Loddon Herald 22 July 2021

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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 26 THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 ISSN 2653-1569

■ LOCAL CLOSE CONTACTS ■ REGIONS ON ALERT

BULLET DODGE

By CHRIS EARL

LOCKDOWN 5.0 has been extended into a second week, keeping Loddon residents at home.

The extension to 11.59pm next Tuesday was confirmed on Tuesday by Premier Daniel Andrews.

His announcement followed a weekend of increasing COVID case numbers and exposure sites, including along the Calder Highway.

At least one confirmed case stopped at Ravenswood, near Bendigo, and in Wycheproof on a return trip to Mildura, the Loddon dodging a potential COVID exposure site.

Maps released by the Health Department show case primary close contacts and red zone permit holders in the Loddon Shire.

Contacts must quarantine for at least 14 days.

The shire’s director community wellbeing Wendy Gladman said council had not requested testing in Loddon towns “but we are continuing to monitor the situation in relation to exposure sites and potential impact on Loddon communities”.

The latest lockdown forced the abandonment of weekend sport.

Active Farmers’ Run for Resilience, within 24 hours of the lockdown, announced it would reschedule to October.

In Boort, the third attempt to hold the local hospital’s 2020 debutante ball on Friday night was thwarted.

“We missed by one day,” said organiser Roslyn Lanyon after the debs and their partners had decorated the hall and the food

was ready to serve, “They are very disappointed but these kids are pretty resilient,” Roslyn said.

She said 200 people had booked to attend the ball and was hopeful a fourth attempt could be made before the girls, studying Year 12, entered assessment and examination periods.

“They were so excited ... appointments made for their hair and makeup, the boys had hired their suits.”

Roslyn also paid tribute to Marj Potter, grandmother of one of the partners, who had singlehandedly raised $1200 for the hospital selling raffle tickets in Godfrey Street in the weeks leading up to last Friday.

The listing of nearby Tier 1 exposure sites Sunday night has heightened vigilance in Loddon communities.

Lockdown 5.0 requires people to stay at home apart from shopping for necessary goods and services (one person per household, once per day, a support person can accompany if required), caregiving or compassionate reasons, work or study if unable to do from home, exercise up to two hours, with one other person or members of your household or to receive a vaccination.

However, cars towing caravans and boats were seen heading south on the Loddon Valley and Calder Highways throughout the weekend.

MORE REPORTS - PAGE 7

Diggers come together for a final hoorah Fred Brereton was among members of Mitiamo-East Loddon RSL sub-branch who met in Dingee for the final time last week. And while a touch of sadness that the sub-branch has closed, there was a sense of celebration for Fred who turned 96 at the weekend. FULL REPORT - PAGE 5.

LH PHOTO

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021 SPECIAL

F E AT U R E

Let us help you find your comfortable Luke and the team from Snooze Bendigo certainly understand that everyone is different and that we all crave comfortable in our own unique way.

That’s why they focus so much on old school customer service and getting to know each of their customers.

With a family history in Boort, Bendigo and surrounding communities, Luke Rye chose the Snooze Bendigo store to be able to bring up his family and raise them in the area that his family has called home for so long.

It’s this passion and commitment for the Bendigo and Loddon area that he and his staff bring to the store every day, ensuring that all customers are treated fairly and provided with the service that they deserve.

Having worked in the bedding industry even before purchasing the store, Luke and his team have extensive product knowledge allowing them to think outside of the square and help provide customers with solutions.

It’s this relaxed but professional approach that will make sure that you feel comfortable whilst the team helps you to find a bed that suits you.

Profiling comfort Asking the right questions is only one part of the solution in choosing the right mattress. At Snooze Bendigo, our Snooze Profiler® is a unique system that has been developed to help take the guesswork out of finding the right mattress.

Answering a few simple questions, and then getting you to rest in your most comfortable sleep position, the Snooze Profiler® measures and determines which mattress would work best for you.

This information is then collected to help consider different options of mattresses which the team will then take you through, helping to minimise the stress and time that it can take shopping for a new mattress. This unique system only takes a few minutes and means that you don’t have to spend time testing every mattress in the store (unless you would like to).

So come on down and meet Luke and the team at 86 Mitchell Street, conveniently open 7 days a week.

COMFORT AND COMMITMENT ... Luke Rye (centre) and his team at Snooze Bendigo where they provide friendly service and assistance to customers from across the Loddon and Bendigo regions.

4 DAYS ONLY FRIDAY 23 JULY TO MONDAY 26 JULY 2021

Snooze Bendigo, 86 Mitchell Street, Bendigo 5442 2840 | snooze.com.au IT’S AMAZING WHAT A LITTLE SNOOZE CAN DO *Offer ends Monday 26 July 2021. Advertised prices and savings shown are based on Snooze Management Pty Ltd RRP. Products may be sold below the RRP in some stores prior to this offer. Offer not available on floor stock, clearance, delivery, assembly and recycling services. As our stores vary in size, it is possible that not all products are displayed in all stores but all products may be ordered on request. While we aim to ensure the information provided is correct, sometimes errors occur and we reserve the right to correct any errors. New orders only. Snooze’s standard terms and conditions of sale otherwise apply. © Snooze 2021. W108163

Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021 | 3

Highway rest stop litter bugs resident DURHAM OX resident Luke Palmer wants greater care taken of the Loddon Valley Highway rest stop.

Although one rubbish bin was installed at the highway stop last week, Luke wants a second placed 50 metres away near the pergoda and picnic tables facing the Boort road.

And he is concerned that the pergoda is being used as a toilet by travellers.

Living nearby, Luke says it is not uncommon to see cars stop, drivers and passengers alight and treat the brick structure as a toilet.

“This can be a busy stop on the highway and there’s no toilet facilities for travellers,” he said.

Loddon Shire Council director operations Steven Phillips said: “Council has recently replaced the bin with a surround at Durham Ox. “It is considered that one bin should be sufficient for litter control at the site and council staff will continue to monitor the location.

“At this point in time council does not have plans to increase the number of its public toilets across the shire,” Mr Phillips said.

However, Luke believes the area needs additional facilities and wants to see the stop improved.

“If people stop to eat at the ta-

CEO recruitment begins RECRUITMENT firm Davison WP has started the process of finding candidates for the Loddon Shire’s chief executive officer role.

The company advertised the position in regional media at the weekend.

Phil Pinyon retired earlier this month after five years in the position and Jude Holt is interim CEO until an appointment is made.

Centre change KYLIE Dowles has resigned her position of co-ordinator at Pyramid Hill Community House.

Kylie had been in the role for five years. The centre is currently advertising for a successor.

Air tanker

MORE THAN ONE BIN: Luke Palmer wants a second bin at Durham Ox. LH PHOTO bles near the pergoda, it’s a sure bet they won’t walk around the corner to the one and only bin.

“And instead of taking their rubbish home, they’ll leave it here.”

The former interstate truck driver and mine worker says the

public waste problem had not been fully addressed.

“Some people can be disgusting, leaving soiled nappies on the ground,” he said.

Luke said he had purchased the former Durham Ox store block and hoped to beautify it

with trees and make the highway stop more attractive for motorists. “A simple thing like an extra bin will also help turn the area into a nicer spot, instead of being treated as a litter drop point and the risk of rubbish flying around,” he said.

Water flows from new $29m pipeline THE $29 million 300km Mitiamo pipeline project has been completed.

The pipeline was completed last week, jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments and Goulburn Murray Water.

Covering more than 58,000 hectares, Depputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the pipeline gave irrigators in northern Victoria a more reliable water supply and would reduce water lost through evaporation.

Terrick Terrick farmer Alli

IN BRIEF

Rumble welcomed the project’s completion last week.

“The Mitiamo pipeline project has given me the certainty to diversify my farm. I have filled in the dam, planted silver birch, and been able to move forward with adding cattle to the property,” Ms Rumble said.

Federal member for Mallee, Anne Webster, said with around a gigalitre of water savings to be achieved each year, the completion of this project allowed farmers to invest with certainty

for the future. “This is a fantastic project that will support agricultural benefits for farmers through improved stocking rate and livestock productivity.

“The delivery of this project was a key Federal Liberal and Nationals Government election commitment and will help ensure a reliable supply of water 365 days per year.

“The completion of this project is great news for the local communities, as it will provide a secure and stable water supply.”

More than 80 per cent of water supplied through the channels in the region has been lost before use.

Victoria’s Acting Water Minister, Richard Wynne, said the project would reduce water losses by more than 1000 megalitres a year by replacing the old leaking channel with pipes, a pump station and 85-megalitre storage facility to provide year-round water supply.

The pipeline will service 170 properties.

THE Victorian and Queensland Governments have announced a deal to share a large air tanker to support aerial firefighting capacity in both states during their bushfire seasons.

The Bombardier Dash-8 Q400AT aircraft will operate in Queensland from September to December to cover its bushfire season and will operate in Victoria for the height of summer from December to February.

More rain coming THE Loddon can expect more rain in coming days, according to the latest forecast.

Rainfall reports are showing that Inglewood has already received almost 30mm so far this month, Wedderburn and Boort 32mm, Serpentine 46.6mm and Pyramid Hill just under 23mm

Car theft reports POLICE are investigating two reported thefts.

A 1984 F 100 302 car, mag wheels and other vehicle parts have been reported stolen from the old Mysia store.

And an XD Falcon was reported stolen from Wedderburn at the weekend.

Anyone with information should contact Loddon police or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021

Lodge will ‘not be altered’

Community listening post TARNAGULLA Ward councillor Linda Jungwirth has started visiting towns in her Loddon Shire Ward conducting regular community listening posts.

Cr Jungwirth has already been to Eddington and was planning to be in Laanecoorie until forced to cancel by Lockdown 5.0.

She said the listening posts were a way of meeting people and hearing their concerns.

Listening posts are also planned for other towns in the ward.

THE Bendigo-based Djaara has confirmed Catto Lodge will not be altered, according to a media release last Thursday afternoon.

The written statement came after a fortnight of renewed concern among community and family members for the future of the historic lodge at Melville Caves.

“Djaara recognises the significance of the Catto Lodge to local families and community members and will continue to keep an open conversation with them,” the statement said.

“The existing shelter (Catto Lodge) is not being altered as part of this project.”

The announcement was immediately welcomed by Catto family members.

Djaara also met with Loddon Shire Council last week to discuss its strategic vision for Kooyoora State Park. “(The vision) sets out a strategy to improve visitor and recreational facilities in the Melville Caves area and adjoining trail network,” the statement said.

“These proposed improvements are aspirational and are based on Dja Dja Wurrung’s Joint Management Plan for the park.

“This will be developed further into a concept design that includes the existing picnic area,

camping area, main lookout and adjoining trail network.

“At present, there are no finalised draft concept design documents. All images shared in our media release are generated from previous project achievements outlined in our Joint Management Plan.

“The Djaara project team and lead designer are working on site layout designs to support the concept design for the project.

Once complete, it will be shared with the community.”

“Djaara CEO, Rodney Carter, and staff members looked forward to sharing and engaging with key stakeholders, com-

munity groups and the Loddon Shire Council. We are excited to showcase Dja Dja Wurrung’s presence in the landscape in a modern way.

“Djaara will continue to manage the planning, design, and delivery of the project. The Kooyoora State Park improvement is an important project that further recognises Dja Dja Wurrung’s continuing connection to country.

“We invite the community to join us on this journey as Djaara continues to return Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge, culture, and presence to Djandak (country)” the statement said.

H

AVE that feeling at the moment that it’s Groundhog Day that 1984 fantasy comedy movie starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell where a cynical television weatherman (Murray) is covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, becomes trapped in a time loop, and is forced him to relive February 2 repeatedly

ARM

O

AGAINST COVID-19 A COVID-19 vaccine is your best defence and our only way forward. Now’s the time to arm yourself, your family, your friends, your work mates, your community – someone you love.

Book your vaccination online or call 1800 020 080.

ur 2021 (and 2020 for that matter) version is a little more serious with the COVID pandemic always sending us back into lockdown. But that’s no reason not to look at the brighter side of our experiences, smile and laugh and know there will be a “normal” in the future. So here goes!

W

hy did the chicken cross the road? Because the chicken behind it didn’t know how to socially distance properly.

T

wo grandmothers were bragging about their precious darlings. One of them says to the other, “Mine are so good at social distancing, they won’t even call me.”

W

ho’s idea was it to sing “Happy Birthday” while washing your hands? Now every time I go to the bathroom, my kids expect me to walk out with a cake.

M

y husband purchased a world map and then gave me a dart and said, “Throw this and wherever it lands—that’s where I’m taking you when this pandemic ends.”

Turns out, we’re spending two weeks behind the fridge.

Find out when you can get vaccinated australia.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

R

an out of toilet paper and started using lettuce leaves. Today was just the tip of the iceberg, tomorrow romaines to be seen.

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

Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021 | 5

IN BRIEF New-look water bills on the way GMW customers with fixed charge accounts will soon receive their new-look water bills.

Customers and stakeholders general manager Ann Telford said the new bills were simpler to help customers better understand their accounts.

“Customers with multiple services and the same account information will notice that for their 2021-22 fixed charges account they have received a new consolidated account and a new customer number,” Ms Telford said.

Ms Telford said most customers see an average of 10 per cent drop on their bills between 2020-21. Prices for 2021 include a CPI increase of 1.1 per cent.

FINAL PARADE: Members of the Mitiamo-East Loddon RSL sub-branch meet last week. LH PHOTO

Veterans hold their last meeting MEMBERS of Mitiamo-East Loddon RSL sub-branch held one final meeting last week before disbanding.

The sub-branch’s seven members were joined by wives and supporters at the Dingee Hotel where president Ian Anderson presented an RSL plaque to each member.

Ian said the sub-branch had dispersed $20,000 of local funds to Legacy, East Loddon Men’s Shed and East Loddon Historical Society.

The historical society will use its grant to acknowledge ex-servicemen and women buried in district cemeteries.

And while the sub-branch has ceased to exist, members hope

to continue running ANZAC Day services at Calivil with assistance from the community and East Loddon P12 College.

According to Glenn Ray, the Calivil piper who has researched the local group’s history, the sub-branch has been largely based around the old East Loddon Shire and the communities of Mitiamo, Dingee, Serpentine and Calivil.

“As you enter any of their public halls you will see the magnificent honour boards inscribed with the names of all the men and women who left our communities to fight for the freedom often of other countries as well as our own, with the decline of our bush communities I some-

times wonder if the call went out again could we manage the same rally today,” he said.

“The RSL contributed to the local scouts and guides when it came time to erect their own hall - now the Lions’ Den. “During the late 60s through to the early 90s the blues and browns of the Guides and Brownies and the green and khaki of the Cubs and Scouts and their flags certainly added to the spectacle of the parade from the hall to the cenotaph where the ode was recited and the flag was raised to full mast by Harvey Maxted for as long as I can remember.”

Glenn said the RSL had been a long-time contributor to the school for its ANZAC service and

also sponsored the RSL scholarship to help a local child to further their education every year “ANZAC Day alternated between Mitiamo and Calivil for many years but in later years just at Calivil where the hall would always have a large congregation in attendance largely due to the strong support by families of the members, and also the quality of the guest speakers that the likes of Darby Illingworth and Ian Anderson have been able to secure.”

Ian said the sub-branch had absorbed other district RSL sub -branches as their memberships dwindled. “It has been wonderful to have so many together for our last meeting,” he said.

Care advocates take case to federal MP MEMBERS of the working group advocating for early years’ centres in the Loddon took their case to Mallee MP Anne Webster last week.

They met with Dr Webster during her tour of the Loddon that included mobile office stops in Bridgewater, Wedderburn,

Serpentine, Pyramid Hill and Boort.

Group member and Wedderburn College principal Danny Forrest said Dr Webster’s visit provided an important opportunity to raise the need for an early years’ centre in the Loddon and the region’s child care crisis.

Mr Forrest said the group issued a further invitation for Dr Webster to visit local communities and meet with families and business owners being impacted by the lack of child care in the Loddon.

He said Dr Webster had been positive during the discussions

and indicated her interest in supporting local communities find solutions to the crisis.

“The meeting was another important step, along with the petition, in the region-wide campaign for child care and early years’ facilities in local communities.” Mr Forrest said this week.

Numbers down VISITORS to the LoddonBendigo region dropped 50 per cent in the year to March, according to Tourism Research Australia data.

The latest statistics also show there was a 48 per cent drop on overnight stays with 664,000 people spending the night in the region.

Hall managers THE BRIDGEWATER Memorial Hall will be managed by the town’s development committee following a Loddon Shire Council decision to that will see the hall committee dissolved.

The two committees had agreed to work under one banner.

Appointments made LODDON Shire Council has appointed members for the Korong Vale Mechanics’ Institute Hall committee.

They are Glenda Brooker (chair), Lyn Chapman (secretary-treasurer), Jenni Bligh (booking officer), Rita Tosch, Ken Hunt, Fred Brooks, Heather Charry, John Charry, Darren Quigley and Robert Chapman.

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021

Auxiliary gift to primary school

A DEFIBRILLATOR has been installed at Inglewood Primary School.

Donated by the town’s Ambulance Auxiliary Op-Shop, the unit has been installed at the school’s external foyer location to allow 24-hour access.

School council treasurer Stewart Luckman welcomed the auxiliary’s donation.

“We would like to acknowledge the Inglewood Op Shop Ambulance Auxiliary for the hard work, commitment and generous support of their local community by donating auto-

matic external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the community,” he said.

“AEDs are essential when it comes to saving a life during a cardiac arrest when every minute counts. If a AED is available it is vital that it can be used reliably and quickly by the user.

“The sooner the casualty receives AED the greater their chance of survival in the life-threatening situation of cardiac arrest,” he said.

School staff and senior students will be trained in use of the AED in case of an emergency.

Principal Lex Johnstone, op-shop representative Faye Orange and Stewart Luckman at Inglewood Primary School.

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DEFIBRILLATORS NEAR ME BOORT Boort Angling Club Boort Football Club Boort Pharmacy Boort Resource Information Centre Boort Lakes Holiday Park Boort Lakeside Croquet Club

BRIDGEWATER Bridgewater Post Office Bridgewater Recreation Reserve

DINGEE Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

EDDINGTON Eddington Community Centre

INGLEWOOD Inglewood Primary School Inglewood Recreation Reserve Inglewood Senior Citizens’ Centre St Mary’s Primary School

LAANECOORIE Laanecoorie Caravan Park

PYRAMID HILL Miller’s Ag Supplies Goulburn Murray Water Barber St

TARNAGULLA Tarnagulla Hall

WEDDERBURN Donaldson Park Loddon Shire Council Wedderburn Bowls Club Wedderburn College Wedderburn Foodworks Wedderburn Health Clinic * registermyaed.ambulance.vic.gov.au

Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021 | 7

Take a breath and find a date THIS week’s centenary tournament at Wedderburn Golf Club is one of the local events impacted

by Lockdown 5.0 Club president Tony Holt said members were committed to holding the 100th tournament this year. “We are all just taking a breath, waiting for restrictions to lift and see what the months ahead look like.”

Boort Golf Club is also looking to reschedule its annual tournament that was interrupted last week. Members are looking at a September date.

Police investigate breach reports LODDON police are investigating local reports of breaches to stay-at-home requirements of Lockdown 5.0 Police said yesterday they received several reports over the weekend and inquiries were continuing.

Local police reminded Loddon residents that everyone was required to observe the lockdown orders and only leave home for the five approved reasons.

Water visit delayed A TOUR of the Loddon by Northern Region MP Tim Quilty looking at water and environmental flow problems has been deferred, Mr Quilty was due in the region on Tuesday to meet with landholders and farmers.

Pack drop-offs bring smiles STUDENTS are back to remote learning across the Loddon.

And at St Patrick’s Primary School Pyramid Hill, staff are again driving the extra kilometres to keep contact with students.

Principal Colleen Hampson said individual study packs were being prepared for students and delivered to their front door.

“The students are delighted to receive their packs and give us a smile or a wave from the door or through the window,” she said.

“The students just love receiv-

ing their study packs and also the special surprises that might be included like a new pencil or a new pad.”

Colleen said that in the latest lockdown, the majority of students were learning at school because of their parents’ work commitments.

She said that for those learning remotely from home, each pack was personalised with materials they would use in the classroom.

The remote lessons also included online meetings to talk about lessons and ask questions.

“We did this last year during lockdowns and we think it is being done better each time,” Colleen said.

“It also gives parents a sense of how lessons look and how to accommodate them at home.”

Colleen said students were continuing their participation in the Stephanie Alexander kitchen program, watching lessons online and then cooking at home before showing their results to class and teachers.

Victorian schools have spent part of every term since early

2020 teaching students through remote learning.

A study last year found Victorian school leaders, teachers, students and parents rallied to meet remote learning challenges head on.

“School leaders worked together to address difficult dilemmas with a sense of mutual respect and common purpose. Parents gained unprecedented insight into their children’s education and school, bringing potential benefits for years to come. New skills have been acquired,” it said.

Payments announced for ‘lost work hours’ THE STATE Government has said payments of $600 will be made to Victorians that lose 20 hours or more of work during the latest lockdown Payments of $375 will be made to individuals who lose between eight and 20 hours of work during the period of the lockdown There is no liquid assets test applied to receive these payments Automatic payments will be made to eligible businesses and sole traders across the state to minimise delays and swiftly get money into the pockets of businesses who need it most.

Up to 90,000 businesses that have and will receive payments through the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund and Business Costs Assistance Program relating to the May-June lockdown will receive the Victorian Government’s new support payments of $3000 and $2000 respectively.

Meanwhile, Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh wants more details in the Premier’s daily media conferences.

“I want the Premier to tell Victoria – and the rest of Australia – the whole story and I want him to start including in his daily dose the numbers of business closures,” he said.

Headed online NEXT Tuesday’s scheduled monthly meeting of Loddon Shire Council will likely be held online. Acting chief executive officer Jude Holt said: “Council’s preference is always to meet face-to-face, however if COVID-19 restrictions do not allow for this, a virtual meeting will be held in accordance with current advice.”

Takeaway on menu LODDON hotels have either reverted to

takeaway menus or closed until lockdown ends. Steve’s Empire Hotel Inglewood did takeaway at the weekend while Paul Carter at Pyramid Hill’s Victoria Hotel is continuing to provide a takeaway service. Bridgewater Hotel has also announced it will open for takeaways tomorrow and Saturday nights.

Bridgewater and Pyramid Hill bakeries are open.

Dismantling of stands THE sudden cancellation of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show last Thursday night had at least two Loddon people quickly packing up their stands. Jenny Hosking, of Bridgewater Berets, had spent recent weeks knitting her internationally-popular wool berets and had set up here display at the show. And Carly Noble, of Arnold, was ready for three days of networking in her role as community area representative for Rural Aid Australia.

QR codes for business, community venues Maintaining good records and supporting check-ins at your business and community venues helps to stop the spread of coronavirus.

All businesses and community venues are now required to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service for record keeping (unless an exemption applies).

Community venues and organisations hosting events and business can get their free QR code at CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au/QRcode Staff or community venue host should confirm visitors have checked in prior to serving them.

Checking in protects our customers, staff, and community, and helps keep us safe.

Citizenship Ceremony Loddon Shire Council will be conducting a citizenship ceremony on Tuesday 27 July 2021 at 11.30am in the Loddon Shire Council Chambers, off Peters Street Wedderburn, behind the Wedderburn office.

Making contact with Council While current COVID-19 restrictions may reduce face-to-face contact with staff at Council offices and facilities, you can still telephone or email us.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony will not be open to the public.

Councill staff will continue to provide assistance at all times.

Mayor Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Dan Straub Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

WEDDERBURN 41 High Street Wedderburn 3515

SERPENTINE 37 Peppercorn Way Serpentine 3516

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

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

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

PLEASE NOTE: Office currently closed

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021

Local studs snag top fleece prizes ONE competition was judged before the 2021 Australian Sheep and Wool Show was cancelled by COVID last Thursday and two Loddon studs are now Australian champions.

The national fleece competition saw Kedleston Park named the champion performance exhibit and also the most valuable for its 20.5 micron Merino fleece.

And the Cartwright’s Bungaree stud took out champion feature breed fleece (border Leicester) and Hugh Cartwright the British and other breeds major sash.

Hugh Cartwright

Hugh, who was this year’s Loddon Shire Young Citizen of the Year, also won the agricultural colleges and schools event in the national competition that marked its 20th year.

More than 400 fleeces from across Australia were entered in the competition.

Kedleston Park’s John Humbert said: “It was lucky the fleeces were judged prior to lockdown.”

John’s fleeces were shorn on March 3 and had growth rates of 3.04mm and 196 grams a week.

The win was John’s first in the national competition’s six-monthly shearing sections although he has previous achieved success in medium and fine wool sections.

“There is a growing trend in the industry to six-monthly shearing,” John said.

His Australian Sheep and Wool Show ribbons followed Kedleston Park’s domination at Ballarat Sheep Show the previous week.

In the March-shorn poll sections, Kedleston Park was named champion poll fine wool ram, champion poll fine wool ewe, champion poll medium wool ram, champion poll medium wool ewe and champion poll strong wool ram.

“I’m glad we went to Ballarat - we’ve been going for years - and at least we have got in one show for the year with lockdown cancelling Bendigo.”

Hugh’s successful exhibit was a fleece from a Border Leister Merino cross of 32 micron.

Judge Paul Hendy and John Humbert with the champion medium wool ram after judging at Ballarat.

SHEEP AND CATTLE FEWER lambs yarded at Bendigo this week, with a total penning of 11,000 head.

Not as many big export lambs were penned and the line-up of trade weight stock was again varied for quality and fat cover, with the lead runs mostly coming out of feedlots.

All the regular buyers attended but some only watched or purchased little as the market for good processing lambs lifted another $5 to $15/head.

Heavier processing lambs over 24kg cwt recorded the best price gains. In a result this centre hasn’t seen for some months, heavy export lambs sold above $300/head on two occasions.

However, bidding on plain and light weight lambs under 20kg cwt was erratic and cheaper than a week ago with only a couple of MK processing orders operating and little restocking interest.

Buyer interest was also subdued for a line of new season

young lambs which lacked some maturity and carcase finish.

Heavy export lambs sold to $315, while most of the 30kg plus cwt lambs made from $270 to $285/head to average 860c/ kg cwt.

The majority of the fat score 3 and 4 heavy and trade lambs in neat skins sold from $200 to $265/head, averaging from 900c to 960c, with limited pens reaching 1000c/kg cwt across the sale.

Buyers were still selective on plainer lambs or those in small clean-up lots of a few head.

The selection of Merino lambs was generally plain with many pens lacking finish. Light lambs under 18kg cwt varied from $114 to $167/head.

Competition for sheep remained keen. Prices were similar to a week ago for heavier grades of mutton, while trade and light sheep showed a dearer trend.

Most sheep averaged from 640c to 730c/kg cwt.

Big heavy crossbred ewes made from $200 to $255, while Merino ewes sold to $256 and Merino wethers to $200/head.

CROSSBRED LAMBS GH & AL Bremner Lyonville (20) $315, Moorilim Past Co Moorilim (26) $303, Gavin Holt Wedderburn (65) $288, A & C Gibbons Powlett Plains (46) $285, Keith Evans Sebastian (31) $285, GR Dobson Echuca $284, TW McCormick & Sons Elmore (14) $284, Glencoe Carisbrook (29) $280, GR & SP Seach Longwood (41) $280, D Tuohey Gunbower (21) $280, McKay Brothers P/L Maiden Gully (36) $280, FS Cockcroft & Sons Myall (57) $276, RG & JA Roberts Mologa (16) $276, R Caldwell Bunnaloo (37) $275, C Graham Family Arnold (33) $273, B,J,B & J Batters Sutherland (42) $272, BC & SL Vinnicombe Barham (73) $268, TR Barry Culgoa (12) $266, B & J Colvin Bunnaloo (31) $265, Dresden Nominees Woomelang (57) $264, WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (12) $263, ME Ryan Whirly (113) $260, Nutbyrne Knowsley (53) $256, DC & RW Poxon Echuca (29) $255, R Shawcross Lockington (31) $254, RC Cumming Yarraglen (60) $246, J & S Cox Bawawm (39) $238, Kevin Cain Moama (42) $233, N & M Hocking Pyramid Hill (18) $233, Trewllard P/L, Eddington (68) $231, B & P Balmer Harcourt (43) $230, R & S Strang Wakool (48) $228, DI & CL Palmer Bamawm (45) $225, AB & KB Broom Eddington (10) $224.00.

MERINO LAMBS BJ Thompson Charlton (72) $204, CA & LA Hewitt Gower East (146) $194, G & L McGurk Charlton (35) $179.

MERINO WETHERS Ag Hastings St Arnaud (125) $220, WBM Farming Pyramid Hill (117) $198, K,E & J Leach Rheola (35) $191.

CROSSBRED EWES GR & SP Seach Longwood (24) $255, BC & SL Vinnicombe Barham (43) $255, Patrick Flanagan Coimada (8) $250, M & B O’Sullivan Baynton (23) $214, Moorilim Past Moorilim (29) $213, M & N Hall Myers Flat (69) $256, DL & RJ Rothacker Derby (117) $255, CD Hepburn Strangways (10) $246, E & A Holland, Maldon (10) $240, Keith Evans, Sebastian (5) $240.

MERINO EWES Mildenhall Farm Serpentine (49) $240, Wokanmel Past Co Rochester (68) $231, Cambria Station Barham (10) $230, Traverston Farming Logan (91) $225, MA , AM & CJ Mannion Broken Hill (92) $215, MN & PM Carter Marong (95) $215, B & J Colvin Bunnaloo (47) $214, A & A Holt Wedderburn (31) $213.

CATTLE A very small yarding came forward this week . Quality and competition was good, and prices held fully firm across the yarding from last week’s market. Steers reached a top of $4.50 per kilo, Heifers topped the market at $4.70 per kilo.

Steers: BL Kofoed & LM Gatisss Mandurang $1616.90, BL Kofoed & LM Gatisss Mandurang $1551.25.

Heifers: J Mayes Bendigo $1721.25.

grAiN BOORT Grain Co-op prices as at Tuesday.

Wheat - H2 $293 FOT, APW1 293 FOT, ASW $293 FOT. Barley - PL1 $240 FOT, SP1 $240 FOT, BAR1 $240 FOT, New crop - Non-GM canola $747 +/- AOF.

Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021 | 9

IN THE middle of Lockdown 5.0, there are signs across the Loddon of resilience, hope and even dreams, dreams of soon being back together as communities weaving a strengthened social fabric.

The importance of community has perhaps never been more valued as in the past 18 months - appreciation for what we have in the region and what can be achieved in the future.

Six months ago this week, the Loddon Herald hit the streets with edition No 1.

Since then, in navigating three lockdowns and experiencing the additional challenges faced by all our local businesses, we have shared more than 1000 stories.

Those stories have ranged from the little local news items to bigger stories in the community.

The Loddon Herald, we hope, is providing a platform for local people, organisations and communities in bringing to notice and attention local needs and wants.

We have seen issues ranging from retention of Catto Lodge at Melville Caves and the child care crisis in all communities to the visions for the future ... if only key services were connected.

By CHRIS EARL That we have published so many stories is testament to the enthusiasm of local people in letting us know what’s happening in town.

Unlike social media where a post is here one second and gone (or forgotten) the next, this local newspaper is a weekly chronicle of what’s happened and will happen. In a sense, we are writing tomorrow’s history today.

We are, also, unashamedly, an old-style newspaper. We like to publish the big stories and the little ones too.

As one avid reader remarked only at the weekend as he sat on his verandah, watching as locals were out for their two hours of exercise or shopping for essentials, there is a new-found interest in what’s happening in all towns across the Loddon.

Of course, the content is only as good as you the reader provides through news, tips, story ideas and sporting results.

Meeting the weekly deadline before hitting the button to the printing press in far away Wodonga is the innate adrenalin of newspaper life.

And each week, there are always a couple of stories held

over, such is the depth of the yarns waiting to be told.

The Loddon Herald is also proudly a free newspaper, a business model that requires advertising for sustainability and survival.

As we have reported before, more than 75 per cent of country people want their newspapers in printed form - again, what’s in the paper is not a fleeting vision to the eye, rather it’s there all week promoting local businesses and their goods and services.

An important role of newspapers is to mirror the community.

We hope in our first six months that the Loddon Herald is doing that. If the mirror needs more shining, let us know your stories.

Being born in the middle of a pandemic, and celebrating six months during another lockdown, we appreciate the importance of keeping the news coming and allowing you a platform that again gives voice to the rural communities across the Loddon, local people sharing our commitment for the future.

Thanks for your support in the first six months ... may we continue the journey continue with optimism.

Chris Earl is managing editor of the Loddon Herald

1. How did Italy win the 2021 European Cup? 2. When did the VictorianNSW border close for the first time in a century?

3. What local golf club has the oldest annual tournament?

4. What does a funambulist walk on?

5: On a dartboard, what number is directly opposite No. 1?

6. Which American president appears on a one dollar bill?

7. What geometric shape is generally used for stop signs?

8. How many colors are there in a rainbow?

9. What is the name of Poland in Polish?

10. Which restaurant’s mascot is a clown?

14. What was the original name of the search engine “Google”?

15. Where did the pineapple plant originate?

16. What is the currency of Poland?

17. Named after the mallow flower, mauve is a shade of what?

12. What item is the werewolf most afraid of?

18. Chartreuse is a color between yellow and what?

19. How many notes are there on a standard grand piano?

13. What is the last letter of the Greek alphabet?

20. Nephelococcygia is the practice of doing what?

11. Who is the author of Jurrasic Park?

ANSWERS 1. Penalty goal. 2 July 6 2020. 3. Inglewood (102 years). 4. A Tight Rope. 5. 19. 6. George Washington. 7. Octagon. 8. Seven. 9. Polska.

10. McDonald’s. 11. Michael Crichton. 12. Silver. 13. Omega. 14.

BackRub. 15. South America. 16. Zloty. 17. Purple. 18. Green. 19. 88.

20. Finding shapes in clouds.

A small milestone giving you a voice

FEATURES

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com.au.

Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less.

Include contact details for veritifcation.

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Louise STALEY MP

BRETT, William Charles (Bill)

LIBERAL MEMBER FOR RIPON

Passed away at Wodonga on 17 July 2021.

Aged 82

Shadow Treasurer | Shadow Minister for Economic Development

Late husband of Enid (dec.), father of Kerrie.

LouiseStaley.com.au

Youngest son of Charles and Alice (both dec.).

LouiseStaley

Loving brother of Alan and brother-in-law of Audrey, Uncle of Leanne and Peter and their families.

Rest in Peace. xx

PUBLIC NOTICES REVELATION

The last book of the Bible is a prophetic vision given to the apostle John 2000 years ago.

This book needs to be read and wherever possible understood

Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY ISSN 2653-1550

Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire loddonherald@gmail.com or Phone 0419549743 The Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by Newsprinters Pty Ltd McKoy Street, West Wodonga, VIC 3690

www.loddonherald.com.au

LODDON AUSTRALIA DAY COMMITTEE Loddon Shire Council is calling for nominations from residents of both Boort Ward and Tarnagulla Ward to fill a vacancy on the Loddon Australia Day Committee.

The Loddon Australia Day Committee comprises a community representative from each ward of the Loddon Shire, a Council representative and a Council-appointed administration officer. The position is voluntary.

The committee meets twice each year to, select winners of the Loddon Australia Day Awards and judge entries into the Shire-wide Australia Day competitions.

Applicants will require a passion for their community, demonstrated experience as a volunteer, good communication skills and an interest in Australia Day in the Loddon Shire.

Applicants must reside in either the Boort Ward or the Tarnagulla Ward of the Loddon Shire and have time available in November and December to critically assess nominations and award entries.

Please forward expressions of interest to Loddon Australia Day Committee, PO Box 21, Wedderburn, 3518 by 20 August 2021.

For further information please contact Robina Little, Administration Officer Australia Day on 5494 1200 or australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.

LouiseStaleyRipon

Authorised by Louise Staley MP, 177 High Street, Maryborough 3465. Funded from Parliamentary Budget.

Water for the Environment Central Murray Wetlands The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will deliver water for the environment to six significant Central Murray Wetlands near Kerang during winter and spring – Richardson’s Lagoon, Lake Murphy, Round Lake, Lake Elizabeth, Muringa Wetlands and the Wirra-Lo Wetland Complex.

The flows are in line with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder’s (VEWH) Seasonal Watering Plan 2021-22. The plan is developed in collaboration with the North Central CMA and supported by local input from community representatives, Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

For full details, go to www.nccma.vic.gov.au and click on Projects – Rivers and Wetlands – current water for the environment flows Connecting rivers, landscapes, people

BUY AND SELL IN THE LODDON HERALD

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Water for the Environment Boort District Wetlands The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will deliver water for the environment to two significant Boort District Wetlands near Boort during winter and spring – Lake Meran, and Lake Leaghur.

The flows are in line with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder’s (VEWH) Seasonal Watering Plan 2021-22. The plan is developed in collaboration with the North Central CMA and supported by local input from community representatives, Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

For full details, go to www.nccma.vic.gov.au and click on Projects – Rivers and Wetlands – current water for the environment flows Connecting rivers, landscapes, people

EMPLOYMENT PYRAMID HILL NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE Position Vacant - Coordinator Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House is looking for a dynamic community development worker to continue developing and managing our well established, growing organisation.

Classification: NHACE Agreement 2016 Schedule 2B Level 7 pay point negotiable depending on experience.

Hours: Permanent Part Time 25 hrs per week over 5 days This challenging but rewarding role provides an opportunity to develop and strengthen a small but vital community organisation based in rural Victoria.

The Coordinator is responsible to the Committee of Management for the operation, management and development of the Neighbourhood House and for ensuring that the organisation operates in accordance with the Committee’s strategic decisions, the service agreements with funding bodies and applicable legislation.

Experience in managing a community organisation and an understanding of community development principles and skills are central to the role.

Applications close Friday 30/7/2021 at 4pm.

For a position description and application details please call or email Chairman Bill Quinn on 0427888102 email: billquinn1953@gmail.com

Part Time Administration officer We are seeking a part time administration officer to join our friendly team. This position is a minimum of 10 hours per week plus minute taking for our Board meetings after hours on a monthly basis.

Previous experience in office administration will be an advantage, competent computer skills, good communication and time management skills, maintain privacy and confidentiality, hold a current First aid Level 2 and Working with Children Certificate or willing to obtain.

Applications close at 1630pm 11th August 2021

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

To apply for this position or to obtain further information, please contact: Kylie Smith Centre Manager Dingee Bush Nursing Centre 21 King St, Dingee, 3571 PH: 54 368 309 Email: centre.manager@dbnc.com.au

Loddon HERALD Thursday July 22, 2021 | 11

SPORT SACRIFICES AND DISCIPLINE CHART JOURNEY CREATING THE ...

Girl still driven by goals

Since arriving in the US, you have made a mark on the rally circuit that fills everyone back home with pride. What are your favourite moments competing on the race circuits of North America?

Rhianon: I have a few favourite or stand out moments from my time rallying in USA. My first rally in USA was in 2013 with my brother Brendan Reeves. We had just come out of two years rallying in the junior world championship and had a great amount of experience under our belts in 2WD cars.

We were approached to come to USA to do five rounds of the championship with the support of Ford USA, with the aim of winning five out of five rounds. We missed the first two rallies, as it was a sevenround championship, but still went on to win all five rallies in the 2WD class and win the championship.

For a brother and sister from Wedderburn, to come to USA and win in a championship which we had never raced in before, was a great feeling.

This was the start of many great opportunities for me in USA. Since this time most of my rallying has been based here, working with many drivers, in a variety of cars.

Another highlight was in 2017 when I co-drove for Ryan Millen in the Toyota USA sponsored RAV4 for the full season.

We also won the 2WD championship like Brendan and I had done in 2013.

Throughout the years codriving in USA, I have found myself on many overall podiums in the national championship, but never had won a national event, until my biggest highlight of my career came along, to co-drive for Subaru Motorsport USA, beside Travis Pastrana. In 2020, Travis and I did three events together, winning our first ever event as a team and coming third in the other two events.

Now in 2021, Travis and I have won three of the four events so far this year and lead the championship. Another incredible highlight has been competing in over 15 countries. Rally has allowed me to travel and see places in the world that I never imagined.

I have won national events in Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, USA and the Asia Pacific Rally Championship. I have done around 180 rallies now, with 82 of those being with my brother Brendan.

Being the partner drive, what special skills and connections do you think have enabled you to share in rally success?

Rhianon: It’s very important to be extremely organised, a good communicator and able

FAMILY BEGINNINGS: Rhianon and brother Brendan and (below) with their father Mike

to multi-task in challenging situations. I also am very OCD with everything that I do. Being married to Alex, who is also a professional co-driver, has been a huge aid to both of us, as throughout the years we have been able to share ideas on the way we should do things and make both of us better co-drivers. We are both very particular about the way we do things and always strive for perfection, even though in this challenging sport, it’s near impossible.

Speed, bends and overtaking part of the race life of a driver - but they come with challenges and risks, and you’ve come back from some serious injuries too. What have been the most horrific and what has steeled you to get back behind the wheel?

Rhianon: Yes, rally is a dangerous sport and the risks are high. In 2009, as most locals would know, my brother Brendan Reeves and I had a big crash in the Australian Rally Championship in South Australia. I broke my legs in nine places and was in hospital for many weeks. I had to learn to walk again and recovery was tough, but I was back rallying with Brendan six months later and winning events again.

In 2014, I was burnt in a rally car fire while co-driving for Nick Roberts. Both my hands and face were burnt, but I was back rallying after four weeks. I have had many crashes, but the cars are built very safe these days and injuries are rare.

I am a professional and I am passionate about what I do, so

it would take a lot to stop me and drag me away from the sport I love.

It’s a long way from the Loddon and central Victoria to the United States, you’ve obviously made the transition both professionally and personally.

What has been the motivation, the changes you’ve made and experienced?

Rhianon: I started rallying in 2005. At this point I was a PE teacher in Ballarat and a hairdresser. My brother Brendan was only 17 and a very good driver and was starting to rally. We decided that Brendan and I would make a good team, so Brendan started rallying with our Dad’s former co-driv-

er Robin Smalley and I started to learn from Robin the roles of being a co-driver.

During this first year learning, I sat with a variety of drivers, including my brother Nathan. Nathan was the driver that was brave enough to let me do my first rally. Brotherly love I guess you can say. Nathan and I did four rallies together in that year.

Once Brendan turned 18, we started rallying together in 2006 and this is when I started to realise the possibilities rally could bring.

Brendan and I rallied throughout 2006 and 2007 together and in 2008 we both got our passports for the first

ever time and did two events in New Zealand and an event in the UK. This is when our eyes were really opened up to where rally could take us and the incredible travel and experiences we could have.

In 2009, I got a professional ride, co-driving for NZ driver Emma Gilmour in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship with Subaru. This meant more travel and the realisation that rally could be my full time job.

In 2010 I decided to quit teaching and fully focus on my co-driving and building my career as a professional co-driver.

Brendan and I did the Junior World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2011 and 2012 and rallied in over 12 countries during this two year period. It was an amazing experience and opportunity for a small town brother and sister, who up until 2008, had never even left Australia.

We were the only brother and sister combination in the WRC and I was the only female competing in many of the events. The local community was a huge asset throughout this time, supporting the Brendan Reeves Supporters’ Club, through fan, small business or corporate sponsorships.

We also ran many functions to help raise money and the locals fully supported this.

We can’t thank those people enough.

At this time I decided rally was my full focus and I would make a sacrifice to not become a mother and rally all over the world. Unfortunately this lead to a divorce, but this was the best for us both at that point in

2-part special: A chat with top rally driver Rhianon Gelsomino

our lives. After this hard time in my life I knew I had to put all my focus into my sport and goals. I was traveling and rallying and was lucky to met my now husband Alex Gelsomino.

Alex and I started dating towards the end of 2012 and this is the time when I made the decision to start a new life in USA. Being based in USA also meant I was closer to Europe for any opportunities that come up in the WRC or other European rallies.

Obviously chasing my dreams has meant a lot of sacrifices and living away from my family, who I am exceptionally close with, but I am a goal driven and passionate person and living my dreams is my main focus in life.

Those foundations to life and career back home in Australia, how do they prepare you for life’s journey and becoming a professional rally driver?

It really has been a life journey to become a full time professional co-driver, which involved sacrifices and discipline. Growing up in Wedderburn, Mum (Bernadette) and Dad (Mike) always allowed us kids to participate in many sports and pushed us to always do our best in anything we tried, be that school or sport.

Sport and winning was always my focus from a very young age. My mum would drive me all over the state, to tennis and netball tournament’s and gave me every opportunity to achieve at a high level.

Dad would have me cleaning trucks and working in the business to help build a good work ethic in me. This drive and passion was inside me and I knew I wanted to do something big in my life.

In 2005, I won the graduate teacher of the year for the state of Victoria. Teaching and educating children,really had become my passion. During this time I was also playing State League Netball for Ballarat and I thought I was achieving great things.

But then the opportunity to rally came into my life and a new passion and goal was formed. I was 24 when I did my first rally and I am now 40.

I have achieved a lot of great things in those years for a girl from the small town of Wedderburn, but I still want so much more. My life really has been all about, no risk, no story. I have taken many risks, on many levels, but without this, I would not be where I am today.

Like the saying goes…. either push your limits or suffocate in your comfort zone.

NEXT WEEK Rhianon talks of her love and passion for rally driving, saying “it’s me living”.

sport SALVAGE PLANS SET Loddon HERALD

Thursday July 22, 2021

OPTIONS GIVE SEASONS A PATH TO FINISH SPORTING competitions across the Loddon are determined to find a way for their 2021 seasons to reach final play-offs.

Golf pair off to next level

DI JOHNSTON has taken out this year’s Boort golf ladies’ A Grade championship.

Winner of the B Grade title is Gaye Sim and both will take their place in the field contesting the champion of champions scheduled to be played at St Arnaud on August 5.

And while the Boort club’s 91st annual tournament was to have been in full swing over the weekend, the ladies’ four-ball best-ball event was conducted in the hours before Lockdown 5.0 last Thursday night.

It was contested by 30 players from Birchip, Kerang, Cohuna, Wycheproof, Charlton, Donald, Wedderburn, St Arnaud, Lake Boga and Boort.

A Grade winners: Heather Hogan and Lyn Boyle 38 pts.

Runners-up: Glenda Bird and Carolyn McHugh 37 pts B Grade winners: Sharyn Erwin and Di Roberts 36 pts.

Runner-up: Dot Beattie and Beth Thompson 34 pts Nearest the pins: 1st Rebecca Heenan, 9th Di Roberts, 15th Glenda Bird.

CHAMPIONS: Di Johnston and Gaye Sim.

North Central Football League president Tim Lockhart said it had already been decided that seven full rounds would constitute a season.

And with eight played since April, he said the league had contingency scenarios that could take the grand final out to the first weekend of October.

Lockhart said there was a mood of resilience in the league’s football, netball and hockey clubs.

“Everyone’s frustrated but we all know we can’t control what’s not in our hands,” he said.

At an online meeting on Monday, the league board allocated the first semi-final to Sea Lake, the second semi to Donald with the preliminary final to Charlton, or Boort if Charlton is playing.

The grand final will be played at Wycheproof.

“We have a few options, including playing the semi-finals on the same weekend,” Lockhart said.

North Central League earlier this year decided that when restrictions barred Melbourne players travelling to regional areas, games would be for half premiership points.

This week’s meeting adopted additional flexibility if required.

The league will consider putting games off up to two weeks to give clubs every opportunity to play with full lists.

Meanwhile, Loddon Valley league president Simon Tuohey remains equally confident that league will play finals in 2021.

Like North Central, Loddon Valley will pick up the season at the round allocated when games can resume.