Loddon Herald 25 January 2023

Loddon HERALD

“Cousin

Jacks”

Excellent and well established bakery business, in progressive country township. 30 minutes from Bendigo. showing excellent growth with further room for expansion.

2 x 3 year terms with equipment staying incl. ovens, fridges, tables/chairs etc. Lease includes main shop servery, back food prep room, along with small residence with 3 bedroom, Kitchenette/Dining & Lounge area, bathroom & separate toilet. Featuring Solid-fuel heating, Elec cooking and second shop available for any use. Paved backyard with Gal Iron shed. Fantastic opportunity to acquire an established & profitable country business!

LH PHOTO

THAT pleasant little respite last week from scorching summer temperatures was a cool blessing for sure. Bradley of Boort hits the nail on the head about difference in seasonal temperatures ... some of the more stark extremes have even been known to come in one day, or hour.

SEASONAL differences were once pretty defined when it came to fruit and vegetables. Back in the day before the 12-month culinary stage was shared bright red home-grown tommies in summer and paler (and less flavoursome) contributions in winter, we would adjust the dining table offerings to what was freshly available in the garden or supermarket. Seems because we like something, we now want it all the time.

THE humble spud, of course, was a little different and has always formed part of the dining experience - roast spuds, boiled spuds, mashed spuds and spud salad smothered in mayo. The spud is the other half of the great takeaway culture, fish and chips. The Golden Arches franchise has now decided French fries were a bit lonely in the spud offering and have just added spud cakes to the menu. At OTF, we reckon a taste test comparison between the good old traditional fish shop cake and a Macca version could be on the cards.

AFTER the great dim sim drought of 2022, spuds are facing the chop from some menu offerings as supplies are reduced in the flow-on from spud crops being impacted in last year’s floods. Ironically, the Newbridge pub has dropped chips from the menu. “Due to the potato shortage, meals will come with garden salad, pasta salad and coleslaw or mash and veg”. All we can say is thank goodness bangers and mash are still available ... absolutely mashing.

WHAT’S a potato’s favourite TV show? Starch Trek. What do you get when it rains potatoes? Spuddles. What do you call a spinning potato? A rotate-o. Who is the most powerful potato? Darth Tater. How does a potato win at video games? He mashes the buttons. What do tomatoes and potatoes have in common? Toes.

THE tradition of eating fish battered and fried in oil was introduced in Britain by Spanish and Portuguese Jewish immigrants, who spent time in the Netherlands before settling in the UK as early as the 16th century. Even Charles Dickens mentions “fried fish warehouses” in Oliver Twist written in 1838. We’re not sure when the chips were added. Over in the old country, they’ll fry anything (particularly up south) ... makes up for the absence of “summer seasons warmer than others” as the island nation cops weather from the Arctic. That’s not something we worry about in our summer sunburnt country.

Boxes booked in for exchange

change will add more adult titles and “may be even puzzles”.

Morgan and Flynn Lonza and their mother Simone have transferred books packed in their home to the box designed and made at the town’s men’s shed.

“We had boxes of books ... we’re big readers ... and thought they could be shared as a way of connecting the community,” Simone said. “It’s become a place where people leave a book and take a book.”

Simone said there had also been a collection of children’s DVDs put on a shelf at the Tarnagulla Road book exchange.

She hopes users of the ex-

Morgan, a student at East Loddon P12 College, has a reading appetite for fantasy and World War Two history.

He’ll be keeping a keen eye on deposits in those genres for titles to expand his reading list.

Simone said the family came up with a concept for the book exchange nook.

“We gave neighbour Kevin Poyser a rough drawing and the men’s shed turned it into a reality. And the blue really makes it stand out,” she said.

“We’ve already a lot of children’s books and hope neighbours can add more adult titles.”

More opening days as pool numbers surge in ...

IN BRIEF

Heritage bid

WARM weather and open gates ha driven a surge in swimmers heading to Loddon pools this summer.

Belgravia Leisure’s seasonal pools manager Kai Nielsen said the biggest attendance jumps in January had been at Mitiamo and Boort.

He said Mitiamo had also led the way with an increase last month while attendances at Wedderburn had tripled in December.

Last summer, sudden closures were common at the shire’s five pools as Belgravia and the aquatic industry across Victoria faced challenges recruiting lifeguards after training had been hampered by COVID lockdowns and restrictions.

However, Kai said that this season the only closures had been when cold weather punctuated the warm spells.

Belgravia has also extended opening hours at pools on extreme heat days.

Attendances at Wedderburn and Inglewood had been helped by the return of aquatic aerobic classes run by Inglewood and Districts Health Service.

Kai said that while attendance was slightly higher at Pyramid Hill this summer, season pass purchases were down.

He expected all five pools will be busy tomorrow with free entry for Australia Day.

“The movie night at Boort last week was also well attended and the inflatable sessions are popular with young swimmers,” he said.

Belgravia Leisure has this season recruited strongly for lifeguards in local communities.

And the return of VicSwim sessions at Loddon pools has

been well supported by young families.

Veteran swim instructor Wilf Dickeson had charge of the Inglewood sessions last week.

A swim teacher for more than 50 years, the former Richmond footballer and school teacher has been part of the VicSwim program since it started in 1976.

two work pledge

BENDIGO-PYRAMID Road will be repaired after complaints about its state over the past year.

The State Government on Monday announced the road, pitted with potholes between Dingee and Raywood, was on the work list in a second round of major roadworks under its emergency repair blitz following the October flood recovery.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said the Government’s commitment to fix the key local road was welcome.

“We have been jumping up about this for a long time - before the floods - and there was support from neighbouring councils for work to be done,” he said.

“The road has been in an appalling state for a long time, and certainly well before October’s floods.”

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh also raised

the road’s condition in State Parliament last year.

Monday’s announcement said $17.7 million would be spent on 85 projects across major northern Victorian freight and travel routes, including Elmore-Raywood Road, Bendigo-Redesdale Road, and KerangKoondrook Road.

More than 460 individual projects are earmarked for second round funding.

Some sections of flood-damaged roads will be rebuilt, along with large-scale asphalt patching and resurfacing.

Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan said: “The damage across the Bendigo region as a result of the October floods has been devastating, and our roads were no exception – this funding will provide the long-term repairs needed to ensure the region remains connected and on the move.”

Micro-blast strips trees, upends shed

VIOLENT micro-burst stripped trees in the Kurting and Bridgewater districts last Tuesday as a violent storm rolled through the region.

At Kurting a farm shed at the Wilson property was lifted from its stumps and lids blown off silos.

“The storm came through about 6 o’clock and just lifted the shed up. The silos were full and the lids only needed straightening ... but not something you want to be doing at night,” said Brett Wilson.

South at Bridgewater, winds upended furniture in the town’s hotel beer garden and snapped an antennae at Ferguson Motors while shade cloth was torn from a display area at Bianca Rothacker’s nursery.

Winds also stripped trees across the

“It was a micro-burst that came rolling through,” said Brett.

Parents praised Wilf for his methods in teaching youngsters over the five-day course.

Prue Milgate said children had made remarkable progress and gained confidence in the water as a result of Wilf’s teaching.

Loddon’s pool season will finish after the March long weekend.

Smooth swimming Cracking road given blitz stage

LODDON councillors were yesterday discussing formalising the shire’s participation in the bid by 13 central Victorian councils for World Heritage listing of the goldfields. They were told the bid was not seeking a blanket protection of public land in the region but instead would focus on up to 20 specific sites. It is unknown if any proposed sites are in the Loddon Shire.

Women’s flood funding

THE State Government will support more women affected by October’s flood emergency with $1.2 million split evenly between Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, GenWest, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and Women’s Health Goulburn North East.

Single case week

LATEST COVID-19 data showed just one active case in Loddon communities last Friday. A total of two cases were reported for the week taking the pandemic total to 2124 cases.

A good move

INGLEWOOD’S Ambulance

Auxiliary Op-shop had welcomed plans for new premises with the redevelopment of the historic Porter’s corner group of shops, said spokesperson Deb Coon.

golf course and along the Calder Highway. Power supplies were cut across many Loddon areas.

Geoff Wilson inspects damage at Kurting

VicSwim instructor Wilf Dickeson guides Riley Penny during a week of lessons at Inglewood pool last week.

VICTORIA - HOTEL -

Sunflowers brighten memorial walk

Come and join us at the Victoria Hotel in Pyramid Hill

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

Our winter trading hours are as follows

MONDAY • OPEN 3.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM SOCIAL DARTS NIGHT

TUESDAY • OPEN 2.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

WEDNESDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

POT’N’PARMA NIGHT

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

THURSDAY • OPEN 11.00AM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

HAPPY HOUR 5.00-6.30

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

JOKER POKER 5.00-8.00

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE

SATURDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

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SUNDAY • OPEN MIDDAY

ALL DAY PIZZA MENU

MORE than 500 people registered for Saturday’s Walk for Bell to remember Salisbury West teenager Bella Canfield.

Walkers set off on the 2.5km course from Bridgewater Cemetery where Bella’s grave was adorned with bright yellow sunflowers.

After parents Linda and Leigh Canfield cut a ribbon to mark the fundraising event’s start, walkers were guided down to the Loddon River and to one of Bella’s favourite spots, the Bridgewater swim-

ming hole, by more sunflowers placed along the path.

Hundreds then spent the evening at Bridgewater Hotel where raffles and auctions helped towards achieving its goal of raising $35,000 for Bendigo-based charity Righteous Pups to train an assistance dog named in Bella’s memory.

Many taking part in the fundraiser had also purchased event merchandise emblazoned with sunflowers, symbolic of Bella’s joy for life.

Police seek help on burglary

MARYBOROUGH detectives on Monday confirmed they were investigating a supermarket burglary in Boort.

They released a CCTV image of four alleged offenders in Boort’s IGA supermarket about 4am on January 6.

“Police are hoping to identify the four offenders in the images as they may be able to assist with inquiries,” Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit said.

Detectives said one offender allegedly forced entry into the supermarket and attempted to steal cigarettes.

They said the alleged offenders had driven to the Godfrey Street supermarket in a blue sedan, possible a VT model Holden Commodore.

People with information are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit on 5460 3300.

The Loddon Herald believes the attempted burglary was one of several incidents in Boort that night.

The teenager died after a car accident while walking near her Salisbury West home last January.

The accident left family and friends stunned with the bitumen at the family property gate being emblazoned with “Brightest Star in the Sky” and a garden seat becoming a makeshift memorial where friends left floral tributes.

Bella had completed VCE at Marist College in 2021 and was preparing to start a nursing course at Deakin University.

New local MP wants duck ban

NEW Northern Victoria Region MP Georgia Purcell says a ban on duck hunting is her No 1 priority.

Ms Purcell at the weekend joined calls for the State Government to abandon this year’s hunting season and introduce a permanent ban.

“For over a decade as a volunteer duck rescuer, I’ve seen the cruelty, death, wounding and maiming that this so-called sport causes,” she said.

Ms Purcell said the campaign to stop duck hunting was “looking like we are edging incredibly close”.

Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting this month called for the season to be cancelled based on “alarming continued declines in the bird populations.”

The image released by police

Peter and Deb Coon leading a group of walker’s in Saturday’s memorial fundraiser for Bella Canfield. LH PHOTOS

Linda and Leigh Canfield

Hundreds of people take part in Walk for Bell.

3.5% rate hike on the cards

LODDON Shire Council has been given the green light to consider a rate rise up to 3.5 per cent.

The State Government in a Christmas break announcement doubled the current rate rise cap ahead of Victorian councils preparing their annual budgets.

Loddon Shire last year increased rates by the maximum 1.75 per cent allowed by the Government under its Fair Go Rates system introduced in 2016 “to ease cost of living pressures on Victorians and encourage sound financial management by local governments”.

The Government said its 2023-2024 rate cap was guided by independent advice from the Essential Services Commission that had recommended a cap of four per cent in line with the Consumer Price Index.

However, it set the cap 0.5 per cent below the ESC’s recommendation “taking into account cost of living pressures facing rate payers”.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said: “The rate cap for the next financial year takes

into account higher inflation and the need to protect Victorians from uncontrolled rate hikes, while ensuring councils can continue to deliver vital community services.

“Each council is responsible for setting rates within the rate cap based on the needs of their community,” she said.

“Community members have the chance to engage with their local councils as they make decisions about rate rises through their budget process each year.”

Loddon’s draft 2022-2023 budget was released for public comment last April and later adopted.

The budget included a 10 per cent jump in waste charges. Council’s financial plan said: “Waste charges are proposed to increase by 10 per cent compared to 2021-2022 levels in order to recover the total cost of waste management incurred across the shire. Future years’ waste charges are estimated to increase at the same rate.”

Council’s 2023-2024 draft budget is expected this April.

Amelia packed, ready for first day at school

EXCITEMENT is building in the Gloucester household ahead of the new school year starting next week.

And Amelia, 6, is ready to pack her school bag and lunch for the first day at Pyramid Hill College.

Mum Elizabeth said Amelia had already tried on her school uniform several times and practised a

school day routine. Amelia, who would like peanut butter or honey sandwiches for lunch, said she was looking forward to playing with friends and reading in her first year at school.

Amelia will be one of three prep students at Pyramid Hill College this year. Principal Fiona Moon said nine new students had enrolled for 2023.

Firing up for national day

THE diversity and spirit of Australia will be celebrated across the Loddon tomorrow.

Australia Day celebrations start with morning barbecues in Bridgewater and Newbridge and end with a community gathering in Pyramid Hill at night.

There will be free admission at the shire’s five pools - Boort, Wedderburn, Pyramid Hill and Mitiamo throughout the day as well as Inglewood where a swimming carnival will be part of the celebrations.

Alongside traditional Aussie barbecues, there will also be the infusion of indigenous culture with Bendigo singer Craig Atkins performing at Boort.

Boort Amity and the show society have put together a day of activity in Nolen’s Park.

Organiser Marj Potter said:

“Wycheproof Boomerangs will be present and Jeremy Loveland, Bunny Read’s grandson, teaching how to throw a Boomerang. you can also paint your own design on a boomerang or magnet along with being able to purchase other boomerangs from their stall.

“Bunny was a Wychproof identity who was a three-time worldchampion boomerang thrower,” Marj said.

She said other attractions included four inflatables from The Zone and a slot car game stand, facepainting, canoes and paddleboards.

And there will be a tasting table of food cooked using native Australian Ingredient

Marj said the Australia Day Council Grants program was sponsoring the Boort activities.

At Tarnagulla, the fire brigade barbecue menu will be joined by offerings of indigenous food from the Castlemaine-based Murnong Mammas that took its name from the Aboriginal word for yam daisy, a popular food enjoyed by Dja Dja Wurrung people.

Mayor Dan Straub said: “We are fortunate to have a wide range of Australia Day events and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. From the traditional flag raising, guest speakers, award presentations and a community barbecue there is something for everyone to participate in and enjoy. I encourage all of you to come out and join in the celebrations, and to take a moment to reflect on what it means to be Australian. There are many ways to show your pride in our great nation,” he said.

Pyramid Hill Bakery and Cafe, including the her selfie taken by Edie

Kel a very admired favourite with young Edie

PYRAMID Hill’s Kel Stewart was busy Sunday morning displaying local entries in Loddon Shire’s Australia Day student art and photography competitions.

And for Kel, there was one special entry in the primary section that asked youngsters to photograph a person they most admired in the shire.

WHEN YOU NEED US , BUT NOT THE SIRENS

Edie Gould had chosen Kel to be in her selfie photograph, writing: “She (Kel) always helps other people, Kel hears me read my reader and packs my lunch box. She is the postie and delivers all the mail to everyone.”

Students entries in the various sections are now on display in Loddon community shops.

Top citizens earn praise from Mayor

HOWARD Rochester has been announced at Loddon Shire’s Citizen of the Year.

The Inglewood resident has devoted decades to serving communities as a volunteer.

And Wedderburn’s Jake Murphy is the 2023 Young Citizen of the Year. He was last year a member of the Victorian Youth Parliament.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub, making the announcement yesterday, said the awards would be formally presented at ceremonies in Inglewood and Wedderburn tomorrow.

“Speaking with our two outstanding citizens this year, I have been struck with their immense humility for what they do in our communities across the shire,” he said.

“The awards are a celebration of all volunteers in Loddon communities and Australia Day is a time we come together as communities to celebrate personal and societal achievements.

“These contributions of the award recipients and all volunteers bring great benefits for the shire and its residents.”

Ward community award recipients will be announced at ceremonies tomorrow and Cr Straub said he looked forward to congratulating all locals recognised with Australia Day awards.

YOU CAN GO ONLINE NOW

Kel Stewart prepares to display Australia Day student competition entries in the window at

Gould. LH PHOTO

Lorna’s odd cups

WHAT started as a hobby collecting tea cups has become Lorna Nuovo’s signature at her Wedderburn cafe, The Odd Cup.

Before opening the cafe and expanding to include a bistro dining room, Lorna scoured shops and sales to assemble a quirky and electic collection of cups.

“The collection just kept growing and growing and it’s those cups that make us unique,” Lor-

na said. “We’re known for both the cups and the tea and coffee we serve.”

“Customers love the cups ... and we make great coffee too.”

Lorna’s main street cafe also carries a wide assortment of cakes and slices with lunches available six days a week.

And there are regular lunch specials on the menu.

The cafe opens for the early morning trade from 7am, ideal

for a pre-work coffee and breakfast.

Lorna’s pleased she started collecting tea cups. “It was something I did for years and perhaps in the back of my mind was always the idea of opening a cafe,” she said. Some of the special cups in her collection are on display, watching approvingly as you enjoy a cuppa at The Odd Cup.

$50k tag on speed signs

By CHRIS EARL

FIRST steps to improve safety in Inglewood’s Brooke Street could cost just $50,000.

Businessman and president of the town’s tourism and development committee, Peter Moore, has obtained prices on speed checks signs currently used in Queensland towns.

“The suppliers say each sign costs $6000 - we would want two at each end of town,” he said.

“They run on solar power and the only other cost would be poles to mount to the signs and installation.”

Official Department of Transport figures show more than 3000 vehicles, including 500 trucks, travel the Calder Highway on average each day.

But the data is two years old and Mr Moore believes traffic has increased since COVID restrictions and lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.

He says it is not unusual to see trucks come into town and quickly be “on the tail” of a vehicle in front.

And when drivers are alighting their cars to shop in Brooke Street, vehicles have to veer across the centre dividing line of the narrow heritage street.

Mr Moore, who owns the town’s IGA supermarket said he had given new Ripon MP Martha Haylett costings for the speed check signs.

Mr Moore is being backed in calls for a safer Brooke Street by Cafe 3517 owner David Smyth.

“We don’t want a bypass ... there are cheaper and better options to make the street safer for everyone,” he said.

Mr Smyth said speed check signs and a 40kmh speed limit were high on the list of options.

“With cars parked along the street outside shops, 40kmh feels safe and right when your are driving in Brooke Street,” he said.

“Sometimes it can be like Sesame Street out there, trucks that look to be doing 70kmh. If anyone gets hit, you’ve got no hope.”

Mr Smyth said Inglewood, midway between Melbourne and Mildura, was the ideal rest town for travellers.

“We need to develop more parking options to accommodate them and encourage them to stop for a while here,” he said.

Mr Moore has been a long-term campaigner for a safer Brooke Street,

More than a decade ago he was at the forefront of community calls for installation of a pedestrian crossing, concerned for the safety of students coming from the town’s two primary school.

Locals achieved action after blocking the Brooke Street corner to hold a protest meeting.

Mr Moore and Mr Smyth hope that form of protest is not needed in 2023 after Calder Highway traffic numbers have boomed in the 21st century.

“We want the options for a safer street looked at,” they said.

Poll backs 40kmh limit Replacement guides in street ‘by today’

A LODDON Herald online poll this week has shown support for reducing the Calder Highway speed limit in Brooke Street to 40kmh.

In the multiple option poll, 67.5 per cent of respondents backed cutting the current limit in key sections of heritage-verandah lined Brooke Street by 10kmh.

And 53 per cent of people vot-

ing in the poll have favoured the installation of flashing speed signs.

There was also support among 46 per cent of voters for installation of fixed speed camera in the town.

However, only 22 per cent want rumble strips as a measure to make the street safer for motorists and pedestrians.

Smaller towns add to ‘slow down’ voice

BUSINESSES in Tarnagulla and Newbridge have also raised concerns about the speed of vehicles through their towns.

Tarnagulla Supply Store owner Kelly Whitton said trucks particularly did not slow to a safe

speed when travelling narrow Commercial Road.

And Newbridge Hotel owner Michele Mizzi said speeding vehicles travelling the Wimmera Highway through town was a concern to residents.

DEPARTMENT of Transport on Monday said new safety and speed signs would be installed by today on the dangerous Brooke Street bend.

A B-Double rollover early New Year’s Eve saw multiple signs ripped from the ground.

They included a 50kmh speed sign plus yellow and black safety guides around the bend.

The truck carrying carton milk also wiped out the front fence of Ray Edgley’s home before coming to a stop just a metre from the old Inglewood Garage building where a vintage Rolls Royce had been stored by owner Denis Rogers.

Backing the campaign to slow down in Calder Highway towns are businessmen Peter Moore and David Smyth. LH PHOTO

‘Welcome’ ceremonies come with $1700 bill

TRADITIONAL Aboriginal welcome ceremonies can leave community events with a $1700 bill for a one-hour performance.

And while Loddon Shire Council is offering communities $500 to include Welcome to Country ceremonies in activities, just one grant has been handed out.

A basic welcome starts at $440 with more charged for the corporation’s performer to link the ceremony with the event, according to Bendigo-based DJAARA Aboriginal corporation website.

Listing its commercial charges to community groups, DJAARA puts the cost of smoking ceremony at $550 and $330 for a musical performance on didgeridoo.

A flat fee is charged for travel but overnight accommodation is required for performers at events starting before 9.30am or after 5pm.

A Loddon Shire spokesperson said: “The Welcome to Country funding is an ongoing yearly grant. There are two allocations available per year for a community group, until all funds for that year have been exhausted. The grant is an action within

Council’s Loddon Aboriginal Partnership Plan 2019-2022.

“The funding is part of council’s event promotion scheme application process, which asks if the event will include a Welcome to Country. Community groups that answer ‘yes’ must fill out the Welcome to Country application form to receive the

funding. Of the six applicants who indicated their event would include a Welcome to Country, only one submitted the form for the funding.”

DJAARA was contacted for information on what rates welcome performers were paid and what percentage of fees was retained by the corporation. No response was received.

The minimum daily rate for a TV actor in Australia is $257.84.

On its website, DJAARA says: “The laws, customs and stories that make up Dja Dja Wurrung culture guide the way we behave and the decisions we make every day. We pass these on to our young ones through song dance, storytelling and walking country so that they can carry on our Peoples’ connection to Country.

“To share culture, we give Welcomes to Country, smoking ceremonies, on country talks, tours, and performances across Djandak. These are important events we share to dhelk djuwima (show and share respect) of our cultural knowledge and practices daily.”

Acknowledgement ‘can polarise community’

LODDON Shire would acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung as traditional owners of land in a move councillors have been told “can engender polarising opinions within the community”.

Councillors were yesterday afternoon due to debate a new policy for acknowledgment of owners and welcome to country.

Community wellbeing director Wendy

Gladman in a report to council said risk of polarising community “may be balanced through the provision of supporting background information to the community and ongoing cultural awareness training for council staff.”

Councillors were to decide on a new Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Welcome to Country Policy that stemmed from the action in the Loddon

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

Aboriginal Community Partnership Plan 2019-2022.

Mrs Gladman said: “The review of the document has provided the opportunity to incorporate reference to traditional owners by name, and also to incorporate changes to language to align with current State Government guidelines.”

Some of the key changes from the previous document include:

z Changing of the term ‘custodian’ to ‘owner’ to reflect the change in language at State Government level;

z Changing from Acknowledgement of Country to Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners;

z The inclusion of only the Dja Dja Wurrung people to be referenced by name, reflecting State Government guidelines indicating that a reference to a specific traditional owner group in an acknowledgement is completed for formally recognised traditional owners on the land where event is taking place; and

z The ability for the person delivering the acknowledgement to include wording that relates to the event. For example a reference to the health equity gaps experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may be included at an event being conducted in relation to health and wellbeing.

The updated policy says “council recognises Welcome to Country is a service and representatives should be appropriately remunerated for their time and commitment. The fee should be negotiated prior to the event with the representatives.”

“The practice of giving recognition to traditional owners is commonplace and is seen as an appropriate and respectful way of breaking down cultural barriers and progressing reconciliation,” the updated policy says.

The policy, recommended for adoption yesterday, would be for councillors, staff, consultants and contractors of council.

HOW THE DEBATE WENT - NEXT WEEK

Driver nabbed at 140kmh

A QUEENSLAND driver has been pinged by police driving at 140kmh through Llanelly.

Dunolly police said they intercepted the vehicle travelling at 100kmh in Llanelly earlier this month.

“Checks on the driver also showed that he had a suspended Queensland licence making him unlicenced in Victoria.”

Police said the driver would receive two fines totalling $1618.

Come and join us during our winter trading times. We will keep you warm with a range of specials and classic pub meals.

MONDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

TUESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

PARMA NIGHT

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THURSDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

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LUNCH FROM 12.00

LUNCHTIME SENIORS DAY

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

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SATURDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

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A fine pub with 100 years of trading – supplying you with friendly service, cold beer, spirits & wine, great meals, restaurant, accommodation & bottle shop.

84 Godfrey Street, BOORT 03 5400 9650 railwayhotelboort

The smoking ceremony at Wedderburn police station opening in 2021. LH PHOTO

Brad’s road safety passion Bank cash helps flood recovery

BRAD Warren is a new face in the Loddon after his transfer to Wedderburn police station.

First Constable Warren had his first shift at Wedderburn a fortnight ago and readily admits to having a passion for road safety and engaging with communities.

A member of Victoria Police for three years, First Constable Warren is also keen to be in a country community to continue his career in the force.

Originally from Deniliquin, he was a member of that town’s fire brigade before joining the Australian Army and being posted to Darwin for three years.

“There’s the passion for small town local policing,” First Constable Warren said.

During his two years stationed at Maryborough, First Constable Warren was the LGBTIQ+ liaison officer, one of more than 450 police liaison officers across Victoria.

In Loddon, First Constable Warren will have the LGBTIQ+ and road policing portfolios.

Meanwhile, with school starting across the region next week, Goldfields police area’s Inspector Donna Mitchell says there will be a focus on vulnerable road users.

“Basically, this includes everyone that uses the roads other than drivers – pedestrians, bicycle and motor bike riders, users of mobility scooters, motorised wheelchairs, electric scooters (with seat), eScooters,

Segway-electric personal transporters, eSkateboards, monowheels and power assisted bicycles,” Inspector Mitchell said.

“With school returning, there are always risks around school crossing areas and pick up anddrop off zones.

“As always, there are two sides to this hazard – the pedes-

trians and the drivers. I encourage all parents of school age children to ensure their children are safe around the car and roads.

“For example: the child has to have one hand on the parked car whilst the parent is getting other children out of the car; always have children

parked car from the passenger side of the car; understand how to cross the road and demonstrate the ability to do so safely.

“Drivers, heed the speed signs and be alert to children running across the road,” she said.

Inspector Mitchell has urged drivers to look out for vulnerable road users.

LODDON communities planning flood recovery fundraising events could receive a special grant from Inglewood and Districts Community Bank.

The bank’s board is offering $500 grants for communities running events to that bring people together, says board treasurer Annie Higgs.

This month’s Rock on the Loddon at Newbridge, raising funds to rebuild the recreation reserve damaged in last October’s floods, was the first event to receive a community bank grant. Rock on the Loddon raised more than $6000 for recovery. The community bank last year also gave $50,000 to assist Blazeaid rebuilding flood-damaged fences

Town mourns publican

TARNAGULLA is mourning the death of long-time Golden Age hotel publican John Lavery.

Mr Lavery, who died aged 76, had owned the hotel for more than 35 years.

His association with local fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal also spanned those decades.

Mr Lavery had also been secretary of the former town cricket club and a member of the fire brigade.

Drill rigs testing ground for new gold exploration outfit

NEW gold exploration company Falcon Metals has launched a large-scale aircore drilling program at its Pyramid Hill Gold Project with samples being taken near Serpentine over the past month.

The Melbourne-based company has picked up exploration territory from Chalice Mining Ltd after that company opted to concentrate on its nickel-copper PGM project in Western Australia.

The Pyramid Hill project area that stretches north from Bendigo had been a key asset for Chalice Mining in Victoria since 2018.

Falcon managing director Tim Markwell said the current aircore drilling program was likely to be one of the most exten-

sive regional exploration programs by a gold explorer in Victoria, with more than 50,000 metres of aircore drilling expected in a single season.

He said latest drilling was following up results from 2022 sampling and focusing on the Ironbark section of its exploration area.

“We have had a couple of nice hits but nothing definite yet,” he said.

Mr Markwell said future drilling would be result-driven and he expected the current season to finish in early April.

Exploration was expected to stretch in a corridor north to Boort with the bulk of work by two drill crews around Serpentine and Marong.

New Wedderburn police constable Brad Warren. LH PHOTO

Crumbling rural roads growing risk: Walsh

GOVERNMENT neglect of country roads was increasingly putting drivers and passengers at risk, said Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh.

Mr Walsh said: “The numbers are very plain here – there’s more than 70,000km of roads across regional Victoria that need to be maintained and there’s nowhere near enough money being made available to get the job done

“Apart from a few half-baked repairs, the best solution this bankrupt government can come up with to try and cut costs is to

lower the speed limit anywhere and everywhere there is a potential traffic hazard – and there are plenty of those.”

Mr Walsh’s campaign for better country road funding has highlighted conditions on the PrairieRochester Road.

““I drove the Prairie-Rochester Road the other day – and I have driven down a lot of fairly ordinary country roads over the years – and on this occasion you could be taking your life in your own hands. It is in appalling shape and there are some stretches that are genuinely scary and some with absolutely no warning,” he said.

“When you think about the billions and billions of taxpayer dollars being blown on cost overruns and failed deadlines for the much-hyped Andrews Government ‘big build’ anyone could be forgiven if they thought this Government does not give a damn about their safety and wellbeing (on country roads.”

Mr Walsh says: “You can chart the impotence of the ‘quick fix’ of the majority of running repairs on some roads, with bitumen waves on the sides of roads everywhere, as increasingly heavy traffic, particularly B-doubles and heavy farm machinery, quickly destroys shoddy repair work.”

Roses bloom for golden years

ROSES were blooming in the front garden of Pam and Bruce Turnbull’s home at the weekend when the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

The 42 rose bushes were planted in 2017 when the Turnbulls were preparing to move from their farm at Korong Vale to Wedderburn. “Pam had bought these roses at a market and wanted to plant them as soon as possible. We had to ask for an earlier settlement on the sale,” Bruce said.

Bruce said it was love at first sight when he spotted Pam at a dance in Charlton, the St Arnaud girl in her final year of school at Ballarat and Clarendon College. They became engaged in 1971

ancient, multicultural nation built on shared values that allow us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that other nations aspire to.

Re ect, respect, celebrate – we’re all part of Australia’s story.

Australia Day celebrations in Loddon

 Boort - Nolen’s Park, starting at 9.15am followed by morning tea

On Australia Day, 26 January, award ceremonies will be held across Loddon Shire to recognise what it means to be Australian, to acknowledge our rich history and celebrate the sel ess contributions of our volunteers.

We re ect on the resilience of our communities and their spirit of helping and giving that de nes the Australian way, epitomised in the Australia Day awardees to be honoured in Loddon Shire.

We respect the stories, histories and contributions of all Australians, particularly those among us who contribute so much towards making Loddon such a great place to live, work and visit.

We celebrate our nation’s place in the world – a proud,

 Bridgewater - Sloan’s Reserve, BBQ breakfast from 8.00am

 East Loddon - Jarklin Public Hall, BBQ breakfast from 8.30am

 Eddington - Community Centre, BBQ breakfast from 8.00am

 Inglewood Swimming Pool, starting at 11.00am followed by a sausage sizzle and swimming carnival

 Newbridge Public Hall, starting at 11.15am followed by a light luncheon

 Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall, starting at 5.00pm followed by a sausage sizzle and activities

 Tarnagulla - Soldiers’ Memorial Park, starting at 5.00pm followed by a BBQ

 Wedderburn - Soldiers’ Memorial Park, starting at 11.00am followed by a sausage sizzle

and married just over 12 months later, settling on the family farm at Korong Vale where Bruce run a small piggery, share farmed and went shearing with Pam helping around the farm as the couple raised their family.

And they told the story of Pam losing her wedding ring. To mark their golden wedding, Bruce and Pam returned to Melbourne jeweller Paul Bram to finally buy a replacement for the ring bought there 50 years ago.

As they prepare for more caravan holidays around Australia, Pam and Bruce said the secret to marriage was “always ending the day on good terms”.

More JEV vaccination clinics under local health partnership

Bendigo Health has partnered with Loddon Shire Council to deliver JEV vaccination clinics across the municipality.

Loddon Shire residents and those working in Loddon Shire who spend signi cant time outdoors (four or more hours per day), for unavoidable work, recreation, education or other essential activities, or are living in temporary or ood damaged accommodation (e.g. camps, tents, dwellings exposed to the external environment) that place them at increased risk of mosquito bites, or are engaged in the prolonged outdoor recovery e orts (clean up) or stagnant water following oods, are eligible to receive a JEV vaccination.

Upcoming clinics are:

 Inglewood, railway building Thompson Street - January 27 and February 16 midday to 4pm.

 Serpentine, Loddon Shire Council o ce Peppercorn Way - January 28 and February 7 12.30pm to 4pm

 Tarnagulla Community CentreFebruary 2 - 12.30pm to 4pm

 Boort Senior Citizens’ Centre, Godfrey Street - February 8 12.30pm to 4pm

Locations may be able to take limited walk-ins but bookings are highly recommended and can be made at www.bendigohealth.org.au/ outreachvaccination

Pam and Bruce Turnbull celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. LH PHOTYO

Peter Walsh on the Prairie-Rochester Road ... scary stretches

Golden week for Ben

DINGEE breeder Ben Govett claimed the crowns of premium breeder and premium exhibitor of brown Swiss at last week’s International Dairy Week in Tatura.

The top prizes capped off a successful championship despite taking a smaller show team to the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest cattle show.

“We started a bit behind the eight-ball this year because of the October floods and took a smaller team to IDW,” Mr Collett said.

“The floods affected our younger cows under two years and stock six years and older.”

Despite the reduced team, Mr Govett also collected prizes for junior champion, champion and reserve intermediate champion, best udder of show and grand champion in the Swiss sections.

And while the focus for more than 45 years at the family property has been brown Swiss - they still make up about half the 300-strong milking herd - Mr Collett was awarded first place in senior two-year-old Holstein milker section.

Mr Govett said Holsteins with a smattering of Jerseys now completed the farm’s herd.

In the IDW sales, Mr Govett sold his junior champion brown Swiss for $17,000, well above

this year’s average of just under $10,000. A second cow sold at auction for $9000.

Mr Govett said the family had stuck with brown Swiss for almost half a century because of the breed’s longevity and heat tolerance.

Success at IDW was a turnaround from the height of October’s flood emergency in the Dingee district when tankers could not reach local properties to collect milk.

Mr Govett estimates 30,000 litres were dropped in one week.

He says floods also affected feed crops but the latest sowing had shown good early growth.

His contribution at IDW this year was not limited to the show ring. Mr Govett was a judge of the all-breeds youth sections and then on Monday flew to New Zealand to judge at that country’s major dairy show.

He has judged the Sherri Martin Youth handler’s competition and has been a judge for state and national competitions.

Mr Govett was the 2004 ABS Australia youth ambassador award winner, which saw him travel and work across Germany and Europe. He was also the youth representative for Holstein Australia at the 2012 Holstein World Conference at the Royal Winter Fair, Toronto.

TEDDY WADDY WEST FOR

C/A 71A- OWERS REDDIES ROAD

302

Three-day school explores holistic grazing

LODDON Plains Landcare Network will run a three-day planned grazing school in Inglewood next week.

The school will be run by holistic management educator Brian Wehlburg from Inside Outside Management

SHEEP MARKET

An introductory holistic management course in 1995 inspired Brian to implement his new understanding and knowledge, using grazing as a tool to improve the environment with resultant increased stocking rates, significant pasture improvement and regeneration of water seeps.

THERE were a few more lambs but less sheep for an overall yarding at Bendigo on Monday that was slightly smaller than a week ago.

Better runs of fed shorn lambs came out giving the market a good quality lead, but there was still a dominance of plainer and lighter conditioned in the yarding.

Competition remained keen for well finished lambs weighing from 24-30kg cwt, although bidding was erratic at times. Some sales were dearer but others eased by a few dollars.

One major export wasn’t active on extra heavy lambs over 30kg cwt this week and this led to a cheaper trend of $8 to $15 on the biggest lambs. Small store lambs were cheaper.

The heaviest export lambs sold from $232 to a top of $275 to average $250. The heavy 26-30kg lambs varied from $209 to $243 and there was some stronger results compared to last Monday, but it wasn’t always consistent.

Sheep were cheaper, mirroring the trend seen at saleyards last week where only a few extra heavy ewes sold above $100 to a top of $120. Most sheep $60 to $90/head.

Hoggets were also cheaper, particularly any secondary types which sold down to $15.

SUCKERS

JD Cox Charlton (102) $185.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

P & T Colvin Powlett Plains (63) $257, O’Sullivan Trading Elmore (54) $253, T & K Campbell Macorna (45) $248, Bartlett Farming Trust Yeungroon (41) $247, D Tuohey Terrick Terrick West (58) $239, G & L Langley Newbridge (69) $230, Gredgwin Ridge Boort (46) $227, Brad Tyquin Canary Island (31) $225, Setec P/L, Benalla (54) $222, Raleigh Est Rochester (67) $220, G & W Collins Fentons Creek (148) $215, CM & HJ Tingay Avenel (37) $215, DJ Fatt & JA Gallagher Raywood (22) $212, T & L Fitzpatrick Charlton (24) $206..

MERINO LAMBS

C & R Stimson Glenaroua (59) $200.

One paddock, 80% arable with 2 corner portions being tree cover/ shelter belts. Rich Red Loam soil, water by WM pipeline to a single plastank. Fencing in good condition.

Remarks: Well held allotment of land in the strong Mallee farming district, coming off a solid canola crop.

Terms: Expressions of Interest closes 9th February 2023 at 3pm at offices of selling agent. 10% deposit from successful applicant upon signing of the contract.

Further Particulars:

92 Brooke Street INGLEWOOD VIC 3517

Office: 03 5438 3041 James Nevins: 0407 302 900 www.fpnevins.com.au

The neatest trade lambs were a few dollars dearer, the 22-24kg from $178 to $205.

All the good slaughter lambs were estimated above 780c/kg cwt, with the best shaped and finished types tracking over 800c/kg. Light and plain lambs continued to meet mixed support, the small 1216kg shorn lambs to the paddock cheaper at $48 to $92.

CROSSBRED EWES

BE & JF Cumming Traralgon East (53) $100.

MERINO EWES

BA & MT Ryan Pyalong (29) $95, Lorbru, Limestone (126) $80.

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

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

McGowan named AgriFutures chair

FORMER federal MP Cathy McGowan is the new chairperson of the AgriFutures Australia Board.

Ms McGowan is a sixth-generation farmer from north-east Victoria and has held various leadership roles of rural and regional organisations, including as president of Australian Women in Agriculture.

AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said: “Ms McGowan joins AgriFutures Australia at an exciting time. We are six months into our new

Research and Innovation Strategic Plan and have a jam-packed agenda ahead of us. Ms McGowan’s knowledge of agriculture, rural communities, and leadership experience will be invaluable as we commence this next phase of the AgriFutures Australia journey.”

Ms McGowan said she was excited to be joining the organisation and looked forward to working to continue to grow the long-term prosperity and sustainability of Australian rural industries.

Ben Govett with his champion brown Swiss herd after a successful show at International Dairy Week in Tatura that included winning grand champion.

Loddon Herald readers have been quick to give their thoughts on speed and safety through towns in the Loddon Shire after calls for action in Calder Highway communities

Mick Korong wrote: Perhaps those mobile speed cameras should sit in the main streets of our towns and raise more revenue than sitting in the 100kmh zones!

Michele Mizzi wrote: This is a massive issue in Newbridge as well. Cars and trucks are often doing 80-100kmh through the 60 zone. It’s only a matter of time before someone is killed.

Eric Hocking wrote: Get the Labor Government to return funding to rural roads.

Suzzette Du-Mmett wrote: About time something was done, it’s well and truly overdue.

Lee Elliot wrote: Christ, if some of the vehicles that head through Inglewood go any slower ... its going to take 20 minutes to drive from one end of Inglewood to the other.

Debbie Musgrove wrote: Speed in general. It isn’t only trucks, all traffic on the roads.

Catherine Dowden Gunston wrote: Should be from the start of the 60kmh zone because people don’t pay any attention to the road signs. It is like a race track.

FROM THE LODDON HERALD FACEBOOK PAGE

Murkier than a dam full of yabbies

By CHRIS EARL

ONCE upon a time in the not too distant past, Australia Day was marked with a long weekend no matter the day the January 26 fell in the week.

Tennis and bowls tournaments were almost a given on the sporting calendar. In Boort there were the lakeside festivities of the 1970s when, if memory serves correct, water melons were plentiful for the crowd to enjoy.

Celebrating with a long weekend was kind of seen as the Australian way, much like thongs, lamingtons and the great barbecue.

All three, shall we say cultural icons, made a seamless transition when the Federal Government saw it patriotic and appropriate to actually celebrate the national day on the day, January 26.

If anything, community barbecues became more prolific. The sausage and hamburger menu finding room for egg and bacon sandwiches - often consumed in the morning to allow time for participation in other activities or an afternoon nap on what is often a stinking hot day. How long ago was this, you

ask? Last century, just, only a generation ago, still within memory of most people.

Then along came the self-appointed crusaders of change. Like clockwork, out would be trotted some new design for an Australian flag as they rushed to ditch history and understanding of the journey travelled by a nation that took more than century to accept it was one following settlement by the British.

This year - there’s still time I guess - the commentariat landscape has been without graphic artist-inspired designs for a new flag.

That’s so 1990s it seems. Instead, it’s all about actually ditching Australia Day.

In conversation at the weekend I asked one keen observer of changes to Australia’s social fabric and national cohesiveness what they thought the future was for Australia Day. Gone within 15 years was the immediate response.

It prompted another question, is government trying to make the change by stealth rather to show-

ing leadership and stating a position? The response was equally as swift: Yes!

If we have a government that says one thing - not on the agenda to change Australia Day we’re told - but the actions indicate desiring an outcome to the contrary, then it’s easy to understand why some people can detect tactics of stealth at play.

Whatever happened to the Aussie characteristic of calling a spade a spade?

If people agree, they’ll tell you. If they don’t, you’ll find out in no uncertain terms.

For any self-respecting Australian watching the actions meted out against Australia and the national day, there could be despair.

The landscape of our national identity is currently looking murkier than a turbulent dam full of yabbies.

Hardly the melting pot for mature and informed conversations to lock in our Aussie spirit, whatever it may look like in the third decade of the 21st century. Happy Australia Day!

Howard’s honour on day ‘that’s for all’

HOWARD Rochester is the fifth generation of his family to live in the Loddon Shire.

It’s where he still finds community, living a life that was routine and connection with community.

Happy to stay in Inglewood and follow passions of life far removed from ancestor Henry Rochester who sailed into Sydney Cove in as a non-paying passenger back in 1870.

Henry had a one-way ticket to Australia, convicted of stealing a handkerchief back in London.

“I think he probably stole a lot more than that one handkerchief,” Howard mused when reflecting on the Loddon Shire honour he will officially receive at Australia Day ceremonies tomorrow.

The connection of his family in local communities - the family arrived in Inglewood from 1859 - saw Howard first become involved in local activities more than 50 years ago.

It was the 1974 back-to Inglewood and his parents were attending organising committee meetings. “So I went along too.”

He had been part of the town’s football club since junior days in the late 1950s and as reserve member of the fire brigade in the 1960s, in the same crew fighting the disastrous and tragic fire in January 1965 as Alan McKean who perished in the inferno.

Howard had followed his fa-

ther into the brigade, continuing a family tradition.

He played a helping hand to establish the town’s ambulance auxiliary op-shop and holding a bus licence, volunteered countless hours driving residents around town and also for BUPA in Bendigo.

Howard’s award nomination started with the simple but apt line: “Howard loves the Inglewood district”.

It went on to say: “He planted most of the trees in the botanical gardens that today are well established.

“He was a foundation member of the Inglewood Apex club, member of the Inglewood tourist development committee for over 36 years, on the Shire of Korong tourism committee for over 10 years, Loddon Shire century of World War One committee for five years.

“(He was a) volunteer community bus driver for 12 years for the Inglewood hub and neighbourhood house which was a regular bus route to Bendigo hospital, disability schools and many more drop offs and waiting around Bendigo for the return trips home for drop offs.”

Those bus driving skills were also put to use with the football club, taking players to away games.

He was senior timekeeper for 16 years and a regular face on

the barbecue while also serving four terms as secretary.

A former president and secretary of the historical society, Howard has taken countless groups on tours of the region.

The love of history has extended to giving talks at local schools and compiling local his-

tory books. Howard’s love of Inglewood is effusive when talking about the district’s future. “I see Inglewood having a population more like St Arnaud (2000-plus) in a few years and probably one day around 12,000 like it did at some stages of the gold rush.”

Tomorrow, he will look to the

future and celebrate the past. “I have always wanted Australia Day. It’s our day, it’s everyone’s day,” Howard said.

Howard’s contribution to communities has stretched way beyond his native Inglewood, an involvement that still puts a smile on his face.

Jake’s journey discovers patience, teamwork

EVERYONE knows Jake Murphy - the musician and entertainer, young activist with political aspirations and occasional tennis player.

The 17-year-old is Loddon Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year, an honour that has left Jake humbled ahead of tomorrow’s award presentation in Wedderburn.

It’s an honour that Jake has sitting high with another highlyvalued contribution he makes in several Loddon communities.

For the last seven years he has been playing the Last Post and Rouse at RSL and school commemoration services on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

“Playing for the RSL is the biggest honour,” Jake said at the weekend.

“The RSL does a great job helping people and ANZAC Day is a big part of the Australian culture.”

That respect shown by Jake to the ex-service community is

matched by his equal respect for others whether in Wedderburn or as a member last year of the regional team to the Victorian Youth Parliament. “I like and

respect my community and the people and want to do my bit,” he said.

“Volunteering is the heart of the community ... I was once told

a good community is built on volunteers.

“What drives me? I guess it is the people and being connected with them.”

Jake has already been a part of numerous local organisations. He was on the college council and is now a member of the community house committee.

“I’ve picked up the importance of patience and teamwork by being a member of groups and committees,” he said.

“I used to be in a hurry. Working with people has taught me to slow down and work through a logical process.”

Jake’s nomination for the Young Citizen award said: “He’s involved in so many community events as an entertainer, a volunteer, a musician, an employee, a sportsman, a singer, an organist, a bugler, a lobbyist, an academic, a photographer, a journalist, a debater, a junior politician and a charismatic con-

versationalist. Jake is admired by young and old in his community as a fabulous volunteer with a buoyant and jovial personality and the gift of speech.

“It is no exaggeration to attest that Jake is always beaming the broadest smile. His easy, caring nature and his breadth of knowledge means he’ll be supporting a young person to feel comfortable in a setting one minute, then talking politics with adults the next minute and conducting a brass band made up of musicians five times his age, the next minute.”

Jake has also developed pragmatic traits.

Talking on the future of Australia, he said “I think the day as we know it will be here for a little longer but the date will change”, acknowledging current debate on the day.

“I celebrate Australia Day every day ... the date is irrelevant.”

- CHRIS EARL

Jake Murphy plays the Last Post on ANZAC Day. LH PHOTO

Citizen of the Year Howard Rochester LH PHOTO

WHEELHOUSE Clifford Owen “Cliff”

Passed away at Bendigo Hosptial on January 14th 2023

Aged 84 years

Dearly loved Husband to Pam.

Loved Father and Father-in-law of Wes and Helen, Jason and Melissa, Megan and Paul.

Adored Pa to Kira, Reece, Scarlett and Eli

His wishes were simple, his needs were few, if his family was happy, he was too, he gave us love to the fullest measure, care, devotion and memories to treasure, he shared our dreams, hopes and tears, thank you Cliff, for those precious years

In accordance with Cliff’s wishes a Private Service was held

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

DECLARATION OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXEMPTION

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

For the purpose of conducting the 2023

Australian Masters Water Ski Championships to be held from Friday 27 January to Sunday 29 January 2023 between the hours of 7:00am to 7:00pm, participants are exempt as follows: State Rules made under the Marine Act 1988

1. Clause 2(a) – 5 knots within 50 metres of a person in the water.

2. Clause 2(c) – 5 knots within 50 metres of another vessel.

Waterway Rules made under the Marine Act 1988

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

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

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

Marine Safety Regulations 2012

Manager Flood Recovery

The North Central Catchment Management Authority creates natural resource management partnerships and programs that deliver lasting change. We are currently seeking an engaging and motivated person to lead our Flood Recovery program.

The Manager Flood Recovery will drive our flood recovery response and deliver a program of natural resource management projects in collaboration with their team.

This is an exciting opportunity to improve the health of waterways, wetlands and biodiversity across our region through bringing together strategy, theory and practical implementation while working closely with the community, partners and Traditional Owner groups to deliver outcomes across our region. This position is for a 12-months and has the flexibility to be full or part-time. We understand that life balance is an important part of our employees’ lives and offer a wide range of flexible arrangements.

For further information contact Rachel Murphy

Executive Manager Program Delivery on 0468 524 907

Please note over the holiday period it may take us longer than usual to respond to queries.

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.

Inclusive Communities O cer – ref.J/201

 Permanent full-time position

 Based in Wedderburn o ce with exible work locations available

 Band 6 salary range between $85,590.96 –$92,720.68 plus employer superannuation

Early Childhood Teacher and Educational Leader – ref.J/200

 Permanent part-time position

 Based in our Dingee service

 Salary in line with the Early Education Employees Agreement 2020

Applications for the positions above will close 30 January 2023 at 5:00pm.

Manager Flood Restoration – ref.J/191

 Maximum-term (12 months), full-time position

 Based in Wedderburn o ce with exible work locations available

 Band 8 salary range between $109,831.80 - $122,305.56 plus employer superannuation

Human Resources (HR) Support O cer –ref.J/190

 Full-time, permanent position

NOTICE OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXCLUSION ZONE

Marine Safety Act 2010

Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for the Loddon River at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeneys Lane, hereby gives notice under section 208(2) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) that the waters of the Loddon River between the Calder Highway bridge and the boat ramp at Sweeneys Lane are prohibited to all persons and vessels not registered to take part in the 2023 Australian Masters Water Ski Championships. The exclusion zone takes effect between 7:00am and 7:00pm from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 January 2023.

BY ORDER OF LODDON SHIRE COUNCIL 23 December 2022

Temporary Road Closure –Godfrey Street – Wedderburn

The following road in Wedderburn will be closed to through tra c from Monday 16th January 2023 for culvert replacement works:

 Godfrey Street, Wedderburn (300 m East from Calder Highway at Nardoo Creek)

It is expected that the road will be closed for 8 weeks. Council apologises for any inconvenience, the completion of these works will provide a connection over the creek when it is in ood.

Any further changes to the closure will be advised through Council’s Facebook page.

6. Regulation 103 – person being towed must wear a PFD at all times.

7. Regulation 104(1) – master must not allow the vessel to be operated unless each person onboard wears a PFD.

8. Regulation 104(2) – master must not allow the vessel to tow a person unless the person is wearing a PFD. EXEMPTION CONDITIONS

 Masters of participating vessels are only exempt from items 1 & 2 when undertaking rescue responsibilities to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety on shore.

 Masters of participating vessels are only exempt from items 3-5 for the duration of the events.

 Water skiers are only exempt from item 6 when participating in trick skiing activities.

 Masters of participating vessels are only exempt from items 6,7 & 8 when towing water skiers who are participating in trick events, and when retrieving waters skiers who are participating in trick events and exempt from wearing a personal otation device.

 All persons on vessels associated with the event, or participants performing acts which are not ‘Trick’ events, must wear PFDs at all times.

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

 These exemptions apply between 27 January and 29 January 2023 between hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm, to persons and vessels registered to participate in the 2023 Australian Masters Water Ski Championships on the Loddon River, within the exclusion zone waters between the Calder Highway Bridge and the boat ramp at Sweeneys Lane, provided the stated safety controls and undertakings detailed in the application form and associated documentation are adhered to.

BY ORDER OF LODDON SHIRE COUNCIL 23 December 2022

For a copy of the position description or to apply, visit the Jobs and Tenders section of our website at www.nccma.vic.gov.au or contact HRManager@nccma.vic.gov.au.

Applications will be accepted until 27 January and should include a covering letter, a resume, and address the key selection criteria.

SALES/ADMIN POSITION - FULL TIME

T J STOCKFEEDS - Kerang

Miller Ag Supplies is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic person to work in our Kerang business; T J Stockfeeds.

Miller Ag Supplies is an independent locally owned business, committed to providing great products and service to our customers. This position would suit someone looking to commence or continue their career in Agricultural retail.

This position is full time, and you will be required to work some Saturday mornings on a roster.

For a full job description please check our website millerag.com.au/job-opportunities/ Applications close on Friday February 3, 2023.

 Based in Wedderburn o ce with exible work locations available

 Band 4 – salary range between $64,566.32 - $69,060.16 plus employer superannuation

Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99

 Permanent, full-time position

 Salary package negotiable

Early Childhood Educator – ref.no J/123

 Casual positions at all kindergartens

 Salary in line with the Early Education Employees Agreement 2020

Early Childhood Teacher – ref.no J/124

 Casual positions at all kindergartens

 Salary in line with the Early Education Employees Agreement 2020

Applications for the positions 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 Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

JOIN OUR TEAM

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Hancock finds boundary form Brothers prove crease Kings

UPPER Loddon Junior Cricket with the first day of round eight.

The main game was the clash between Bridgewater and Arnold played at Bridgewater.

The home side sent Arnold into bat and Arnold made a good fist of it by scoring four for 183.

With only three boundaries being hit for the day, there was plenty of running between the wickets for all of the Arnold players.

All seven batsmen who took to the crease made solid contributions with Flynn Lock and Campbell Hancock (who scored all three boundaries) doing best, both retiring on 30.

The Hewitt brothers, Kale and Seth together with Ryan Smith all made scores in the 20.

Nate Harrison produced the best bowling figures for Bridgewater in capturing three wickets, while Isaac Ferguson was the other wicket taker.

Wedderburn travelled to Kingower in the other game and was also asked to bat. It was a hard day at the office for the young Wedderburn team with Edwin Sellick being the top scorer, while the three Turner brothers all

made the bowlers work hard for their wickets.

Xander Wilson provided the highlight of the game by taking a hat trick and played havoc with Wedderburn’s middle and lower order finishing with four wickets without conceding a run.

Ryder Smith took two wickets while Riley and Heath Leach both took their first wickets.

At stumps, in reply to Wedderburn’s total of 49, Kingower have scored none for 37 with van McCoy scoring the bulk of these runs being 21 not out.

Bridgewater v Arnold Arnold

F. Lock retired 30 C. Alexander b N. Harrison ....................... 8

Smith b I. Ferguson 21 G. Hancock c B. Smyth b N. Harrison 7

Hancock retired 30

Hewitt not

LODDON HERALD

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

BOORT YANDO under 14s were back from the Christnas break, up against Barham-Koondrook on Saturday.

Boort won the toss and elected to bat. After a shaky start from the openers and a couple of quick catches to Barham, it was time for a couple of KingsDeklan and Liam - to take over the reigns. The brothers steadied the ship with the team making 5/10 - Deklan 24 and Liam 21.

A quick wicket in the first over by Jacob Malone brought confidence to the team and the boys cruised on and brought home the points. Barham-Koondrook made 5/62

Boort remains on top of the ladder.

BY 4PM MONDAYS

Xander Wilson

Homecoming Pies Local ties pivotal in energetic thrust to sustainable future for ...

DALE Cameron wants local DNA back on the field when Boort’s 2023 North Central Football League season starts in April.

The homecoming coach - back at the club where he played junior and senior football before heading to Bendigo powerhouse Strathfieldsaye and then coaching Bridgewater - knows there’s a big job for the Magpies to be competitive against top clubs.

“We’re coming from a long way behind,” Cameron said as the club finished its season training launch on Sunday.

But the work to lift the Magpies to longer-term challenge Birchip Watchem, Sea Lake Nandaly and Donald started immediately Cameron accepted the role in September.

“We’ve picked up players with a connection to the club and the town ... bringing the Boort DNA back,” he said. “There’s a strong pact among those players coming back to be together.

Cameron said there was an energy and enthusiasm, “playing team football and having a crack”.

“We want to make this happen but we also want the club to be competitive and sustainable,” he said. “We don’t want a flash in the pan.”

Big recruits include Jarrod Fitzpatrick, AFL premiership star Shane Biggs and Jonno Lanyon who has committed to play with his home-town club. Crossing from Bridgewater is Cam Ross

who Cameron says is one of the best tap ruckman around, joining forces with club best and fairest Nathan Twigg who quickly earned a strong reputation with the Pies last season.

Much of Sunday’s launch session was spent on defensive drills. Cameron says a defensive mindset would be key “and then

All codes part of launch

BOORT’S 2023 North Central season launch on Sunday brought together the club’s three codes with netball and hockey part of the morning’s training and fitness drills in Nolen’s Park.

While footballers ventured off on a 2.5km run around the banks of Little Lake Boort, the hockey and netball players had their early year skill levels tested with routines on the tennis courts.

The Magpies made finals in the

two codes last season and club officials moved quickly to make netball coaching appointments. Carly Isaac led her under 17 teams to finals with under 17B reaching the grand final.

Head coach of the netball sides is Georgia Sheahan with Brooke Arnold guiding the C Grade team.

April Hatcher has returned to the Magpies’ coaching panel taking charge of the under 14s for the new North Central season.

we can add an offensive element to the game”.

He said the Pies had good defenders, qualities that had not always been shown on the scoreboard. And with the prospect of exciting youngsters Tom Potter, Alex Cockerell and Frasier Holland now too old for the junior competition and able to focus on

one game a day, Cameron says the DNA is growing.

But he said multiple times on Sunday: “We’re coming from a long way behind. We have a lot to do.”

Boort will play practice matches at Pyramid Hill and Kerang and hold a camp before the season starts on April 15.

New Magpie coach Dale Cameron ... bringing enthusiasm back to Boort

Alex Chamberlain runs Little Lake Boort during Sunday’s session

Ruckman Nathan Twigg leads a defence drill.

LH PHOTOS

Jarrod Fitzpatrick Beau Herrington

Kobie Streader and Sam Green

Champion gives tips to keen youngsters

BOORT youngsters and holiday makers had the fabulous opportunity learning from tennis coaching professional and reigning Boort Easter singles champion Jarred Savage.

Jarred with wife Natalie took more than 40 young players in the sessions.

Local up and coming players Luke Boyd and Cooper Gooding said they learnt so much and “changing just a few small parts of their game made a huge difference”.

The clinic was provided free of charge from Jarred and Natalie and was much appreciated and enjoyed by all.

LODDON VALLEY

Lister 7-2. D. Mann D. Stewart d A.

Hocking R. Ellis 7-5. J. Ritchie D. Stewart d

M. Lister R. Ellis 7-0. P. Gorgan C. Mann d R.

Lawry J. Diss 7-3. P. Gorgan V. Herrick d R.

Lawry M. Hocking 7-2. C. Mann V. Herrick d J. Diss M. Hocking 7-2.

LADIES: E. Prout Z. Stewart lost to K.

Condliffe A. Hay 1-7. E. Prout T. Prout d K.

Condliffe S. Hay 7-2. Z. Stewart T. Prout lost to A. Hay S. Hay 3-7. C. Mann M. Stewart lost to K. Pay N. Hocking 5-7. C. Mann C.

Pickles lost to K. Pay K. Ellis 5-7. M. Stewart

C. Pickles lost to N. Hocking K. Ellis 6-7.

MIXED: D. Mann E. Prout d A. Hocking K.

Condliffe 7-3. J. Ritchie T. Prout d R. Lawry

A. Hay 7-5. D. Stewart Z. Stewart d M. Lister S. Hay 7-2. P. Gargan C. Mann d R. Ellis

K. Pay 7-3. C. Mann M. Stewart d M. Hocking N. Hocking 7-3. V. Herrick C. Pickles d

J. Diss K. Ellis 7-4. Serpentine 1-59 lost to Lake Meran 4-76

MEN: J. Gladman N. Cockerell d J. Sinclair D. Sutherland 6-5. A. Mountjoy J. Ketterer lost to E. Mories R. Fawcett 2-6. J.

Gladman A. Mountjoy lost to J. Sinclair E.

Moresi 2-6. N. Cockerell J. Ketterer lost to D. Sutherland R. Fawcett 2-6. N. Cockerell

A. Mountjoy lost to B. Moresi E. Moresi 2-6.

J. Gladman J. Ketterer lost to J. Sinclair B.

Moresi 2-6.

LADIES: P. Cockerell T. Twigg lost to C.

Moresi V. Moresi 4-6. M. Twigg J. Cockerell d C. Downs C. Sinclair 6-2. P. Cockerell M.

Twigg d C. Moresi C. Downs 6-3. T. Twigg

J. Cockerell d V. Moresi C. Sinclair 6-5. T.

Twigg M. Twigg lost to V. Moresi C. Downs

1-6. P. Cockerell J. Cockerell d C. Moreis C.

Sinclair 6-0.

MIXED: J. Gladman P. Cockerell d J.

Sinclair C. Moresi 6-1. N. Cockerell T.

Twigg lost to D. Sutherland V. Moresi 1-6.

A. Mountjoy M. Twigg lost to E. Moresi C.

Downs 3-6. J. Ketterer J. Cocerell lost to B.

Moresi C. Sinclair 4-6. Yarrawalla 1-83 lost to Calivil North 4-95

MENS: L. Forster M. Scott lost to C. Smith

D. Rogers 5-7. L. Forster H. Emmerson d C. Smith C. Roulston 7-4. M. Scott H. Emmerson d D. Rogers C. Roulston 7-2. S. Bird X.

Emmerson d O. Balic K. Maxted 7-3. S. Bird

R. Forster lost to O. Balic A. Roulston 4-7.

Local event again at Maryborough

WEDDERBURN Harness Racing

Club will conduct its first meeting of 2023 at the Maryborough club’s Carisbrook track on Monday.

The club’s Donaldson Park headquarters are unavailable during the multi-million dollar redevelopment.

Feature race on Monday’s program will be the Vicbred Platinum Maiden Trot with total stakes of $10,000. The pace for horses with a rating up to 51 will also carry $10,000 in prizemoney.

Nominations and acceptances close for the meeting today.

The club’s cup meeting will be in September.

X. Emmerson R. Forster lost to K. Maxted

A. Roulston 1-7.

E. Emmerson Im Broad lost to M. Balic C. Rogers 3-7. C. Emmerson

Driscoll lost to M Balic J. O'Brien

Im Broad L. Driscoll lost to C. Rogers

O'Brien

C. Broad K. Broad d G. Maxted P. Maxted

C. Broad M. Schmidt d G. Maxted A. Maxted 7-3. K. Broad M. Schmidt d P. Maxted A. Maxted 7-6.

MIXED: L. Forster C. Emmerson lost to D. Rogers M. Balic 1-7. M. Scott I. Broad lost to C. Smith C. Rogers 1-7. H. Emmerson L. Driscoll lost to C. Roulston J. O'Brien

5-7. S. Bird C. Broad d O. Balic G. Maxted

7-5. X. Emmerson K. Broad d K. Maxted

A. Maxted 7-5. R. Forster M. Schmidt d A. Roulston P. Maxted 7-2. Calivil forfeited to Raywood

MARONG

Derby 5-57 lost to Marong 13-90

A LADIES: P. Normoyle M. Simons lost to R. McCaig G. Turnbull 3-6. P. Normoyle F. Dangerfield lost to R. McCaig H. Turnbull 2-6. M. Simons F. Dangerfield lost to G. Turnbull H. Turnbull 3-6.

LADIES: D. Normoyle H. Hogan d T. Bowe S. Thompson 6-3. D. Normoyle K. Galea d T. Bowe K. McCaig 6-1. H. Hogan K. Galea d S. Thompson K. McCaig 6-3.

A MEN: S. Saunderson S. Bruce lost to L. Frankel J. McCaig 0-6. S. Saunderson B. Galea lost to L. Frankel D. Turnbull 3-6. S. Bruce B. Galea lost to J. McCaig D. Turnbull 2-6.

B MEN: S. Crane N. Naughton d M. Fran-

kle N. McCaig 6-2. S. Crane D. Daldy lost to

M. Frankle A. Collins 4-6. N. Naughton D. Daldy lost to N. McCaig A. Collins 1-6.

MIXED: S. Saunderson M. Simons lost to

L. Frankel R. McCaig 0-6. S. Bruce D. Nor-

moyle lost to J. McCaig G. Turnbull 1-6. S.

Crane F. Dangerfield lost to D. Turnbull T.

Bowe 3-6. B. Galea K. Galea lost to M. Fran-

kle H. Turnbull 2-6. N. Naughton H. Hogan lost to N. McCaig S. Thompson 3-6. D. Daldy

P. Normoyle d A. Collins K. McCaig 6-3.

Lockwood 13-92 d Woodstock 5-52

A LADIES: D. Wells R. Coutts d N. Earl

K. Punton 6-1. D. Wells T. Miller d N. Earl

partner 6-1. R. Coutts T. Miller d K. Punton

partner 6-1.

B LADIES: L. Knight K. Mannix d H.

Stone partner 6-1. L. Knight C. Shevlin d A.

Andrews-Stone partner 6-1. K. Mannix C.

Shevlin lost to H. Stone A. Andrews-Stone

5-6. A MEN: R. Wells C. Scoble d G. Leach N.

Punton 6-1. R. Wells C. Dixon d G. Leach D.

Heather 6-0. C. Scoble C. Dixon d N. Punton

D. Heather 6-5.

B MEN: B. Wells A. Wells d L. Stone D.

Tolley 6-3. B. Wells C. Shevlin lost to L.

Stone T. Heather 5-6. A. Wells C. Shevlin lost to D. Tolley T. Heather 2-6.

MIXED: R. Coutts R. Wells d N. Earl G. Leach 6-0. T. Miller C. Scoble lost to K. Punton N. Punton 2-6. L. Knight C. Dixon d D. Heather partner 6-1. D. Wells B. Wells d A. Andrews-Stone L. Stone 6-3. C. Shevlin C. Shevlin lost to H. Stone D. Tolley 0-6. K. Mannix A. Wells d T. Heather partner 6-4. Wilsons Reed 12-86 d Newbridge 6-55

A LADIES: J. Fitzgibbon J. Taylor lost to E. Jenkyn A. Sherlock 2-6. J. Fitzgibbon B. McKimmie d E. Jenkyn S. Wallace 6-3. J. Taylor B. McKimmie lost to A. Sherlock S. Wallace 0-6.

B LADIES: E. Molenaar C. McKinstry lost to T. Higgs N. Jenkyn 2-6. E. Molenaar C. Taylor lost to T. Higgs E. Stewart 5-6. C. McKinstry F. Lucas d N. Jenkyn E. Stewart

6-3.

A MEN: S. Taylor H. Taylor d D. Graham

J. Sutherland 6-1. S. Taylor J. Taylor d D. Graham R. Burn 6-1. A MEN: H. Taylor J. taylor d J. Sutherland R. Burn 6-2.

B MEN: S. Taylor B. Taylor d D. Jenkyn D. White 6-0. S. Taylor Z. Porlai d D. Jenkyn

A. Waller 6-4. B. Taylor Z. Porlai d D. White

A. Waller 6-0. J. Fitzgibbon S. Taylor d A. Sherlock D. Graham 6-2. J. Taylor H. Taylor d S. Wallace J. Sutherland 6-1. B. McKimmie J. Taylor lost to E. Jenkyn D. Jenkyn 0-6. E.

Molenaar S. Taylor lost to T. Higgs R. Burn

5-6. C. McKinstry B. Taylor d N. Jenkyn D. White 6-0. F. Lucas Z. Porlai d E. Stewart A. Waller 6-2. Woodvale 1-26 lost to Harcourt 17-105

A LADIES: J. Pearse partner lost to W. Kelly S. Blake 2-6. J. Pearse K. Greives lost to W. Kelly M. Atkin 0-6. K. Greives partner lost to S. Blake M. Atkin 0-6.

B LADIES: K. Pickering T. Strybosch d P. Erny N. Trethowan 6-3. K. Pickering partner lost to P. Erny B. Trethowan 0-6. T. Strybosch partner lost to B. Trethowan N. Trethowan 0-6.

A MEN: M. Trew B. Bruns lost to N. Kelly S. Gearing 0-6. M. Trew R. Trew lost to N. Kelly L. Tunn 1-6. B. Bruns R. Trew lost to S. Gearing L. Tunn 1-6. B

MEN: C. Nanere partner lost to C. Green D. Gearing 1-6. C. Nanere G. Yoong lost to C. Green B. Bickford 0-6. G. Yoong partner lost to D. Gearing B. Bickford 4-6.

MIXED: K. Pickering R. Trew lost to W. Kelly N. Kelly 3-6. J. Pearse M. Trew lost to S. Blake S. Gearing 2-6. B. Bruns partner lost to N. Trethowan L. Tunn 1-6. T. Strybosch partner lost to S. Gearing B. Tre-

INGLEWOOD

Powlett

Millie 4-8. A. Lock C. Gilmore lost to P. McHugh G. Bird 3-8. F. Lock K. Ward d M. Burge S. Lockhart 8-0. Fentons Creek forfeited to Loddon Eagles

Favourites finish well at night meeting

SWAN Hill trots last Wednesdaywere dominated by favourites who were successful in most of the eight races.

Charlton’s Sanderson family took the honors during the evening with trainer Shane providing a stable double – exciting Sweet Lou-Ark Monroe colt Dangerous toying with his rivals in the pace over 2240 metres and American Ideal-Soho Siren colt Catalpa Rescue the Investing.com Cryptocurrency Pace over the same trip, both raced by the ‘Birchip’ boys who would have celebrated hard.

Dangerous driven by son Ryan an almost unbackable $1.04 favourite, led throughout from gate two, giving Ryan an armchair drive to run out a nine metre vic-

tor over Heaven Attracts (gate three - three pegs – death seat at bell), with Ajay Breezy Rose (gate four - third 5.2 metres back) after following the runner up all of the way. The mile rate 1-58.5. Catalpa Rescue driven by daughter Abby starting from the extreme draw settled four back in the moving line as favourite Will

He Reign was used up to retain the lead from gate two. When Atego Shades (one/two) eased three wide to go forward prior to the home turn, Catalpa Rescue immediately latched to his back and finished hard out wide in the straight to record a nose margin over Magic Matteo (three pegs – three wide home straight late) giving the brother & sister the quinella. Atego Shades was third 1.2 metres away. It didn’t finish there however as drama was to unfold on return to the all clear area as the judge and stewards after looking at the finish inquired into the posted result which took over 40 minutes to decide with the placings standing. The mile rate 1-57.7.

Dunnstown trainer David Murphy and sons Declan and Brett have been regulars at most Swan Hill meetings in recent times and it was Declan victorious aboard 4Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Mairhed Fallen mare Arklow in the 2240 metre Investing.com News Maiden Pace. Trained by David, Arklow enjoyed a sweet passage one/ one from gate three and after easing three wide on the final bend, finished best to prevail by a half neck over a death-seating Bella Abby which led on the home turn. The stable made it a double when handy 6Y0 Village Jolt-Peaces Of You mare Final Peace scored in the pace over 1750 metres.

- LEN BAKER

Lake Meran’s Darren Sutherland. LH PHOTO

Major scalp turns season fortunes

CALIVIL has leap frogged Inglewood on Bendigo bowls division five ladder as it seeks to cement a top two finish going into finals.

After a tumble from grace last season, the 2021 runners-up finished eight shots ahead of Inglewood on Saturday.

The Woodies, ladder leaders for most of the season, have now dropped to third spot six points behind Calivil.

Inglewood faces some tough games in coming weeks.

The rink of Patsy Lyndon, Trevor Schill, Helen Leach and Ian Bradley had a very strong 11 shot win.

Meanwhile, the hard luck of Dingee continued on Saturday against Marong when the 2022 runners-up fell three shots short at home against top side Marong.

The latest close loss has Dingee sitting in the relegation zone.

In division one, it was a disappointing day as Inglewood was convincingly beaten by fellow cellar dweller Kangaroo Flat. Only one rink was in contention up until the end, but everyone else had a flat day.

In midweek pennant last week, Inglewood division one was out gunned by the now top side Kan-

garoo Flat in a good contest on the synthetic green at the Flat. Unfortunately, both Inglewood division one teams have a bad habit of falling away in the second half of games.

The rink led by Laurie Witham continue to perform well every week and are well up in the best performed rinks in the competition. Hopefully the other rinks can improve a little to help them out.

In division five, Inglewood had a big hiccup with a loss to the bottom side Eaglehawk.

Just goes to show how even the contest is and there are no easy games. The rink of David Whitehead, Daniel Garrett, Phyliss McEwan and Edna Pat-

terson had a strong 21 to 13 shot win.

Bendigo playing group champion of champions starts this Sunday at Eaglehawk with Inglewood to be represented by Vicky Tierney and Wade Roberts.

On Sunday, Inglewood’s Lindsay Kelly went down by two shots in the region state singles championship semi-final in Bendigo. He was defeated by eventual winner Brad Holland (South Bendigo).

BRIDGEWATER

In division six, Bridgewater’s weekend warriors worked hard at White Hills.

Glen Mangan bounced out to a very good early break, with all team members bowling well.

This ultimately got his rink the IGA-Inglewood Incentive vouchers. Bob Smith also eventually built a good win. Their victories covered the losses of the other two teams, who were each well aware of keeping margins close.

Club tournaments for both midweek and weekend pennant competitions, have been cancelled. The Napier Park Funerals-sponsored twilight bowls starts on Wednesday with 14 teams entered.

Kevin Pollock leads off his Dingee rink at home on Saturday where the quartet went down by one shot. LH PHOTO

PENNANT RESULTS

BENDIGO

Division 1 – Kangaroo Flat 101-18 d Inglewood 57-0.

R Baxter, D Howarth, S Harling, C Wilson (s) d M Chamberlain, D Wilson, G Wilson, I Chamberlain (s) 22-17. D Budd, G Lowe, B Hogan, B Anset (s) d V Tierney, D Vanston, L Kelly, W Roberts (s) 32-10. W Walsh, T Babitsch, G Boyd, P Moller (s) d D Garrett, J Jackman, G Jackson, R Day (s) 26-16. S Howard, D Weymouth, D Goodwin, T Kelly (s) d B McClymont, D Rowe, J Nevins, M McLean (s) 21-14.

Ladder: Moama 182, South Bendigo 170, Bendigo 168, Golden Square 151, Bendigo East 147, Eaglehgawk 133, Kangaroo Flat 90, Castlemaine 84, Inglewood 72, Marong 63.

Division 3 – Heathote 89-14 d Serpentine 64-4. P Cunningham, F Dimauro, G Saunders, J McGillivray (s) lost to B Catto, B Tuohey, J Stuart, N Tonkin (s) 19-22. B Taylor, G Wilkie, B Kelly, W Gardiner (s) d F Maher, B Gladman, S Rudkins, L Cadzow (s) 23-10. R Bond, E O’Brien, G Speirs, C Morcom (s) d P Britton, G Addlem, K Canfield, R Glasman (s) 28-11. G Vowles, R Hanson, B Berger, M Lee (s) lost to S Rollinson, R Hasty, D Walker, D Anset (s) 19-21.

Ladder: North Bendigo 135, Strathfieldsaye 117, South Bendigo 116, Kangaroo Flat 105, Bendigo East 76, Heathcote 71, Bendigo 50, Serpentine 50.

Division 5 – Calivil 80-16 d Inglewood 71-2. I Mansbridge, M Dennis, A Dennis, N Dennis (s) d P Kelly, B Moffat, B Taig, J McClymont (s) 23-16. B Meighan, R Boyd, W Miles, A Leech (s) d R Stranger, T Birthisel, A Noonan, A Harrison (s) 19-15. R Lourie, H Miles, G Ray, G Maxted (s) d G Sommers, K Stewart, S McLean, D Whitehead (s) 23-14. K Richards, G Lourie, J Pickles, L Gronow (s) lost to P Lyndon, T Schill, H Leech, I Bradley (s) 15-26.

Dingee 71-2 lost to Marong 74-16. K Pollock, V Sproull, R Thomson, F Grieves (s) lost to J Adams, S Hayes, M Kelly, N Tate (s) 15-16. A Hay, J Monaghan, R Robertson, B Lawry (s) lost to D James, J Balkin, B Rumbold, R Wearne (s) 14-27. T Kavanagh, P Plant, B West, N Lister (s) lost to L Williams, W Bramdley, J Lindrea, R Williams (s) 15-21. L Hocking, A Sproull, Lyn Demeo, Leo Demeo (s) d P Collier, B Hayes, W Gason, M Corry (s) 27-10.

Ladder: Marong 132, Calivil 127, Inglewood 123, Kangaroo Flat 118, Castlemaine 66, Strathfieldsaye 59, Dingee 48, Campbells Creek 47.

Division 6 – White Hills 68-4 lost to Bridgewater 8214. A Perrett, C Bowden, L Cole, T Dobeli (s) d P Gath, P Short, B McNaught, B Oughtred 17-12. J Austin, M Baldwin, J Austin, M Sharkey (s) lost to G Catto, F Shea, R Brown, G Mangan (s) 16-38. H Neil, C Lightburn, L Lightburn, R Groves (s) lost to V Wilson, C Brooshoft, A Harrison, R Smith 11-22. K Thies, R Crothers, B Carter, H Liddell (s) d B Bajada, C Mangan, N Saunders, J Fagan (s) 24-10.

Ladder: Harcourt 133, Kangaroo Flat 123, Bendigo 109, South Bendigo 108, Woodbury 101, Bridgewater 67, White Hills 59, Marong 20.

NORTH CENTRAL

Division 1 – Wycheproof 65-10 d Wedderburn 58-

2. D Denney, G Coatsworth, J Grylls, D Groves (s) d D Stephenson, G Burnside, I Hall, L Witham (s) 28-14. R Grylls, F Grylls, B Macdonald, A Mead (s) d A Holt, C Mills, B Montebello, A Jackson (s) 20-16. A Jones, V Grant, A Coatsworth, E Rayes (s) lost to A Noordennen, B Hargreaves, A Caserta, N Holt (s) 17-28.

Boort 65-8 d Charlton 64-4. K Birt, G Gardner, T Moresi, I Merce (s) lost to N Cossar, J Cox, J Headon, P Watts (s) 20-25. D Gibson, K Walton, J Gibson, K Depiazza (s) lost to M Preston, K North, S Perry, W Keenan (s) 18-28. P Waters, J Maxted, L Laxted, S Morris (s) d S Nelson, J Ong, D McCallum, L Southwell (s) 27-11.

Ladder: Wycheproof 119, Donald Golf 103, Wedderburn 100, St Arnaud 83, St Arnaud Country 62, Donald 43, Charlton 40, Boort 27. Division 2 – Wycheproof 70-10 d Wedderburn 68-2. P Bagley, J McLean, J Grylls, J McKay (s) d B Green, S Standfield, N White, R Hall (s) 21-17. J Nicholls, S Barratt, P Coles, P Connolly (s) d R Guelfo, A Benaim, S Steel, L Standfield (s) 33-20. M Nicholls, D Nicholls, N Coles, P allan (s) lost to R Ashley, K Griffiths, W Roberts, A Roberts (s) 16-31.

Boort 75-12 d Charlton 59-0. R Taylor, G Smith, A Gould, G Hudson (s) d D Beaty, W Southwell, G Wain (s) 24-23. P Gould, J Hampson, Y Cashen, A Matley (s) d S Harper, B Patton, D Finlay, G Bateson (s) 28-16. L Gardner, J Nelson, G Tweddle, T Noles (s) d G Barnard, B Chester, B Laffin, E Rosewall (s) 23-20.

Ladder: Wycheproof 102, St Arnaud Country 96, Donald Golf 94, Wedderburn 72, Donald 70, Boort 65, St Arnaud 56, Charlton 21.

NORTHERN

Division 2 - Cohuna Golf 65-12 d Pyramid Hill 44-

0. D Keely, A Porter, P Quinn, C Black (s) d R Harris, L Dingwall, I Bartels, J Leed (s) 23-17. G Campbell, R Eckhardt, B Morrison, J Heard (s) d G Moon, W Boyd, E Carmody, M Scott (s) 21-10. M Appleby, J Brown, Y Eckhardt, D Orr (s) d G tate, J Mann, K Wood, L Mann (s) 21-19.

Ladder: Kerang 96, Cohuna Golf 90, Barham 82, Cohuna 75, Barham 3 73, Kerrang Golf 56, Pyramid Hill 53, Cohuna Golf 3 51.

Division 3B - Pyramid Hill bye. Ladder: Kerang Golf 94, Barham 90, Kerang 84, Pyramid Hill 82, Cohuna 52. Midweek – Division 1: Barham 60-10 d Pyramid Hill 50-2. J Orr, V Kendell, I Fasham, L Ashton (s) d P Coates, N Noelker, J Leed, R Opie (s) 24-19. E Fasham, J Laursen, M Laursen, J Fairchild (s) d R Harris, K Wood, I Bartels, A Cantwell (s) 19-13. G Walker, W Bourke, L McNaul, N Jarman (s) lost to G Moon, J Mann, E Carmody, M L’Hullier (s) 17-18. Division 2 – Kerang Golf 61-8 d Pyramid Hill 230. R McKerrow, R Laughlin, J Tuohey, J McKerrow (s) d C Cauchi, J Cauchi, D Miller, T Stobaus (s) 22-13. A Medson, M Rawson, S McLeish, L Ritchie (s) d D Kaye, R Fidler, W Boyd, L Dingwall (s) 39-10.

Dingee’s Neil Lister

TOM Kirk almost single-handedly steered the Wedderburn ship to victory over Boort Yando on Sunday.

Kirk belted boundaries to atone for the previous week’s first dismissal of the season, ending on 112 not out as Wedderburn chased a target of 99 in the game transferred to Arnold.

Harry Weaver was one of the few Boort Yando bowlers able to contain Kirk but that changed when Weaver came back for his second spell, almost immediately being belted over the clubhouse.

Weaver had given his side a glimmer of hope to contain a wounded Wedderburn after successive losses, claiming opener Shelton in the second over.

But it would ultimately make little difference with Kirk finding more than two handfuls of boundaries over the next 22 overs that saw Boort Yando concede an unhealthy 17 extras.

Kirk’s enterprising day with bat was matched with ball. He finished with six wickets, even sitting on a hat-trick only to see an inside edge pass the wicketkeeper.

Two maidens in his six-over stint while giving away a mea-

A BULLISH Bridgewater has stunned Kingower after a powerful batting display by skipper Harry McKinley.

Despite losing brother Tom and then Darcy Wood with the visitors sitting precariously on 3-17, the captain guided his charges until hitting the wicket off a Jayden Leach ball, the penultimate to be bowled in the innings, ending on 110.

McKinley’s maiden century came off 101 balls.

Ironically, it was acting captain Leach who had earlier claimed Tom McKinley’s wicket. Leach proved the best of Kingower’s bowls as pressure mounted.

Only Toby Naughton, Sam Harrison and Tom Staniforth were able to reach double figures for the Bulls. Naughton and Harrison averaged a run a ball faced Kingower missed the presence of skipper Braydon Welsh who has dominated association batting this season.

However, openers Matt Rowe and Will Deason had a solid start and it looked like 178 could

gre 24 runs clearly marked Kirk as man of the match.

While Kirk ripped through the Boort Yando middle order and tale, opening bowler Will Holt took care of the top order.

Also sitting on a hat-trick, he had Fergus Bear and Will Gould out and their team in all sorts of trouble at 2-22. His third ball was not in the hunt to claim a wicket.

Boort Yando skipper Jarrod Hodoras was able to stay around longer and was on 18 when bowled lbw by Lachlan Shelton.

Alex Cockerell injected some spirit in the batting fortunes and finished with the inning’s best of 26.

The pitch was to prove no friend of some bowlers with Wedderburn also conceding 16 extras.

Wedderburn’s win has put it back on top of the Upper Loddon ladder after briefly surrendering the coveted position with the previous round loss to Kingower.

Wedderburn

was favoured by a resolute tail, Ben Rose finishing the innings not out on 20 and David Rose, in a rare cameo performance, top scoring on 32.

The Bridgewater performance in the field was all the more remarkable as skipper McKinley took leave to Bridgewater to participate in Walk for Bella.

Bridgewater’s win has lifted it into fourth place on the ladder ahead of this Saturday’s crucial encounter at home against Boort Yando.

The Bulls are level on points with last season’s premiers Arnold. Both have a similar percentage and sit three points ahead of Boort Yando.

to participate in Walk for Bell. LH PHOTO

be bettered on the small Kingower ground as the scoreboard reached 34.

Then the bowling pressure of Wood, Tom McKinley and Bowen turned the match around and saw Kingower lose eight wickets while only adding 23 runs.

The undermanned Kingower

While six rounds remain in the home and away season, both sides need wins before they start making any plans for the finals series.

Likewise Boort Yando must find wins in the next month or risk missing the action.

A year ago, Boort Yando came back from the break, overcame a rocky first couple of rounds and

made it all the way to the grand final.

Players still have that belief in winning but a 3-5 ledger entry will need reversal.

The post-break tip is Wedderburn could have the goods, Kingower remains the sentimental favourite. This weekend’s round could decide whether Arnold, Bridgewater and Boort can change that thinking.

Bowling averages

LADDER

O M R W B Av Str

Tom McKinley (Bridgewater) 49 7 158 17 5/22 9.29 17.29

Kyle Simpson (Kingower) 61 8 227 17 4/10 13.35 21.53

Fergus Bear (Boort Yando) 56 3 270 17 5/49 15.88 19.76

Jayden Leach (Kingower) 55.5 16 122 14 3/17 8.71 23.93

Lachlan DeJong 47 3 190 13 3/16 14.62 21.69

Batting averages

M NO HS Runs Av

Braydon Welsh (Kingower) 7 2 133* 375 75.00

Harry McKinley (Bridgewater) 7 1 110 282 57.00

Tom Kirk (Wedderburn) 4 3 112* 203

Matthew Rowe (Kingower) 8 0 54 189 63.70

Blake and John Coffey sharpening their skills for a busy run-up to the national titles.

sport

Wednesday January 25, 2023

Brothers in swing for chip at titles

INGLEWOOD brothers John and Blake Coffey are gearing up for another year representing Victoria at the nation’s premier woodchop championships.

Unlike the last COVID-hit two years, the pair is having a good competitive run into the championships.

The junior champions have already tasted success in recent months. John was placed in the open events at the Ballarat Show and both were part of the demonstration team at Maryborough Highland Gathering on New Year’s Day.

And with the national titles at Sydney’s Royal Show starting days after the Easter weekend, John and Blake will be part of the woodchop action at the 150th Rheola Charity Carnival.

MASTERING RIVER

A DROP in levels on the Loddon River at Bridgewater is tipped to make for top skiing in the Australian Masters starting on Friday.

Bridgewater Ski Club tournament director Lee Martin said the river was now skiing well with training runs throughout January putting the new jump ramp to the test.

Martin said: “The river had been a bit high but a drop in level means it will not be too rolly or wavey for the

Masters. The river is now at a good height,” he said.

Entries were being collated on Monday with 50 skiers expected to take part in events running from Friday through to Sunday including competitors just back from the world junior championships.

Martin said entries had been received from New South Wales and Queensland for the three days of slalom, tricks and jump competition.

Competitors and their crews have started arriving in Bridgewater and will have a welcome function hosted

by the town’s bowling club tomorrow night with presentations at the Bridgewater Hotel on Sunday.

Martin said there had been an amazing effort with support from the local community to have the course ready for the weekend.

Club members last month installed a new jump ramp after the old ramp was snapped from its moorings in the October floods and smashed into rail and road bridges crossing the river.

“That support meant we were able to have a new ramp in place just eight weeks later,” Martin said. Action on the Loddon River last January. LH PHOTO