Loddon Herald Thursday 23 February 2023

Reject packaging board to success

A CARDBOARD carton returning Chris Duffy’s rejected entry in Australia’s premier portrait art prize the Archibald is now the canvas for his award-winning painting at Pyramid Hill.

The Bendigo artist, who painted the Jack Kelly Mural at Pyramid Hill Museum in 2021, on Friday night was named winner of the top prize in the town’s first art show and exhibition.

Chris entered just one work in the show - a portrait of fellow Bendigo artist Iain Wilson titled Man of Many Hats.

“Iain has a massive collection of hats and is always buying more from op-shops,” said Chris.

“This was a painting I did a few years ago and then decided to finish it a few weeks back, using the cardboard box that was used to return my rejected Archibald entry. I had a lot of fun painting it.”

More than 150 people attended Friday’s opening at Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall, among them Victoria Hotel owner and show sponsor Paul Carter and progress association president Andrew Bewicke who took time to admire Chris’ best-in-show entry.

The exhibition of more than 200 works from artists and school children closes today.

REPORT, PHOTOS - PAGE 4

POWER TESTING ELECTRICITY LINK OPTION REPORT EXPECTED TODAY

NEW options for overhead power lines connecting Victoria and New South Wales are expected to be released today,

The Kerang Link through northern Loddon properties announced as the preferred option last August is expected to be one of seven route options

Australian Energy Market

Operator is due to release its regulatory investment test for transmission report - or feasibility study - for the original two options and an extra five routes following submissions last year.

The Loddon Herald understands AEMO will allow just six weeks for consultation on the report that has assessed each option and determined a preferred choice.

Prairie’s Donald McGauchie last August said that approvals were already in place for properties in the Loddon Shire to contribute three gigawatts to the interstate connector with the potential to at least double inputs if the project proceeded with a 2031 completion.

The preferred route announcement said VNI West would run a high capacity 500 kilovolt dou-

ble-circuit overhead transmission line connecting Western Renewables Link at Ballarat with a new Project EnergyConnect terminal station at Dinawan, between Jerilderie and Coleambally

The State Government on Sunday said it was “accelerating a vital new connection between the Victorian and New South Wales electricity grids, helping to se-

Nestled on the fringe of the Inglewood township and right behind the local football ground sitting on 2.98 Hectares or 7.36 acres, this property offers a sound 2 bedroom weatherboard home, both bedrooms are spacious and light filled. The kitchen and dining area is modern and spacious with all electric oven and hotplates. With tile flooring throughout the Kitchen/ Dining area and carpet on all living and bedroom area’s this home presents in solid repair. Add to this the refurbished bungalow with Air conditioner, carpet and fresh paint, 2 bedrooms is now 3. New fencing, American barn shed 6m x 9m with power and cement flooring, Vegetable garden beds and self sufficient garden area, 2 dams fenced into smaller paddocks for the horse enthusiast or anyone wanting that little parcel of country lifestyle Price $525,000.00

cure reliable energy supplies and bring down energy prices.

“The Government has enabled the Australian Energy Market Operator to start early works on the VNI West project,” the Government said.

It said an order had be made to enable the market operator to immediately carry out preparatory and detailed engineering design this year.

LH PHOTO

HAD a reputation to maintain here at OTF. Completely overlooked that last week was Valentine’s Day when young lovers share gifts to their partners. Thank goodness for Bradley of Boort stepping up to remind everyone on time about the importance of love in life ... compared with the grand game of tennis.

THERE were some reports of love and probably none better than what we received about a can of XXXX beer in prominent display at one water hole (another of the OTF “exclusives” from a few weeks ago). “Absolute crack up ... there was a large group and Leon was reading the paper. He got to the bit about the XXXX can and promptly pointed to the likely regular patron coerced into shouting. You should have been here, as he read it out to everyone and in unison, they agreed and laughed,” our on-the-spot correspondent reported.

NOW friends of The Oracle are always sharing their love for him. And in Valentine’s week, in came a report, as usual from multiple sources, that his front gate had been adorned with colourful flags. The Oracle has denied all knowledge of any pieces of calico fluttering from his old set of Austral gates. Claims his own lads probably removed them.

SAID Oracle has been travelling far and wide to win at the genteel game of bowls. Even headed north to Calivil in the hope of bringing home the barbecue pack. Reports his ”mate” Stinga: “The Oracle informs me there may be biased media representation (or should I say wrong bias) of the state of play from certain players in the game of Sir Francis Drake marbles. Rest assured, that could not be possible. We’re yet to see him win a shot.”

STINGA also sent us this one - Question: What do you do with someone who can’t draw, can’t roll the jack, can’t set a mat, can’t keep score and won’t listen? Answer: Make them skip!

LITERARY creatives have even linked Franky Drake with Swiss legend Willy Tell. They reckon historical evidence has been found that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers (known as lawn bowling at the time). However, all league records were unfortunately lost to antiquity. Thus we’ll never know for whom the Tells bowled.

FINALLY this week, it’s been a while since we graced the column with a pun ... we love those so much but like to keep the good wife happy by not trotting them out too often. Found this one and it’s too good to omit. There was the person who sent ten different puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did. Gotta love it!

Popular camp reserve more than a name for Richard

THE temperature was about to hit 40 degrees last week when Richard Cain finished cleaning camp ground facilities at Laanecoorie.

Richard has been keeping the toilet block at Cain’s Reserve clean for decades and has a long connection with the popular camping area.

He ran the local store for 12 years where bookings were made until the store and its post office closed earlier this century.

Richard said the number of caravans and campers stopping in Laanecoorie in recent weeks was at levels normally seen over Easter.

Temporary closure of the Newbridge Recreation Reserve camping area since last October’s floods increased camping at Laanecoorie where Richard said there had been reports of good catches of yellow belly fish.

“Our town camping area named after ancestors - the family has been in the district for many generations - is ideal for people looking for a quiet spot,” he said.

Richard has lived in Laanecoorie all his life and before the store, home was the town’s former hotel. “I couldn’t live in the city,” he said heading home after completing cleaning duties.

Laanecoorie’s Richard Cain completes his daily chores. LH PHOTO

T wo earn scholarships

EAST Loddon P12 dux Ciaran

Gale and aspiring primary school teacher Brodie Welsh have been awarded Inglewood and District Community Bank tertiary scholarships.

The pair this week started university - Inglewood’s Ciaran a science degree at Monash University and Brodie at La Trobe University Bendigo.

“Chemistry especially has always been incredibly fascinating to me,” Ciaran said.

“I’ll start the course and see what speciality areas open up.”

Brodie said he had been inspired to enter primary teaching by his prep and Year 1 teacher at East Loddon, Peter Vernon.

“He was a role model for me when I started school and what I learnt from Mr Vernon has stayed with me throughout primary and secondary school,” Brodie said.

And he is undaunted about entering a profession where men have been in the minority for decades.

A Victorian teacher union report in 2021 said male primary school teachers were a rarity, making up less than a quarter of the full-time workforce.

“I had a great role model and being a primary teacher will be a great opportunity to help other youngsters as they start school,” he said.

Brodie hopes that after graduating, he can return to teach in a country school.

Bank chairman Linda Younghusband said both Ciaran and

Brodie were worthy recipients of the scholarships.

“We congratulate them on their achievements throughout secondary school and look forward to following their progress at university and perhaps one day seeing them in our local communities helping to make a

difference.” Linda said the bank scholarships were each worth $10,000 over two years.

“Former recipients of the scholarships have told us that a community bank scholarship has been very important to them in following their dreams,” she said.

“We are delighted to continue supporting young people from the district as they head to university.”

The annual community bank scholarships have been awarded for more than a decade and support rural students in the first years of university study.

IN BRIEF

Caught at 164kmh

A LEARNER driver, 19 has had her car impounded and charged by police after allegedly driving the Kingower-Logan Road, Wehla, at 164kmh on Monday. Loddon police said the Kangaroo Flat woman was the only occupant in the vehicle and evaded police on Monday. She was arrested in Kangaroo Flat on Tuesday and charged with multiple driving offences.

Town has ATM

BOORT has an automatic teller machine. An ATM has been installed at the town’s newsagency with locals and visitors again able to withdraw cash. The previous machine at George Tallis Hardware was withdrawn by the Commonwealth Bank last year.

Buses again

BUSES are again replacing trains on the Swan Hill Line for upgrade works. However, Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said the continual disruption to train services for upgrades had become a joke. He called on the Government to “just finish the work.

Monthly meeting

LODDON Shire councillors will have their monthly meeting next week. The agenda includes quarterly building permit reports.

Brodie Welsh, Ciaran Gale and bank manager Michael Prowse after the scholarships were announced. LH PHOTO

Artists of quality snare top prizes

EXHIBITORS in Pyramid Hill’s first Major’s Vision art competition and exhibition have been praised for their artistic quality.

Judge Geoff Paynter announced winners on Friday night where local progress association organisers were congratulated by Loddon Mayor Dan Straub.

Cr Straub said Major’s Vision was a fitting theme for the show.

Association president Andre Bewicke had special thanks for members Anne Grogan and Terry Wood for their work bringing the exhibition together and securing sponsorship.

Prizes totalled more than $4000, helping the show attract

entries by artists from across Victoria.

Mr Paynter said Neil Gude’s painting of Pyramid Hill had immediately caught his eye because of its creativity.

And he said Chris Duffy’s best in show painting had displayed artistic innovation.

More than 150 people attended the opening with good crowds reported in recent days at the exhibition.

Best in Show – Miller’s Agricultural Award: Christopher Duffy (Iain – A Man of Many Hats). The Hill - Catalyst Hancock Joint Venture Award: Neil Gude (Afternoon Light at Pyra-

mid Hill). Victoria Hotel Award - Pyramid and surrounds: Pam Moore (Early Morning). Barapa Barapa Award - Birds and Animals: Heather Stanmore (Watching Over the Wetlands). Colin King Award - People and Por

traits: Des Lowry (Local Identity – Brigitte). Progress Association Award - Landscapes and Sea

scapes: Teresa Sienmaa (Kalbar

ra – Fun in the Sun). Corian Park Earthmoving Regional Award: Sandra Nievandt (Straw Necked Ibis).

Highly commended: Maria Wallace, Samantha Taylor, Fleur Jobling, Heather McKean, Sarah Wallace-Smith, Rachel Stacey.

Emily LIster (centre) shows her winning school section artwork to parents Craig and Sharon and brothers Oliver and Alex. LH PHOTO

Show organisers Anne Grogan and Terry Wood with Neil Gude’s Afternoon Light at Pyramid Hill. LH PHOTO

Kim Bennett and Carol Mullins enjoy opening night of the exhibition. LH PHOTO

Penny Caspagni admires the portrait of Pyramid Hill identity Brigitte Cain. lLH PHOTO

Hardware fault gets hooked with disruption

TELSTRA customers in Bridgewater were without internet connection for more than 48 hours late last week.

But after first told they faced a 10-day wait before the fault would be repaired, Telstra on Friday afternoon confirmed repairs would be made that day.

Some businesses had been forced to use mobile connections for eftpos transactions or offer only cash transactions as a hardware failure saw service drop out.

Arts of Olde owner Ainsley McPherson said she had lost sales during the outage.

And resident Peter Poole told the Loddon Herald of frustration being without internet for more than two days.

He had received a message from Telstra saying the estimated time to restore connections was 7pm on February 24.

“Then on Saturday morning, my wife was walking past the modem and saw the green lights flashing again,” he said.

The Loddon Herald contacted Telstra last Friday morning after calls from frustrated customers in Bridgewater.

Four hours later Telstra said connection would be restored that day.

Regional general manager Steve Tinker said: “There has been an impact to ADSL internet in the Bridgewater area since Wednesday afternoon, due to faulty hardware.

“This is not affecting NBN services or Telstra mobiles. Telstra techs have investigated and ordered replacement hardware which is due to arrive this afternoon

and we hope to have connectivity restored by the end of the day.

“As this was an unexpected issue, it is not something we could have planned for.

“We understand the importance of connectivity particularly for businesses for important things like eftpos and would suggest to potentially look at multiple connectivity options such as a landline and wifi in the event that an outage occurs,” Mr Tinkler said.

Meanwhile, Mallee MP Anne Webster Mallee says communities in her electorate had missed being part of a targeted round of funding for improved mobile phone coverage as the Federal Government favours it seats in Victoria and across Australia.

Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced 54 target locations across rural, regional and remote Australia to be part of the $40 million Improving Mobile Coverage Round of the Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

The three Victorian locations targeted by the program are Gisborne South, in the Labor-held electorate of McEwen, Woodend (Bendigo) and St Leonards (Corangamite).

“Gisborne South is 40 minutes from Melbourne, Woodend is halfway between Bendigo and Melbourne and St Leonards is a half-hour drive from Geelong – meanwhile Mallee is the most isolated electorate in Victoria and loses out as Labor plays politics,” Dr Webster said.

Free food after freezer fail

ICE creams and apple pies were snapped up at bargain prices in Boort on Saturday morning after freezers at the town’s supermarket spluttered to a halt.

Junior cricketers playing in the Northern Rivers cricket semi-final at Boort District School oval and the tennis club also received special free deliveries as IGA staff rushed to save melting stock.

And customers in the final hours before store closure early Saturday afternoon had bonuses in their shopping bags.

Owner Dalip Chawla said some stock had been stored in ice freezers to also minimise losses.

“With the compressor failing, it was better to give stock away to minimise waste,” he said.

“That way, we are looking after each other.”

Mr Chawla estimated two trailer loads of stock had to be dumped at the town’s rubbish tip.

The compressor cooling four freezer units at the store had been repaired Friday afternoon before it again failed the next day.

Mr Chawla said refrigerator mechanics were scouring Australia for a replacement compressor. “There may also be issues with the controllers and we want to make sure any replacement doesn’t give us more grief,” he said.

Mr Chawla hopes the four freezer units will be back in operation within days but remained unsure on Monday.

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

Collaborations a key

CO-OPERATIVE partnerships can make a difference in rural health care, Boort District Health’s strategic plan consultant Claire Edwards said last week.

Speaking at an open access session before the service’s annual general, Ms Edwards said partnerships “working together to solve ... problems will make a difference”.

Ms Edwards said the new Buloke Loddon Gannawarra health collaboration was one partnership that would assist in providing services.

She said there was a national shortage of GPs with the days of doctors on call 24/7 gone while solutions included nurse practitioner models and telehealth.

More than 260 people have completed surveys as part of the BDH strategic plan review.

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Ms Edwards said survey data and feedback from street pop-up sessions would be shared with the board before it considers the final plan in April and then submitted to the Department of Health for endorsement.

However, she said there remained time for district residents to have input into the new strategic plan.

“A health service doesn’t live without its community,” she said.

Consultation had been been about what mattered to the community and what the district wanted to see from its health service.

“It’s not just about a valuable piece of infrastructure that employs people,” she said.

“I have heard how important it is to access services ... transporting to other services (in other towns) and then when you come back getting the right services.”

Ms Edwards said the process had been talking about doing better and identifying whether Boort could become a leader

Fresh pickings get tick of approval

A FRESH fruit and vegetable stall at Bridgewater has been given the okay by Loddon Shire Council.

The PTP Produce hit a snag with its produce stall at Bridgewater Bowling Club last October that saw council order its closure before granting a temporary reprieve while planning issues were addressed.

More than 300 people signed a petition within days of council’s original decision supporting owner Tom Mudge who had estimated the stall generated $15,000 for the club in its 18 months of operation.

“We thought we had gone through the correct process (for a permit) ... we want to do the right thing,” Mr Mudge said.

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A formal planning application was displayed on the stall earlier this year and council on Monday confirmed the permit had been granted.

Heat delays carnival

FORECAST high temperatures last Friday forced Wedderburn College to postpone its annual swimming carnival. The carnival will now be held tomorrow.

Public morning swim sessions at Inglewood, Wedderburn and Boort pools ended last week for the season. Loddon pools remain open until the March long weekend.

in providing better rural health services. Board chair Wendy Gladman said implementation of the new strategic plan would not hinge on State Government approval.

“We don’t wait to start implementation of the plan ... we generally start to improve direction (immediately),” Mrs Gladman said.

BDH chief executive officer Donna Doyle told the open access session the service was hopeful of having a permanent dentist within six months.

She said support staff was ready to assist a new appointment.

The current locum was working six weeks on, two off, while recruitment continued, Ms Doyle said.

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh and board chair Wendy Gladman. LH PHOTO

Claire Edwards talks about the BDH strategic plan process. LH PHOTO

Loddon Herald report October 6 2022

Engagement creating networks

BOORT District Health’s approach to better health, access and care had overwhelming support from regional partners.

Board chairman Wendy Gladman told last Wednesday’s annual general meeting that strong bonds and new allegiances had been forged in 2021-2022.

“We are proud to report the improvement and enrichment to the health and wellbeing of our community partners facilitated by collaborations,” Mrs Gladman said.

“Our staff have been versatile, adaptive and outstandingly resilient.

“The robust frameworks of governance and quality supported our system to achieve such great outcomes.

“We asked so much of our staff and they delivered. Well exceeding the department target 79 per cent of staff completed the People Matter Survey with an overall positive response to safety culture questions.”

Mrs Gladman said engagement with Bendigo Health and region health networks had benefited BDH.

“Boort District Health contin-

ues to work with a variety of shared services with our neighbouring small rural health services,” she said.

“This work supports us in jointly addressing the region’s noted health priority areas.

“Our overall strategic direction continues on the path of increasing opportunities for better health, better access and better care.”

Mrs Gladman praised BDH staff for maintaining readiness in dealing with COVID-19.

“There will undoubtedly continue to be challenges for all of us while the world adjusts to life with COVID-19 a continuous and evolving threat,” she said.

“We are, however, confident that through our continued resilience, shared commitments and respectful relations, together we will continue to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Mrs Gladman said recruitment and retention of staff with growth of key initiatives had been a driving direction for the year.

She said the senior executive team had been crucial in exceptional delivery of services.

1100 COVID screening tests for year

MORE than 1100 COVID screening tests were conducted by Boort District Health at the peak of the pandemic lockdowns and restrictions.

CEO Donna Doyle told last week’s annual general meeting the week-day drive-through clinic tests had been recorded for 2021-2022.

She said the service’s urgent care clinic had treated more than 590 patients for the year.

“BDH built on its use of telehealth with key involvement in the Loddon Mallee Regional Telehealth Strategy.” she said.

“Boort has continued to grow and establish our Royal Flying Doctor wellbeing and telehealth specialists services and support the Boort District Medical Centre patients by offering room and facilities to utilise telehealth as needed.”

Ms Doyle said a limited X-ray

service had been available in 2021-2022 with 41 X-rays taken.

“Volunteers at BDH contribute invaluably to the health service goals and objectives,” she said.

“Reintroducing our teams of dedicated volunteers was bolstered by a recruitment drive.”

Volunteers assist with escorting residents on outings, delivery of meals on wheels and running the ladies’ auxiliary opshop.

Maree Stringer, Jeanette Long and Deanne Smith are recognised at the BDH annual general meeting for 20 years on staff at the health service. LH PHOTO

Bob builds a beaut Buick

A CAMP trailer matching a 1928 Buick was Bob Styles’ home for the weekend in Bridgewater.

Former Inglewood poultry farmer Bob joined scores of caravan enthusiasts for the annual gathering. He made the trip out from Bendigo in the Buick bought in Queensland 10 years ago, towing the trailer he built in

Benefactors on new

A MEMORIAL honouring district families who donated money to purchase land for Kamarooka’s recreation reserve will be unveiled next month.

Dozens of farming families were part of the community effort to buy six hectares for the reserve that opened in 1950.

Current reserve committee secretary Blair Michael said members were hoping to find descendants of the 40 families to attend the memorial unveiling

memorial

on March 26 to recognise their contributions.

Donors to the reserve between 1948 and 1950 were: D.J. Aitken, R.M. Ayres, F. Banfield, Cail Bros, J.S. Cail, W. Cail, J. Cooper, Demeo Bros, A. Evans, R. Grose, I. Hay, M. Hay, Hocking Bros, A. Jensen, T. Jensen, F. Ludeman, H. Ludeman, T. Ludeman, R. McKay, B. and N. McKenzie, F. Morgan, P. O’Donoghue, F. Pedersen, Rankin Bros, C. and D. Stillman, F. Talbot, J.E. Trimby, T.A. Wat-

son, T.K. Watson, A. Watts, C. Watts, J.H. Watts, W.T. Watts, C. Williams, F. Williams and R. Wilson.

“The memorial will show appreciation to the district farming families who donated hardearned money towards the purchase,” Blair said.

The unveiling celebrations will include a barbecue lunch and afternoon tea. Information is available from Blair, Kevin Cail or Helen O’Donoghue.

WHEN YOU NEED US , BUT NOT THE SIRENS

the same style and mounted on a pair of Buick wooden-spoke wheels.

“I made the trailer big enough for a double bed and a fridge,” Bob said.

It was the second trip away for Bob this year, only recently returning from a break at Apollo Bay.

“The trip home in the Buick took a leisurely five hours,” he said.

Survey, talks towards plan update

PYRAMID Hill has started updating its community plan with a series of group chats.

The town’s progress association is leading the process that started last week when the first of five chats was held.

President Andre Bewicke said the plan was due for renewal and the process would engage residents in expressing their ideas for the future.

“It’s a chance to talk about

what we have, what we could do better and what we need or are currently without,” he said.

“The Plan for Pyramid chats have got off to a good start and we are also running an online survey to gather information to help us prepare the new community plan document ... what should our priorities be, what is possible.”

Group chats continue until March 17.

YOU CAN GO ONLINE NOW

Peter Kaan and Carol Blair, of Geelong, themed their van as a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. LH PHOTO

Bob Styles enjoys camping comfort at Bridgewater. LH PHOTO

A slice of the best

AUSTRALIAN travellers agree ... the vanilla slices at Bridgewater Bakehouse are the best in the land.

The votes of gastronomically-conscious tourists saw the Loddon bakery take out wotif. com’s people’s choice award for Australia’s top vanilla slice, the sweet treat bakery owner Patrick O’Toole says goes hand in hand with a coffee. “It’s our top seller for cakes,” he said.

“The flavouring and consist-

ency of the custard that’s fluffy, the pastry that has a buttery texture and flavour and breaks clean when you take a bite.

“And the icing ... people want their sugar too.”

The famous vanilla slice remains the champion in the Great Vanilla Slice competition too, taking out the prize when the event has been held in 2018 and 2019.

The vanilla slice is one of many tempting cakes made fresh daily by the staff at Bridgewater

Bakehouse and well paired with a freshly-brewed coffee.

Why not then wander down to the banks of the picturesque Loddon River, a delightful setting to relax and enjoy a relaxing day.

Pat, Theresa and staff look forward to welcoming you back to the Bridgewater Bakehouse.

It’s a food experience people keep returning for in Bridgewater.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

SUNDAY SONGS Geoff Rooney was part of the musical line-up in Inglewood on Sunday when members of the Dunolly-based Goldfields Music Club came to town.

The club that promotes live music has added Cafe 3517 to its monthly gig calendar across

Donation will grow community garden

Boort District Health was delighted to receive a cheque for $300 from our local bowling at the annual general meeting last week. e money was raised by bowlers from their twilight event and will be used in the development of our new community garden that will bring further engagement and enjoyment for our residents. We thank bowling club members for their continued support of the BDH. BDH CEO Donna Doyle is pictured receiving the donation from bowling club president John Nelson.

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email: admin@bdh.vic.gov.au

central central Victoria that includes a weekly jam session in Dunolly.

Among music funs soaking up the atmos-

on

phere

Sunday were (below, from left), Frank Coghlan, Rob Webb, Frank Trembath, Lyn Park, Neil Griffiths and Michelle Smith.

LH PHOTOS

Council eyes new park cash stream

A CARAVAN park cash stream could deliver millions of dollars to Loddon Shire over the next two decades.

The shire has puts its caravan parks at Bridgewater and Wedderburn out for expressions of interest. Leases up to 21 years have been offered with capital improvements reverting to council ownership when agreements expire.

Benalla-based Tower Business and Real Estate, a caravan park specialist, has been appointed agent for the process.

Towe currently has caravan parks at Redesdale and Stawell listed for long-term lease at prices above $1 million.

Bridgewater and Wedderburn parks are currently operated for council in management agreements.

Wendy and Tim James, who have a long-term lease on Boort Holiday Park, have been managing the 75-site Bridgewater park for three years. Council bought caravan park land at Bridgewater and Wedderburn in 2018 from the State Government.

Council executive services officer Christine Coombes said: “The leases are two separate leases, advertised concurrently.

A potential lessee is able to express interest in one or both parks.”

An expression of interest information pack says council wants prospective bidders with demonstrated expertise and capacity to successfully operate, maintain and improve the caravan parks to put forward a detailed commercial offer to the management, development and operation of the parks in a professional manner .

“There is substantial opportunity to increase each of the parks’ revenue and profitably. The rates currently charged are considered to be below competitors’ rates, and there are opportunities for the introduction of new cabin accommodation and facilities at both of the sites.”

Council says it wants to maximise the financial and economic stimulus to Council and the community by leasing the parks.

Ms Coombes said the Bridgewater leaseholder would also be required to maintain part of the Loddon River foreshore at Bridgewater. Leaseholders will also market the caravan parks to lift bookings.

Loddon councillors voted last year to lease out the parks.

District takes water case to new MP

CAMPBELLS Forest has renewed its push for a secure water supply and wants the three State Government MPs in the district to back its bid. Members of the community action planning group took their call to new Ripon MP Martha Haylett on Friday.

President Toni Shea said meetings would also be sought with Bendigo East MP and Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan and Bendigo West’s Maree Edwards.

“Secure water is the No 1 priority in our community plan and we will be asking all

Reporting issues with roads

If community members have an issue they would like to report they can contact Council directly.

Council takes its responsibility to provide a safe road network seriously and appreciates the community’s feedback.

Council has designated sta who are responsible for taking these enquires and ensuring that they are followed up.

If you encounter an issue or wish to make a complaint about one of Council’s roads or any other Council matter, you can contact the team on (03) 5494 1200.

Issues can also be lodged via Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au and clicking on “Report an issue”.

Council also operates an after-hours

service for urgent road issues, this is also accessed through the 5494 1200 phone number.

There are several roads in Loddon Shire that are the responsibility of Regional Roads Victoria (previously VicRoads). These include the highways and major connecting routes.

Issues on these roads can be reported to Regional Roads Victoria on 133 778.

A list of Regional Roads Victoria roads within Loddon Shire can be found on our website at www. loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/ Footpaths-roads-and-drains/Roads and opening the appropriate tab.

members of Parliament to help us achieve that,” she said. The boundaries of the three electorates meet near Campbells Forest. Ms Haylett said: “Campbells Forest is a strong rural community and I am pleased to join them in their work to progress options for a sustainable water supply.”

Campbells Forest has been advocating for secure water supply to improve agricultural production and efficiency in the district. At November’s state election, the Coalition promised $10,000 for a study if it had been elected.

Where to collect free RATs

Council is participating in the State Government program distributing free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).

The RAT kits are available from:

 Boort Post O ce – 75 Godfrey Street, Boort

 Bridgewater Post O ce – 4 Main Street, Bridgewater

 Dingee Post O ce – 18 Mack Street, Dingee

 Inglewood Post O ce

– 85 Grant Street North, Inglewood

 Mitiamo General Store –

5 Jo re Street, Mitiamo

 Newbridge Post O ce

– 36 Lyons Street, Newbridge

 Pyramid Hill Post O ce – 12-14 Kelly Street, Pyramid Hill

 Serpentine Post O ce – 15 Peppercorn Way, Serpentine

 Tarnagulla Post O ce101 Commercial Road, Tarnagulla

 Wedderburn Post O ce – 70 High Street, Wedderburn

Everyone can get up to 2 packs of 5 RATs (10 tests) per person at a time. People with disability and their carers can get 20 free tests at a time.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett (second right) discusses the Campbells Forest push for a secure water supply with members of the community action planning group.

-

Boom gates coming to town

RAILWAY crossing boom gates will be installed in the main street of Boort within weeks.

V/Line said a construction crew would be on-site at the Godfrey Street level crossing in late February to install electronic equipment and foundations before the boom arms were activated.

A spokesperson said: “Rail upgrade works are underway at Boort, to help freight trains use the sidings more efficiently and improve safety at level crossings.”

“These important upgrades to the V/

Come and join us at the Victoria Hotel in Pyramid Hill

We offer classic pub meals, ice cold drinks, clean accommodation and a stocked bottle shop.

Our winter trading hours are as follows

MONDAY • OPEN 3.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM SOCIAL DARTS NIGHT

TUESDAY • OPEN 2.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

WEDNESDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

POT’N’PARMA NIGHT

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

THURSDAY • OPEN 11.00AM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

HAPPY HOUR 5.00-6.30

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

JOKER POKER 5.00-8.00

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE

SATURDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

ALL DAY PIZZA MENU

Padding down events space

A STATE Government grant will lay foundations for an outdoor event space in Inglewood.

Loddon Shire Council has tenders closing tomorrow for the space beside the town hall.

Manager tourism and economic development David Stretch said council was managing two tranches of the Government’s outdoor space activation program.

Stage one had seen outdoor dining spaces developed at nine businesses across the shire.

Mr Stretch said the Inglewood outdoor space had been selected after consultation with the town hall committee, development and tourism committee and Inglewood Ward councillor Wendy Murphy.

The space will be in front of water storage tanks near the bowling club and provide a foundation for use by portable stages and other event infrastructure.

The project would be completed this financial year, Mr Stretch said.

Youngsters’ flora guide

FRIENDS of Kooyoora members will compile flora and fauna field guide books as major projects this year.

Convenor Robert Scholes said one project was production of a flora field guide designed specifically for children.

He said the group had put out the call for photographers to assist in capturing Kooyoora State Park’s flora and fauna for the project.

A briefing session will be held on Sunday in Bridgewater for interested photographers.

The group’s last major publication was a Field Guide to the Orchids of the Inglewood and Kooyoora Areas launched in 2021.

Line freight network will help operators continue to deliver safe and reliable services.”

V/Line said crews were completing a program of improvements to the rail freight network in Boort which would help trains use the sidings more efficiently to load produce and also improve safety at nearby level crossings.

“Crews have already removed two disused track sidings which has enabled the two remaining sections of track to be upgraded including improvements to the drainage system, replacement of sleep-

ers and re-asphalting of the roadway. Works are now underway to install boom gates at the Godfrey Street level crossing which is currently protected by flashing lights and bells. This would make it a fully protected level crossing, which will help improve safety for road users and freight operators.”

V/Line said crews would also improve lighting, fencing and access paths for the pedestrian crossing in Godfrey Street.

New signage will be installed at the Malone Street level crossing to “help improve safety at the location”.

Godfrey Street level crossing ... V/Line will install boom gates to improve safety. LH PHOTO

AROUND OUR SCHOOLS

Captains host first assembly, SRC members announced

BOORT District School’s new captains Alyssa Boyd, Bridie Doyle, Zarlie Featherby and Phoebe Malone hosted their first assembly last week.

Students of the Week for Years F-6 were presented, along with reports from senior students regarding their school-based apprenticeships.

The recently-elected student representative council members from Years 3-12 were announced by Year 12 students Grace Hall and Sam Barraclough, who will be leading the SRC in 2023.

Badges were presented to SRC members by school principal Mrs Lee-Anne Sherwell.

The SRC provides an opportu-

nity for students to contribute their voices to the running of the school, and members have already begun to discuss possible changes to the canteen menu and youth events that can be run at the school.

Other projects for the SRC this year will be the co-ordination of a school-wide student survey.

Flipping cakes on Shrove Tuesday

STUDENTS at St Patrick’s Pryamid Hill and St Mary’s Inglewood celebrated Shrove Tuesday this week cooking up pancakes for the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. At St Patrick’s community reader Vaughan Herrick had his dog Bella (below left) to share the delicious delights being cooked up by principal John O’Connor (below right). A special Ash Wednesday Mass was held at St Mary’s yesterday.

Boort’s SRC - back row: Johnothan Vernon, Max Beattie, Sidney Caine, Cooper Gooding, Alex Cockerell, Phoebe Henderson, Sam Barraclough. Middle: Grace Hall, Guessey Ocaya, Finlay Arnold, Emily Henderson, Noah Howe, Jonas Haw, Grace Binu. Front: Pearl Muller, Xavier Junor, Hannah Talbot, Becky Stringer, Scarlett Crilly, William Haw

Wedderburn College invested its 2023 captains Eliza Turnbull and Zen Joyner at an assembly last week.

PEOPLE and industry must be at the centre of discussions during this week’s meeting of state and federal water ministers on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

VFF President Emma Germano said the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s recently released report card on the Basin Plan highlighted that Canberra was ignoring the impacts on regional communities and irrigated agriculture with its plans to buyback an additional 450GL on top of the Basin Plan.

“Farmers in the Basin produce food for the nation. They are now

doing that with one third less of the water they had before,” she said.

“Taking more water from them will not only make their own lives more difficult, but it will also drive-up food prices - impacting households at a time when they are most sensitive to price increases.

“The MDBA’s report card doesn’t look at the impact on jobs, on food production and on communities that have resulted from water buybacks and broader Basin Plan implementation.”

Ms Germano called on the

Federal Government to refocus its aims back towards the Basin Plan’s original goal of achieving positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

“(Water) Minister Plibersek needs to listen more to all her state counterparts, not just the South Australian minister,” she said.

“They understand the original objectives behind the Basin Plan to optimise social and economic outcomes and to improve water security for all users. The social and economic outcomes seem to be the objectives that are con-

stantly forgotten about or ignored.”

Ms Germano said the concept of fully implementing the Basin Plan had become a political football and that federal and state water ministers needing to agree on what a fully implemented Plan looked like.

“Unfortunately, ‘full implementation’ is a phrase that has been peddled out by all sides of politics. Under the Coalition, full implementation meant, the legislated 2750GL Basin Plan, but under federal Labor they seem intent on rewriting the plan and merg-

ing the 450GL with the 2750GL to make it a 3200GL plan.”

UDV president Mark Billing said: “Talk of water buybacks and attempts to secure the 450GL up-water target by the Commonwealth simply infuriates dairy farmers.

“They just want to get on with the job of milking their cows and feeding the nation. With Northern Victorian milk filling gaps on supermarket shelves in Sydney and Brisbane, making sure that farmers have the water available to produce quality milk is truly in the national interest.”

Basin plan must focus on industry and people - Germano Erractic prices at sale

A SMALLER and patchy yarding at Bendigo on Monday was made up of 10,500 lambs and just 4800 sheep.

Well finished lambs with weight and fat cover remained scarce.

A wery erratic market which made it difficult to get a consistent price quote out of the sale, as some lambs sold strongly and were dearer while others of a similar grade were then cheaper than a week ago.

The bouncing trend was most evident in the heavy lambs with the 26-30kg cwt crossbreds selling from $205 to $246, putting some pens well above 800c and others below 770c/kg.

As a guide most of the better quality processing lambs remained in a range of 760c to 800c/kg cwt.

Merino lambs recorded cheaper trends, particularly any secondary lots.

Heaviest export lambs over 30kg cwt from $236 to a top of $268, and some strong sales at times helped lift the average to an estimated 800c/kg.

Most heavy lambs $200 to $240/head. Main run of tradeweight lambs, 22-24kg, varied from $173 to $200. Light lambs under 20kg cwt were generally a few dollars dearer, decent store lambs showing some breed quality and frame from $110 to $150. But very small and secondary lambs $9 to $50. Very plain Merino lambs received subdued interest.

Heavy mutton averaged $10 to $15 cheaper, noting Bendigo did have some solid sales last week before prices dropped away late in the auction.

Big crossbred ewes from $94 to $130. Lot of trade sheep $70 to $110. Light ewes $24 to $50.

Most categories of sheep showed a price spread of 250c to 380c/kg cwt.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (82) $268, O’Sullivans Trading Elmore (115) $268, RJ & DM Johnson Boort (57)) $248, JS & W Brown Colbinabbin (60) $245, MF Ryan Colbinabbin (52) $236, McRea Oaks St Arnaud (89) $234, A & C Dalrymple Narrewillock (50) $230, Anden Birchip (35) $225, JC & IL Younghusband Powlett Plains (56) $223, AB & KB Broom Neereman (150) $223, Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (128) $220, Monmore P/L Laanecoorie (100) $215, R & N Comer Drummartin (104) $211, R & B McKenzie Elmore (100) $210, B & H McCalman Echuca (115) $210, GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (192) $205, JA & KL Head Echuca (43) $205, Wanabbin Colbinabbin (75) $203, Foley’s Hill Wycheproof (25) $200.

CROSSBRED EWES

Anden, Birchip (45) $126, Alderside Warracknabeal (161) $120, R & N Comer Drummartin (13) $115, M Fielding Warracknabeal (102) $110, Foleys Hill Wycheproof (92) $110, Monmore P/L Laanecoorie (29) $103, G & L Broad Pyramid Hill (15) $91.

MERINO EWES

RW & AL Baker Dingee (50) $124, Fairfields @ Mysia Mysia (32) $110, B Weaver & Co Boort (43) $105, Ceres Wedderburn (62) $105, Anden, Birchip (20) $103, Ilfracomb Donald (34) $91, J & G Ross Mia Mia (16) $90.

Next week’s order: Nuttall, Nutrien, Nevins, Elders, McKean McGregor.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

GRAIN

Boort Grain Co-op prices on Tuesday. Wheat - H1 $385 FIS. HS $378 FIS. APW1 $367 FIS. ASW $365 FIS. AGP1 $356 FIS. SFW1 $356 FIS. FED1 $319 FIS. Barley: PL1 $355 FIS. SP1 $355 FIS. PLX $355 FIS. SPX $335 FIS. Bar1 $305 FIS. Bar 2 $285 FIS. Bar3 $260 FIS. Bar4 $240 FIS.

Non GM canola +/- AOF $695 FIS. *GM CANOLA +/- AOF **CANGS $655 FIS. Faba1 $368 FIS. Faba2 $368 FIS.

SHEEP MARKET

Sheep theft not new in district, says grazier

DISTRICT farmers had been plagued by sheep theft for generations, according to Logan’s Peter Vanrenen.

The former Merino stud principal who switched to cropping two years after the family had bred sheep for 140 years, said livestock theft had been an ongoing problem.

“We lost 300 one year back in the 1980s,” he said as police announced an investigation into the theft of 700 sheep at another Logan property.

“We had a lot going in the 1970s and 1980s. There’s been sheep thefts around here for generations.”

Mr Vanrenen said he had installed additional security camera over the years to deter thieves.

“If there’s a theft, we need to report it to police,” he said.

“That will help police understand the size of the problem.”

Leading Senior Constable Dan O’Bree of the farm crime co-ordination unit described the latest reported Logan theft as brazen.

Senior Constable O’Bree said the theft was possibly “very well planned”.

He said police were looking for information on truck movement in the area, particularly B-Doubles and double-deckers.

“This is one of the biggest livestock thefts I have seen,” he said.

“The owner is pretty shattered.”

Senior Constable O’Bree said 197 Merino ewes with purple ear tags had been in the haul from Logan.

He said the large-frame sheep were almost three years old and would weigh about 60kg. Many

CLEARING SALE POWLETT

PLAINS

were in lamb. The reported theft also included 493 white SuffolkMerino cross lambs with red ear tags.

Senior Constable O’Bree said they were stolen from a farm on Gowar-Logan Road, between October 21 and February 1.

He said the farmer had checked stock on the 485-hectare property in December and believed 1800 sheep were in their paddocks.

Senior Constable O’Bree said it

Friday 10th March 2023- 10am Sharp

Machinery, Collectable & Antiques

A/C DJ & JI GRIGG (Property Leased)

Onsite: 1823 WEDDEBURN- SERPENTINE RD, POWLETT PLAINS

MACHINERY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT: “Volvo” F7 Twin Steer bogie drive truck with 24’ tray with under body hoist, “John Deer” 7520 Tractor 2793 hours, “New Holland” TR88 header with 25 ft front 1744 hours, “Vennings” Grouper bin, Massey Ferguson 240 Tractor 2336 hours- new tyres with 3PL, “Chamberlain” Tractor with FE loader, “McCormick Int” 511 combine with small seed box 24 Tyne with finger Tyne harrows, “Grizzley’ 36 plate scarifier, “Chamberlain” 29 Tyne scarifier, 23’ “Napier” cultivator bar, “Gold Acres” 60’ boom spray- 2000L tank & PTO drive, 2 yard golden scoop, “Golden” land grader-10’, “Lockston” 15’ mower (good condition), 8 leaf stump harrows, round bale hay feeder, “Gold Acres” 33’ boom spray (suit quad bike), portable fuel tank with electric pump & meter, sheep feeder, 22,500L water tank, John Deere ride on mower.

FIELD BINS & AUGERS: 28T “Sherwell” field bin with Auger, “Sherwell” field bin with Auger (320 bag) PTO drive, “Sherwell” field bin with Auger (300 bag), 36’ “Sherwell” Auger, 12’ pencil Auger.

SHEARING EQUIPMENT: “Stevlyon” electric wool press good cond, “Lyco” electric wool press, rectangle wool table, 4 “Lister” overhead shearing plants, 12V shearing hand piece, grinder, assorted hand pieces, stencils.

ANTIQUE MACHINERY: “Furphys” farm water cart, 1937 “Sunshine” AL Harvester, “Avery” scales, Blacksmith Bellow, 1935 timber wool table, “Sunshine” gate, “Furphys” spike roller, 5’ stump jump plough, 5’ Mulboard plough, “Chas Smith” wool press, 12 plate one way disc plough, 21’ Coltipacker, homemade smudger, 2 x mud scoops (homemade), blacksmith tools, old trailer, grader blades, 5 draft horse collars.

SUNDRY ITEMS: MIG welder, ”Stihl” MS170 chainsaw, butchers band-saw, rail line, 3PL ripper, stock crate (Ute), round bale carrier- 3PL, JIB, assorted harrows, cement posts & stays, crop lifters, “B&S” 5HP engine, fire harrows bar, 8 ½ HP “Honda” engine, Trehella jack, egg boxes, quantity of points, gates, cement mixer, roper maker, hydraulic ram, quantity gal iron, troughs, piping, X cut saw, 4 x 1000L containers, qty tiles, windows, tyres, post driver, wood hot plate heater, sundry tools & a host of sundries too numerous to mention.

TERMS Numbers system operating - I.D. required. Cash, Cheque payment accepted & EFTPOS available. GST applicable. Light luncheon available.

DIRECTIONS: From Serpentine take Bridgwater, Serpentine Rd, turn right at Wedderburn- Serpentine Rd, follow for 8km and the sale will be on your right-hand side. From Bridgewater, take Serpentine, B/Water Rd for 7km- turn left onto Wedderburn Rd, follow for 8km and the sale will be on your right-hand side. Follow the signs

FULL DETAILS & PHOTOS www.fpnevins.com.au 92

Galloway Road sells for $665k

was when bringing sheep in for shearing that the farmer noticed lesser numbers.

Police said the missing Merino sheep are valued at approximately $139,000 and were in full wool at the time of the theft.

“Investigators believe that the stock may have been transported interstate,” they said last Thursday.

“To transport such a large number of livestock, investigators believe the offenders would have needed to use at least two fourdecker trucks if the thefts occurred on one occasion.

“It is thought that the offenders would have also needed to utilise a significant amount of portable fencing, as well as sheep dogs to round up the livestock.

“Police were notified as soon as the missing sheep were noticed.”

Leading Senior Constable O’Bree estimated that less than half of livestock thefts were being reported to police.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

A 36-HECTARE Wedderburn property sold for $665,000 at auction last Thursday, Agent James Nevins, of FP Nevins and Co Inglewood, said there had been strong interest in the Galloway Road property with a good crowd attending the auction. After initial offers, two potential buyers vied for the winning bid and the property was sold.

The farm includes a threestand shearing shed, sheep yards and spray dip, two machinery sheds and a raised barn.

Mr Nevins said the property was an excellent grazing and cropping allotment.

Compost roadshow

THE Great Aussie Composting Roadshow will have a stop in St Arnaud next month.

The roadshow will provide intensive animal industries such as egg and broiler farms, cattle feedlots, piggeries and dairy farms with tailored and in-depth information regarding solid manure management, focusing on composting as a management tool.

Speakers will include Professor Robert Rynk, State University of New York, Matthew Cotton, composting consultant from California, and Janine Price, of Scolexia Animal and Avian Health Consultancy.

CLEARING SALE CHARLTON

Friday 3rd March 2023 10.30am

Farm Machinery, Equipment & Sundries

A/C Jeff D Cox

Onsite: 159 Cox’s Road, Wooroonook, Charlton

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT: Cougar Steiger ST 280 Tractor (13064Hrs), 325 HP, 1982 “Snoopy” 3388 Case Tractor (9000Hrs), 2008 Case Puma 140 tractor with Howard Q65 FEL (5750Hrs) FWA, complete with Trimble Ez Pilot auto steer &1050 screen, 1970 Chamberlain MK4 FEL 236 Perkins MTR, 1971 686 International tractor (not going), 2003 Case 2388 exclusive Axial Flow Header with Case 1042 36’ front, 2009 Goldacres Prairie 4500 Ltr Tritech Boom Spray (100 ft) with controller, Ellsworth 12 Wheel V Rake, Goldacres 2000 Ltr 42 ft Boom Spray Shearer 5-160 scari bar (72 tyne), Connor Shea + 8 33 tyne Scarifier with roller Harrows, Simplicity 4500 Ltr Bin/ Howard Bagshaw 31ft seeder bar (41 tyne), New Holland 1431 mower conditioner 13ft, Shearer 33’ Springtyne Fieldspan Cultivator bar, Horwood Bagshaw 42’ Harrows, Leith hydraulic 30’ Pea Plucker, Melway 15’ stubble mulcher, John Berends 6’PTO Slasher, 4 wheel fowler trailer, 28 plate offset disc. Hurschfeld Drain Former, 3PL post hole digger, Hardi 30’ Boom Spray, Roller Bar Hay Rake, Bates portable 800 Ltr fuel tank, 2 X o’head fuel tanks Swingsaw BSA motor, Peerless Air Compressor, 5HP B-S reduction motor.

GRAIN HANDLING & EQUIPMENT: Sherwell 42 ft PTO Auger 9.5”, GBH Grouper 14 ft, 10 ton, with roll over tarp & 6HP motor, 3 X Sherwell 28 ton Field Bins with Augers, Ackland 28 ton Field Bin with Auger, Sherwell 240 bag Field Bin, 20’ 4” Pencil Auger with electric motor, Jachmann portable grain cleaner with 5HP Mitsubishi motor, 1973 2050A Acco Tray Truck with 18’ tipper (Hoist- Not going) & 120 bag bulk bin. 1964 Bedford (44,000 Miles) with 14’ tray (telescopic hoist), silo sprayer, QTY crop lifters. QTY lentil lifters, Bottom Riddle (Case 2388), Cowra stock feeder, Addlem stock feeder, Peerless 240AMP arc welder.

COLLECTABLES & SUNDRY: Sunshine McKay 8’ Header, old bag loader, Dray swivel arms, 2 X Trewella jacks, old grain thrower, leg vice, old heavy duty vice, bag truck, Qty Jute bags, Qty garden tools, roll out irrigation flume, Qty farm gates, tow cable, Harland 6” pump, poly tank (13,500 Ltr), 2 x Lister Shearing Plants, Ajax single box wool press, Hay Caps (25), fire lighter, 6 x electric fence coils & energiser, oversize safety signs, jerry cans, Qty rubber belting, assorted il filters, lamb feeder (5 nip), 2 X RHS steel (8m), water pods, redgum stumps, pellet solid bricks, Polymaster water troughs (2), Qty gal iron & host of sundries.

TERMS Numbers system operating - I.D required. Cash, Cheque payment accepted & EFTPOS available. Light luncheon available.

DIRECTIONS: 159 Cox’s Rd, WOOROONOOK.

Take Donald Rd, 10km turn right onto Cox’s Rd - Follow signs.

FULL DETAILS &PHOTOS www. fpnevins.com.au 92

Where dollars are flowing

By CHRIS EARL

EVERY week, there’s always exciting news from across our communities that is shaping the future of the Loddon and its economic progress.

We are seeing more than ideas or dreams - tangible investment is already here with plans by large business for more.

Our recent report on the new olive processing mill at Boort would be a singular reason for celebration. Using that cliche from schmick television advertising in the 80s ... but wait there’s more!

The gold exploration tunnel at Mitiamo now awaits State Government approvals and the okay has already been given to big operations for further expansion of rural-based industry.

The investment of major companies across the Loddon in the current two-year period is already easily more than $100 million and rising.

The climate, the location, the opportunities are obviously evident to these corporate entities. At the

YOUR WORDS

THE EDITOR’S DESK

other end of the corporate scale, we have small businesses in our local communities that, too, should be celebrated and for that matter, supported.

The investment in small business is no less significant and achievements equally as great - look at the success of Kye and Kristy Arnold having the best bacon and sausages in Australia! And we still know Bridgewater’s vanilla slices are the best!

People across the Loddon and companies investing in our towns know a good thing and government could copy that example.

Better investment is still needed for telecommunications, water and roads to connect people and communities, attract more residents.

To have told a town it would be without internet for a week was not good enough.

Matching the investment of private enterprise would be a good start ... just saying.

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre centenary year

Heide Polkinghorne wrote: Fantastic service and wonderful people working there.

Peter Fensham wrote: Great service and excellent staff we use the dingee bush nursing centre regularly and would be absolutely lost without them and the fantastic service they provide.

Call to remove option of the Lord’s Prayer to open council meetings in Victoria

Karen Chuter wrote: My God. What next? These are most people’s values ... stick to fixing roads and picking up rubbish

From the Loddon Herald Facebook Page

1. How many chromosomes are in a cell?

2. Who wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner”?

3. Which blood type is a universal donor?

4. Who was the highest-paid athlete in 2022?

5. What is August’s birthstone?

6. What movie is “You had me at hello” from?

7. What was the first message sent by Morse code?

8. What singer was called the “Empress of the Blues”?

9. How many properties are on a Monopoly board?

10. What musician was awarded the first gold record?

11. When was Diet Coke introduced in the United States?

12. How many moons does Neptune have?

13. Which Italian town is the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?

14. What year was the first “Batman” comic book published?

15. Which globally-dreaded disease did the World Health Organisation declare eradicated in 1980?

16. What song did Paul McCartney pen for John Lennon’s son, Julian?

17. What is the fifth sign of the zodiac?

18. What TV series included the phrase “Go where no man has gone before” in its title sequence?

19. What are the first names of the five brothers that made up the Jackson 5?

20. What is a single strand of spaghetti called?

ANSWERS

1. 46.

2. Francis Scott Key.

3. O

Negative.

4. Lionel Messi.

5. Peridot. 6. Jerry Maguire. 7. What hath God wrought?

8. Bessie Smith. 9. 28. 10. Perry Como.

11. August 1982. 12. Fourteen. 13. Verona. 14. 1939.

15. Smallpox. 16. Hey Jude. 17. Leo.

18. Star Trek. 19. Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Michael. 20, Spaghetto.

Carnival traverses path of gold, goats mixing fun and charity

By JULIE PIENING

RHEOLA Charity Carnival is known as holding the record for the longest running charity mixed sports program in the area.

From its beginnings in 1871 through to the 21st century the sports were held annually to raise money for the local hospitals. Over the years these events have been a combination of fetes, carnivals, sports, concerts, dances and balls.

Rheola, like many towns in the area was founded as a gold mining village during the rush in the second half of the 19th century.

The first European settlement in the area was in 1843, with a squatter, William Morrison Hunter, building his homestead alongside where the Rheola township is now, naming it Kingower Station.

In 1853 gold was discovered near the northern boundary of the station so the area was named Kingower.

When gold was discovered at the southern boundary of Hunter’s Kingower Station it was named McIntyres after the station manager. It became known as McIntyre.

The area between Kingower and McIntyre had no name. William Tyler built a half-way house in this area near the current Rheola Recreation Reserve and people referred to it as Tylers or Tylers Flat.

When gold was found in this area it became Tylers Rush.

In August 1868, a Scotsman Alex Clelland, found gold 2km north of Tylers in John Catto’s paddock and this became known as Clellands for a short period before he named it Byr Lyn or Burr Lyn after a place near Glasgow. This was mistakenly corrupted to Berlin and the name was adapted for the whole goldfield.

When gold was found at the current Rheola township site a town grew and became known as the township of Berlin.

After multiple name confusions, the township officially changed its name to Rheola apparently adopted following a suggestion by B.J. Davies, MLA for Avoca as there was a town Rheola in Wales where Davies was born.

The Berlin Post Office officially changed its name to Rheola Post Office in November 1876.

The early days of the charity carnival were held at Tylers/Berlin before the name change to Rheola in 1876.

The population of Rheola has changed over the years. In 1871 the first year of the Rheola Charity Carnival the population was recorded as 1714 on the census. By 1901 it was recorded at 220, in 1933 it was recorded at 145 and then further declined over the years with the 2016 census recording 56.

It is amazing to see how the much the carnival has evolved in the past 150 years

yet how some things remain. It stays true to its motto of “Real Country Entertainment” and provides a fun day out for families young and old.

As the population of Rheola has decreased over the years, it is the families that return year after year to keep the Rheola Charity Carnival tradition alive.

Without these families support the carnival would not exist today. From the early beginnings of the carnival a handful of family names have been a consistent part of the generations of helpers behind the success of the carnival.

The families of Cain, Catto, Fotheringham, Leach, Mason, O’Brien, Poynton, Roberts, Soulsby, Webb, Yorath stand out to mention a few.

The early years of the carnival were held a few kilometers from the current location in a recreation reserve referred to as the cricket grounds. Located off what is now the Rheola-Llanelly Rd, Rheola. This area became a paddock privately owned by McLeish, Jackson and then Soulsby and is still in the Soulsby family today.

Events were also held at the school and various hotels and assembly rooms in the town. It moved to its current location in 1908 where it has remained since. The night entertainment continued to be held at the various local hotels and halls until the Rheola Public Hall was constructed in 1916 and first used for the Carnival night entertainment in 1917.

The 150 years has consistently followed the format of a mixed sports day followed by evening events of concerts, dances and balls. The tradition of the night entertainment was held right up until 1997 when it was decided that the evening entertainment of a ball would no longer be held.

In the early years of the Carnival these evening events were reported to be held through until the early hours of the morning, often until sunrise.

The carnival started out as raising funds for the Inglewood Hospital but by the late 1800s the Dunolly Hospital was also a beneficiary and once Rheola had established itself a Recreation Reserve and Community Hall where the carnival has been held for many of the years, it too became a beneficiary from the night entertainment.

The mixed sports has had the regular events of the foot races, woodchops, novelty events of the sheaf tossing and guessing the weight of the sheep. The institutions of the bazaar, fruit and lolly stall,

luncheon booth and bar have stood the test of time as well.

Over the years new events have been added, some staying on for the long-termnothers just fleeting glimpse of. The horse events, cycle races and tennis tournament are no longer but have been replaced by other events such as the vintage tractor pull and sheep dog trials.

In 1911 people could participate in ‘cutting off cock’s head’ or in the 1915 there was a goat race event. In 1913 the novelty of C.J. Ansett’s motorcar offered car trip rides as an event. At the 1970 carnival the novelty ride was in an original Cobb & Co. coach.

In the 1930s catching the pig with the greasy tail and the ladies’ rooster race were popular. In 1955 clay bird shooting was added, 1969 it was advertised that there was a “freak show” including a fivelegged sheep and a three-legged sheep. By 1970 a more civilised polo cross exhibition was held. In 1990 the vintage tractor pull was added to the list of events and the skydivers were also an attraction in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1997 a sheep-shearing exhibition was held.

As we reached 2020 the year of the 150 th Carnival to be held, circumstances beyond the committees control led to the cancellation of the event. Although the Art Union Raffle was still run, this was the first time that the event had been cancelled in full.

Previously in the war years, the afternoon of Sports was cancelled but the locals were still able to collect money and hold night entertainment for the purpose of raising money for the hospitals. The world-wide pandemic continued into 2021 and caused the cancellation of the event for the second year running.

With restrictions easing for 2023, the 150th Rheola Charity Carnival will finally be celebrated on Easter Monday.

The 150 years of the carnival raising funds for the local hospitals, Rheola Hall and Recreation Reserve has managed to survive through wars, Depression and a declining rural population and is a credit to the community.

NEXT WEEK - The Loddon Herald begins a special retrospective series looking at the carnival’s history in the coutdown to 150th celebrations

DEATH NOTICE

ROLLINSON (nee Coutts)

Florence Hamilton “Flo”

Passed Peacefully at Loddon Place Boort

On February 18th 2023.

Loved Wife of Lin (Dec).

Dearly Loved Mother of Ian, Jan and Kaye.

Loving Mother-in-Law of Kate and Mark.

Proud Mama of Daniel, Sam, Sarah and Thomas.

And Great Mama of 9 Great Grandchildren.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Hard Waste Collection 2023

Loddon Shire Council will be conducting its annual kerbside hard waste collection of metals, ewaste, furniture and white goods during March 2023 to coincide with Clean Up Australia Day on the rst Sunday in March.

Residents within the township boundaries of Boort, Pyramid Hill, Mitiamo, Dingee, Serpentine, Borung, Wychitella, Korong Vale, Wedderburn, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Newbridge, Tarnagulla, Laanecoorie and Eddington may place items up to a total of one cubic metre out on the nature strip on Sunday 5 March 2023 (not before or after) and Council sta will collect these items commencing Monday 6 March 2023.

Items are to be sorted into piles, i.e. metal items, furniture, recyclable items, e-waste and white goods. Total volume is not to exceed 1m 3 in size. Excessive or unsorted piles will not be collected.

Please note that general waste, perishables, tyres, oils, batteries, paints and chemicals, car parts and mattresses will not be picked up. Any unsuitable items left behind after collections are to be removed from the nature strip immediately.

See: https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Forresidents/Your-home/Garbage-and-recycling/ Hard-waste-collection

World Day of Prayer 2023 - Taiwan

MEETINGS

EMPLOYMENT

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

Friday 3rd March Boort Baptist Church

21 Armstrong St Boort

Contact: Val 5492 9201

MEETINGS

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Monday 27 February 2023 at 5:30pm

Inglewood Town Hall

25 Verdon Street Inglewood

Please join us, RSVP essential by Friday 24 February to: Sharon Williams - ea@idhs.vic.gov.au or telephone 03 5431 7000

Boort Agricultural and Pastoral Society

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 1st March at Boort Park at 7pm

Everyone welcome

WANTED TO BUY

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

Water Truck Driver – ref.J/204

 Full-time, permanent position

 Loddon Gold elds team, southern end of Shire

 WTDCOM – $64,890.28 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 6 March at 5pm.

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

SPORTS JOURNALIST

The Loddon Herald - your award-winning local newspaper and Rural Press Club of Victoria Media Outlet of Year - is seeking to appoint a parttime sports journalist.

The role will suit a candidate with true passion for community sport. You will create unique sporting coverage of events ranging from Auskickers playing their first game to the our local clubs battling for grand final glory. You will engage with our audience via traditional print as well as online and social media.

Apart from exceptional verbal and written skills, the right candidate will possess excellent time management and the ability to work towards tight and competing deadlines.

Send us your resume by March 10 2023

Inquiries to Chris Earl

Managing Editor Loddon Herald

Phone 0419549743

email loddonherald@gmail.com

SPORT

Final win keeps unbeaten record Riding without a horse

LODDON Pony club is putting its best hoof forward in 2023.

Monthly Sunday rallies with amazing instructors, riders competing in central victorian events, including the Victorian Team Championships and with the introduction of a riders without horses program for three to 10 year olds, it’s going to be a busy year.

“We have a lot of new families moving to the Loddon area, as well as long-term locals who have younger children that may

be interested in pony club but may not have a horse or pony,” said the club’s Rachael Taylor.

“The riders without horses program teaches basic riding skills as well as the ins and outs of horse ownership in a safe structured environment.

“There will be limited places for this program so get in fast.”

Riders without horses is on March 5.

Loddon Pony club also welcomes new members to its grounds at Powlett Plains.

THE undefeated Boort Yando side took on Murrabit in the Northern Rivers junior cricket semi-final at the weekend.

Back on their home turf after the recent installation of the irrigation system was welcomed by the Boort boys. On arrival the ground looked dewy but was evident the new sprinkler system worked well.

Murrabit won the toss and elected to bowl.

Boort openers Owen Byrne and Cooper Gooding showed a few

nerves, with Murrabits accurate bowling.

A miscommunication between the two batters saw Byrne out for seven and showed his frustration as he headed back in to the shed.

Another quick wicket followed with Boort looking like they had a challenge on their hands.

The middle order took over with some strong batting from Malone, Arnold and the King boys and with great communication they steadied the team to a promising score.

LODDON HERALD BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Boort finished its inning at 2/85, Cooper Gooding making 15, Liam King 12 and Deklan King 15. Boort took hold over Murrabits batting innings quickly. Terrific fielding and bowling from all 11 players.

Two very entertaining runouts from trio Brodie McPherson/ Chaise Hird/Owen Byrne and a 10-pin bowling runout from Gooding saw the boys grow confidence and went on for a great win.

Murrabit finished with 4/50.

Return of the Young Pups

A BLEND of experienced youngsters and firsttime footballers will be the backbone of Pyramid Hill’s return to junior competition when the new AFL Central Victoria under 18 competition kicks off in April.

The Mitchell Park kennel has been without a junior side since completing a hat-trick of Loddon Valley under 18 flags in 2019.

Coach Bryden Morison has brought local players back to town from Leitchville Gunbower, teaming with those recruits to encourage other youngsters in the district to pull on the boots.

“We’ve a few lads new to footy and everyone is keen to get the side going. On the training track and at school players are encouraging each other,” said Morison,.

“The club is excited to have our own junior side

again ... local lads supporters and senior players can see on the ground and encourage. The junior will certainly create interest among our supporters.”

Morison said the reborn junior Bulldogs would have a few handy talls “but the main thing is getting people together to play football, especially the new ones, and enjoying the game”.

“We’ll be a fairly young side with the oldest players only 16, so hopefully we will have them for a couple of seasons,” Morison said.

Morison said the first two weeks of training had brought players together, sharing Mitchell Park with junior Bulldog netball teams.

Pyramid Hill brought home one junior netball flag last season and featured in finals in several grades.

Kingower’s first decider in four years

KINGOWER has earned the right to meet Arnold in this weekend’s Upper Loddon Junior cricket grand final.

The game will be played at Bridgewater with Arnold aiming for back to back flags while Kingower will be featuring in a grand final for the first time in four seasons after defeating Bridgewater last weekend.

Kingower batted first after winning the toss on Saturday and hit up a total of five for 235.

The innings was book ended by the Murphy brothers, Tyler and Riley who matched each other’s score of 51 retired.

First up was Tyler early in the innings with Jackson Luckman lending support scoring 28 and later Riley with the help of Ryder Smith and Morgan Lonza taking Kingower to their final total.

The Bridgewater bowlers stuck to their task with Lewis Lonsdale

By MICHAEL ROSE

the most successful with three wickets. Nate Harrison, after an errant first over tightened up and bowled a handy spell picking up a wicket with Daisy Stringer the other wicket taker.

Sunday saw Bridgewater commence its big chase however it was a bad start losing their first four wickets for just 16 runs.

Shayla Lister and Harrison set about repairing the damage and occupied the crease for some 15 overs, sharing a 33-run partnership.

Harrison scored the bulk of these runs before being dismissed for a top score of 21.

Xavier Power also batted well down the order to score a career high score of 15 and help post a final total of 96, Bridgewater’s best score of the season.

Kingower’s bowling was led by

Ryder Smith who claimed three wickets, while Isaac JohnsonMcCloud, Luckman and Riley Leach each took two. Luckman enjoyed a good day in the field collecting three catches while Tyler Murphy was the other wicket taker bowling four overs without conceding a run.

L. Lonsdale b T. Murphy 1

B. Smyth c J. Luckman b I. Johnson-McCloud 4

D. Stringer c M. Lonza b I. Johnson-McCloud 2

H. Daldy b J. Luckman 7

S. Lister b R. Smith 6

N. Harrison c T. Murphy b R. Smith 21

N. wickham b J. Luckman

H. Kilby c J. Luckman b R. Leach 1

X. Power c L. McCoy b R. Leach 15

I. Ferguson c J. Luckman b R. Smith 3

E. O’Toole not out 1

Extras 33

Total 96

Bowling T. Murphy 4-4-1-0, I. Johnson-Mc-

Cloud 3-0-2-9, J. Luckman 2-0-2-8, E. Mc-

Coy 1-0-0-4, R. Smith 10-2-3-16, M. Lonza

4-0-0-14, R. Murphy 4-1-0-4, X. Wilson 5-20-8, R. Leach 6-0-2-20, C. Soulsby 2-0-0-9.

z Play in the weekend’s twoday grand final will start at 9am Saturday.

Immediately following the game on Sunday, the winning captain will be presented with the Miller Shield. Winners of bowling and batting awards will also receive their trophies.

KINGOWER’S Jackson Luckman (left) and Xander Wilson have taken out the association top player awards.

Luckman received 202 points in the player of the year, ahead of Campbell Hancock (Arnold) 177 and Kale Hewett (Arnold) 171. He also topped the batting with 162 from Hancock 132 and Evan McCoy (Kingower) 126.

Wilson won the bowling award with six wickets at 2.83 runs from Seth Hewett (Arnold) and Lewis Lonsdale (Bridgewater).

The awards are sponsored by Inglewood and District Community Bank.

Bryden Morison

Judd Chislett

Tristan Broad Harrison Goodes

Jaxon Peter

Carolyn Fergusson completes a step drill with the netball side. LH PHOTOS

Vale earns tilt at final series

inGLeWOOD

KORONG Vale will make a rare finals appearance in Inglewood association tennis despite going down to Fentons Creek on Saturday.

The Vale will come up against top side Loddon Eagles in this weekend’s semi-finals at Wedderburn.

Eagles had the upper hand against a depleted Wedderburn Junction in the last home and away game of the season, taking out all men’s sets.

Although Junction finished the season outside the four, its players took honours in the mixed sets.

Fentons Creek had a strong win over Korong Vale and will be hoping to take that form into Saturday’s clash with Powlett. Wedderburn Junction 7-86 lost to Loddon Eagles 11-127

MEN: T. Lockhart T. Johns d R. Senior

R. Senior 8-5. T. Johns S. Maher lost to R. Senior M. Senior 5-8. T. Lockhart S. Maher lost to R. Senior M. Senior 0-8. M. Burge

G. Slepcev lost to M. Higgs G. Madden 3-8.

G. Slepcev R. Madden lost to G. Madden A. Higgs 1-8. M. Burge R. Madden lost to M. Higgs A. Higgs 6-8. LADIES: S. Lockhart J. Millie d C. Smith

H. Martin 8-6. J. Millie K. Fazzani lost to

H. Martin D. Bouwmester 4-9. S. Lockhart

K. Fazzani lost to C. Smith D. Bouwmester

3-8.

son lost to L. Holt G. Fry 1-8. B. McDonald

E. Turnbull lost to A. Brett J. Polkinghorne

4-8. S. Turnbull S. Keller lost to R. Holt L. Tonkin 5-8. G. Dehne D. Williams lost to J. Hayes R. Ellsmore 4-8. G. Dehne D. Williams lost to S. Polkinghorne R. Ellsmore

3-8.

LADDER

MAROnG

A SOLID victory by Derby over wooden spooner Woodvale this Saturday will lock in finals for the Bridgewater-based team. Derby went down by 10 games against Lockwood last Saturday that allowed its opponent to jump into third spot on the ladder.

However, unless there is an upset and Marong has a cleansweep against Woodstock, Derby will be safe in fourth spot at least.

Marong 6-70 lost to Harcourt 12-92

A LADIES: P. Franklin R. McCaig d W. Kelly J. COX 6-5. P. Franklin G. Turnbull lost to W. Kelly K. Walters 5-6. R. McCaig G. Turnbull lost to J. Cox K. Walters 4-6.

B LADIES: H. Turnbull S. Thompson lost to M. Atkin S. Blake 0-6. H. Turnbull R. Turnbull lost to M. Atkin P. Erny 2-6. S. Thompson R. Turnbull lost to S. Blake P. Erny 0-6.

B LADIES: A. Andrews-Stone H. Stone lost to E. Molenaar A. McGee 1-6. A. Andrews-Stone K. Punton d E. Molenaar F. Lucas 6-3. H. Stone K. Punton lost to A. McGee F. Lucas 1-6. A MEN: N. Punton D. Heather lost to J. Taylor B. Taylor 3-6. N. Punton D. Tolley lost to J. Taylor J. Leersen 3-6. D. Heather D. Tolley lost to B. Taylor J. Leersen 0-6.

MIXED: T. Lockhart S. Lockhart d R.

Senior C. Smith 8-3. T. Johns S. Maher d R.

Senior H. Martin 8-7. M. Burge J. Millie lost to M. Senior A. Higgs 2-8. G. Slepcev K. Fazzani lost to M. Higgs D. Bouwmester 4-8. Korong Vale 3-63 lost to Fentons Creek 14-129 MEN: P. Gibson D. Turnbull lost to P.

A MEN: L. Frankel J. McCaig lost to N. Kelly S. Gearing 4-6. L. Frankel M. Swan d N. Kelly L. Tunn 6-5. J. McCaig M. Swan d S. Gearing L. Tunn 6-3.

B MEN: M. McCaig N. McCaig lost to C. Green L. O’Brian 2-6. M. McCaig P. Leersen d C. Green A. Trethowan 6-2. N. McCaig P. Leersen d L. O’Brian A. Trethowan 6-3.

MIXED: R. McCaig L. Frankel d K. Walters L. Tunn 6-2. P. Franklin M. Swan lost to W. Kelly N. Kelly 4-6. G. Turnbull J. McCaig lost to J. COX S. Gearing 1-6. H. Turnbull M. McCaig lost to M. Atkin C. Green 3-6. S. Thompson P. Leersen lost to S. Blake L. O’Brian 5-6. R. Turnbull N. McCaig lost to P. Erny D. Gearing 4-6. Woodstock 1-42 lost to Wilsons Reef 17-105

B MEN: T. Heather A. Curnow lost to J. Wilkinson H. Molenaar 2-6. T. Heather K. Punton lost to J. Wilkinson L. Wilkinson

0-6. A. Curnow K. Punton lost to H. Molenaar L. Wilkinson 2-6. MIXED: N. Earl N. Punton lost to B. Taylor J. Fitzgibbon 3-6. J. Leversha D. Heather lost to J. Taylor G. Thompson 1-6. D. Tolley H. Stone lost to J. Wilkinson K. Bingham 1-6. A. Curnow F. Curnow lost to J. Leersen A. McGee 4-6. T. Heather A. Andrews-Stone lost to H. Molenaar E. Molenaar 3-6. K. Punton K. Punton lost to F. Lucas L. Wilkinson 3-6. Woodvale 2-28 lost to Newbridge 16-101

LODDOn VALLeY

SERPENTINE took a tumble with going down narrowly to Dingee on Saturday.

The loss has seen Serpentine drop to fourth on the ladder and with two rounds left before finals, losing touch with Dingee and fellow ladder leader Calivil North.

Prout

H. Emmerson I. Broad lost to J. Ritchie M. Stewart 2-7. T. Tolley V. Broad lost to D. Stewart C. Mann

X. Emmerson K. Broad lost to S. Mann

Stewart 3-7. R. Forster S. Gale lost to G. Gargan C. Pickles 2-7. W. Perryman J. Broad d J. Pepperell E. Farrar 7-4. Serpentine 2 (93) lost to Raywood 3 (94)

MEN: S. Tuohey J. Addlem lost to M. Collins J. Sinclair 5-7. S. Tuohey C. Tuohey lost to M. Collins A. Demeo 4-7. J. Addlem C. Tuohey lost to J. Sinclair A. Demeo 3-7. N. Cockerell A. Addlem lost to P. Harris B. Harvye 5-7. N. Cockerell L. James lost to P. Harris J. Harvey 0-7. A. Addlem L. James lost to B. Harvey J. Harvey 1-7. LADIES: K. Addlem P. Cockerell d S. Demeo M. Ludeman 7-1. K. Addlem N. Rose lost to S. Demeo B. Zuidema 2-7. P. Cockerell N. Rose d M. Ludeman B. Zuidema 7-1. T. Twigg M. Twigg d R. Demeo H. Vinnecombe 7-2. T. Twigg J. Ketterer d R. Demeo C. Sinclair 7-5. M. Twigg J. Ketterer d H. Vine C. Sinclair 7-5.

8-7. D. Williams S. Keller d L.

R. Ellsmore 8-4. MIXED: P. Gibson S. Keller lost to P.

M. Lowry 1-8. D. Turnbull A. Gib-

A LADIES: J. Leversha N. Earl lost to G. Thompson K. Bingham 3-6. J. Leversha F. Curnow lost to G. Thompson J. Fitzgibbon

3-6. N. Earl F. Curnow lost to K. Bingham J. Fitzgibbon 3-6.

A LADIES: J. Pearse K. Pickering lost to A. Price A. Broom 1-6. J. Pearse V. Battersby lost to A. Price J. Artavilla 1-6. K. Pickering V. Battersby lost to A. Broom J. Artavilla 2-6.

B LADIES: S. Trew partner lost to T. Higgs partner 0-6. S. Trew M. Amory lost to T. Higgs K. Graham 2-6. M. Amory partner lost to K. Graham partner 1-6.

A MEN: M. Trew R. Trew lost to D. Graham J. Sutherland 1-6. R. Trew B. Bruns lost to D. Graham A. Broom 0-6. G. Yoong B. Bruns lost to J. Sutherland A. Broom 0-6.

B MEN: T. Strybosch partner d D. White E. Stewart 6-1. Woodvale lost to D. White L. Price 3-6. T. Strybosch partner lost to E. Stewart L. Price 2-6.

MIXED: J. Pearse R. Trew lost to A. Price D. Graham 2-6. K. Pickering B. Bruns lost to J. Artavilla J. Sutherland 0-6. S. Trew partner d A. Broom A. Broom 6-4. T. Strybosch V. Battersby lost to D. White partner 0-6. G. Yoong partner lost to L. Price T. Higgs 0-6.M. Amory partner lost to K. Graham E. Stewart 1-6.

Lockwood 11-87 d Derby 7-77

A LADIES: D. Wells R. Coutts lost to P. Normoyle L. Naughton 3-6. D. Wells A. Wells d P. Normoyle F. Dangerfield 6-1. R. Coutts A. Wells lost to L. Naughton F. Dangerfield 2-6. B LADIES: K. Mannix R. Pettifer lost to D. Normoyle K. Galea 5-6. L. Knight C. Shevlin d D. Normoyle T. Hayes 6-1. K. Mannix C. Shevlin d K. Galea T. Hayes 6-5.

A MEN: L. Nixon A. Doyle d S. Saunderson M. Dineen 6-3.

The damage to Serpentine came in the men’s sets where Dingee had a cleansweep, although two sets went to tiebreakers.

Lake Meran 0 (35) lost to Dingee 5 (92)

MEN: A. Chamberlain E. Moresi lost to A. Hocking M. Harvey 5-6. A. Chamberlain R. Fawcett lost to A. Hocking R. Ellis 1-6. N. Pickering R. Fawcett lost to M. Lister R. Ellis 1-6. N. Pickering E. Moresi lost to M. Lister M. Harvey 0-6. E. Moresi B. Moresi lost to M. Harvey R. Ellis 2-6. A. Chamberlain N. Pickering lost to A. Hocking M. Lister 0-6.

LADIES: C. Moresi C. Downs lost to K. Pay K. Ellis 1-6. C. Moresi T. Pickering lost to K. Pay J. Pay 3-6. V. Moresi T. Pickering lost to E. Lawry J. Pay 1-6. V. Moresi C. Downs d E. Lawry K. Ellis 6-2. C. Downs T. Pickering lost to K. Ellis J. Pay 5-6. C. Moresi T. Moresi lost to K. Pay E. Lawry 3-6.

MIXED: A. Chamberlain C. Downs lost to

A. Hocking K. Pay 0-6. E. Moresi C. Moresi lost to M. Harvey K. Ellis 2-6. B. Moresi T. Pickering lost to R. Ellis J. Pay 2-6. N. Pickering V. Moresi lost to M. Lister E. Lawry

3-6.

Yarrawalla 0 (59) lost to Mincha West 5 (112)

MEN: L. Forster H. Emmerson lost to D. Mann J. Richie 1-7. L. Forster T. Tolley lost to D. Mann D. Stewart 1-7. H. Emmerson

T. Tolley lost to J. Ritchie D. Stewart 3-7.

O. Emmerson R. Forster lost to S. Mann

P. Gargan 0-7. O. Emmerson W. Perryman lost to S. Mann V. Herrick 2-7. R. Forster W. Perrryman lost to P. Gargan V. Herrick 1-7.

C. Emmerson

MIXED: S. Tuohey P. Cockerell lost to M. Collins S. Demeo 5-7. J. Addlem K. Addlem d J. Sinclair B. Zuidema 7-4. C. Tuohey N. Rose d A. Demeo M. Ludeman 7-6. N. Cockerell T. Twigg d P. Harris R. Demeo 7-3. A. Addlem M. Twigg d B. Harvey H. Vinnecombe 7-4. L. James J. Ketterer lost to J. Harvey C. Sinclair 5-7. Calivil 0 (35) lost to Calivil North 5 (101)

MEN: J. Clymo R. Hicks lost to R. Maxted C. Smith 5-7. S. Hicks F. Clymo lost to A. Lister J. Smith 2-7. J. Clymo F. Clymo lost to R. Maxted J. Smith 2-7. N. Verley R. Hicks lost to K. Maxted C. Smith 4-7. N. Verley S. Hicks lost to K. Maxted A. Lister 3-7.

L. Clymo O. Balic lost to M. Balic C. Rogers 0-7. B. Ralphs J. Hicks lost to J. Smith G. Maxted 0-7. L. Clymo J. Hicks lost to M. Balic G. Maxted 0-7. B. Clymo O. Balic lost to A. Maxted C. Rogers 4-7. B. Clymo B. Ralphs lost to A. Maxted J. Smith 0-7.

MIXED: J. Clymo L. Clymo lost to C. Smith M. Balic 2-7. O. Balic F. Clymo lost to R. Maxted C. Rogers 0-7. R. Hicks J. Hicks lost to J. Smith G. Maxted 6-7. N. Verley B. Clymo d K. Maxted J. Smith 7-3. S. Hicks B. Ralphs lost to A. Lister A. Maxted 0-7. LADDER

North 47

Leaghur 99 d Mysia 92. Marmal 111 d Barraport 68. Ladder: Mysia 14, Barraport 12, Marmal 12, Leaghur 10.

L. Nixon J. Coutts d S. Saunderson N. Pollock 6-5. A. Doyle J. Coutts d M. Dineen N. Pollock 6-3. B MEN: R. Wells T. Jensen d B. Galea N. Naughton 6-4. R. Wells B. Wells d B. Galea D. Daldy 6-1. T. Jensen B. Wells lost to N. Naughton D. Daldy 4-6. MIXED: D. Wells L. Nixon d F. Dangerfield M. Dineen 6-5. A. Wells A. Doyle lost to P. Normoyle N. Naughton 3-6. L. Knight J. Coutts d D. Normoyle S. Saunderson 6-5. R. Coutts R. Wells d T. Hayes N. Pollock 6-2. R. Pettifer T. Jensen lost to K. Galea

B. Galea 1-6. C. Shevlin B. Wells lost to L. Naughton D. Daldy 3-6.

Lynette Clarke during play at Boort lawn courts on the weekend. LH PHOTO

Korong Vale’s Amber Gibson returns serve on Saturday. LH PHOTO

SPORT | BOWLS

Storming second session seals season

WEDDERBURN was bundled out of the North Central playing area division two finals by a barn-storming St Arnaud Country in Saturday’s preliminary final.

The teams had headed to afternoon tea with Wedderburn up 20 shots.

But resumption of play revealed a very different St Arnaud Country that piled on 21 shots in three ends.

Lance Standfield’s rink was the last to fin-

ish, needing three shots on the final end to win but only snaring one.

In what was possibly the closest ever final in the region, all three rinks were decided by a single shot.

Skippers Standfield and Amy Roberts saw their rinks down by one while Ian Hall led his quarter to a one-shot win.

Wedderburn had finished the home and away season in fourth spot and progressed

to the preliminary final after defeating Donald Golf.

Grand finals for both divisions one and two will be played at Wedderburn on Saturday.

The division one clash will be between Wycheproof and Donald Golf, the two stand out teams of the season.

Wycheproof has also dominated division two this season and will be challenged by St Arnaud Country.

Separate the Titans

HEAVYWEIGHTS Calivil and Inglewood have guaranteed at least one Loddon club will contest the Bendigo playing area division five grand final.

The pair finished on top of the ladder with 177 points, Calivil 5.09 per cent better on percentage.

Saturday’s semi-final at Golden Square will see one advance straight to the grand final in a fortnight.

Inglewood secured the double chance with a convincing win over last season’s runners-up Dingee.

Calivil, runners-up in 20202021, has returned to form this season despite some early stumbles.

Meanwhile, Inglewood has avoided relegation from division one with narrow loss against Golden Square.

Players as they gave it everything they had, against strong opposition, and succeeded in getting two rink wins (four points) and only just losing the match in the last couple of ends.

The four points were enough to place Inglewood in eighth position on the ladder.

MIDWEEK

Inglewood has gone straight into the division five grand final with after commanding victory over South Bendigo on Monday.

The Woodies will play the season decider a home against the winner of South Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye in next week’s semi-final.

They finished the season in second spot on the ladder. Needing to win the final home and away game for the double chance, they turned in a fine performance to win convincingly over Bendigo.

Dingee will have a shot at playing in the division four grand final after defeating Golden Square in Monday’s semi-final.

Fyfe Grieves and Lyn Demeo skippered their rinks to victory with Dingee facing South Bendi-

JACQUI Grant and Jack Hetherington (far right) are part of the twilight bowling competition in its final weeks at Bridgewater.

The social season has been attracting capacity fields taking to the rinks. Teams are a mixture of pennant players and first-time bowlers.

Bridgewater is one of several Loddon clubs conducting twilight social events connecting local communities with lawn bowls.

Good entries in classic triples event

LANCE Standfield, Alan Jackson and Damien Mason (Wedderburn) won Boort Bowls Club annual two-bowl classic triples tournament last week.

Teams came travel from Pyramid Hill, Echuca, Lockington, Donald Golf, Wedderburn, Wycheproof, St. Arnaud Country Club, St. Arnaud, Stanhope, Cohuna Golf, Golden Square, Marong, Charlton ,Kerang Golf, Kangaroo Flat, Kerang, Rich River and Boort for the event.

The Wedderburn trio won with 119 points from

go in next Monday’s preliminary final.

REGIONAL TITLES

In the regional ladies’ triples titles on Sunday, the team of Vicky Tierney, Sharon Koch and Taylah Marron (skip) lost the final when the last bowl, by the opposition, trailed the kitty for one shot - 15-16.

Inglewood’s Lindsay Kelly was a last-minute substitute in the region men’s fours final on Sunday when one of the players was ineligible due to playing

Greg Fitzpatrick (s) Geoff Mulcahy and Barry Williams. (Stanhope) 112 and Dale Groves (skip) Jonathon Grylls (Wycheproof), Peter Waters (Boort) 104 points.

Highest winning margins:

Game 1 - Peter Bibby’s team + 17 shots (Cohuna Golf), Game 2 - Russell Shawcross’s team + 10 shots. (Lockington). Game 3 - Andrew Whatley’s team + 11 shots (Marong). Game 4. - Alan Coatsworth’s team + 9 shots (Wycheproof).

in another rink previously. In a borrowed shirt, thongs and borrowed bowlsKelly was was part of the victorious combination with Grant Woodward, Luke Hoskin and Andrew Brown (skip) that won 20-12.

BRIDGEWATER

Midweek teams both finished with a win for Skips Brian Oughtred and Marg Wright. That keeps them in Division five for next season.

Inglewood IGA incentive voucher winners were Marg

Wright midweek and Nick Saunders weekend pennant.

Nick’s four were the only winners last Saturday, against the Second side on the ladder, Bendigo. Their back green rolled very well, with the top two bowlers on the player ladder, Don Penfold [3rd] and Helen Champion [skip], showing John Fagan’s side what bowling is all about.

Wednesday evening Bowls is coming up to round five of seven in their social competition. Winners of the last completed round were Memsie Maulers.

BENDIGO

Division 1 – Golden Square 74-14 d Inglewood 71-4. P Bush, T Marron, D Jackson, G Edwards (s) d B McClymont, B Taig, G Jackson, R Day (s) 25-16. G Beckham, N Bowland, T Lester, T Berry (s) lost to V Tierney, J Nevins, W Roberts, M McLean (s) 13-17. A Eddy, D Cheeseman, G Ebenwaldner, G Podestra (s) d M Chamberlain, D Wilson, G Wilson, I Chamberlain (s) 20-15. J Bush, J Rush, J Berry, B Marron (s) lost to D Garrett, J Jackman, D Vanston, L Kelly (s) 16-23.

Ladder: Moama 236, Bendigo 202, Bendigo East 199, South Bendigo 194, Eaglehawk 193, Golden Square 186, Kangaroo Flat 128, Inglewood 96, Marong 95, Castlemaine 91. Division 3 – Kangaroo Flat 93-16 d Serpentine 73-2. North Bendigo 174, South Bendigo 156, Kangaroo Flat 141, Bendigo East 138, Heathcote 91, Serpentine 85, Bendigo 60. Division 5 – Castlemaine 71-3 lost to Calivil 79-15. S Grant, S Phillips, W Walsh, P McKnight (s) d K Richards, R Boyd, J Pickles, L Gronow (s) 23-15. R Lynas, D Steet, L McClure, P O’Shea (s) drew I Mansbridge, M Dennis, N Dennis, A Dennis (s) 15-15. R Fleury, J Hunter, B Chester, P Fraser (s) lost to R Lourie, H Miles, G Ray, G Maxted (s) 14-23. D Barnett, G McClure, I Devereaux, C Madgin (s) lost to B Meighan, G Lourie, W Miles, A Leech (s) 19-26.

Inglewood 94-16 d Dingee 60-2. P Kelly, D Smyth, C McEwan, D Rowe (s) d G Clarke, V Sproull, Lyn Demeo, Leo Demeo (s) 20-12. R Stranger, T Birthisel, A Noonan, A Harrison (s) d T Kavanagh, L Hocking, B West, N Lister (s) 30-13. G Sommers, B Moffat, D Whitehead, J McClymont (s) lost to J Monaghan, G Devanny, R Robertson, B Lawry (s) 16-23. P Lyndon, T Schill, H Leech, I Bradley (s) d K Pollock, A Sproull, K Murphy, F Grieves (s) 28-12.

Ladder: Calivil 177, Inglewood 177, Kangaroo Flat 168, Marong 152, Dingee 97, Castlemaine 90, Strathfieldsaye 76, Campbells Creek 71.

Division 6 – Bendigo 101-16 d Bridgewater 66-2. W Ovenden, T White, L Trahair, A Champion (s) d C Brooshooft, P Gath, B McNaught, R Smith (s) 24-17, R Capener, T Obudzinski, R Painter, P McMaster-Smith (s) lost to B Bajada, C Mangan, B Oughtred, N Saunders (s) 9-30. R Morrighan, D Bennet, D Penfold, H Champion (s) d D Wilson, V Wilson, R Broadbent, J Fagan (s) 38-4. G Painter, J Penfold, R Flanagan, P Dumont (s) d G Catto, F Shea, A Harrison, G Mangan (s) 30-15. Ladder: Harcourt 195, Bendigo 177, Kangaroo Flat 176, South Bendigo 146, Woodbury 128, Bridgewater 85, White Hills 63, Marong 38.

Midweek Division 4 – Sem-finals: Dingee 62-14 d Golden Square 50-2. A Hay, V Sproull, K Pollock, M Grieves (s) lost to J Holmcombe, J Brennan, L Whiffin, M Petersen (s) 15-20. S Cail, P Plant, B West, F Grieves (s) d A Schultz, C Hutchinson, J Easton, L Eeles (s) 26-17. N Thomas, S Lawry, Leo Demeo, Lyn Demeo (s) d L Bell, J McKinstry, E O’Neill, L Power (s) 21-13. South Bendigo 45-2 lost to White Hills 60-14.

Preliminary final: South Bendigo v Dingee at North Bendigo 1.30pm Monday. Division 5 – South Bendigo 24-0 lost to Inglewood 53-14. S Doull, K Presley, B Fayers, G Pinniger (s) lost to J Roberts, P Kelly, A Harrison, V Tierney (s) 7-35. J Ryan, P Doherty, T Gretgrix, A Borham (s) lost to E Patterson, P McEwan, D Garrett, D Whitehead (s) 17-18.

Strathfieldsaye 45-14 d White Hills 28-0.

Preliminary final: South Bendigo v Strathfieldsaye

NORTH CENTRAL

Division 1 – Preliminary final: Donald Golf 79-11 d St Arnaud 60-1.

Division 2 – Preliminary final St Arnaud Country 78-10 d Wedderburn 77-2. A Bond, J Jorgensen, C Webb, D Goode (s) d R Guelfo, A Benaim, L Holt, L Standfield (s) 26-25. G White, G Fullarton, D McAllister, P Elliott (s) lost to S Standfield, N White, R Hall, I Hall (s) 25-26. T Coloe, N Robinson, D Mullins, D Moulday (s) d R Ashley, K Griffiths, W Roberts, A Roberts (s) 27-26.

Midweek - Grand final Boort v Wedderburn next Tuesday.

Manns take titles

JEAN Mann has taken out the Pyramid Hill club ladies’ championship.

It is the second time Jean was won the top trophy, the first five years ago after only taking up the game two years earlier.

And keeping prizes in the family, husband Lionel has won his seventh club championship.

BOORT YANDO lost to ARNOLD

Bat breaker falls short

BIG-HITTING Arnold opener

Cody Anderson fell a run short of posting a remarkable century against Boort Yando on Saturday.

Anderson finished the innings unbeaten on 99 off 113 balls - 16 of those runs coming in the final over when he punished Boort bowler Alex Cockerell.

After three no balls, Anderson took to a full toss and sent the ball flying over fine leg for a six, followed with his eighth boundary and rounded off with another six.

Anderson had enjoyed a 54-run opening partnership until Drew Crilly claimed the crucial wicket of Phil Scholes.

But Anderson had luck on his side with Boort dropping several opportunities in the field and breaking a bat mid-innings.

Cockerell had the next breakthrough when he bowled Michael Dale when Arnold was on 128.

Ryan Metelmann was also giving good support to Anderson until Cockerell claimed his second wicket of the day.

Boort, having its first game at home for the season, was set a huge 182 target to chase.

Wendels combined with Davies to put the first dent in Boort’s hopes, having Smith out for just four runs.

Skipper Jarrod Hodoras was dismissed just overs later and followed by Cockerell, straight after a boundary, when McCullough claimed the first of his two wickets for the day.

Tensions were high and briefly

boiled over on the field. Without adding to the score, McCullough struck again with the vital wicket of opener Blake Slatter and Boort was 4-53.

Crilly and tailender Melville offered some resistance to the

relentless bowling attack of Arn old but could not get the better of Ben Metelmann and Drew.

While batting out the 35 overs, Boort fell 78 runs short, the loss putting them on the bottom of the ladder and facing a real chal-

lenge to make finals. Boort’s task becomes no easier in the penultimate game of the season on Saturday against Wedderburn.

However, a slip by Arnold or Kingower could change the landscape.

Dogged Kingower plays Band hard

AN UNDERSTRENGTH

Kingower made ladder leaders Wedderburn work for its win on home turf.

Without skipper Braydon Welsh, it was left to Jayden Leach to steer the batting fortunes as the two sides battled for top spot on the ladder.

Leach made a stirring 48 before caught by Turnbull off Will Holt’s bowling.

Holt had earlier stumped opener Matt Rowe while Adam Postle, bowling tightly throughout his seven-over spell, was unable to claim a wicket, Postle did take a stunning catch in the outfield off a welltimed Sam Carroll delivery to Kyle Simpson.

KIngower lost six wickets but set Wedderburn a solid target of 120.

The Band faltered early with Brad Holt dismissed cheaply for five followed soon after by Luke and Isaac Holt.

James Vander-Wetering, elevated to No 2 in the order, was then joined by Will Holt and the

pair set about guiding Wedderburn to victory.

They were within 26 runs with Jayden Leach struck - first removing Steve Giorlando, then Will Holt and then three runs later, Vander-Wetering.

A handy knock from Turnbull of 13 had Wedderburn winners with five balls to spare.

Leach with four wickets now leads the association averages.

Bowling averages

LADDER

O M R W B Av Str

Jayden Leach (Kingower) 76.5 26 143 22 4/13 6.50 20.95

Kyle Simpson (Kingower) 81.1 15 281 22 4/10 12.77 22.14

Tom McKinley (Bridgewater) 68 10 215 20 5/22 10.75 20.40

Fergus Bear (Boort Yando) 69 4 326 19 5/49 17.16 21.79

Blake Pickles (Kingower) 71.2 7 319 15 3/34 21.27 28.53

Batting averages

M NO HS Runs Av

Braydon Welsh (Kingower) 9 2 133* 413 68.83

Harry McKinley (Bridgewater) 10 2 110 348 43.50

Matthew Rowe (Kingower) 11 0 54 253 23.00

Will Deason (Kingower) 11 1 67 248 24.80

Tom Kirk (Wedderburn) 6 3 112* 230 76.67

Unbeaten ... Cody Anderson with his second bat fior the day. LH PHOTO

Wedderburn’s Sam Carroll comes in to take the wicket of Kyle Simpson. LH PHOTO

DOCKERS

sport

Thursday February 23, 2023

COMBO ADDED TO JUNIOR COMPETITION

HALF A DOZEN

A COMBINATION Bendigo junior side will make the sixth team in AFL Central Victoria’s new under 18 football competition.

League manager Michael Hartley said the Dockers would be drawn from Loddon Valley and Bendigo league club players.

Dockers will join former Loddon Valley clubs Pyramid Hill, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Marong and East Loddon when competition starts after Easter.

Hartley told clubs on Tuesday that the draw would be released

By CHRIS EARL

early next month and ideas “currently being evaluated” included playing matches on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday nights.

“The players then enjoy standalone match days. Their friends and family can watch them play and the players are available to attend their home clubs matches on Saturday,” Hartley told clubs.

However, some Loddon Valley clubs have already indicated they want junior football to remain on Saturdays to boost community engagement and participation.

When Loddon Valley decided last year to exit the junior stage and hand the competition to AFL Central Victoria, there was the expectation that its clubs would play the majority of matches at Loddon grounds.

“The Dockers side would be comprised of Bendigo Football League players that are not selected to play for their local club’s under 18 team and Loddon Valley clubs who cannot field a team,” according to Hartley.

“It is important that those guys have somewhere to play on the weekend, rather than missing out on a week of football.

“Our aim with this new competition is to firstly, provide for as many 17–18-year-old boys an opportunity to be part of a team/ community through playing football.

“Secondly, to try and keep these boys as connected to and involved with to their local club as possible.”

Hartley told clubs there could be a bye on April 29 for players to attend the “licensed all ages event” Groovin’ the Moo rock concert in Bendigo.

And he flagged a “mullet” charity round with prizes for the best hairstyles.

“We’d try appeal to those young guys and keep them connected to football by thinking outside the box.”

Hartley said plans to release a fixture in March, just weeks before the season start on April 15 were because “we want to wait to maximise the number of teams who will be involved and are also looking at different scheduling of games”.

AFL Central Victoria last year left the door open for Heathcote and Bendigo league clubs to be part of the new competition.

PUPS HIT TRACK - PAGE 20

Coach Lockhart’s key change

FOUR-TIME premiership player Emma Lockhart will coach Wedderburn’s

A Grade netballers in the new North Central season.

Emma, who played wing in last year’s premiers and champion side, is excited to take on the top role at the club where she has played all her netball.

“They are big shoes to fill after Meg Lowry but I’m lucky to have so many locals and a B Grade team - also premiers and champions last year - with players now having an opportunity to step up,” she said.

Emma believes the

Redbacks’ strength in the senior grades will help cover the loss of goalkeeper Lara Judd who has headed to Kangaroo Flat, and second cousin Meg and defender Maddi Postle who will be unavailable with new parent duties expected in the next few months. Shelley deAraugo is yet to commit to 2023.

“Our success has been built on Meg’s enthusiasm and excitement for the game. We’ll be trying to keep that gloing.”

Emma will also coach B Grade with Georgia Fry. Georgia and Grace Lockhart will share C Grade duties.

LH PHOTO Redbacks’ A Grade netball coach Emma Lockhart