Loddon Herald 23 May 2024

CORELLA CULL CASH CALLS

A NEW State Government cash pot to manage destructive corellas is in sight of campaigners watching mangled Loddon River gums die.

Long-billed corellas have forced other native birds out of habitat at Bridgewater as they strip and destroy more trees along the river.

“We used to have galahs, rosellas, lorikeets and even ducks ... they’ve been bullied out of food and where they live. Their habitat has been taken over,” said Chris Wattie.

Chris and long-time campaigners Graham Morse and Shannon Brown want new corella management grants used to cull thousands of long-billed corellas that have invaded the river instead of funding more studies.

“I don’t understand how protection of birds seems to override anything else. It seems crazy that it’s okay to have permanent damage to trees,” said Shannon who is president of Bridgewater on Loddon Development that has the issue as a permanent agenda item at meetings.

By CHRIS EARL

“Hundreds and thousands of these birds are doing damage to properties, buildings and playgrounds that can be repaired but the trees cannot be replaced.

“These birds are smart. They have learned our tactics quickly and have made Bridgewater their playground.”

Former Wedderburn school teacher Rob Bray retired to Bridgewater a year ago and compares increasing tree damage to what he had seen on the Campaspe River at Rochester.

“When you walk along the (Loddon) river, you see just how much damage there has been here,” he said.

Mr Morse said: “They don’t eat the trees, they just destroy them.”

Christine said: “The long-billed corella is an aggressive bird and has taken over from the shortbilled corella.”

Short-billed corellas are a protected species but she said that “in every 100 birds, there would only be one or two short-billed birds.”

BOLD has been campaigning for more than a decade for action to reduce corella numbers and protect river trees.

The Government’s corella

Christine said: “Anything in plague proportions is not good for the environment and the ecosystem.”

management strategy “promotes a living with wildlife approach to encourage positive attitudes to corellas, as part of a broader strategy for living with wildlife in Victoria”.

But Mr Morse said bureaucracy

had hampered earlier local attempts to control numbers.

He said combined action was needed by government, council and community to tackle the Bridgewater problem.

CONTINUED PAGE 8

Graham Morse, Chris Wattie, Shannon Brown and Rob Bray in front of dying Loddon River trees. LH PHOTO

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Stickers show footpath fitness

SEATS and footpath stickers in Pyramid Hill and Inglewood are part of a new push encouraging fitness in local communities.

The first stickers appeared around a new walking loop in Inglewood for last week’s launch of Walk This Way and the last signs are expected to be in place at Pyramid Hill by tomorrow.

The launch saw students from Inglewood and St Mary’s Primary Schools set off from Inglewood and District’s Health Service last Thursday.

Loddon Shire’s community wellbeing director Wendy Glad-

man said: “Loddon Shire is delighted to be supporting Healthy Loddon Campaspe on the Walk This Way project.

“The installation of new seating and fun footpath activities in Inglewood and Pyramid Hill will encourage locals of all abilities and fitness levels to be more active, more often in the towns.”

The footpath stickers in front of schools and kindergartens in Inglewood and Pyramid Hill encourage local children to undertake activities such as hopscotch, jump from square to square, and balance along the line to increase

their incidental activity while out and about.

New accessible seating has also been installed along footpaths in both towns to provide rest stops for residents while they are walking.

The project also includes the creation of a mapped walking loop around Inglewood. Healthy Loddon Campaspe and Loddon Shire worked together with Victoria Walks to develop the most appropriate and accessible walking loop, taking into account footpath access, road crossings and traffic.

Celtic day plans

CELTIC celebrations will return to Bridgewater in 2025. Kooyoora Women’s Network secretary Jenny Hosking said plans were being made for the Celtic event next March. “After a year off, we will be back with more activities and music to make a great day out.” She said the network was looking for people to help make with the event

Water forecast

NORTHERN Victoria Resource Manager Mark Bailey said reserves in water storages during 2023-2024 provided a strong foundation for carried over allocation and new seasonal determinations. “Starting seasonal determinations in the ... Loddon system is expected to be around 70 per cent HRWS,” he said.

Weed treatment

THE irrigation network has benefited from the success of a new aquatic weed treatment program, according to Goulburn Murray Water. It says the treatment has been expanded from about 5km of channel annually to more than 200km.

Guilty plea

INGLEWOOD’S Empire State Hotel publican Steaven Weavell pleaded guilty in Bendigo Magistrates Court last week to charges brought by Loddon Shire Council, according to court records. No other details have been released.

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Students set off from the launch of Walk This Way in Inglewood last Thursday. LH PHOTO

Volunteers are united

VOLUNTEER Week will culminate on Sunday when an army of locals celebrate the third Run for Resilience in Bridgewater.

Active Farmers, Inglewood Fire Brigade and St Mary’s Primary School will show the strength of community spirit and volunteers when hundreds of people tackle one of three courses.

Active Farmers’ Claire Harrison said: “We’re a real team organising Run for Resilience

- a team of volunteers who care about the wellbeing of people in our communities.”

“We know there are significant benefits to both physical and mental health when we are physically fit and have a challenge to work towards,” she said.

“This event will also provide the community with an opportunity to get together, have some fun and enjoy the community connection and a great way to

cap off National Volunteer Week in Loddon communities. and celebrate the vital role of volunteers.”

The first runners will set off from Inglewood Recreation Reserve at 8am on the 21km course to Bridgewater followed by 10km river trail entrants an hour later in Bridgewater and the popular Fitty’s Five at 9.30am.

“The 5km event is again in memory of Active Farmer Lesley ‘Fitty’ Morrison who inspired us

all to have ago in the face of adversity,” Claire said.

She said that before her passing, Lesley had shown the spirit of volunteering by working behind the scenes to bring Inglewood and Bridgewater together to deliver a Run for Resilience.

“This Sunday that happens again and the role of volunteers in making the day possible will be front and centre with everyone,” Claire said.

Brigade’s wait for new station now into 2025

A FIRE brigade in Premier Jacinta Allan’s electorate will be waiting at least another year for its promised new station.

Money for the new Serpentine station was promised in the 2021 State Budget but the Government this week said a head contractor would not been appointed until later this year.

The Government has not confirmed when work will start building the station in Ms Allan’s Bendigo East electorate.

The latest delay to the project comes as the Opposition claimed the Government had delayed 83 per cent of existing CFA capital projects

Shadow minister for emergency services Richard Riordon said the Budget was a disaster for Victorians and the CFA.

“Regional Victorians are being slugged with massive increases to the Fire Services Levy with nothing in this budget for the CFA that will ensure new trucks and equipment are delivered.”

Serpentine brigade members were in talks again in the past week with the CFA about plans for the station to replace its current tin shed that does not have a meeting room or amenities.

The Government said on Monday the Community Safety Building Authority was progressing the design of the new station in collaboration with the CFA and Serpentine brigade members.

A spokesperson said: “We’re ensuring our emergency services have modern, safe, and fit-for-purpose facilities to support our dedicated volunteers in their service to the community, with more than $22 million in funding.

“We are continuing to work with the Country Fire Authority to support the development of the Serpentine fire station so that it meets the needs of local volunteers.”

Serpentine volunteers after the 2021 Budget announcement

In March, Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said delays building the new station had been resolved.

Speaking to the Loddon Herald in Newbridge, Ms Symes said that issues with underground power and connections had held up what was required to start work on the project announced in the State Budget three years ago.

“We have a dedicated unit within the Justice Department ... that will co-ordinate that build, so we should see some movement in due course,” the minister said.

“Serpentine has been given the go-ahead and that is being progressed through the agency and I reckon I will have more to say ... “I have literally come out of a meeting that revisited the funding envelope for that development.”

A Government spokesperson last year said: “The Victorian Government is continuing work to deliver a new and improved Serpentine fire station. Land acquisition was finalised in late 2022, with planning and design activities due to commence shortly,” the spokesperson said.

Cuppas for a cause

LODDON communities have been holding Australia’s Biggest morning tea events this week raising funds for the Cancer Council. The final local fundraiser will be in Wedderburn’s Jacka Park tomorrow organised by Wedderburn Community House and supported by Inglewood and District Health Service, Wedderburn College and Loddon Shire. “We are looking forward to the community coming together to have some fun, yummy food and raise funds for the Cancer Council,” said community house co-ordinator Louise Cook.

Verandah works

RESTORATION of the former Royal Hotel verandah in Brooke Street Inglewood was completed last week. Workers returned to the historic Vahland-designed building to instal panels around the verandah’s upper level. Loddon Shire Council had issued orders in 2022 to have the verandah made safe. Current owners are developing plans that could include accommodation and a wine bar in the old hotel closed since 2020. Help demand high

LIFELINE Loddon Mallee’s Lisa Renato said a high demand for their services highlighted the important impact of local volunteers donating their time, skills, and expertise to support Lifeline.

Hats off to our volunteers ... Active Farmers, Inglewood Fire Brigade and St Mary’s Primary School prepare for Sunday’s Run for Resilience. LH PHOTO

5G work at mountain blackspot

UPGRADE works on Telstra’s Mount Moliagul mobile phone tower are planned for this year.

Residents and CFA volunteers have been critical of poor reception in the area with weekends and public holidays the worst time for any signal.

The tower, that services areas stretching towards Inglewood and Newbridge, will be upgraded to 5G.

A Telstra spokesperson said this week: “Planning is underway to bring 5G services to our Mount Moliagul site which will deliver improved mobile coverage and capacity for our customers in the area.

“We expect 5G services to be up and running before the end of 2024 and will share more details on when the upgrade works will commence in the coming months.”

„ The telco’s announcement came as NBN Co said fixed wireless network upgrades were about to start at the Serpentine tower.

A spokesperson said: “The upgrade works on the tower in Ser-

pentine will mean some homes and small businesses in the area may experience impact to their nbn service over the coming weeks.

“NBN is looking to minimise service interruptions as much as possible during this time, such as migrating users over to temporary connections, however there are occasions when towers may be taken offline and we appreciate the community’s patience while the work is underway.”

The Serpentine work is part of upgrades being rolled out across the Loddon. Boort and Inglewood were among locations where work was done earlier this year.

“Impacted homes and businesses may have been notified of these planned outages via their retail service provider,” according to NBN,

Daniel’s cooking with confidence

DINERS at the Newbridge Hotel are praising the newest member of staff for his growing confidence.

Tarnagulla teenager Daniel Kennedy started inhouse training at the hotel as part of his National Disability Insurance Scheme support package last month.

What started as two days a week helping with food preparation in the kitchen and serving meals to tables has extended to three days.

VicRoads works have started on the Boort Pyramid Road. The works are located between Durham Ox and Pyramid Hill and will be receiving Flood Recovery Works. The works are scheduled to take eight weeks and the rst four weeks the roads will be fully closed. The location of works will be between Collins Road (Hampsons Road) and Mologa North School Road.

This is a Department of Transport road (VicRoads) and the works are being undertaken by Major Road Projects Victoria with the contractor being BildGroup. We are in communication regarding Detours signs which will see the following routes: • Northern route along Loddon Valley Hwy - Glad eld Rd. For further information please contact the Department of Transport on 13 11 71.

Hotel owner Michele Mizzi said Daniel’s confidence had grown and it was wonderful to see his smile when engaging with customers.

One customer wrote to the Loddon Herald after being served by Daniel, saying: “He has excelled and is really kicking goals. Saturday arvo he served us lunch with complete confidence after starting out two weeks earlier quite shy.”

Michele said: “We love having Daniel on the job. He’s keen to learn and do well.”

Community centre works

The Pyramid Hill Community Centre build is progressing very well with under slab services now installed.

The McKay St section of the streetscape works continues to take shape with the Museum forecourt now complete and the playspace hard surfacing was prepped and poured last week

Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2024 Art Competition is open – how are your entries coming along? For further information and entry forms please head to the Loddon Healthy Minds Network on this link www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au/ events/2024-annual-loddon-healthy-mindsnetwork-art-competition

Prizes proudly sponsored by the Loddon Shire Council and Community Bank Inglewood & Districts

Daniel at work in the Newbridge Hotel kitchen last Friday. LH PHOTO

New tool mapping Loddon’s spend peaks

Wonderful weekends

By CHRIS EARL

VISITORS spent more than $3 million at Loddon Shire businesses last month.

And weekends are the peak spending time, according to data now being analysed by Loddon Shire to guide future tourism marketing campaigns in Victoria.

According to tourism and economic development manager

David Stretch the Spendmapp software monitors aggregated transactional data for resident, visitor and online spends by a person’s local government area or town.

Data also captures days and times when purchases are made and allocates to categories including retail and hospitality.

“Spendmapp provides an image of the (local) economy every day so that trends and events in changing local conditions are captured,” he said.

“It is used in grant applications and acquittals, event analysis, land use planning, cost benefit studies, economic development strategies and in negotiations with investors and the business community.”

Mr Stretch said initial data had shown spending spikes on weekends, including Fridays.

He said last November’s Inglewood Alive weekend had seen $100,000 spent in that town for the weekend.

Across the shire, spending for the weekend was more than

$500,000. The March long weekend had been strong for Boort while Easter had also seen strong spending in Bridgewater and Wedderburn with the total visitor spend more than $700,000 and the peak day Easter Saturday.

Using data back to January 2022, there had been a 28 per cent increase in visitors to the Loddon region this January.

Data has been supported by increased visitation at caravan parks in Bridgewater and Wed-

derburn while there was again an overflow of campers at Boort over Easter.

Mr Stretch said that while consumer spending in Victoria was down 8.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, the drop was only 3.2 per cent in the Loddon Shire.

Mr Stretch said residents from Swan Hill, Cohuna, EchucaMoama and Kerang had been identified as strong spenders in the Loddon Shire.

He said there had been signification visitation from Murray River areas with a promotional billboard recently displayed at Yarrawonga.

“We’re now able to gather accurate data on the impact of events in communities,” Mr Stretch said.

He said data showed 92,000 transactions were made with Loddon businesses in March for an average spend of $55.

Spendmapp is a multi-awardwinning bank transaction analytics application for local governments.

Loddon Shire’s use of the data comes as council leaders continue discussions with major employers ahead of a draft economic development strategy.

The current policy was adopted five years ago and a team including Mayor Gavan Holt has had initial talks with business and industry. They are also represented on the economic development committee.

The last Census showed Loddon’s population had increased for the first time in two decades, reversing the downtrend trend that started in the 1990s before stabilising a decade ago. It was estimated at 7747 last year.

Almost a third of residents work outside the shire. Of the 894 according to 2021 figures, 500 travelled into the City of Greater Bendigo for daily work.

Spendmapp also tracks aggregate spending of Loddon residents in other towns.

THE Winter Solstice will be celebrated in Tarnagulla next month in the first of three events about to jump off the drawing board for Southern Loddon Tourism.

President Norma Sokolowski said the shortest day celebration would put a winter event into a normally quiet time on Loddon’s event calendar.

“We’re starting to rev up our calendar to make sure there are things happening in our towns.

“Whether Tarnagulla or Newbridge or Laanecoorie and Eddington, we want to bring people to the region with unique local activities.”

The solstice on June 22 will have a communal fire pit to warm the evening, local food and drink, tarot readings and a costume competition.

“The enchanting evening promises to be an engaging experience,” she said. “A magical evening to warm the heart and delight the senses.

“The solstice will be a night where community, culture and culinary arts meet under the stars.”

Southern Loddon Tourism also organises Tarnagulla’s Strictly Vintage Fair in September.

And Norma said a third event in southern community was planned for later in the year.

“We’re working with a number of local stakeholders and expect to make an announcement shortly to further boost visitation to our part of the Loddon Shire,” she said.

Your local CFA Brigade needs you, and there are many ways you can help. Roles include daytime firefighters, community educators, and support roles. You don’t need experience, and you’ll be amazed at what you will achieve, while fulfilling a vital and rewarding role in your community. Scan the QR code to find out how you can help.

Hazel Knightsbridge, Jill Goldsworthy, Sarah Wright and Cooper Jones, 2, were among models for the Newbridge Country Women’s Association branch op-shop fashion parade on Tuesday.

PHOTO

Weekend service ... Jess Smit and Jeremy Cox. LH PHOTO

Land access

for field surveys is key to finding the best path for VNI West

Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is carrying out field surveys across the VNI West draft corridor. This work is important and builds our understanding of environmental considerations such as flora and fauna and geological features in the area. We will apply the findings along with feedback from landholders and the community to help identify the route for transmission that minimises impacts to people, farming and the environment.

Studies started in October last year and include non-invasive ground investigations and site walkovers to identify key wildlife habitat and vegetation, as well as geotechnical studies which involve drilling small boreholes to determine ground and soil conditions. These activities have mainly been carried out on public land, with the permission of relevant authorities.

Under the comprehensive Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, over the next 18 months TCV will carry out a range of more detailed technical studies including bushfire, cultural heritage and environmental assessments.

If we need to access private property, we will request consent from landholders. We will respect any biosecurity measures and follow farm rules, documented in a formal land access agreement with the property owner. Recognising that this process causes some inconvenience, TCV has increased the payment available to landholders where a larger area is included in the agreement for survey access. Payments to landholders now range from $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000 once a voluntary land access agreement is signed.

A land access agreement is for survey works only. If a landholder signs a land access agreement, that is not an agreement to have infrastructure on their property or allow construction or other works.

Phil hands over chief’s helmet

RHEOLA Fire Brigade has a new captain for the first time in more than two decades.

Phil Vernon stepped down from the position after 22 years at Sunday’s annual meeting of the brigade.

A CFA volunteer for more than 40 years, Mr Vernon will continue as second lieutenant under new captain John Leach.

He said the brigade hoped to have a new station to house its fire-fighting vehicles.

“We have been trying for years to have the tin shed replaced ... we’re told we’re not on the list,” Mr Vernon said.

“We have done a lot of work for a new shed and it has been the brigade that raised funds for a second tanker and a quick-fill pump trailer.

“And two years ago we formed our junior brigade to build a future for our great crew. There were almost 30 members at the meeting on Sunday.”

Mr Vernon, who is also deputy group officer for the Loddon South group covering brigades in the district said it had been an “honour and privilege to have been elected captain”.

“I joined the Rheola brigade in 1982, just

a couple of years after moving to the district,” Mr Vernon said. “All the brigades in the area work well together.”

Also elected as brigade lieutenants were Tony

is again

Program ready to launch latest new business ideas

LODDON residents with new business ideas are being encouraged to join the new 12week program of Startup Central Victoria. The program for aspiring and emerging entrepeneurs has been running for two years across the Loddon Campaspe region, including Loddon Shire.

The 2024 program launches next week with meteorologist Jane Bunn talking about her startup journey with Jane’s Weather App.

According to the program’s Kerry Anderson, when invited to speak at events one of the most common questions Jane was asked is “what weather app do you use?”

“Over the years Jane has realised that this is an issue not only for farmers but the construction and renewable energy industries as it is difficult to know which app or website to trust.

“In conversation with Bendigo’s Caleb Maxwell over lunch, Jane will share how she came up with a solution to this problem and explain how participation in an AgTech program has helped to grow her startup to a new level.” Jane said: “Through the chats with the mentor that I was connected with, I found that I was led in directions that I didn’t realise we needed to go

and made me think about things in different ways.

“We have been able to get Jane’s Weather Pro into Trial phase with more than 150 users co-designing the platform to make sure we’re building exactly what they need.”

Kerry said: “Over a 12-week period participants will have the opportunity to test and develop their idea taking it one step closer to market.”

Drowsy drivers die! New campaign

A NEW hard-hitting road safety campaign targeting drowsy drivers is backed by research showing drivers are four times more likely to crash if they’ve had less than five hours’ sleep.

The campaign ‘Driving tired? Wake up to yourself’, launched by the Victorian Government and Transport Accident Commission, reminds drivers that being tired behind the wheel not only makes them a danger to themselves, but a danger to everyone on the roads.

Central to the campaign is a confronting new television ad showing a serious crash caused by a tired driver crashing into another car with a mother and her young daughter.

Tired drivers contribute 16-20 per cent of fatal crashes on Victorian roads each year, while accounting for approximately 25 per cent of road trauma injuries at The Alfred and Royal Melbourne hospitals.

The campaign is backed by research by Monash University and the TAC, which found participants in an impaired driving assessment track trial were four times more likely to crash if they had only fourto-five hours’ sleep.

Victorians will see and hear the new campaign across newspapers, TV, online, radio, music streaming platforms on billboards and other platforms until June 30.

Soulsby, Mark Soulsby and Dale McCoy. Secretary-treasurer

Zandra Grattan-Lynch.

Phil Vernon

Jane Bunn

Sludge to fertiliser: chemical-free plan

CHEMICALS will not be used at a 613-acre farm to be turned into a biosolids base by Coliban Water.

The Wimmera Highway property could see biosolids from any of Colban’s 16 water reclamation plants arrive by the truck loads.

Timelines for development of the site bought by Coliban last month but still being used by the Halal-linked Avicenna Farm under investigation by Agriculture Victoria are not available.

Coliban’s chief officer assets and operations Danny McLean said a major by-product of the wastewater treatment, biosolids were an organic, nutrient-rich fertiliser for use on farms on farms in the region.

“Across our network, the production of biosolids helps us contribute to a circular economy and deliver benefits to our customers, communities and the environment,” he said.

Mr McLean said that during

sewage treatment, micro-organisms digested the sewage, breaking down the original organic solids that have been discharged into the sewerage system.

“This leaves effluent and a solids component, known as sludge.

“The water content of the solids is then reduced, usually by passing through mechanical processes. These solids are then dried and stockpiled, producing biosolids ready for application to agricultural land.

“Biosolids consist of dead micro-organisms, a small portion of active microorganisms, and inert solids which have come down the sewer.

“Dried biosolids typically have the consistency of soil or compost. No chemicals are used as part of the biosolids process.”

Mr McLean said Coliban’s biosolids facility on 10 acres at Dunolly, opened last year, could receive deliveries year-round but

“most biosolids processing, drying, and stockpiling only occurs during the warmer months”.

“During these months, approximately two to three truckloads per day can arrive at the site. These deliveries are intermittent and usually last for a period of two to three weeks at a time,” he said. “The Dunolly base receives approximately 3000 tonnes of dried biosolids annually, and it is stockpiled before beneficial reuse.”

Mr McLean said the Newbridge base would be managed and operate within all relevant planning and Environment Protection Authority Victoria obligations.

“While we have purchased the land with the intention of using it for a biosolids base, no project timelines are available at this early stage. As the project progresses our usual project engagement with the community will occur.”

COALITION frontbencher and Mallee MP Anne Webster had labelled last week’s Federal Budget a failure for the region.

The local MP said: “The Prime Minister said when he was elected two years ago, ‘no one would be held back, no one would be left behind’, but that’s only if you live in a capital city and not in Mallee.

“I have pored through the budget and found no references to any projects or benefits for Mallee, Wimmera, Sunraysia or the Grampians,”

Dr Webster said.

“This year’s Budget has demonstrated again that not only has regional Australia had critical infrastructure ripped away, but will also bear the cost of higher mortgages, higher energy bills and higher food prices.”

Dr Webster said the Government had spent $1.6 billion less on Australia’s road and rail projects this year than it promised just five months ago in its Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook.

to maintain and repair local roads.

“It is good to see the federal government investing in road infrastructure. However, it is disappointing to see that in Victoria that investment is metropolitan focused.

“Rural and regional roads are in a shocking state and in urgent need of upgrades and in many cases emergency repairs.”

Dr Webster said the Government’s $300 per household rebates for energy bills came on the heels of its plans for 28,000km of transmissions lines and billions of dollars in tax incentives for ‘green energy’ projects, ripping up prime agricultural land and remnant vegetation supposedly to save the planet.

Dr Webster said the rebate was Labor’s admission its energy policies had failed, “covering over the cracks with taxpayers’ money, politically deferring the impact of higher energy prices until after the election”.

VICTORIA Police is still to advertise the vacancy at its Pyramid Hill station.

The station has been covered by other officers from across the Loddon Shire at the same time Boort is also without a permanent officer.

Victoria Police in early March said: “While we are filling this position, an additional police member has been deployed to Pyramid Hill.

However, Victoria Police has not said when the Pyramid Hill vacancy will be advertised.

Pyramid Hill residents continue to voice concern that the town has been without a permanent officer for almost a year.

“Police from Wedderburn and nearby stations also regularly conduct patrols in the area to ensure an appropriate response is available. If you require immediate police assistance, always call Triple Zero.”

However, Rural Councils Victoria chair Mary-Ann Brown Rural said: “RCV welcomes the continuation of the Roads to Recovery Program set to increase to $1 billion and the increase to $200 million per year for Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program. Local governments, especially small rural councils, need as much money as possible

However, Dr Webster welcomed $132 million over eight years in the Budget to continue the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs model.

““I advocated directly to the Minister for Agriculture for this funding and in a slim budget for the regions I am glad there is some funding,” Dr Webster said.

VICTORIA HOTEL

Swap meet’s hot deals

ENGINE Park in Wedderburn was packed with collectables and treasures ready to be snapped up by a large crowd at the historical engine and machinery society’s annual swap meet on Saturday.

More than 100 sites had the crowd darting from one stall to another in search of a hot deal.

Vic Ashton and Mick Murphy were among buyers who travelled from across Victoria.

“This is a good swap meet and we come back every year,” said Vic.

Society president Trevor Bailey said stallholders had started to arrive before the meet.

“We have had them come from the middle of New South Wales, Melbourne and South Australia,” he said.

“Our swap meet is very popular with stallholders and buyers.

“The stallholders know they always get a warm welcome in Wedderburn. We have the bonfire burning at night and those who camp here for a few days love sitting around the bonfire talking.

“They know they are looked after and they appreciate that.”

Also among stallholders was Wedderburn Men’s Shed selling items made during their weekly gatherings.

Monday

Sunday – Open Midday

Society members provided catering throughout the day with the pancake stall volunteers serving customers in a big morning rush.

The swap meet also had a display of vintage and veteran vehicles, a taste of the society’s annual rally planned for later in the year.

Community’s cull call to

FROM PAGE 1

Mr Morse said locals had tried “everything we are allowed to do” over the past decade in a bid to control corella numbers.

“The best use of this new money would be to organise a shoot to cull them.”

Christine said: “The numbers are now too great for a natural solution. They used to come in only at summer. Because the numbers are now so big, they can’t go back to other habitat and they stay here.

“The only way to fix the problem is to reduce the numbers.”

REGIONAL residents will no longer be driven crazy by the forceful sales tactics of door-to-door sales people and telemarketers working for energy companies.

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said a full ban on aggressive and high-pressure telemarketing and door knocking would kick in on August 1.

“From this month providers and participants in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program – an initiative delivering state government incentives for households which install certain energy-efficient products and services – will not be allowed to cold call a person to promote products and services. “That will extend to a ban on door knocking as well, which will come into effect on August 1,” he said.

Essential Services Commission will monitor compliance with the new laws,

Mr Bray said: “You see corellas stripping trees in the morning, Even trees I have planted myself have been stripped.”

Grants are available to:

„ Aid mitigation in managing corella impacts on community.

„ Evaluate effectiveness of management options, with a focus on utilising non-lethal control techniques and trialling or researching new methods.

„ Better evaluation of the financial impacts of corella damage and associated management costs.

„ Review of the social, economic and environmental implications of management practices.

The Government wants applications for projects that protect animal welfare, allow healthy and sustainable wildlife populations and habitat, reduced impact of wildlife on environmental, social, cultural and economic assets and values and for communities valuing wildlife and contributing to wildlife management.

Mr Morse said:” We’re being beaten by bureaucracy.

Kerry O’Keefe wanders the swap meet stalls. LH PHOTOS

Barry Finch and Barry Woodward

Jackie and Gary Roberts with Geoff Ryan and Ken Hunt

Breeding drop for malleefowl

VOLUNTEERS spent more than 1200 hours monitoring malleefowl numbers across Victoria in the past year.

More than 60 of the citizen scientists were in Boort last weekend to hear the annual report of the Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group.

Dr Joe Benshemesh said breeding numbers were lower than the previous season.

Volunteers visited 1466 mounds in the 2023 breeding season with 203 rated as active

He said that with favourable rainfall, it was unclear what contributed to the decline. The number of fox scats found at mounds increased but remained at historically low levels, Dr Benshemesh said.

Breeding at monitored sites around Wychitella continued to fluctuate with an average of two or three active mounds each year.

Dr Benshemesh said the Wychitella reserves had the most isolated malleefowl populations in Victoria “and understand the population size is critical information for management because in-breeding is a major threat”.

The group has entered a partnership with Cobram Estate Olives for conservation at the adjoining O’Bree montoring site and a meeting in Wedderburn last month discussed the need for a comprehensive survey of malleefowl in the Wychitella district.

PENNY Wilkinson is the Northern District Community Health chief executive officer.

The former executive director of the Health Department’s COVID pathways program and board member of Bendigo UFS and Women’s Health Loddon Mallee replaces Mandy Hutchinson who is now CEO at Bendigo Community Health.

NDCH Chair Meghan Stewart, said Penny’s deep understanding of rural health positioned her well to lead NDCH into an exciting future.

“We are thrilled to welcome Penny to NDCH as we continue to expand our high-quality, accessible healthcare services throughout the region,” said Ms Stewart.

“We are confident that Penny’s commitment to collaboration and community engagement, alongside her longstanding involvement in community activities, will ensure that NDCH will continue to thrive under her leadership.”

Penny Wilkinson

Checking the numbers (back) group president Robyn Rattray-Wood, Boort’s Tricia Currie and Greg Currie and Dr Joe Benshemesh who overseees the citizen science data collection work by volunteers with (front) Carina Johns (Bridgewater), Annette Robertson (Wedderburn) and Sue Hayman (Inglewood)

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Serving up healthy snacks at festival

Team Boort District Health had a wonderful time at the Boort District Schools’ Writers Festival! We were delighted to contribute to this fantastic event, providing a variety of healthy snacks for morning tea. We served mu ns, yogurt with muesli, fresh fruit cups, and special smoothies made by the school kids on Loddon Healthy Minds smoothie bike—berry and mango avors were a big hit! e festival is a great way to celebrate reading and writing, engaging and inspiring students from prep through to Year 10. We loved to be part of the excitement and creativity Boort District P-12 School brought to the community!

Meet Patrick Boyer! e Flying Doctor Wellbeing Clinician here to support people in the Boort community to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Flying Doctor Wellbeing is con dential and provided at no cost via telephone, telehealth or face-to-face at Boort District Health.

It can be hard to know when to reach out – some signs it might be time to make an appointment include:

• Experience of trauma

• Low mood, depression

• Feelings of stress, anxiety or panic

• Experience of grief or loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Loneliness and isolation

• Sleeping problems

Everyone’s mental health journey is di erent. Flying Doctor Wellbeing can support you in seeking help and if your needs aren’t met by this service, in nding the right help for you.

Bruce host of big restoration bash

RETIRED butcher Bruce Bridge had the backyard jumping for a celebration in the house he calls home on Saturday.

He welcomed friends and musos to the Inglewood house restored over the past two years by owner Wade Roberts.

“I’m the caretaker lessee and love this place,” said Bruce who has lived in Inglewood for the past 14 years.

“And I love music and art. I go to music sessions in Bendigo and invited a few musos along to celebrate the restoration and also my birthday - I was born in 1949.”

To mark the occasion Bruce also had the original wrought iron name plate - Coringil - ready to hang on the front wall.

Bruce confessed he’s more a country and western music fan but twisted the arm of the Union Street Blues Band based in Bendigo to pump out tunes throughout the afternoon.

One of the band’s organisers Ian Whaymond said: “I met Bruce at a country music show, said it was his birthday coming up and he twisted the arm to bring out the band.

“He talked me into a corner and I agreed, provided there was food and drink for the boys in the band,” he said.

Bruce, born in Condobolin, central New South Wales, said he loved the architecture of his restored Californian bungalow home.

“It’s great to see how the old girl has been rejuvenated,” he said.

Bruce has had experience of restoring properties. He put his handyman skills to work on Pride’s Cottage in Tarnagulla Road, Inglewood, earlier this century.

“These old places have got a lot of history,” he said as the band took a break from its Saturday afternoon gig.

Bruce with family ... Christine, son Craig and grandson Felix enjoy the music at his double celebration

Boort Men’s Shed

Home sweet home with music to boot ... Bruce Bridge hangs the Coringil sign. LH PHOTOS

New energy benefit in renewable zones

COMMUNITIES hosting renewable energy infrastructure have been promised benefits from a new State Government fund.

The fund was announced this week, just days after Transmission Company Victoria more than double the fee it will pay to access land on the proposed VNI West transmission route through northern areas of the Loddon Shire.

Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio on Monday unveiled the draft Renewable Energy Zone Community Benefits Plan for consultation.

However, the nearest consultation session for Loddon residents was held in Swan Hill last week.

A Government spokesman said: “Residents from any location that is not covered by a dedicated workshop and drop-in session can attend the online statewide workshop.”

A REZ Community Energy Fund will be created in each of the state’s six renewable energy zones and communities will be able to apply for funds for projects that improve power supply, lower energy bills and create energy jobs.

Loddon Shire is in a renewable energy zone and has been slated for hosting multiple solar farms, including facilities at Derby and Campbells Forest.

Both were originally planned to have been connected to the en-

ergy grid but a start has not been made on either project.

VNI West’s Transmission Company Victoria, part of the Australian Energy Market Operator, on Tuesday said a new AEMO report highlighted “the need for continued development of critical transmission projects to reduce forecast reliability risks to Australia’s electricity systems”.

“VNI West is one such project that will improve the reliability and security of electricity supply by harnessing renewable energy in both Victoria and NSW.”

AEMO’s report warned of power blackouts in Victoria this summer because of delays with renewable energy projects.

The State Government says its community fund will be available for community microgrids, network upgrades or bulk purchases of solar panels or heat pumps.

“Benefits for traditional owners will be developed as part of this plan through direct engagement and any benefits will need to deliver economic empowerment and support self-determination,” it said

“The funds for communities and traditional owners are in addition to payments to landowners that host transmission infrastructure, who receive $200,000 per kilometre of transmission hosted on their properties, which is on top of existing compensation arrangements.

“Guidelines for significantly impacted neighbour benefits will also be introduced, recognising that properties next to land that hosts new transmission infrastructure.

“The new measures in the draft REZ Community Benefits Plan will apply to all new renewable energy projects built in the REZ Zones as well as new transmission projects.”

According to Ms D’Ambrosio: “We’re making sure regional and rural Victorians and Traditional Owners get the best outcomes from the energy transition with special funds to for community energy projects.”

“As our old coal fire generators close, new renewable energy and transmission infrastructure is critical to keeping the lights on and delivering energy reliability and affordability for all Victorians.”

VicGrid, the agency conducting consultation on the draft community benefit plan, says: “Through community engagement so far, we know more needs to be done to achieve better outcomes for hosting communities and deliver lasting benefits that are flexible, responsive, community focused and shared fairly.

“

Consultation closes next month with the final plan scheduled for release in September after midyear release of community submissions.

Inclusive consultation starts

VISIONS to make Loddon Shire communities more inclusive will be the focus of consultation that started this week.

Loddon Shire held pop-up community consultations at Pyramid Hill and Boort after announcing details online.

A further consultation session will be held in Wedderburn tomorrow as part of the town’s Biggest Morning tea.

A fourth is planned for Tarnagulla next Tuesday.

Shire wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said: “Council is currently developing an inclusive communities plan, which will include a broad range of recommendations and actions to help Loddon Shire be a more inclusive place for everyone.

“We are currently undertaking a range of engagement activities across the Shire to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to share ideas for the inclusive communities they would like to see in the

future,” Mrs Gladman said. “This includes current listening posts being held in various towns this week.

“Following this consultation period, the draft inclusive communities plan will be developed, with the intention for the draft plan to go to the July meeting for consideration by council for its release for public comment.”

Council has also launched an online survey to gather community views asking residents what they love most about their community and where they live, how often they participate in community events and activities, whether they volunteer, know their neighbour, barriers they may feel to inclusion and building blocks they identify for building an inclusive community.

The survey also asks what people think could be done to create more inclusive communities.

Consultation ends next month.

Tough talks tipped in water buyback bid

NORTHERN Victoria communities could be forced to have difficult conversations in the face of the Federal Government’s plan to buyback more water under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Victorian Farmers Federation Water Council chair Andrew Leahy said the Victorian Government paper Planning our Basin Future Together was an important step to help communities plan for a future of producing less food if water buybacks occurred.

“The VFF continues to oppose the Albanese government’s plan to take more water from our farming communities. Until the situation in Canberra changes, we must be prepared for all possible outcomes. The Victorian government is showing leadership in starting the conversation across our communities,” he said.

“In a situation where we can’t stop the Commonwealth entering the market, we must look for options with the least impact on communities and agriculture. The release of this document is the first step, now comes the hard part of working with local communities to find local solutions that protect our farmers and communities.”

Mr Leahy said the Victorian government was helping deliver some answers to northern Victorian communities

in the face of a lack of details coming from Canberra.

“The unknown is how and when the Commonwealth will recover the 450GL and how much will come from Victoria,” he said.

“The VFF has repeatedly asked the Commonwealth for this information. Tanya Plibersek and her department have refused to respond or simply have no idea.

“They are not even prepared to talk in any practical way about the environmental improvements they expect to deliver. It seems to be a case of lets just see how much water we can find, and we’ll worry about the consequences later. This Commonwealth approach is totally unacceptable.”

“The paper points out the impact of water purchases under low, medium and high scenarios.

“A low scenario could see somewhere between 8- 55GL purchased across the nine catchments, 55-120GL under a medium scenario and more than 120GL in a high scenario.”

“Significant Commonwealth purchases of water from irrigators will force channels to be closed down and large numbers of farms to be dried off. Irrigators can expect a 15 per cent increase in water charges if 100GL is purchased and delivery shares are terminated.” Mr Leahy said.

AROUND THE SCHOOLS

College earns gold status

WEDDERBURN College has become the only Victorian P12 school to earn a gold rating under the school-wide positive behaviour support program.

The school has been presented with its award at a special assembly that assistant principal Dean Lockhart said represented a sixyear journey.

“We are the only school of

100 schools in the North West Zone to have our SWPBS Gold and the only P12 College in the state to have achieved such a milestone.,” he said. “Thanks to all staff throughout the six-year journey in helping us to achieve such a milestone. It is great recognition for our school and staff to achieve such an award.” SWPBS is an evidence-based

school improvement approach that creates a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. It focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviours while providing targeted assistance to students who may need extra support, leading to a more successful and inclusive learning community.

Storm star started as mining electrician

MELBOURNE Storm rugby player Josh King hit the Loddon last week promoting careers in mining in a visit organised by the Minerals Council of Australia.

Josh, work as an apprentice electrician in mining and played with the Newcastle Knights before being drafted to Melbourne Storm.

He talked about the struggles he has faced in life and how he overcame these by talking to friends, family, removing himself from social media, seeking

professional help and practicing gratitude.

He started volunteering by visiting sick children and their families at hospitals initially in Sydney.

Josh spoke about how influential it was helping others less fortunate than himself and the impact it had on him.

Josh works in partnership with NSW Minerals Council and Agnico Eagle Mines as an ambassador to share his story and advice with young people.

EAST Loddon P12 College senior students have meet AFLW Saints player and Danny Frawley Centre ambassador Serene Watson raising awareness of mental health.

Serene spoke to students about the importance of talking about mental health and sharing their story with a friend, family member or trusted adult.

They were told that almost half of Australians will face mental illness at some point in their lives. The Danny Frawley

Centre believe in being proactive when it comes to mental health, transparent when talking about the benefits of existing mental health treatments, and determined in its effort to cultivate and encourage those critical conversations.

Serene spoke to students about mental fitness and the importance of helping elite athletes, amateur athletes and students stay healthy and able to cope with the demands of life.

Vibrancy in retirement

BENDIGO Lifestyle Village is a haven for those seeking to embrace the next phase of life with a focus on relaxation and community.

Designed for those over 55, the village offers a serene environment without sacrificing modern conveniences. With its tranquil setting just 15 minutes from central Bendigo, residents enjoy a peaceful, country lifestyle while remaining close to all necessary amenities.

Residents benefit from the vibrant village, in a gated community, and the broader local neighbourhood.

With nearby access to recreational clubs such as the Marong Golf Club, bowls, tennis clubs, Men’s shed and essential local establishments like the Marong Hotel, General Store and Elmore Bakery. The Marong Medical Practice and Post Office are also close by!

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Goldfields, residents can explore the region’s renowned wine-growing areas and historical sites. Bendigo Lifestyle Village demonstrates that downsizing does not mean sacrificing

quality or comfort, providing meticulously designed, low-maintenance homes.

“Low-maintenance living allows residents to focus on their interests and wellbeing,” says Managing Director Justin Morris.

“Residents enjoy the confidence of owning their own homes without the usual maintenance worries, giving them the freedom to travel and pursue their dreams while knowing the village management team will handle everything at home.”

With the community centre at Bendigo Lifestyle Village nearing completion, residents can look forward to a vibrant hub that will enhance socialising and gatherings within the community. The centre will offer a range of amenities and spaces that cater to diverse interests and needs.

“Current residents, like Julie, who moved to the village in December, express their satisfaction with their new lifestyle. She shares - ‘We’ve been very happy with our new home and the friendships we’ve formed. The supportive community has made settling in seamless, and we’re looking forward to the soon-to-

be-completed community centre, which will provide even more opportunities to connect with our neighbours and enjoy social activities.”

Bendigo Lifestyle Village invites those considering their next move to schedule a site tour or come along on any Wednesday between 11am and 1pm to learn more about the exceptional lifestyle on offer. Bendigo Lifestyle Village is situated at 1449 Calder Highway, Marong (at the rear of the gold award winning Bendigo Marong BIG4 Holiday Park). Completed homes are available for sale and ready for immediate move-in NOW!

INGLEWOOD

Nestled in the heart of the quaint gold rush town of Inglewood, this charming Victorian cottage has undergone a full restoration. Situated on a generous 751m2 corner allotment, the home is ideally positioned close to the local primary school and a leisurely walk from the main street’s grand historic buildings, reminiscent of the gold rush era, and brimming with antiques, local produce, and provedore shops.

WOOL REPORT

After two successive weeks of falls, the Australian wool market has recorded an overall increase this series, albeit by the barest of margins. The national offering was again below 40,000 bales for the third week in a row, there was a total of 35,436 bales available to the trade, after 8.8% of the offering was withdrawn prior to sale. When compared to the previous season the total amount offered continues to trend lower, season to date there has been 15,974 fewer bales offered, 1.0% lower than the previous season. Although as mentioned the market improved, the market movements were varied across the two selling days, within sectors and also within individual micron pockets. On the first day the movements in the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece ranged by between plus 18 and minus 10 cents, these movements combined with varied results in the crossbreds, skirtings and oddments resulted in a one cent fall in the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI). The second day was very similar to the first, but with a slightly more positive tone. Here the merino fleece MPG movements ranged between minus 3 and plus 22 cents, with 18 of the 26 published MPGs recording positive movements and only 3 falling. The EMI gained 2 cents for the day. By the end of the series the EMI closed one cent higher at 1,135 cents. Due to a stronger Australian dollar the rise in the EMI when viewed in US dollar terms was better, the EMI added 9 US cents across the series to close the week at 754 US cents.

This week’s offering is again expected to be below 40,000 bales. There are currently 39,404 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle, which were to sell over one day (Tuesday) due to the limited amount of wool on offer.

Source: AWEX

109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM

Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 5448 3936

Branch Manager & Senior Agronomist

Craig Sharam 0408 188 351

Wool - Adam Millard 0400 499 064

Livestock - Nigel Starick 0408 528 322

Wade Broadstock 0427 337 231

Lachie McAlister 0428 717 403

Chris Anderson 0408 921 540

Merchandise - Glenn Jackson 0429 076 459

Agronomy - Anton Mannes 0499 708 044

Josh Mcleod 0447 678 609

Ground sown for testing

CANOLA trial crops have been planted at a Bridgewater North research site to asses how products behave in the local environment.

Pioneer’s territory sales manager for eastern Victoria, Tim Lovell, said the local research site was one of 19 used across Australia for early testing of products and seed and technical research in key environments.

“The geographical diversity helps us understand how products behave in different environments,” he said.

“Researchers will take regular notes on the canola hybrids between now and harvesting in November.”

Mr Lovell said the journey from initial

SHEEP AND LAMBS

MORE numbers came in at 12,200 lambs and 7870 sheep to take the yarding above 20,000 head again at Bendigo on Monday.

Lamb quality was very mixed with more wintery clean-up lots starting to appear, and good lines of neat trade lambs were limited.

Not all buyers attended and demand remained fairly flat and the sale did fluctuate and price results were erratic at times.

Overall the market had a softer tone but with the best pens of trade and heavy lambs similar to a week ago.

In the export run lambs weighing above 35kg cwt weren’t really rewarded price wise, and some extra heavy lambs at close to 40kg cwt were beaten for the top price of $244 for lambs around 35kg cwt.

Export lambs over 30kg cwt from $185 to $244 with most sales from $200 to $235/ head at a ballpark cost of 665c/kg cwt.

Heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs $174 to $215 with select pens up around 700c but the average dragged back to around 650c/kg with all the plainer and mixed lots added-in.

Very few neat trade lambs,the best $145 to $160, and the general run $130 to $145.

Trade Merino lambs in a skin to $163. There was a fairly wide carcass price spread for trade lambs depending on quality and finish. Light lambs were cheaper on plain quality and included a lot of little Dorpers.

Small lambs to processors mostly $54 to $120, bigger framed types $120 to $135/ head.

The mutton sale was also erratic, opening cheaper before gaining some momentum late in the auction.

testing to commercialisation of seeds took seven years.

Testing sites were used to also demonstrate “what can be achieved with yield”. “We want growers to be as profitable as possible and to do that, we need as much information as possible.”

Farm consultant Dave Smyth said a series of field days would be held at the site over the next five months.

“Some of the varieties at this site may be the next high performing commercial hybrid,” Mr Smyth said. “The site at Bridgewater North is a significant investment for research in the region.”

Mr Lovell said recent rain was helingp the test crop’s early growth.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

RW & AL Baker Dingee (96) $242. DL & TM Jensen Diggora West (39) $236. SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (39) $235. WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (46) $230. WJ Whatley Goornong (27) $217. A & C Dalrymple Narrewillock (65) $215. T Kavanagh Dingee (24) $213. R Shawcross Lockington (30) $212. D & H McKinley Leichardt (36) $206. CA & TR Borger Colbinabbin (100) $198. J & K Kennedy Pyramid Hill (27) $190. MERINO WETHERS

Most sheep categories eased $5 to $10 but there was some heavy mutton which was back up to $20 on a week ago. Heavy crossbred ewes $95 to $125; big Merino wethers to $130 and ewes to $120. General run of sheep $60 to $90/head.

BENDIGO

Tim Lovell and Dave Smyth check early growth of the canola crop. LH PHOTO

Vaccines play big role

IMPORTANTANCE of selecting and administering the correct type of vaccine in the right way to maximise production in the sheep enterprise is vital.

With seeding finishing up locally and lamb marking fast approaching, prevention is better than the cure.

Many vaccines provide proteins (antigens) that initiate a protective immune response within an animal.

In most cases the immune response involves antibodies that can then block either the disease agent (bacteria or virus) or its product (toxin) so disease does not occur.

The first time an animal is exposed to an antigen, the response is slow and may not be strong. This is why in natural infection, animals still develop disease, and why many recover from disease over time.

The disease triggers an immune response that includes the production of antibodies, which then reduce or nullify the disease.

However, if the disease is severe, death or production losses will already have happened as the immune response is occurring.

If an animal does survive, invariably the next time they are faced with the same challenge, their immune system is primed and the antibody response is much quicker and stronger – resulting in the disease having little

or no effect. This is why most animals are considered ‘immune’ to a disease after they have had it.

Vaccination aims to generate this immune response and make animals immune without (in general) giving them the disease or experiencing the effects of the disease.

Of most relevance to lamb marking and ‘Clostridial Disease protection, almost all vaccination programs require two initial doses for it to be effective.

If the second dose is not given to an animal shortly after the first (ideally, within four to six weeks) the protection given is short-lived and your money, time and effort has been wasted.

After these two initial doses the majority of vaccines require an annual booster (unless pulpy kidney is an issue).

It is a good idea to time this annual booster in your ewe flock four to six weeks before lambing to obtain optimal levels of maternal antibodies transfer via colostrum to help protect newborn lambs. The table highlights the importance of boosters for sustained disease protection.

To maximise the efficacy of your vaccination program locally, there are three main timings to concentrate on depending on your operation. These are:

„ At lamb marking, it will be prudent to vaccinate all lambs with 6-in-1 and where ovine Johne’s disease is present, Gu-

dair® as well. Scabby mouth vaccination (scratch) should also be considered. Erysipelas vaccination may be warranted via GlanEry 7 in 1.

„ At weaning (generally six weeks later), any lambs not being immediately sold should receive their booster 6-in-1 vaccination (and booster erysipelas vaccine if needed).

„ For ewes (assuming they have been vaccinated as lambs), a prelambing 6-in-1 booster vaccination and a GlanEry 7 in 1 vaccine should be considered. Remember, the pre-lambing vaccination should be administered ideally 4-6 weeks prior to give time for antibody production and incorporation in the colostrum. Obtaining optimal levels of maternal antibodies in colostrum helps to protect lambs prior to first vaccines. This can be administered with a pre-lambing drench.

Vaccination plays a big part in giving lambs the best start they can get. Wheelhouse AGnVET can also help in all areas of onfarm animal husbandry needs, helping agricultural communities of Bridgewater and the Loddon Shire and adjoining districts for many decades.

-AndrewBissett,manager ofWheelhouseAGnVET Bridgewaterwithinformation anddatafromZoetisandthe MLA

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Heavy lambs showed signs of improvement. Sheep and hoggets also improved.

May

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

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

What a difference $25m would make

By CHRIS EARL

BUDGETS have been delivered by the Federal and State Governments ... times are tough, (our) money in short supply and the bottom line still blowing out with massive daily interest repayments in Victoria alone of $25 million.

That figure alone, for one day, would make a massive difference if available for Loddon Shire Council to maintain roads. The same would be said for the other 38 rural council’s in Victoria.

Round it up, that’s two month’s worth of interest bills no longer available to fix country roads.

Then, have a look at rural hospitals. The speculation, the early reports, still say that mega health services will be imposed on country Victoria, perhaps by stealth, with the tightening of the health budget - across the north of the state being rolled into Bendigo Health that has already started talking about “sub-regional” health services.

Imagine another two months’ worth of interest bill money being made available for hospitals? Our country towns and districts could keep their identity.

Why is Victoria’s debt and interest bill so high?

The Government says it’s a symptom of the COVID-era. Yes

yOUR ONLINE WORDS

perhaps, but every other state faced the same challenges and came through without such a big red line.

And, perhaps, its the constant cost blowouts on major projects dubbed the Big Build in Melbourne - roads and tunnels that will act as a fertiliser for further population growth in the metropolis.

What the Budgets at state and national level have again lacked, like so many over the past 40 years, is investment in country areas that foster growth and make towns like those in the Loddon Shire attractive and practical in the eyes of people driving north and seeing the Keilor Hills as a distant memory in the rearvision mirror.

Politics is the art of appealing to people and gaining the most votes (and seats) to win an election. Once victory is achieved, government should be about strengthening the frameworks inherited and planning with vision.

It could be argued that there has not been real visionary leadership in Victoria for more than 20 years.

The vision today, from the current State Government, pretty

3G PHONE NETWORK SHUTDOWN PUSHED BACK TO SEPTEMBER

Bruce McCahon wrote: Is it just me? It seems that as we progress up the Gs we progress down the signal coverage. I don’t give a bugger for the cleverness of the smart phone if I’m no longer getting signal to use it. Of course that’s mainly just us peasants and infidels in the bush. Not the important consumers.

Peter Bell wrote: Yes, after making many change their 3G pensioner phone for the newer technology of smart phone. I can’t cope with my new phone, now you say that you are halting the closure of 3G. What a bloody con. Shame on you Telstra RETIREMENT OF BOORT SUPERMARKET OWNER DALIP CHAWLA

Kerry Baker wrote: Thank you for all the wonderful service provided to your customers, wishing you all the best for the next stage in life.

Amber Sean Coleman wrote: We will certainly miss visiting with you both! Enjoy your Retirement.

much on funding social policy implementation - tackling the problem instead of eradicating or reducing the cause.

Few of the Government’s pet social project pets have seen cuts in funding.

Should not government get back to making sure the basics are right first? Loddon Shire Council has recently adopted a policy that says here, on the ground, it will only wade into areas where it has responsibility. Wise use of time and resources!

Sadly, however, our state and national leaders are yet to have that Epiphany. The spine bends to the loudest and takes attention and focus away from the core role of government.

The rabble, some would say, with their demands in Melbourne, are denying the investment needed in country Victoria to allow our communities to keep their identity, grow and actually help address the problems that proliferate around the Big Smoke.

Whether COVID, cost blowouts, pandering to minorities or poor fiscal management, combined it means that our part of the world alone is missing out.

*ChrisEarlismanagingeditor oftheLoddonHerald

Daizie Brown wrote: Good luck for the future and thank you.

Sandra Forster Poyner wrote: Lovely couple, Boort has been lucky to have such great service and friendship And the children being spoilt with a chuppa Chup.

COUNCIL TAKES CONTROL OF PYRAMID HILL STREET PROJECT

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House wrote: it certainly is great to see new energy brought to this project.

MUNICIPAL MONITOR IN BULOKE SHIRE

Trevor Rice wrote: Who do we get to monitor (Min ister) Melissa Horne. No accountability from her and (Premier) Allen.

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. What is the first line of the second verse of the Australian National Anthem?

2. Globe and Jerusalem are types of what?

3. What is the most popular drink in the world that isn’t alcoholic?

4. How many ‘Lord of the Rings’ films are there?

5. And who is the director of those films?

6. Which animal is featured on the logo of car manufacturer Porsche?

7. Babies are born without which bone?

8. Which mammal does not have vocal cords?

9. The logo of sportswear brand Adidas has how many stripes?

10. Which toy was the first toy to be advertised on TV?

11. What is an aglet?

12. Scooby-Doo and his friends are collectively known by what name?

13. What is the hardest rock?

14. ‘La Giaconda’ is the official name of which famous painting?

15. Au is the chemical symbol for which element?

16. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the catalyst for which conflict?

17. ‘The Overlook Hotel’ is a possessed hotel that appears in which Stephen King novel?

18. What is the capital city of India?

19. Which country has the national language with the longest alphabet?

20. In Greek mythology, what was Hermes known as?

ANSWERS

THOUGHTS- Bradley of Boort has put plenty of them into his latest Treemendous Sign!

HE Miti boys were delayed in reaching their customary and habitual Friday evening scene that has all but the designated driver enjoing banter and beer. The people carrier collected his joyous cargo on time to be at at Pyramid Hill’s Victoria Hotel without too many dramas (an achievement in itself considering those occupying the passenger seats!). All going well along Three Chain Road until ... the official courtesy vehicles became bogged. Driver had to shout the crew on arrival, we believe.

WE’VE had the following snippet arrive from

Killer: “Got an exclusive maybe for OTF. Some bloke I’ve nicknamed Jack the Jocks Tosser is discarding his blue undies around here. Two Sunday mornings ago a slightly soiled pair at the front of my place. Yesterday morning same thing on my neighbour’s front nature strip. Look out for a man passing loose stools and missing (thus far) two pairs of blue undies, Rio brand!”

DID you know the great undies’ maker Bonds has been around for 109 years. Blue singlets, white singlets underpants and these days the jocks. Even Charles Kingsford-Smith wore a Chesty singlet to help keep him warm when he made his record-setting flight across the Pacific in 1928, while 120,000 volunteers at the 2000 Olympics sported Bonds uniforms — the largest Australian outfitting since World War Two.

1. “Beneath our radiant Southern Cross” 2. Artichoke 3. Coffee 4. Three 5.

Peter Jackson 6. Horse 7. Kneecaps 8. Giraffe 9. Three 10. Mr. Potato Head 11. Metal or plastic tube at the end of a shoelace 12. Mystery

Diamond 14. The Mona Lisa 15. Gold 16. World War One 17. The -Shin

ing 18. New Delhi 19. Cambodia (Khmer has 74 letters) 20. Messenger of

the Gods.

The Railway Hotel

Queen Victoria and (inset) certificates presented to children on Empire Day

Victoria’s patriotism

ONE hundred years ago tomorrow, school children at Loddon schools skipped lessons to sing patriotic songs.

They had history talks and some even took part in traditional dances 13 years after the death of Queen Victoria who had reigned on the British throne for 63 years and spawned an empire around the world.

Her death in the first year of the new century, 1901, meant her May 24 birthday (she was born in 1819) became Empire Day.

In Australia, the day was celebrated through until 1958. In later years there were fundraising efforts by Red Cross for soldiers fighting in war or after community bonfires.

At Boort school in 1914, there was singing and speeches. Headteacher Mr WD. McDonald, the Boort Standard reported, interrogated the children on their thoughts arising from the expression—”Empire Day”.

An address to students by Mr Wingfield talked about Queen Victoria, “one who by her kind, good and loving disposition had endeared herself to all her subjects. Many countries despise their ruler, but Victoria was loved by everybody.

“... we had become so used to the 24th of May as a public holi-

May day when school children children honoured the Empire

day, that the people of England and the king himself thought that it should still be kept up as a day set apart in memory of the queen, and a day on which we might meet and rejoice at the thought that we belonged to the greatest empire in the world.

“It was a splendid idea to keep up this day. We frequently express our pride to belong to the

day in honor of the memory of that Queen who had since passed away.

“The boys and girls there that day would not remember Queen Victoria, but he remembered her reign well. She used her great influence for good, and would not tolerate anything low or vulgar in her court.

The following year, students

Tradesmen took the opportunity for a day off work in those years before World War One.

After a day of celebrations in the year that war started, the town hall was thrown open “at the conclusion of public entertainment for the use of the public and dancing was indulged in by a large number”.

There was a Scottish influence

Each scholar was given a quantity of lollies, cakes, fruit and a new penny after which school work was dispensed with

British Empire. People sing in praise of that vast dominion over which the sun never sets.”

Miss Elva Hosken and Master Malcolm McLaren read two poems.

Mr Graham, reporting as correspondent of the school committee, saw the difference between the present day and the old holiday that he was so used to as a boy. In his school days, it was the Queen’s birthday, now it was a day set apart as Empire

Local customs on Empire Day

had a new head teacher, Mr Fraser, and Empire Day saw the unfurling of the flag as children saluted before addresses were given by Mr Job Weaver, Mr G. Kirkham and Reverend. Lewin.

At one of the first Empire Day events in Inglewood in 1907, speeches were given before children led the town’s residents to the recreation reserve for a sports afternoon held, according to the Inglewood Advertiser, in perfect weather.

in Wedderburn’s celebrations of 1915. After the usual school assemblies, songs and speeches, that night it was the Grand Scotch Night at the Mechanics’ Institute for Empire Day.

At Bridgewater, local Mayor Cr Ansett hopped in his motor car that day to attend celebrations that included the town brass band adding “greatly to the enjoyment of the proceedings”.

School children were central to Empire Day celebrations. At Tar-

nagulla, newspapers report that about 10 o’clock the children assembled and the Union Jack was unfurled, which was saluted.

“Several songs suitable to the occasion were rendered by the children, after which addresses were given by the Mayor (Cr. Laidlaw, and Messrs. Bunstal, Chambers, Comrie, Rev. J. A. Rodger, and the head teacher (Mr. Kobineon). Each scholar was given a quantity of lollies, cakes, fruit and a new penny, after which school work was dispensed with”.

Empire Day was marked across the world in former and present British colonies.

It was later renamed Commonwealth Day from 1958 when communities would still celebrate with parades and sports.

In 1977, Commonwealth Day was moved to March.

The idea to hold an Empire Day as a day that would “remind children that they formed part of the British Empire” gained support in the 1890s and was first held in Canada before extending to other countries after Queen Victoria’s death.

So for more than 50 years, countries the world over continued to honour a queen whose passing had seen another five monarchs sit on the throne.

DEATH NOT ic E

Mills, Keith ‘Linton’ George

04.10.1933 – 18.05.2024

Suddenly at home in Bendigo, formerly of Pyramid Hill & ‘Wattle Vale’, Mincha.

Dearly loved & loving husband of Valerie.

Adored father & father-in-law of Denise & Alister McDougal, Allan Leed (dec), Lynley & Leon Strachan, Craig (dec) and Kathryn & Robert Cunning.

Proud Grandpa of Christopher & Lydia Leed, Jacquelyn & James Dunstan, Amanda & James Rogers, Meredith & Andrew Ball, Rebecca & Randall Bulley, Kieran Strachan & Suzanne Cockroft, James & Sarah Cunning, Bethany & Callum Gordon, and Emily & Levi de Pyle.

Great Grandpa of Samantha, Oscar, Isaac, Makayla, Angus and Alexandria Leed; Madeleine, Charles, Reuben and Isabelle Dunstan; Grace and Jack Rogers; Sahara, Harvey, Lenny and Elke Ball; Indie and Xander Bulley; Amelia and Ryan Cunning; Adalyn, Jed, Chad and Maverick de Pyle.

In God’s Care

Stringer - Peter Raymond

9/4/1944 – 16/5/2024

Loved husband of Lorraine (dec) and father of Maree.

Adored Pa of Chris, Hannah, Jake, April and Dylan and proud Great Pa of Audrey. Partner of Wendy.

Gone now but forever in our hearts.

STRINGER - Peter Raymond

9.04.1944 - 16.05.2024

Loved son of Fred and Clara (both dec).

Loved brother of Lorraine (dec) and Jim (dec), Phyl and Frank (dec), Don (dec) and Pat, Gwen and Trev (dec), Joy and Kev, Rod and Jenny, Wendy and David. Sadly missed

MORRISON

(Fithall) Lesley June 9/2/1978 - 25/5/2021

Remembering you is easy we do it every day Missing you is the heartache that never goes away. Your loving family and friends

CAREERS AT LODDON SHIRE

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.

Tractor Operator – ref.J/265

 Permanent, full-time position (9 day fortnight)

 Annual salary range $66,374.18$70,993.84, plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above close Monday, 3 June 2024.

With the course greening up after last week’s rain, our biggest field for the season gathered together for a stroke event.

Despite not playing a competitive round yet this year, it was Tim Lanyon who turned in the best result of the day with a fine 77 off the stick and nett 69.

This left Kevin Linehan, Andrew Kane and Stuart Tweddle to share the ball run amongst them, with Stuart’s chip-in birdie on the first hole also earning him a couple of bonus prizes.

Other nearest the pin winners were Damien Lanyon, Tim Lanyon, Sally Keeble and Di Johnbston.

INGLEWOOD

Last week sawq a small field of ladies play a stroke round, winner of the day was Dianne Wayman with 36 nett and Marlene Lamprell won longest putt on 18th .

Sunday men’s play saw a field of five participate in the stableford round.

Bruce Isaac playing his first round of the year had a terrific back nine holes and won the day with 37 points.

WEDDERBURN

The president’s team has taken honours in play against the captain’s lineup at Wedderburn.

Final scores were 32.8 for the president and 31 for the captain.

The day’s winner was G Smith 38 from R

TARNAGULLA

Peter and Ros Sanderson won the wildcard pairs event atr Tarnagulla on Saturday from Helenm Mortlock and Jason Cassar.

Peter had the lonmgest driver and Mick Radich nearest the pin.

The club will host its caddy kangartoo bash event on the King’s Birthday weekend.

MITIAMO

Sunday sen’s stableford winner was Simon Ray with 35 pointss and runner-up Phil Hamley with 33 points.

Victory in Wednesday ladies’ stroke went to Janine Wiltshire 89 nett from Noelene Ralphs 101 nett.

PYRAMID HILL

Condition of the course is improving with the recent rain with the club championships rapidly approaching.

The championships will run over June 2, 16, 23 and July 7. All competitors must play the final round and scores are calculated as best three of four rounds.

A Graveside Service for Mr Peter Raymond Stringer will be held at the Boort Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday May 28th at 11.00 AM.

To view by live stream go to www.adamsfunerals.com.au

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.

BOORT

Tonkin 37. Glenda Bird won the first round of the social club board event on Saturday with a score of 37, one ahead of Carolyn McHugh on 36. Owen Bailey was third on 35. Best on the second hole was Tony Holt and nearest the pin on the 13th Jon Chandler.

Jenny Honeyman and Peter van der Valk at Tarnagulla. LH PHOTO

Leigh Cox and Tarnagulla club secretary Mary McNamee. LH PHOTO

Easter running coup

National orienteering event locked in for 2025

THE first major orienteering titles in the Loddon in more than two decades have been announced for next Easter.

The Australian 3-Day Carnival will spearhead back-to-back weekends of orienteering in the Loddon Shire.

A major event is also planned for the following Anzac Day weekend with hundreds of competitors from across Australia expected to spend more than a week in the region.

Kooyoora State Park was the scene for world championships

in 1985 and the 2002 world masters’ titles.

The 2025 schedule will have competitors traversing the terrain of Inglewood’s Psalm Singing Gully and courses around the Granites at Mount Egbert and Tarnagulla’s Poverty Ridge.

Organisers say the significance of Kooyoora for the sport had “blinded us to the potential of the other orienteering terrains in the Loddon Shire”.

However, new courses at Kooyoora will be used for the Anzac weekend races.

Bendigo orienteer Neil Barr has mapped the region’s terrain,

exploring areas earlier identified by Alex Tarr.

With Julie Flynn, they have used prospecting guides and historic mining maps across the Loddon to devise courses for the major events.

Julie says the five-member organiser committee is aiming for more than 800 orienteers in the region for the Easter and Anzac weekend events.

They received approval from Orienteering Australia and Orienteering Victoria to host the annual evemt . Promotion started at the 2024 in the Adelaide Hills and South Australian Mur-

Premiers

drop out of five after one-goal defeat

REIGNING Loddon Valley netball

A Grade premiers Maiden Gully remains outside the top five after a drama-packed one-goal loss to Newbridge on Saturday.

An even opening term had given way to the visiting Eagles skipping to as four-goal lead at the main break.

However, Newbridge surged back into contention and with minutes to go before the final siren was up by four goals.

Late play saw Maiden Gully fall short by one goal.

The loss puts the Eagles one clear win outside the top five after Bears Lagoon Serpentine notched up its third win of the season and Bridgewater’s con-

vincing win over Marong sees it draw level on points with Mitiamo and Newbridge. The Maroons this week will play in the match of the round, meeting top side Pyramid Hill at Mitchell Park.

And the ever-improving Bears face off against Mitiamo who sit second on the ladder with the best percentage in the competition.

„ The logjam in North Central A Grade netball will be cleared a little on Saturday with super clashes on the card.

Five teams are sitting on three wins so far for the season - Wedderburn, Boort, Donald, reigning premiers Nullawil and Birchip

Watchem. And within striking distance are Wycheproof Narraport and Sea Lake Nandaly., Boort faces off against Birchip Watchem and will be favoured to began creation of a buffer in the battle for a top two finish.

Wedderburn has its last “away” game before sport returns to Donaldson Park with a danger encounter against Wycheproof Narraport.

The Demons can cause trouble on their day but the experience and poise of the Wedderburn team should hold firm.

For Boort’s C Grade team, premiers from last season the clash will be a chance to grab top spot on the ladder.

raylands. “They had 750 last Easter. Being back in Victoria, we believe there will be more than 800 runners at Easter with around 300 staying for the following weekend,” she said.

“We think competitors will enjoy the variety of terrain on courses across the Loddon.

“And there’s also a chance of overseas competitors. The three-day carnival has been a major event on Australia’s orienteering calendar for more than 30 years and there have been international competitors in the past.”

Loddon Shire’s tourism and

LODDON VALLEY

A Grade

Inglewood 5, 8, 14, 17, (17) lost to Mitiamo 19, 42, 59, 81, (81). Newbridge 10, 18, 31, 42, (42) d Maiden Gully 11, 23, 31, 41, (41). Marong 9, 17, 24, 35, (35) lost to Bridgewater 17, 33, 46, 61, (61). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 16, 31, 48, 63, (63) d Calivil 8, 16, 24, 30, (30).

Pyramid Hill 149.47 20

Mitiamo 213.41 16

Newbridge 131.25 16 Bridgewater 130.77 16 BL Serpentine 122.92 12 Maiden Gully 98.21 8 Marong 78.10 8

Calivil United 41.45 0

Inglewood 37.77 0

B Grade

Newbridge 13, 27, 43, 51, (51) d Maiden Gully 6, 14, 22, 35, (35). Marong 15, 31, 39, 47, (47) d Bridgewater 9, 20, 35, 45, (45). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 7, 21, 26, 36, (36) lost to Calivil 5, 20, 28, 44, (44). Inglewood 4, 8, 12, 18, (18) lost to Mitiamo 13, 20, 34, 44, (44).

Newbridge 179.72 20

Pyramid Hill 143.50 20

Marong 131.20 16

Maiden Gully 118.50 12

Bridgewater 98.87 12

Mitiamo 90.54 8

BL Serpentine 72.83 4

Calivil 66.43 4

Inglewood 49.57 0

C Grade

Newbridge 11, 22, 37, 48, (48) d Maiden

Gully 8, 16, 26, 32, (32). Marong 14, 27, 34, 47, (47) lost to Bridgewater 12, 26, 41, 48, (48). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 12, 25, 36, 47, (47) d Calivil 8, 18, 26, 33, (33). Inglewood 3, 10, 16, 22, (22) lost to Mitiamo 9, 16, 22, 30, (30).

Newbridge 152.90 20

Pyramid Hill 144.94 18

Bridgewater 119.71 16

Maiden Gully 124.28 13 Marong 102.01 12 Mitiamo 109.66 8 BL Serpentine 99.57 8 Calivil 49.81 0

economic development manager David Stretch said the events would make for a bumper sporting Easter in 2024.

“This is a real boon for our region and for local businesses.”

Accommodation is expected to be at a premium for the national orienteering events, coinciding with the 152nd Rheola Charity Carnival at Easter.

“Orienteering is a sport and the people love to travel,” said Julie on Monday.

The organising team has drawn members from clubs in Bendigo, Ballarat and the Yarra Valley.

Inglewood 41.31 0 C Reserve Newbridge 8, 14, 22, 29, (29) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 21, 30, 32, (32). Marong 12, 23, 34, 46, (46) lost to Bridgewater 14, 25, 40, 51, (51). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 15, 23, 32, 49, (49) d Calivil 9, 17, 25, 31, (31). Inglewood 7, 16, 21, 27, (27) lost to Mitiamo 5, 13, 23, 31, (31).

17 & Under

Newbridge

Monday pennant return planned

BRIDGEWATER will return to Monday pennant in Bendigo bowls playing area competition next season.

The club held its annual meeting on Sunday where members decided to again enter two sides in the Saturday pennant compe-

tition and be back in the Monday pennant after standing out of competition last season.

Glenn Catto was elected president at the meeting with Nick Saunders vice-president, Jenny Hosking secretary and Don Wilson treasurer.

C Grade netball action at Inglewood on Saturday with Mitiamo winning by eight goals. LH PHOTO

LODDON VALLEY

Depleted Demons give Bears half a workout

FOR a second week, Calivil has shown it can stay with top sides for part of a game, One week it was the rampaging Marong who copped a quarter of ferocious play from the Demons.

And last Saturday, the Ant Dennis combination was in the game for most of the first half and only trailed by 14 points at the main break.

That’s when Bears Lagoon Serpentine kicked a couple of late goals against the flow.

Calivil piled on seven goals in the second term - Baker, Dennis and veteran Evan Ritchie driving home the Demons’ desire - with the breeze favouring the Kerang end.

Calivil was without Jake Lawry and Blair

Richards - their presence missed. Light on for numbers, Ritchie played four quarters in the reserves and was on the ground for most of the senior clash.

The third quarter was a more even contest on the scoreboard as Bears started to take full control.

Nathan Twigg was having his first game of the season, sharing ruck duties with Justin Laird and Orion Downing. Twigg returned to Serpentine this season after two years at Boort in the North Central league.

Spending most of last season on the injured list after a head knock, Twigg needs a little more match fitness but certainly had an influence in his first game back.

Bears’ spearhead Josh Mellington, who beat a striking charge when he fronted the independent tribunal last Wednesday, kicked 12 goals, seven in the last quarter.

Mellington was unselfish in the forward zone, looking for better avenues to score when needed.

His tribunal win means the former AFL player remains on a career 14-game suspension total, two short of the automatic player deregistration threshold.

Mellington and Twigg were both named in Serpentine’s best players.

And Calivil’s Ritchie had his name on both THE senior and reserve scorecard as a goalkicker and featured in the best for the ones.

Another day, another mauling

ONE team potentially stands between Marong and a hat-trick of flags in all three Loddon Valley football grades.

The Panthers on Saturday dispatched a depleted Bridgewater by the biggest margin of its encounters with the top tier senior clubs this season.

The 56-point victory had its foundation in the opening quarter and the Panthers, unbeaten since early 2022, only dropped their guard a bit in the second term.

Marong was as emphatic as it has been since rising to dominance three seasons ago, playing the loose man across the midfield and cruelling shutting the gate on opponents looking for forward 50 gains.

Birchip-Watchem RESERVES

22 - (8) - Andrew Oberdorfer - Nullawil

19 - (1) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly

16 - (2) - Anthony Judd - Charlton

Victory against the Mean Machine, missing a handful of key players including its best player so far this season Boden Alexander and Lee Coghlan, was more emphatic than success by 38 over Bears Lagoon Serpentine in round four.

Only Pyramid Hill has shown it has the early season game plan and the players to match it with Marong.

The Bulldogs had their chances back in round three, falling short by eight points.

Marong on Saturday showed depth is still present. Jonty Davis was back from Bendigo Pioneers and Corey Gregg WAS also in the side, Davis one of the best for his work across the midfield.

Kain Robbins and Ryley Taylor were at their mercurial best slotting five goals each.

When Bridgewater was able to get the ball into its half-forward zone, Marong would switch to its flag-winning formula and head

straight to the goal square where goals at times came with ease.

Nathan Devanny did just that after an intense opening five minutes of the opening term.

In a show of Bridgewater spirit, veteran Tyler Estrada snapped moments later, Lachlan Sharp across the centre having set up an avenue to goal.

Sharp, for a third week, spent

Midfield boost hopes

BOORT expects to name a strengthened side for Saturday’s big North Central league clash against early premiership favourite Birchip Watchem, Magpie coach Dale Cameron said Wade Broadstock and Jade Dick are expected to be fit for selection while recruit Nick White is also expected in the black and white colours.

“The trio should give us a good boost across the midfield,” Cameron said. “And coming off the bye, we should have a full list available for selection.”

Donald

Wedderburn, with just one loss this season, is sitting third on the ladder and faces another early improver in season 2024, Wycheproof Narraport. After six weeks on the road, the Redbacks make the season return to Donaldson Park on June 1.

Faith’s back from injury

BENDIGO Thunder’s Faith Wattie-Reid has been cleared to resume playing in the Central Victorian women’s competition after dislocating her should in a pre-season training incident. Doctors have given the Bridgewater player the tick to start the season.

most of his time up the ground where his experience has been needed against more credentialled clubs.

Taking him out of the forward zone has exposed the Mean Machine. Some fumbles late in the fourth quarter also proved costly as full-back Joseph Meyes stood tall against the Marong onslaught.

But a fracas on the flank saw

Taylor kick another goal followed by Robins and finally Lachlan Lee to record another big win for Marong.

Bridgewater battled out to the end - Harry McKinley high among those refusing to be run over by the top team heading the senior, reserves and under 18 ladders, Marong showing the depth remains at Malone Park.

Campbell Love among the goal kickers for Inglewood

LODDON VALLEY

Maiden Gully v Marong

Mitiamo v Bears Lagoon Serpentine Calivil v Inglewood

Pyramid Hill v Newbridge Bridgewater bye

Under 18: Pyramid Hill v Marong at Pyramid Hill, East Loddon v Bridgewater at Calivil NORTH CENTRAL

Nullawil v Charlton

v Sea Lake Nandaly

Birchip Watchem v Boort

Wycheproof Narraport v Wedderburn St Arnaud bye

Peter Rothacker finds a way out of the defensive zone for Bridgewater. LH PHOTO

Blues in a Jekyll and Hyde show

INGLEWOOD deserved every bit of its Loddon Valley win on Saturday to go two games clear in fifth spot on the ladder.

Extended patches of brilliance, often triggered by smart and explosive work of Campbell Love in the first half, put the Blues in a class above Mitiamo.

The Polack brothers Dan and Sam displayed genetic telepathy as they linked turnovers from defence deep into the forward zone.

Inglewood was eight goals up after booting eight in the second term, Bowen Cauchi’s run into open sticks saw the ball cross the line a split second before the major break siren.

That more than handy lead made up for a flat-footed start that had Mitiamo’s Kia Coatsworth and Alex Lloyd with goals before Inglewood could even rattle the scoreboard.

The Blues then spent the back half of the opening term playing catch up, Daniel Polack dribbled through the first goal after a handy pass from Keelan Payne. who moments later used his body to out-position opponents and score truly.

Roos’ Brayden Baines and skipper Luke Lougoon were the thorn for Inglewood, only to see their turnovers abruptly halted across the midfield.

Love was repelling the attacks and setting up the play to put Inglewood in control. His snap late in the opening term guaranteed momentum stayed with the Blues.

Liam Marciano bobbed up with one of his four goals for the day after Inglewood strung play from defence deep into the forward 50.

Inglewood’s second term was full of running, the tackling rate higher and more effective and the system that appeared shaky in the first 30 minutes more settled and cohesive.

Unanswered goals from Polack, Jack Nevins and Gauchi sealer near the siren had Inglewood poised to blow Mitiamo off the park as happened in the two encounters last season.

But the experience of the likes of Lougoon, Baines and Zach Morrison saw Mitiamo work its way back to within two goals in the final term.

Inglewood coach Fergus Payne later said the second half was far from the Blues’ finest hour of football.

Love was the most exciting prospect on the ground for Inglewood. back with the Blues after a year off football. It was his best game of the sea-

Dominance in breakthrough

A THIRD quarter roll of the respectability dice by Maiden Gully did little to stop Newbridge storming to its first win of the season.

Newbridge was already up by 40 points when teams headed to the rooms for the main break.

Solid defence and a better team plan from the home side had left Maiden Gully floundering and able to score only three behinds.

The Maroons had 13 scoring shots in those first two quarters. Accuracy not necessarily a strong suit but they put in their best performance since taking the game right up to Bridgewater in the opening round.

Angus Monfries, Declan Phyland and skipper Josh Worsley finally broke through for Maiden Gully in the third term.

The Eagles played in front more often, earning free kicks around goal that gave some hope the gap could be bridged.

Newbridge half-back Dylan Lloyd was instrumental in cutting off more forward thrusts by the Eagles, his part in turning over play crucial to the Maroons

adding five goals of their own for the term.

The brief flurry by Maiden Gully was extinguished in the final quarter.

Maroons’ skipper Angus Fortune and Tom Hobson cemented their place as the leading goal-

kickers as Newbridge piled on 6.4 and held Maiden Gully to just two behinds.

Grayson Brown in defence was again showing his never-say-die approach to the game for Maiden Gully but had little consistent support over four quarters.

THIS WEEK’S LODDON VALLEY PREDICTIONS

Touched, touched and touched ... the umpire calls play on in Saturday’s clash between Inglewood and Mitiamo. LH PHOTO

son and he sent a warning to opponents for what could come in future encounters.

Skipper Dan Polack has now figured in the club’s official best players in all but the opening round.

He showed leadership up and down the ground.

GET set for a big boil over at Redleg Park on Saturday.

The Calivil boys will be out to put their best feet forward before heroes of the 1964 and 2004 premiership sides.

They’ll be augmented by Northern Territory star Cam Illett and my spies say to expect a couple more selection surprises before Saturday.

This spells danger for Inglewood who are on a roll the last three weeks.

Ant Dennis is leading from the front again this year and will have the boys fired.

I’m tipping Calivil by less than a kick to secure a win that could see them stay in contention for fifth spot come midAugust.

The Demons were far from disgraced last Saturday against Bears Lagoon Serpentine.

The Bears have to travel across the windy flats at Pompapiel this weekend to take on the slowly improving Mitiamo. Should be a shoo-in for the Bears. Might even make the trip up north if No 1 son gets picked in the Bears seniors.

There’s also a long, long trip for Newbridge this round. Showed best form in weeks against Maiden Gully but up on the expanses of Mitchell Park will struggle to rattle Pyramid Hill too much.

The flag-winning machine from Malone Park, Marong, has a short journey up and around the corner to meet its Bendigo

The win over Mitiamo also showed the winless Superoos are not easy beats in the competition. They have experienced heads who can rattle mid-tier sides and could cause damage later in the season.

Inglewood’s next challenge: Put together four good quarters.

cousins Maiden Gully.

On the form of Maiden Gully this season - pretty dismal for a side touted as having major league aspirations - the Panthers will cruise along in second gear to get the chocolates and remain undefeated on top of the ladder as the half-way mark of the season gets closer. Come middle of June, the crystal ball will be fairly clear on how the ladder will settle. May have been a bit harsh pre-season in putting Mitiamo right on the bottom. They’ve shown they can challenge the likes of Inglewood.

Expect they might come up a cog or two in the second half of the season.

While gazing at the goalkicking table, Bridgewater’s need to play Lachlan Sharp up the ground probably clears the way for Josh Mellington to take honours.

He’s already got 57 goals from six games and the Bears have Mitiamo and Calivil before the bye to round out their first half of the season.

- GLENN CATTO

playing

Caleb Saunders was among Newbridge’s best players. LH PHOTO

seniors

Marong 6.5 8.9 13.10 17.11 (113)

Bridgewater 1.1 5.3 6.6 8.9 (57)

GOALS - Marong: K. Robins, R. Taylor 5, N. Devanny, R. Wellington 2, J. McCaig, L. Lee, B. Gregg. Bridgewater: B. Derrick 3, L. Sharp 2, A. Pollock, J. Naughton, T. Estrada. BEST - Marong: J. McCaig, M. Willox, J. Davis, D. Johnstone, J. Gadsden, R. Taylor. Bridgewater Seniors: J. Neylon, J. Mayes, H. McKinley, B. Derrick, X. Walsh, H. Donegan.

Inglewood 15.10 (100) Mitiamo 12.7 (79)

GOALS - Inglewood: D. Polack, L. Marciano 4, B. Cauchi 2, K. Payne, J. Nevins, M. Conlan, J. Barnett, C. Love. Mitiamo: K. Coatsworth, L. Shiell, D. Walters, A. Lloyd 2, J. Rasmussen, S. Wright, Z. Morrison, L. Lougoon. BEST - Inglewood: D. Polack, L. Marciano, C. Love, S. Polack, T. Kilcullen, T. Kennedy. Mitiamo: Z. Morrison, B. Baines, R. Duncan, L. Shiell, L. Lougoon, D. Walters.

BL Serpentine 5.6 9.8 12.12 21.15 (141) Calivil 0.2 7.6 8.6 9.7 (61)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington 12, D. Nihill 3, N. Kemp, R. Turner, J. Laird, C. Gadsden, J. Addlem, N. Twigg. Calivil: B. Baker 3, E. Ritchie 2, A. Dennis 2, C. Thompson, M. Stephens.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington, N. Kemp, N. Twigg, T. Miles, D. Nihill, R. Turner. Calivil: L. Fisher, C. Thompson, H. Wall, S. Maher, M. Stephens, E. Ritchie.

Newbridge 4.4 6.7 11.7 17.11 (113)

Maiden Gully 0.2 0.3 3.5 3.7 (25)

GOALS - Newbridge: T. Hobson, A. Fortune, A. Padbury 3, C. Dixon, C. Sanders 2, B. Pearce, B. Butler, J. Barras, W. Daly. Maiden Gully: J. Worsley, D. Phyland, A. Monfries. BEST - Newbridge: D. Lloyd, T. Hobson, C. Sanders, T. McLeod, T. Constable, S. Gale. Maiden Gully: G. Brown, E. Crisp, J. Worsley, B. Franzini, L. Sobina, J. Magnusson.

Marong 6 6 0 0

24

reserVes

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Gladman

C. Anstee. Calivil : T. Wakefield 2, B. Dowton, E. Ritchie. BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: O. Amy, Z. Hollis, J. Gladman, D. Boulton, T. Clarke, M. Addlem. Calivil: G. Holdsworth, M. Hore, H. Beale, B. Columbus, S. Fawcett. Inglewood

GOALS - Inglewood: J. Lovett, J. Leach, I. Povey 2, T. Beriman, C. MacKinnon, J. Purdy, T. Stevenson, D. Hogan, J. Sleep. Mitiamo: C. Milne 2, K. Pentreath, R. Paul, T. Saliba. BEST: Inglewood: J. Lovett, J. Sleep, D. Gorrie, I. Povey, C. MacKinnon, D. Connelly. Mitiamo Reserves: D. Cini, T.

‘Finest hour’ reunion plans

THE greatest moment in North Central Football League history will be recalled with planns announced for a reunion of the 1974 Victorian Country Championship side.

North Central, boasting three Wedderburn representatives in the side, took out the title against the strong Hampden league side at Warrnambool’s Reid Oval on July 20, 1974.

Long-term followers of football regard the victory as North Central’s finest hour, and remains one of the competition’s greatest achievements.

Coinciding with that date 50 years later, a reunion of team members and others associated with the North Central campaign is in the planning stages, to be held at Donald when the Royal Blues host St Arnaud.

The Wedderburn trio was then Redbacks’ coach Keith Raynor who had been recruited from the Golden Square after playing in the Bendigo league premiership side and a stint with Essendon.

John Forster was another of the Redbacks’ big-name recruits

in the early 1970s. Rayner, who died about five years ago, was regarded as a player of untold ability.

He had been part of Bendigo league’s country champion team that won in 1972, two years later beside North Central youngster Jim Jess who would become a Richmond premiership Tiger in 1980.

He had been recruited from Tasmania and played nine games with Melbourne between 1968 and 1970 before heading to Prahran in the VFA on the way to Wedderburn in 1974 where he would manage the hotel and take a key forward position in the Redbacks’ side.

Forster’s powerful presence on the half-back line gave the opposing half-forwards little chance for cohesive action. Forster’s performance was one of the “gems” in the North Central performance. The third Wedderburn player in the North Central side in July 1974 was Allan Wills, also recruited from Bendigo. It was the second of his two seasons at Donaldson Park.

Metcalf, T. Irvine, T. Rasmussen, T. Morphett, H. Danziger.

GOALS - Newbridge: L. Hoskin 5, J. Dawkins 2, C. Grant, D. Hamilton, T. Harris. Maiden Gully: C. Sungalis 4, J. Brown, C. Hogan, J. Doolan.

BEST - Newbridge: J. Dawkins, L. Hoskin, D. Whan, N. Gray, N. Dempster, N. Cordell. Maiden Gully: C. Whitfield, H. Devanny, C. Hogan, J. Brown, K. Henshaw, C. Sungalis.

(68)

(31)

- Marong: D.

Grant, J. Hall. Bridgewater: J. Campbell 2, K. Lukies, A. Woodman.

BEST - Marong: K. Terrill, F. Stewart, M. Grant, H. Baker, J. Hall, Z. Justice. Bridgewater: J. Bowen, A. Woodman, J. McKenzie, T. Naughton, O. Muggleton, J. Green..

UnDer 18

GOALS - Marong: M. Lowery

W.

3, C. Quinlan, W. Baird, H. Cruise, R. Kerr, L. Bowen. Bridgewater: M. Brown 2, S. Hewett.

BEST - Marong: H. Roberts, M. Lowery, K. Harris, R. Kerr, B. O’Neill, R. Hayden. Bridgewater: S. McMahon, O. Clapp, L. Bartlett, M. Armstrong, C. Orton. Inglewood

(39) East Loddon 11.16 (82)

GOALS - Inglewood: T. Murphy 2, H. Noble, E. McCoy, K. McClellan. East Loddon: M. Hocking 3, M. Gray 2, R. Wagner, K. Maxted, A. Roulston, M. Green, L. James, C. Tuohey. BEST - Inglewood: E. McCoy, W. Schepers, T. Murphy, B. Coffey, T. Lovett, L. Hackett. East Loddon: M. Gray, A. Addlem, F. Clymo, M. Hocking, T. Tweed.

The reunion is the idea of Chris Brown, Maurie Wood and Bill Anderson. They are seeking to gauge the interest of others involved in that historic achievement to bring together surviving team members and their support staff to mark the anniversary. Anyone able to assist in locating former players and officials can contact Shane O’Shea on 0408086504.

C:

Folls: Ron

Coach: Frank Tuck.

LoDDon VALLeY

1975 COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

North-Central 14.5 (89) d. Hampden League 10.10 (70)

B: Leon Grose (VC, Charlton), Jeff Connelly (Birchip), Kevin Adams (St. Arnaud).

HB: John Forster (Wedderburn), Murray Gilmour (Donald), John White (Ouyen).

Allan Wills (Wedderburn), John Vallance (Watchem-Corack), Russell Evans (Charlton).

HF: Maurie Wood (C, St. Arnaud), Hugh Delahunty (Donald), Barry Gniel (Walpeup).

F: Keith Rayner (Wedderburn), Jim Jess (St. Arnaud), Greg Robertson (Tempy Gorya Patchewallock).

Green (Donald), Des Hindson (Charlton). Rover: Kevin Sait (Charlton). 19th: Chris Brown (Underbool). 20th: Bob Latta (Walpeup).

Max Higgs had charge of the Inglewood-Mitiamo senior match in Loddon Valley football on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

JUMPER LOYALTY

CLUB loyalty will be front and centre when Mitiamo runs onto the ground on Saturday in special jumpers for its Loddon Valley indigenous round clash.

The Superoos’ B Grade netball coach Crystal West has designed the football jumper to honour the indigenous influence at John Forbes Oval.

“The artwork represents my opinion of this great club that I have been involved with since 1998,” said Crystal.

Her father Gordon Hynes played more than 200 games with the Superoos and the club record of 500-plus games is held by another indigenous player Joe Harrison.

Superoos president Mick Draper said: “Our club has a long and proud history with indigenous players.”

Crystal said it was the first time Mitiamo had decided to use a special jumper for the round.

“I wanted to do the design ... Miti is home, where I have always played sport,” she said.

“I would come up from Ben-

digo with Dad and play netball.

“Now my daughter Tarly and niece Donna are also playing with Mitiamo.”

Her father had played with Korong Vale until the club folded and made the switch to Mitiamo.

Crystal said she had looked at the her first jumper design attempt and thought “I could do better and I did”.

“It shows the current Superoos in front of a gathering place that is Mitiamo where people come together - families and friends,” she said.

“In the background are white shadows of kangaroos which were our legends that are no longer with us and the boomerang that comes back to the club.”

Mitiamo players will receive their jumpers at a function after training tonight.

On Saturday Mitiamo and Bears Lagoon Serpentine will play before what it tipped to be a large crowd. Former St Kilda champion Nicky Winmar will be among those at the match and later attend a Mitiamo function where the indigenous round jumpers will be auctioned.

Superoos’ skipper Luke Lougoon in the indigenous round strip.

Proud of the jumper ... Mitiamo treasurer Ken Hynes, president Mick Draper, Donna Vallance and designer Crystal West. LH PHOTO