Loddon Herald 23 January 2025

LH PHOTOS

Loddon HERALD

Circulating in the communities and districts of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Laanecoorie, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn. Also available in Dunolly, Charlton, Wycheproof, Kerang, Marong, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Joy will judge top art

THE works of artist Joy Tatt are in collections on four continents.

Her art over last 30 years has been based on observation, interpreting correctness and expressing beauty, harmony and truth with favourite subjects birds, skies, rural subjects and people.

And now the Bendigo-based artist-Illustrator and educator will judge next month’s third annual Major’s Vision art show in Pyramid Hill.

Convenor Terry Wood said Joy would add to the reputation of Pyramid Hill’s show appointing internationally-respected artists as judges.

“Painters from across Victoria have been wonderful as they embrace and support our annual show. They are attracted by the rural community feel that we have around the show and the extremely high calibre judges only too keen to be part of our growing show,” he said.

Joy is currently operating out of One of a Kind Community Collective Studio Gallery at Bendigo Pottery, while she builds a large studio at home to continue creating and teaching in her own space.

Her goal is to help people see beauty in themselves and the world around them and says she “loves to pass on her knowledge and although difficult at times

continues to focus on people, act on ideas, and pursue her dreams.”

The show runs for a week in Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall, opening with the announcement of awards on February 14.

Bush artist Col Brown will demonstrate his art on the second day of the show.

Col, himself a successful artist in shows, was the featured painter at Bendigo’s major Easter event in 2023. An initiative of

Pyramid Hill Progress Association, the Major’s Vision show is offering $7000 in prizemoney this year. Entries for the show officially close tomorrow and Mr Wood said there had been strong interest from artists across Victoria.

“We’re again promoting the ease of train travel to Pyramid Hill for people wanting to see the show and explore the town,” he said.

IN BRIEF

Fresh call on fires

POLICE have again asked for information on suspicious fires at Mount Moliagul earlier this month. They said all of these fires were deliberately lit on inland near dirt tracks at these locations not visible from the road. Detectives are keen to speak to anyone with information, dash cam footage or anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

More scorchers

TEMPERATURES in Loddon communities hit the low 40s on Tuesday. And while there will be a reprieve for two days, forecasters say temperatures will again be on the rise with the mercury tipped to hit the low to mid 40s on Monday.

Mosquito warning

HOLIDAY makers and residents in the state’s north are being reminded to remain vigilant against mosquitoes, following recent detections of the Japanese encephalitis virus. The Health Department said there is no specific treatment available for Japanese encephalitis. The best prevention is to protect against mosquito bites.

2025 art show judge Joy Tatt

Rising out of blocks

THEIR home has started rising at Bridgewater’s new residential estate.

Indi Abbott and Nathan Murphy hope to be living at the Loddon Shire’s first major residential development, Bridgewater Rise, within months.

The concrete slab of the new home was poured this week and the couple plan their move with eight-month-old daughter Isla from Kangaroo Flat to Bridgewater.

“We had been looking around Bendigo and then last April made the decision to buy in Bridgewater,” said Nathan who spent some of his childhood in Boort and now works as a warehouse team leader for Hazeldenes in Lockwood.

Housing affordability and being closer to family prompted the move out of Bendigo.

Indi’s grandmother Barbara Williams lives in the town and has purchased a block in the 34-lot residential development released in stages one, two and three.

Indi said brother Billy and wife Gabby had also bought in the new estate.

“Builders make a start on their home in a few weeks so it will be a bit of a competition to see whose is finished first,” said Indi, a psychiatric nurse in Bendigo.

The young family at the weekend inspected preparations for pouring of the slab on their new four-bedroom home.

“The frame will start going up in a fortnight and we expect to be moving in by mid-year,” said Na-

than. Indi and Nathan said they had been attracted to the Bridgewater lifestyle by a strong spirit of community. And while Nathan is a bricklayer by trade, he will be leaving construction to the builders.

“Well, apart from the letterbox ... I have to do that,” he said.

The first 15 lots in stage one of Bridgewater Rise were sold in just over 12 months of their release. Developer Josh Cummins released stages two and three

Transmission line surveys on camera in New Year

SURVEY crews are back along the route of the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line doing ecology and traffic and transport studies on public and private land.

Their focus this week has been ecology surveys in the Gannawarra and Buloke Shires.

It follows fauna spotting work last month to determine the presence of owl species.

“Ecology surveys are used to identify important environmental values such as wildlife habitats and vegetation,” according to Transmission Company Victoria.

“Surveys may include non-invasive ground investigations such as site walkovers, photography, nocturnal fauna spot-

ting, noise monitoring, ‘call playback,’ camera trap surveys and tile array surveys.

“A broader program of traffic and transport field surveys is also beginning this week, across Gannawarra, Buloke, Loddon and Northern Grampians Shires.”

TCV said traffic and transport surveys involved observation of vehicle speeds, assessing road conditions, identifying safety hazards and evaluating access points and connectivity to nearby transport networks.

Surveys and field work on public land have been planned in consultation with relevant local authorities where required.

Field work is only being done on private property where owners have signed land access agreements with TCV.

IN BRIEF

Body find probe POLICE are investigating after a body was found at a reported fire scene in Quambatook on Tuesday. Police said emergency services responded to a grass fire near Cemetery Road and Knight Road when they located the deceased about 6.30am. An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www. crimestoppers.com.au

New Landcare group

A MEETING will be held next month to form an Inglewood Landcare group. Katherine Drummond-Gillett is hoping to gain support for the move. She said: “Let’s come together to protect and restore our precious natural landscapes, whether you’re a landowner, small farmer, or simply passionate about nature. We’ll be discussing how we can manage our land sustainably and support each other in these efforts.”

Farewell to Chris RESPECTED stock agent and industry leader Chris Nevins, who died suddenly last week aged 65, will be farewelled at a Requiem Mass in Inglewood this afternoon.

through McKean McGregor during the Loddon Housing and Living Showcase last October with two lots snapped up that weekend. Agent Drew Stratton has said Bridgewater Rise is attracting interest from young families.

New container depot

BOORT Lakes Holiday Park will be the new location of the town’s container deposit scheme depot.

Isla, Nathan and Indi excited about making the move to Bridgewater. LH PHOTO

There is a place for little children ...

AMID a sea of cowboy hats, crocs and bright clothes at the funeral of toddler Carter Keeble on Friday came a poignant moment.

An impromptu salute from police as the cortege left Boort’s Uniting Church honoured the life of the three-year-old who tragically died in a New Year caravan fire.

Road closed signs around the Station Street church, where marquees had been erected in the church grounds, allowed an estimated 700 mourners to attend the service that was restricted to family and friends.

Another 300 people viewed the live stream of the service where the Reverend David Mills said the congregation honoured Carter and his family.

He said the smiles Carter had brought to people would never be gone and never lost.

The opening hymn was There is a Place, penned by Church of Scotland minister John Bell and Graham Maule after a 1996 trag-

Hundreds of people remembered Carter

edy in Dunblane, Scotland. The first verse was sung: There is a place where hands which held ours tightly, Now are released beyond all hurt and fear, Healed by that love which also feels our sorrow, Tear after tear.

Memories of the toddler - independent, achieving and with a love for horses, puppies, chickens, motorcycles and equipment

- were read on behalf of parents Ben and Lori and his grandparents. Family members also gave readings during the service.

As the service concluded, police moved from the church precinct to halt traffic in Godfrey Street as the cortege made its way to Boort Cemetery.

Shop staff stood silently on the footpath as the town paid their respects to life and memory of Carter.

A public appeal on behalf of Carter’s family raised more than $71,000 to support them and give strength.

Organiser Luci Mayer on Friday wrote: “As we lay Carter to rest today I’d like to thank you all for the support you have given the family.

“This money will allow Ben and Lori some time to heal without the heavy weight of financial pressures on their shoulders. Rest In Peace Carter Keeble - The Croc Wearing Cowboy,” Luci said on the appeal page.

Big names will join candidate’s campaign launch

MALLEE MP Anne Webster will be among a bevy of National Party heavyweights at next week’s launch of Andrew Lethlean’s campaign to wrest the federal seat of Bendigo from Labor.

Dr Webster, a Coalition shadow minister, will join Nationals’ fed-

eral leader David Littleproud and new state chief Danny O’Brien at the launch.

Deputy federal leader Perin Davey and the party’s Senate leader Bridget McKenzie are also on the guest list.

Labor has held the Bendigo seat

bordering the Loddon Shire, since 1998. Current MP Lisa Chesters was elected in 2013 and holds the seat by 12.11 per cent

A federal election is expected to be called in coming weeks with pundits predicting Australia will go to the polls in May.

Australia Day spotlight on inspirational people

PRESENTATION of Loddon

Shire’s Australia Day awards will recognise people who go above and beyond for local communities, said Mayor Dan Straub.

Cr Straub said Loddon was lucky to have so many people who contributed to their communities.

In announcing Pyramid Hill’s Ian Bartels and Tyson Blair (Wedderburn) as the shire’s top citizens this year, Cr Straub also congratulated recipients of the five ward awards.

Named top citizen in Boort Ward has been church and Boort District Health volunteer Carmel Alison who has been praised for her kindness and generosity integral to Boort’s health and happy community.

Bridgewater Fire Brigade captain Tim Ferguson will receive the Inglewood Ward award. He has been leading the brigade for 12 years and is also group officer of the Loddon South Group, instrumental in clean-up efforts following the 2011 and 2022 floods,

Eddington’s Veronica Palmer, who will be recognised with the Tarnagulla Ward award recognising tireless efforts to ensure that Eddington remains a vibrant and connected community.

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre board president Geoff Thomas will receive the Terrick Ward award. Also a CFA volunteer, Mr Thomas contributes to the local Uniting Church, lobbied

for the Mitiamo pipeline and supports numerous community and sporting projects.

Local Lions club secretary Jon Chandler will be presented with the Wedderburn Ward award. The citation says Jon dedicates his time to helping the community and is always willing to assist those in need. Known for his reliability and inclusivity, Jon’s years of service have strengthened and enriched the Wedderburn community.

And members of Bridgewater on Loddon Development’s sub-committee that organised a back-to for the centenary of the town’s memorial hall in October 2023 will be recognised with the shire’s Community Event of the Year award.

Cr Straub said: “Once again we’ve seen an inspirational group people and a community event recognised for their outstanding contributions to Loddon Shire,” Cr Straub said.

“On behalf of council, I’d like to congratulate all Australia Day award recipients,” he said. “I’d also like to thank everyone who took the time to submit nominations for these awards,” Cr Straub added.

Australia Day celebrations start with breakfasts in Dingee, Eddington and Bridgewater on Sunday with the day’s final events that afternoon in Pyramid Hill.

„ Next week’s Loddon Herald will have special articles on ward award recipients

Judges look for good oil

COBRAM Estate Olives will be under scrutiny tomorrow when judges in one of the nation’s premier food production awards visit the company’s Boort processing plant.

One of eight finalists in this year’s President’s Medal offered by the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, judges will spend four hours inspecting the company’s local operations.

Finalists qualified for award contention by winning a champion medal or trophy in one of the Sydney Royal Wine, Beer and Cider, Distilled Spirits, Cheese and Dairy, or Fine Food competitions last year.

“The President’s Medal Award is the pinnacle of our food and beverage competitions, and it is our privilege to be able to celebrate these talented producers and the positive impact they are having on the agricultural industry and its future direction”, according to society president John Bennett.

“The quality of entrants is getting stronger each year, and this year is no exception. I congratulate the finalists on their success and journey so far, and wish the judges luck in making, what I’m sure will be, a difficult decision.”

Finalists will be assessed by journalist Simon Marnie, and Kate Lorimer-Ward, CEO of the NSW Government’s Local Land Services.

In Boort, they will gain first-hand understanding its operations, production processes, and role within the community.

“It is an honour to be part of a competition that not only rewards quality Australian products, but also acknowledges the

overall integrity of their production practices and the innovative methods these businesses use to produce their food”, said Simon.

“This year’s finalists have demonstrated exceptional products and production processes to get to this point and I’m looking forward to going out and meeting the producers at their place of operation and witnessing the good work they do”.

Cobram Estate CEO Leandro Ravetti said: “We are thrilled and incredibly proud that the quality of our extra virgin olive oils as well as the sustainability and integrity of our production practices have been recognised by the Royal Agriculture Society NSW naming Cobram Estate as a finalist at the 18th President’s awards.

“From our olive groves to our mills and bottling facilities we are driven to do everything we can to create fresh, healthy, award winning extra virgin olive oil. The President’s Medal nomination acknowledges our commitment to continuous improvement over the last 25 years to create a high quality, healthy, and sustainable Australian product.”

Judges started their site inspections on Tuesday and the winner will be announced in April.

Other finalists are Angel Oysters Australia (Port Lincoln), Gumshire Pork (Keyneton, South Australia), Inglewood Organic (Queensland), Lord Howe Island Distilling Com Mandolé Orchard (Lake Wyangan, NSW), Reckless Brewing Co ( Bathurst) and Tathra Oysters (Mimosa Rocks National Park).

Snap a pothole pic for pollie calendar

COUNTRY calendars could take on a new look with the latest push by Coalition politicians for the State Government to better fund roads.

Motorists have been asked to snap photos of the worst potholes in the region to be turned into a calendar for Premier and member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne.

Photographs will feature on what is being dubbed the Potholes for All Seasons calendar

Northern Victoria Region MP Gaelle Broad said regional roads were in a terrible state due to years of neglect and cuts to the road maintenance budget by the Labor government.

“I am constantly being contacted by people upset and angry about the shocking state of our roads,” Ms Broad said.

“This is a massive issue right across northern Victoria. Every day cars are be-

ing damaged, and lives are put at risk.”

Ms Broad said the government’s own data showed road maintenance works in regional Victoria plummeted by 95 per cent last financial year.

“In addition, a government survey last year found 91 per cent of roads analysed were in poor or very poor condition.

“The condition of regional roads is now the biggest safety concern for motorists,” she said.

Ms Broad said the “Potholes for All Seasons” calendar should be hung on the office wall of the Premier and the Minister for Roads and Road Safety as a daily reminder to fix our roads.”

Ms Broad has a few words of caution though. Motorists should only take photos of roads where they can do so safely and without putting other road users at risk.

Pothole photos can be uploaded at www. potholepics.com

Region in Top 5 duck spots

NORTHERN Victoria remains a mecca for duck hunters with Boort and Kerang in the top five spots for hunting days last season.

Game Management Authority last week released its bird estimates report, showing Sale, Horsham and Shepparton rounding out the top hunting destinations.

“Combining duck and Stubble Quail, Sale had the most hunting days during the 2024 hunting seasons, followed by Shepparton, Kerang, Horsham and Boort,” the report said.

Results showed an estimated 391,900 game ducks were harvested in 2024, 22 per cent above the long-term average of 320,000. Of the 21,383 licensed duck hunters, 60 per cent actively hunted in 2024. On average, active duck hunters harvested an estimated 30.3 ducks during the season over an average of 8.9 days.

Victoria’s hunting hotspots

licenced game bird hunters who voluntarily participated in the surveys.

“Favourable environmental and breeding conditions and more active hunters likely resulted in an increase in the number of ducks and quail harvested,” Mr Toop said.

“The information hunters provide helps build a stronger understanding of gamebird harvest trends and hunting activity in Victoria.”

Victoria’s duck hunting season went ahead after the State Government rejected calls from a parliamentary inquiry to abolish the sport. Loddon Shire Council urged the inquiry to back duck hunting, citing its economic importance to the region.

Howard wants fire tragedy memorial

FORMER volunteer fireman and Inglewood history buff Howard Rochester has called for a public memorial to be erected to the devastating 1965 bushfires that tore through the district.

Mr Rochester was among firemen who tackled the January 17 blaze that destroyed more than 30,000 hectares between Inglewood and Rheola, claiming two lives and seriously injuring four members of the Bridgewater brigade,

Results also show an estimated 457,400 Stubble Quail were harvested in 2024. This is almost triple the long-term average of 159,000 and is the second largest Stubble Quail harvest since telephone surveys began in 2009.

Of the 25,788 hunters licenced

The three most commonly harvested species were the Pacific Black Duck (39 per cent of the total harvest), Grey Teal (25 per cent of the total harvest) and Australian Wood Duck (24 per cent of the total harvest).

to hunt Stubble Quail, 22 per cent actively hunted in 2024. On average, active quail hunters harvested an estimated 79.4 Stubble Quail for the season over 8.5 days.

GMA director of strategy and research, Simon Toop said the research was based on information gathered from randomly selected

The shortened 2024 season included a six-duck daily bag limit.

The Game Management Authority last year reported record duck numbers across Victoria on the back of an Arthur Rylah Institute survey that found game bird numbers had surged from 2.9 million in 2022 to 7.12 million in November 2023.

Activists want new season dropped, claiming virus risk

COALITION Against Duck Shooting this week called for the 2025 season to be abandoned to reduce the rusk of H5N1 avian influenza virus hitting Australia.

“Australia remains the only continent to have avoided the H5N1 strain of avian influenza to date. However, the virus is reportedly devastating penguins and other species in Antarctica,” said the Coalition’s Laurie Levy.

“With migratory birds continuing to arrive from both the northern hemisphere and Ant-

arctica, the risk to Australian wildlife and agricultural industries is unprecedented.

“Duck shooters and rescuers handling dead and possibly contaminated birds on Victoria’s wetlands would only further spread the virus.”

Last year, Mr Levy and other anti-duck shooting activists claimed hunters had damaged Aboriginal scar trees and protesters were handcuffed on the final weekend of the season at Lake Boort.

Game Management Authority said a person had been fined for illegally cutting down a tree at Lake Boort but an inspection showed its was not a scar tree.

Seven non-hunters are also being investigated for hindering or obstructing an authorised officer.

“While some people breached game hunting and public safety laws, most of the people our authorised officers spoke with were complying with the law,” the authority said.

He said last week’s anniversary of the fires and the death of Inglewood brigade member Alan McKean had brought back memories of the horrid day.

“Many people living here today have no knowledge of the severity of the tragedy that befell our district in 1965,” said Mr Rochester, who was on the same fire truck as Alan..

“It would be fitting to have a memorial plaque erected to honour those who died and those who survived and the fireman for their efforts on that fateful day.”

Mr Rochester said he would raise the idea of a memorial cairn with several Inglewood organisations.

“I think we should do a bit more and even if it’s more than 60 years later, to permanently remember the day would be fitting,” he said.

RSL asks community to sign up for students’ Kokoda trek

TWO Wedderburn College Year 11 students could walk the historic Kokoda Track every year under a plan by Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL.

The sub-branch is asking the community for donations to “the local youth through a life-changing experience: walking the historic Kokoda Track”.

President Roger Paterson said: “This isn’t just a trek; it’s a journey of personal growth, leadership development, and a profound connection to Australia’s national heritage.

“Wedderburn College students rarely have opportunities like this. The Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL is determined to change that. We’ve established an initiative to send two Year 11 students each year to undertake the challenging Kokoda Track, a trail that represents courage and resilience.

“For 2025, we have committed to send one student.”

Mr Paterson said the initiative was more than a history lesson.

“It’s about building character, fostering leadership, and providing young people with an experience that will shape their lives for the better. By walking in the footsteps of heroes, these students will learn about our past while forging their own futures.”

Mr Paterson said the two scholarships will be named after Albert “Knocker” Hayes, an Inglewood soldier who was on the Kokoda Track and Norman “Digger” Letts, a well known Wedderburn resident who was held as a prisoner of war.

He said the cost of this life-altering experience is $7000 a student, covering airfare to Papua New Guinea, accommodation, professional guides, equipment, and safety provisions.

“The Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL has already committed to funding one student but we need $14,000 annually to make this opportunity available to two students from the Wedderburn College,” he said. “We are committed to making this program sustainable, pursuing tax

Be fire safe over long weekend: CFA

COUNTRY Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan has issued an Australia Day weekend plea for people to be alert to fire risks.

He has also urged those firing up their barbecues and outdoor cooking appliances to make sure they were properly extinguished before walking away.

“We want all Victorians to enjoy their long weekend without any surprises, so it is really important your set-up is safe,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Our messages remain clear – check your equipment for any faults before use and always have someone by the fire. We also recommend having at least 10 litres of water or a hose nearby. Give yourself some clearance from walls, fences and flammable materials of at least three metres and continue to check wind conditions are suitable before igniting any flame.”

Direct route returns

CHAMBERLAINS Road bridge has been reopened to traffic ending a 5km detour by residents wanting to travel the Calder Highway.

The bridge, near Inglewood, was suddenly shut last May after damage in the October 2022 and last summer’s storm made the bridge unsafe.

Loddon Shire Council’s bid for State Government disaster relief funds to make repairs was rejected and the project was added to the list of council’s funded work.

The new culvert was completed last week. Guard rails are still to be installed.

deductible (DGR) status and developing ongoing fundraising initiatives. We are transparent and dedicated to reporting on the program’s impact and progress. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference in the lives of these young Australians.”

The Kokoda Track is a single-file foot thoroughfare that runs 96km — 60km in a straight line — through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea where Australian soldiers battled invading Japanese forces in World War Two.

Mr Paterson said: “The Kokoda Track presents a physical and mental challenge, pushing participants beyond their com-

fort zones and fostering resilience and self-confidence.

“This journey will also enhance the students’ understanding of service, sacrifice, and the importance of community. Beyond the track, students will return as young ambassadors, sharing their insights with the community through presentations and engagement programs.”

“We we inviting individuals, businesses, and organisations to partner with us in this transformative project. Your support will not only impact the lives of local youth but will also ensure that the legacy of Kokoda continues to inspire generations to come.”

Roger Paterson

Scholarships spur success

By RUBY HYLAND

PAST and present tertiary students are giving credit to the Inglewood Community Bank for their study success.

The community bank’s Allan and Dianne Bunnett scholarship has made a significant contribution to Ciaran Gale and Mya Alexander’s educational journey.

After completing her VCE studies in 2023, Mya was offered a place at Charles Stuart University in Melbourne and with assistance from the scholarship she was able to enrol in the Medical Radiology course and pursue her dream of becoming a healthcare provider.

With the financial aid provided by the scholarship Mya was able to spend her first year at university focusing on settling in and her studies.

“The scholarship gave me the ability to prioritise my studies and not feel stressed and overworked.” Mya said. “After I finish my course, I’d either like to continue studying and become a doctor or come back and work in the community providing healthcare.”

2023 scholarship recipient Ciaran is now heading into his third year of a Bachelor of Science majoring in chemistry and says, “the scholarship was instrumental in me attending university and getting me to where I am now.”

Ciaran is completing his course at Monash University and is considering undertaking a PhD course in research once he finishes.

Also studying at Monash is

2022 scholarship recipient Zekie Johns, who recently spoke with the bank saying “the support from the community continued with the community bank scholarship,” adding that she was really grateful to have received the financial assistance.

While Mya and Zekie have gone into medical fields, past recipients have studied a range of different courses, from law to engineering to agronomy. The bank

offers scholarships for both first time university students and first time Tafe students, allowing all students in the community access to financial assistance.

The scholarships which the community bank has been offering for the past 17 years can be used for accommodation, tuition fees, study materials, tutoring or education related travel within Australia. The scholarship aims to decrease the barriers rural

The Railway Hotel BOORT

Water theft spike worry

GOULBURN Murray Water is warning people against illegally pumping water from storages and waterways following a spate of incidents.

GMW says there have been several cases of people parking at boat ramps or besides waterways on public roads and pumping water into their trailer tanks.

Water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said people caught doing this would face legal action.

“The water stored in our lakes, dams and reservoirs belongs to entitlement holders,” he said.

“When people illegally take water from our storages and waterways, they are taking our customers’ water.

“Water is a valuable and limited resource. To ensure fairness in how it is used, we take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of unauthorised take.”

students often face when pursuing further education after high school.

Inglewood Community Bank board chair Linda Younghusband says of the program: “we are proud to continue out commitment to support our local young people in pursuing their dreams.”

Applications for the bank’s 2025 scholarships available for local students will close on Monday.

People who are caught pumping water from a GMW storage or waterway without the authorisations can be prosecuted for water theft under the Water Act 1989.

Mr Blyth said those in need of water, but lacking entitlements could contact GMW to discuss their options.

“Our diversions inspectors can help people with any questions about how they can gain authorisation to take water,” he said.

To

Buses

To

Previous scholarship recipients Ciaran Gale and Mya Alexander

Lakeside reunites families, friends

HUNDREDS of holiday makers have again descended on the Loddon’s Northern Oasis for a summer dose of fun and relaxation.

For many campers at Boort Lakes Holiday Park, on the banks of Little Lake Boort, the pilgrimage is when they reconnect with friends and family.

Jarrod Graco has been bringing his family from Ballarat to Boort the past five years.

“We love the weather ... especially when we are from Ballarat,” he chuckled as the family started erecting their caravan annexe last Friday.

For Casey Cook, the annual holiday brings her back to the town she grew up in and gives her children the opportunity to enjoy the lake.

They join in activities of the Boort Ski Club and sports its apparel.

Club activities will also see visitors back in town over the next

month with a come and try day planned and a tournament. Some skiers have used the summer holidays to practice their skills on the lake.

The club raised money for last month’s Do It for Dyl - Limp for Lymphoma relay.

The Boort community has also been playing its part in welcoming visitors new and old.

Social events have been organised by the bowls club and there has been live music at the Railway Hotel.

Holidaymakers have also been part of the town’s Saturday morning parkruns and walking the 3.7km path around the lake in the evenings.

This Saturday, holiday park guests will mingle with Loddon residents when Flavours of Loddon showcases local produce in Nolen’s Park.

Strong visitor numbers are expected to continue at Boort through to Easter.

Oliver Smith, Hannah O’Neill, Clyde Nairn, Lily Perry and Morgan Nairn

Jarrod, Lily, Melissa and Ruby Graco set up camp

Gab Lewis and Chelsea Bassett relax while other campers try more energetic activities at Little Lake Boort

Lance Bennett, Chelsey Bennett and Lily Capicchiano prepare for a water spin. LH PHOTOS

Nyla Anderson, Eve Cook and Cassin Cook Lahni Pomeroy, Ethan Hodgaisson and Isaac Pomeroy

Rock of history again telling the local story

HISTORY is back intact at Mologa after a replacement plaque was installed last week.

Members of Mologa and District Landcare Group had been left bewildered and annoyed last October when the plaque was stolen from a memorial cairn.

Member Guido Assmann and former resident Max Gamble, who was secretary of the local committee that organised a backto in 1997 when the plaque was unveiled, asked Pyramid Hill Op Shop for a donation for the replacement.

Guido was at the cairn last week when Adam Jones and Josiah Cook from DP Jones and Co fixed the new plaque to the rock.

The Kyabram company had made the original plaque.

Guido said: “It is wonderful to again have a plaque honouring local history.”

“People can again stop and read about the businesses and people who lived at Mologa a century ago,” he said.

Social media page pulled down

FORMER Loddon Shire councillor Wendy Murphy’s official social media page has been pulled down.

Mrs Murphy confirmed last Wednesday night that the Facebook page was no longer live.

Victoria’s Local Government Inspectorate last week said pages of former councillors could not continue to be badged as a councillor profile.

Mrs Murphy’s page still live last Tuesday was called Cr Wendy

Murphy, Inglewood Ward, Loddon Shire Council.

Mrs Murphy told the Loddon Herald last Wednesday night: “I unpublished my councillor facebook page on November 7, 2024, when I made my last post saying it was closing. I have not used the page since then. I understood this action no longer made the page live or visible to the public including searches for the page.

“I couldn’t change the name at the time due to the 60-day rule

Facebook imposes between name changes. I had tried to change it during the election period, but something went wrong and it didn’t change at the time but still imposed the 60-day rule. Changes have now been made.”

Meanwhile, another former Loddon Shire councillor has defended her continued public figure Facebook page.

Linda Jungwirth, in a letter to the Loddon Herald said: “Facebook do not allow name chang-

es within certain time frames. Therefore, my page is still Linda Jungwirth, Tarnagulla Ward. I am still Linda Jungwirth and I do advocate for Tarnagulla Ward.”

Mrs Murphy and Ms Jungwirth were defeated at October’s elections after each serving one term on council.

„ In her letter to the editor, Linda Jungwirth writes of pursuing more opportunities to continue to contribute to community - See Page 16.

A HORSHAM firm collecting waste tyres in Inglewood, Charlton and St Arnaud has been slapped with nearly $20,000 in fines from EPA Victoria.

The two fines of $9,880 each are for failing to account for truckloads of waste tyres on EPA’s online Waste Tracker system. EPA north-west regional manager Paul Ratajczyk said the offence was not just a failure of paperwork.

“In Victoria, waste tyres are classified as a ‘reportable priority waste’ and must be tracked by the EPA Waste Tracker online system when transported from one site to another,” Mr Ratajczyk said.

“Waste Tracker traces waste through every step from the place that created it, to the transport business, to the end user or disposal facility. If there’s a gap in the trail, EPA will know where,” he said.

“The system is designed to prevent waste from just vanishing into thin air. EPA will know exactly who had it last,” Mr Ratajczyk said.

Waste tyres can damage the environment if they are illegally dumped or burnt. Degrading tyres can contaminate the soil or become havens for weeds and pests. Tyre fires generate toxic smoke and are difficult to extinguish.

EPA issued Horsham company Affordable Scrap Tyre Solutions Pty Ltd with the two fines for failing to record loads in October 2024.

Cr Dan Straub -

WOOL REPORT

After returning from the annual three-week Christmas recess, the Australian wool market has made a very positive start to the 2025 calendar year. Many industry observers predicted a strong opening, with these predictions based on the deterioration of the Australian dollar (AUD) over the Christmas recess. The AUD lost 1.36 cents compared to the US dollar (USD) since the previous sale (18th of December). With the majority of Australian wool traded in US dollars this was bound to have a direct impact on the market. These predictions were quickly realised as the market opened, with sharp rises across all merino types and descriptions recorded. The market quickly found an increased level, and then generally maintained it all the way to the final hammer in the Western region. By the end of the first day, the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece has risen by between 11 and 55 cents. The benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) added 34 cents, this was the largest daily rise in the EMI since February 2023, when the EMI rose by 44 cents. The second day the market quickly found the levels set on the previous day and generally maintained these price points until the end of the day, meaning the market recorded only small movements across the country. This was reflected in the EMI which added just 2 cents for the day. The EMI finished the series at 1190 cents, a rise of 36 cents. The EMI is now at its highest point since January last year. With currency playing such a large role in the market movements, when viewed in US dollar terms the rise in the EMI was less impressive, the EMI closed the week 7 US cents higher at 737 US cents.

This week’s national offering is forecast to rise, there is expected to be 48,930 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Source: AWEX

109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM

Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 5448 3936

Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064

Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333

Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior

Agronomist | 0408 188 351

Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044

Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322

Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540

Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459

SHEEP AND LAMBS

MONDAY’S Bendigo market saw a smaller yarding of lambs, partly reflecting the dip in price a week ago but also influenced by the looming long weekend for Australia Day.

There was a few more lines of better presented fed lambs available - including some super heavy exports - while the balance of the yarding was the usual mix of weights and grades.

Agents quoted the market as $10 to $15/ head dearer on the top-end of the trade and heavy processing lambs which were hard finished and neatly shaped.

Once off the tops there remained a selective tone to the market and the general run of lambs sold at similar to slightly stronger averages compared to last Monday. Store lambs held their value.

Some super heavy export lambs which selling agents estimated up around 38kg cwt sold to a top of $294/head - a higher price point than recent sales at Bendigo but also among the heaviest lambs yarded recently.

Most of the heavy export lambs sold from $240 to $280/head. The lead of the neat trade lambs sold from $200 to $230/ head, agents reporting these lambs received the best support on the day. The quote for good processing lambs above 24kg cwt was 800c to 840c/kg for most, with some select lines of very neat domestic lambs to around 860c/kg at the top end. But once off the very neat lambs agents said there was still a noticeable pull-back from buyers on stock that weren’t quite there for finish or presentation at 760c to 800c/kg cwt. Best store lambs offering breed quality and frame size remained at a similar point of $130 to $155/head. Smaller and mixed lambs mostly $90 to $125/head.

The mutton market was described as

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Lamb prices remained fully firm to slightly dearer, while sheep prices increased by $4–$5.

erratic, with better export competition on some of the heavier sheep but buying gaps evident on some of the plainer trade weighted lines. Prices ranged from just firm on a week ago to dearer on some of the better lines of Merino sheep. Agents said mutton trended either side of 400c/kg cwt.

WOOLY SUCKERS

S & N Betts Echuca (83) $214. G Heath Nagambie (54) $184. L Parsons St Arnaud (34) $161. SHORN LAMBS

B&M Barlow Wanalta (105) $281. Ian Angove Echuca (17) $275. A&T Cole Neilborough (89) $266. JS&W Bath Culgoa (44) $251. R&K Sloan Kurting (64) $248. Burnewang North Elmore (93) $246. Raleigh Estate Rochester (76) $245. Colvin Family Trust Eppalock (63) $245. RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (47) $243. B&M Barlow Wanalta (70) $240. SJ&AK Parry Rushworth (90) $238. CA&MK Arnel Strathallen (54) $236. James Fritsch Charlton (26) $235. Andshara P/L Wedderburn (52) $233. Tranton Invest Undera (55) $230. D&H McKinley

Monday, January 20th, 2025 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 13,000 | Sheep - 8,000 Alex Collins - 0408 314 768 Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371

To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.

BENDIGO

Stinger’s urban move

MORE than 180 registered bidders have helped Glen Ray prepare for retirement.

The Calivil district farmer and truck driver known as Stinger is making the move into Bendigo with wife Sue.

Their Tandarra property has been sold and last Friday bidders came from across the region as tractors, trucks, equipment and other farm material went under the hammer.

Glen and Sue had been at Tandarra for the last 11 years and

before that he had been share farming at Mitiamo and grew up on late father John’s dairy farm at Calivil.

“I hated dairy farming but always loved cropping ... and guess I cut my farming teeth at Calivil,”

Glen said. “And when we were up at Mitiamo, that’s when interest rates were hitting 22 per cent.

“So I went truck driving carting grain, hay and sheep. Why be working the farm and giving everything to the bank ... that was hurting.”

Clearing sale agents Luke and James Nevins, of FP Nevins and Co, Inglewood, said there had been good bidding at the clearing sale.

A Case 240 tractor sold for $60,5000 while 1940s Chevrolet Lend Lease truck fetched $6900.

While Glen and Sue will make their home in Bendigo and plan to travel, connection with the Calivil district will continue.

“I’m president of the bowls club and we still want to win a premiership,” he said.

BOORT Grain Co-op prices on Tuesday. Wheat – APW1 $310. ASW1 $303.

Checking out the Chevvy: Trevor Grigg and Leigh Parry of Powlett and Adrian Bathgate, formerly of Patchewallock look over the Chevolet that sold for $6900.

Cousin catch-up: Greg and Ron Burles of Murchison with Derby’s Rob Pollock LH PHOTOS

TIMBER TRAINING CRESWICK LTD

Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code No 4168 presents AusChem (Vic.)

AGVET (FARM) CHEMICAL USERS’ COURSE

Bridgewater Bowling Club Main Street (near Bakery), Calder Highway Bridgewater-on-Loddon

Monday, 3rd February 2025 8.30am to 4.30pm

This course attends the relevant Update ‘Refresher Course’ training required to maintain Quality Assurance (QA) principles and standards.

*Cost $100.00 ‘Refresher’ (one-day) course

$150.00 ‘Full’ (two-day) course Enrolments limited to 18 places

This course is subsidised under Victorian Government funding for approved applicants.

Agricultural Chemicals Skill Set (AHCSS00074) Units of Competency A copy of your Medicare Card is required.

Those completing Update training should supply their previously obtained AusChem or similar registration number.

‘Full Course’ completion may also can be arranged by additional, flexible online, mail out correspondence or on-farm tuition.

Completion of the ‘Full Course’ enables participants to apply for an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) in Victoria.

Karl Liffman. Mob: 0428 507 610

Faba Beans – FAB1 $530. FAB2 $510. FAB3 $482. Lentils – NIP1 $855. NIP2 $820.75. Oats – OAT1 $381. OAT2 $360. Field Peas – PEAK $545.

FOR LEASE BY TENDER -

Glen Ray at Friday’s clearing sale. LH PHOTO

AUCTION - MEERING WEST DISTRICT

Exceptional Mallee Cropping Country 815.3ha/2014.6ac

Auction via the AuctionsPlus online platform on Wednesday February 19, 2025 commencing at 11.00am.

‘Moresi’ 325 Meering West Road Meering West Vic 3579.

Lot 1 - C.A. 70 Parish of Leaghur. 274.8ha/679ac.

 Improvements: BV residence, sheds, 2 silos, fuel tank, 2 pressure pumps, 4 water tanks and all troughs. GMW pipeline water.

 Barley stubble.

Lot 2 – C.A.’s 62 and 63 Parish of Leaghur. 259ha/640ac

 Barley stubble. Option of GWM pipeline connection.

Lot 3 - C.A. 64 Parish of Leaghur. 129.5ha/320ac.

 Barley stubble. Option of GWM pipeline connection.

Lots 1 to 3 - ‘22 lentils, ’23 wheat and ’24 barley.

‘Livingston’ 496 Meran Road Meering West Vic 3579.

Lot 4 - C.A. 24 Parish of Meering West. 152ha/375.6ac.

 GWM pipeline water. ’22 lentils, ’23 canola and ‘24 wheat.

Lots 1 to 4 have potential passive income streams from the proposed Meering West Wind Farm project. 5kms between ‘Moresis’ and ‘Livingston’ Terms for Auctioned Lots: 10% deposit and working access on signing of Contract of Sale. Settlement 60 days.

eldersrealestate.com.au/300P175692

Elders Barham 03 54 533377

Jason Telford 0447 533313

Peter Robertson 0417 636 348

FOR SALE

BY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

- MITIAMO – CALIVIL

118.575 Hectares – 293 Acres in One Title

Established irrigation allotment – 95% arable 1.99 delivery shares

Laid out in 8 paddocks with good fencing quality established pasture along with 2 paddocks of previous crop (2024)

Strong Mologa and Fernihurst loam soil in tremendous hear, under sown to Lucerne and Rye. Water from one dam and tank to trough Bounded by 3 Roads

Expression of Interest

Commences 9th January 2025

Closes 14th February 2025 @ 4pm sharp

Further Particulars/Inspections: Contact Selling Agents Inspection by appointment

James Nevins 0407 302 900

Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166

Chris Nevins: 0408 510 626 Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au

Unique river-front home sells after auction

THE FORMER Mulwarrie art studio and native garden on the Loddon River at Bridgewater has sold after auction for more than $750,00.

More than 20 people attended Saturday’s auction with bidding opening at the prior offer price of $720,00.

A further bid of $730,000 was made before auctioneer Greg Fathers consulted owner Robert Scholes and re-opened the auction with a vendor bid of $750,000.

Mr Fathers said the property was sold to

a district buyer after auction for just above the vendor bid.

The extensive native garden was established over the last 20 years in conjunction with the development of an arts and resource centre.

Until the start of 2024 Mulwarrie Studios was managed and operated by Rob. Scholes and his business partner Roberta Foster.

The studio was closed to the public during COVID and was later used by Friends of Kooyoora.

AUCTION

BURKES FLAT - CENTRAL VICTORIA “Perry’s House” 148.35 Hectares / 366.59 Acres. Thursday 13th February

To be offered as a whole:

 Sub- divided 3 Paddocks, 3 Dams

 GWM Pipeline out front, not connected

 85% Arable, gently undulating Mallee loams to clay base, some stone/ shale on rises

 Excellent fencing

 Suitable for all forms of agribusiness

Improvements:

 1880’s Circa 3 B/Rm Miners Cottage

 Machinery Shed 15m X 11m power connected

 Shearing Shed with power (needs repair)

 Sundry Shedding

Terms: 10% Deposit on signing, Balance 30/60 Days

Immediate working condition (T’s &; C’s Apply)

Further Particulars / Inspections: Contact Selling Agents

Inspection by appointment

Luke Nevins 0418 510 166

Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au www.fpnevins.com.au

Greg Fathers passes in the property at auction on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Stealth attack on independence

I FEEL sick about the state of our health system – and I know I am not alone.

But as a regional Victorian as well as a longtime Parliamentarian, one of the things I have valued most has been the local hospital, health centre or even bush nursing station.

Because they are such an irreplaceable and such a vital part of our communities and our lives –and our communities, for countless generations, have invested so much of their own time and money in doing everything they can to help them remain viable and accessible.

And local.

Now, despite our warnings, our best efforts and so many protests from people across regional Victoria, the Allan Labor government has launched its stealth attack on the independence of our local health services.

While you and I have been happily enjoying our Christmas/New Year holidays, the Allan Labor government has been working behind closed doors and begun tearing down the way our health services have, by and large, been so well run for so many years.

Premier Jacinta Allan’s “under the holiday radar” announcement of her Labor government’s new local health service networks is the first step – and a bloody big first step – to force mergers on regional health services.

The very mergers this duplicitous government has consistently denied it was going to do.

In my electorate, under Labor’s new scheme, Boort, Echuca, Rochester, Kerang, Cohuna, and Swan Hill are now all going to be shoved into the Loddon Mal-

Still an advocate

Sir, I was surprised to see your article (Sitting in the shadows, Loddon Herald, January 16). I was not expecting to appear in your publication months after the end of my term. I’m not sure why you have been so interested in my Facebook page or why it was portrayed so negatively that I advocate for my community.

To clarify, Facebook do not allow name changes within certain time frames. Therefore, my page is still Linda Jungwirth, Tarnagulla Ward. I am still Linda Jungwirth and I do advocate for Tarnagulla Ward.

I advocated strongly for the area before I was in council, during my term, and will continue to advocate for the place I love and in which I live.

I was also on most committees in town. I’ve always been passionate about community driven results and achieving to the highest level possible. Another example, as a member of the Tarnagulla Primary School Parents and friends, together with other members, we managed to raise $16,000 for the school in one year. I am currently pursuing more opportunities to continue

lee Health Network, which will be headquartered in Bendigo, along with Bendigo Health, Dhelkaya Health, Heathcote Health, Inglewood and Districts Health Service, Mallee Track Health and Community Service, Mildura Base Public Hospital and Robinvale District Health Services.

If you don’t think Premier Allan wants to merge our health systems into a centralised model, with all decisions made elsewhere, then why in the hell would you have Mildura in the same district as Bendigo – because it now is.

Those two centres – which are like chalk and cheese – are more than 400km apart, for heaven’s sake.

That might seem so obviously ridiculous to you and me, because it is, just as it is ridiculous to assume any of the major health hubs in my electorate will be better off with the big decisions being made in Bendigo.

And let’s not kid ourselves, those decisions will only be the initial ones.

Under this Labor Premier and this Labor government, control is everything and it won’t be long before all these you-beaut local networks will be sucked into the financial blackhole that is Melbourne.

Where valuable funding for our local health services delivery will be lost in the Labor shuffle as it searches desperately for more funding to prop its disastrous Big Bill projects in its voting heartland.

Yes, this is merger by stealth, The Nationals raised that alarm more than a year ago and now here it is.

to contribute to my community. Your article talks about another former councillor and I “clashing with colleagues”. We were councillors tasked with decision making which is what we did. I voted in accordance with the information I received from my community. That was my role and my obligation under the Local Government Act. I acted with integrity throughout my term. If others made different decisions, I can only assume they also voted in a way they felt was right. Surely you’re not suggesting I should have voted according to my male colleagues’ wishes to avoid clashing.

As for the water buy backs, I’m

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Loddon

Now we should all be on red alert because it is another sign of Labor’s plans to take away local decision making and reduce local services. If Labor pulls this one off, who knows what the next local target will be.

Even worse, by centralising decision-making and merging regional health services with metropolitan or major regional hospitals, Labor is wiping out local jobs and the ability to prioritise the unique needs of regional communities.

As I have said over and over, this heavy-handed approach will see regional voices sidelined, and critical resources funnelled back into the city where, like all those other disappearing billions of dollars in all those failing Big Bill projects in Melbourne, they will never be seen again.

Our regional communities deserve more than being treated like second-class citizens and their local health services stripped of their autonomy, particularly when you see how much all those services have been improved by local donations, local fundraising and local commitment.

Strong, locally managed health services are vital for ensuring timely care and meeting the unique demands of regional Victorians.

It’s time for a government that listens to all Victorians and values equitable healthcare outcomes, no matter where you live – Labor is making the health system sicker, not healthier, and regional Victorians will pay the price.

* Peter Walsh, member for Murray Plains

frankly sick of you raising the issue. I have addressed this time and again, including at your candidate’s forum. I felt my briefing on the buybacks was inadequate to make an informed decision. I knew others in the room were better qualified to decide. I did not refuse to back opposition to the buy backs as you have reported. I abstained from voting under the circumstances. Besides, water buybacks are not even a council issue. I have always supported farmers. They are the backbone of Loddon Shire and the shire would not survive without them.

LindaJungwirth Tarnagulla

buSHy TaLES

1. US astronauts are required to know both English and which other language?

2. What is a knight’s armoured glove called?

3. Which four words typically begin a fairy tale?

4. In which country was the lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury born?

5. A compass and protractor would be used by students of what subject?

6. Where in the body would you find the hippocampus?

7. Moray and Conger are types of what aquatic creature?

8. A peloton commonly refers to the main group of competitors in which sport?

9. In an Olympic opening ceremony, which country always leads the Parade of Nations?

10. Sodium chloride is more commonly known as what?

11. What is the currency of India?

12. During REM sleep what body part moves?

WE REPORTED last week on the the quirky and whacky antics being planned for this year by the crew at BBAC Productions based up in Yando. We’ll let you in on a little secret about key strutters of the stage boards. Had a real problem getting in touch with leading pair - one was on the way to Tasmania, no doubt picking up inspiration for future tree signs, another was swanning around New Zealand. Here at OTF, we think that could be a future play plot.

T HE plot also thickens around Poss in Pants this week. With no pups coming off the production of those trousers, we noted that the Wedderburn Band senior cricketers had a lazing weekend. But Poss, swapped the long pants for tennis shorts in a sign of an extension to the fashion wardrobe.

PICKED up there is a website full of laughs from fashionistas. I’ve got to be honest, I’m running out of puns. I have to stop at the fabric store for new material; A clown decided to retire and hand over the business to his son. His son said, ‘I don’t know dad, those are big shoes to fill’. My first job was peddling designer clothing. I was a Dior to Dior salesman.

13. What is often considered bad luck to walk underneath?

14. Name the founding members of ‘The Wiggles’.

15. The video game character Sonic is what type of creature?

16. What car manufacturer is synonymous with James Bond?

17. How many active volcanoes does mainland Australia have?

18. How does Mary Poppins fly?

19. What is Australia’s oldest chocolate bar?

20. And in which year was it first introduced?

ASTUDY last year by the Australian Institute found Australians buy more clothes per person than any other country which is fuelling a fast fashion waste crisis. The analysis shows Australia has surpassed the US as the world’s biggest consumer of textiles per capita, much of which is fast fashion that ends up in landfill.

AUSTRALIANS buy an average of 56 new clothing items a year, more than the US (53), UK (33 items) and China (30). The average value per item purchased by Australians is AUD $13, far lower than the UK ($40), USA ($24), Japan ($30) or even Brazil ($16). More than 200,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill each year, almost four Sydney Harbour Bridges.

AJOKE to finish with this week: What do you call a Frenchman wearing sandals? Phillipe Phillope.

Bicycle race

Greece

Salt 11. Rupee 12. The eyes 13. Ladder 14. Anthony Field, Greg Page, Jeff Fatt, Murray Cook, Phillip Wilcher 15. Hedgehog 16. Aston Martin 17. Zero 18. She uses her Umbrella 19. Cherry Ripe 20. 1924.

BY IAN JONES

Citizen of the Year - Ian Bartels

Tiger will sort it out

Neveronetoseekthelimelight, Ianisamodelcitizenwho thoroughlydeservesrecognition forhisenormouscontributionto hiscommunity.

IanhaslivedhislifeinPyramid Hill,andevenafterhisofficial retirementasanelectrician,he hascontinuedtoservehis community.

Ianhasalwaysgoneabouthis dayquietly,doingwhathesees needstobedoneor respondingpromptlytorequests.

THERE are a couple of theories to Ian Bartels’ nickname of Tiger.

One could e his encounters crawling underneath house floors with a venomous snake slithering past. Or, maybe, his tenacious capacity to jump in and get things done without delay.

The Pyramid Hill legend honoured with this year’s Loddon Shire Citizen of the Year award has retained that desire to be part of the community since learning to play tennis almost eight decades ago.

He went on to water, mow and mark the town’s lawn courts, coach juniors in the morning and then play in the afternoon.

“I’d start at 5am ... you got involved and made things work properly,” said Ian who served a term on the former Gordon Shire Council.

“Community means you have a happy life and my nickname came because people believed I could sort things out.

We’ve always had good volunteers in Pyramid Hill and with equal enthusiasm. When we wanted lighting at the swimming pool we all worked for that and had big switch-on ceremony.”

Ian was president of the swim-

By CHRIS EARL

ming club, played golf and of course wore the Pyramid Hill jumper on the football field.

“There was always a great battle against Leitchville when things could get lively. I was taught to look after myself,” he chuckled.

Caring for the community has been at the heart of Ian’s contributions.

His time on the former bush nursing hospital board, many years as president, remains a special time. Although now vacant for five years, Ian still mows and waters the former aged care hostel grounds.

A keen amateur photographer, a wall at the home he and wife Helen have lived in for 66 years is adorned with photographs of wedge-tailed eagles.

Ian says he would follow the life of the birds from hatching to flight. And taking food to help them survive the first weeks of life.

Ian’s award recognises what people have seen and the many unsung acts - fixing pumps and attending to electrical issues for local sporting groups, such as golf, bowls and Pyramid Hill’s Mitchell Park, mowing lawns for older residents and ensuring water is available for wildlife at The Hill,

It was Ian who would keep the Pyramid Hill store clock going for many years and at numerous town events, helping set up the PA systems.

Ian Bartels left school at 13, was offered two apprentices and chose to start his electrical career at the Pyramid Hill power station, heading to Melbourne for train-

ing blocks and earning his full trade ticket. “I was awarded the B Grade apprentice of the year for electrical mechanics. The prize? A set of tools.”

There is hardly an organisation in Pyramid Hill that Ian has not helped, an original member of the pipe band and his latter-day sporting pursuit of lawn bowls. Wife Helen said: “He always looks to be busy. On the two hottest days last week he oiled our deck.”

Ian says being part of the community helps make Australia great. “We’re still a great country and everyone is welcome. That’s why we celebrate January 26.”

Young Citizen of the Year - Tyson Blair

Finding the bright side of life

HE HAS overcome many challenges and grown into a caring, resilient young man with a lot of empathy for the communitythe award citation for Wedderburn’s Tyson Blair captures a journey that has found his bright side of life.

Tyson has spent the last decade in Wedderburn with foster mum Melinda Springthorpe.

He’s into sport as many country towns teenagers would be. “Sport is fun and you make friends from other towns,” said the Redbacks’ minkey hockey coach of last season.

Tyson also puts on the football boots and won school and regional honours in swimming and athletics.

“My routine starts with physical activity at the gym in the mornings ... it gets you up and alive for the day,” he said.

A sense of belonging and contributing to the community has seen Tyson recognised with the Loddon Shire award.

Tyson’s community work made an impact during COVID, aware that some people may not have had enough money to buy masks, he completed a sewing lesson,

and then made 60 masks, which he handdelivered to elderly people.

He has become a swimming pool lifeguard and joined the town’s fire brigade.

“Being involved in the community is helping me learn leadership skills and being able to look after other people. We have to keep the pools open.”

Last year he was a volunteer buddy at the Southern Cross Kids Camp in Shepparton. Tyson said he had attended the same camp for foster children aged up to 12.

“As I have found, and was able to share last September, life is not bad,” Tyson said.

The Wedderburn College student starts Year 11 study next week. He has chosen mathematics, units 3-4 legal studies, sociology and units 3-4 physical education as subjects for the year.

Tyson said he hoped to pursue a career in the police force after completing school. Melinda says: “Tyson has come a long way. He’s brilliant.”

The award surprised Tyson who said: “I am honoured the community sees what people do volunteering to help others ... our community is very inclusive.”

Melinda Springthorpe with the shire’s top citizen Tyson Blair. LH PHOTO

Loddon’s Shire’s top citizen of 2025 Ian Bartels in his workshop and (inset) with wife Helen. LH PHOTOS

DEATH NOTICES

HUNTER - TYLER JAMES

Result of tragic accident on December 26 2024 - aged 28

Loving son of Greg and Lisa. Brother of Kade and Sarah and Uncle to Maisie and Elora.

Loved grandson of Glenda and Wallace (dec.) Marlene and Trevor (dec.)

Much loved nephew and cousin to our extended family.

Cherished Memories Forever

NEVINS - Christopher Philippe (Boo Boo)

Passed away suddenly

Son of John (Jack) and Janet Nevins (both dec.).

Loving Father of Jack Nevins. Brother to John, Fiona, Bernard and Vincent.

“Go Saints”

Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Mr. Christopher Nevins (Chris) will be offered at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Southey Street, Inglewood TODAY (January 23rd) at 1.00pm.

At the conclusion of Mass the cortege will leave for the Inglewood Cemetery.

NEVINS - Chris

Sincerest condolences to Jack, John, Bernard, Vincent, Fiona and families on the passing of Chris Nevins.

On behalf of the F.P. Nevins & Co teamLuke, James, Alex, Ebony, Gina, Kerrie, Craig, Flynn, Tony, Hamish, Nicki, Gin, Bruce, Cat, Jen, Doug & Wok

TURNBULL - Neville John 16.07.1939 – 20.01.2025

Dearly loved husband of Janice.

Cherished father and father-in-law of Darren and Gaye, Leanne and Brett (Scholes), Dick and Fiona.

Adored Pa of 9 and great Pa of 4.

Cherished memories are ours to keep

FUNERAL NOTICE

TURNBULL - Neville John

A Service to Celebrate the life of Mr. Neville John Turnbull will be held by the graveside at the

Wedderburn Lawn Cemetery on TUESDAY (January 28) at 11 am.

LEGAL NOTICE

Estate of Steven Formosa deceased

Take notice that Emma Xuereb the executor named in the will dated 25th May 2021 of Steven Formosa deceased late of 7217 Calder Highway, Wedderburn, Vic, 3518, will 14 days after the date of publication of this advertisement apply to the Supreme Court of Victoria for a grant of Probate of that will.

Emma Xuereb, 15 Ravida Avenue, Melton, Vic, 3337 emmax_90@hotmail.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

Marine Safety Act 2010 Section 208(2) NOTICE OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXCLUSION ZONE

Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for Loddon River (at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeneys Lane) hereby gives notice under section 208(2) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) that all persons and vessels not registered to take part in the 2025 Australian Masters Waterski Championships are prohibited from entering and remaining in the following waters

Waters of Loddon River at Bridgewater – between the Calder Hwy Bridge and Sweeneys Lane Boat Ramp.

The exclusion zone will be in e ect from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday 25 to Monday 27 January 2025.

Loddon Shire Council Dated: 6/01/2025

MEETING

Newbridge, Arnold and Llanelly Community Planning Group Inc

Invite all members from our community to our Annual General Meeting.

Monday 10th February

7pm - Newbridge Hall

For further details, please contact Secretary, Michele Mizzi on 0431 384 392

PUBLIC NOTICE S

DECLARATION OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXEMPTION

Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for Loddon River (at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeneys Lane), makes the following declaration under section 203(3) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).

For the purposes of boating activity conducted by Bridgewater Water Ski Club Inc, persons and vessels involved in the 2025 Australian Masters Waterski Championships are exempt from the following requirements:

State Rules made under the Marine Act 1988

1. Clause 2(a) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of a person in the water Waterway Rules made under the Marine Safety Act 2010 / Marine Act 1988

2. Clause 62.2 of Schedule 62 – 5 knot speed restriction within waters not speci ed as Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Areas between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeney’s Lane

3. Clause 62.6(a) of Schedule 62 – Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Area for Slalom and Ski Jumping - modi ed to allow for trick skiing

4. Clause 62.7(d) of Schedule 62 – operating times for the Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Area for ‘Water Skiing’ Marine Safety Regulations 2023

5. Regulation 66(3) – persons on vessels must wear a lifejacket of type speci ed at all times when underway on inland waters

6. Regulation 69 – a person being towed must wear a lifejacket.

7. Regulation 70 – master of vessel must ensure occupants wear a lifejacket and must not allow the vessel to be operated unless persons onboard when underway or being towed wear a lifejacket

Subject to the conditions detailed below:

 Masters of towing and rescue vessels are only exempt from item 1 when undertaking a rescue operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety on shore, and must adhere to speed and distance rules at all other times.

 Masters of towing vessels are only exempt from items 2 to 4 for the duration of the events.

 ‘Trick’ skiers being towed are only exempt from items 5 & 6 provided they wear a bright coloured top.

 Masters of towing vessels are only exempt from item 7 when towing water skiers who are participating in trick events and when retrieving water skiers who are participating in trick events and exempt from wearing a lifejacket.

 All persons on vessels and skiers associated with the event must wear a lifejacket (unless vessel over 4.8 metres or exempt from items 5 or 6 in accordance with these conditions), and vessels must have all prescribed safety equipment, including rescue vessels.

 Should vessels or persons not involved in the event enter the exclusion zone, the event must be stopped until the unauthorised vessel or person has moved outside of the zone.

 These exemptions apply from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday 25 to Monday 27 January 2025, to persons and vessels registered to participate in the 2025 Australian Masters Water Ski Championships, within the exclusion zone waters – Loddon River, between the Calder Highway Bridge and the boat ramp at Sweeney’s Lane.

 The exemptions apply provided the stated safety controls and undertakings detailed in the application form and associated documentation are adhered to.

Loddon Shire Council

Dated: 6 January 2025

Yung Balug Keeping Place

The Museum is situated on the property of Paul & Cathie Haw.

Well worth a visit to see the amazing Artefacts collected from the Boort Region.

A recent addition is 34 photos taken by John Hunter Kerr in the 1850s. This was made possible by the State Library of Victoria.

Everyone is welcome. but please call or Email before visiting.

Phone - 0417 333 171

Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com

Kelpie Working Dog Puppies

All vaccinated and microchipped

Parents both good workers

Wanting new homes asap. $400 or nearest offer.

Breeder Registration MB195957 Ph. 0447652751

WANTED

WANTED TO BUY

Old bottles with town or company names.

Marble bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons

Any old bottles - single items or box lots

CASH PAID ON DAY

Phone 0452 264 661

From hitting balls on the garage wall to bowling with the best, Gary Walsh discovers the

Adventures of Lindsay

LINDSAY Kelly is in elite company with his membership of Inglewood’s football Team of the Century.

Kelly, a defender who represented the club for 11 seasons from the late 1960s and won a premiership in 1971, made the team along with Edward ‘Carji’ Greeves, the winner of the first Brownlow Medal in 1924 when playing for Geelong.

What made selection in the team more special was that it was voted on by the local community.

“I’m no legend,” Kelly told the Loddon Herald. “I just regarded myself as a very average footballer.

“I always tried hard. I suppose I had some talent, but there were a lot more skilful than me.

“But getting picked in the Team of the Century is a great honour. It does make you feel appreciated by the community.”

At 75, Kelly can look back at a litany of sporting achievements –and he’s not done yet.

His first sporting love was tennis, in the days when he trailed his parents to Powlett for pennant matches.

“That was what you used to do. Your parents would take you to sport on Saturdays and drag you to church on Sundays.

“I used to practice hitting the tennis ball against the garage door, and I finally gave up the sport when I was 49,” Kelly said.

Life membership of Powlett Tennis Club is just another notch on his belt.

One sport he didn’t play a great deal was cricket.

“You spend a lot of time standing around in the field. I wasn’t a bowler or a wicketkeeper, so there was a lot of not doing much.

“And when you get to senior cricket it’s like standing about 22 yards away from someone and letting him throw rocks at you.”

Kelly took up football relatively late, at 14 or 15 when mates from school encouraged him to play.

Living about half an hour from Inglewood, he relied on his father to take him to matches, after which the “old man would sit in his car on the boundary line in the traditional manner”.

Kelly said he was “an adventurous defender” who would leave his man if he saw a loose ball in the centre – a risk-taking strategy that generally wasn’t encouraged by coaches at the time.

“As long as I didn’t miss it, I wasn’t in trouble,” he said.

Kelly played in Inglewood’s 1971 premiership team, which went through the season undefeated, beating Calivil – which was chasing its fourth flag on the trot – in the grand final.

“It was a pretty hard thing to achieve, and we had a couple of close calls, particularly against Bridgewater when we only won by one or two points.”

Kelly was forced to retire early from football with serious back issues at just 27, but not before he was chosen in the Loddon Valley All-Star team in 1976 in the back pocket.

“In the end it was either football or walking. It was something I always had trouble with – every time I tackled someone I could feel it go.”

At the time he was doing manual work at Bridgewater flour mill, and every Monday was a painful exercise, so ultimately he had little choice but to call it quits with football.

Tennis was the next sport to go.

“I was going to the pub afterwards and found I was always sitting with the bowlers,” Kelly said.

“I thought, the time has come.”

Naturally, he was good at bowls too, winning the Inglewood singles crown five times and the Bendigo 60-and-over singles title three times.

Kelly has represented Bendigo in regional tournaments, and paired with another Inglewood legend, Geoff Wilson, to win regional titles and make the quarter-finals of the Victorian over60s championship last year.

There have been other pennant victories with South Bendigo, and an appearance in the last eight of a statewide tournament.

Of particular pleasure these days is playing with his son Craig, who is now his skip in pennant bowls and with whom he won the club’s pairs tournament in 2018.

Kelly was secretary of the Inglewood Bowls Club for 17 years and has been president for the past year.

“I don’t like being president much,” he said. “I’m no good at public speaking.”

For his sins, Kelly is also responsible for the upkeep of the club’s surroundings, as he was at Powlett after he finished playing tennis – there, he looked after 12 grass courts for about 20 years.

Surely life membership of the bowls club will follow?

“I was a selector at bowls for a few years, and they hold grudges,” he laughed, “so the odds are probably not in my favour.

“I didn’t tolerate fools at work, and I was a bit the same at bowls, unfortunately.”

And then, of course, there was golf.

Kelly has won the Inglewood club championship “a couple of times’, and this year has been elected – somewhat unwillingly – as president.

“There’s so few people around, it’s really a case of everyone getting a job.”

Last year he was awarded life membership, and he still occasionally plays although he be-

moaned his handicap blowing out to 15 from its low of 11 or 12.

“I don’t expect to win anything on the golf scene,” Kelly said, with a tinge of disappointment.

He notes that he missed 13 years of golf while he was ferrying his children to weekend sport and later following them as they rose through the ranks, a reprise of the service his parents gave to him in his youth.

Getting numbers at the golf club had increasingly become difficult, he said, especially younger members.

Inglewood ran a well-attended junior skills program late last year in a bid to encourage more youngsters into the sport.

“It was about trying to get juniors going,” Kelly said, heap-

ing praise on Inglewood IGA for funding the professional

involved.

“It’s hard for the kids, because the jobs are not there in country towns and young people have to leave to get a good education and a good job, so sport misses out.”

Even sports such as basketball and soccer were encouraging young people to play in Bendigo competitions rather than local leagues, he said.

Kelly’s own grandsons were now playing soccer in Bendigo and Ballarat.

The youngsters might find it hard to muster enthusiasm for local sports, but not Kelly.

“I plan on playing bowls until I drop.”

coach

Lindsay Kelly ... success in many sports over the decades. LH PHOTO

Lindsay and his son Craig ... now playing in the same bowls rink

Lindsay the premiership player (left, middle row)

Woodies find strength

INGLEWOOD’s Division 1 weekend team stepped up and took out the must-win match against White Hills in the first match after the Christmas break.

The Bendigo playing area pennant victory has put the team two games ahead of the relegation spot and only five points away from fourth spot on the ladder.

Best rink on the day was the team of Brendan Hopcott, Brett Jackson, Vicky Tierney and Grant Jackson (skip) with a 10-shot win as Inglewood 80 shots (19 points) defeated White Hills 69 shots (2 points).

As brave as they were, Division 5 had a day to forget at Strathfieldsaye, with the team having to play with one player short which made life even harder.

It was a hiccup in what has been an encouraging season so far, with the team sitting in sixth sport on the ladder.

The final result was Inglewood 32 shots (0 points) defeated by Strathfieldsaye 128 shots (18 points).

Congratulations to Brendan Hopcott, who played two great days of bowls the previous weekend to gain a spot in the final of the Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields Region Novice Men’s Singles.

Unfortunately, he went down in the final on Sunday to Strathfieldsaye’s Glenn Roulston, 21-8.

Hopcott only started playing bowls last October and his efforts have already seen him gain promotion to Inglewood’s Division 1 team.

BRIDGEWATER

The Division 5 weekend side travelled to South Bendigo and got off to a sluggish start adjusting to the green.

At the end of the day, they went down by 30 shots.

The only winning rink was

Bendigo

Division 1 White Hills 69-2 lost to Inglewood 80-16. D. Murphy, P. Arscott, J. Brennan, N. Sonego (s) lost to B. Hopcott, B. Jackson, V. Tierney, G. Jackson (s) 15-25. N. Thompson, G. Austin, H. Jansen, J. Turley (s) lost to D. Wilson, R. Stranger, B. McClymont, G. Wilson (s) 15-22. R. Armstrong, G. Julius, D. Kaye, W. O’Connor (s) lost to B. Smyth, D. Whitehead, L. Kelly, C. Kelly (s) 16-22. S. Arbuckle, A. Charlton, J. Hubber, R. Jardine (s) d S. Laird, D. Vanston, D. Garrett, A. Harrison (s) 23-11. North Bendigo 67-1 lost to Bendigo East 98-17. Kangaroo Flat 88-16 d Castlemaine 71-2. Golden Square 76-15 d Strathfieldsaye 74-3. Division 2 Bendigo East 80-14 d Serpentine 73-14. M. Farrugia, J. Mapperson, P. Michell, J. Clough (s) d L. James, L. Baber, K. Canfield, W. Hasty (s) 25-20. F. Pekarsky, D. Clough, J. O’Bree, M. Rowley (s) d M. Mathews, G. Addlem, S. Rudkins, B. Gladman (s) 19-13. J. Hawkins, S. Lord, B. Hawkins, S. Vowles (s) lost to J. Collinson, K. Collins, J. Stuart, B. Long (s) 19-21. J. Knott, J. Ryan, C. Findlay, S. Hocking (s) lost to A. James, F. Maher, R. Gladman, D. Walker (s) 17-19. Eaglehawk 78-2 lost to South Bendigo 79-16. Harcourt 75-16 d Kangaroo Flat 57-2. Strathfieldsaye 68-14 d Bendigo 67-4. Division 4 Calivil 98-18 d White Hills 48-0. W. Lourie, R. Lourie, M. Collett, G. Maxted (s) d G. Baldwin, M. Zadow, P. McGuire, B. Colbert (s) 19-17. K. Richards, C. Maxted, A. Dennis, L. Gronow (s) d B. Sheen, B. Carter, W. McCurdy, M. Kelly (s) 25-8. N. Dennis, P. Hercus, J. Pickles, M. Dennis (s) d M. Carter, D. Bambrough, C. Jansen, P. Fogliani (s) 28-13. G. Lourie, B. Meighan, W. Miles, A. Leech (s) d R. Parmenter, W. Poulter, D. Ahdore, G. Gardner (s) 26-10. Kangaroo Flat 80-2 lost to Dingee 87-16. B. Wigmore, B. Smith, D. Johnson, E. Caine (s) d B. Cail, B. West, L. Hocking, L. Demeo (s) 29-17. R. Shippard, C. Moller, H. Crow, G. Bysouth (s) lost to K. Pollock, N. Hocking, K. Murphy, F. Grieves (s) 20-24. D. White, B. Duncan, K. Brennan, T. O’Brien (s) lost to A. Hay, J. Monaghan, R. Thompson, B. Lawry (s) 11-24. C. Wiegard, P. Wiegard, H. Hornstra, B. Cullen (s) lost to W. Wilson, M. Grieves, L. Demeo, N. Lister (s) 20-22. Bendigo 102-18 d Bendigo East 57-0. Marong 80-15 d Harcourt 62-3.

Ladder: Bendigo 123, White Hills 111, Calivil 110, Harcourt 84, Dingee 68, Marong 62, Bendigo East 46, Kangaroo Flat 44. Division 5 South Bendigo 91-16 d Bridgewater 61-2. R. Challinor, G. Andrea, B. Rosewall, J. McIntosh (s) d L. Catto, V. Wilson, R. Broadbent, C. Mangan (s) 22-17. P. Griffin, S. Howe, J. Griffin, T. Watson (s) d P. Steenhuis, B. Catto, C. Payne, A. Harrison (s) 19-15. W. Grogan, L. Fraser, J. Runnalls, D. Campbell (s) d P. Gath, G. Catto, T. Estrada, G. Mangan (s) 36-11. K. Doolan, J. Smith, E. Bullow, C. Dillon (s) lost to N. Saunders, P. Short, R. Smith, J. Fagan (s) 14-18. Strathfieldsaye 124-18 d Inglewood 32-0. R. Thomas, D. Curnow, B. Toomey, U. Oper (s) d E. Patterson, P. Kelly, P. Lyndon, H. Leech (s) 31-6. J. Davis, R. Rogister, N. Dewhurst, T. Phelan (s) d D. Shay, substitute, J. Palfreyman, I. Bradley (s) 32-6. J. Cummins, J. Dole, L. Wynd, S. Curnow (s) d W. Concol, D. Shay, D. Smyth, J. McClymont (s) 30-13. M. McCarthy, P. Hayes, G. Sargeant, P. Schultz (s) d B. Scoble, D. Roberts, W. Wilson, B. Taig (s) 31-7. Campbell’s Creek 93-16 d Golden Square 63-2. Woodbury 69-0 d Bendigo 91-18. Ladder: Campbell’s Creek 130, Strathfieldsaye 128, Bendigo 110, Golden Square 82, South Bendigo 74, Inglewood 57, Bridgewater 47, Woodbury 20. Monday pennant - Division 1 Inglewood 52-2 lost to South Bendigo 60-14. V. Tierney, A. Caserta, L. Kelly, L. Witham (s) d J. Hayes, J. Borham, G. Ryan, D. Conley (s) 21-13. S. Laird, D. Vanston, B. McClymont, I. Chamberlain (s) lost to T. Marsili, C. Adams, T. Zimmer, D. White (s) 13-27. M. Chamberlain, H. Leech, D. Wilson, G. Wilson (s) lost to S. Driesen, J. Rooke, M. Houghton, B. Traill (s) 18-20. Bendigo 75-16 d Kangaroo Flat 43-0. Bendigo East 62-16 d Eaglehawk 53-0. Golden Square 72-16 d White Hills 47-0. Division 4 Dingee 62-14 d Strathfieldsaye 57-2. W. Wilson, S. Lawry, B. Lawry, L. Demeo (s) lost to J. McGregor, B. Millard, P. Jardine, P. Schultz (s) 20-28. B. Cail, N. Hocking, F. Grieves, M. Grieves (s) d K. Rogister, P. Hayes, N. Dewhurst, S. Curnow (s) 19-16. K. Pollock, S. Cail, B. West, L. Demeo (s) d L. Millard, R. Rogister, V. McLoughlin, T. Probert (s) 23-13. Calivil 50-2 lost to South Bendigo 59-14. H. Gronow, J. Wiltshire, M. Collett, L. Gronow (s) lost to P. Milburn, M. Kirkpatrick, L. Doolan, J. Pasternak (s) 17-20. L. Lister, R. Lourie, N. Ralphs, C. Mitchell (s) lost to M. Grogan, M. Rechter, E. Bowland, R. Mc Cumber (s) 7-29. K. Richards, J. Clymo, L. Dennis, C. Maxted (s) d I. Murrell, D. Roberts, L. Cairncross, T. Gretgrix (s) 26-10.

the Dads Army Brigade of John Fagon, Bobby Smith, Peter Short and Nick Saunders, who turned back the clock with a come-frombehind four-shot win.

The Goldfields side played Dunolly Green at Maryborough Highland for their Charity round match and went down by 16 shots overall in a good contest.

George Marbon’s rink narrowly lost by one shot on the last end in George’s first game as skipper.

The mid-week team travelled to Golden Square last week and was beaten but is still holding on to fourth spot on the ladder and the chance to play finals.

SERPENTINE

Bowls resumed last weekend and in search of the first win for the season. It was a close encounter against Bendigo East going down 80 shots to 73 and winning of two of four rinks with Diane Walker and Ben Long’s teams each up by shots.

PENNANT BOWLS RESULTS

Bendigo East 67-14 d Golden Square 50-2. Harcourt 50-4 lost to Bendigo 54-12. Division 5 Campbell’s Creek 38-7 drew Inglewood 38-7. R. Harding, H. Wilson, V. Ellis, J. Harding (s) lost to B. Hopcott, D. Roberts, W. Wilson, D. Garrett (s) 20-22. M. Matheson, C. Gallagher, J. Hall, M. Holland (s) d E. Patterson, P. McEwan, P. Lyndon, I. Bradley (s) 18-16. South Bendigo 51-14 d Marong 33-0. Golden Square 52-14 d White Hills 21-0. Strathfieldsaye 49-14 d Woodbury 20-0. Division 6 Bridgewater 40-12 d Castlemaine 28-2. R. O’Toole, H. Fagan, C. Mangan, M. Wright (s) d S. Blakeley, F. Stevens, J. Whitley, D. Steet (s) 25-10. J. Hosking, G. Harrison, B. Catto, A. Harrison (s) lost to J. Brain, K. Milner, B. Miller, V. Podesta (s) 15-18. White Hills 26-0 lost to Golden Square 35-14. South Bendigo 40-13 d Harcourt 35-1. Eaglehawk 36-2 lost to Strathfieldsaye 40-12.

Northern District

Division 2 Pyramid Hill 1 55-2 lost to Cohuna 2 65-10. T. Stobaus, K. Wood, J. Mann, N. McGann (s) lost to R. Flinders, G. Anderson, B. Main, G. McIvor (s) 18-24. R. Harris, I. Bartels, J. Leed, T. Dzufer (s) d G. Simms, K. Hocking, V. Dehne, D. Marshall (s) 22-12. D. Demaine, M. Noelker, R. Price, L. Mann (s) lost to K. Peace, M. Main, T. Howard, N. Hosking (s) 15-29. Kerang Golf 2 83-12 d Cohuna Golf 3 36-0. Kerang 3 56-2 lost to Barham 4 59-10.

Ladder: Cohuna Golf 3 88, Kerang Golf 2 87, Cohuna 2 83, Pyramid Hill 1 63, Barham 4 41, Kerang 3 34. Division 3 Pyramid Hill 2 40-0 lost to Barham 5 78-12. G. Godward, J. Dingfelder, W. Boyd, J. Cauchi (s) lost to M. Daffy, B. Theobald, G. Graeme, S. Wilson (s) 17-23. M. Mahoney, R. Boyd, C. Cauchi, L. Dingwall (s) lost to L. Mues, P. Waldron, E. Schelbert, C. Gent (s) 13-25. R. Eckardt, A. Dzufer, A. Harris, A. Bennett (s) lost to S. Slingo, H. Dumbrell, W. Cook, B. Berry (s) 10-30. Gunny Golf 1 45-0 lost to Wakool 2 58-12. Cohuna 3 7410 d Kerang 4 54-2. Kerang Golf 3 70-10 d Leitchville 2 51-2.

Midweek - Division 1 Cohuna Golf 1 70-12 d Pyramid Hill 1 42-0. N. Brown, R. Bibby, P. McManus, J. Henty (s) d R. Harris, C. Cauchi, J. Leed, M. Scott (s) 22-8. G. Campbell, L. McManus, L. Mathers, P. Bibby (s) d A. Cantwell, K. Wood, S. Bennett, R. Opie (s) 24-14. R. Eckhardt, G. Free, M. Carmody, Y. Eckhardt (s) d I. Bartels, J. Cauchi, R. Price, M. Noelker (s) 24-20. Cohuna 1 54-0 lost to Barham 1 68-12. Kerang Golf 1 54-2 lost to Kerang 1 69-10. Division 2 Pyramid Hill 2 26-0 lost to Kerang Golf 2 54-8. G. Godward, R. Boyd, W. Boyd, L. Dingwall (s) lost to M. Miller, R. McKerrow, J. McKerrow, M. Rawson (s) 16-24. A. Harris, D. Kaye, T. Stobaus, A. Bennett (s) lost to L. Douglass, J. Tuohey, K. Pay, D. Randell (s) 10-30. Cohuna Golf 2 33-0 lost to Barham 2 47-8. Gunbower 1 38-8 d Barham 3 30-0. Cohuna 2 54-8 d Kerang 2 230. Barham 4 45-8 d Cohuna 3 40-0. Leitchville 1 Bye. Ladder: Kerang Golf 2 60, Barham 2 52, Gunbower 1 51, Leitchville 1 48, Cohuna 2 47, Barham 4 45, Barham 3 44, Cohuna 3 43, Cohuna Golf 2 37, Kerang 2 30, Pyramid Hill 2 19.

North Central

Division 1 St Arnaud 87-12 d Charlton 57-0. D. Shepherd, C. Marchment, P. McRae, A. Dyke (s) d L. Southwell, P. Watts, J. Headon, S. Perry (s) 27-18. T. Amos, G. McNally, G. Hancock, S. Zsigmond (s) d R. Porter, D. Finlay, J. Cox, K. North (s) 38-21. T. Marland, M. Wood, A. Welsh, T. McSwain (s) d M. Hamley, W. Southwell, D. McCallum, K. Willey (s) 22-18. Donald 59-4 lost to Wedderburn 92-8. T. Farrer, R. Collins, K. Adamson, H. Wingfield (s) d C. Mills, A. Roberts, B. Montebello, L. Witham (s) 21-20. I. McEwen, J. Howley, L. Morgan, N. Hollis (s) d M. Guelfo, B. Hargreaves, A. Caserta, D. Mason (s) 28-27. M. Quick, D. Romeo, W. Meyer, R. Gravestocks (s) lost to R. Guelfo, A. Holt, N. Holt, A. Jackson (s) 10-45. Boort 59-10 d Wycheproof 54-2. K. Birt, D. Gibson, C. Newsome, S. Morris (s) d P. Coles, A. Coatsworth, D. Groves, P. Allan (s) 23-15. K. Walton, G. Hudson, W. Keenan, K. Depiazza (s) d E. Rayes, R. Whittaker, A. Mead, P. Wellington (s) 21-16. S. Nelson, J. Gibson, T. Moresi, L. Maxted (s) lost to A. Jones, B. Macdonald, N. Coles, J. Grylls (s) 15-23. Donald Golf 85-10 d St Arnaud Country 58-2. Ladder: Wedderburn 100, St Arnaud 92, Donald Golf 92, Wycheproof 70, St Arnaud Country 59, Donald 55, Boort 48, Charlton 12. Division 2 St Arnaud 113-12 d Charlton 43-0. J. Barron, G. McIntyre, C. Cheesman, L. Goddard (s) d D. Beaty, Z. Irwin, S. Harper, D. Gretgrix (s) 27-20. J. Parsons, P. Duncan, J. Prendegast, K. Dyke (s) d R. Gahan, G. Thomson,

B. Laffin, G. Bateson (s) 34-15. G. Shinners, P. Micallef, W. Rourke, L. Goodwin (s) d B. Chester, B. Patton, E. Rosewall, G. Wain (s) 52-8. Donald 50-2 lost to Wedderburn 86-10. J. Wood, S. Robertson, A. McEwen, B. Milne (s) d S. Lear, N. White, R. Hall, I. Hall (s) 24-21. D. Knight, C. Perry, B. Brennan, M. McEwen (s) lost to R. Tonkin, A. Benaim, L. Holt, L. Standfield (s) 14-34. Substitute, P. Wyllie, K. Wyllie, M. Hollis (s) lost to R. Ashley, B. Catherine, D. Stephenson, J. Grant (s) 12-31. Boort 52-0 lost to Wycheproof 76-12. I. Allison, P. Waters, J. Hampson, G. Smith (s) lost to S. Wellington, R. Coles, F. Whittaker, G. Coatsworth (s) 12-28. L. Newsome, S. Polack, A. Gould, J. Earl (s) lost to V. Grant, D. Denney, H. Grylls, R. Grylls (s) 19-22. C. Wood, G. Charles, S. Rollinson, A. Matley (s) lost to D. Nicholls, J. McLean, M. Nicholls, P. Connolly (s) 21-26. Donald Gold 81-12 d St Arnaud Country 61-0. Ladder: Wycheproof 104, Wedderburn 87, St Arnaud 78, Donald Golf 76, St Arnaud Country 69, Donald 47, Boort 40, Charlton 27. Midweek - Donald Golf 55-10 d Boort 36-2. C. Raynes, B. Jones, W. Livingston, P. Hibberd (s) lost to S. Polack, P. Gould, J. Earl, T. Moresi (s) 12-13. C. Stopps, R. Reseigh, B. Dixon, S. O’Shea (s) d G. Tweddle, P. Baker, C. Newsome, L. Maxted (s) 20-12. S. Donnellon, M. Frank, J. Hollis, G. Rigby (s) d Y. Cashen, T. Noles, D. Gibson, J. Gibson (s) 23-11.

St Arnaud Country 37-0 lost to Wedderburn 78-12. D. Fullarton, Y. Templar, H. Esmore, R. Pole (s) lost to H. Stephenson, J. Matthews, C. Mills, A. Jackson (s) 9-33. S. Atkinson, P. Mullins, A. Marland, P. Goode (s) lost to S. Standfield, S. Steel, A. Roberts, L. Witham (s) 17-19. F. Rodger, S. Wright, L. Moulday, D. Moulday (s) lost to R. Ashley, J. Murnane, R. Hall, A. Caserta (s) 11-26. Charlton 59-2 lost to Wycheproof 80-10. J. Cox, B. Laffin, D. McCallum, K. North (s) d C. Jones, V. Grant, H. Grylls, G. Coatsworth (s) 23-22. M. Hamley, E. Rosewall, J. Headon, K. Willey (s) lost to D. Nicholls, L. Nicholls, A. Jones, D. Groves (s) 15-31. G. Bateson, W. Laffin, D. Finlay, L. Southwell (s) lost to A. Coatsworth, S. McKenna, A. Mead, M. Nicholls (s) 21-27. Donald 45-0 lost to St Arnaud 79-12. Ladder: Wycheproof 121, Donald Golf 100, Wedderburn 88, Boort 70, St Arnaud 59, Charlton 53, Donald 38, St Arnaud Country 35. Goldfields

Division 2 Bridgewater 46-0 lost to Dunolly Green 6216. H. Fagan, R. Simons, D. Payne, R. Brown (s) lost to B. Ritchie, I. Ritchie, G. Cain, S. Chaplin (s) 13-20. T. Ryan, G. Harrison, D. Wilson, G. Mabon (s) lost to J. Johnson, K. Allen, V. Price, C. Spiteri (s) 19-20. S. Miller, D. Grant, G. Papworth, I. Clutton (s) lost to H. Ritchie, M. Ritchie, J. Ritchie, W. Mackley (s) 14-22.

Notification by Buyer Intention to Apply for the Permanent Transfer of a Licence to Take and Use Surface Water

GMW Reference No: BPTWE0002-25

Sawers Farms Pty Ltd of Loddon River Road APPIN SOUTH VIC 3579

Refer to Vic Roads Map 29 E2

Intend to make application to Permanently Transfer Entitlement to our existing Licence to Take & Use

Water and increase the licensed volume from 315.0ML/Year to

The volume sought in the application is 96.0ML/Year

The water will be used for the purpose of: Irrigation

To be used on lands described as

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

To

Bridgewater’s Barb Catto rolls down the bowl in Monday pennant. LH PHOTO

Magpies in chase for outright

WITH ITS three top run-makers for the season unavailable, Wedderburn’s junior side was always going to face a tough task against runaway leaders Boort Yando.

But few would have expected the Band to be all out for just 21 in less than 13 overs of their twoday clash.

The undefeated Magpies then torched the winless Wedderburn side, compiling 6-159 at the close of the day’s play.

Boort Yando shared around the wickets – seven bowlers all took at least one scalp.

Jake O’Flaherty, who followed up with four wickets including a hat-trick in his first senior match later in the day, took 2-0 off his two overs.

Finlay Arnold and Luke Boyd also claimed two wickets.

There were six ducks in the Wedderburn innings, two of them first ball.

Top score was Blaz Cramp with six. He then took two early wickets when he bowled Brodie McPherson for one and had Luke Boyd caught for two.

But Boort Yando steadied with

Jacob Malone scoring 21 retired not out from 50 balls, and Copper Gooding hitting 53 off just 31 balls with nine fours.

The Magpies will be looking for an outright victory when the match resumes on Saturday.

Kingower piled on the runs against Bridgewater Bulls, ending the day on 2-253 from 44 overs.

Three batsmen retired not out having made half-centuries –Morgan Lonza, Riley Murphy and Tyler Murphy, who played a delightful cameo role in the subsequent senior match, in which he belted 26 from 12 balls.

The first wicket fell at 212, when Ryder Smith was caught and bowled by Oli Bird, who took both of the Kingower wickets.

Wedderburn 10/21 v Boort Yando 6/159

Wedderburn

E. Sellick b F. Arnold 0 E. Clarke b J. O’Flaherty 0 B. Cramp b F. Arnold 6 K. Cramp b J. O’Flaherty 0 A. Clarke b S. McClelland 2 C. Gault b O. Byrne

W. Huismann c&b T. Zanker 1 Z. Polkinghorne c B. McPherson b C. Boyd 2 B. Turnbull b D. Perryman

N. Turnbull c D. Perryman b L. Boyd 0 B. Nordennen not out 1

Bowling: F. Arnold 2-0-8-2, J. O’Flaherty 2-2-0-2, O. Byrne 2-0-2-1, T. Zanker 2-1-21, D. Perryman 2-1-2-1, S. McClelland 2-04-1, L. Boyd 0.5-0-2-2. Boort Yando B. McPherson b B. Cramp 1 J. Mallon retired 21 L. Boyd c E. Clark b B. Cramp 2 O. Byrne b E. Sellick 2 C. Gooding retired 43 J. O’Flaherty retired 19 S. McCelland c K. Cramp b A. Clarke 0 F. Arnold c N. Turnbull b E. Sellick 22 T. Zanker not out 11 D. Perryman c C. Gault b B. Nordennen 2

Extras 26 Total 6/159

Bowling: E. Sellick 10-2-29-2, B. Cramp 5-042-2, E. Clarke 3-0-19-0, K. Cramp 1-0-190, A. Clarke 1-0-11-1, C. Gault 1-0-10-0, Z.

Championship skiers hit river this weekend

BRIDGEWATER’S biggest water skiing event for the year is set for Australia Day weekend.

The Australian Masters annually brings hundreds of competitors and spectators to the banks of the Loddon for three days of elite competition.

The event begins on Saturday at 8am with slalom events on the front course.

Tricks begin at 9.30am on Saturday on the back course and jumps at 2.15pm on the front course.

On Sunday the jumps will start from 1.30pm, with the open women’s category taking to the river at 3pm, followed by the

open men at 4pm. Monday’s public holiday sees the jumps from noon, with open women and men skiing from 1pm. Each day will see skiing from 8am.

Organiser Anthea Collicoat said there were 59 entries for the tournament, with the youngest competitor eight-year-old Charlie Atkin from Lake Boga and the oldest Brian Heys, 73, who is a member of the local Bridgewater club.

Age groups range from under-10 to over70, with disabled skiers also taking part in competition. The section of river between the caravan park and weir will be limited to masters’ events this weekend.

Polkinghorne 2-0-10-0, N. Turnbull 1-0-1-0, W. Huisman 1-0-2-0, B.Nordennen 1-0-6-1. Kingower 2/253 v Bridgewater Kingower M. Lonza retired .................................... 52 T. Murphy retired 50 R. Smith c&b O. Bird

INGLEWOOD TENNIS

Finlay Arnold is a rising star in the triathlon world. Last weekend the 14-year-old completed the senior sprint triathlon at the prestigious Echuca Moama event. It involved a 700m swim in the Murray, a 20km bike ride along a four-lap course through Echuca and across the bridge into NSW, and a 5km run through the historic Port of Echuca. Finlay finished the course in 1:20:54, an impressive effort in his first sprint triathlon event. He was 12th in the 15-16 year age group, and 202nd overall among 285 entrants.

BOORT’S

Boort’s Owen Byrne, Tristan Zanker and Samuel McCelland at Saturday’s match. LH PHOTOS

Powlett’s Bruce Isaac. LH PHOTO

Wedderburn’s Zane Polkinghorne

Depth driving victory

By GARY WALSH

KINGOWER’S 129-run win over a youthful Boort Yando on Saturday highlighted why it is the team to beat in the Upper Loddon senior cricket competition.

Batting depth and a fearsome bowling attack have taken the side to the top of the ladder before a two-day clash against Wedderburn Band that is likely to decide who will go into the finals at the head of the table.

Wedderburn was forced to forfeit against Arnold due to a lack of players, which saw the Band tumble into second place.

At Kingower, Boort Yando captain Brian Minogue won the toss and somewhat surprisingly decided to give his opponents the first hit.

Openers Matt Rowe and Will Deason, coming off a century partnership a week earlier, looked in ominous form and surged to 65 off 11 overs before a calling mix-up saw Rowe runout by Deklan King for 34 off 30 balls.

That precipitated a collapse, with three wickets falling for just a single run as Deason was clean bowled by Blake Slatter for 31 and Kyle Simpson fell in the same over for a duck.

Kingower skipper Jayden Leach and Blake Pickles then began a fightback, taking the score to 95 before Leach was out for a restrained 16 off 25 balls.

If the Magpies thought they

were into the tail, they were quickly reminded of Kingower’s batting strength, as Pickles hit 11 fours on his way to 66 from 60 balls.

He was supported by David Rose (24) and junior Tyler Murphy (23 off 12 balls) as the team pushed on to 5-198 before firstgamer Jake O’Flaherty pulled off a stunning hat-trick.

A late collapse of 3-1 saw Kingower finish on 8-199.

Boort Yando’s response got off to the worst possible start, with Alex Cockerell clean bowled first ball by Leach. The Kingower captain was on a roll, and reduced the Magpies to 5-17, taking all five wickets.

Harry Weaver was a lone hand for Boort Yando, batting his way to 30 off 38 balls, before being ninth out with the score on just 51, falling to Rowe’s bowling.

The last wicket partnership

between Gary Zanker and King added 19 – the second highest of the innings – before Zanker fell for a brave 16 to Deason’s first ball.

Leach’s 7-15 off seven overs with three maidens, was the obvious standout as the Magpies were all out for 70 in 20 overs.

Wedderburn dropped from top spot after forfeiting last Saturday’s game to reigning premiers Arnold.

A battle that counts

UPPER Loddon senior cricketers go into their first two-day matches for the season knowing that the results will crucially shape the finals race.

The Saturday games pit first against second with Wedderburn Band hosting top side Kingower, while Boort Yando at home to Bridgewater Bulls sees the fourth- and fifth-placed teams battling for the last spot in the finals.

Kingower, Wedderburn and Arnold – which has the bye – are certain to play finals, leaving the Magpies and Bulls to fight it out for fourth.

Victory for Kingower at Wedderburn would likely make it unassailable at the top, with only two rounds remaining after the coming two-dayer.

The imponderable is Wedderburn’s situation, given the Band had to forfeit against Arnold last Saturday due to a lack of players.

Both Wedderburn and Kingower have a bye before the end of the season, leaving the Band to face Boort Yando in a two-day clash in round 15 and Kingower to play Bridgewater in the last round.

The last time Wedderburn and Kingower met was in the Loddon Herald Cup T20 competition, won by Kingower on the Band’s turf pitch.

Boort Yando is three points ahead of Bridgewater on the ladder, but has an inferior ‘quotient’, the measure used to separate teams on equal points, so the Magpies need to win to remain in fourth.

Boort players rush to congratulate Jake O’Flaherty on his hat-trick. LH PHOTOS

Kingower’s Blake Pickles

sport

Ready for a big day back

WITH just one chance to put on a good show, Wedderburn Harness Racing Club has pulled out all stops for its cup meeting on Sunday.

The return to Donaldson Park will be the clubs only race meeting for the year after Harness Racing Victoria stripped away a second event in its shake-up to stem HRV financial woes.

Club president Bruce Hargreaves and volunteers spent last weekend dusting off race day equipment that has sat idle for more than three years.

Wedderburn held its race meetings at Maryborough while the $5 million Donaldson Park complex was built and last year’s summer storms put paid to a 2024 return when floods washed away sections of the race

track. The new complex was officially opened last June.

“We’re excited to be racing at Wedderburn for the first time with new facilities,” said Hargreaves.

“We’ve put on a special bus from Bendigo to help ensure a bumper crowd.

“We’ve only got a single meeting now but the club is determined to make it a great one.

“And falling on Australia Day, there’s sure to be a fantastic atmosphere on and off the track.”

The eight-race program will start at 1.07pm.

Club secretary Tom Nisbet said seats were still available on the free bus with pickups in Marong, Bridgewater and Inglewood. Bookings are required.

JAKE’S THE ONE

TEENAGER Jake O’Flaherty

starred with a maiden bowling hat-trick on Saturday on a dusty Kingower pitch.

His senior hat-trick saw Boort Yando almost overshadow the ramapaging top side and skipper Jayden Leach’s seven-wicket haul in the Upper Loddon Cricket Association clash.

By GARY WALSH

skittled Wedderburn Band for just 21 runs. He followed that up with 19 retired not out from 18 balls against the Band.

With his fourth ball, O’Flaherty took the wicket of Tyler Murphy for 23, and with the next delivery had David Rose caught for 24.

side, along with Tristen Zanker, Jacob Malone, Deklan King and Cooper Gooding.

The Magpie celebrations were relatively short-lived, however, as Leach put on a masterclass of medium-pace bowling.

On the day, he ended up with 6-20, including that remarkable hat-trick.

Kingower, playing at home, were rattling along at 5-198 when O’Flaherty struck.

O’Flaherty was backing up from the junior match on Saturday morning, in which he took 2-0 off two overs as the Magpies

He had already picked up the wicket of Leach – no mean feat in itself – for 16, but no one was expecting his 34th-over heroics.

Alex Abate headed to the crease amid some gallows humour from the Kingower team and promptly chipped the first ball he faced to Blake Slatter at short mid-wicket, sealing O’Flaherty’s hat-trick.

The young bowler was swamped by teammates as they hailed his feat, which reduced Kingower to 8-198 with one over remaining.

O’Flaherty was one of five juniors playing in the Boort Yando

He took the first seven wickets to fall, at one stage having 4-5, and then performed a runout to claim Boort Yando’s eighth victim. Leach, too, was on a hat-trick, which a nervous Gary Zanker managed to deny.

The Kingower skipper ended with 7-15, topping his 7-26 against Arnold in the first round.

President Bruce Hargreaves and secretary Tom Nisbet gear up for the cup.

LH PHOTO

Make it three ... Jake O’Flaherty