In a workplace, it would be bullying or harassment to not stop when someone says no, the perpetrator would lose their employment.
But when the perpetrator is AEMO with the backing of the Labor government and you live in regional Australia, when you say NO, what is happening is
yOUR ONlINE WORDS
ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL TO CLOSE AT END OF YEAR
Karren Chuter wrote: What a shame how life is changing in Australia and not all good for our kids.
Lacey Mowat wrote: Very sad to lose such an amazing school.
WEDDERBURN INTO NORTH CENTRAL FOOTBALL FINALS
Alex Holt wrote: On a roll now, boys! You beauty! Marching off to finals! Well done to the Reserves who enjoyed a good win to finish the season. Go Redbacks!
Bernadette Reeves wrote: Well done boys, finals here we come,
lEttERS tO thE EDItOR
that you are losing your community, your business, your job, your neighbours and your home. All whilst the perpetrator looks you dead in the eye with a big grin on their face and say, ‘It’s going ahead, whether you like it or not’.
Glenden Watts CoonooerBridge
Health service mergers
Sir, Mergers are mergers, no matter how they’re framed.
The Nationals have launched a petition www. handsoffourhospitals.com.au and we urge you to support it.
Regional health services are in crisis, with 22 out of 23 operating in deficit.
Elective surgeries are being cut, and ambulance services are failing to meet critical targets due to insufficient resources.
Patients are enduring over 24-hour waits in emergency rooms and hospitals are being told to turn the lights off to save on power bills.
Healthcare cuts, job losses, and mega-mergers are not the answers regional Victoria needs.
Join us in demanding better. Stand with us and fight for regional Victoria.
Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our healthcare system and regional Victorians are paying the price.
PeterWalsh LeaderoftheNationals
WHAT’SYOURVIEW?
The Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less. All letters must include (for verification prior to publication) the writer’s name, address and contact phone number. The Loddon Herald reserve the right to edit letters for legal or space reasons. Send your letter to loddonherald@gmail.com
off to play Donald again. Good luck to the girls and boys playing in the finals for the Redbacks.
Lee Webb wrote: Congratulations on the win and making your way into the finals ‘Burn.
NEW OWNER OF THE COFFEE BANK
Mike Fitchett wrote: We went there yesterday and the food and service is 10 out of 10. The new Gluten Free foods that are going to be available soon makes our 53km trip to Pyramid Hill seem like a short distance.
INGLEWOOD AMBULANCE OP SHOP IN NEW HOME
Janet Jenkins wrote: Well done, to your ambulance auxiliary which has been operating an op shop for decades to keep an ambulance in Inglewood. I wish your op shop well in its new home.
From the Loddon Herald Facebook
20 QUESTION QUIZ
1. How would you represent the letter ‘O’ in Morse code?
2. On which continent would you find the Maasai people?
3. Rugby league State of Origin is contested between which two states?
4. Can you see one, neither, or both of the subject’s hands in the ‘Mona Lisa’?
5. What name is given to the supporting point on which a seesaw balances?
6. Peaches originate from which country?
7. A periorbital haematoma is more commonly known as?
8. True or false – Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean.
9. Victor Hugo is well known for writing which novel, now a popular musical?
10 Where would you find the uvula in the human body?
11. Which foodstuff is said to repel vampires?
12. Sonar is the method of navigation and ranging using what?
13. In which year did Essendon last win an AFL final?
14. And who was the victory over?
15. If you are a cartographer, what would you do?
16. What word describes someone being strict or serious, and is a part of a ship or boat?
17. The Archibald prize is given in which industry?
18. Is promethium a constellation or a chemical element?
19. What is the capital city of Morocco?
20. Regarding sunscreen, what does SPF stand for?
ANSWERS
REFLEX - no not the famous brand of paper. The anatomical type have had Bradley of Boort acting with lightning response of late. His latest Treemendous Sign sure shows he takes a good response seriously.
FRIDAYS are fun days. Especially if you are a student and happen to have an out-of-town excusion. When asked what one thought of the excursions, said student was quick with the reply: “It’s a day off school.”
WHILE we are on the subject of trips. a certain group of local agricultural experts (farmers) piled into the ute for journey to an interstate field day. Spent as long getting there as wandering the big toys
on show. Highlight, though, according to one: “The OTF subject formerly known as The Cockerell was leading the way sampling sausage rolls at every bakery en route.” As The Cockerell is a known footy umpire, it looks like the Pope of the whistle blowers Mal has a rival for his sausage roll title. Guess the Cockerell is now SoP (Son of Pope).
S oP’s big brother snagged a double bed for overnight accommodation. He needed it - as driver had constant confusion between wipers and blinkers. Guess it’s a miracle they managed to stop at bakeries.
S AID SoP wearing his fire chief’s helmet was so keen to welcome the new recruits, he turned up two days early.
China 7. A black eye
Les Misérables 10. Throat/mouth 11. Garlic 12. Sound 13. 2004 14. Melbourne Demons 15. Draws and produce
bUShy tAlES by IAN jONES
Cut to Chair Talk
MEN are creatures of habit. Like clockwork, they head off to have unruly trusses trimmed by the hands of experts yielding comb, scissors and razors.
At the hairdressers or the barbers, in they trot. It’s where barber Danny Cochrane says blokes sit in the chair more for the social interaction than the cut.
“That goes both ways ... I spend more time talking about everything else than cutting hair,” he said between snips on Sunday.
Joining the conversation was Gerard Dehne. “I get a haircut when I need one ... if it’s getting too long, I know it’s time,” he said, musing that the last cut was about four months ago and he had gone more than a few weeks beyond his “regular” cut.
Danny, the son of Wedderburn hairdresser Cindy, has brought his tonsorial skills to town on monthly visits to see family.
He’s a bloke’s barber and thinks men are more themselves chatting away to a barber than a hairdresser.
Although Danny himself started as a hairdresser. As a 14-year-old, he began as an apprentice in a women’s salon after a chat about what to do as a career.
By CHRIS EARL
“When I started we were told not to talk politics, pregnancies and religion,” Danny said. “So the talk with women sitting in the chair was all about fashion and what they were doing at the weekend.
“Actually, I started cutting hair to meet women,” he laughs.
It’s not always about conversation, says Danny who has been exclusively cutting men’s hair for the last decade.
“Some just come in, sit down, relax and have a little sleep while I work away,” he said.
Danny estimates that after two decades, 98 per cent of his mates he has met through cutting hair.
“Barbers are part of a bloke’s life and some customers I have had for pretty much the whole time I have been cutting hair,” he said.
“It’s a pretty cool job because you become part of their lives. For many blokes, having the hair cut is a way of maintaining connection with people. I reckon blokes like their hair being cut by a bloke because they can be themselves talking away.”
Researchers say the first barbering services
were performed by Egyptians in 5000 BC with instruments made from oyster shells or sharpened flint.
In the Middle Ages, barbers also performed surgery, pulled teeth and were the go-to men for leeching and bloodletting, fire cupping, enemas, the lancing of boils and cysts and even spinal manipulation. Danny’s not heading down those paths. He’s says there’s still the love of cutting hair after 21 years. Or as he bills the services, giving the long locks the chop.
“I love spending time with mates and cutting their way,” he said.
And the wellbeing aspect of what he does makes Danny pretty happy to spend time in chair chat with customers.
One glitzy barber’s shop puts it another way: “History’s pendulum has however recently swung with men again flocking back to the barber shop, a place where chaps can take a load off, let it all hang out, chew the fat and get a good old-fashioned shave and snip.”
Danny’s been doing that since he started with the scissors.
Danny plies his style with Gerard Dehne. LH PHOTO
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
CHARLTON
DINGEE
FOUR
INGLEWOOD
Notice of an Application for Planning Approval
The land a ected by the application is located at: Laanecoorie Reservoir, Lot 1 Brownbill Reserve Road, Laanecoorie VIC 3463
The application is for a permit to: Laanecoorie Boat Ramp Relocation & Associated Works including vegetation removal
The applicant for the permit is:
Goulburn Murray Water
The application reference number is: 5945
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the o ce of the Responsible Authority.
Loddon Shire Council O ces – 41 High Street Wedderburn VIC 3518
This can be done during o ce hours and is free of charge.
Please direct any queries to the Planning Department by calling (03) 5494 1200 or emailing planning@loddon.vic.gov.au .
Any person who may be a ected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.
An objection must:
be in writing
state how you will be a ected by the granting of the permit
be sent to the Responsible Authority at PO Box 21 Wedderburn 3518
The Responsible Authority will not decide on this application before: 5 September, 2024
If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you it’s decision
MEETING
Korong Vale Hall Asset Committee
The annual general meeting will be held on 4th of September 2024 at 12:30pm for Committee Members and anyone in the Korong Vale community who would like to attend.
Inquiries - Secretary DarrenQuigley email:darrenquigley@yahoo.com or Ph: 0410761517
Partner celebrates year of supporting local league
IT was Community Bank round in Loddon Valley football and netball on Saturday as Inglewood and District Communty Bank marked another year of being the league’s major sponsor. Staff from the bank were at the Inglewood-Marong match promoting bank services.
Bendigo Bank’s north-west Victoria regional manager Shaun Leech , said supporting and strengthening communities was central to the Bank’s purpose:
“Our vision is to be Australia’s bank of choice and we believe that successful customers and successful communities create a successful bank, but only in that order. It’s a unique point of difference that sets us apart,” Mr Leech said. League manager Kyle Smith said: “Bendigo Bank has always been a strong supporter of grass roots sports, and this important partnership underpins the development of the local leagues and the Community Bank round.”
WANTED TO BUY
Delivery share or part delivery share for Waranga Western channel Zone 1B Boort area.
$30,000 for full share
Contact 0487 278 045
WANTED TO BUY
with town or company names.
Rusty Woolan, 3, Zali Smith and Inglewood bank manager MIchael Prowse. LH PHOTO
Vickie Jeffrey, Mila Lewis, Barb Lewis, Charlie Lewis and Janette Nixon
Emilia Leahy, bank chairman Linda Younghusband and Olivia Morrison
GOALS - Bridgewater: L. Sharp 8, T. Estrada, J. Martyn 4, B. Holt 2, B. Alexander, O. Muggleton, H. Conway. Calivil: B. Baker, A. Dennis, M. Stephens 2, D. Thompson. BEST - Bridgewater: J. Mayes, L. Coghlan, J. Coghlan, T. Estrada, L. Sharp, B. Alexander. Calivil: A. Dennis, J. Hynes, S. Green, B. Wagner, H. Wall, C. Thompson.
GOALS - Newbridge: C. Dixon, B. Dimech 5, C. Sanders 2, S. Gale, B. Etherington, T. Constable, A. Padbury. Mitiamo: C. Collins, B. Baines, A. Cussen, K. Galvin, L. Lougoon, E. Spiers, J. Matthews, J. Diss, L. Shiell. BEST - Newbridge: B. Dimech, B. Etherington, M. McArthur, C. Dixon, T. McLeod, T. Constable. Mitiamo: Z. Myers, L. Lougoon, N. Twigg, J. Diss, E. Spiers, K. Coatsworth. Pyramid Hill 3.3 6.10 12.11 19.14 (128) Maiden Gully 1.0 1.1 2.1 2.2 (14)
GOALS - Pyramid Hill: B. George 6, Z. Alford 5, J. Burns 2, B. Scott, L. Sidebottom, H. Goodes, D. Hemphill, B. Ladson, E. Caburnay. Maiden Gully: T. Pridgeon, D. Turner. BEST - Pyramid Hill: B. George, B. Knight, Z. Alford, D. Hemphill, B. Ladson, S. Gunther. Maiden Gully: M. Whitham, J. Worsley, T. Pridgeon, D. Phyland, E. Crisp, J. McHutchison.
Inglewood 0.0 2.3 3.5 6.8 (44)
Marong 5.5 10.5 19.12 25.14 (164)
GOALS - Inglewood: S. Erharter, T. Kilcullen, D. Polack
2. Marong: R. Taylor 11, R. Wellington 7, K. Manley 3, K. Thomson, N. McCaig, B. Gregg, M. Willox.
BEST - Inglewood: G. Nevins, T. Kennedy, F. Payne, L. Matheson, D. Polack, W. Allen (1). Marong: R. Taylor, M. Riordan, R. Wellington, J. Gretgrix, J. McCaig, J. Gadsden.
Marong 16 15 1 0 2 350.33 60
UnDer 18
GOALS - Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes 3, B. Gibson, L. Stubbs, O. Emmerson. East Loddon: M. Hocking 4, M. Hancock, N. Ramskill 2, B. Wagner, L. James, H. White. BEST - Pyramid Hill: X. Emmerson, E. Ray, B. Gibson, H. Goodes, J. Hercott, K. Manton. East Loddon: B. Wagner, N. Ramskill, M. Hocking, A. Addlem, M. Green.
Inglewood
Marong
(29)
(101)
GOALS - Inglewood: D. Gilbee, T. Murphy, R. Smith, K. McClellan. Marong: M. Lowery 3, L. Bowen, K. Harri2, C. Murphy, R. Doorty 2, S. Vinnicombe, W. Thomson, J. McMurray. BEST - Inglewood: W. Schepers, E. McCoy, H. Noble, D. Gilbee, T. Lovett, J. Penrose. Marong: M. Lowery, K. Harris, R. Doorty, W. Thomson, J. McMurray, S. Vinnicombe. Marong
BEST - St Arnaud: T. Ward, L. Ezard, G. Doyle. Boort: A. Cockerell, J. Dowling, B. Herrington, C. O’Rourke, N. Scott, M. Buchanan.
(54)
(65)
GOALS - Donald: D. Gowlett 3, C. Anderson 2, J. Donnellon, B. Griffiths, G. Beckham. Wedderburn: M. Woods 5, C. Hargreaves 2, N. Winslett, S. Carroll, J. Piccoli.
BEST - Donald: D. Gowlett, E. Landwehr, B. Morgan, C. Anderson, D. Hollis, B. Hollis. Wedderburn: M. Woods, A. Roberts, R. Tonkin, C. Hargreaves, A. Younghusband, I. Holden.
(60)
(22)
GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: F. Warne, R. McGarry, W. Landry, B. Poulton, C. Elliott, H. Harcourt, C. Allan, Z. Wemyss. Charlton: B. Lanyon, J. McGrath, O. Wyrzykowski. BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Murray, J. Bath, J. Clohesy, C. Elliott, C. Allan, W. Landry. Charlton: P. Soulsby, E. Fitzpatrick, P. Sait, B. Dixon, C. Boyle, F. Bourke.
seniors
GOALS - Donald: R. Young 3, N. Berry 2, B. Grant, R. Bath, R. Barrack. Wedderburn: M. McEwen, O. Holt, T. Campbell, N. Furlong 2, D. Jackson.
BEST - Donald: A. Browne, R. Young, H. Geddes, B. Grant, D. Bell-Warren, C. Anderson. Wedderburn: T. Metherell, N. Furlong, J. Lockhart, O. Holt, J. DeAraugo, D. Jackson.
Sea Lake Nandaly
UnDer 17
- Donald: L. Rice, E. Clapham, C. Burke, M. Burke. Wedderburn: T. Blair, B. Hartnell, B. Cramp, W. Cunningham.
(95) Calivil 0.0 2.2 3.2 3.2 (20)
GOALS - Bridgewater: N. Hall 5, A. Woodman, J. Roberts 3, J. Campbell, J. McKinley, D. Robinson. Calivil: B. Masson 2, B. Dowton.
BEST - Bridgewater: J. Naughton, N. Hall, C. Rooke, J. Roberts, A. Woodman, J. McKinley. Calivil: E. Ritchie, J. Manderson, T. Harcourt, H. McGregor, J. Bonanno, L. Petri. Pyramid Hill 5.3 11.4 17.9 23.13 (151) Maiden Gully 0.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 (9)
GOALS - Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall 15, K. Humphrys 3, P. Walker 2, K. Quinn, M. Smith, D. Holden. Maiden Gully: K. Kerrison.
BEST - Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall, G. Quinn, T. Walker, N. Coyle, N. Moon, A. Dye. Maiden Gully: K. Griffin, N. Hadden, H. Devanny, T. Baker, J. Brown, J. Pickering. Newbridge 2.1 8.6 11.7 14.11 (95) Mitiamo 1.3 2.3 4.3 4.5 (29)
GOALS - Newbridge: D. Whan 4, T. Wilson 3, C. Grant, B. Treacy, N. Gray, M. Harris, S. Brynhildsen, N. Davis, B. Pearce. Mitiamo: C. Dobbin, M. Storey, C. Milne, K. Pentreath.
BEST - Newbridge: M. Harris, A. Moore, J. Dawkins, S. Brynhildsen, B. Treacy, T. Wilson. Mitiamo: A. Daley, D. Saliba, N. Hicks, B. Burkitt, J. Cassells, S. Myers.
Inglewood
0.2 0.5 0.6 1.10 (16)
Marong 5.3 9.5 12.12 13.12 (90)
GOALS - Inglewood: D. Hogan. Marong: D. Blume 5, T. Grant 4, J. Evenden 2, A. Collins, Z. Turnbull.
BEST - Inglewood: T. Kendal, J. Rouse, D. Hogan, R. Tresize, C. MacKinnon, K. Wicks. Marong: R. Gretgrix, H. Baker, S. Taylor, Z. Turnbull, T. Grant, F. Stewart.
Marong 16 15 1 0 2 445.12 60
Bridgewater 16 14 2 0 2 259.84 56
Pyramid Hill 16 12 4 0 2 252.83 48
Inglewood 16 10 6
(156) Charlton
- St Ar naud: F. Donald, C. Zander, B. Greenaway, S. Bridgeman, J. Needs, O. Lowe. Boort: L. Hall, J. Potter, M. Beattie, H. Malone, C. Gooding.
(8)
GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: L. McClelland 5, W. Donnan, J. McMahon 4, M. Cahoon, J. Jenkins 3, T. Donnan, C. Noonan, W. Simpson, B. Delmenico. Charlton: M. Heenan.
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Donnan, L. McClelland, J. McMahon, M. Cahoon, B. Weir, C. Michael. Charlton: B. Lanyon, E. Fitzpatrick, P. Soulsby, M. Collins, J. Taylor, M. Heenan.
Lake Nandaly
- Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Durie, C. OSullivan, J. Stacey, C. Mott, S. Barbary, B. Allan. Charlton: S. Zagame, I. Bourke, J. Roberts, E. Soulsby, L. Van Boven, M. McGeown.
(69)
St Arnaud 1.2 3.10 6.14 7.16 (58) Boort 3.3
GOALS - St Arnaud: T. Petrie 2, J. Hicks, J. Hicks, J. Tillig, M. Birthisel, T. Funston. Boort: E. Coleman 3, K. Jaksic, C. Hatcher, M. Austin, J. Keeble, N. McLaren, J. Wilson.
BEST - St Arnaud: M. Egan, Z. Phillips, J. Tillig, H. Durward, J. Hicks, R. Lempa. Boort: J. Fitzpatrick, M. Austin, J. Dick, W. Perryman, J. Keeble, J. Baddeley-Kelly.
Nullawil
Wycheproof N
(93)
(84)
GOALS - Nullawil: L. Caccaviello 4, A. Thomson, J. Humphreys, A. Oberdorfer, R. Smith 2, M. Wade, T. Cloke. Wycheproof Narraport: N. Grabowski 5, W. Mitrovic 4, H. Senior, G. Turner, K. Hommelhoff, C. Green.
BEST - Nullawil: N. Keogh, J. Humphreys, L. Caccaviello, D. Putt, S. Kelly. Wycheproof Narraport: J. Walsh, K. Hommelhoff, T. Trewin, C. Green, G. Turner, J. Kenny. Sea Lake Nandaly
UnDer 14
- Donald: H. Funcke, R. Needs, J. Reilly, Z. Clapham, O. Brennan, J. Italia. Wedderburn: J. Benaim, C. Gault, O. Bird, B. Cunningham, N. Turnbull, J. Laverty-Smith.
(2) BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Wight, H. Cox, R. Allan, T. McClelland, J. O’Sullivan, H. Warne. Charlton: M. Boyle, M. Fitzpatrick, S. Good, C. Phillips, F. Zagame, L. Monaghan.
(22)
BEST - St Arnaud: A. Reyne, N. Saludes, L. Lowe, F. Green, F. Evans, S. Greenaway. Boort: C. Hird, D. Perryman, B. McPherson, F. Arnold, H. Clapp.
BEST - Nullawil: C. Kelly, L. Higgins, C. Smith, S. Morrison, H. Humphreys, J. Harrison. Wycheproof Narraport: Not supplied.
GOALS - Nullawil: N. Grigg 3, B. Barker, B. Forrester, L. Braine, T. Fawcett, G. Forrester, Z. Kelly, W. Hogan, S. Hogan , D. Kelly. Wycheproof Narraport: C. Jones 2, W. Ringin, J. Coatsworth, J. Pardella. BEST - Nullawil: D. Kelly, B. Forrester, Z. Kelly, J. Vearing, S. Barker, W. Hogan. Wycheproof-Narraport: Not supplied.
GOALS - St Arnaud: Not supplied. Boort: A. Cockerell 5, C. O’Rourke 4, F. Holland 2, F. Millar, S. Barraclough, N. Scott.
norTH CenTrAL
LoDDon VALLeY
Indoor bowls event success
ALMOST 100 players from Victoria and New South Wales competed in the annual Boort indoor bowls tournament on Sunday.
The memorial hall was a hive of activity as players from Boort, Wedderburn, Coomealla. Echuca, Bendigo, Minyip, Benalla, Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool and Ballarat took to the mats.
Organiser Ian Potter said all competitors enjoyed the day where each team played three matches.
Sue Kerr’s team of players from Geelong and Warrnambool took tournament honours.
In the recent North Central association season decider, Wedderburn emerged champions over Boort in the final.
Faduk stars in strong season finish
WEDDERBURN has finished its North Central hockey season with a win.
Great team work from the start saw a goal within the first 10 minutes of the game by Brittany Faduk.
There were good centre plays by Neve Nisbet driving the ball down to the forwards with lots of non scoring short corners. The backline had less play most of the quarter.
In the second quarter, Wedderburn took control from the first whistle. Maddie Hendy played consistently good hockey with Ayla Hartnell on the wing.
Another quick goal by Brittany followed soon after by a short corner hit in and a conversion by Chanelle Badenhorst sitting on the post tapping it in with five minutes remaining until half time.
Donald’s goalie was worked hard by the Redback attackers with some hard fought battles as Donald’s defence held strong. Half time score 3-0.
At the start of the third quarter Donald took control with two short corners in succession with a hard raised hit in by their attacker deflecting off defender Carlie Turnbull’s face mask.
Johanna Meagher and Maddie switched roles and teamed up well in defence.
The Redbacks continued to fight hard through the centre with passages of play with
Tarry Roberts, Shannon McMillan, Neve Nisbet and Laura Stilo. Donald were tight in defence clearing all attempts. The score still 3 nil at 3 quarter time.
Laura played a fabulous game for the season along with Tarryn whose skills have improved over the year.
Jade Cramp was shining in defence with Kelsea Nisbet off injured from a previous game It was anyone’s game with play up and down the field. Genevieve Plozza still accurate in defence deflecting Donald’s attempts at goals. Two minutes into the last quarter another was goal scored by Brittany from a pass from Neve.
Final score 4-0. Best on Ground was Brittany scoring three of the goals. Encouragement award Genevieve and Ayla Hartnell, Coach’s award Neve Nisbet
RESULTS
Under 12: Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers lost to Charlton 5. St Arnaud 11 d Boort 0. Ladder: St Arnaud 100, Charlton 72, Birchip Watchem 64, Wycheproof Narraport 56, Donald 25, Sea Lake Nandaly 19, Boort 3.
Underage: Donald 8 d Wedderburn 1. Sea Lake Nandaly 3 d Charlton 2. St Arnaud 0 lost to Boort 5.
Ladder: Donald 81, St Arnaud 76, Sea Lake Nandaly 67, Charlton 52, Boort 48, Birchip Watchem 45, Wycheproof Narraport 17, Wedderburn 0.
Women: Donald 0 lost to Wedderburn 4. Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Charlton 5. St Arnaud 6 d Boort 0.
Ladder: Charlton 86. Wycheproof Narraport 76, St Arnaud 67, Sea Lake Nandaly 60, Boort 48, Wedderburn 38, Donald 7, Birchip Watchem 7. Men: Sea
3
to
DESPITE the prospect of intermittent showers all afternoon, five Boort members ventured out to compete in last Saturday’s stroke event.
After a slow start, Peter Eicher picked up his game on the back nine to finish with 91 off the stick, giving him a nett 72 to match Andrew Kane.
After a countback, Eicher prevailed to claim the weekly prize. Kane then managed to pick up the Saturday-only nearest-thepin prizes, while Di Johnston’s and Lorraine Linehan’s efforts from Wednesday held up.
The weekend also signalled the completion of an interrupted July-August monthly fencing award, with the sponsor, Damien Lanyon, claiming his own prize for the second time this year.
Mitiamo
The weekend’s winner was Matty Miles with 41 points after an impressive 71 off the stick. Runner-up was Dale Anderson with 38 points.
Lake Nandaly
d Charlton 1. St Arnaud 2 lost
Boort 5.
Ladder: Donald 86, Boort 78, Wycheproof Narraport 69, St Arnaud 53, Sea Lake Nandaly 28, Charlton 25, Birchip Watchem 3.
Boort club president Allen Stringer
Boort’s Aileen Morris in action at Sunday’s tournament
Greg Barnard (Wedderburn) was among almost 100 competitors. LH PHOTO
Quiet beacon of hope
JUST as the timekeeper’s signal ended play on Mitiamo’s brilliant A Grade netball home and away season, a hundred metres away the club’s senior footballers were tumbling to their 16th successive loss, closing out a winless 2024 for the Superoos.
The Miti netballers, with just one loss for the season on the way to the minor premiership, proved way too strong for thirdplaced Newbridge, winning 37-68 at the Maroons’ home court.
While the footballers have summer to regroup, the netballers have a week off to prepare for their bid for a first flag since 2019.
It’s a stark division between the women and the men from Mitiamo, but it hasn’t led to even gentle teasing from the netballers, according to coach Jen Wilson.
“We are right behind the football club,” she said.
“They’ve had a tough year with a lot of injuries, and they are a great support to us, and were last year throughout the finals series.
“They’ve really got our backs — so we don’t get up them too much,” she laughed.
Wilson described the netball team as “a beacon of hope” for the small town.
“We’re in the middle of nowhere, and there’s not much left of the town these days, and we compete against the bigger clubs, which is a bit of a challenge,” she said.
There’s a kind of telepathy within the Superoos’ team.
NORTH CENTRAL
A Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 10, 17, 26, 34, (34) lost to Charlton 11, 21, 34, 43, (43). Nullawil 13, 25, 38, 51, (51) d Wycheproof Narraport 6, 10, 15, 18, (18). Donald 5, 12, 22, 30, (30) lost to Wedderburn 20, 41, 56, 73, (73). St Arnaud 9, 21, 27, 35, (35) lost to Boort 14, 33, 49, 63, (63)
Wedderburn 159.03 54
Boort 139.89 50
Charlton 128.16 44
Nullawil 107.29 40
Birchip Watchem 116.37 36
Sea Lake Nandaly 98.88 32
Donald 89.97 20
Wycheproof N 43.85 8
St Arnaud 64.73 4
B Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 14, 19, 34, 45, (45) d Charlton 3, 10, 16, 23, (23). St Arnaud 7, 11, 18, 27, (27) lost to Boort 7, 22, 28, 32, (32). Donald 9, 14, 27, 40, (40) lost to Wedderburn 12, 26, 44, 60, (60). Nullawil 23, 40, 53, 72, (72) d Wycheproof Narraport 3, 6, 8, 15, (15)
Wedderburn 194.77 64
Birchip Watchem 173.43 54
Nullawil 153.96 44
Donald 122.01 38
Boort 117.76 32
Sea Lake 116.08 32
Charlton 66.33 16
St Arnaud 47.28 8
Wycheproof N 27.29 0
C Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 16, 37, 52, 74, (74) d Charlton 5, 10, 13, 19, (19). St Arnaud 5, 11, 21, 21, (21) lost to Boort 9, 19, 41, 41, (41). Donald 6, 13, 22, 32, (32) lost to Wedderburn 14, 32, 43, 57, (57). Nullawil 15, 38, 53, 67, (67) d Wycheproof Narraport 2, 4, 6, 8, (8) Nullawil 209.55 56
By GARY WALSH
While opponents are vocal in calling for the ball, Mitiamo’s players just seem to know instinctively where the teammates will be.
“Generally we’re a pretty quiet team,” Wilson said.
“They just go out there with a focus and go about their business.”
Goal shooter Carly Scholes and goal attack Laura Hicks were unstoppable against Newbridge, in the course of the afternoon racking up a remarkable 1000 goals for the season.
Without pre-empting results, Wilson is well aware the grand final will be played at Mitiamo’s home courts this year.
If everything goes to plan, “it should be an excuse for the locals to come out and support us”.
The qualifying final between Pyramid Hill, which inflicted Mitiamo’s only defeat this season, and Newbridge shapes as a classic.
The Maroons beat the Bulldogs by two goals in their first match this year, and lost by three in the return battle. Pyramid Hill beat Maiden Gully by 11 goals in the final round.
The elimination final pits Bridgewater against Bears Lagoon Serpentine. They too shared the spoils in the earlier matches, winning one each.
Serp had the bye in round 18, while Bridgewater put Calivil to the sword in winning by 56 goals.
NETBALL SCOREBOARDS
Boort 176.38 48
Birchip Watchem 149.44 48
Sea Lake
C Reserve
Nullawil (53) d Wycheproof Narraport (16)
Nullawil 255.34 36
Sea Lake Nandaly 181.08 34
Wycheproof N 96.68 22
Birchip Watchem 82.29 20
Wedderbur n 65.13 10
St Arnaud 47.37 0 17 & Under
Nullawil 6, 18, 33, 42, (42) d Wycheproof Narraport 3, 3, 6, 12, (12). Donald 14, 20, 30, 43, (43) d Wedderburn 7, 21, 29, 36, (36). St Arnaud 13, 24, 31, 37, (37) d Boort 6, 12, 18, 21, (21). Sea Lake Nandaly 5, 13, 17, 21, (21) lost to Charlton 5, 9, 21, 27, (27).
Birchip Watchem 296.89 64
Nullawil 279.58 56
St Arnaud 141.42 48
Wycheproof N 94.58 36
Charlton 82.20 30
Sea Lake Nandaly 69.34 20
Boort 65.28 14
Donald 52.60 12
Wedderbur n 53.81 8 14 & Under A
Sea Lake Nandaly 16, 29, 30, 30, (30) d Charlton 0, 0, 0, 0, (0). Nullawil 11, 19, 28, 33, (33) d Wycheproof Narraport 2, 5, 5, 6, (6). Donald 13, 27, 34, 34, (34) d Wedderburn 3, 4, 4, 4, (4). St Arnaud 1, 2, 7, 12, (12) lost to Boort 5, 9, 14, 22, (22).
Donald 291.16 64
Birchip Watchem 245.26 56
Sea Lake Nandaly
n
14 & Under B
Donald 2, 6, 8, 12, (12) lost to Wedderburn 5, 9, 14, 17, (17). St Arnaud 3, 5, 8, 9, (9) d Boort 1, 1, 2, 3, (3).
Birchip Watchem 479.07 36 St Arnaud 421.28
LODDON VALLEY
A Grade
Newbridge 7, 16, 26, 37, (37) lost to Mitiamo 15, 35, 52, 68, (68). Bridgewater 20, 36, 54, 78, (78) d Calivil 7, 13, 18, 22, (22). Pyramid Hill 16, 29, 48, 60, (60) d Maiden Gully 12, 22, 32, 49, (49). Inglewood 9, 18, 24, 33, (33) lost to Marong 14, 26, 45, 59, (59). Mitiamo 173.40 60
171.79 56
56
52
38
32
85.59 24
Serpentine 74.96 18
57.76 8
47.82 4
C Grade
Pyramid Hill 8, 14, 24, 30, (30) lost to Maiden Gully 4, 12, 18, 28, (28). Inglewood 4, 7, 10, 12, (12) lost to Marong 14, 22, 34, 48, (48). Bridgewater 8, 20, 33, 46, (46) d Calivil 5, 9, 14, 19, (19). Newbridge 10, 23, 32, 44, (44) d Mitiamo 8, 16, 27, 41, (41).
Pyramid Hill 138.57 58
Newbridge 121.91 48
Bridgewater 125.28 44
Marong 120.38 44
Maiden Gully 100.00 30
BL Serpentine 100.77 24
Mitiamo 94.74 24
Inglewood 58.51 10
Calivil 65.27 6
C Reserve
Pyramid Hill 5, 12, 16, 18, (18) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 20, 32, 44, (44). Bridgewater 21, 35, 48, 68, (68) d Calivil 4, 9, 12, 16, (16). Newbridge 18, 29, 41, 54, (54) d Mitiamo 10, 13, 17, 19, (19). Inglewood 6, 14, 18, 24, (24) lost to Marong 13, 26, 36, 46, (46).
Marong 171.27 60
Maiden Gully 152.56 56
Newbridge 134.50 44
B Grade
Pyramid Hill 14, 25, 37, 46, (46) d Maiden Gully 11, 25, 38, 45, (45). Newbridge 19, 36, 51, 67, (67) d Mitiamo 6, 13, 20, 25, (25). Inglewood 5, 13, 19, 25, (25) lost to Marong 10, 25, 33, 48, (48). Bridgewater 19, 34, 59, 80, (80) d Calivil 6, 9, 16, 17, (17).
17 & Under
Inglewood 5, 12, 19, 20, (20) lost to Marong 21, 41, 48, 66, (66). Pyramid Hill 7, 18, 28, 37, (37) lost to Maiden Gully 17, 29, 44, 56, (56). Bridgewater 13, 24, 39, 46, (46) lost to Calivil 13, 33, 42, 57, (57).
15 & Under
Pyramid Hill 3, 12, 18, 27, (27)
Mitiamo coach Jen Wilson
JBK caps off top first first
JHYE Baddeley-Kelly has streeted his teammates in the Boort seniors best-and-fairest awards.
The first-year Magpie midfielder, who has played with Coburg in the VFL, totalled 78 votes to win by a massive 32 votes from midfielder Tom Potter.
Carly Isaac took out the A Grade netball award, while Harry Malone and Lucy Malone took out the respective men’s and women’s hockey awards.
Football - seniors: Most consistent: James Keeble. Most valuable: Matt Austin. Rising star: James Byrne. Coach’s award: James Wilson.
Reserves best and fairest: Harry Weaver. Runners-up: Fraiser Holland and Jordan Sheahan. Most consistent: Alan Cockerell. Most determined: Dylan Hatcher. Most improved: Jack Dowling. Coach’s award: Jett Hird. Defensive stalwart: Beau Herrington.
Under 17 best and fairest: Max Beattie. Runner-up: Brodie Arnold. Most consistent: Riley Wagner. Most determined: Luke Boyd. Most improved: Jake O’Flaherty. Coach’s award: Jackson Bird.
Under 14 most consistent: Brodie McPherson. Most determined: Cooper Gould. Most improved: Jacob Malone. Best team player: Darby Perryman. Coach’s award: Mason Young.
Netball - A Grade best and fairest: Carly Isaac. Runners-up: Amy Dridan and Roxy Train. Coach’s award: Carly Isaac.
B Grade best and fairest: Kazzandra Adams. Runner-up: Isabelle Hosking. Coach’s award: Britney Sykes.
C Grade best and fairest: Annie Perryman. Runners-up: Brooke Arnold and Kristen Gooding. Coach’s award: Ella Streader.
Under 17 best and fairest: Ella Streader. Runner-up: Milly Scott. Coach’s award: Anna Lanyon. Wally Manallack junior incentive award: Ella Streader. Umpire encouragement award: Anna Lanyon.
Under 14 coach’s award: Victoria Lanyon. Most improved: Alice Marsh.
Hockey - Men’s best and fairest: Harry Malone. Runner-up: Blake Slatter. Coaches’ award: Luke Boyd. Most consistent: Joshua Smith. Women’s best and fairest: Lucy Malone. Runner-up: Chelsea Challis Broad. Coach’s award: Lily Caine. Most consistent: Sienna Boyd.
Under 15 best and fairest: Jake O’Flaherty and Abby Potter. Coach’s award: Alice Marsh.
Postle back with A Grade title
MADDISON Postle has won Wedderburn’s A Grade best and fairest award for the fourth time, marking an incredible nine times that she has finished first or second.
Postle’s efforts for the ladderleading Redbacks are more remarkable given that she returned to netball this year after the birth of her third child Clancey.
Onballer Jackson McEwan took out the senior football best and fairest in his second season for the club after playing just eight times in 2023.
Netball - A Grade best and fairest: Maddison Postle. Runner-up: Holly Lockhart. Coach’s award: Nikki Lockhart.
B Grade best and fairest: Olivia Lockhart. Runner-up: Paige Stephenson. Coach’s award: Alice Hubbard.
C Grade best and fairest: Tess Jackson. Runner-up: Ashleigh Woods. Coach’s award: Sarah Turnbull.
C Reserve best and fairest: Emily Glenister. Runner-up: Catherine Walsh, Carly Drinkwater, Haley Smith, Bec Hughes,
Key defender picks up Bulldogs top award
KEY DEFENDER Tom McGregor, one of the favourites for the Loddon Valley’s best and fairest award, has taken out Pyramid Hill’s top award for the 2024 season.
Although he played only 15 home and away matches for the Bulldogs, his role in leading one of the league’s tightest defences was rewarded with the club’s best and fairest prize.
McGregor will have a key role in Pyramid Hill’s push for a premiership after the Bulldogs finished second on the ladder.
Best and fairest: Tom McGregor, Runner-up: Ben Knight. Leading goalkicker: Zach Alford, Reserves - best and fairest: Tom Walker. Runner-up: Mitchell Dingwall. Leading goal kicker: Mitchell Dingwall. W. “Bill” Moss Memorial Trophy (most determined): Kaleb Quinn, Most consistent: Matthew Moon. Most improved: Paris Walker. Coach’s Award: Ben Culross. Best first year player: Kaleb Quinn. Under 18 - Bert Wood Memorial
Trophy (best and fairest): Harrison Goodes. Runner-up: Blake Gibson. Leading goal kicker: Harrison Goodes. Most consistent: Xavier Emmerson. Vaughan Herrick Memorial Trophy (most improved): James Hercott. W. “Bill” Moss Memorial Trophy (most determined): Jacobi Mitchell. Dave Atkins Memorial Trophy (exceptional commitment): Riley Hutton and Hayden Ray.
Netball - A Grade best and fairest: Jessica Holdstock (44 votes). Runner-up: Abbey Dingwall (28)
B Grade: Simone Edgley (56). Runner-up: Mikayla Burge (50). C Grade: Erin Farrar (35). Runnerup: Shannon Taylor (33). C Reserve: Claire Pickles (46). Runnerup: Olivia Turvey (37) 17 and under: Mia Farrar (36).
Cecily Farrar (50). Runner-up: Sophie Twigg (26). Coach’s award: Isla Cladingboel. 13 and under: Siri Harrison (40). Runner-up: Ruby Fletcher (30). Coach’s award: Xanthe Farrar
Rachel Elsmore. Coach’s award: Nadia Martin. Senior football best and fairest: Jackson McEwan. Runnersup: Joe Lockhart and Oscar Holt. Most improved: Junior Miller. Most Consistent: Darcy Jackson. MVP: Jackson McEwan. Goalkicking: Tom Campbell. Best firstyear: Noah Furlong. Reserves best and fairest: Rob-
ert Tonkin. Runner-up: Levi Sims. Best first-year: Maikia Punguika. Goalkicking: Chris Hargreaves. Women’s hockey best and fairest: Brittany Faduk. Runner-up Carlie Turnbull. Coach’s award: Genevieve Plozza. Most improved: Ayla Hartnell. Most consistent: Neve Nisbet. Best first year: Taryn Roberts. Best clubperson: Kelsea Nisbet.
Hockey club president Chris O’Flaherty presented Angela Poxon with life membership on Sunday. LH PHOTO
Senior coach Dale Cameron with best and fairest Jhye BaddeleyKelly at Sunday’s count
Tops on the netball court in the home and away season were Annie Perryman, Carly Isaac and Kazzandra Adams
Maddi Postle
GOALKICKING
LODDON VALLEY
Maroons back off in final term
By GARY WALSH
KICKING five goals to one in the last quarter against a winless team might not seem like the best preparation for the Loddon Valley football final series.
51
Lowery - Marong
34 - (1) - Jack McMurray - Marong
32 - (3) - Harrison Goodes - Pyramid Hill
31 - (2) - Cooper Murphy - Marong
27 - (4) - Mason Hocking - East Loddon
25 - (2) - Riley Doorty - Marong
25 - (1) - Kyle McClellan - Inglewood
23 - (2) - Kane Harris - Marong
22 - (1) - Tyler Murphy - Inglewood
21 - (0) - Mitchell Brown - Bridgewater
NORTH CENTRAL
SENIORS
97 - (0) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem
49 - (3) - Joshua Jenkins - Sea Lake Nandaly
46 - (2) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn
41 - (0) - Mitch Farmer - Nullawil
32 - (2) - Oscar Holt - Wedderburn
32 - (1) - James Keeble - Boort
32 - (0) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem
31 - (2) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil
28 - (3) - Ethan Coleman - Boort Seniors RESERVES
43 - (4) - Chris O’Rourke - Boort
43 - (1) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly
39 - (0) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil
34 - (1) - Harry Harcourt - Sea Lake Nandaly
28 - (1) - Joseph McGrath - Charlton
23 - (1) - Zachary Wemyss - Sea Lake Nandaly
23 - (2) - Chris Hargreaves - Wedderburn
22 - (2) - Frasier Holland - Boort
22 - (0) - Andrew Oberdorfer - Nullawil
LODDON VALLEY
Qualifying finals - Saturday at Maiden Gully
Seniors: Pyramid Hill v Bears Lagoon Serpentine
Reserves: Bridgewater v Pyramid Hill
Under 18: East Loddon v Bridgewater
Elimination finals - Sunday at Pyramid Hill
Seniors: Bridgewater v Newbridge
Reserves: Inglewood v Bears Lagoon Serpentine
Under 18: Inglewood v Pyramid Hill
NORTH CENTRAL
First semi-finals at Birchip
Seniors: Wedderburn v Donald
Reserves: Boort v Birchip Watchem
Under 17: St Arnaud v Birchip Watchem
Under 14: Donald v St Arnaud
League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au
So was Newbridge foxing in the final term of its clash with Mitiamo last Saturday? With fifth place assured, and percentage no issue, the Maroons appeared to take their foot off the pedal against the Superoos, winning by 52 points after leading by 74 at the last change.
Full forward Chris Dixon, who had five goals from his strong marking and accurate kicking, spent the quarter on the bench with his boots off, and others took a relaxed approach to the game, not risking injury with a big week coming up.
This is no disrespect to Mitiamo, which was very competitive early in the match and came home strongly to offer some encouragement to the loyal fans who supported them through a tough season.
In the end, Newbridge’s class told. Key forward Brandon Dimech, who joined the club only late in the season, was again outstanding with five goals and shapes as a key to the Maroons chances against Bridgewater in Sunday’s elimination final.
Dimech, wearing the distinctive guernsey 0, has been named in the best four times in his five matches, and he was best afield against the Superoos, who did not
have the height or strength to go with him.
He was well supported by Brandon Hetherington, Matthew McArthur and Dixon.
For Mitiamo, there was promise in the way the players fought out the game, with Zak Myers, captain Luke Lougoon and Nathan Twigg among the best. Notably, the Superoos had nine individual goakickers.
Marong headed into the week
off for finishing on top with a 120-point win over Inglewood. Ryley Taylor kicked 11 goals and Ryan Wellington seven for the Panthers as they ended the home and away season with a twogame buffer over Pyramid Hill.
Gabe Nevins was Inglewood’s best, with the young star showing what could have been if not for an injury-plagued season.
The Bulldogs tuned up for the finals with a 114-point win over Maiden Gully. Bailey George, Ben Knight and Zach Alford, whose five goals took him to third spot on the goal kicking ladder, were best for Pyramid Hill, while Mitch Whitham, Josh Worsley and Thomas Pridgeon did well for the Eagles.
Bridgewater, with the prolific Lachlan Sharp kicking another eight goals to take him to 128 for the season, were too good for Calivil, winning by 84 points.
Joseph Mayes and Lee Coghlan were best for the Mean Machine, while Anthony Dennis, Justin Hynes and skipper Samuel Green stood out for the Demons.
Edgy Redbacks say see you again Saturday
By CHRIS EARL
WEDDERBURN’S desperate and dynamic defenders have delivered.
The Redbacks’ superiority over Donald in last Saturday’s crucial encounter was not in doubt, even if it was challenged.
Coach Tom Metherell epitomised the drive needed for a victory to play finals.
His dashes off the backline generated excitement in the midfield and up forward. Metherell and club stalwarts Danny Benaim and Adam Postle were tackling ferociously in the dramatic final term when Donald had an early slender lead. Josh DeAraugo was also in the thick of battle.
They went the spoil, nullifying Royals’ ruckman Andrew Browne who had been key for Donald all day.
Browne had the measure of Wedderburn’s Jordy Hargreaves in the first half but in the final term, Hargreaves was part of the team that proved it deserved to play finals and have another crack at Donald in this Saturday’s first semi-final.
While the game was a battle of defence for much of the day,
forwards were also in the action. Some goals came after free kicks were awarded to both sides.
In the case of Donald, the added advantage of 50 metre penalties guaranteed Donald’s two second quarter goals.
Noah Furlong was dashing the midfield from the opening bounce and finished with two goals for
Wedderburn. Tom Campbell and Mitchell McEwen also slotted through pairs. It was McEwan’s second major near the 15-minute mark of the fourth that put Wedderburn into the box seat.
Oscar Holt also finished with two although his major contributions came between the wing and half forward with smart kicks to better positioned team mates. Ross Young’s three goals for Donald had him again in the side’s best.
Wedderburn had the scoreboard lead most of the day. Donald did hit the front before quarter time as rain fell and outscored Wedderburn in the third quarter but apart from taking the lead briefly in the final term, there was an air that Wedderburn would be playing finals. The Redbacks now take that psychological edge into the first semi-final.
O’Rourke claims reserves’ goal gun gong
BOORT’S Chris O’Rourke has topped the North Central reserves goal kicking table after slotting four majors in the win over St Arnaud.
O’Rourke’s four goals drew him level with Sea Lake Nandaly’s Billy Poulton who managed just the one goal in the final round.
Boort finished in third spot and will play Birchip Watchem in Saturday’s first semi-final.
Meanwhile, Wedderburn started 2024 in a blaze of glory, winning round one and bookended their season in round 18 against the Royal Blues.
A bit of grief endured in the interim between wins though, but a great way to close out the season.
A tight contest all day with seldom more than two kicks separating the two teams.
A commendable all round team effort by the Redbacks with some players saving their best until last. Onballers Cal MillerGovett, Matt Lockhart and Cam Lang stuck to the task of getting the ball moving from ball ups, Mitch Woods in the centre was
Chris O’Rourke
outstanding, drifted forward, found space and finished with five goals. Could have been a little bit tidier though as he also kicked a point.
Andrew Roberts on a wing played the game of his life. Seems to enjoy the surface at the Donald Recreation Reserve as he put on the afterburners and outran his opponents as he drove the Redbacks into attack. Robbie Tonkin on a back flank found plenty of ball as has been his want all season, while Chris Hargreaves was
the marking target up forward with his sticky fingers working well early.
In the under 17s, Boort had just its second loss of the season, going down to St Arnaud by 13 points.
The Pies finished the home and away season on top of the ladder and will clash again with St Arnaud in the second semi-final.
Wedderburn fronted up to their final game for 2024 with their usual enthusiastic and determined focus, found the Donald boys a little more accomplished but this did not diminish their desire and willingness to get in and give it their best shot. Something they may have picked up from their coaches Oscar Holt and Sam Lockhart because that is how they play each week.
The Royal Blues soon gained control after the first bounce and held the Redbacks at bay. Donald were able to hit the scoreboard regularly and it wasn’t until the second half that the Redbacks were able to join in and put goals on the board. Tyson Blair again
featured in an on-ball role as he found plenty of footy and put long left kicks to advantage. Deacon Tansley in the centre was busy, and made the most of his possessions, adds more to his game each week. Beau Hartnell a welcome addition to the side albeit late in the season showed enough to get excited about what may lie ahead if he has a real shot at the game. Will Cunningham at full back steady and reliable as always had plenty to do as there was plenty of action in Donald’s forward half. Noah Winslett on ball saw action aplenty, used his possessions well. Blaz Cramp after a game in the under 14s still had plenty of energy to have an impact for the Redbacks. A bit to look forward to from this youngster in the years ahead.
Donald’s good contributors were Luca Rice, Ethan Clapham, Charlie and Marty Burke. In the under 14s, Boort was too good for St Arnaud and will have the week off before meeting Sea Lake Nandaly in the second semifinal.
Chris Dixon
Gary Walsh previews the opening weekend of Loddon Valley football finals
Spotting danger points
YOU COULD hardly find two sides more equally matched than Pyramid Hill and Bears Lagoon Serpentine, who meet in the Loddon Valley qualifying final at Maiden Gully on Saturday.
In round one, the Bears prevailed by 15 points, but the teams had the same number of scoring shots.
In the return clash, Serp won again, but only through a feat of remarkable accuracy, winning by seven points, 10.1 to 7.12.
In both wins, Bears full-forward Josh Mellington was on fire, kicking 10 of 17 goals in the first round, and six of 10 in the second victory.
But a likely season-ending hamstring injury in late June has meant the Bears have had to share the goal kicking load.
If you draw a form line through Marong, which finished on top of the ladder in its bid for a third
consecutive premiership, Pyramid Hill comes out in front.
The Bulldogs’ five-point win over the Panthers in round 12 was the first time Marong had been beaten in three years. The earlier clash this season resulted in an eight-point win to Marong,
who beat Pyramid Hill in last season’s grand final by 16 points.. Serp, on the other hand, was beaten by seven goals in round four and by 10 points in the return match.
Pyramid Hill coach Nathan Fitzpatrick told the Loddon Herald the Bears had continued scoring heavily despite Mellington’s absence, and were clearly sharing the load more equally up forward.
“Now they’re going to be a bit more dangerous in their entries, which means we have to worry about ourselves first,” he said.
The Bears have five players in the top 20 goal kickers in the league. Mellington’s 93 from nine matches stands out, but since his injury other forwards have stepped up, and a one-dimensional attack has become more varied and threatening.
The Bulldogs have almost their
full list to pick from, and Fitzpatrick said that with the double chance they would be taking no risks at the selection table.
“You don’t want someone who is 50-50 going into a final.”
Despite having that famous win over Marong in their kitbag, the Bulldogs are looking no further than this weekend.
“We have been looking at different ways of making plans for all the other four teams in the finals, and at the moment Serp is the side we have not got over at all,” Fitzpatrick said.
The other imponderable is the impact of rain on the Marist College ground at Maiden Gully, which is notoriously sloppy after bad weather.
Given the week’s bleak forecast, it may be the side which best handles the conditions that faces up to Marong a week later in the second semi-final at Bridgewater.
0-4 start gives way to season of hope
NEWBRIDGE will be looking all the way back to round one for encouragement as it faces the seemingly impossible task of beating Bridgewater in this Sunday’s elimination final.
Raw statistics highlight the challenge facing the Maroons.
They finished four wins and almost 100 per cent behind the Mean Machine on the ladder, finishing fifth in a competition where the top four teams were streets ahead of the rest.
But on the opening day of the season, Newbridge travelled to Bridgewater and led by 10 points at three-quarter time, only to fall by 21 points after a one-goal-tosix final term.
The second time the sides met, in round 10 at the Maroons’ home ground, the Mean Machine thumped them by 99 points, with the freakish Lachlan Sharp notch-
ing 12 goals to go with the eight he kicked in the opening round.
Newbridge’s ability to limit Sharp’s potency will go a long way towards deciding the result, and it will require a team effort. Sharp is more mobile than most mark-and-kick full-forwards, and has 20 goals in his two match-ups with the Maroons.
For Newbridge co-coach Dan Smith, making the finals after a 0-4 start to the season offers “a free hit. We have got nothing to lose”.
He said the team “drew a line in the sand” after the poor start.
“We just had to get to work, and once we found a bit of form we were gaining momentum.”
Smith said restricting Sharp’s supply from the midfield was the key to keeping him from racking up the goals again.
“Whoever plays on him needs
support in stopping the best fullforward in the comp, and probably the best full-forward in the region,” he said.
The Maroons’ own attack has been bolstered by the mid-season recruitment of strong-marking Brandon Dimech, among a number of pick-ups that have helped improve the side.
Dimech and Chris Dixon — both of whom kicked five goals on the weekend against Mitiamo — provide a challenge for any defence, with Dimech mobile at centre half-forward and Dixon a stayat-home full-forward with great hands and physical presence.
Sharp, of course, is not the only threat from the Mean Machine.
Defender Jack Neylon and nuggety midfielder Bo Alexander have been consistent all season, among others, but Bridgewater lost three games in a row to the
three teams above them after Sharp kicked his 100th goal for the season in round 12 against Inglewood.
Sharp, clearly injured after copping a bad corky against the Blues, kicked only six goals in those three losses, so containing his brilliance is crucial for any opponent.
The Loddon Valley season has seen four teams streak away from the pack — that Newbridge could make the finals with only seven wins and nine losses speaks volumes of how dominant Marong, Pyramid Hill, Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Bridgewater have been.
But the Maroons have gone 7-5 since their scratchy start, and they find themselves in the finals for the first time since 2018. As Smith says, they have nothing to lose.
IF ONLY the weather gods were lining up for Newbridge in the cut-throat elimination final against Bridgewater.
For the Maroons would need them in every position to have any chance of causing an upset not seen since the days when a plucky Korong Vale missed out on flags.
As much as I would like to tip the Donut Kings to win, Bridgewater has been a class or two above this season.
Newbridge for sure has surprised many, including the good ol’ Oracle, Are there any more surprises left in 2024? Not for the Maroons up at Mitchell Park.
In the qualifying final you would have to say the form tips Bears Lagoon Serpentine over Pyramid Hill.
And I reckon that’s how Saturday will play out at The Dome.
Bears lose and they risk going out in straight sets. Too good for that.
Caution however. I’m still backing Pyramid Hill for the flag!
Having a look at the Magoos, I will be putting the money on Inglewood to beat Serp in the elimination final. The Blues have been a source of encouragement this season.
Serp has had a week off, will probably be a bit rusty and besides, the club has both sides still running around.
In the qualifying magoos, you can’t go past Bridgewater. Pyramid Hill has not been as dominant in the seconds this season while the Mean Machine has shown there’s good depth to potentially stop Marong’s hat-trick attempt. And let’s not forget the under 18s. Have to rate Inglewood over Pyramid Hill and East Loddon to be a class above Bridgewater.
Pop along early and support the kids in the first weekend of finals.
- GLENN CATTO
Nathan Fitzpatrick
Loddon HERALD sport
Thursday AUGUST 22, 2024
Midfielder’s league best and fairest medal
DOUBLE MAX
By CHRIS EARL
MAX Beattie stamped himself as one of North Central football’s top junior players at the weekend.
The pacy midfielder took out the league’s Jeff Gould under 17 best and fairest trophy in Saturday’s vote count. And on Sunday he followed up with the Boort club’s junior award.
Beattie, a Year 11 student at Boort District School, polled best on ground in the Pies’ two clashes with Nullawil and Birchip Watchem. He also picked up three votes when the top-of-the-ladder Pies defeated Donald in June.
Beattie wasn’t in the junior side for the return clash against the Royals this month. He had been elevated to the seniors and was part of the Boort team that thumped the premiership contenders by 71 points.
“Certainly didn’t expect to jointly win the league best and fairest,” said Beattie on Sunday.
He had tipped Judd Durie (Sea Lake Nandaly and Nullawil’s Tiger Vearing for the medal.
Instead it was Beattie and and Charlton’s Seb Zagame who finished the count with 21 votes, two clear of Vearing and Sea Lake Nandaly’s Cruz O’Sullivan.
“We’ve a good team of youngsters at Boort ... a lot of talent and that’s testament to our coach Chris Hatcher. He drives us,” said Beattie
“I thought it had been a good season. I’ve kicked a few more goals and have had plenty of passes from teammates.”
Beattie has played all his football with Boort. “We’re having some good junior years and we’re all good and close mates. It helps being in a great community where everyone is so support-
ive of the juniors,“ Beattie said. Two-time runner-up Wade Donnan (Sea Lake Nandaly) was the breakaway winner of the senior competition’s Feeny Medal. Donnan polled 25 votes, five ahead of Donald ruckman Andrew Brown.
Boort’s sizzling 2024 recruit Jhye Baddeley-Kelly and Hamish Hosking (Birchip Watchem) were
equal third with 18 votes. Baddeley-kelly on Sunday won the Pies top award.
Tom Campbell was the best of Wedderburn players in the Feeny, finishing with 10 votes as did Boort’s Tom Potter who polled well in early rounds. The 2021 medallist and Wedderburn ruckman Jordan Hargreaves finished the count on nine votes.
North Central league junior best and fairest
Max Beattie after completing the weekend double by winning Boort’s under 17 top award. LH PHOTO
Let the finals fun begin
THERE’S a hint of spring in the air, and that means finals are upon us in the Loddon Valley and North Central football and netball leagues.
You can often throw out the form book at this time of year, when sudden-death contests can make the best sides quake and the less-favoured teams pull something out of the bag.
The battle of the bridges in the Loddon league between Bridgewater and Newbridge is on again, with the loser’s season over. For inspiration, the Maroons will be focusing on their narrow defeat in round one rather than their 99-point belting in round 10.
Marong awaits the winner of the qualifying final between Pyramid Hill and Bears Lagoon Serpentine. The Panthers have lost only once in three seasons — to the Bulldogs earlier this season — so a possible return bout in the finals is an enticing prospect. Serp, however, will have plenty to say about that in a tightly matched contest at Maiden Gully, where the weather may have a say in the result.
Sea Lake Nandaly’s Connor Michael took out the James and Jenny Goldsmith Trophy for reserves best and fairest with 18, three ahead of Boort’s Harry Weaver who won the club best in Sunday’s count.
Chris O’Rourke (Boort), Deek Roberts (Charlton) and Eddie Landwehr (Donald) were equal third on 12.
A Grade netball sees Mitiamo with the week off. They will face the winner of Pyramid Hill and Newbridge in the second semi-final. Wedderburn sneaked into the final-four in the North Central football league, and will face Donald, the team the Redbacks beat by 10 points to secure their place in the finals. With their places in the second semi-final next week already sewn up, North Central netball’s top two teams, Loddon Valley’s own Wedderburn and Boort, eased their way into the play-offs with comfortable wins in the final round.
“I know when we step on the courts in that final atmosphere we will be ready to go,” said Pies coach Georgia Haw.
