MARKET confidence has risen after a champion Loddon ram sold for $25,000 at a national auction on Sunday.
Terrick West stud principal Ross McGauchie said he was “a bit shocked” after the stud’s newlycrown Australian all-purpose champion Merino topped the Australian Sheep and Wool Show ram sale.
“A lot of potential buyers were looking at the auction as a guide to what might happen at the stud
By CHRIS EARL
ram sale season that kicks off next month,” Mr McGauchie said.
“Hopes may have been lifted a bit ... the sale clearance and average prices were pretty similar to last year.
“For us, the auction exceeded expectations at a time when wool prices are not wonderful and the season has been tough. We were hoping our rams would sell okay but never expected these prices.”
Terrick West also had the sec-
TOP RAM
ond top price of $20,000 for one of its rams that had earlier win its class and finished in the top nine all-purpose Merinos at the show against studs from all Australian states.
First-time New South Wales buyers swooped on the Terrick West progeny at Sunday’s auction.
Breeders of large square framed sheep near Parkes, Overland Merinos, paid the top price and Demondrille Merino Stud, near Yass, second best on a weekend of continued success on the
national stage for Loddon studs. John Humbert, of Kedleston Stud near Calivil, won his second consecutive national commercial fleece award and also picked up the Victorian championship.
Mr Humbert’s champion fleece received the highest score across all sections. In the commercial fleece event, he collected first, third and fourth with the stud’s three entries.
He chose to enter the Marchshorn clips for their qualities of evenness and colour.
“They had a wonderful even
crimp.” Mr Humbert said. And Longdale Park Stud, Berrimal, was a major winner in horned Merino section at the show held at Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showgrounds.
“We keep flying the flag for the horned sheep,” said stud principal Rod Kirk.
“We’re seeing some farmers bounce back to the horned after the strong move over recent years to polls.”
SHOW WRAP - PAGE 11 ROD’S PASSION - PAGE 15
‘too low’
FLU vaccination rates in the Loddon Shire for people aged over 65 years is under the state average.
It is also lower among children aged between six months and five years..
Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit has issued a call for people in the age groups to become vaccinated.
“Most people experience a relatively mild illness when infected but this age group (65 plus) is one that is at a higher risk of severe disease,” said medical director Naveen Tenneti said.
“Vaccination is key to protecting yourself and those around you from the flu.
“The flu vaccination is free under the National Immunisation Program for children aged six months to under five years.
“The flu vaccination is free for anyone aged 65 years and older.”
Marley Hutchins And Bruce Bennie are gloved up and ready for their three planting expedition tomorrow. The Bridgewater Primary School duo will be among dozens of Loddon students taking part in National Tree Day activities in an education partnership with Loddon Plains Landcare Network. National Tree Day started in 1996 and has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. AP PHOTO
Loddon
Charlton,
Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Phone 0419549743
Email loddonherald@gmail.com
Web www.loddonherald.com.au
Post PO Box 1188 Kangaroo Flat
WEEKEND FORECAST
New era in tourism discovery
THE excitement of discovering the region’s unique, historic and natural attractions will propel tourism promotion to a new era with the spring launch of Loddon Way.
The region’s first exclusive quarterly tourist magazine will be launched by the Loddon Herald with support from Loddon Shire’s tourism unit.
Loddon Way will bring into one publication the joy and vibe of local towns and communities to be shared by visitors and residents.
“Our Loddon Way will strengthen local businesses and the shire’s
economy with a unique look at our events and attractions and the wonder of discovering what makes our region the place to visit and stay,” said Loddon Herald managing editor Chris Earl.
“Loddon Way has been in the planning for 12 months, a quarterly publication that will be distributed through tourism and accommodation networks across the Loddon Shire and in other regions.”
Three-time Australian travel writer of the year and Loddon Herald sports journalist Gary Walsh will craft stories tak-
ing readers down paths that of unique perspective to exploring the region.
Gary says: “Loddon Way will capture the imagination of people looking for their next journey of discovery and put our area front of mind and action.”
Enzo Scafati, the former Inglewood publican and salesman, has been appointed advertising manager for the Loddon Way.
“This will be a wonderful tourist resource, bringing every town and every attraction across the shire into one publication selling our great Loddon region,” he said.
Exhibition visits
ONE hundred people visited the NAIDOC week exhibition in Inglewood Town Hall of works by indigenous artist Stephanie Taylor. Loddon Shire says 20 people took part in cultural tours at Kooyoora State Park. Local partnerships and $55,000 funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria flood recovery hub saw NAIDOC Week celebrated this month with activities centred on Inglewood.
Library changes
GOLDFIELDS Library Corporation will become a library service beneficial enterprise after State Government legislation forced the end of library corporations. Loddon’s five libraries are part of the the Goldfields group and councillors on Tuesday agreed to be part of the new structure. The change is expected to cost the four member councils $710,008.
Surplus land
LODDON Shire Council on Tuesday agreed to begin processes to sell four surplus blocks of land at Pyramid Hill, Wedderburn, Woodstock and Kurraca.
Jobs in bush
MURRAY Plains MP Peter Walsh, says Victoria’s worsening employment rate can be relieved overnight – because there are plenty of jobs in regional Victoria.
Come and discover the Loddon Way ... Gary Walsh and Enzo Scafati telling stories to visitors. LH PHOTO
Council pair refuse to back water fight
TWO Loddon Shire councillors on Tuesday broke ranks with colleagues and the Murray River Group of Councils when they refused to back a water advocacy plan to support irrigators.
Cr Linda Jungwirth and Cr Wendy Murphy did not vote when councillors decided to endorse the group’s push to maintain its opposition to open tender voluntary water buybacks.
The casting vote of Mayor Gavan Holt was needed for Loddon Shire, one of seven councils in the group, to continue calling for socio-economic impacts on communities to considered under the Murray Darling Basin plan.
Cr Neil Beattie said council had long opposed buybacks that would make the region’s water channel system unviable.
Cr Holt and CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald attended a meeting of Boort and Pyramid Hill irrigators earlier this month.
Cr Holt on Tuesday said water buybacks was a large issue in Loddon Shire with agriculture making up 70 per cent of the local economy, a significant proportion in irrigation.
Mr Fitzgerald told councillors: “Ultimately the future of irrigation in northern Victoria depends on irrigation districts being viable and irrigators having certain-
ty about allocations regimes into the medium and long term
“Murray River Group water advocacy has always cantered on communities and focused on the socio-economic impact of the basin plan.
“(The group) has actively campaigned against open market buy backs due to the economic and social harm they have caused to our communities.
“Of particular concern is the ‘Swiss cheese’ effect of open tender buybacks. Previous water purchase programs led to water being purchased from ad hoc loca-
tions. Ultimately this left irrigation districts with a substantially intact geographic footprint and significantly reduced deliveries, meaning the same or similar overall infrastructure and operating costs are borne by fewer irrigators, increasing costs and farm risk for the remaining irrigators.
“Further buy backs will have the same effect, further exacerbating the problem.”
Murray River Group wants to minimised impact on water availability for towns, industries and agricultural production and wants Victorian Murray Flood-
plain Restoration Projects to delivery water savings, not more buybacks.
Cr Jungwirth said there were differing opinions. “I can see how important it is to our farmers and residents but I am not an expert in the area,” she said.
“It would be irresponsible of me to make a decision ... it’s a balancing act between farming and the environment.”
Cr Murphy, who is employed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, said she did not have enough information to make a decision.
Pub to re-open
THE community-owned Railway Hotel in Dingee is about to re-open with new licencees. Spokesman Matt Bowles said Pat and Donna Burke would take on management of the hotel next month following recent work to upgrade the historic pub that has been closed to Apri.
Smile squad
SMILE Squad program has now delivered free dental care to more than 100,000 students, including in Loddon schools, the State Government state.
LATE NEWS
ENERGY and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio was at Koorangie Energy Storage System, near Kerang, yesterday morning for the delivery of 100 Tesla Megapacks - large-scale rechargeable lithium-ion batteries - the Government says will provide critical energy storage and boost the amount of renewables that can be hosted in the Murray River region by up to 300 megawatts. It says 100 megapacks will total 185 megawatts of storage capacity. Once completed in 2025, a single charge of the battery system will be able to power all the homes in the Gannawarra Shire Council area for more than 14 days or all the homes in Kerang for more than 30 days.
ABSTAINED Wendy Murphy
ABSTAINED Linda Jungwirth
Back under local control
THE Loddon’s only State Emergency Service unit again has a local controller.
Michael George, one of more than a dozen new members to join the Wedderburn unit after a crisis meeting in January to secure its future, was invested with the unit leader epaulettes on Monday night.
SES CEO Greg Leach, the former Rheola volunteer fireman who has become one of Australia’s top emergency service leader, and interim controller Mike Bagnall announced Michael as controller to members.
Mr George had spent Christmas Day at his Calder Highway, Glenalbyn home, watching the first of three destructive summer storm floods.
The SES had to bring volunteers from other parts of Victoria to deal with flooding around Wedderburn after the unit had dropped below operational strength,
“I wanted to help. Those floods were the big kick needed to step up and volunteer,” Mr George said.
Mr George and other recruits have spent the past six months being training in rescue techniques.
“There has been extra training to become co-ordinator - it’s exciting for the unit to be growing again,” he said.
But Mr George and Mr Leach said recruitment continued to see the unit strength reach 20 members.
Mr Leach said emergency services had in the past retained
volunteers for 50 or more years.
“Now, the stay is about five years,” he said.
“We invest a lot in training and equipment, skills ...then volunteers leave for many reasons. We hope that will return later or of they move from a town, join where they next live.
““We want the SES to be an organisation of choice.”
Mr Leach said a recent NSW
Do you want a role in shaping the future of Loddon Shire?
The Municipal Association of Victoria’s Stand for Council Program is coming to Swan Hill to help inform prospective candidates across the Loddon Mallee about the roles of council and what is involved in being a councillor.
The session will cover a range of topics, including:
Election timeline and important dates
Eligibility criteria for candidates
How to submit a nomination
Campaign regulations and guidelines
Overview council’s functions and duties
The session will be held on Wednesday 7 August at Swan Hill Rural City Council and online from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
To register for the event, visit https://mavevents.cventevents. com/event/2b17085d-a5b8-4472-82c1-b38868e26d24/ websitePage:4908a84c-9a5a-42e1-9fc0-81de42960b35
For more information on becoming a councillor, visit https://www. loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Council/Council-elections
study attributed shorter service spans of volunteers to modern life pressures, greater life mobility and career challenges.
In Victoria, there were currently 4500 volunteers in more than 150 units.
Mr Leach said the SES was recruiting 1000 new volunteers each year.
The Wedderburn unit earlier this month received a new
rescue truck and members last week trained for accreditation using chainsaws.
Mr Leach said that while the unit was based in Wedderburn, new members could come from other communities to join the shire’s only SES unit. Mr Leach took up his role with the SES last December and was previously commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
Voter rolls close next week
RESIDENTS have just a week to check if they are enrolled for October’s Loddon Shire Council elections.
Property owners who live in other council areas also have until 4pm next Wednesday to apply to be included on the voter rolls.
Victorian Electoral Commission this week said: “The rules for council enrolment have changed. Property owners who don’t live in the council area but may be eligible to vote because they pay rates should contact their local council for further information.”
Non-resident property owners had been automatically added to ward voter rolls before legislation was changed.
VEC commissioner Sven Bluemmel said: “If you’re 18 or over and you live in or pay rates to a Victorian council, enrol and have your say on the future of your local council.”
Last talks before caretaker starts
SEPTEMBER’S Loddon Shire Council meeting will be brought forward after new State Government legislation changed the caretaker period of councils before elections.
Council will officially enter the election period at midday on September 17.
At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors agreed to hold their last meeting of the current council on Monday, September 16, allowing them to make decisions on works programs.
Michael George (centre) steps up as unit controller after receiving the badges of office from Mike Bagnall and Greg Leach on Monday night. LH PHOTO
History eyes on GMW site
WEEKS ahead of Goulburn Murray Water shutting the gates on its Pyramid Hill depot, a bid has emerged to make the Barber Street block home to a new Loddon Valley history centre.
The town’s historical society has held early talks with GMW and gained support for the vision from local leaders and MP Peter Walsh.
Plans would see historic agricultural machinery taken from storage at Mitchell Park and incorporated in the new museum and interpretive site showcasing five key eras of the region’s history.
Society president Alan Mann said five key themes of the centre would be indigenous history, early white settlement, beginnings of irrigation in Australia and Goulburn Murray Water, Mawson’s granite quarries and the industrial history of Pyramid Hill and districts including the butter factory, agricultural inventions, and its booming modern livestock and cropping industries.
“Up to 1000 vehicles a day pass through Pyramid Hill, the history centre would be a reason for people to stop and explore,” Mr Mann said.
Society member Trevor McIntosh said: “The site is ideal and some infrastructure is already in place.”
Plans also include interactive exhibitions and outdoor history
interpretive trails. Mr Mann said recent meetings in Pyramid Hill had shown enthusiasm for the proposal.
And Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said: “Pyramid Hill must be seen as one of the success stories, not just of regional Victoria, but of all Australia.
“It has brought itself back from the brink of disappearing into insignificance by making brave and industry-leading decisions which attracted a significant new workforce to the area, revived local agribusinesses and has seen a parallel revival of its commercial heartbeat.
“This is the community now turning its energies to the next level in its reincarnation – to the establishment of this history centre.
“If there is any regional community which can be guaranteed to punch above its weight, Pyramid Hill would be the gold medal contender.
“I will be supporting every step of this project as it moves forward, I will go into bat with its negotiations to secure the GMW site as its future home and I will be its voice on the floor of the Victorian Parliament and with the relevant departments whenever necessary.”
Goulburn Murray Water shut its Pyramid Hill office last month with the depot slated to close in mid-August.
Lions plan another year of growing community
NEW members and continued growth of the monthly market will be key aims of Inglewood Lions Club over the next 12 months.
President Eddie Sydor was re-installed as president at the club’s changeover dinner on Friday night.
Mr Sydor was again given the club’s gavel by Charlton club member Peter Watts who also inducted new member Peter Farmer.
In his report on the last year, Mr Sydor said the market return in its new location outside the town hall had been a success.
Mr Sydor said the market would resume in spring with hopes to further increase the number of stallholders.
He said several new members were expected to join the club over the next year, growing the team catering for functions and raising funds in the community.
president Michael Hobson who thanked members for their work.
Guest speaker Tim Birthisel talked about his life as a footballer, banker and now consultant.
Other club office-bears installed included secretarytreasurer Helen Swale and vicepresident John Little.
The toast to Lions International was proposed by Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL
Peter Watts, new member Peter Farmer and president Eddie Sydor. LH PHOTO
Fast-track works have streetscape project close to finish
PYRAMID Hill’s troubled streetscape project is within weeks of completion after Loddon Shire Council took over work earlier this year.
Council’s operations director Steve Phillips said the $1.9 million project was on track for an August finish.
“The playground gym equipment and basketball courts have been activated, and they are already being enjoyed by the community. Victoria Street nature strip planting has now been completed and looking great,” he said.
“The roof is planned to go on the pergolas this week and drinking fountain and barbecue is also scheduled for completion this week. Shade treatment to pergolas will also be finalised early August.”
Council took on the project in April after “a mutual agreement for the contractor to exit the project site”.
Interest-free heritage loans
LOANS of up to $20,000 will be available for heritage restoration projects in the Loddon Shire.
Councillors on Tuesday backed offering interest-free loans to owners or committees of management of heritage buildings.
Operations director Steve Phillips said loans between $1000 and $20,000 could be used to “restore, conserve, maintain or enhance the significant aspects of a building or of a place”.
The new policy says: “This initiative recognises the benefit to the broader community that
will eventuate from the implementation of heritage protection policies, including retaining an insight into our history and enhancing the amenity and presentation of our towns.”
Loans will be available for exterior painting of buildings in prominent locations, construction of sympathetic features which enhance the heritage property and its public presence, such as a front veranda or fence and works to prolong the life of a heritage asset in a prominent location, including works to rec-
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tify water penetration, structural problems, rewiring and restumping.
Council has put aside $100,000 for the loan program. Loans would have to be repaid within five years.
A report by strategic planner Carolyn Stephenson said the initiative recognised the benefit to the broader community that would eventuate from the implementation of heritage protection policies.
“These benefits include retaining an insight into our history,
APPOINTMENTS IN INGLEWOOD, WEDDERBURN AND CHARLTON
HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED FOR OVER 13 YEARS
enhancing the amenity and presentation of our towns and supporting tourism,” she said.
She said that significant aspects of the building or place that could be restored with the loan were are those parts of the building or place that contribute to its heritage value.
“Works that contribute to the amenity of the streetscape or public presence of the building shall be prioritised.
“Intended works must be consistent with the objectives of the heritage overlay,” she said.
LODDON Shire councillors and staff could soon be allowed to call address colleagues as Mr, Mrs, Miss or Miss ... if they have prior consent.
A move to change governance rules, described by Cr Neil Beattie as sensible, was backed by council on Tuesday when Mayor Gavan Holt used his casting vote.
Cr Holt said he believed the change proposed by Cr Dan Straub reflected the majority view of Loddon residents.
Cr Straub said the proposal, now subject to a report for the August council meeting, would strengthen rules adopted last year that required staff to be addressed by their position title.
But Cr Wendy Murphy and Cr Linda Jungwirth opposed the revamp.
Cr Murphy said Cr Straub’s proposal was pedantic. She previous meetings has seen councillors not use the governance rules form of address “and there haven’t been clips behind the areas of anything.” She said council had more important discussions to have.
Cr Jungwirth said the move was backwards and frivolous. She said council was required to have gender impact assessments of policies and create better and fairer outcomes. She said gender inequality was a driver in ending violence against women.
Playground equipment is back in use at Kelly Park as the streetscape project progresses. LH PHOTO
OBITUARY
MARGARET WILLIAMSON 1941-2024
MARGARET Williamson has been remembered as a proud worker and advocate for the Pyramid Hill community.
The former nurse and husband Murray were caretakers of the town’s swimming pool in the early 1970s and she later organised water aerobics and swimming lessons for Mums and Bubs.
Margaret and Murray were married in 1961 and lived in Wycheproof working on a farm for the Todd family, before moving to Yarrawalla where home was a bus that May and Jack Williamson provided for six months, before moving into Watson’s Cottage.
Daughter Judy Flood said they moved to Pyramid hill in 1964 and initially lived at Durham Ox Road. “After our Durham Ox Road house burnt down in 1973, the McCahon family took us in and, and later that year Mum and Dad bought our home on Gladfield Road,” she said.
Margaret played tennis for Yarrawalla and later took up golf, winning many trophies and having a handicap of 16.
Judy said: “Mum was a local advocate, and some of her important town contributions included successfully lobbying for funding and getting a footpath from Mitchell Park to the Catholic school, an aged care crossing sign on Gladfield Road, a pram and Scooter crossing on all streets in the town, a ground-level kitchen and disability ramp at memorial hall.
“She organised tourism activities, opshop tours, and local town tours of Pyramid Hill. She dedicated nine years to Cubs and Scouts with the whole family in uniform. She held district and regional positions as well, and was always on camps and jamborees. ‘
“Mum was very involved in her local community- she was on the pre-school committee, president of Presbyterian church and president of the Ladies Guild. Museum duties started when Mum’s tennis dress no longer fit- she didn’t like to wear skirts and tops so she gave it up. She spent almost 30 years working with Meals on Wheels, other community contributions included hostel sleepovers as a volunteer and being editor of the senior citizens magazine.”
Margaret was the Lion’s Club citizen of
the year in 1999 and a recipient of the Centenary of Federation Medal in 2001.
“Some of her many hobbies included acting in plays, cooking for the show, and sponge cakes were her speciality. I’m sure everyone here remembers that she made the best jelly cakes and lamingtons,” Judy said.
“Dad moved to Wagga in 2013 to go into care, and Mum wasn’t quite ready to make the move away from Pyramid Hill. Dad later passed away in 2015- Mum was very stoic (read, stubborn) and stayed in Pyramid Hill until she moved to Melbourne in August 2019.
Margaret waqs born in Melbourne and started nursing at the Eye and Ear Hospital. in 1958. She met Murray at a dance Melbourne and two were regulars at dances across the area when living in Pyramid Hill. She was the Pyramid Hill correspondent for the former Northern Times newspaper for 28 years.
Historical society secretary Cheryl McKinnon said: “Margaret worked tirelessly for the Historical Society and the community. She was largely responsible for many of the vast array of publications for sale at the Museum, having spent years researching and collating information that enables people from all over the world to trace their roots back to our district. Margaret has left a lasting legacy and her contribution, dedication, generosity and friendship will long be remembered.
Tech glitches to connectivity
COMPUTER connections and phone services have dropped out as technology glitches play havoc with Loddon residents.
Last Friday’s global IT meltdown knocked out the shire’s website and saw council keep employment application vacancies open for an extra 24 hours.
Phone and internet services in Inglewood were down for several hours on Monday and Tuesday.
Telstra also has a planned outage of up to eight hours between tomorrow and next Wednesday for maintenance at Inglewood, Bridgewater and Serpentine.
Meanwhile, submissions to the Australian Government’s regional telecommunications review next Wednesday.
Committee has been examining the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia and the suitability of their telecommunications services.
Committee chair Alannah MacTiernan said: “This opportunity comes around only once every three years and we are in the
final stretch before the Committee delivers its recommendations back to government.
“People in regional, rural and remote Australia are relying on telecommunications services more than ever before and reliable, high-speed connectivity supports public safety, day-to-day business, social inclusion and access to essential health and education services.”
Committee members are looking at opportunities for new and emerging technologies to strengthen telecommunications systems in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia, effectiveness of existing government initiatives, modernisation of the universal services arrangements, strengthening telecommunications in natural disasters.
Many Loddon communities were without mobile phone service when floods hit the region last Christmas Day and residents continue to agitate for better services along the Loddon River.
Driver, 75, killed in main street accident
POLICE are investigating a Calder Highway accident that killed a 75-year-old Bendigo man on Saturday morning.
They said it was understood a car and a truck collided at the intersection of High Street and Back St Arnaud Road about 9am.
A passenger from the car was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. The truck driver was taken to hospital with minor
injuries. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV/ dashcam footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www. crimestoppers.com.au
Victoria’s road toll on Monday was 159 compared with 158 at the same time last year.
Transmission priority plan aims for energy targets
LODDON communities have been put in the top tier for VicGrid investigations of future renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure projects.
A large swathe of northern Victoria will be given priority in preparing the Victorian Transmission Plan.
VicGrid on Tuesday released draft plans to prepare the strategy over the next year, saying that tier one areas were based “on the combination of high opportunities and low constraints for wind and solar”.
The proposed VNI West renewable energy transmission line corridor is in the top tier. Loddon Shire is also part of a renewable energy zone.
“The guidelines explain how VicGrid will determine how much renewable energy is needed to be generated where and by when, what transmission projects are required and how we will partner with communities and industry to make these decisions,” VicGrid said.
“It also includes an initial study area, showing which parts of Victoria we will investigate further as we work with communities to find the best places to host future wind and solar generation.”
CEO Alistair Parker said community input would play a crucial role at this stage and throughout the process of developing the Victorian Transmission Plan.
“We are changing the way en-
ergy infrastructure is delivered in Victoria and early and meaningful engagement is at the heart of our approach,” Mr Parker said.
“We need the input of regional communities, farmers, landholders and first peoples so we can get this right for all Victorians, reduce impacts and deliver real benefits.
“While we’re starting our investigations broad, ultimately only a portion of the study area will be needed to host new energy infrastructure.
Areas south of Bendigo to Keilor and Melton have been excluded from wind projects while around Bendigo, the draft document says the district has been deprioritised in the plan.
VNI West remains on commission’s radar
VNI West will remain a key focus of the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commission, according to its report tabled in Federal Parliament this month.
Interim commissioner John Sheldon said: “The report presents information on the work of the Office of the AEIC during the 2023 calendar year in responding to community concerns on new energy infrastructure and undertaking related stakeholder,
transparency and best practice activities.”
He said VNI West was one of five major projects in Australia with major milestones to complete in 2024. “Additionally, governments continue to plan for the energy transition through the identification of renewable energy zones and offshore wind Areas which will require the development of supporting transmission infrastructure.”
Andrew Dyer before his retirement as commission last year made several formal and informal site visits related to the proposed Western Renewables Link and VNI (West) projects and also attended meetings along the proposed route of VNI West from Stawell to Kerang.
The route includes the northern tip of the Loddon Shire.
Opponents of VNI West continue to call for its scrapping.
Loddon Shire Council postal election
My council, my vote
You must be enrolled to vote
TECHNOLOGY helps screen incoming calls when the phone screen turns red and up pops “suspected spam”.
Answer, and it’s usually one of those call centre workers trying to flog the latest “energy upgrades from the government” - solar panels, shower heads, lights, air-vent covers.
Victorian Energy Upgrades Program telemarketing has been banned since May and the doorknocking ban starts next Thursday.
But in recent weeks, there have been social media sponsored posts spruiking an area is eligible for some new program.
Loddon Shire has been targeted, complete with a doctored image of the “council” offices. A nice
A general election for Loddon Shire Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled by the
categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Loddon Shire Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters.
State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if:
• you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and you live in Loddon Shire and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
• you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and you live in Loddon Shire and you are not on the State electoral roll or
• you have lived at your current residential address within Loddon Shire for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website.
All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be:
• 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and • not a State-enrolled voter within Loddon Shire.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within Loddon Shire, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Loddon Shire Council election.
Who else can enrol & vote?
You may also apply to enrol if: you have purchased a rateable property within Loddon Shire since the last election but you are not a resident of Loddon Shire, or you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within Loddon Shire, or
• you pay rates on a property you occupy within Loddon Shire and have no other voting entitlement within Loddon Shire, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within Loddon Shire, or
• you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within Loddon Shire that pays rates to Loddon Shire Council and you have no other voting entitlement within Loddon Shire.
two-storey brown brick building in the style of the 1970s but not the Wedderburn headquarters.
Come back to your social media feed the next day, and there’s the same building emblazoned with the marks of Bendigo City Council, looking nothing like its swanky new GovHub.
Rang the number for said company, hung up and within seconds there was an incoming call. Yes, that’s right, the screen turning red and flashing up “suspected spam”.
Essential Services Commission says it is monitoring compliance of the Victorian Energy Upgrade ban on telemarketers and doorknockers ... online we don’t know.
- CHRIS EARL
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Loddon Shire Council on 5494 1200 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 5494 1200.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Loddon Shire Council, you must:
• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Loddon Shire Council and be eligible to become a councillor and have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Fleeces best in nation
LODDON Merino studs collected five major awards in the Australian Fleece competition last weekend.
Calivil’s Kedleston Park stud won the national best performance class fleece for a second year while Norm Weir’s Kerrilyn stud at Dunluce was named the most successful exhibitor.
Kedleston Park’s 18.4 micron fleece from sheep shorn on March 7 was the highest scoring entry in the competition.
Stud principal John Humbert said: “We shore more than 3500 stud ewes, maiden ewes and weaners back in March. I put aside what I thought were good fleeces for evenness, colour and weight,” he said. “There were 10 or 15 and sometimes I would go back and take one out before selecting the final three entries.”
Those three entries finished first, third and fourth. Kedleston Park also won state championship for its top fleece that was awarded a score of 96.7.
The performance class is for exhibitors shearing in six to eightmonth cycles commercially.
For Kerrilyn, major awards came in three classes - most valuable in the commercial value section, reserve champion in fine medium (19.6-20.5 micron) and strong wool (22.1 and broader). The successes earned Mr Weir the most successful exhibitor trophy.
Fleece competition judge John McGrath said the depth and quality of entries this year was the most impressive.
“The entries in the stud sections were again of a very high standard and the commercial exhibits were among the best I have seen in the competition’s long history,” he said. Competition co-ordinator Can-
dice Cordy said she had been buoyed by the increase of entries this year, up 45 from 340 in 2023. All competition fleeces were weighed and sampled for objective measurement using Australian Wool Testing Authority procedures.
Many of the fleeces, including those entered by Mr Humbert, will be donated for auction later in the year to raise funds for Strength to Give, the donor entity of Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. The competition selects a different charity each year with more than $210,000 having been raised in 23-year history of the event.
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
Increased numbers in yarding with a slightly cheaper market at the levels expected for the next 4-6 weeks.
TERRICK West Poll Merino Stud has capped a successful Australian Sheep and Wool Show by claiming the Australian allpurpose champion and reserve champion ribbons.
The weekend show, the largest sheep competition in the South Hemisphere, also saw Terrick West win champion best exhibit of three March-shorn merino or poll merino, grand champion fine/medium March shorn-ram of the show and reserve grand champion fine/medium Marchshorn poll ewe.
Stud principal Ross McGauchie
said it was pleasing to see the top rams carry their success into the show’s auction on Sunday where Terrick West topped the sale.
The top ram, 14-month-old future sire measured a 16.5 micron fleece, with a standard deviation of 2.4 microns, a coefficient of variation figure of 14.3 per cent and comfort factor of 99.8 per cent.
“The Australian Sheep and Wool Show is the biggest and brings studs from every Australian state,” Mr McGauchie said.
The Loddon’s Merino stud ram auction season kicks off at Terrick West next month.
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact
Ross and Claire McGauchie with their champion ram, LH PHOTO
John Humbert and Candice Cordy. LH PHOTO
FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETIN
HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT
Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.
Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and con dential nancial support - Call 1300 735 578
Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au
Orange Door - You have a right to be safe
- Call 1800 512 359
Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area.
1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732
Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.
Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au
Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au
Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821
Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au
Translation and Interpreter Services
Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au
National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.
LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Community Health/Hospitals
Boort District Health
3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200
Inglewood and District Health Services
3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000
Northern District Community Health P: (03) 5451 0200
Boort Medical Centre
2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200
Dingee Bush Nursing Centre
21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309
Marong Medical Practice
8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308
Wedderburn Health Clinic
25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511
Legal Services
Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909
Following the success of the 2023 grants program Loddon Shire Council is pleased to announce a 2024 Community Flood Recovery Grants Program.
The Program will provide grants to not-for-pro t community groups in Loddon Shire to hold activities and events which create opportunities for connection, resilience, capacity building and positive wellbeing
LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS
Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love to hear from you and assist you through your ood recovery.
Please get in touch if you would like to chat about ood recovery for you and your community.
Call Mal: 0499 978 145 or Josie: 0474 911 783
and help keep our communities strong. Projects must link to ood recovery and have clear outcomes for communities across Loddon Shire that were impacted by the October 2022 oods. Applications for grants ranging from $500-$5,000 are now open. The amount of the grant depends on the activity or event. Grant applications will close midnight Sunday 1 September 2024.
Applications must be submitted via Council’s online SmartyGrants portal. For guidelines and to apply visit: https://loddon.smartygrants. com.au/
For up-to-date information regarding ood recovery and council services:
Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au
Call our o ce between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or
Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/
LH1629224
Handle on robustness and risk
DISTRICT farmers explored the robustness of their farms and attitudes to risk at an Agriculture Victoria two-day workshop in Bridgewater last Thursday.
Dr Kate Burke said that while the region’s agricultural sector was off to a good start compared with some parts of Victoria, it was important for farmers to look at their business models.
“We’re getting a handle on risk and attitudes to risk,” she said. “We are looking at all aspects of the business.
“But the main thing is that we are also learning from each other. The group for
WOOL REPORT
this workshop is a good mix of experience and youth enthusiasm.”
Dr Burke said crops in the area had a good start this season and that was building a positive outlook.
She said times of positivity were also when farmers should start preparing for difficult times.
The workshop explored season scenario planning, key profit drivers and high-level benchmarks, income versus cost of production and impact of rotation, calculating basic financial benchmarks and understanding a farmer’s appetite for risk.
The Australian wool market has had an up and down series, a soft start followed by a strong finish, combining for an overall unchanged result in the benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI). With only Sydney and Melbourne in operation last week the national offering fell to 27,519 bales. Season to date there has been 13,051 more bales offered compared to last, however this figure is misleading. Historically there would be no sales held in Week 3 as the mid-year recess had begun, the addition of these extra sales in July is bolstering early season offering figures. Buyer sentiment was again cautious from the start of the first day, and while market movements varied, the overall trend was lower. The EMI dropped 3 cents for the day. This was the ninth selling day in a row the EMI recorded a negative result. This was the longest downward run in the EMI since October 2020 (12 selling days). The EMI dipped to 1,104 cents, the lowest the EMI has been, also since October 2020. The second selling day was in complete contrast to the first, buyer sentiment was positive and the widespread competition helped to push prices higher. By days end, the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) had risen by between 2 and 46 cents. The EMI ended its downward daily run, posting a 3-cent rise for the day, weakness in the other sectors preventing a larger daily rise. The EMI closed the day and the series at 1,107 cents, unchanged for the series. The passed in rate was 8.3% this was 5.2% lower than the previous week. An overall clearance rate of over 90% shows the willingness of most sellers to meet the current market. Fremantle returns next week, for what will be the final selling series before the annual threeweek mid-year recess. Currently, there is 33,564 bales on offer.
Source: AWEX
SHEEP AND LAMBS
THE market was weaker across lamb and mutton categories at Bendigo on Monday.
Lambs above 20kg cwt lost $10 to $20/ head compared to a week ago, while lighter stock eased $5 to $14.
The trend in the sheep was similar with heavy mutton pulled back the most to be up to $30/hd cheaper, while the general run of sheep were off by $10 to $20. It followed a lift in supply and a decline in quality.
There was 16,210 lambs offered for an increase of 2800 on a week ago, although the supply of top quality fed lambs actually declined. There was more wintery and woolly lambs in this yarding.
All the regular buyers operated but were more selective on fat cover and presentation, and some processors only operated to set price points and didn’t chase the market.
It led to a wider price spread across the lamb run, crossbred lambs from 780c to just touch on 900c/kg, with the bulk of sales from 820c to 880c/kg cwt.
There was less export lambs available and the 30kg cwt plus pens sold from $252 to a top of $288 at a ballpark cost of 850c/ kg cwt to processors. The heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs from $200 to $252 at a blended average of 840c/kg cwt.
Neat trade lambs $178 to $215/head. Merino lambs received some of the best buying support in this sale, the heaviest to $246 and fed heavy trades at $170 to $236 at over 800c/kg to match it will crossbreds at times. But plainer Merinos with less fat cover were mostly $130to $150 for those with frame, and from $96 to $124 for smaller MK kill types.
There was a lot of Dorpers in this sale, of note was a line of 635 light trades around 19-20kg cwt which sold for $151/hd.
The sheep sale didn’t have the punch of the past fortnight as rates were rolled back below 500c/kg cwt.
Some extra heavy crossbred ewes to $172 and big Merino ewes in a skin to $160/ hd. The majority of sheep were in a range of $80 to $140/hd at an estimated 420c to 480c/kg with only limited lines hitting 500c/kg.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
Lehmann Family Trust, Kerang (172) $288. A & G James Lockington (65) $285. Pepperton Elmore (37) $268. G & L McGurk Charlton
James Taylor, Dr Kate Burke, Dave Edwards, Sue Coghlan and Tina Turnbull at the two-day workshop in Bridgewater. LH PHOTO
FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ
Old salutations still respectful
by ChRIS EARl
ANY interesting week around the world and at home - an octogenarian president in the United States becomes the first incumbent in more than 60 years to not seek re-election, in Victoria a powerful construction union becomes the centre of claims now referred by the State Government for investigation.
They have been the big headlines. What might have slipped through the news radar of many people comes under the broad definition of diversity, equality and inclusion - the buzzwords that have been behind crusades of some in society to change how other people think, act and respond.
To the layperson, it’s what can be described as being politically correct. We’ve seen all levels of government, top echelons of AFL and right down to grassroots community level, pushing for an embracement of altered ideals. Big business, too, sought to exert influence in the 2023 referendum that has since been labelled as divisive, some even saying it set back genuine inclusion.
Last week the nearly 200-year-old industrial and farming equipment manufacturer John Deere said it would “no longer participate in or support external social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events.”
The US company known around the world for its green and gold livery tractors said that “the existence of diversity quotas and pronoun identification have never been and are not company policy.”
John Deere said that the changes were based on the company’s commitment to responding to customer opinion.
“To best serve our customers and employees, Deere is always listening to feedback and looking
lEttER tO thE EDItOR
We are never alone
Sir, I write to you today with a heavy heart. Recently, our close-knit community has been devastated by the tragic loss of two community members. These events have impacted every one of us leaving us grappling with grief, confusion and sadness. As the local councillor, I want to share this letter with my community.
First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends directly affected by these losses. Our thoughts are with you, and we stand by you, ready to offer our support and love during this unimaginably difficult time.
In a community as small and interconnected as ours, the ripple effects of these tragedies touch us all, reminding us of our close relationships and the profound impact each person has on our community.
I know life can be hard sometimes but every individual matters. Even when things feel overwhelming, please know you are not alone. There are people who care, who are willing to listen, and who want to offer their support.
If you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to a
lOCAl PERSPECtIvE
for opportunities to improve,” the statement read. “That’s why we consistently prioritize internal policies that more closely align with our business strategy to meet the needs of our customers.”
And on Tuesday, Loddon Shire councillors were discussing whether its policy be amended and officers, staff and even fellow councillors could be addressed as Mister, Missus, Miss ... only with consent of course.
That council had a policy outlawing such courtesies, replaced with the bland and nondescript titles of officer, director, CEO that achieved compliance with policies dictated by higher levels of government only demonstrated that whether social engineering, being politically correct, or toeing the line, the one-size-fits-all approach authored and decreed in the big cities only serves to show how out of touch some are with country values.
The sanitising of salutations serves little practical benefit. To remove the norm, and risk castigation for pursuing long-held respectful customs, is sad. John Deere has driven the tractor through a wall blocking sense and sensibility. We saw that Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh welcomed the move.
The disappearance of Mr, Mrs and Miss in some media reporting may be reversed. I do wonder whether some of our older women are referred to as Ms in some stories carried by big media outlets. They could invariably be women married for 50 and 60 years, proud to be called Mrs. Of course, we live in a modern world and things have changed. But that’s no reason to throw out values that have actually fostered real respect for centuries,
friend, a family member, a counsellor, or anyone you trust. We all struggle sometimes and all feelings are valid. We don’t need to hide our feelings from those who care. They are the people who can help. As a community wondering what to do next, let’s check in on our neighbours, listen without judgment, and offer a shoulder to lean on. Small acts of kindness and genuine concern can make a huge difference. It’s so important to look out for each other right now.
I’m heartened to know that people locally have sprung into action as the result of a conversation about the tragic incidents. They want to find a positive way forward and to create an opportunity to gather with our friends and neighbours at this time. We live in a close knit, caring community. Our doors are always open. Please reach out and know you are never really alone.
CrLindaJungwirth LoddonShire
Lifeline’s crisis support service is available to provide short-term support for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe. Phone Lifeline on 131114.
20 QUESTION QUIZ
1. Which insects live in a formicary?
2. What does BPM stand for in health?
3. The hairstyle that’s described as ‘business at the front, party at the back’ is called what?
4. Who is the current Pope?
5. Meningococcal disease affects which organ?
6. Would mamoul be eaten, worn, or played?
7. Serpentine National Park is located in which Australian state or territory?
8. The Constellation Cup is contested by Australia and New Zealand in which sport?
9. Ni is the chemical symbol for which element?
10. A polygraph is also
known as a what test?
11. What is the world’s largest marsupial carnivore?
12. The Vatu is the currency of which country?
13. What animal is the mascot of Paddle Pops?
14. Abyssinia is the former name of which current-day African country?
15. What percentage of pure gold is 19 carat gold?
16. Who was the Victorian premier in 2000?
17. Buff, sienna, and russet are shades of which colour?
18. Who is Kylie Minogue’s younger sister?
19. What is the capital city of Laos?
20. The white whale is also known by what other name?
ANSWERS
BRADLEY of Boort stayed in the home office at the weekend drafting his windy take to place on the Treemendous Sign, he probably had time to be propelled into the future and come up with a future work list.
TAKING shelter at home was one way to get out of the wind. At the footy in Serpentine, there was at least one vehicle that took a reverse position on the boundary, put up the tailgate and watched the game. Our very one Gary was determined not to be blown away.
WHAT was perhaps needed was some Japanese influence. There was once an animated TV show
called Windy Tales about a group of people who can control the wind.
CONTROLLING the wind would have caused havoc on the set of The Wizard of Oz, that ripping 1939 movie that blew Dorothy and Toto off course in rural Kansas.
T HE highest wind speed ever recorded wasd Barrow Island, Australia on April 10, 1996, when an unmanned weather station measured a 253 mph wind gust during Tropical Cyclone Olivia
W hy is the wind such a good musician? It really knows how to blow the horn! What did one wind say to the other? “Catch you on the gust side!” Why is the wind the best at gossip? It just goes through one ear and out the other!
Ants 2. Beats per minute 3. Mullet 4. Pope Francis 5. Brain 6. Eaten (Middle
Steve Bracks
Brown 18.
Dannii Minogue 19. Vientiane 20. Beluga.
bUShy tAlES by IAN jONES
Iconic Merino image has Kirks
Hooked on classics
By CHRIS EARL
ROD KIRK had a yearning to come to Australia – the country he saw as the home of Merinos and a land of opportunity for his young family to become part of the sheep industry.
A passion for Merinos whetted in his native New Zealand, deep on the South Island below the 45 Parallel that runs around the globe below Tasmania, where Rod had been a recipient of the Otago Merino Association’s Monaro Scholarship.
The scholarship had brought Rod to Australia to gain a better understanding of breeding principles, bloodlines, and farm management across the Tasman.
Back in New Zealand, the yearning remained to return to Australia “where I believed there were more opportunities in the industry”, he said.
Phone calls were made across the ditch. Rod was in luck. FS Falkiner and Sons, part of the Australian Food and Agriculture Company since 2000, and based on the famous Wanganella bloodline had an opening. So, too, did NSW Health for Rod’s wife and physiotherapist Nicola.
For almost six years they made home the southern Riverina where Rod was under the tutelage of the legendary Forbes Murdoch who had been recruited to class Boonoke Merino Stud at Deniliquin and then as studmaster and classer of the three Australian Food and Agriculture Company’s Merino studs - Boonoke, Wanganella and Poll Boonoke. FS Falkiner’s stud manager Jim Coward was equally influential in Rod’s early years working in Australia.
Rod would be part of the stud’s show contingent and in 2007, won the Malcolm Swain Memorial for best handler at the national Merino show in Dubbo.
Then came the chance to Rod and Nicola to move south. “Roger Polkinghorn was looking for some at his Charinga stud at Berrimal, near Wedderburn. Another opportunity to learn presented itself and down we came.” Rod said Roger had been supplying Wanganell awith his bloodlines.
Rod and Nicola also started leasing property at Berrimal when opportunity again emerged.
“The property came onto the market –land in an area that’s very tightly held. I had seen how well Charinga performed on the land and we decided Berrimal would be the home for our own stud.”
Again the hook of Wanganella bloodlines would be at the heart of the Kirk’s planning. The first purchase was made in 2017 to establish the Longdale Park stud and have purchased some ewes and rams every year since.
“We have since infused Charinga and Orrie Cowie rams into the flock but there will always be a strong influence of Wanganella genetics,” Rod said.
Longdale made its first steps onto the show mat in 2022 and within 12 months has enjoyed increasing success.
At the Australian Sheep and Wool Show last year, the stud claimed the champion and reserve champion March-shorn finemedium wool ram awards and reserve junior champion fine-medium wool ram prize and several broad ribbons at the Victorian Sheep Show in Ballarat.
“It was only our second year showing at Bendigo and we would have been happy to get second ... to take the next step is unbe-
lievable,” he said. And last weekend, the fledgling Merino stud collected more blue ribbons at the national show and praise from industry peers for the stud’s progress. The stud was first in the March-shorn fine-medium wool horned ram lamb and first in March-shorn medium wool horned ram, less than two permanent teeth. This ram also took out reserve champion in the
wool
was a
in the March-shorn
Wool ram lamb . that went onto be chosen as reserve champion.
And with a first in the March-shorn fine wool, more than two permanent teeth ram, the Kirks claims a champion ribbon at the show.
Rod and Nicola breed the traditional horned Merinos and believes that as a
Berrimal’s Rod and Nicola KIrk (above) with their traditional horned Merinos at last weekend’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show and (left) sons Duncan and Forbes at the annual Loddon Valley Merino Stud Association field day. LH PHOTOS
heavier cutting sheep, they retained a place in the industry. He also “keeps the eye in” blade shearing the stud’s top rams.
“We are aiming to increase the animal’s carcass traits while maintaining the wool cut with a target of 19 micron,” he said.
The Kirks have also started to breed poll Merinos as they continue to build numbers at Longdale Park. Nicola said it was sons Forbes and Duncan who had keen to incorporate polls into the stud.
The boys also have their own sheepdogs – Mister and Munro.
“Longdale Park had a successful year in sales and in the show ring in 2023, selling more rams to existing clients with more buyers choosing to infuse our genetics through their flocks for a fantastic product that is real value for money,” Rod said.
“Swapping the green by extreme weather climate of the Otago region in New Zealand for Australia has open the door to opportunities – we’ve established the stud, continued to expand knowledge of the Merino industry and link that passion to breed bloodlines we aim to see show good white wools and durability.”
medium
horned section. There
first
fine
OSWALD
Cliffton Graham “Cliff”
Passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024 Aged 77 years
Loving son of the late Dallas and May Oswald.
Brother of Lorna (Whinney), Denise (dec.) and Merrell (dec.).
Brother-in-law of John, Ray and Alan.
Much loved uncle to his nieces and nephews.
Close to our hearts
You will always stay Loved and remembered everyday
To Let
Pyramid Hill Elderly Persons Unit
Council currently has a vacancy in the Elderly Persons Units located in Victoria Street, Pyramid Hill.
The unit comprises:
open plan kitchen and living area
two separate bedrooms with built in robes
large storage cupboard
separate laundry and bathroom
reverse cycle heating/cooling
oor and window coverings throughout single car parking
Rental: $192.00 per fortnight
Applications close: Friday 9 August, 2024
Application forms:
Please contact Council on (03) 5494 1200 or via email at communityservices@loddon.vic.gov.au to request an application form or download one from Council’s website: www.loddon.vic.gov.au and go to Housing for Seniors.
For further information, or to arrange an inspection, please contact Council’s Aged Care & Inclusive Communities Coordinator, Nicole Taylor on (03) 5494 1200.
Leach Family Reunion
Sunday 20th October 2024
1pm-4pm Rheola Public Hall
For further information please contact Julie 0408 403 018 julpine@hotmail.com
LODDON HERALD CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT
1. The proposed facility consists of the following to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network, including 4G / 5G:
• Replacement of six (6) existing panel antennas (2533mm x 353mm x 209mm) with six (6) new panel antennas (2533mm x 350mm x 208mm) attached at a 60.5m height to a triangular headframe and mounted above the existing 60m high guyed mast; and • ancillary equipment to be installed including remote radio units, tower mounted amplifiers, cabling and feeders, to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network (including 4G/5G).
2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a ‘Low impact’ Facility under the Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 2018, based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.
3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra, via email to planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, phone: 03 9937 6555, via post to Planning Consultant, Servicestream, PO Box 14570, Melbourne, VIC 3000 by 5pm, Thursday 8 August 2024. Service Stream
The Bridge is held at Holy Trinity, Bridgewater, 44 Calder Hwy, 10am-12pm.
CAREERS AT LODDON SHIRE
Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.
J/283- Emergency Management Coordinator
Permanent, part-time position
Working 4 days per week
Band 7 salary- $97,998.75 pro-rata per annum plus employer superannuation.
J/282- Community Compliance Coordinator
Permanent, full-time position
Band 7 salary- $97,998.75 per annum plus employer superannuation
Based at our Wedderburn o ce
J/270- Asset and GIS O cer
Permanent, full-time position
Band 5 salary- $73,079.16 per annum plus employer superannuation
Based at our Wedderburn o ce Applications for the positions above will close Monday 5 August 2024 at 5pm.
J/281- Early Childhood Activity Group Leader (Roving Position)
Permanent, part-time position
Working 32 hours per week
Attractive salary of $28.38 per hour plus employer superannuation
J/280- Early Childhood EducatorPyramid Hill
Temporary, part-time position
Based at our Pyramid Hill service
Salary in line with the Early Childhood Employees Agreement 2020
J/279- Early Childhood TeacherWedderburn
Permanent, part-time position
Based at our Wedderburn service
ECT Level 1-3. Salary in line with the Early Childhood Employees Agreement 2020
J/278- Finance O cer
Full-time, temporary position
Band 4 salary- $66,374.18 per annum plus employer superannuation
Based at our Wedderburn o ce with exible working arrangements available Applications for the positions above will close Monday 29 July 2024 at 5pm.
J/124- Casual Early Childhood Teacher
Casual position with exibility to choose your own days
Early Childhood Teacher 1.1- $42.10 per hour (inclusive of casual loading)
Positions available at all of our services
J/266- Casual Ranger
Casual position
Band 1 salary- $34.54 per hour plus applicable allowances
Based at our Wedderburn o ce 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 1200.
The film tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue an infant girl adri� at sea and raise her as their own. Years later, the couple discover the child’s true parentage and are faced with the consequences of their ac�ons.
Lake Nandaly
seniors
Marong 5.3 10.4 15.6 21.11 (137)
Calivil 1.1 3.3 3.5 3.6 (24)
GOALS - Marong: R. Taylor 10, R. Wellington 4, K. Manley, L. Lee, N. Devanny 2, M. Bradbury. Calivil: D. Canfield, A. Dennis, S. Green.
BEST - Marong: R. Taylor, L. Lee, J. Gadsden, N. Devanny, J. Gretgrix, D. Johnstone. Calivil: S. Maher, S. Green, T. Piazza, L. Fisher, D. Canfield, B. Baker.
BL Serpentine 3.1 7.7 12.12 16.12 (108)
Bridgewater 2.2 2.3 3.4 3.7 (25)
GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Rippingale 4, F. Priest, A. Gladman 3, C. Draper 2, J. Laird, J. Bailey, J. Wilkinson, B. Harrison. Bridgewater: J. Neylon, L. Sharp, O. Muggleton.
BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Bailey, D. Nihill, J. Wilkinson, R. Turner, N. Twigg, J. Rippingale. Bridgewater: H. McKinley, L. Cohen, L. Coghlan, J. Coghlan, A. Collins, B. Alexander.
Inglewood 0.0 1.8 2.11 6.15 (51)
Maiden Gully 4.7 4.9 6.15 6.16 (52)
GOALS - Inglewood: D. Polack 2, L. Harris, K. Payne, C. Love, W. Allen. Maiden Gully: M. Whitham, R. Strauch, A. Monfries, B. Franzini, E. Crisp, J. Worsley.
BEST - Inglewood: L. Ford, S. Polack, L. Matheson, W. Allen, D. Polack, T. Kennedy. Maiden Gully: E. Crisp, J. Worsley, T. Pridgeon, D. Phyland, L. Deslandes, B. Franzini.
GOALS - Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 6, J. Burns 3, B. Scott, D. Hemphill, B. George 2, B. Gibson, S. Gunther, B. Knight, E. Caburnay.
BEST - Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford, B. Knight, D. Hemphill, S. Gunther, S. Mann, B. George. Mitiamo: J. Falls, K. Galvin, L. Lougoon, Z. Morrison, L. Shiell, B. Baines.
UnDer 18
Loddon
GOALS - Pyramid Hill: B. Gibson, L. Stubbs, X. Emmerson. East Loddon: N. Cartwright, W. Josey, J. Ketterer, L. James, B. Wagner.
BEST - Pyramid Hill: R. Hutton, L. Stubbs, C. McCoy, B. Gibson, H. Goodes, J. Hercott. East Loddon: M. Hocking, O. Balic, B. Wagner, M. Hancock, N. Ramskill.
Inglewood
Bridgewater
(34)
(72)
GOALS - Inglewood: T. Murphy 2, M. Lonza, R. Smith, K. McClellan. Bridgewater: O. Clapp 3, M. Brown, J. Friswell 2, S. Hewett, L. Bartlett, T. Woodhatch. BEST - Inglewood: H. Noble, C. Hackett, D. Gilbee, T. Murphy, E. McCoy, T. Lovett. Bridgewater: L. Bartlett, M. Armstrong, O. Clapp, S. McMahon, T. Hetherton, C. Orton. Marong
(38)
(61)
GOALS - Nullawil: D. Kelly, G. Forrester, M. Poyner, S. Goldsmith, J. Barry. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Poulton 4, H. Harcourt 3, T. Donnan, C. Michael.
BEST - Nullawil: Z. Kelly, J. Barry, L. Braine, D. Kelly, A. Forrester. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Michael, W. Landry, H. Harcourt, J. Clohesy, T. Considine, Z. Wemyss.
Wycheproof
(20)
(82)
GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: K. McNicol, B. Brennan, H. Senior. Boort: F. Holland 4, C. O’Rourke 3, S. Barraclough 2, D. Hatcher, A. Cockerell.
BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: H. Senior, R. Jones, K. McNicol, W. Allan, H. Catto, A. Hogan. Boort: H. Weaver, F. Holland, S. Barraclough, M. O’Donoghue, B. Arnold, A. Cockerell.
- Birchip Watchem: S. Milne, C. Goode. Charlton: A. Judd, J. Roberts.
BEST - Birchip Watchem: J. Goldsmith, J. Ryan, J. Woods, M. Rickard, B. Paley. Charlton: S. O’Connor, A. Judd, B. Roberts, O. Wyrzykowski, P. Sait, H. Sait.
seniors
GOALS - Nullawil: T. Cloke 2, D. Watts, Z. Caccaviello, L. Caccaviello, R. Smith, A. Thomson, M. Farmer. Sea Lake Nandaly: T. McKenzie, W. Simpson, B. Weir, B. Mcinnes, C. Cox, J. McMahon, L. McClelland, W. Donnan.
BEST - Nullawil: L. Caccaviello, B. Sheahan, M. Wade, A. Thomson, D. Putt, K. Doran. Sea Lake Nandaly: K. Donnan, W. Donnan, B. Adcock, R. Osullivan, T. Cox, J. Poulton. Birchip Watchem
reserVes
Marong 7.6 11.13 13.21 17.28 (130)
Calivil
(7)
GOALS - Marong: Z. Turnbull 4, R. Gretgrix, T. Grant, Z. Justice 2, J. Scott, A. Collins, H. Baker, K. Terrill, L. Rielley. Calivil: D. Ryan.
BEST - Marong: H. Baker, R. Gretgrix, Z. Turnbull, A. Collins, L. Hale, F. Waters. Calivil: J. Manderson, B. Coates, B. Masson, L. Petri, C. Henson, D. Ryan.
Pyramid Hill 2.2 2.4
BEST - Birchip Watchem: R. Hogan, J. Daniel, C. Daniel, N. Dean. Charlton: J. Roberts, J. Bird, M. McGeown, W. Thomas, M. Fitzpatrick, C. Phillips.
BEST - Nullawil: T. Vearing, R. Hogan, L. Cooper, W. Gilchrist, B. Kelly, M. Austin. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. O’Sullivan, J. Durie, E. Ellis, B. Allan, N. McClelland, J. Stacey.
(17)
(70) Charlton 0.0
GOALS - Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 5, M. Rippon, N. Rippon, M. Buchanan, P. Veszpremi. Charlton: H. Taylor, B. Lanyon.
BEST - Birchip Watchem: T. Colbert, M. Buchanan, H. Hosking, D. Reid, B. Edwards, S. Simmons. Charlton: S. Woods, M. Collins, K. Blow, R. Woods, B. Dixon, B. Lanyon. Donald 1.1
- Donald: E. Clapham, G. Pearse, L. Clark, B. Hollis. St Arnaud: B. Greenaway, B. Donald, K. Torney, A. Wickham, A. Lowe, H. Tannock.
(29)
(67) St Arnaud
GOALS - Donald: T. Stevenson, B. Grant 2, J. Papalia, R. Bath, A. Browne, J. Wallin, T. Heuston, C. Anderson. St Arnaud: M. Egan 2, D. Gifford, B. Phillips.
BEST - Donald: A. Browne, J. Wallin, T. Stevenson, J. Papalia, B. Grant, K. Green. St Arnaud: J. Male, S. Male, M. Egan, R. Lempa, H. Durward, B. Nicholas.
UnDer 14
(72) Mitiamo 1.1
Wycheproof N
(48)
GOALS - Pyramid Hill: S. Donat 4, D. Reid 2, K. Quinn, J. Clough-Fidler, G. Quinn, M. Dingwall, L. Stubbs. Mitiamo: Z. Morrison, Z. Myers, L. Shiell 2, H. Danziger.
BEST - Pyramid Hill: K. Quinn, M. Moon, S. Donat, T. Walker, G. Quinn, M. Holdstock. Mitiamo: J. Rafaeles, N. Hicks, J. Cassells, L. Shiell, D. Mitchell, L. Hocking.
GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: D. Tineo. Bridgewater: A. Woodman, E. Woodhatch, J. Campbell. Details incomplete.
BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: L. Murley, C. Anstee, O. Amy, J. Gladman, J. Ketterer, D. Tineo. Bridgewater: J. Naughton, J. McKinley, M. Brooks, C. Woodhatch, D. Valentini, C. Rooke.
Inglewood
(86)
Maiden Gully 4.3 (27)
GOALS - Inglewood: J. Stokes 3, J. Phillips, S. Hare 2, D. Purdy, S. Erharter, J. Barnett, T. Stevenson, J. Purdy. Maiden Gully: C. Sungalis 2, M. Clark, J. Thompson. BEST - Inglewood: J. Phillips, T. Stevenson, T. Kendal, J. Tatti, J. Sleep, C. MacKinnon. Maiden Gully: K. Kerrison, H. Devanny, J. Cardinal, K. Griffin, J. Thompson, M. Clark.
Marong 13 12 1 0 1 392.98 48 Bridgewater 13
Boort
GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: C. Green 2, D. McLennan, M. Trzeciak, R. Allan, W. Mitrovic, J. Grabowski. Boort: E. Coleman, J. Byrne 2, J. Baddeley-Kelly, N. McLaren, J. Keeble, R. McGhie, T. Potter.
BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: K. Hommelhoff, M. Murgov, J. Walsh, M. Trzeciak, S. Allan, R. Fawcett. Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly, W. Perryman, J. Fitzpatrick, E. Coleman, J. Dick, J. Byrne.
- Wycheproof Narraport: K. Browne, M. Beattie, D. Polzin, M. Coatsworth. Boort: T. Bennett, F. Arnold, M. Soumelidis, B. Kane, L. Lanyon.
(23)
BES -: Donald: O. Brennan, H. Funcke, J. Reilly, N. Michael. St Arnaud: N. Ezard, N. Saludes, A. Reyne, M. Stewart, F. Green, L. Lowe.
BEST - Nullawil: C. Kelly, C. Poyner, L. Pollington, T. Kemp, J. Harrison, L. Poyner. Sea Lake Nandaly: F. Austerberry, S. Pearce, R. Bailey, E. Conlan, H. Cox, Z. Wight/
BEST - Birchip Watchem: A. Tyler, W. Ryan, T. Atkinson, incomplete. Charlton: J. Chamberlain, S. Good, M. Fitzpatrick, T. McGurk, J. Fitzpatrick, I. Roberts.
GOALS - Donald: D. Gowlett 2, B. Griffiths, G. Morgan. St Arnaud: T. Petrie 2, B. Knight, H. McNally, incomplete. BEST - Donald: D. Gowlett, E. Landwehr, W. Noble, B. Griffiths, G. Beckham, B. Morgan. St Arnaud: R. Burke, L. Ezard, H. McNally, B. Knight, T. Petrie, B. Price.
norTH CenTrAL
LoDDon VALLeY
Host players in good form
BOORT Golf Club’s 94th annual tournament saw players from as far afield as Warrnambool take part in men’s and women’s competitions over four days.
In Saturday’s fierce winds, local star Andrew Kane took out the A Grade 27-hole scratch tournament with 33+68 (101). The 27-nett was won by Shayne Morris 39+69 (108), while Stuart Tweddle’s 79-3 (76) won him the 18-nett prize. Craig Burn took out the 9-nett with a score of 38.5.
B Grade scratch was won by Clinton Olive, while Peter Eicher triumphed in the 27-nett competition. Doug Couper won the 18nett, and Jamie Soulsby won the 9-nett.
On Friday, 18 men’s pairs tackled the fourball. Winners in A Grade were Steve Gibson and Ted Carmody (44 points) ahead of Grant Mooney and Wayne Maxted on 40. In B Grade Tony Mullins and John Kennedy (44) shaded Robert Johnston and Doug Couper (42).
Sunday saw a new event, a three-person ambrose, which was won by Ben McDougal, Deaniee Henderson and Damien Rowe. Runners up were Ewen Collins, Hamish Lanyon and Jamie Sutton.
Women’s four ball-best ball stableford A Grade winners on Thursday were Mitiamo pair
Debbie Bish and Di Walker on 45 points, ahead of the Wedderburn and Birchip combination of Glenda Bird and Lyn Boyle on 42 points.
B Grade was taken out by Di Johnston and Rowena Henry with 46 points, the Boort-Kerang duo beating Lakeside’s Deanne Free and Jean Youl on 44 points.
Nearest the pins were won by Di Johnston on the first hole, Heather Hogan on the ninth and Sandra Steel on the 15th. Longest putt was taken out by Gill Tweddle.
Pyramid Hill
Seven groups contested the Carmody Shield, and despite the cold wind it was a successful day with the course playing exceptionally well.
With a net score of 58.5, the winning group was Jarad Smith, Caleb Smith and James Ritchie.
This Sunday sees the Northern District Sandscrape Championships played at the golf club.
Mitiamo
The club saw a great turn up for the third round of its championships.
A grade winner was Noah Condliffe with a nett 64 after hitting 80 off the stick. Runner up was Paul Condliffe with a nett 68 off a six handicap. B Grade was taken out by Phil Hamley (89-25-64), while second was Bruce Lawry (89-22-67).
NTP on hole two second shot was Terry Dzufer. NTP on the 15th hole third shot was Phil Hamley, who knocked it in.
Wedderburn
The Wedderburn club’s annual tournament starts today.
INGLEWOOD GOLF CLUB
104th annual tournament
LADIES’ 4BBB STABLEFORD
Tuesday 30 July
10am start Entry $30 pair Post entry
Enquiries: Helen Ward, Ladies’ President 0407 334 939 ward25@bigpond.com
MEN’S
4BBB STABLEFORD
Friday 2 August
10.30am start Entry $30 pair Field limit 64 pairs
Entries close Tuesday 30 July. Bookings encouraged. Includes afternoon tea. Post entries.
MIXED THREE-PERSON AMBROSE
Saturday 3 August
Any combination. Midday start. Entry $15 per player, includes afternoon tea.
MEN’S 27-HOLE STROKE EVENT
Sunday 4 August
7.30am assembly. 8am shotgun start
Entry $30, includes team event, lunch and afternoon tea. A, B and C Grades. 18 hole AM handicap, 27 hole Scratch and Handicap
Competitors in the ladies’ event at the Boort tournament included (top) Cathie Brodie, Nola Cocking (Boort) Sandra Stanford and Sandra Steel (Wedderburn) and (above) Sally Keeble (Boort) Vicki Bainbridge (Wedderburn) and Julie McLennan (Wycheproof)
Judd edges to Victorian title
IN A stunning debut season, rookie rider Judd Chislett has firmly established himself as the frontrunner in the 2024 Senior Victorian Motocross MX2 C grade Championship.
Despite a broken collarbone at the start of the year, the 16-year-old from Pyramid Hill has bounced back in impressive fashion, winning every race he has contested so far.
Chislett’s dominant performance has come as a surprise to many in the motocross community.
As a rookie in the senior category, he was expected to face a steep learning curve transitioning from the junior ranks.
However, the young gun has silenced his doubters, consistently outpacing more experienced competitors, even in higher grades.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with how the season has gone so far,” said an elated Chislett.
“After the injury setback, I was determined to come back stronger than ever. The support from the team at Scrivens Racing has been invaluable, and I can’t thank Tim [Scriven] enough for all the work he’s put in to get my Honda CRF 250R dialed in.”
Chislett’s triumph at the first
three rounds in Portland, Ballarat, and Shepparton has put him in a commanding position heading into the final round at Blue Rock near Traralgon.
With a perfect record of first-place finishes, the young rider holds a significant advantage over his closest rivals.
“Judd has been nothing short of sensational this year,” praised long-time motocross sponsor Tim Scriven.
“To see a rookie dominate the senior class like this is truly remarkable. He’s got a bright future ahead of him if he can keep this up.”
As the season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Chislett at the Blue rock circuit.
A victory in the final round would cement his status as the undisputed champion of the 2024 Senior Victorian Motocross MX2 C Grade Championship, capping off an incredible debut campaign.
Chislett is a monthly winner in the inaugural Loddon Herald Sports Star of the Year award.
Nominations for monthly winners are taken from articles appearing in the Loddon Heraldf with a dinner later this year when the 2024 winners be revealed.
Night season makes strong start
TUESDAY night mixed netball is up and running in Pyramid Hill with seven teams contesting an eight-week season that began this week.
Players have signed up from all over the region, including Boort, Cohuna and Kerang, and about a third of them are men.
Organiser Leanne Gibson said the original plan was for six teams but interest had been so strong that seven teams would
play, with a bye each week for the return season.
“We’ve actually got three or four spares, so with a few more players we could get to eight teams,” she said.
Tuesday night was chosen after polling the players
Future seasons will largely parallel school terms, and Gibson is determined to keep the competition running for as long as possible.
Teresa Fitzpatrick looks for options around goal in Inglewood’s netball clash with Maiden Gully on Saturday with the Blues battling the swirling wind above goals. LH PHOTO
Judd Chislett is making his mark in senior competitions
Ava blitzes third quarter
AT HALF-TIME of the crucial
A Grade netball clash between Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Bridgewater scores were level on 21 goals apiece, and the stage was set for a titanic struggle in the second half.
Then up stepped the Bears’ star goal shooter Ava Francis, who capitalised on her teammates’ great work in mid court and defence to take control of the Loddon Valley league match.
Francis led her team to an 11 goals to six third quarter and a 12 goals to seven final term as Serpentine ran out 44-34 winners and joined the Mean Machine on 24 points for the season in a tight battle for third to fifth place.
The top of the table clash saw Mitiamo narrowly defeat Pyramid Hill, 49-43. The Bulldogs trailed by 15 goals at half-time, but 16 goals to seven in the third quarter put them within striking distance at the last change. The Superoos steadied in the final quarter, with their victory putting them four points and percentage ahead of their closest rival.
Maiden Gully’s 30-goal win over Inglewood kept the Blues anchored in bottom spot.
Ava Francis
Juniors to play ‘catch up’ match
BOORT and Wycheproof Narraport junior netballers will have the chance to play last week’s abandoned match.
North Central board on Tuesday night gave the Demons’ 17 and Unders a lifeline in their bid to play finals in the club’s last year as a standalone club.
While junior teams will play a catch-up game, seniors will not, meaning Boort will get four points for a forfeit but will miss the chance to gain valuable percentage as the Magpies’ A Grade side fights for the top four.
Wycheproof Narraport’s courts were declared “non-compliant” last weekend because planned
repair work had not been done because of “environment factors and weather conditions”.
With the Demons to merge next season with Nullawil and only one home game remaining this season, it is understood that the league was keen to see younger players given a chance to play a “farewell” match on their home courts.
It is believed repair work on the courts will be completed in time for the round 17 final home game. While senior grades are out of finals’ contention, Wycheproof-Narraport’s 17 and Under team is fourth on the ladder.
- GARY WALSH
Kristen prepares for bragging rights
FROM PAGE 24
Last season Kristen played with her daughter Tayla, 18, in the C Grade reserves competition. This year, she’s with Tayla in C grade.
And when it comes to new retirement plans, Kristen faces another hurdle.
“I’ve got a 13-year-old, Indi, and she wants to play with me, so I have to play next year.
“I’ve also got a five-year-old, but I definitely won’t be playing with her.”
NETBALL SCOREBOARDS
LODDON VALLEY
A Grade
Inglewood 0, 6, 13, 17, (17) lost to Maiden Gully 17, 24, 38, 47, (47). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 11, 21, 32, 44, (44) d Bridgewater 7, 21, 27, 34, (34). Pyramid Hill 7, 15, 31, 43, (43) lost to Mitiamo 15, 30, 37, 49, (49). Marong 21, 40, 64, 85, (85) d Calivil 10, 19, 30, 40, (40).
Mitiamo 176.04 44
Pyramid Hill 147.65 40
Newbridge 114.04 34
Bridgewater 121.47 32
BL Serpentine 117.57 32
Marong 95.22 22
Maiden Gully 96.90 16
Calivil 51.72 4
Inglewood 41.30 0
B Grade
Marong 15, 29, 49, 66, (66) d Calivil 7, 13, 22, 30, (30).Pyramid Hill 9, 15, 25, 36, (36) d Mitiamo 5, 9, 13, 18, (18). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 5, 12, 19, 23, (23) lost to Bridgewater 12, 22, 35, 53, (53). Inglewood 5, 11, 16, 19, (19) lost to Maiden Gully 5, 13, 23, 33, (33)
Newbridge 170.86 44 Marong 144.11 44
Pyramid Hill 141.37 44
Bridgewater 118.34 30
Maiden Gully 111.11 24
Mitiamo 90.75 18
BL Serpentine 69.98 12
Calivil 62.30 8
Inglewood 44.41 0
C Grade
Pyramid Hill 9, 20, 23, 33, (33) d Mitiamo 5, 13, 18, 28, (28). Inglewood 8, 21, 27, 36, (36) d Maiden Gully 6, 10, 20, 26, (26). Marong 14, 33, 44, 61, (61) d Calivil 8, 17, 29, 39, (39). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 11, 23, 28, 36, (36) lost to Bridgewater 13, 19, 31, 43, (43).
Pyramid Hill 136.02 46 Newbridge 128.87 36 Marong 116.94 36 Bridgewater 119.03 32 Maiden Gully 100.86 26
BL Serpentine 100.96 20
Mitiamo 93.74 16
Inglewood
Kristen has played for Boort since she was “nine or 10 in the under 13s” and now at 42 still runs hard in midcourt. She had time off to have four children and didn’t play for a while in her early 30s “to focus on other things”.
Most importantly, she reckons she has bragging rights over her footballer husband Nathan, who retired at the end of last season after playing 400 games for the Magpies.
Marong
Marong 11, 20, 29, 42, (42) lost to Calivil 13, 29, 42, 48, (48). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 4, 14, 22, 34, (34) lost to Bridgewater 12, 24, 32, 44, (44). Inglewood 4, 12, 16, 19, (19) lost to Maiden Gully 18, 28, 38, 49, (49).
Maiden Gully 61.81 16 Mitiamo 33.92 8
NORTH CENTRAL
A Grade
Birchip Watchem 6, 9, 16, 21, (21) lost to Charlton 4, 9, 18, 23, (23). Nullawil 8, 20, 25, 31, (31) d Sea Lake Nandaly 6, 14, 21, 25, (25).
Donald 15, 27, 41, 54, (54) d St Arnaud 15, 30, 41, 52, (52).
Wedderburn 148.37 38
Nullawil 110.19 36
Birchip Watchem 120.65 32
Boort 124.88 30
Charlton 123.22 28
Sea Lake Nandaly 95.02 24
Donald 103.94 20
Wycheproof N 49.52 8
St Arnaud 65.26 4 B Grade
Inglewood 53.08 8 Newbridge 38.38 8 15 & Under
Pyramid Hill 2, 9, 13, 17, (17) d Mitiamo 3, 4, 8, 16, (16). Inglewood 4, 6, 10, 18, (18) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 24, 38, 49, (49). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 1, 5, 15, 24, (24) lost to Bridgewater 12, 19, 28, 37, (37). Marong 5, 10, 18, 30, (30) lost to Calivil 8, 25, 35, 47, (47).
Calivil 235.56 48
Bridgewater 147.55 44
Marong 125.08 40
Maiden Gully 130.19 28
BL Serpentine 77.68 24
Pyramid Hill 50.68 16
Mitiamo 61.57 12
Inglewood 55.41 12
13 & Under
Inglewood 4, 15, 21, 26, (26) lost to Maiden Gully 8, 14, 18, 28, (28). Pyramid Hill 7, 13, 21, 23, (23) d Mitiamo 3, 4, 6, 7, (7). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 6, 6, 7, 14, (14) lost to Bridgewater 4, 6, 13, 19, (19). Marong 8, 12, 17, 24, (24) d Calivil 5, 9, 13, 21, (21).
Marong 396.49 48
Calivil
Inglewood
Birchip Watchem 7, 19, 35, 47, (47) d Charlton 6, 7, 11, 15, (15). Donald 15, 30, 47, 65, (65) d St Arnaud 9, 17, 26, 31, (31). Nullawil 6, 17, 28, 35, (35) d Sea Lake Nandaly 2, 13, 18, 20, (20).
Wedderburn 202.05 48
Birchip Watchem 170.39 46
Nullawil 148.65 32
Donald 129.82 26
Boort 119.82 24
Sea Lake Nandaly 112.36 24
Charlton 61.30 12
St Arnaud 44.94 8
Wycheproof N 31.02 0
C Grade
Birchip Watchem 13, 24, 35, 49, (49) d Charlton 2, 7, 11, 14, (14). Donald 3, 8, 17, 21, (21) lost to St Arnaud 12, 27, 33, 48, (48). Nullawil 7, 12, 20, 26, (26) d Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 2, 6, 15, 17, (17).
Inglewood 4, 9, 13, 19, (19) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 23, 35, 44, (44). Pyramid Hill 14, 19, 22, 26, (26) d Mitiamo 2, 3, 6, 9, (9). Marong 15, 31, 43, 55, (55) d Calivil 6, 11, 18, 23, (23). Bears Lasgoon Serpentine 4, 5, 5, 8, (8) lost to Bridgewater 11, 19, 34, 42, (42).
Inglewood’s Jaylen Hoskin
22 - (0) - Riley Doorty
NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS
81 - (5) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem
38 - (0) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn
38 - (0) - Joshua Jenkins - Sea Lake Nandaly
36 - (1) - Mitch Farmer - Nullawil
30 - (1) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem
25 - (0) - Trent Grant - Donald
24 - (0) - Joseph Reid - Birchip Watchem
24 - (1) - James Keeble - Boort
22 - (1) - Billy Mcinnes - Sea Lake Nandaly RESERVES
34 - (4) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly
33 - (3) - Chris O’Rourke - Boort
31 - (1) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil Reserves
24 - (3) - Harry Harcourt -
Keep getting better: Cameron’s push in final month of season
WITH four matches left in the North Central league season, Boort coach Dale Cameron has a simple aim for his young players – just keep improving.
A hard-fought seven-point win over Wycheproof-Narraport last Saturday saw the Magpies stay in seventh place on the ladder, just a game behind fourth-placed Wedderburn but with a much inferior percentage.
While finals remain a mathematical possibility, a tough run home has second-year coach Cameron looking to the future.
“Generally, in the first year you have a list that is not yours. Second year, you want to see some improvement. Third year, that’s when it goes bang, and the fourth year is when you are really consistent,” he said.
Cameron will coach again next season and expects the nucleus of the team to remain together, with a focus on emulating the league’s
most successful clubs. “They have all played together for four or five years and have a core of good players. We’ve got an exciting group who can do something special on their day,” he said.
“From this time last year, we have already improved massively. There have been eight games we’ve been pretty consistent in.”
Staying in the contest longer and avoiding ingame lapses was the main target for the rest of the season, Cameron said.
Talk about even stevens. After 12 games, Nullawil’s senior team has a percentage of exactly 100. And the Maroons have got there by scoring 1000 points and giving up the same number.
Wedderburn used its bye last weekend to announce the re-appointed of coach Tom Metherell.
Metherell has the Redbacks poised to play finals this season.
Eagles in full flight with the early wind
INGLEWOOD came home with an unforgiving wind that sent the football floating across the face of goal for four quarters.
Kicks for goals that would normally have been set shots were pushed back by the strength of winds blowing to the Bendigo end.
Maiden Gully, dominant early, kicked just one behind in the final term - the very margin that brought victory.
It took Inglewood more than a half of football to adjust to the conditions. By then, Maiden Gully had dominated play, held the home side scoreless in the opening term and was ready to hold on for its first official win of the Loddon Valley season.
The second half saw each side kick seven behinds. Maiden Gully found goal-front accuracy twice, Inglewood lifted with skipper Daniel Polack, Will Allen, Love and Keylan Payne kicking majors.
When Polack lined up for his third goal late in the fourth quarter, the Blues had hope of snatching victory on a torrid day. He was offline and the Eagles home by a point.
Until that main break, youngster Lachie Harris had been the
only goalkicker for the Blues, his success coming late in the second term after a free kick in front of goal.
Inglewood had opportunities in that quarter, kicking with the wind, but was wayward and short. Both sides were frustrated when kicking out from minor scores - the ball often floating so offline the boundary umpires
were constantly blowing whistles to award free kicks. Inglewood at one stage kicked four behinds in as many minutes and finished the quarter with eight notches on the ledger.
But the real damage for Inglewood came in the opening quarter. Maiden Gully created and read the play with better smarts, going the big tap from centre
bounces, hitting on down the ground and waiting for an early drop of the ball.
An early snap goal off the boot of Strauch were followed by Franzini, Crisp and Montfries finding accuracy in between a constant barrage of behinds.
Inglewood had leadership from coach Fergus Payne and skipper Polack, only to see efforts to go deep into the forward 50 thwarted by Worsley, Witham and Pridgeon.
Monfries was dynamite across the midfield in that opening term and proved crucial to the Eagles setting up victory.
Maiden Gully lost Brown with a possible shoulder injury mid-way through the first quarter and later had Montfries hobble from the ground with a hamstring injury.
The loss effectively dashes any remaining hopes Inglewood had of playing finals.
For Maiden Gully, it was its fourth win and the first to earn premiership points after starting the season 12 down when the league took action for the Eagles failing to field an under 18 side for a third season
- CHRIS EARL
Tom Metherell
Maiden Gully’s Declan Phyland.
LH PHOTO
Jake pegs hurt Sharp
By GARY WALSH
BRIDGEWATER’S hopes of a topthree finish and a double chance in the Loddon Valley football league hang by a thread after the Mean Machine was blown away – almost literally – by Bears Lagoon Serpentine last Saturday.
A ferocious crosswind roared across Serpentine’s home ground all afternoon, and the Bears handled the conditions much better than their opponents, streaking away to an 82-point win.
With Bridgewater’s century goalkicker Lachlan Sharp clearly still feeling the effects of a corked thigh sustained two weeks ago and held to a single goal by closechecking Serp coach Jake Wilkinson, the Mean Machine were outclassed after quarter-time.
Wingman James Bailey was exceptional for the winners, with his precise kicking and sure hands something to behold on such a wild weather day.
He was well supported by midfielder Doolan Nihill and ruckman Nathan Twigg, who gave the Bears first use all afternoon.
Harry McKinley and Lachlan Cohen were best for Bridgewater, which was outscored 13.11 to 1.5 after the first break.
The Mean Machine are now a game and percentage behind the Bears, with another huge task confronting them this weekend when they face ladder leaders Marong.
If the top three seems settled, Inglewood’s agonising one-point loss to Maiden Gully sees their finals hopes all but ended.
The Blues stormed home in the
last quarter with the wind, outscoring the Eagles 4.5 to nil, but they paid the price for a scoreless opening quarter after which they trailed by 31 points.
Inglewood is seventh on the ladder with three wins from 12 matches, and ahead of Maiden Gully only by virtue of the Ea-
gles’ 12-point deduction before the season began.
The round’s other two games were heavily one-sided affairs, with top sides Marong and Pyramid Hill dominating Calivil United and Mitiamo respectively.
Calivil’s 113-point loss cost them important percentage in
Stronger, balanced without spearhead
WHEN Bears Lagoon Serpentine full-forward Josh Mellington went down with a season-ending hamstring injury in round 10, it seemed the side’s premiership hopes crashed with him.
Mellington’s 93 goals in nine matches represented a staggering 62 per cent of the Bears’ goals for the season – he was an irresistible target and left little room for others in the forward-50.
However, a month on there is a powerful argument to be made that the team is stronger without their spearhead.
Certainly, the Bears are now sharing around the goals. There were nine goal scorers in round 11, and eight in both rounds 12 and 14.
While Mellington was playing there were as few as three other goal kickers in round two (he kicked 10 of 14) and four in rounds four (6 of 13) and round 10 (six of 10). It was a case of stop Mellington and you stop Serpentine. Now, the Bears are less one-dimensional in attack, and all the better for it.
In Saturday’s win over Bridgewater, the Bears had four players kicking multiple goals as they piled on 16 majors in appalling conditions against a fellow topfour side.
Mellington’s playing style is unashamedly to demand the ball and take responsibility for the majority of the scoring.
By spreading the load, Serpentine looks a more threatening prospect in a season in which the top three sides are beginning to clear away from the pack.
- GARY WALSH
THIS WEEK’S LODDON VALLEY PREDICTIONS
the race for fifth spot on the ladder, which now is a race between them and Newbridge, who had the bye.
Bottom side Mitiamo could only manage three behinds for the game against Pyramid Hill, which won by 122 points as a tough season continues.
THE meanness was squeezed out of Bridgewater for the grizzly Bears Lagoon Serpentine last weekend.
From that drubbing, Bridgewater now has to face up to Marong on Saturday.
Home ground, small ground but I think the only way Bridgewater can covet the points would be for veteran gatekeeper Rob Pollock to shift his “toll booth” back down the Calder Highway around his beloved Derby Hall.
Collect a few dollars, make them patronise the pop-up canteen on fields where Derby sports were once held and then send them to long way to Bridgewater.
To date, Bridgewater has been found wanting against the more physical sides of Pyramid Hill and the Bears. The Panthers are part of the same daunting echelon.
On paper, Inglewood should account for Mitiamo. But your beloved Oracle is sticking the neck out for this Saturday’s game. If ever there was a chance for Ken Hines to lead Joy Lawry and Peter Meighan in singing the great Mighty-amo song at John Forbes Oval, it’s this Saturday.
Inglewood has not been travelling all that well. I was tempted to pick a draw but the editor said, no Glenn, a winner required.
So after looking at the medi-
um-range forecast - conditions could also favour Mitiamo at home - I’m saying the Superoos will adapt better to the conditions.
That was something Inglewood did not do against Maiden Gully last weekend.
The Eagles at The Dome on Saturday, hosting Newbridge, sitting in the box seat to play finals. This will be the Maroons’ chance to show they are fairdinkum and worthy of grabbing fifth spot. The Maroons have lifted the last couple of weeks and should have the edge after a week off with the bye.
The final match on Saturday sees the graziers take on the dairy farmers for the Pompapiel Cup - Calivil at home against Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
Even with reunion vibe around the ground as old netballers and footballers tell tales true and tall, I simply cannot see Calivil causing an upset against a side the boasts the league’s MVP Nathan Twigg. - GLENN CATTO
Glenn Catto Bears Lagoon Serpentine
Chris Earl Bears Lagoon Serpentine
Gary Walsh Bears Lagoon Serpentine
The Bears bottle up play against Bridgewater. LH PHOTO
CALIVIL will bring together members of its 1964 and 2004 senior Loddon Valley Football League premiership sides and the 2014 under 17 flag winners when the Demons host Bears Lagoon Serpentine on Saturday. The Calivil Demons (pictured) defeated defeated Pyramid Hill 11.6 (72) to 7.8.(50).
Loddon HERALD sport
AN ENDURING LEGEND TO PLAY 500TH
KELLIE Anset will cement her place on Saturday as one of Calivil’s enduring netball legends.
The Demons’ star and life member will take the court for senior game number 500.
Kellie’s achievement will coincide with club reunions of its 1984 B and C Grade and 1954 A Grade netball premiership sides.
When Kellie played her first netball game for Calivil in 1989 as a 12-year-old, Bob Hawke was still in the Lodge, Maggie Thatcher was the UK’s prime minister, the internet was a year away from being invented and mobile phones were the size of house bricks.
This Saturday, in a feat 35 years in the making, she will play her 500th senior match for the Demons – an annoying head cold permitting.
Now aged 47, the thought of retiring is something Kellie has contemplated more than once.
Her plan now is to hang up her netball outfit at the end of this season, which she is playing alongside 18-year-old daughter Imogen in C Grade.
“It was my plan, if I could play a year with Imogen – I’ve promised people I would retire,” she told the Loddon Herald.
“With young people coming up, I feel bad if I’ve pinched someone’s place.”
However, Kellie acknowledged that she had made a decent contribution on court this season, as well as coaching the team.
“So, perhaps another season
By GARY WALSH
is not off the table,” Kelly said ahead of the milestone match.
Her fitness and resilience have seen her miss very few games over her career, a couple of ankle injuries and an off-season shoulder reconstruction having sidelined her for short periods. She also missed part of a season after giving birth to Imogen.
This year had been about Kellie using her vast experience to nurture a team comprised of “young ones; me, being quite old, and a few in the middle”.
While they had won only one game for the season, against Inglewood, there had been constant improvement.
She said: “With the young ones coming up, it was a bit tough to start with, but we’re definitely doing much better when we play teams again.”
Added to the 500 senior appearances are two seasons with Serpentine minis and two with Calivil juniors, so her overall tally of games is nudging 600.
Kellie has played in nine premierships, won more than 10 club best-and-fairest awards and taken out two league B Grade bestand-fairest trophies as well as representing the Loddon Valley in inter-league matches.
She has also coached three premierships over the past 15 years.
Last year she was awarded life membership of Calivil in recognition of her remarkable service to the club.
Kristen’s milestone ‘limbo’
GO FIND your dress - That was the order from Boort C Grade netball coach Brooke Arnold to Kristen Gooding before the start of this North Central netball season.
Kristen, after more than 30 years playing for the Magpies, had decided to retire.
“I thought I had burned it,” she said of the netball outfit. But she dug it out, signed up for another year, and now sees herself on
the cusp of playing her 500th club game. The milestone was in doubt mid-week after last Saturday’s abandonment of the Wycheproof Narraport game due to a non-compliant court threatening to rain on her parade.
The league’s decision to allow a forfeit means Kristen’s now sits on 499 games and ready to plays her big game on her home court this Saturday.
CONTINUED PAGE 21
Imogen and Kellie Anset ... sharing time on the court
