Loddon Herald 24 July 2025

Loddon HERALD

CASHING OUT

By CHRIS EARL

BENDIGO BANK will scrap its last 26 agencies in October.

Closure of bank services in Wedderburn and Boort was confirmed on Tuesday.

Within hours, there was condemnation of the bank head office decision.

Loddon Shire councillors meeting that afternoon added an urgent item to the published agenda to tell the bank of its disappointment.

The Loddon Herald’s exclusive breaking of the news came after a fortnight of speculation for the future of the bank’s remaining agency network after another round of branch closures.

Bank officials had contacted agencies since mid-July to tell them that the business model would be “retired”.

Randall’s Supermarket in Wedderburn had been the town’s bank since owners Jenny and Leigh Randall were approached to take on the agency 18 years ago.

“We are disappointed ... this will be a huge loss, a massive loss to the town,” he said.

“The closure will be difficult for elderly and vulnerable people and those unable to drive to banking facilities. Post offices are not a complete alternative.

“People have still been coming and opening accounts. We feel disappointed for them.”

Boort pharmacist Daniel Snyder has hosted the Bendigo Bank agency in all 13 years he has been in the town.

bank head office, not local community bank boards.

Bendigo Bank closed the Pyramid Hill agency two years ago.

Sources have told the Loddon Herald that decisions to close local agencies had been made by

Closure of the agencies - Boort has been linked to Charlton Community Bank and Wedderburn to Inglewood Community Bank - leaves the Inglewood bank as Loddon Shire’s only full banking facility.

Business owners in Loddon towns said this week they still needed bank facilities.

“And what about local organisations? Many have put their accounts with Bendigo over the years because the bank was about

community, groups that still need to have cash and change for their functions and events,” one said.

Cr Gavan Holt told Loddon Shire meeting the bank’s “retirement” action was “appalling and unbelievably disappointing.”

Councillors backed a motion to tell the bank that agency closures

“will create anxiety and stress to those residents and businesses who still require physical banking services”.

Cr Nick Angelo said closures would mean people would be forced to “talk to a robot”.

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Citizenship ‘dream come true’

RECEIVING Australian citizenship on Tuesday was a dream come true for Boort’s Jarpal Singh.

He was one of four new citizens at the ceremony conducted by Loddon Mayor Dan Straub in Wedderburn.

Mr Singh arrived in Australia from India in 2015 as a student seeking new opportunities and has been in Boort for the past two years.

“I couldn’t have made a better choice,” he said. “What I love

most about living here is the strong sense of community. People are friendly, supportive and always willing to lend a hand.”

Jared Fowler, of Muphys Creek, moved to Australia from New Zealand in 2018 and splits his time between living in the Loddon Shire and working as operations manager for the museum and carousel on Geelong’s waterfront.

“I’m still relatively new to the shire, I am enjoying being a tour

ist and discovering what we have

on offer. I purchased a property with a bit of land which I love.”

Pyramid Hill’s So-Lay Mag no has been in Australia since 2017 after moving from the Philippines. She works at Calmo dairy farm, Calivil, and said she enjoyed living in the area.

Lynette Borg, who works at Wedderburn’s 24 Karat Cafe was also among the new citizens.

Tuesday’s ceremony had been scheduled as an outdoor event but was held indoors as rain fell persistently during the morning.

IN BRIEF

Ramp still closed

THE boat ramp at Laanecoorie Reservoir remains closed. Goulburn Murray Water said it was waiting for suitable weather to complete the final stage of upgrade works. “Our contractor is monitoring site conditions closely and will complete the work as soon as it’s safe and possible to do so.”

Going global

The story of the Victorian Goldfields has gone global. A two-page article on the World Heritage bid covering Loddon Shire towns of Tarnagulla and Inglewood and the district sits among several high-profile, in-depth articles of cultural and natural World Heritage Sites around the world. Co-published by UNESCO and Publishing for Development, the World Heritage Review is the official UNESCO publication from the World Heritage Centre. The publication is produced twice a year in English and French.

First sitting

MALLEE MP Anne Webster has been back in Canberra this week for the opening of the new Parliament following the May federal election. Water flows MORE than 170ML flowed into Laanecoorie Reservoir last week. The reservoir is now at 37.88 per cent capacity and holding 2990ML.

Soleil Mango, Jared Fowler, Jaspal Singh and Lynette Borg after becoming Australian citizens. LH PHOTO

Kinder’s days will end

WEDDERBURN’S kindergarten will close in December ahead of the town’s new early learning centre opening for the 2026 school year.

Loddon Shire councillors on Tuesday voted to sell the Reef Street property that has been the town’s kindergarten was built 50 years ago.

They were told by community wellbeing director Wendy Gladman that the new centre, being co-located at Wedderburn College, was expected to be ready for the new school year. However, Mrs Gladman said there was a contin-

gency plan for the Government to use the Reef Street kindergarten if needed in the short-term. “But we don’t expect that (will happen).”

Cr Gavan Holt said the kindergarten had been achieved because the community had rolled up its sleeves 50 years ago.

Mrs Gladman told councillors:

“Council is an approved early years manager appointed to manage and deliver funded kindergarten programs on behalf of the State Government. Council is EYM for all Kindergarten services in Loddon Shire, including Boort, Dingee, Inglewood Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn.

“The Victorian Government committed to the construction and operation of 50 Early Learning Centres in communities across Victoria that have the greatest need for childcare and kindergarten places.

“Loddon Shire Council is one of 14 sites that will be constructed this year and be ready to operate from the commencement of Term 1 in 2026. The ELC will provide long day care, and both integrated and sessional kindergarten programs.”

She said council officers as-

sessed the impact of the new service on the Wedderburn Kindergarten program. “The transition process will continue to be managed within existing staff capacity.”

The Government committed to the new Wedderburn centre during the 2022 election campaign after strong community advocacy for child care in Loddon Shire.

The shire will remain in a child care desert until the centre opens. Ripon MP Martha Haylett this month turned the official sod and contractors on Tuesday poured the concrete slab.

Group puts AI-powered research support at farmers’ fingertips

BIRCHIP Cropping Group has launched ChatBCG, a cutting-edge digital tool giving farmers and advisors instant access to more than 30 years of trusted, local research anytime, anywhere.

The first tool of its kind in Australian farming systems research, ChatBCG is designed to support faster, more confident decision making on farm by delivering evidence-based answers in seconds.

Unveiled to more than 120 attendees at the BCG Ag Tech Expo in Charlton last week, ChatBCG is set to transform how farmers access and apply insights in real time. The Expo was supported by the GRDC Grains Automate program through the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia.

ChatBCG allows users to type a question and receive fast, practical answers grounded in decades of BCG research. Whether it’s managing dry sowing, interpreting gross margins, or exploring nitrogen strategies, the tool delivers timely support in plain language.

“This tool puts the full weight of BCG’s research behind every question a farmer might ask, whether they’re in the paddock, at the kitchen table, or working with an advisor,” said BCG CEO Fiona Best.

“It’s part of our commitment to staying at the cutting edge of agricultural innovation and supporting our members through changing conditions and technologies.”

“We wanted to make it easier for farmers to access the insights they need.”

Key time for rural areas, says RCV

LODDON Shire will be represented at next week’s Rural Council’s Victoria conference in Yarrawonga.

This flagship event for Victoria’s rural local government sector will bring together Mayors, Councillors, CEOs and other key leaders from across the state.

The event includes discussion sessions exploring how rural councils can continue to manage the complex challenges of housing, childcare, maternal and child health, infrastructure needs and financial sustainability.

Navigating the drought and sustained economic development are also expected to be key topics for discussion.

Rural Councils Victoria Chair, Cr Rob Amos said: “Rural Victoria is a key engine room of economic activity for our state. When rural areas are doing well, the whole of Victoria prospers.

“Right now we’re are facing numerous headwinds, with housing shortages, drought, the imposition of unfair state government taxes and the ongoing challenges of meeting infrastructure and service expectations while keeping rates low.”

“Our residents expect us to be working collaboratively and searching for new ways to meet these challenges.”

Ripon MP Martha Haylett (centre) at the early learning centre sod turning.

Compliance driver in closure decision, says bank chief

BENDIGO Bank says its decision to walk away from the agency model after more than 30 years had been difficult.

The bank on Tuesday confirmed it would “retire” the model for its remaining 26 agencies in October.

Chief customer officer consumer Taso Corolis said: “The difficult decision to retire the agency model has been informed by evolving customer preferences leading to reductions in business activity, limited use of these services, and an increase in costs and compliance obligations.

“Bendigo Bank operates more branches per customer than any other Australian bank and Australia’s second largest regional branch network,” he said.

“We are proud of our regional heritage and are committed to providing face-toface banking services for our customers.”

“To preserve what makes our bank unique, we must prioritise our investments across both physical and digital channels to continue meeting the changing needs and growing expectations of our 2.7 million customers.”

Money doesn’t grow on trees because the banks keep getting rid of the branches

Bradley Haw, Boort

“We understand it may take time for some customers to adjust to these changes and we will support them through this.

“We are proactively supporting customers affected by the closures and will offer them assistance. “This may be in the form of connecting them with their closest alternate service, including nearest branch or Bank@Post locations, and walking them through e-banking services available, when required,” he said.

There has been criticism that the bank was still to tell agency customers of the closures after Tuesday’s announcement.

Loddon Shire councillor David Weaver branded the bank’s decision short-sighted and colleague Miki Wilson raised concern for anxiety among vulnerable people when the remaining two local agencies at Wedderburn and Boort close in October.

Mayor Dan Straub said agency closures would be a burden on residents and community groups.

Cr Gavan Holt had earlier this week told the Loddon Herald: “The Bendigo Bank sells itself as a community bank, a bank

with a community focus.” According to the bank, there will be “a range of banking options ... available to customers impacted by this change. There is no action for customers to take as there will be no impact to how their accounts operate”.

“Customers can continue to transact as normal at any Bendigo Bank branch, ATM, or at any time via internet banking, our mobile app or by phone. “Customers can also choose to bank in-person using Bank@Post or at any of the 3500 Australia Post outlets across Australia.”

When asked about possible agency closures last week, the bank told the Loddon Herald: “Bendigo Bank’s purpose is to feed into the prosperity of its customers and the community. The bank has more branches per customer than any other Australian Bank and operates Australia’s second largest regional branch network.

“Bendigo Bank communicates changes to its business that impact its people, customers and communities promptly whenever relevant decisions are made,” a spokesperson said.

THE LAST 26

Condemnation swift and brutal from local residents to announcement

CRITICS of the Bendigo Bank decision were quick to vent their anger on Tuesday.

They took to the Loddon Herald’s online platform to express disappointment.

Verneece Woodman said: “Just

Kindergarten enrolment reminder

Expressions of interest for 2026 kindergarten enrolments across Loddon Shire will close on Monday, 28 July.

Council provides central enrolment for all sessional kindergarten services within the shire and an online form is available for families to register their interest in enrolling or re-enrolling their child in 3-yearold or 4-year-old kindergarten.

To submit an expression of interest please scan the QR code below or visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Services-for-ouryounger-residents/Kindergartens.

With the arrival of Early Learning Victoria in 2026 at the Wedderburn P-12 school site families who wish to enrol their children in kindergarten in Wedderburn will have the option of enrolling their child in a sessional kindergarten program or an integrated kindergarten program.

While we are confirming the timeframes for the new centre, interim sessional kindergarten will be offered at Wedderburn.

For more information or queries regarding the kindergarten expressions of interest, please call our Early Years Team on (03) 5494 1200.

wrong. What about businesses that use the Bendigo Bank in wedderburn, the elderly who prefer to do their stuff over the counter? Just another convenient service taken out of our towns.”

Sally Maxted said: “Just another

hit for small rural towns! What else can organisations throw at us?”

Bianca Jones said: “Bendigo Bank the better of the big five banks. What a laugh and what a disgrace. Bendigo Bank you

should be ashamed of yourselves. No better than the big four banks.”

Leanne Holt Birney added: “Disgraceful, another service we have to go out of town for.” And Jennife Gael questioned the bank’s community ethos.

Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement

Consultation is continuing with the Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement project and there are now more ways you can have your say.

Hard copies of the design and concept plans, as well as answers to frequently asked questions are now available to view at the Inglewood post office, Cafe 3517 and the Community Hub at the Town Hall.

We encourage residents who are interested in this project to visit the project page, have a look at the plans for themselves and make a submission (and we thank all those who have already done so).

The significant streetscape project will enhance the safety, accessibility and character of Inglewood's town centre and will support local business, celebrate cultural heritage and improve liveability for residents, as well as appeal to visitors.

The design and concept plans can also be viewed on the Loddon Shire Council website - scan the QR code on the left or click the link on the home page at www.loddon.vic.gov.au - where you can also have your say, or from the Council

Cr Dan Straub - Mayor

Keep pressure up in fight against new tax: Wilson

VICTORIA’S peak local government body will be asked to continue uniting councils in opposition to the State Government’s controversial emergency services tax.

Loddon Shire councillors on Tuesday backed a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria’s next state council meeting.

Inglewood Ward’s Cr Miki Wilson said” “It’s important we continue pressure on this tax.”

The emergency services tax became law from July 1 after crossbenchers backed Government legislation that forces councils to collect the levy.

Cr Wilson said she had attended the online meeting of the Not In Our Name Group this month. The group is organising further protests against the tax.

Mayor Dan Straub earlier told Tuesday’s meeting that he had spoken with the chief of staff to Governor Margaret Gardner after council wrote to her calling for her to withhold assent to the new legislation.

Cr Straub said the shire’s position on the tax had been put to the Governor’s office and highlighted the stress it would put on residents and rural communities.

The bottom line of rate bills in Loddon Shire could be 25 per cent higher this year with Loddon Shire preparing a new look notice highlighting the tax amount that

will be sent to the State Revenue Office.

The emergency services tax replaced the fire services levy with increases of up to 150 per cent. Farmers have been given a 12-month reprieve but Premier Jacinta Allan last month linked any extension or adjustment to for them to drought conditions in Victoria.

Meanwhile, the Country Fire Authority last week gave volunteer firefighters details of exemptions available to them.

CEO Greg Leach and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said: “The

Government has determined that the rebate application form will only be accessible to CFA volunteers through our online portal on Members Online.

“This portal will go live in coming weeks – coinciding with the issuing of rates notices.”

Volunteers will have to check their details are correct in CFA’s database to access the Government rebate application form when it goes live.

“CFA is required to verify to Government which volunteers meet the eligibility criteria to enable access to the rebate applica-

tion form,” they told members, “We know this levy has been a contentious issue for many of our members, but our focus is now on making sure volunteers can access the rebate they’re entitled to.”

The rebate on the tax for principal place of residence will be available to operational and support CFA members who have served for at least 12 months, have completed probation, are not suspended on disciplinary grounds and have not taken a leave of absence for the duration of the preceding 12 months.

Margaret Gardner

Ma’am, you’re welcome to pay a visit

Mayor Dan Straub has used an online meeting with her office to suggest the visit.

“We would be delighted to see the Governor visit Loddon towns and during my recent meeting, an invitation was extended for Professor Gardner to include Loddon Shire in the itinerary for her next regional tour,” Cr Straub said last week.

Professor Gardner is a former vice-chancellor at both Monash University and RMIT University and has been the state’s governor since 2023.

“It would be wonderful to welcome Professor Gardner to our shire to meet our people,” he said.

VICTORIAN Governor Margaret Garnder could be headed to Loddon communities.

Challenged, stronger and wiser

MENTALLY and physically challenging but definitely worth it, was the description of the Kokoda Trek undertaken by four Year 11 students from Wedderburn College.

Chantelle Badenhorst, Dakota Martin, Indi Simpson and Tyson Blair all said their experience on the trail was “eye-opening”.

“You learn about what happened at school but actually being there and hearing the stories is a completely different experience, it gives you such a deeper understanding of it,” said Chantelle.

The Kokoda Trail is a singlefile foot thoroughfare that runs 96km through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.

The track is renowned as the location of the World War Two battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942. The track starts at Owers Corner in Central Province, 50KM east of Port Moresby, and then crosses rugged and isolated terrain, which is only passable on foot, to the village of Kokoda in Oro Province. It reaches a height of 2190 metres as it passes around the peak of Mount Bellamy.

The Wedderburn students flew

By RUBY HYLAND

out to the trail on July 4 and returned 12 days later. After returning home Indi said: “I feel like I’ve grown as a person while on the trail, I feel more confident in myself and my abilities.”

Each student was given the name of a solider who had died on the trail to carry with them on their journey, once they arrived at Kokoda, they were able to find their soldiers’ memorial in the cemetery.

“The cemetery was beautifully kept and all the graves had fresh flowers on them, you could tell they had pride in keeping it beautiful,” said Dakota.

The Wedderburn RSL subbranch provided scholarships to students to allow them to travel to Kokoda and walk the trail. The four students met with subbranch president Roger Paterson to share their experiences last Friday.

“The RSL is so pleased they were able to assist in giving young people the opportunity to experience the Kokoda Trail, it’s great to hear about their reflections on the journey and what

they learnt,” said Roger. The group had a total of 42 porters who assisted them in their journey, Dakota credited the porters with preventing her from sliding down the side of the mountains.

“I think I would have had a lot more trouble completing the trek without the help of the porters, we all knew that when they all came and walked with us on the track that we were about to head into a slippery part of the hike,” said Tyson.

During their walk the group had four days of heavy rain, “on day six we walked from lunch to dinner in the rain, by the time we got to camp we had to take the soles out of our shoes and wring them out,” Tyson said.

“That day definitely gave us a bit of an idea on what it was like for the soldiers in that weather,” Indi said.

Each stop along the trail stories were shared about those who fought, died or were injured there. “We heard so many amaz-

The Railway Hotel

ing stories about how brave and determined the soldiers were,” said Dakota. “Surgeon’s rock was the place that shocked me, hearing about soldiers experiencing amputations with barely any pain relief. “We were told to stop and contemplate our lives there and I think everyone got emotional during that.”

After seeing the pillars at Isurava shrine and hearing how

long it took to have them built, Tyson said: “it would be an absolute honour if we could help them build more memorials and pillars along the trail like they want to.”

“It’s up to us now to help spread the stories we were told,” said Indi.

“I’d definitely recommend doing the trek, it helped me develop as a person and is something I will remember forever.”

Chantelle, Indi, Dakota and Tyson back in Wedderburn after their trek and (below) catching up with Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh who was walking Kokoda for a second time

Petition’s eucy only plea

HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition calling on Loddon Shire to drop plans for Mallee fowl signs in Inglewood.

The signatures have come within days of the petition’s launch by Deb Coon and backed by Eucalyptus Distillery Museum volunteers Jeff Hooley and Ian Collie.

They want Inglewood to remain ‘The Blue Eucalyptus Town” as part of a proposed $6 million streetscape program.

Council engaged Bendigo-based Aboriginal company DJANDAK to draft concepts for the project.

DJANDAK wants the Mallee fowl sign in Brooke Street and smaller signs on the town proximity.

Mr Hooley and Mr Collie said the designs “are not the community’s vision, they are being imposed on us”.

“I think there should be a .lot more conversation between the shire and the community,” Mr Hooley said.

Mr Collie said: “It’s our community, it’s our town. We should be the ones making decisions and not people in Bendigo or wherever.”

The museum pair said Inglewood was known for the eucalyptus industry and that branding should not be comprised by Mallee fowl signs.

The petition wants the shire to continue promoting Inglewood as the Blue Eucalyptus Town.

Several other Victorian towns already use the Mallee fowl in their branding but petition promoters said Inglewood was the only town promoting the eucalypt. They have placed the petition at the eucalyptus distillery museum and post office.

We’re a eucy town ... Ian Collie and Jeff Hooley with the petition.

‘Intelligent’ summary’s name change confusion

THE Inglewood streetscape design debate went off the rails last week.

An Artificial Intelligence (AI) summary of community discussion was used online to suggest council was changing the town’s name to Mallee. Loddon Shire acted fast to put real intelligence back into the conversation.

“Aside from being a demonstration of how wrong AI can be and how much caution you should use if relying on it, we would like to make it clear - we are not proposing anything of the sort,” a spokesman said.

Meanwhile, council says its streetscape project team has developed a project management plan that will ensure landscape and construction works associated will need to be carefully planned and phased over time, to ensure disruption to traffic and parking is minimised, access to retail and community services is maintained and general community inconvenience is limited.

There

“A focus for the project team will be to provide constant and comprehensive project updates, supported by the project’s community advisory group, communicating project works, road closures, temporary access arrangements and relevant information to minimise disruption and inconvenience,” it says in answer to questions received through the online consultation.”

Council says the project team has received feedback from residents and non-residents with a range of views regarding the incorporation of Malleefowl in the town-entrance signage design.

“This feedback has been constructive and will be considered by the project and design teams,” according to council.

Streetscape designs were put on display in Inglewood late last week and council has said online consultation will continue. Almost 60 have now submitted feedback through council’s consultation portal.

could be an alternative to main street gum trees

QUANDONG trees could be an alternative to eucalypts proposed to be planted in Brooke Street under the DJANDAK draft plans. Howard Rochester, a former Loddon Shire citizen of the year, has suggested the alternative as residents raise concerns that gums trees could damage planned for footpaths and inhibit

park and pedestrian access in the main street.

“I’d like to see Quandong trees if we had any(thing) in the main street ... plenty in the bush around Inglewood, you can eat the fruit, medium size, no root issues or branches falling off,” he said. Quandong fruit is described as the wild peach of the bush.

LH PHOTO

ARTS AND ACTIVITIES

Alt-rockers book in rural tour

MELBOURNE alt-rock favourites

One More Weekend are heading to the Loddon next month.

The group’s two-day northern Victoria tour will see a meet and greet visits in Pyramid Hill and at East Loddon P12 College.

VICTORIA HOTEL

One More Week aims to bring its high-energy sound and infectious vibes to communities on the Aunty Meredith Tour, in support of their new single “Aunty Meredith”.

Presented in partnership with AMPLIFY, Northern District Community Health and the State Government, the mini-tour will also visit Cohuna, Gunbower and Bendigo.

Fans will get the chance to see support acts, Ryan McPartlane, Elias Lanyon, and Connor Bulger, as the band hits the road to connect with rural audiences.

The tour celebrates the release of the band’s latest single, bringing their electrifying live presence to some of Victoria’s most under represented music hubs.

“The lads and I are super keen to celebrate our new single with our rural family!” said Connor Dougan, lead vocals and rhythm guitar for One More Weekend. “It’s been too long between shows and we can’t wait to entertain you all!”

“We love having One More Weekend perform locally,” said NDCH youth programs co-ordinator Matt Allan.

HOTEL

1874

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Growing plans for market in town

A HANDMADE and homegrown market could be on the horizon for the Wedderburn community later this year.

Wedderburn Hotel owner Craig Fuller has been hard at work with Tina Raewyn to organise a community market.

Craig has been in contact with the Loddon Shire to organise permits for the market to run on the hotel’s land while Tina has been gathering interest and ideas from the community

Tina’s network has many members sharing their homemade, homegrown or handmade products with the community.

Suggestions for the market so far have included “easy listening music and seating is fantastic at markets … anything that encourages people to stay around the event works positively for everyone!” from Coffee to Di for owner Dianne Gordan-Cooke and “A barbecue with some snags and onion in bread” from Verneece Woodman.

Currently the aim is to have the first market in September with many stallholders registering their interest at being a part of the market.

Permits and costs are likely to dictate if this is possible and when the first market can be held.

Loddon has been without a regular market for more than a year.

Love our local!

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm  Dinner from 6.00pm

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Charlton Arts brings back Jazz in July to the Rex Theatre this month.

a loyal fan base in Charlton and beyond — and for good reason.

Lunch from 12.00pm

Trading hours

Dinner from 6.00pm

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Taking centre stage will be the ever-popular Hot B’Hines - a seasoned group of jazz lovers who’ve been bringing us fabulous music for more than 30 years.

Dinner from 6.00pm  Social Darts Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Expect toe-tapping traditional jazz and a band whose joy in playing together is as infectious as their rhythm.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Hot B’Hines back to Charlton,” says Charlton Arts Secretary Carol Bennett. “Their enthusiasm is genuine, their music is topnotch, and they always leave the crowd wanting more.”

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Known for their energy, charm, and polished performances, the Hot B’Hines have

The music may be hot, but the vibe will be cool — especially with a spot of afternoon tea served during intermission.

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Thursday – Open Midday

Saturday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm  Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm  Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm With Hot Bar Snacks,

Sisters enjoy a regular catch-up at Wedderburn’s 24 Karat Cafe

Hot vibes coming back to the Rex

One More Weekend is coming to Loddon communities

WEDDERBURN Lions Club has been given a four-year extension on using land in Wilson Street for a proposed supported residential facility.

Loddon Shire councillors on Tuesday agreed to the keeping the land available for the club until 2029.

The Lions told council that with the support of local members of Parliament, Inglewood and District Health Service and other key stakeholders, they continued to seek funding and support for a proposed facility

The plans date back to 2016 when the club first approached council about the former Wedderburn Primary School site. An extension was granted in 2020.

Since then Ambulance Victoria has also, with the support of the Lions Club, proposed an ambulance station for the site.

Mayor Dan Straub said: “We are providing the land at no cost to the club, but all costs relating to the facility will be met by parties other than council.”

Each new council has agreed to four-year extensions of the land use offer since Lions first floated the project. The club completed an updated feasibility plan three years ago.

LODDON Shire Council says its customer service always goes above and beyond in helping the public – a fact recognised year after year in Community Satisfaction Surveys – but there’s always room to improve and we want you to help us do that.

Council will released its draft customer experience strategy 2025-2029 for public comment after it was presented at Tuesday’s meeting.

The draft strategy seeks to build a customer-driven culture through a variety of means, but also by building on the good work of a previous strategy adopted in 2018.

It highlights the importance of providing a responsive, accessible and efficient service to all customers and the value of using a blend of traditional and modern systems and processes to deliver a positive customer experience.

The draft strategy also made use of community feedback earlier this year in towns across the shire seeking information in a range of things from preferred methods of payment to how residents preferred to interact with council staff.

Those results confirmed the need for an approach mixing modern and traditional methods – residents preferring to pay online but wanting to speak

A NEW waste water management has been proposed by Loddon Shire to better manage future human and environmental health protection.

Townships included in the new onsite waste water management plan being put out for comment are Dingee, Eddington, Korong Vale, Laanecoorie, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Serpentine and Tarnagulla.

Council said properties outside of these towns are considered rural and do not form part of the risk assessment process used to develop the plan.

They are considered lower risk and applications for onsite wastewater management are dealt with on an individual basis.

“This is an important plan, particularly for those in our smaller communities,” said Mayor Dan Straub.

to someone in person over the phone.

Mayor Dan Straub said customer service was how most residents interacted with Council and it was important to get it right.

“While residents are positive about the service they get from staff in the annual community satisfaction survey, we can always do better and this strategy guides us in how to do that.”

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on We are in this together, and together we will get through.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au

Passion and judging delight

BRUCE Rollinson had praise for Merino breeders whose passion he said he helped them present quality animals at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

He had been judging strong wool sheep at the show in Bendigo last weekend.

“The sheep have been very well presented,” he said.

Mr Rollinson was also on the judging panel for the show’s major events including the March shorn pairs that saw Loddon studs Terrick West and Kedleston Park make the final five.

The son of of Bob Rollinson, of Mysia’s Concordia Merino

The Rollinson family has expanded the operations during the past 20 years while remaining true to the property’s integrity and founding values more than a century ago.

,Goolgumbla produces free growing, long-stapled, highly fertile merino sheep. We cut on average 7.5 kg of wool per head with a fibre diameter of 21 micron.

CLEARING SALE

A/C ESTATE OF MR D. CLAXTON

41 EILES ROAD, MAIDEN GULLY

Vintage Tractors, Cars, Stationary Engines & Sundries

AUCTION OPENS: 14TH AUGUST AT 9AM

AUCTION COUNTDOWN TIMER ON: 18 TH AUGUST AT 4PM

Vintage Tractors & Cars: 1939 Rare prewar Lanz Bulldog (Going), 1927 Morris Cowley Tourer (Going), 1928 Morris Cowley Sedan (Going), 1938 Morris 8 Saloon (Going), 1952 Fordson Major EIA Petrol/ Kero model, 1952 Fordson Major E27N Tractor, 2 X Fordson F Model Tractors (Steel Wheels), Ferguson TEA Tractor, Ferguson grey Tractor (painted red)

Steam & Stationary Engines: Jelbart 12HP Engine on transports (almost complete), Hornsby & Sons 6HP ball covered engine, 1927 Ronaldson &Tippett 6HP Engine on transports, Clutterbuck No777 Engine, Waterloo Boy gasoline 5HP Engine, Large assortment of Lister, Roseberry, Rushton &Hornsby, International, Kelly & Lewis, Buzzacott, Fairbanks, Wolsley, Banford in various conditions, Blackstone 3HP oil engine, JAP England petrol engine plus a host more entries of engines & steam parts. Please refer to the full catalogue.

Sundries: Numerous sized steam whistles, antique farm implements including Hay Baler, Mulboard Plough, Ploughs, Qty lots of oilers & magnetos in bulk lots, various saw bench’s/ swing saws, 3PL 6’ Grader Blade, 3PL Ripper, 3PL Scoops, 14’ X 6’ tilt tandem car trailer, 3 X various farm trailers, anvil, Assorted ammo boxes with tools, chains, ropes & sundries, antique tin trunks (2).Extension & step ladders, various oil bottle/ cans/ signs, Assorted tools (Electric & Hand), Antique & Vintage blow/oil lamps, Stihl chainsaw & Blower, Air compressor, assort water skis (Single & Multiple), rare collection fortified port (24 lots approx.) Plus host of sundries too numerous to particularise.

Terms: Invoices will be emailed to successful purchases within 48hrs of completion of sale.

Direct Deposit payment on completion of the sale. Payment receipt to be presented at collection of goods.

All Accounts to be settled prior to collection of goods. Strictly NO Payments to be made on the day of collection No GST or Buyers Premium Applicable

Inspection Dates: Saturday 2nd August from 9.00am to 12.00pm, Saturday 9th August from 9.00am to 12.00pm.

Mechanic on-site from 10am to 11am to start vehicles.

https://auctionsplus.com.au/auctions/machinery/estate-of-mr-d-claxton-fp-nevins-inglewood-vi/126456

On Auctions Plus Search: Estate of Mr D Claxton

Collection Date: Saturday 23rd August from 9am-1pm

Photos & Catalogue Details: https://auctionsplus.com.au/auctions/machinery/estate-of-mr-dclaxton-fp-nevins-inglewood-vi/126456

On Auctions Plus Search: Estate of Mr D Claxton

Further Particulars: Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166 Flynn Lock: 0490 371 475

DOES

Core flocks behind lift in show standard

STUD breeders had kept their core flocks during a tough season and kept improving the quality of their sheep, Terrick West’s Ross McGauchie said last Friday.

Between exhibiting sheep in the nation’s leading industry showcase, Mr McGauchie said while some farm stock sizes had been reduced, studs had maintained their commitment with genetics built up over many years.

“The recent rains have been enough to keep people going and things have certainly bright-

ened up on what they were two months ago,” he said.

“We need more rains as the moisture levels are not deep at the moment.”

Mr McGauchie said the show’s quality had again lifted this year.

“The quality gets better every year,” he said.

Terrick West won Reserve Champion March Shorn Ram of the show as well as Reserve Champion Victorian bred ram and on the Champion fine/medium March shorn ram and ewe and sold five rams at action.

WOOL REPORT

It was another increase in the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator, continuing its unbeaten start to the 2025/26 wool selling season; all three sale weeks since July 1 have closed higher. The AWEX-EMI rose 10 cents to finish at 1221 cents, breaking above its previous trading range of 1190–1210 cents and reaching its highest level in three months. In US dollar terms the AWEXEMI also rose (reaching an 18-month high) supported by a strengthening Australian dollar. This week's offering was relatively modest at 23,623 bales due to a Sydney/Melbourne-only rostering (there are limited volumes in Fremantle at this time of the year). The strongest gains came on the first day, with the Merino Fleece sector rising 5 to 10 cents. Wednesday displayed more irregular activity, particularly in Sydney, where a few small pockets of weakness were recorded in the finer microns. In contrast, Melbourne continued to firm through to the close. Stylish superfine types with indemandspecifications attracted strong buyer support in both centres during the sale.

Merino Skirtings remained firm. Best-style, good-length lots with low vegetable matter continued to attract good support and are trading at solid premiums over other types.

Crossbreds also continued to find favour, adding 20 cents in Sydney this week to the 28-Micron Price Guide and pushing it close to the 500-cent level. Now at a four-year high, the MPG has risen 39% over the past nine months. Merino Cardings firmed a few cents for the sale.

Volumes rise to 38,044 bales next week with Fremantle returning to the national roster as a one-day sale. The auctions will be final week of wool sales before the annual three-week August recess.

Source: AWEX

Stud, he manages the family’s Goolgumbla Stud in New South Wales.

Bob and Bruce Rollinson at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. LH PHOTO

Ross and Claire McGauchie during the March-shorn pair final. LH PHOTO

Grand fleece 20 years in making

A CONSISTENT campaign over 20 years has seen Calivil’s John Humbert claim the nation’s premier fleece prize.

The owner of Kedleston Park Merino Stud last week was last week awarded the 2025 Grand Champion title at the Australian Fleece Competition in Bendigo at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

“This is the biggest prize ever,” an elated John said after dominating the commercial fleece sections in recent years.

“And it’s the first time a medium wool fleece has won the grand champion title.”

John said the 19.7 micron fleece had come from a September shearing of older ewes.

“We’ve been winning ribbons for 20 years so it’s not a flash in the pan,” he said.

This year’s competition featured entries from all Australian wool-growing states and catered to the full spectrum of wool types from the finest Merinos through to British Breeds. Fleeces ranged in micron from 12.7 to 54.5, demonstrating the incredible depth and diversity of the national wool clip.

Mark Symes, who has been a judge in the competition for the last two years, praised the dedication of exhibitors.

“It was brilliant to see so many exhibitors bring so much enthusiasm to the competition this year. Off the back of a challenging year, the quality and quantity of entries was outstanding,” Symes said.

The Grand Champion fleece, measuring 19.7 micron, came from the Fine Medium Merino Stud Ewe or Wether class and scored 95.85 out of a possible 100 points.

John said: “We are really excited and proud to have won the Grand Champion fleece award at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, fulfilling a twenty-year ambition. John said.

The Reserve Grand Champion Fleece was awarded to M & H Green, Boudjah, Nimmitabel, New South Wales, with a Superfine Merino Ewe fleece, scoring 95.50 and measuring 18.0 micron.

Judges for the 2025 competition were Mark Symes, G Schneider Australia Pty Ltd, and David

Hart, Nutrien Ag Solutions. Mr Hart noted the exceptional depth of quality across all classes this year.

“Overall, the competition is a terrific showcase for our wool industry and wool growers. The breeding and management skill behind these fleeces is extraordinary,” Mr Hart said.

Competition convenor and Nutrien Ag Solutions Wool Account Manager, Candice Cordy, said the number of entries and exhibitors reflects the continued commitment of growers to the wool industry.

“We’ve seen strong support again this year, with entries continuing to grow year on year,”

Cordy said. All fleeces were weighed and sampled under AWTA’s standard procedures, including objective measurement of length and strength.

The competition is a collaboration between the Australian Sheep Breeders Association, the Australian Wool Testing Authority and Nutrien.

Success at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show extended beyond the fleece sections for Kedlestone Park. The stud won the Grand Champion March-shorn strong wool poll ewe after similar success at the Victorian show in Ballarat last month.

Loddon studs are now preparing for their annual ram sales.

Ms

Rosemary and John Humbert of Kedleston Park stud with their Grand Champion Fleece and (right) Longdale Park’s Forbes Kirk. LH PHOTOS

Stuart Mill’s Brad Medlyn (centre) with Dale and Stacey McCoy enjoy the show

Norm Weir (centre) checks the running order for the nation’s top sheep competition

SHEEP AND LAMBS

THERE were modest supply increases over lamb and mutton for a mixed winter yarding of 18,667 head at Bendigo on Monday.

Quality stock with weight and condition were again in the minority in both the lamb and sheep offerings.

On the demand side a couple of buyers were again absent and some were quiet, a major NSW exporter back buying sheep but not lambs.

The lamb market fluctuated, opening $10 to $20/head cheaper before gaining momentum to end up dearer towards the end of the auction.

There was a new Bendigo record of $441 set for a pen of export lambs that were unshorn January drop crossbreds that weren’t super heavy so had a higher carcass price cost than the previous record of $435/head here last month.

Overall there was still a general price spread of 1000c/kg to 1300c/kg cwt over most of the processing lambs weighing above 21kg cwt.

Price averages did work out lower for some grades at 1050c to 1180c/kg cwt, but that was linked to mixed lamb quality and the cheaper rates early in the sale.

The very best pens of neat and hard-fed lambs in short skins sold at high levels to match recent buoyant results at an estimated 1200c to 1300c/kg plus. It was a very mixed yarding of light lambs under 20kg cwt and plain-

er crossbreds, Dorpers and Merinos lacking finish were cheaper.

Not many export lambs over 30kg cwt at $369 to $441/head.

The heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs from $284 to $389/head. Lead of the trade lambs $260 to $327/ head; lighter and plainer trades $210 to $240/head.

The best fed Merino lambs with weight and finish were firm to dearer at $265 to a top of $352/ head.

Where the market did show a weaker trend was on lighter mixed lambs of all breeds, a lot of lambs under 20kg cwt from $115 to $185/head.

The sheep sale also fluctuated starting strong on the main runs before becoming weaker and varied on the smaller and mixed pen lots sold after the lamb run.

The estimated range for most mutton was 660c to 780c/kg cwt. Big crossbred ewes $215 to $268/head; lead of Merino ewes $235 to $265/head.

Main runs of leaner trade sheep $140 to $210/head. Lightest ewes mostly $80 to $130/head.

EXOTIC LAMB

B Maloney Bagshot North (15) $240.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

Tuohey Family Trust Colbinabbin (52) $441. Jenames Pty Ltd Berriwillock (63) $400. M & M Ryan Kilmore (49) $379. OST Elmore (75) $366. AJ & CA & KG & PH Jones Glenloth East (52) $345. Fig Tree Lucerne Koyuga (96) $335. M Borger Colbinabbin (8)

$333. Hino Investments P/L Tatura (37) $328. Dueran Pastoral Tallygaroopna (29) $294. A & B Rhodes Shady Creek (26) $254.

MERINO LAMBS

Sheridan Family Trust Donald (27) $203. JT Driscoll St Arnaud (167) $180. LF Medlyn Carapooee (65) $184. G Nesbit Glenalbyn (65)$176.

DORPER LAMBS

R Fisicaro Blighty (32) $272. M Marchetti Echuca West (16) $226. R Crossley Booligal (114) $212.

MERINO WETHERS

CR McLeod (Estate) Kirwans Bridge (95) $182.

CROSSBRED EWES

GK & TA Turnbull Bridgewater (79) $265. R & D Trewick Elmore (8)$215. R Crossley Booligal (186) $175. M Marchetti Echuca West (21) $169.

MERINO EWES

Farley Family Trust Derrinal (51)

$230. D & C Gunther Pyramid Hill (240) $220. GJ Chandler Barmah (15) $190. Cresswell Trading Beazleys Bridge (43) $186. K Blanchard Charlton (22) $170. Ravens-hoe Pastoral Ravenswood (17) $160. L Gleeson & Sons Moormbool West (71) $149.

Next week’s draw: Elders, Nevins, Nutrien, Nuttal, McKean McGregor.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Another very strong market with trade lambs the highlight.

Monday, July 14th, 2025 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 10,000 | Sheep - 4,500

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

Alex Collins - 0408 314 768

Will Lowe - 0498 381 584

Will Holt - 0417 686 814

Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844

Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371 Lachie McAllister - 0459 310 797

Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832

Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917

Mitch A’Vard - 0429 966 572

Murray McKenzie judges fine medium Merino classes at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show with Terrick West stud gaining the nod in the March-shorn class. LH PHOTO

FEATURES | OPINION & QUIZ

Why opposites in engagement?

Tighten wind regulations, says Chris Earl

THE warnings have been issued for more than two years - renewable energy projects proposed for the region risk dividing communities.

Whether the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line or the antics of wind farm speculators picking off “interested” landowners with hopes of putting turbines right next door to those who oppose their project, the consultation landscape is already littered with consultation and engagement styles that have drawn criticism.

LETTERS TO EDITOR

Concerning ‘eucy myths’

Sir, I’m writing in response to criticisms from some members of the public regarding the planting of eucalypts in Inglewood.

As an arborist with over 40 years of experience, I find such comments, often based on misinformation and myths, concerning.

The notion that eucalypts are inherently unsuitable for street planting is a broad generalization that ignores the incredible diversity within the genus.

With nearly 900 species, eucalypts range from towering forest giants to small, ornamental varieties which are perfectly suited for urban environments.

Many species are compact, have non-invasive root systems, and offer beautiful foliage and flowers without posing a nuisance.

What’s more, they are vital for attracting native birds and animals, providing essential food and habitat.

Furthermore, when considering trees for our local environment, we cannot improve on 60

Renewable energy projects and speculators are receiving the imprimatur of government to disrupt country communities.

Apart for an environmental effects statement process, there appears little structure to how these proposals are rolled out.

Wind farm speculators in particular could take a leaf out of the book used by mining companies at every step - prospecting, exploration, mining itself.

Loddon communities have seen the level of engagement, the approach to sharing a jour-

million years of evolution. Eucalypts are uniquely adapted to our climate and soils, making them superior to many exotic trees that may struggle with our conditions and offer little ecological benefit to native wildlife.

Educating ourselves on the vast array of Eucalypt species available is crucial before dismissing them outright.

Choosing the right species for the right location can enhance our streetscapes with beautiful, drought-tolerant, and ecologically valuable native trees.

PeterGoegan Wedderburn

Memories of The Oldtimers

Sir, Picking up the Loddon Herald (june 12) with a photo of Glenda Hunter on the front and reference to the Wedderburn Old Timers brought back many memories of those times 50 years ago.

Reaching Page 15, I said that’s my mum, Doris McNaulty sitting third from the right with the ladies in front of the stage, then my sister said that’s my father-in-

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT LAND ACCESS LAWS

Richard Evans wrote: Shocking policy by Labor, you can blame Jacinta when the first person to illegally enter gets

shot or run over by a tractor. The fact labor have claimed this project has been well consulted and is popular is clearly not the case if they are now trying to implement policy like thiS.

No Navarre Wind Factory - Save Our

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com

OPINION PIECES

The

ney, displayed by Catalyst Metals around its project near Mitiamo where people, it would seem, are kept informed of plans.

Wind farm speculators, to date, whether near Boort or now Pyramid Hill, have been slow off the mark in openly communicating what they want from our prime agricultural land. In its haste to drive a renewable energy agenda, the Federal and State Governments have failed to date to properly structure how these speculators operate and engage in our communities.

law, Ron McNally, at the back of the stage on the right.

Dad and Mum, Lex and Doris McNaulty loved The Oldtimers and travelled all over following them at every opportunity and were able to dance well into their 80’s. It brought them a lot of pleasure and I am sure put an extra spring in their step.

They looked forward to the dances and balls and meeting up with their good friends Hec and Mavis McGregor and dancers they met from far and wide along the way.

Mum was a first cousin of Lindsay, Trevor and Glenda and was proud of what The Oldtimers had achieved for themselves and the town of Wedderburn and the pleasure they gave people.

I remember Ted Stephenson and Ron McNally being the Emcee at some of the local dances and balls.

I would love to know who the other people are sitting along the stage and what hall that ball was held in. Mavis McGregor is the first lady on the right in the photo.

Thank you for the great write up.

FayeRodger BurkesFlat

1. What is the longest river in the world?

2. In which year did the Melbourne city loop begin operating?

3. The Thar Desert is the only desert in which country?

4. What gas do we inhale?

5. And what gas do we exhale?

6. What name is given to a group of stars?

7. Which dairy product is used in making Tzatziki?

8. The Berlin Wall fell in which year?

9. Which bird can fly backwards?

10. AUKUS is a security partnership between which three countries?

11. Which sporting event was held for the first time in

12. True or false - Mr Potato Head was the fist toy to be advertised on TV.

13. Pogonophobia is the fear of what?

14. Who would take silk as part of their job?

T HE silence said it all. Apparently some people were experiencing (surprise, surprise) internet connectivity issues the other night in one Loddon town. Frustrated customer found a small window of service and posted to social media asking others if they were having the same challenges. No reactions, no replies ... guess that meant a yes to the question.

DID you know? There were 25.21 million internet users in Australia in January 2024. Australia’s internet penetration rate stood at 94.9 per cent of the total population at the start of 2024. Kepios analysis indicates that internet users in Australia increased by 248,000 (one per cent between January 2023 and January 2024.

OBiodiversity Paradise wrote: They will have unlimited power to enter your land and home and they don’t have to follow any process to do so. Our rights and YOUR rights are at stake- we all need to make a stand!

BUSHY TALES BY IAN JONES

okla, describing itself as a global leader in connectivity intelligence, says users of social media sites, internet providers, and gaming sites and services suffered the most disruptions last year according to Downdetector data on the world’s biggest outages. And the worst part of the world for these outages - you guessed it, Asia Pacific that includes the Land of Oz.

16. What is the name of the

17. In which country would you find mountains called ‘Munros’?

18. If you were to meet the Pope, what would the correct term of address be?

19. Vermillion is a shade of which colour?

20. What happens to deciduous trees once a year?

HEARD one scallywag dropped into Inglewood cafes over the weekend, surveyed the fine selection of winterwarming pies on display, only to lament the absence of a special varieity. “Where’s the Mallee fowl pie,” he quipped as the town has a conversation about its draft streetscape design.

AND while we are talking about hot food, heard a great new excuse to tuck in to chocolate at the footy on Saturday. One-eyed Redback had just finished consuming a takeaway tub of dim sims. “Felt like them with some soy sauce ... now for the chocolate to take away the taste.”

CHOCOLATE blocks of the standard size seem to be smaller these days. Does that mean only a glass of milk in every block?

15. Bill Gates co-founded which company?

first James Bond novel?

1. The Nile 2. 1981 3. India 4. Oxygen 5. Carbon Dioxide 6. Constellation 7. Yoghurt 8. 1989 9. Hummingbird 10. Australia, United Kingdom, United States 11. 1924 12. True 13. Beards 14. Barrister 15. Microsoft 16.

The Loddon Herald’s GARY WALSH has returned from his latest European adventure, exploring cemeteries of World War one where

Nothing is forgotten

IN THE First World War cemetery at Tyne Cot in Belgium lie almost 12,000 dead –many of them Australians, most of whose identity is unknown – who were killed during the Third Battle of Ypres, sometimes known as Passchendaele.

The battle against German forces began at the end of July 1917 and ended a little more than three months later.

The Allies – Australians, New Zealanders, British, French, Belgians, Canadians and South Africans – won the battle and claimed the strategic town of Passchendaele.

They had advanced less than 10 kilometres, and 500,000 soldiers from both sides of the conflict had been killed or injured.

To stand on the manicured lawns of Tyne Cot, amid thousands of neat white headstones framed by a memorial that lists the names of almost 35,000 soldiers whose graves are not known, is to be surrounded, quite literally, by the futility of war.

The massive scale of the death on the Western Front in Belgium and France, and the contrasting mundanity of the sites being fought over, is hard to comprehend.

German-held Mouquet Farm, which sat on a rise just outside Pozieres in France and was deemed critical to the Allied advance, was attacked three times by Australian troops over a period of less than a month in 1916, unsuccessfully, and with 11,000 casualties.

In the end, the British officers then running the Somme campaign simply decided to go around the farm, off-handedly consigning the dead and wounded to being footnotes in history.

Mouquet Farm — known to the Diggers as Moo Cow Farm or Mucky Farm — has been rebuilt after the destruction of the war; a neat, utterly ordinary rural French property amid green rolling hills, with only the nearby war cemetery marking it as something significant.

Australians played a pivotal role in fighting on the Western Front and their courage and sacrifice is commemorated throughout the region.

Memorials are everywhere, and a host of villages in Belgium and France tell of their historic connection with Australia –none more so than Villers-Bretonneux in France.

This small town had been captured by

the Germans on April 24, 1918, and it was feared the enemy would soon take the nearby communications and transport hub of Amiens, and then drive for the coast, splitting the French and British lines.

Two Australian brigades attacked that night, one from the south and one from the north, and by late the next morning, with the loss of 1200 men, Villers-Brettoneux was retaken.

It was the third anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and the Germans would get no closer to Amiens for the rest of the war.

Victorian children raised money to rebuild the Villers-Brettoneux school, and today a sign in the playground and every classroom of the Victoria School proudly

says, “N’oublions jamais l’Australie” — “Never Forget Australia”.

The imposing Australian National Memorial sits just outside the town, with its own cemetery, and nestled beneath it is the outstanding Sir John Monash Centre, a museum that pays tribute to the soldiers who fought around here, and their eventual commander, whose brilliant reputation was forged during the Somme campaign.

In its own way, the centre’s design is a nod to the trenches and tunnels that characterised the Western Front.

Perhaps the most moving of all the Western Front monuments is at Polygon Wood, a scene of fierce fighting during the Third Battle of Ypres.

Two young Queensland brothers took part in that battle, and Private John Hunter died in his brother Jim’s arms.

The story – and its almost incredible sequel – led to the commissioning of a magnificent bronze sculpture by Melbourne artist Louis Laumen, to commemorate not only the Hunters but to recognise families which sent more than one member to war. John was hastily buried by Jim covered in a groundsheet, and was listed among those whose grave was unknown.

In 2006, a road construction team near Polygon Wood unearthed the remains of five soldiers, three of whom would be identified by DNA testing.

Private J. Hunter is now buried in the cemetery at Polygon Wood between two of the comrades with whom he shared his grave — one of them Sergeant G. Calder of Goldsborough, Victoria, just outside Dunolly.

A photograph of Wedderburn’s Albert Jacka, VC, being presented with the Military Cross for his valour in the disastrous battle of Bullecourt appears on the side of a public building in Pozieres.

It is said that Jacka deserved another Victoria Cross but his rebellious streak and disdain for army protocol saw him receive the lesser honour.

The region’s biggest town, Ypres, was levelled during the fighting, but reconstruction began soon after the war ended, with the aim of restoring it to its former splendour.

The monumental Cloth Hall, a sign of the town’s importance as a Middle Ages trading centre, now houses In Flanders Fields Museum, which tells movingly of the battles more than a century ago.

And every evening at sunset, people gather silently at Ypres’ Menin Gate, which is inscribed with the names of almost 55,000 Commonwealth soldiers whose graves are unknown, for the Last Post ceremony.

Today, the Somme is a gentle river flowing through lovely countryside in France’s Picardy region; Ypres is a glorious tribute to dedication and memory; Polygon Wood is a sanctuary of walking and riding trails; Pozieres is a bustling market town; VillersBrettoneux a sleepy village.

Much has changed. But nothing is forgotten.

BUCHANAN (nee Norwood)

Irene Patricia “Rose” 02/02/1927 – 20/07/2025

Loved Wife of Ken (Dec).

Loved Mother and Mother in Law of Alan (Dec) and Kerry, John and Tanya.

Loved Grandma of Lloyd, Kristy, Nikki; Kelly, Sherryn, Brett and Mitchell.

Loved Great Grandma of 15.

FUNERAL NOTICE

BUCHANAN

A Graveside Funeral Service for Mrs Irene Patricia “Rose” Buchanan will be held at the Boort Lawn Cemetery on Monday July 28th at 10.30 AM

To View by Live Stream go to adamsfunerals.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

Expression of Interest -Toyota Hiace Bus

Council is seeking expressions of interest for the purchase of a Toyota Hiace bus, which has reached its end-of-life as a council asset. This 11-seater bus was purchased in March 2000. The current odometer is 252,015 kms and it is in fair condition.

For further details and photos please follow the link below: http://www.vendorpanel.com.au/tenders

Search for Loddon Shire Council open Tenders and Expressions of Interest Expressions of interest close 5:00pm Thursday 7 August 2025.

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR AN EXPLORATION LICENCE

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 – Section 15(5)

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 – Regulation 22(1) and Schedule 1

1. Name and address of applicant(s):

Wolf Gold P/L

c/- PO Box 240, Essendon North VIC 3041, Mobile: 0419 912 844

2. Contact details of applicant (for map and other information requests): Andrew Radonjic, Mobile: 0419 912 844, Email: andrew.radonjic@wolfgold.com.au

3. Applicant’s Website (see notes) Further information about this application is available at the following website: https://wolfgold. wixsite.com/wolfgold/community, or https:// resources.vic.gov.au/licensing-approvals/ have-your-say

4. Details of the application: Application number: EL008673

Locality of the land to which the application relates: 18km east of St Arnaud and 4km south of Wedderburn

Approximate area of the application

(Graticular Sections): 452

Date of the application: 3 July 2025

Term the licence is applied for: 5 years

Outline of the proposed program of work: Desktop study, mapping, sampling, geophysics, drilling,

5. Objections and Comments:

Any person may object or comment to a licence being granted. (Sections 24 and 24A, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990).

A person who objects or comments must: a. put the objection or comment in writing; and b. include the grounds on which it is made. All objections or comments must be lodged within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised and can be lodged online or posted to:

The Minister for Energy and Resources c/- Manager Licensing, Earth Resources Regulator, PO Box 500, East Melbourne Victoria 8002

It is recommended that objections or comments are lodged online at https://rram-vic-gov.my.site.com/ ObjectionSubmission to ensure timely consideration.

Enquiries can be made by writing to the Manager Licensing at the above address or by phone to ERR 136 186.

6. Other information:

Subject to other requirements being satisfied, an exploration licence, if granted, entitles the holder of the licence to explore and search for minerals in the relevant land, but does not entitle the holder to undertake mining. Further information regarding the requirements that must be complied with prior to work being undertaken is available at: https://resources. vic.gov.au/community-and-land-use.

EMPLOYMENT

Careers at Loddon

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.

Senior Environmental Health O cer

 Permanent, full-time position

 An attractive salary range of $100,154.60 - $111,273.24 per annum plus employersuperannuation

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce with carpooling services available between Marong and Wedderburn Applications for the position above will close on Monday 4 August 2025 at 5pm.

Maternal and Child Health Nurse

 Casual position

 An attractive hourly rate of $73.15$78.84

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce with carpooling services available between Marong and Wedderburn Applications for the position above will be considered as they are received

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 OrganisationDevelopment Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

MEETING

Katherine’s big juggle

By FIONA HALL

IN THE heart of Boort, one woman is the glue holding together Saturday netball, mid-week meetings, umpire rosters, and family dinners.

Katherine Lanyon’s netball journey began decades ago with a school newsletter in suburban Melbourne and has since evolved into a life devoted to sport, family, and community.

“I started playing in primary school for Nunawading Netball Club,” Katherine recalls.

“We weren’t a netball family, but I saw an ad in the school newsletter and decided to give it a go. My parents were total newbies!”

But from that first Saturday morning at H.E. Parker Reserve in Heathmont, Katherine was hooked.

As a teenager and young adult in Melbourne, netball filled her weeknights. “I was playing up to three nights a week — indoor netball, mixed netball, even netball with nets at indoor cricket centres. It was seriously fun.”

When she met her husband Steve and eventually moved to Boort in 2004, she found herself casually joining the Boort Netball Club. Casual soon became committed. “I’ve been hanging around the BNC ever since. I haven’t played every single year — babies will do that to you — but I still love getting out there.

“Especially with my mates. That’s what keeps me dragging the old body back each week!”

These days, Katherine’s impact is felt far beyond the sidelines. She’s the Secretary of the North Central Netball Association, a Boort Netball Club committee member, canteen manager, and umpire — all while still pulling on the bib to play.

“It’s definitely a juggle,” she admits. “I’m thankful when the away games come around — home games are non-stop. I’m in the canteen from 7am, then umpiring, playing, and trying to watch the girls where I can.”

It’s a family affair too. “Steve’s a great support. He helps with scoring and first aid — it’s definitely easier now he’s retired from footy and no one’s in a pram!”

Their five daughters have all grown up immersed in netball. “Four out of five are totally obsessed. I’ve been lucky enough to play senior games with three of them. Not sure I’ll make it to Juliette’s debut — but I’ll try!”

What gives her the most joy is seeing her daughters fall in love with the game and the club in the same way she did.

“They love the mateship, the teamwork, and the club culture. We talk a lot about loyalty and how netball isn’t a game for in-

dividuals. It’s about putting the team first.”

Though she came to umpiring later in life, Katherine has become a strong advocate for it — both for the game and for young players.

“I wish I’d started earlier. I was so nervous at first — nearly ill before my first game! But now I really enjoy it. We have to find seven umpires every week, and that’s not always easy.”

She brings her player perspective to her umpiring. “I appreciate a strong umpire who’s clear and calm — that’s what I try to be. It’s not just about making the right calls, it’s about controlling the conduct of the game. If you lose that, things can unravel quickly.”

She’s especially proud of BNC’s mentoring program for developing umpires. “It’s great helping the new ones. I want them to feel supported and confident.”

Katherine’s volunteer journey with the Boort Netball Club started modestly — around a kitchen table with handwritten minutes. Before long, she found herself President. “I must have been incredibly inexperienced, but things felt simpler back then. I’ve contributed in lots of ways over the years and enjoyed every minute.”

She’s passionate about building a strong club culture and inclusive community. “BNC has always been a welcoming place. So many players have made new friends here, and our senior girls genuinely care for one another. They share their knowledge and skills — and plenty of laughter.”

Even now, life members regularly return to support and connect. “That says a lot about our club.” As NCNA Secretary, Katherine had to step down from her BNC Secretary role due to regulations — a decision that’s placed extra pressure on the committee. But she doesn’t regret her commitment.

“Everything I do isn’t just for me or my girls — it’s for the entire club. I want every member, especially the kids, to have the best experience possible.”

Katherine acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges in community sport can be navigating parent expectations. “Some are understandably focused on their own child’s game time and development, but team sport is about much more than that. Clear, respectful communication is essential — and so is always focusing on the positives in our club.”

Despite the balancing act and occasional challenges, Katherine remains proud and optimistic. “I am pleased to confirm that the challenges have never outweighed the positive and encouraging environment at our club.”

Katherine is mindful of the bigger picture and the importance of building for the future. “BNC’s in a great spot right now with strong junior numbers, but we know it won’t last forever. Some clubs are really struggling, and without players, there’s only so much you can do. That’s why it’s vital we keep encouraging participation —

and look after those who are already here.”

When it comes to game day, Katherine’s got her rituals.

“My mates, plenty of laughter, two pairs of socks and a well-inflated ball — that’s all I need.”

She’s also quick to acknowledge those who have inspired her. “Leanna and Kristen — I admire their endless knowledge and their ‘netball brains’. You either have them or you don’t, and they both have such a calm, clever way of playing and teaching the game.”

And after decades of dedication, one moment stands out. “Winning the C Grade premiership in 2023 — that was such a special day. I hadn’t won a grand final since juniors, and to share it with all my close mates made it the best!”

Thursday nights are still a highlight — even if Katherine no longer trains.

“There’s always plenty to do behind the scenes. But then we all sit down — netballers and footy players — for a two-course meal, plenty of laughs and stories. It’s the heart of the club.”

For Katherine Lanyon, netball is more than a game. It’s connection, community, and contribution. Through every goal scored, every umpire’s whistle, and every meal served in the canteen, she’s helping shape the future of local sport — one Saturday at a time.

Katherine Lanyon (right) on canteen duty

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(73) GOALS - St Arnaud: J. Kell

J. Hicks, H. Torney, T. Ward, S. Elliott. Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Landry 3, N. Wight, Z. Wemyss, B. Weir, J. Clohesy.

SENIORS

Newbridge 1.2 1.2 1.4 4.8 (32) Mitiamo 4.6 5.8 11.13 13.17 (95)

GOALS - Newbridge: B. Schilling 3, C. Argus. Mitiamo: D. Thomas 4, K. Galvin, A. Lloyd 3, S. Wright, A. Cussen, B. Baines.

BEST - Newbridge: T. Hobson, C. Argus, A. Padbury, J. Teasdale, C. Sanders, L. Nihill. Mitiamo: M. Gilmour, T. Rasmussen, J. Daglish, Z. Myers, J. Matthews, B. Laird. Inglewood 6.1 8.7 12.10 16.13 (109) Pyramid Hill 1.0 4.3 7.5 9.11 (65)

GOALS - Inglewood: S. Erharter 4, L. Ford, F. Payne, L. Harris 2, T. Murphy, C. March, R. Tresize, K. Cavallaro, B. Cotchett, D. Polack. Pyramid Hill: B. Bisset, H. Goodes 4, J. Cheesman.

BEST - Inglewood: T. Kennedy, B. Cotchett, H. Veitch, G. Nevins, C. Stobaus, J. Hood. Pyramid Hill: G. James, K. Daniels, R. Semmel, D. Morison, M. Gunther, B. George. Calivil 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 (10) Bridgewater 4.4 7.5 13.10 22.16 (148)

GOALS - Calivil: H. McCarthy. Bridgewater: L. Sharp 11, O. Muggleton, B. Alexander 2, J. Merrin, A. Powell, N. Naughton, J. Roberts, L. Ellings, H. McKinley 1, T. Estrada. BEST - Calivil: R. Walsh, R. Lourie, J. Manderson, H. McCarthy, S. Green, J. Maher. Bridgewater: L. Ellings, L. Sharp, J. Martyn, A. Powell, H. Conway, D. Ferguson.

BL Serpentine 4.2 6.6 8.9 14.12 (96) Maiden Gully 0.2 5.2 6.6 8.6 (54)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington 4, J. Laird, H. Gadsden, J. Wilkinson, N. Kemp 2, A. Brohm, J. Bailey. Maiden Gully: A. Monfries 5, A. Robins, T. James, M. Hil. BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: N. Kemp, T. Miles, J. Laird, J. Addlem, N. Twigg, R. Turner. Maiden Gully: S. Fiske, A. Monfries, G. Brown, S. Moyle, M. Whitham, M. Hill

UNDER 18

Maiden Gully

GOALS - Bridgewater: Not supplied. Maiden Gully: L. Hancock 4, L. Budge 3, S. Neervoort 2, O. Bowman, O. Taylor, D. Vallance.

BEST - St Arnaud: J. Kell, Z. Notting, B. Knight, S. Elliott, T. Ward, R. Burke. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Clohesy, L. Martin, B. Weir, C. Elliott, I. Durie, T. Griffiths.

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(122)

GOALS - Wedderburn: L. Maher, C. Hargreaves. Birchip Watchem: A. Hay 7, T. Colbert, S. Pye, C. Goode, C. Lee 2, R. Hogan Jr, M. Rickard, A. Noonan.

BEST - Wedderburn: R. Tonkin, R. Holt, J. Hall, C. Hargreaves, A. Smith, L. Sims. Birchip Watchem: A. Hay, S. Pye, C. Lee, R. Hogan Jr, T. Colbert, G. Addis.

RESERVES

(88)

(9)

GOALS - Inglewood: A. Bennett 5, J. Bennett, T. Stevenson, J. Stokes 2, J. Rouse, J. Essex. Pyramid Hill: R. Pollock. BEST - Inglewood: A. Bennett, D. Gorrie, C. Martin, J. Bennett, J. Leach, J. Rutter. Pyramid Hill: P. Monaghan, J. Simpson, N. Moon, J. Douch, K. Quinn, R. Delamare.

Newbridge 1.3 6.9 9.12 11.18 (84)

Mitiamo 0.0 1.1 2.1 2.1 (13)

GOALS - Newbridge: C. Lakey 6, A. Moore 2, L. Costelow, T. Fox, C. Grant. Mitiamo: M. Hocking, C. Milne. BEST - Newbridge: C. Lakey, J. McLeod, A. Moore, K. Bertuch, T. Fox, O. Friswell. Mitiamo: J. Price, E. Hocking, J. Cassells, M. Hocking, J. Rasmussen, A. Daley. Calivil 0.0 1.0 3.1 4.2 (26) Bridgewater 3.5 9.8 11.11 15.13 (103)

GOALS - Calivil: B. Richards, T. Harcourt, N. Cartwright, T. Wakefield. Bridgewater: M. Bourke, J. Campbell 3, B. Holt 2, R. Commons, J. McKinley, M. Brooks, D. Valentini, D. Maher, X. Walsh.

BEST - Calivil: J. Coad, B. Richards, C. Binnie, M. Gray, B. Dowton, B. Jenkin. Bridgewater: X. Walsh, C. Clapp, T. Naughton, J. McKinley, J. Higgins.

BL Serpentine

(66) Maiden Gully

5.3 (33)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Podosky 4, F. Holland 2, C. O’Shannessy, J. Murley, D. McKay, I. JohnstoneMcCloud. Maiden Gully: J. Doolan 2, J. Thompson, R. Crothers, T. Baker.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. O’Shannessy, C. Tuohey, M. Frecker, T. Clarke, J. Podosky, D. Davies, Maiden Gully: K. Nicholls, K. Griffin, M. James, T. Baker, H. Kleehammer, H. Devanny.

Marong 13 13 0 0 2 450.65 52

Bridgewater 14 11 3 0 1 214.37 44

Inglewood 14 11 3 0

BEST - Bridgewater: Not supplied. Maiden Gully: L. Budge, h. carter, C. Attard, Z. Turner, O. Bowman, T. Brook. Inglewood 7.11

Pyramid Hill

(112)

GOALS - Inglewood: M. Pickering 6, W. Schepers 5, R. Murphy 2, X. Wilson, R. Ing. Pyramid Hill: T. Pritchard 2, K. Roberts, K. Manton, J. Mitchell.

BEST - Inglewood: T. Lovett, B. Smyth, T. Thompson, R. Ing, R. Smith, E. Weston. Pyramid Hill: T. Pritchard, M. Caspani, T. Caine, O. Emmerson, J. Hercott.

- Boort: J. Baker 2, C. Hatcher. Calder United: C. Fawcett 3, R. Allan 2, J. Turner, G. Forrester, T. Trewin, B. Barker.

BEST - Boort: A. Trethowan, J. Baker, J. Dowling, J. Hall, J. Sheahan, P. O’Rourke. Calder United: C. Fawcett, H. Connolly, J. Ison, A. Forrester, R. Botheras, J. Morrison.

NORTH CENTRAL

SENIORS

GOALS - Charlton: A. Patterson 4, S. Zagame, T. Finlay, K. Clifford 2, L. Collins, M. Heenan, B. Kemp, M. Collins. Donald: J. Talty, B. Arho, K. Green, R. Bath, L. Rice.

BEST - Charlton: L. Collins, B. Xiriha, M. Heenan, M. Collins, A. Patterson, J. Zagame. Donald Seniors: K. Green, R. Young, J. Adams, B. Griffiths, J. Talty, D. Bell-Warren. St Arnaud 0.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 (18)

Sea Lake Nandaly 9.8 10.12 18.17 21.23 (149)

GOALS - St Arnaud: C. Zander, D. Schilder, Z. Phillips. Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon 6, T. Donnan 3, A. Collins, J. Summerhayes, A. Pattison 2, J. Jenkins, O. Brownless, K. Donnan, R. O’Sullivan, C. Tait, W. Donnan.

BEST - St Arnaud: T. Bertalli, D. Schilder, H. Saunders, H. Durward, K. Torney, M. Goode. Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, T. Donnan, W. Donnan, B. Adcock, A. Mertz, J. Poulton.

Boort 3.2

Calder United 3.1

UNDER 17

- Charlton: S. Zagame, L. Van Boven, J. Monaghan, M. Fitzpatrick, J. Wright, E. Soulsby. Donald: L. Rice, O. Brennan, J. Geddes, B. Cumming.

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- Boort: C. Gooding, L. Boyd, D. Perryman, C. Hird, C. Gould, B. McPherson. Calder United: T. Perry, T. Vearing, A. Cowell, J. Cavalier, Z. Cavalier, B. Chapman.

(32)

- Wedderburn: A. Smith, B. Cunningham, J. Dingfelder, T. Lowe, M. Dean. Birchip Watchem: C. Daniel, N. Dean, K. Hamilton, T. Atkinson.

(37)

- St Arnaud: F. Wilson, F. Donald, S. Bridgeman, A. Wickham, T. Berryman, W. Thomas. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Kelly, B. Allan, H. Warne, O. Conlan, B. Barbary, C. Mott.

(64)

(120)

GOALS - Boort: E. Coleman 3, J. Keeble 2, T. Potter, T. Rutley, J. Baddeley-Kelly, C. Egan. Calder United: J. Humphreys 6, D. Munro, Z. Caccaviello, S. Kennedy 2, R. Smith, Z. Keighran, G. Turner, K. Hommelhoff.

BEST - Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly, C. Egan, M. Austin, J. Keeble, K. Rutley, K. Jaksic. Calder United: Not supplied.

Wedderburn

(81)

Birchip Watchem 6.5 10.7 15.12 15.14 (104)

GOALS - Wedderburn: M. Jensen 4, J. Miller, M. McEwen 2, J. McEwen, O. Holt, D. Benaim, I. Holt. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 7, R. Conboy 4, N. Rippon 2, J. Christie, H. Hosking.

BEST - Wedderburn: I. Holt, M. Jensen, J. McEwen, M. Robinson, Z. Pallpratt, J. Mortlock. Birchip Watchem: B. Lakin, B. Edwards, R. Conboy, L. Ryan, A. Dean, W. Lee.

Birchip Watchem

RESERVES

GOALS - Charlton: L. Holmes-Brown 3, L. Dunne, E. Needs 2, J. Boyles, B. Rogers. Donald: J. Pearce, G. Morgan. BEST - Charlton: L. Dunne, D. McCallum, P. Sait, L. Holmes-Brown, D. Whykes, J. Boyles. Donald: D. Tatarskyj, G. Pearse, S. Pearse, B. Harrison, J. Tellefson, J. Pearce.

UNDER 14

- Wedderburn: J. Benaim, Z. Polkinghorne,

W. Collins, B. Noordennen. Birchip Watchem: Not

(7)

- Boort: N. Howe, T. Trinchi, B. Gilmore, C. Gleeson, W. Brooks. Calder United: Z. Cavalier, H. Humphreys, M. Beattie, L. Hall, B. Hogan, T. Harrison.

(9)

- St Arnaud: C. Hendy, F. Wilson, L. Lowe, I. Johns, S. Kay, X. Taylor,. Sea Lake Nandaly: Not

(18) BEST - Charlton: C. Zagame, L. Monaghan, D. Olive, F. Zagame, J. Bartlett, M. Elso. Donald: J. Italia, S. Mortlock, J. Joseph, R. Clark, I. Stirling, D. Burke. St Arnaud

LODDON VALLEY

Noodles transformed after stint kicking morning dew Tournament opening day cracks 100 competitors

By GARY WALSH

JUST two months ago, Bridgewater’s Nic Naughton was kicking the dew off the grass in the reserves.

Coach Lachlan Sharp and the selection committee dropped him for two matches to let him find some form in the seconds.

When he returned to the senior side, wingman Naughton was transformed into a pressure forward, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Naughton – ‘Noodles’ to his teammates –was OK with being dropped, and more than OK with being given a different role in his second coming.

He’d always considered himself to be a forward being played out of position.

And the proof is in the pudding –Naughton, 22, has kicked a goal in each of his seven matches up forward, including bags of five against reigning premiers Marong and three against last season’s other grand finalist Pyramid Hill.

All seven of those matches have been wins as the Mean Machine has surged to the top of the ladder.

“I was lucky to get on the end of five that day (against Marong),” he said.

“Everyone else does a fair bit of work up the ground, and I was lucky to have a couple of great forwards in Sharpy and Oscar McKinley down there taking the two best defenders.”

Bridgewater footy club runs in the family – father Wayne was a premiership player in 1991 – but Nic’s journey began in the under10s at Marong.

He stayed there until the under-16s and transferred to Bridgey as soon as the opportunity to play under-18 football arose.

That happened when he was just 12.

Naughton’s first senior game was in 2019, when he was 16 and the under-18s had a week off. He was a regular in the senor side when COVID hit, and his reaction to the pandemic is an unusual one.

“It made you a bit lazy,” Naughton said. “I struggled with motivation, and when footy came back I was a bit of a lazy footballer.

“Everyone likes a bit of a break, don’t they?”

The COVID years did give “lazy” Nic a chance to work on his skills and the onetouch football with which he prides himself.

Now that he appears to have convinced the coaching staff that he is a natural forward, Naughton wants to keep on improving.

With fly in-fly out McKinley absent last week against Calivil and also unavailable this coming round, Naughton welcomes the

NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

MEN

extra responsibility but also notes that the forward line is a “collective”.

And he admits that thoughts can occasionally stray to what might be ahead for the Mean Machine in 2025.

“It’s hard not to fall into the trap of looking at the finals, but we still have a job to do,” Naughton said.

“We still have to focus on what we have got ahead and play each minute as it comes.”

Any coach would be delighted to hear such words from a young player, and Sharp in his first year as solo coach has made a huge impression on Naughton, who clearly has learnt well.

“Sharpy’s unbelievable. He’s developed a great culture on and off the field.

“When you need a kick up the arse you get a kick up the arse, but you can also have a bit of fun with him off the field, and that is really important.

“That is what drives a young group. With a coach like that you can have a bit of fun on and off the field.”

Naughton said Sharp has provided “a new voice” after Rick Ladson’s departure from Bridgewater.

“We’re playing the same sort of system, but Sharpy’s way.”

Family has always been important for Naughton, who plays at Bridgey with brothers James and Toby.

In 2022 they managed to play together in a senior game, but injury has restricted Toby to mainly reserves football since then.

St Arnaud d Sea Lake Nandaly 3-1. Charlton lost to Donald 1-6. Boort lost to Calder United 1-2..

Ladder: St Arnaud 26, Calder United 22, Donald 22, Boort 17, Wedderburn 14, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, Charlton 0.

WOMEN

St Arnaud d Sea Lake Nandaly 10-0, Charlton d Donald 16-1. Boort lost to Calder United 0-3.

Ladder: St Arnaud 30, Charlton 24, Calder United 24, Boort 15, Wedderburn 10, Donald 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 0.

UNDERAGE

St Arnaud drew with Sea Lake Nandaly 3-3, Charlton d Donald 9-1, Boort drew with Calder United 1-1.

Ladder: Charlton 30, St Arnaud 22, Donald 15, Boort 13, Calder United 11, Birchip Watchem 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 7. UNDER 12

St Arnaud d Sea Lake Nandaly 2-0, Charlton d Donald 4-1, Wedderburn lost to Birchip Watchem 2-3, Boort lost to Calder United 1-3.

Ladder: Calder United 31, Charlton 31, Birchip Watchem 30, St Arnaud 22, Wedderburn 10, Boort 7, Donald 6, Sea Lake Nandaly 4.

Naughton was raised on the family farm at Lockwood, where his tennis fanatic parents had a court on which the youngsters were always having a hit.

Tennis is still part of Naughton’s life.

Earlier this year he played with his mother, aunt and cousin in the Derby team that made the grand final in the Marong tennis association but fell at the last hurdle.

“It’s just about being able to have a bit of fun, having a bit of a laugh with the family.”

Naughton also turned out four times for Bridgewater on the club’s return to the Upper Loddon cricket competition after a year in recess.

He said if the club was able to field a team next summer, he might turn to cricket and put tennis on the back burner for a while.

Whatever he chooses, he’s never far away from the sporting field.

That’s true in a literal sense, as Naughton has worked for the past five years for Bridgewater president Tim Ferguson as a mechanic at Ferguson Motors on the Calder Highway, almost in the shadow of the light towers at the Mean Machine’s home ground.

And at home is dad Wayne, who is on the Loddon Valley league’s board.

Throw in Sharpy, and there’s a decent crop of mentors for a young bloke to follow.

Sensibly, he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself, and he hates talking about himself.

He’s not one to pump himself up, Naughton says, “although maybe at 12 o’clock at a nightclub I might get going.”

President Brenton Henderson and life member Angela Poxon cut the cake at Boort Hockey Club’s 60th birthday celebrations at the weekend. Henderson commented on the hockey shed being nearly completed, the completion of new training shirts for all grades this year and our new goalie shirts. Past and present players and life members attended the event.

BOORT’S annual tournament attracted an excellent field, with 102 players participating on the Friday Men’s and Ladies Fourball event, 36 players in the individual 27-hole event on Saturday, and 61 players for the 3-person ambrose on Sunday.

The $10,000 hole-in-one prize did not go off, but it created a lot of interest and excitement for all those who took part over the weekend in glorious weather conditions.

Men’s A Grade winners in the Fourball were Hamish Lanyon and Greg Carbis with 45 points, ahead of Paddy Carmody and Jed Stewart.

B Grade was won by Mal Goldsworthy and Steven Toose on 48 points, with Caleb Smith and Cameron Roulston runners-up. The Ladies event was taken out by Pam Goldsworthy and Di Johnson on 46 points, ahead of Wendy Laffin and Chris Livingstone.

The 27-hole scratch contest in A Grade Men’s was won by Craig Burn with 105, while Tom Gross took out the nett prize with 104.5.

The Ladies 18 nett event went to Di Johnston with 71, ahead of Pam Goldsworthy on 77. Sunday’s ambrose was won by Cam, Aiden and Jules Roulston on 66/57.3; the nett winners with 60 were James, Shelley and Tom Gross.

Nett runners-up were Gil and Stuart Tweddle and Andrew Kane on 60.2, while third place went to Jamie Sutton, Ewan Collins and Joe Kane with 60.3.

Overall winner of the nearest the pin contest was Doug Couper (0.73m).

Mitiamo

Matt Miles has taken out the Mitiamo Golf Club Championship, with a score of 230. Runner-up was Brad “Chunkie” Duncan who scored 246 and was also the nett winner on 218.

B Grade was won by Ray Boyd who scored 267, ahead of Graham Maxted’s 272.

Nett winner was Bruce Lawry on 217.

The C Grade Trout Memorial Trophy went to Sam Wilson with 323, with Nathan Dennis runnerup on 325, who also won the nett prize with 226.

Maxted won the Sunday A Grade competition with 84/66, and Miles was runner-up on 74/68. B Grade went to Terry Dzufer (89/67) with Wilson (111/75) in second place. NTPs went to Graham Maxted for his second shot on hole No.7 and Barry Meighan on No.11, while Count the Putts was won by Kyan Maxted with 22.

Tarnagulla

A frosty Saturday morning turned into a beautiful afternoon for the club’s pairs event.

Winners were Jill Sharpe and Dave Shay, who one-putted on five of the nine sand greens, with father-and-son team of Jason and Jeremy Cassar in second place. Jeremy Cassar also took out both the longest drive and nearest the pin awards.

Second term success paves winning way

UNBEATEN Wedderburn was given a scare in North Central netball, with the Redbacks pushed right to the line by fourth-placed Birchip Watchem in A Grade.

And Boort has lost second spot on the ladder despite a win against Calder United.

It was a tight contest at Wedderburn in all but the second quarter, when Wedderburn’s 18 goals to nine gave the team what proved to be a winning break.

The Bulls outscored the home side by three goals in the second half but could not bridge the gap established in the second term.

Wedderburn coach Susie Lockhart wasn’t surprised by Birchip’s challenge, her team having beaten the Bulls by just six goals earlier in the season.

“We knew it was going to be a good game,” she said.

“They’ve got the two Angel sisters who are pretty tall, and good accurate shooters.”

Goal defence Maddi Postle was best for the Redbacks, with goal shooter Paige Stephenson also standing out in what Lockhart said was a genuine team performance.

Wedderburn’s premiership chances have been boosted by having this year’s grand final scheduled for its Donaldson Park home courts.

“It’s terrific news, thrilling,” Lockhart said.

“It’s excellent for Wedderburn as a club, and excellent if we get to play there on the day.”

She admitted that it had to be an advantage if the Redbacks were to make the grand final.

Boort defeated Calder United by nine goals to return to the winning list but was nudged out of second place on percentage by Sea Lake Nandaly, which thrashed St Arnaud by 46 goals.

Boort, missing key players to the point where the club feared it would have to forfeit, lost to Sea Lake by 16 goals in the round

before the competition bye during the school holidays. That loss may have severe consequences when it comes to getting the double chance in the finals.

With four rounds remaining, the Magpies are likely to win comfortably against St Arnaud and Charlton, but face Birchip this week and then arch-rivals Wedderburn a week later.

Those two clashes will decide whether Boort can claim a top two spot in the four-team finals series.

„ Sea Lake Nandaly held winless bottom side St Arnaud to just 12 goals in their clash.

The win took the Tigers to a 9-3 record and second place.

„ Donald won its third match for the season with a 17-goal victory over Charlton.

The Royal Blues are out of finals contention but are now three games clear of the Navies in sixth place.

The battle for fourth spot and a finals berth is a tight one, with Birchip and Calder both with 6-6 records and the Bulls ahead by just under 3 per cent.

Both teams face the bottom three sides in the last four rounds, with Birchip against Boort this week and Calder to face Sea Lake in the final round of the season in what shapes as a thrilling finale to the home and away matches.

Holdstock has height advantage

PYRAMID Hill flirted with hitting the century mark against Inglewood in Loddon Valley A Grade netball, but in the end had to settle for 97 goals and a 73-goal win.

The percentage booster came on the back of a stellar performance from goal shooter Jess Holdstock, who turned her height advantage over the Woodies’ defenders into a goal spree.

The Bulldogs, last season’s runners up, shot 29 goals to three in the last quarter against the overstretched Inglewood team.

After a relatively sedate start when Pyramid Hill led 14-8 at quarter-time, the Bulldogs piled on 26, 28, and 29 goals respectively in the last three terms.

It was the second straight match in which Inglewood’s opponents scored 97 goals, after reigning premiers Mitiamo went big in the previous round.

Morgan Dingwall at goal attack worked beautifully with Holdstock, with the two fed constantly by the Bulldogs mid-court of Abbey Dingwall, Laura Herbert and captain Gemma Scott. Inglewood never gave up, but

were outclassed by a taller, faster and more skilled opposition.

Goal attack Teresa Fitzpatrick battled hard against the odds, especially in the first half when her side was more competitive.

Pyramid Hill has this week’s bye, while Inglewood meets Calivil, which sits in second-last place on the ladder, giving the Woodies some optimism for a first win for the season.

„ Bears Lagoon Serpentine kept alive its finals hopes with a 34-goal win over Maiden Gully.

The Bears sit in sixth spot, one game behind Marong and with an inferior percentage.

Serp was always in control against the Eagles, streaking away in the last quarter when it piled on 18 goals to five.

A huge test awaits the Bears this week, when they travel to Mitiamo to face the ladder leaders.

Maiden Gully is at home to Marong, who had last week’s bye.

„ Mitiamo’s unbeaten season rolled along with a 61-38 win over third-placed Newbridge.

Scores were level at quarter-

LODDON VALLEY NORTH CENTRAL

A Grade

Calivil 12, 21, 36, 47, (47) lost to Bridgewater 20, 38, 57, 74, (74). Newbridge 12, 21, 26, 38, (38) lost to Mitiamo 12, 31, 45, 61, (61). Inglewood 8, 16, 21, 24, (24) lost to Pyramid Hill 14, 40, 68, 97, (97). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 15, 31, 45, 63, (63) d Maiden Gully 9, 18, 24, 29, (29).

Mitiamo 52

Pyramid Hill 48

Newbridge 36

Bridgewater 32

Marong 28

BL Serpentine 24

Maiden Gully 12

Calivil United 8

Inglewood 0

A Reserve

Bears Lagoon Serpentine 6, 12, 20, 25, (25) lost to Maiden Gully 8, 26, 40, 57, (57). Newbridge 17, 30, 42, 52, (52) d Mitiamo 7, 18, 25, 36, (36). Inglewood 4, 11, 16, 19, (19) lost to Pyramid Hill 17, 36, 54, 75, (75). Calivil (31) lost to Bridgewater (53). .

48

40

Gully 40

Hill 38

30

22

14

BL Serpentine 8

Inglewood 0

B Grade

Inglewood 2, 5, 7, 8, (8) lost to Pyramid Hill 13, 32, 41, 59, (59). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 8, 17, 23, 26, (26) lost to Maiden Gully 5, 13, 22, 28, (28). Newbridge 9, 23, 38, 45, (45) d Mitiamo 6, 12, 18, 29, (29). Calivil 2, 13, 19, 22, (22) lost to Bridgewater 16, 28, 36, 51, (51).

Bridgewater 52 Marong 44 Newbridge 40 Pyramid Hill 34

Gully 30

Serpentine 16

United 12 Mitiamo 8 Inglewood 4

B Reserve

Inglewood 6, 13, 19, 23, (23) lost to Pyramid Hill 8, 18, 29, 37, (37). Calivil 7, 13, 21, 27, (27) lost to Bridgewater 12, 27, 38, 52, (52). Newbridge 11, 23, 33, 45, (45) d Mitiamo 6, 9, 14, 19, (19). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 6, 9, 14, 21, (21) lost to Maiden Gully 4, 11, 21, 32, (32.)

Bridgewater 48

Maiden Gully 44 Pyramid Hill 44 Newbridge 36 Marong 24

Inglewood 24 Calivil 16 BL Serpentine 4 Mitiamo 0

Under 17

Calivil 14, 28, 39, 50, (50) d Bridgewater 9, 20, 32, 46, (46). Newbridge 5, 10, 19, 26, (26) drew with Mitiamo 12, 15, 23, 26, (26). Inglewood 9, 16, 21, 34, (34) d Pyramid Hill 7, 15, 26, 33, (33) Bears Lagoon Serpentine 9, 15, 19, 28, (28) lost to Maiden Gully 9, 20, 30, 39, (39).

Calivil 48

Bridgewater 44

Marong 36

Maiden Gully 36

BL Serpentine 24

time as the Maroons took it up to the premiership favourites, but by the main break the Superoos had moved to a 10-goal lead.

Miti extended that lead in both periods of the second half, again stamping its authority as the team to beat in 2025.

The Superoos remain four points ahead of Pyramid Hill on the ladder, with a game in hand, and are almost certain to hold on to top spot entering the finals.

Finishing with the minor premiership will give the team a week off at the beginning of the finals.

„ Bridgewater recorded a comfortable win over Calivil, 74-47, to keep its hold on fourth place on the ladder.

The Mean Machine led all day, increasing its margin over the Demons in every quarter.

The win leaves Bridgewater a game and percentage ahead of Marong, with a finals appearance seemingly guaranteed with three rounds left.

The Mean Machine hosts Newbridge this week, with Calivil travelling to Inglewood.

A Grade

St Arnaud 4, 5, 9, 12, (12) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 11, 27, 43, 58, (58). Charlton 10, 18, 26, 35, (35) lost to Donald 8, 21, 36, 52, (52). Boort 14, 28, 39, 51, (51) d Calder United 14, 21, 32, 40, (40). Wedderburn 13, 31, 46, 58, (58) d Birchip Watchem 11, 20, 35, 50, (50).

Wedderburn 48

Sea Lake Nandaly 36

Boort 36, Birchip Watchem 24

Calder United 24

Donald 16

Charlton 6, St Arnaud 2

B Grade

Charlton 11, 17, 24, 27, (27) lost to Donald 13, 24, 27, 36, (36). St Arnaud 10, 20, 33, 41, (41) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 11, 18, 29, 42, (42). Boort 12, 18, 21, 28, (28) lost to Calder United 9, 20, 32, 45, (45). Wedderburn 13, 30, 43, 57, (57) d Birchip Watchem 12, 19, 21, 33, (33).

Wedderburn 48

Boort 40

Calder United 36

Birchip Watchem 28

St Arnaud 20

Donald 10

Sea Lake Nandaly 10

Charlton 0 C Grade

Charlton 8, 15, 23, 37, (37) d Donald 8, 13, 23, 35, (35). St Arnaud 10, 18, 29, 37, (37) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 20, 28, 42, (42). Boort 7, 13, 22, 25, (25) lost to alder United 14, 24, 34, 45, (45). Wedderburn 12, 28, 32, 43, (43) d Birchip Watchem 10, 18, 31, 39, (39).

Calder United 44 Wedderburn 36 Sea Lake Nandaly

Mitiamo 18

Pyramid Hill 16

Inglewood 10

Newbridge 4

Under 15

Calivil 18, 32, 43, 51, (51) d Bridgewater 7, 11, 18, 27, (27). Inglewood 3, 6, 12, 18, (18) lost to Pyramid Hill 10, 16, 19, 25, (25). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 6, 17, 23, 24, (24) lost to Maiden Gully 13, 20, 31, 36, (36). Newbridge 8, 10, 17, 23, (23) lost to Mitiamo 4, 8, 17, 24, (24).

Calivil 52

Marong 40

Bridgewater 36

BL Serpentine 36

Maiden Guly 26

Pyramid Hill 22

Inglewood 20

Mitiamo 8

Newbridge 0

Under 13

Calivil 6, 8, 11, 23, (23) d Bridgewater 4, 15, 21, 22, (22). Newbridge 18, 33, 45, 52, (52) d Mitiamo 1, 1, 1, 2, (2). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 1, 2, 4, 6, (6) lost to Maiden Gully 6, 15, 25, 31, (31). Inglewood 1, 4, 9, 15, (15) lost to Pyramid Hill 13, 19, 24, 32, (32).

Newbridge 52

Marong 36

Calivil 36

Maiden Gully 36

Pyramid Hill 28

Bridgewater 24

Inglewood 16 BL Serpentine 8 Mitiamo 4

Boort 9, 19, 30, 38, (38) d Calder United 9, 17, 26, 32, (32). St Arnaud 1, 2, 2, 5, (5) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 18, 36, 56, 71, (71). Wedderburn 12, 23, 30, 38, (38) lost to Birchip Watchem 16, 29, 46, 62, (62).

Sea Lake Nandaly 36

Boort 28

Calder United 20

Birchip Watchem 12

Wedderburn 8 St Arnaud 6. 17 & Under

St Arnaud 13, 23, 38, 53, (53) d Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 23, 34, 47, (47). Boort 5, 12, 22, 29, (29) lost to Calder United 18, 32, 47, 57, (57). Wedderburn 4, 14, 25, 29, (29) lost to Birchip Watchem 11, 26, 34, 51, (51). Charlton 15, 29, 39, 43, (43) d Donald 9, 15, 20, 39, (39).

Calder United 44

Birchip Watchem 40

St Arnaud 34

Boort 34

Sea Lake Nandaly 20

Charlton 12

Wedderburn 4

Donald 0 14 & Under A

Charlton 1, 4, 7, 11, (11) lost to Donald 8, 21, 31, 38, (38). St Arnaud d Sea Lake Nandaly 31-4. Boort 10, 18, 23, 29, (29) d Calder United 1, 5, 9, 12,

Wedderburn’s Maddi Postle in defence ... best for the Redbacks in a fighting win over the Bulls. LH PHOTO

GOALKICKING

LODDON VALLEY

86 - (11) - Lachie Sharp - Bridgewater

64 - (4) - Benjamin Bisset - Pyramid Hill

53 - (4) - Seb Erharter - Inglewood

52 - (4) - Josh Mellington - BL Serpentine

38 - (0) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

35 - (3) - Billy Schilling - Newbridge

34 - (0) - Kain Robins - Marong 28

RESERVES

34 - (0) - David Blume - Marong

32 - (1) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill

31 - (0) - Sebastian De Napoli - Marong

27 - (0) - Cooper Hale - Marong

22 - (0) - Tom Grant -

Bulls’ mountain too tall

A BRAVE last quarter fightback from Wedderburn against unbeaten Birchip Watchem fell short in the North Central league, leaving the Redbacks with a mountain to climb to make the finals.

Wedderburn trailed by 49 points at three-quarter time but added 4.4 to 0.2 in the final term to go down by 23 points.

For coach Tom Metherell it was a frustrating example of his team’s inability to play four consistent quarters against the top sides.

“I could not fault the effort at all,” he said, but bemoaned giving the ladder leaders a six-goal head start.

The Redbacks have a potential percentage booster this week against winless Donald, but the weather forecast suggests high scoring will be difficult.

- Marong

23 - (0) - Wilhelm Thomson - Marong

19 - (0) - Tyler Murphy - Inglewood

17 - (3) - Liam Budge - Maiden Gully NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS

83 - (7) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

60 - (1) - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort

44 - (0) - Jack Exell - Calder United

42 - (4) - Mitch Jensen - Wedderburn

35 - (6) - Max Cahoon - Sea Lake Nandaly

29 - (0) - Kayne Rutley - Boort

27 - (2) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem

25 - (6) - Jordan Humphreys - Calder United

22 - (2) - Adam Pattison - Sea Lake Nandaly RESERVES

36 - (0) - Alex Cockerell - Boort

29 - (7) - Alexander Hay - Birchip Watchem

27 - (0) - Matthew Berry - Birchip Watchem

24 - (1) - Zachary Wemyss - Sea Lake Nandaly

23 - (0) - John Summerhayes - Sea Lake Nandaly

22 - (1) - George Forrester - Calder United

THIS SATURDAY

LODDON VALLEY

Mitiamo v Bears Lagoon Serpentine Maiden Gully v Marong Inglewood v Calivil Bridgewater v Newbridge Pyramid Hill bye NORTH CENTRAL

Sea Lake Nandaly v Charlton Wedderburn v Donald Calder United v St Arnaud Birchip Watchem v Boort

League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au

Then Wedderburn has a classic eight-pointer against Boort, who fourth spot the Redbacks are hoping to steal.

Boort has Birchip Watchem this week, so the likelihood is Wedderburn will close within four points of the Magpies if they can beat their Loddon Shire rivals.

Boort’s final two matches are against the bottom two sides, St Arnaud and Donald, while the Redbacks have a tough assignment against reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly before hosting St Arnaud in the final round.

“Anything can happen,” Metherell said.

“If we can play four quarters of what we played in the last quarter and in parts of the second quarter, there’s no reason why we can’t beat any team.”

Birchip Watchem’s 35-point lead at quarter-time proved insurmountable.

“We gave them a six-goal lead with a fair breeze behind them that then dropped.

“You could say Birchip took their foot off the pedal, but I don’t believe in that stuff, especially with a good side like them.”

Mitch Jensen kicked four goals to be among Wedderburn’s best, along with Isaac Holt, Jackson McEwen and developing ruckman Mark Robinson.

+ Boort once again found it difficult to beat a top side, falling by 56 points to Calder United.

The Magpies led at quartertime by a point and trailed by only 15 points at the long break,

FROM PAGE 24

but the Lions kicked 10 goals to three in the second half.

Boort’s season has been characterised by big wins against the poorer teams – consecutive victories by 188 points against Charton and 167 points against Donald in rounds two and three saw them top the ladder – but struggles to beat the big three sides.

A narrow win against Sea Lake Nandaly in round four is the outlier for the Magpies, but since then they have failed to beat another team in the top four.

Jhye Baddeley-Kelly only kicked one goal against the Tigers but still was named the team’s best player.

He has booted 60 goals for the season and must be in contention for the Feeny Medal for the competition’s best-and-fairest player.

Small forward Carlos Egan,

Magpies hunt a lifeline

Bardsley said some of the club’s junior teams were struggling for numbers without having senior sides on the park.

He was confident, however, that Maryborough could field senior teams if the club found a home for next season.

“It would most likely be a young side; we’re not going to throw heaps of money around,” Bardsley said.

Maryborough had lost 62 consecutive senior games when it went into recess this season and finished 2024 with a percentage of just 14.36, with its last win in 2021.

With the MCDFNL door closed pending further talks, a return to the Bendigo league not an option, and also having been rebuffed by the Central Highlands league last season, the Magpies future may rest with a welcoming Loddon Valley.

Matt Austin and James Keeble were also among Boort’s best on the day.

+ Charlton won its fourth match for the season with a 62-point win over Donald, the Navies’ biggest since pre-COVID days.

Winless in 2025, Charlton has been the big improver in the league, winning all its matches against fellow strugglers St Arnaud and Donald.

The Navies cruised home on the back of a 6.5 to 0.0 first quarter, with Liam Collins, Ben Xiriha,

and

+ Sea Lake Nandaly made an early statement against St Arnaud, banging on 9.8 to nothing with a strong first-quarter breeze at the Tigers’ backs.

The Saints battled hard and got some reward in the second quarter when they kicked two goals to one, but 11 goals to Sea Lake after half-time to St Arnaud’s single last-quarter goal saw the Tigers home by 131 points.

Donaldson Park locked in to host North Central league showdown

WEDDERBURN will host the 2025 North Central grand finals in football and netball; the first time Donaldson Park has been the venue for the decider since 2015. The preliminary final will be played at St Arnaud, with the first semi-final at Birchip and the second semi at Boort.

League officials and club presidents met last Wednesday to sign off on the finals venues.

Wedderburn was meant

to host the 2024 grand final but the Redbacks’ run to the preliminary final saw the game switched to Donald.

Construction of Donaldson Park’s new clubrooms meant the venue was unable to host any finals in 2023 as well, so the decision to play the decider there this season is overdue.

Redbacks senior coach Tom Metherell said the ground’s surface had “a few issues” following last year’s floods, with parts of the

oval draining poorly after rain.

However, North Central rules and events manager, Lance Standfield, was confident Donaldson Park would be in prime condition for the grand final. He said soil testing would be done this week as the Wedderburn ground staff began preparations for the big day.

Wedderburn is a strong chance to be figuring in at least two grades of netball grand finals.

Mason Kennan

coach Mitch Collins named as best.

- GARY WALSH

Wedderburn showing grit against the Bulls. LH PHOTOS

INGLEWOOD is finals bound after claiming its first top-four scalp of the season with a powerful win over Pyramid Hill.

While Maiden Gully can still catch Inglewood and sneak into fifth spot, the Eagles can’t afford to drop another match, with Marong, Inglewood in a pivotal clash, and Pyramid Hill to come.

Led by a commanding performance by ruckman Tom Kennedy, the Woodies were in front all day against the third-placed Bulldogs, winning by 44 points.

Kennedy spent 100 per cent of game time on the field and had to battle opposition rucks Lachlan Sidebottom and high-leaping Kai Daniels.

He did so with aplomb, giving his midfielders first use of the ball all day.

Star onballer Bregon Cotchett feasted off Kennedy’s elite tap work, while young star Gabe Nevins used his line-breaking speed off half-back to keep the Pyramid Hill defence constantly under pressure.

“It was a huge job by the big fella,” coach Fergus Payne said of Kennedy’s performance. “It’s the best game I’ve seen him play in my time here.”

Inglewood kicked the first five goals of the match and led 6.1 to 1.0 at quarter-time.

Veteran onballer Ben Knight gave his teammates an almighty expletive filled rev-up at the break before a visibly angry coach Nathan Fitzpatrick took his turn.

The Bulldogs were better in the second term but could only manage a slight trimming of the margin by kicking 3.3 to 2.6, with the highlight a fine goal from deep in the pocket from spearhead Ben Bisset.

Pyramid Hill kicked three quick goals at the beginning of the third quarter to get within 16 points of the Woodies.

However, four successive majors, including one after a bad

turnover from Daniels, who had been marking strongly at halfback, stretched the lead to 35 points at the final change.

The margin swelled to 61 points before the Bulldogs kicked the last two goals of the match in registering their second big loss in a row.

Pyramid Hill was undermanned, with almost half of its

best team sidelined, but Inglewood also had key players missing including important forward Liam Marciano and centre halfback Josh Whittle.

The Bulldogs’ best were Gavin James, Ryan Semmel and Dylan Morison, with Daniels also named among the best for around-theground performance.

The Woodies have won three

Inglewood’s Tynan Hywood cops a high tackle.

IF YOU’RE lagging in the tipping, as I am, not much chance of making up ground in Loddon Valley football this weekend.

Barring massive upsets, expect teams in the five to secure another four points.

Up at John Forbes Oval, Mitiamo will be hoping to make it two from two but not even Bears Lagoon Serpentine, unpredictable at times this season, will let that happen.

Who knows whether Josh Mellington will play - if he does, expect a blowout. If he doesn’t, the Bears should get home by four or five goals after outlasting the Superoos who have a tendency to make life difficult for more fancied opponents for a quarter or two.

There’s a lot of rain forecast between now and the weekend. Won’t make a scrap of difference in the match at Rodeo Park between Calivil and Inglewood.

The Blues have finally beaten a side above them on the ladder, confidence rightly on the rise and they have the skill and grit to consign the Demons to another week of kicking cow pats.

The only chance of excitement in the match between Bridgewater and Newbridge will be if there’s a fractious moment or two early in the game.

in a row by margins of 81, 65 and 44 points respectively, and are at home to winless Calivil this week.

Pyramid Hill has the bye before finishing the home and away season against Calivil and Maiden Gully and will be desperate to return to some form.

- GARY WALSH

Thumping victory a big percentage booster Blues blow Bulldogs

BRIDGEWATER heads the Loddon Valley ladder with three rounds remaining, after an 11goal haul to coach Lachlan Sharp led the Mean Machine to a commanding win over Calivil.

The 138-point margin brought a welcome percentage boost for Bridgewater as it fights for top spot against Marong, which had the bye last week.

The Mean Machine picked up 14 per cent for the win, but they are still 18 per cent behind the Panthers.

And while they are now a game ahead of Marong, they will have the bye in the secondlast round.

Sharp’s goal spree took him to 86 for the season, with matches against Newbridge and Mitiamo to come before the finals.

Barring injury, he is almost certain to top the century mark for the second season.

Luke Ellings starred again for Bridgewater, and he must be polling well in the Harding Medal count.

A quiet opening term saw the Mean Machine ahead by 28 points, 4.4 to 1.1, but Calivil was unable to kick another goal while Bridgewa-

ter booted 18 more. Josh Martyn, Alex Powell and Harry Conway also were among Bridgey’s best along with Sharp, with Riley Walsh, Rhys Lourie, Jayden Manderson and Henry McCarthy best for the Demons.

McCarthy kicked their only goal.

„ Mitiamo’s 63-point win away at Newbridge ranks as one of the most significant of the season.

The Maroons were favoured narrowly over the Superoos, with both teams struggling for form, but Mitiamo scored its biggest win in two years and now sits just one per cent behind Newbridge on the ladder.

Matt Gilmour, Tyler Rasmussen and Jack Dalglish were named among the Superoos’ best, with Doug Thomas kicking four goals, and Kobe Galvin and Alex Lloyd three each.

Billy Schilling managed three of his side’s four goals, taking him to an impressive 35 for the season from 11 matches.

Tom Hobson, Caleb Argus and Andrew Padbury were Newbridge’s best.

The Maroons travel to ladder leaders Bridgewater this week.

„ Maiden Gully’s finals prospects took a potentially fatal hit as the Eagles fell by 42 points at Serp.

The Bears now sit in fourth spot, four points ahead of Inglewood and with an inferior percentage but with a game in hand.

Josh Mellington kicked four goals for Serp as the Bears shared the spoils up forward with seven goalkickers.

Co-coach Angus Monfries turned back the clock with five goals for the Eagles out of their eight-goal return.

Nash Kemp, Tyler Miles and last year’s Harding Medallist Justin Laird were prominent for the Bears, while Stacy Fisk and Grayson Brown joined Monfries among Maiden Gully’s best.

The Eagles are now six points behind Inglewood in sixth place, although they have a game in hand.

They must keep winning, and meet Marong this week, which is coming off the bye Maiden Gully then faces the Woodies in the second last round, and Pyramid Hill in the final match.

Injuries have cruelled Newbridge this season. Bridgewater will exploit that and storm to another commanding win.

And will Mean Machine coach Lachie Sharp crack the ton on Saturday or make everyone wait another week or two for the customary crowd swamp of the ground?

The other match is the Battle of Greater Western Bendigo - Maiden Gully and Marong.

Wounded, maybe, but Marong will be too good for the Eagles and send them plummeting back to earth at the Camel Hump.

- GLENN CATTO

PREDICTIONS

GARY WALSH

Mitiamo v BL Serpentine

Maiden Gully v Marong

Inglewood v Calivil

Bridgewater v Newbridge Progressive: 47.5

GLENN CATTO

Mitiamo v BL Serpentine

Maiden Gully v Marong Inglewood v Calivil

Bridgewater v Newbridge Progressive: 45.5

CHRIS EARL

Mitiamo v BL Serpentine

Maiden Gully v Marong

Inglewood v Calivil

Bridgewater v Newbridge Progressive: 45.5

LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

BULLISH OPPONENTS GIVE

TOP SIDE A SOLID RUN

UNDEFEATED Wedderburn was pushed to the final siren by an unrelenting Birchip Watchem in Saturday’s North Central A Grade netball clash at Donaldson Park. The Redbacks took the points by nine goals but not before seeing off repeated challegers with goal attack Holly Lockihart among key players for the home side.

MAGPIE LIFELINE

LODDON Valley Football Netball League is shaping as a salvation for the homeless Maryborough.

The 153-year-old club’s bid to join the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League in 2026 was lost last week when it was unable to reach the 75 per cent threshold for a successful application.

By GARY WALSH

The Magpies’ senior teams have been in recess this season after pulling out of the Bendigo league.

President Glen Bardsley said discussions were continuing with the MCDFNL despite last week’s vote after the Magpies identified “some issues” with the process, in which the league’s seven board

members each had a vote on the Maryborough application along with the 13 clubs. If final negotiations failed, he said joining the Loddon Valley competition was an option that would be explored. League president Richard Hicks has said Loddon Valley would welcome any approach from clubs from other leagues interested in joining the nine-team competition.

“We are just doing what every other club in footy is doing for survival,” Bardsley said. “It’s very strange we have to go through all this stuff so our club’s kids have somewhere to play.”

A sticking point with a move to the Loddon Valley is the future of Maryborough’s junior teams.

This year, the club has continued to field teams in the under-10, under-12, under-14 and

under-16 competitions in the Bendigo junior league.

The Loddon Valley has only a five-team under-18 competition at the junior level.

“It’s just hard, because we are trying to get all the footy on one day,” Bardsley said. Bendigo juniors play on Sundays, while Loddon Valley’s under-18s play on Saturday.

CONTINUED PAGE 22