Loddon Herald 25 March 2021

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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 9 THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021

TRAIN STOP VISION

COMMUTER passenger trains linking Inglewood and Bridgewater with Bendigo should be part of government transport planning in the region.

That’s the vision of former Loddon councillor and rural advocate Colleen Condliffe.

She says expected population growth in the towns and their closeness to Bendigo would only increase demand for better transport links over the next 20 years.

“We have a rail line in place, basic station infrastructure is still there. They are waiting to be improved,” Colleen said.

“Bridgewater and Inglewood can be the next exciting growth spots in central Victoria.

“We’re already seeing renewed business investment in the towns and increasing interest in local property from people looking to embrance and enjoy our country lifestyle.

“It makes sense, that as population decline of a decade ago

is reversed in the area, that our towns are poised for a new era and that means we must have good transport links for all residents.”

Mrs Condliffe said central Victorians had seen the level of regeneration of Heathcote in recent years.

“Bridgewater and Inglewood have a real advantage over Heathcote ... we have a rail line that could connect our residents needing to travel into Bendigo and bring visitors to our towns from Bendigo and Melbourne.”

She hopes community conversation will spark government to investigate and plan for rail freight and passenger services to the towns.

“Governments have invested in developing rail transport linking Bendigo suburbs of Kangaroo Flat, Eaglehawk and Epsom,” Colleen said.

“Optimism and confidence for future growth of Inglewood and Bridgewater means it is the right time to look at our future needs and start planning now.”

HUB PROGRESS - PAGE 4

Blue Sapphire celebrations as Edwin, Faye mark 65 years WEDDERBURN’S Faye and Edwin Holt will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary next Wednesday.

The nonagenarians were married at St Arnaud Uniting Church on March 31, 1956, and have live in Wedderburn since then.

Over the decades, Faye and Edwin have been actively involved in the Wedderburn community and are particularly well known in bowling circles where both have served the local club in leadership positions.

Faye was the last president of the ladies’ section before men’s and women’s bowls

were unified. Their participation in club activities continue and members recently celebated Edwin’s 90th birthday.

Faye was also active in rural affairs and served as a board member on the Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Council. In 1996 Faye was the regional finalist in the ABC Rural Woman of the Year competition recognising contributions to country communities.

Edwin and Faye have three children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Congratulations on your Blue Sapphire wedding anniversary!

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021

Solar connection sessions shine

MORE Australian Solar Homes (MASH) solar and battery storage bulk-buy program is being promoted across the Loddon.

More than 20 people attended the recent Inglewood information session and Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance is now preparing for a session in Boort next month.

Among those at the Inglewood meeting were Loddon councillors Linda Jungwirth and Wendy Murphy.

The solar bulk-buy program is part of council’s ongoing partnership with the alliance.

The program makes it easier and more affordable for Loddon Shire households and businesses to install a solar power system to help cut their electricity bills and CO² emissions.

Program lead Jo Kaptein said the Inglewood session also

R

had the opportunity to talk to a gathering of farmers taking place at the same time in the Inglewood Town Hall Hub. “The focus was the grant opportunities for solar and other energy efficiency improvements available from Agriculture Victoria and how MASH has helped other primary producers in central Victoria access tens of thousands of dollars in funding for solar PV systems through the On-Farm Energy Grants Program.

“Interestingly in the room of approximately 25 farmers, only two had heard of the Agriculture Victoria grant program and one of those had successfully applied and installed a large-scale solar PV system as a result, with an anticipated payback period on his investment of just 2½ years.“

Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY Circulating throughout communities in the Loddon Shire

Contact us loddonherald@gmail.com or Phone 0419549743 Managing Editor - Chris Earl

EADER Ken has been trawling his memory bank on old sayings that are really part of contemporary vernacular - phrases people use all the time but, with the passage of time, have perhaps not realised their origins. He compiled this great little list for readers of the Loddon Herald. Thanks for sharing Ken.

A

t the Drop of your Hat. Instead of using a gun to start a foot or horse race during the 1800s it became a custom to drop your hat so as to signal the start.

T

o Pull out all Stops. This saying originated from when organists would literally pull out the stops from every pipe on an organ so as to play at the maximum volume.

D

ressed to the Nines. You are rich enough to literally purchase the nine yards of material that it takes a tailor to make a suit with jacket and vest.

J

ump on the band wagon. In the 18th and 19th centuries circuses would often parade around a town before setting up. As the band wagons often drew hugh crowds the politicians often rented space on a bandwagon so as the be “in the face” of the crowd.

M

ad as a Hatter. In the 17th and 18th centuries hatters (a hat maker) often went insane as a result of mercury poisoning, a side effect of manufacturing felt hats.

I

www.loddonherald.com.au The Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by Newsprinters Pty Ltd McKoy Street, West Wodonga, VIC 3690

n the Nick of Time. Throughout the 18th century business men often kept track of debts, and the interest that the loan may have accrued, by carving nicks on a tally stick.

When somebody arrived to pay off their debt

Do you need to protect the things that matter most?

before the next nick was due to be carved, thus saving the interest, the payment was considered asin “the nick of time.”

T

o put your best foot forward. When bowing to nobility, a person would literally put their best foot forward, extending their leg to take the bow.

G

et off your high horse. Before cars, owning a horse was a sign of prominence. As nobility and military officials mostly had a good horse, getting off your horse means to humble yourself.

C

arbon copy. Before photocopiers were invented a typist would put a piece of carbon paper between two sheets of paper thus making a copy of the document. Now you know what cc means on a letter or email.“Everyone’s been talking about it. I’ve never felt proud of him before.”

Share your stories with Over the Fence email loddonherald@gmail.com

Farm succession planning: important to prepare

It’s time to talk.

In this last article of our series, we’ll discuss various succession planning documents in more detail.

Will and Powers of Attorney

Most people understand that a Will sets out the distribution of assets to beneficiaries and appoints executors.

Complex Estate Planning and Testamentary Trusts Estate administration Farm succession planning Disputed estates

Superannuation is an asset not automatically covered by a Will, so Binding Death Benefit Nominations are important to ensure that superannuation is directed to the intended recipients.

Powers of Attorney should never be neglected because they ensure continued asset management in the event of a loss of capacity (either sudden or gradual).

However, many people are’t aware that Powers of Attorney can be tailored to create strategic planning opportunities. For example: 1. Parallel Powers of Attorney can be prepared, empowering different people to manage different assets;

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2. Powers of Attorney can include limitations, or guidance, as to how assets should be managed; 3. The Power of Attorney can take effect immediately in relation to a specific asset, to give the next generation control over one aspect of farm management for the purpose of obtaining experience.

A Family Agreement can help to bring together all of the various documents, to provide an over-arching strategy, and to

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include guidance, wishes, or instructions that cannot be included in other documents.

Sometimes it can be useful to prepare the Family Agreement in conjunction with your family. However, whether the Family Agreement should be discussed with, or disclosed to, the next generation, depends on your family circumstances.

This is the last in a series of 6 articles on farm succession planning.

For the full series, and other resources, visit our website at www.robertsonhyetts. com.au Trent McGregor Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer

Farmer run will be a state first PEOPLE from across Victoria and NSW are expected to join the state’s first Run for Resilience in Bridgewater.

It will be the latest community mental health and fitness initiative of Active Farmers.

Organise Claire Harrison told the Loddon Herald that the run on July 18 would have three distance courses.

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

“This event will also provide

the community with an opportunity to get together, have some fun and enjoy the community connection.”

The first Run for Resilience was held in Temora, NSW, earlier this month.

“It was a fantastic gathering,” Claire, who attended the event as part of preparation for Bridgewater in July.

“We hope to interest people from right across the region.

Participants do not have to be from the country to share the experience of walking or running with local people,” she said.

The 21km half-marathon course will see runners leaving from Inglewood Recreation Reserve, following the Bullabul trail to Bridgewater.

The 10km course, suitable for runners, and the 5km track for all ages and fitness levels, including 4WD/off road prams, will be on tracks along the Loddon River.

Claire said registrations for Run for Resilience would open next Thursday.

Established in 2015, Active Farmers runs regular group fitness classes in more than 40 small farming communities.

Masks come off tomorrow MASK will no longer be required in Victorian shops from 6pm tomorrow.

The State Government made the announcement on Tuesday after masks had been required in supermarkets and large retail precincts since the snap lockdown in February.

However, masks will still be required to be worn on public

transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis and in sensitive settings including aged care facilities and hospitals.

Under other changes to restriction, Victorians will be able to host up to 100 people in their home a day. And outdoor gatherings in public places increase to 200 people.

Limits will be removed on

class sizes for outdoor and indoor physical recreation or fitness classes.

Health Minister Martin Foley said: “These changes are another positive step in Victoria’s social and economic recovery but also a reminder that now is not the time to be complacent – we must continue to keep each other safe.”

Happiness helps heritage recognition for goldfields THE Loddon is part of an Australian first with the launch of a Happiness Index survey on Sunday.

The International Day of Happiness, launch involves 13 council areas across central Victoria.

The survey asks communities about their quality of life with results helping put the region’s communities front and centre in tourism planning for the Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage bid.

It is a partnership between the 13 councils, Planet Happiness and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

Loddon Shire Mayor Neil Beattie has encouraged the local community to

complete the survey. “We know that being in the Loddon Shire we live in a great part of the world, with its array of natural attractions and opportunities for endless outdoor recreation, as well as its rich gold rush heritage,” he said.

“Taking part in the Happiness Index survey will not only provide the opportunity for our community to highlight current and future opportunities within the Shire, but to ensure we are an integral part of tourism planning for the Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage bid.”

The survey is open at at goldfieldsworldheritage.com.au/get-involved/happiness-index/

Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021 | 3

Property sold after auction THE 640-acre Pine Bank property at Leaghur has been sold after being passed in at auction.

Agent Nick Byrne, of Nutrien Harcourts Rural, said the property had been sold for an undisclosed amount.

It had been passed in at auction last week for $1650 an acre.

Nick said the auction was attended by 30 people and there was general competition in bidding.

Pine Bank would continue to be used for broadacre farming by the new owner, Nick said.

IN BRIEF the next federal election.

Meanwhile, a separate Victorian Parliament redistribution is currently in progress.

Good drops fall STEADY rain has been recorded across the Loddon this week.

Good falls since Sunday have seen more than 50mm emptied out in gauges.

Rainfall reports were consistent in all Loddon communities.

This week’s rain follows good falls early February when up to 75mm was recorded.

Loddon in Mallee

Restrictions end

PROPOSED new boundaries for Victoria’s federal electorates have retained all Loddon Shire communities in the seat of Mallee.

The seat held for the Nationals by Anne Webster will again increase in size, picking up the Stawell district that is currently in Wannon.

Under the new boundaries, Mallee would cover more than a quarter of the state from the Murray River south more than 400km to Loddon and Central Goldfields Shires..

An additional electorate is proposed for Victoria and objections will close on April 16.

Once approved, the new boundaries will apply at

FIRE restrictions in the Loddon Shire officially end Monday morning.

However, the Country Fire Authority urges residents to remain alert and ensure precautions are taken to prevent autumn fires.

Vintage streets VINTAGE cars will be whizzing around Eddington on Saturday in traditional quarter mile single car sprints.

Historic, touring, sports and racing cars will compete against the clock.

The annual event is also a major fundraiser for the local hall committee.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021

THE region last week farewelled legend John Forbes with a service in Bendigo followed by his burial and celebration of life at Mitiamo. CLOCKWISE (from right): Wife Fay looks on as butterflies are released; sons Peter and David; Calivil’s Glenn Ray pipes at the cemetery; friend Ken Hynes; and a final lap of John Forbes Oval in Mitiamo.

PHOTOS Steve Bright

P

PETER PETER WALSH WALSH

YOUR YOUR VOICE VOICE IN IN GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENT We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours Support — butour most of local all we are a businesses community.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound on alland our lives so looking after your Small businesses need impact our help support mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times in what continues to be tough times. of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as wespend face thelocally challengesthen of theour pandemic; to www.headtohealth.gov.au If we smallgobusinesses do too, if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

keeping our communities strong. Every little bit helps.

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

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

Network progress on platform to connect communities GRANT applications are being prepared top help fund creation of a community garden at the former Bridgewater railway station.

Kooyoora Women’s Network is transforming the station into a community and information hub.

Secretary Jenny Hosking said the garden would be at the building’s west end.

Plants will also be placed along the platform and at the front of the building.

She said the new hub transformation would also include installation of airconditioners and CCTV security.

President Colleen Condliffe said the hub would include a book exchange, an area where bicycles would be being

repaired and hired and a digital installation detailing the station’s history.

“Making it a true community hub will be rooms that local organisations can use for their offices,” Colleen said.

“And we’ll have a café operating down the track - pardon the pun where locals and visitors can come and have a cuppa and catchup on the station’s platform.

The network is also planning exhibitions to promote local artists.

“We will be looking for volunteers to help run the Hub. The KWN will be the overriding body but we will need to have sub-committees for the community garden, running of the hub, book exchange , bike repairs and hire,” Colleen said.

Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021 | 5

Crime hike fuels local fears: MP REPORTED crime across the Loddon increased almost 20 per cent, according to figures released last week.

Ripon MP Louise Staley said the increase was despite two periods of extended lockdowns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These 2020 crime figures are clear evidence that the Andrews Labor Government has failed to make Loddon safer,” Ms Staley said.

In 2020, family violence offences were up 8.7 per cent, drug offences up 13.3 per cent and crimes against the person up 21.1 per cent, according to the official figures.

“In the six years since Daniel Andrews became Premier, drug offences in Loddon have risen 30.8 per cent and family violence offences have risen by 94.8 per cent.

“The year 2020 was a year of failure for the Andrews Labor Government. It failed to man-

age the COVID-19 pandemic, and it failed to stop crime despite lockdowns and restrictions that should have lowered crime,” said Ms Staley.

“People in Loddon deserve to feel safe, but looking at these figures, I can see why many people would be deeply concerned.

“One can see the effect drugrelated crime and family violence has on rural communities, yet Daniel Andrews and Labor have no plan to fix this scourge.

“Instead, the numbers of drug and family violence offences keep rising.”

In 2020, crime in Victoria was up 2.3 per cent overall compared with 2019 and has risen 19.5 per cent since 2014.

Meanwhile, the Crime Statistics Agency says 37,505 offences were recorded by police for breaches of COVID-19 Chief Health Officer Directions by 26,497 offenders.

A HARD-EARNED THIRST: Pete Buschmann is given a cool soft drink from Empire State Hotel publican Steve Weavell on arrival in Inglewood.

Well done Pete, mission accomplished PETE Buschmann has raised more than $2200 for Beyond Blue with his walk from Wedderburn to Inglewood last week.

The 17-year-old Wedderburn College student had set a target of $750 but was amazed by the support across the two towns through a raffle and collection tins at local businesses.

He arrived in Inglewood just over eight hours after leaving from outside 24 Karat Cafe. For much of the 30km trek, Pete was accompanied by sister Amelia, 12.

Support for the walk raising awareness of mental health also came from online donations that continued to be received in the days after Pete had completed his mission.

And steeled with determination, Pete and his helpers are already planning to do it all again in 2022, only in reverse with a start planned from Inglewood.

Pete and mum Bec have thanked all who assisted and supported the Beyond Blue fundraiser.

Soft plastics don’t go in your recycling bin.

If you can scrunch it, please keep it out of your recycling bin at home.

Find out more at recycling.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021

FEATURES opinion | quiz | obituary

By HOWARD ROCHESTER INGLEWOOD is growing at a rate not seen since the great gold rushes.

It’s very hard to get a block of land or a house in town, the town needs a housing estate, we have the infrastructure to house up to 10,000 people.

We have a hospital, schools, banks and unused land minutes from the shopping centre.

We also need a main street make over to encourage new businesses and to support existing business some of which have been battling, like the Royal Hotel saga, It’s been dragging on far too long. The owners have been made to make it safe - hopefully we can still have a verandah!

The electric car charger was something badly needed in the town but why were the town hall gardens chosen for the location eroding our precious green spaces? It’s been very busy and won’t be long until others are needed to be installed in the gardens as well.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE Better locations might have been the IGA carpark or at the disused Shell service station, both in the business district allowing people to shop while recharging.

A couple of interesting characters with strong Inglewood connections have been un-

... and a couple of interesting characters with connections earthed by researchers during the recent lockdowns, both with national conections.

There’s Charlie Piercey, an Inglewood boy who became a professional bike rider living in America.

Charlie was a champion cyclist in Victoria winning many races, including the Melbourne to Warnabool road race and be-

ing part of the first Australian team to compete in the Tour de France.

Charlie never returned to Inglewood but did keep in touch with his Inglewood family, all who are buried in the cemetery.

Also buried in the Inglewood cemetery is an Eliza Paterson whose grand-daughter was married to a Thomas Bulch, conductor of the Melbourne GPO band and a composer of many tunes for brass bands.

He dedicated a Scottish jig called Craigielee march to Eliza Paterson.

This was the tune Christina Macpherson heard at the Warnabool races and took to Queensland where Banjo Patterson put the words of Waltzing Matilda to the tune.

Eliza Paterson’s unmarked grave has now been found and tidied up, giving Inglewood perhaps a one per cent part in the story of our National Song. * Howard Rochester is an Inglewood resident

CLEARING SALE MURPHY’S CREEK Friday 9th April @ 10:30am Sharp A/C NW & GD Alexander – Property Leased

466 Rheola – Llanelly Road LLANELLY VIC 3551 Machinery 1942 Inter T9 9WG Bulldozer. Hy-Mac 580C 12 Ton Excavator & buckets. 84 MF 3650 Autotronic FWA Tractor, 3PL & Remotes (150 HP). Inter 1460 Axial Flow Combine Harvester with 24’ Front & Trailer, (New front tyres). Gold Acres Prairie 3000 Ltr 60’ Boom Spray with foam markers. 1980 Inter 3070 Dual Axle Tray Truck with 16’ dual axle grain trailer with Edbro Hoist & tarp (Rego, No RWC). 6 Ton Seymour spreader. 511 International Combine, 28 run direct drill with Berrigan Harrows and SSB. NH 96 8’ Mower. Inter McCormick 211 27 Tyne Scarifier with covering Harrows.

Inter McCormick 211 31 Tyne Scarifier with covering Harrows. 10 Tyne 3PL Scarifier Bar. 40’ Shearer Harrows. Connor Shea Mobil-Load Chain Driven Bale Loader. Portable Generator with Holman Diesel Engine. 28’ Shearer Cultivator Bar with wings. 40’ Allfarm Cultivator bar with wings.

Old Cultivator Bar with wings. Shearer GEHL 1465 TDC Round Baler. John Shearer 606 36 Plt Offset Discs. NH Super Hay Liner 69 Small Square Baler. 11 Wheel Inline Hay Rake. PTO Driven Welder on Trailer. 36’ 7” Auger with 13Hp Honda Motor. Steel Auger. Old Homemade Crane.

Equipment B.Keogh Field Bin with 20’x10” Auger. Ackland Field Bin with Auger. Sherwell Field Bin with Sherwell Auger. 30 Ton Jaeschke Field Bin. 12’ Rubber Tyre Roller. 16’ Rubber Tyre Roller. 15’ Rubber Tyre Roller. 8’ Rubber Tyre Roller. 28’ Portable Loading Race (all steel with timber floor). Thornton Portable Sheep Yards and Draft (14 Panel). 9m Single Axle Trailer with Dolly (timber floor). 5m all steel Low Loader. 9’x5’ Stock Crate. Truck Stock Crate with Sheep Deck. Gravity Fed Grain Pickler. 3PL Forks. Cement Mixer. Old Jetting Machine (not complete). Old Harrow Bars (not complete). Mud Scoop/Bucket. 7’ Steel Bucket.

Sundry 1942 Furphy Tank with Lid, Tap and Handle, on Dodge Chassis. 1000 Gal Poly Tank. 3500 Gal Steel Water Tank. 1000 Gal Steel Water Tank. Qty of 1000Lt Water Pods. Pneumatic Steel Post Driver. Qty of Points. Qty of Steel Cable. 40 x Oaten Hay Rolls. 30 x Clover Hay Rolls. Host of Sundries.

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tralian city to host the Commonwealth Youth Games?

15. In ‘Only Fools and Horses’, by what name did Trigger always call Rodney?

16. When did the Vietnam War start?

17. The letterbox of 10 Downing Street in London has an inscription that reads”First Lord of…” what?

18. What language is spoken in Brazil?

19. Which artist painted the Mona Lisa?

20. What colour is found on 75 per cent of the world’s flags?

ANSWERS 1. Russia. 2. Hanz Zimmer. 3. 118.

4. Silverstone. 5. Iron Man. 6. Sting.

7. 12. 8. Green. 9. Naples. 10. Marilyn Monroe. 11. Jonas Brothers. 12.

Four. 13. Denmark. 15. Dave. 16.

1955. 17. the Treasury. 18. Portuguese. 19. Leonardo da Vinci. 20.

Red

Make use of a town with room for 10,000

1. What is the largest country in the world?

2. Name the composer behind the soundtracks of The Lion King, Inception and Pirates of the Caribbean.

3. How many elements are in the periodic table?

4. At which venue is the British Grand Prix held?

5. Which film was the first to be recognised as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

6. Gordon Sumner is the real name of what famous British musician?

7. How many nations were scheduled to host games at Euro 2020 before its postponement?

8. What colour are the seats in the House of Commons?

9. Which southern Italian city is usually credited as the birthplace of the pizza?

10. Who said this famous quote: ‘If you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best’?

11. Nick, Joe and Kevin are all members of which pop band?

12. How many fingers do Simpsons characters have?

13. In which country would you find the original Legoland?

14. What was the first Aus-

OBITUARY LINDSAY BUDGE ATTENDING the funeral of a close friend wells up deep emotion.

Also losing a mainstay in our small Fenton’s Creek community, widely admired by many as The Quiet Achiever, just makes the void left behind as wide as it is deep.

He was walking proof that not all superheros wear a cape. He rounded out this hat trick with his devotion to his family who loved him as much as he loved them.

Lindsay Budge was fiercely proud to be a member of the CFA. Our Fenton’s Creek brigade helped fight the devastating 2020 bushfires in eastern Victoria, riding into this battle we could not have asked for a more fearless fireman

beside us. He did all this with his trademark kind smile and reassuring word, never seeking praise, he was just there to help as he had done so many times before.

He led an uncomplicated life, dancing to his own tune at his tempo and died suddenly while working in a shearing shed, surrounded by the sight, sound and smell of the farmer’s lifestyle.

Our fire truck, its shed and all our equipment is not what defines our brigade, the metric we measure that by is the commitment shown by the likes of Lindsay Budge.

He led quietly from the front, always there for us, always reliable. Thanks for being our friend.

- LEIGH SUTTON

Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021 | 7

FEATURES

A ‘supreme’ pen makes stud mark THREE peas in a pod - it’s a mighty challenge that Calivil’s John Humbert masters from his 600 merino stud ewes at at Kedleston Park.

Since first entering the Loddon Valley Field Day pen-ofthree ram lamb competition in 2006, John has taken out the award six times, with a quite a few placings along the way.

John rates the award as equivalent to bagging the supreme champion ribbon at major shows in Bendigo, Ballarat and Dubbo.

And last month, not only did he again impress the field day competition judges, it marked back-to-back wins.

“The first year we displayed at the field days, we won,” John said.

“We look for our best three even lambs to enter. This year we had three picked out the night before and then swapped

one over on the morning. It worked! ““The standard is always very high and you look to enter lambs that will attract the eye of judges with their even wool type.

“The rams are top notch.

Finding two even animals is pretty straight forward, the third is harder.

“As nothing is cloned, you look over the flock a fair bit to find those three peas in a pod.”

John says the field day success “acknowledges we are on the right track and we get a lot of enjoyment being part of it”.

John and wife Rosemary registered their Kedleston Park merino and poll merino stud in 2006, However, they have been farming at Calivil for almost 50 years.

An early win in the Victorian Flock of the Year competition

John Humbert with some of his freshly-shorn rams at Kedleston Park. in 1994 prompting stud registration and immediate success when they entered the show circuit in 2006 have been defining moments for the 600 sheep stud and a flock that now numbers 4300.

He says the Loddon Valley Field Day is a good “shop window for stud sales later in the year.”

Shearing in March and September each year, John said, made it difficult for Marchshorn sheep to win supreme champion at major shows. “It

would have to be a rather exceptional animal to win.

“So in a sense, our consistent successes at Loddon Valley Field Day in the pen of three is for us, winning supreme champion with our March-shorn sheep,” he said. “But we’re still working on cracking one at the major shows.”

Kedleston Park’s rams are now regularly sold to all areas of Victoria, southern New South Wales and even Western Australia.

John said there was continu-

EVERY TEST HELPS US GO TO WORK SAFELY Every test keeps us on top of this virus.

And keeps us doing the things we love.

So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

ing strong demand from buyers in the Western District and also around central Victoria.

“I guess good news spreads quickly,” he said.

Kedleston Park breeds robust, quick-maturing largeframed, fertile sheep with high genetic fat and muscle to produce high-yielding carcasses.

The fleece micron is between 18.5 and 20.4 and the average fleece cut is around 9kg, a target again on the mark for shearing that finished at Kedleston Park a fortnight ago.

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021

PIE OF THE MONTH: PEPPER Julie says 24 Karat Cafe’s Pepper Pie comes with just enough “bite” to make it delicious. “Not too peppering but enough taste for it to savour in your mouth. We even have pepper pie connoisseurs tell us that our pepper pie is one of the best!,” she says.

... AND FOR A SWEET TREAT And for something sweet this month it is the famous Bridgewater Bakehouse vanilla Slice. Staff at 24 Karat cannot keep up with these slices, they are definitely the best from Mildura to Melbourne! The custard in them is to die for!

ARTWORK, FOOD AND SERVICE The 24 Karat Cafe gets lots of compliments. This week a lovely couple was so enthralled by the uniqueness of the cafe with its quirky artwork, delicious food and the service but it was the atmosphere that they just loved. They are definitely returning with friends!

PIE OF THE MONTH: STEAK BACON AND CHEESE Dee and Mick have selected their mouth-watering Steak Bacon and Cheese pie for the month of April - tender meat baked in golden pastry with added flavour from bacon and the smoothness that comes from melted, warm cheese.

... AND FOR A SWEET TREAT A timeless classic on the display shelves of Pyramid Hill Bakery and Cafe is the delicious jelly slice. A great way to finish off lunch or just for a sweet treat snack during the day.

TRAVELLING FROM FAR AND WIDE Our great Loddon bakeries have amazing stories to tell of customers who will do just about anything to purchase great country fare.

“We have patrons come from far and wide for my husband Mick’s homemade pies, pasties and sausage rolls,” says Pyramid Hill Bakery’s Dee Simms.

“One customer drives 25km off the highway for them and another comes over from a property 30km away to pick up pies and pasties so that when he collects his daughter from the train she gets her fresh pies etc for lunch “We enjoy our customers feedback as much as they enjoy our food,” Dee says

View to new town colour

ARTISTS have started transforming Wedderburn’s streetscape with the Bird’s Eye View mural project.

Andrew Bourke led his creative team to the first of six sites in town last Thursday, sketching birds on the travellers’ rest toilet block.

“We aim to bring vibrant colour to the town that locals and visitors will use as inspi-

ration,” Andrew said. “And potentially, it would be great to see the community build on the mural concept.”

Encouraging Andrew was local artist Ross Currie who with James Beattie were among the first to suggest the creation of murals in Wedderburn four years ago, “It started as a conversation around an idea,” Ross said.

Andrew and the team will spend the next month painting murals, all with a bird theme, conducting workshops and tours.

“It a good amount of time to get to know people in town and create murals with detail,” he said.

The travellers’ rest mural will feature the diamond firetail bird.

Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021 | 9

Memorial school plans centenary A MEETING will be held next month to plan celebrations marking the centenary of the Mysia War Memorial School opening in 1921.

Organiser Susan Gould said it was believed Mysia was the first school built as a war memorial after World War One. “It is 100 years this year and coincidently we received a letter from Canada from someone who had found a photo of the Mysia School in box of stuff she had purchased at a clearing sale and was kind enough to send it back to Mysia.”

The school was opened on November 9, 1921, by the Earl of Stradbroke, Governor of Victoria.The school was funded by public subscription which raised 500 pounds.

The former school building was restored in 1999 and is now a community hall.

Life memberships

ARTISTS’ VIEW: Andrew Bourke, Wedderburn’s Ross Currie and Bryan Kearns prepare the first mural at the travellers’ rest toilet block.

COUNTRY Fire Authority life memberships have been awarded to Geoff Rumbold, Brad Lewis, Bruce Laity & Geoff Hunt at the Meering West brigade’s presentation evening.

District 20 commander Mick Masters made the presentations along with long service awards to 14 other

IN BRIEF members ranging between 40 and 60 years of service.

Parish minister REV. Darcy Vaughan will be installed at the new Inglewood Anglican Parish priest during a service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo, next month.

It is Rev. Vaughan’s first appointment as parish priest, previously being an assistant at Glebe in Sydney.

His appointment is for both Inglewood and Maldon parishes.

Allowance steady LODDON Shire councillors on Tuesday voted to retain allowances for councillors and mayor at existing levels until the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal makes its first determination.

Previous allowances have been set within a band by the minister but council was required to review the current level as an interim step.

Councillors receive $21,049 and the mayor $62,884.

Application rejected A PLANNING application at Terrapee was refused by Loddon Shire councillors on Tuesday after officers said earthworks would change the rate of flow of water across a property boundary.

PIE OF THE MONTH: THE PLAIN PIE The ol’ faithful - the Plain Meat Pie. Pat O’Toole says that a good plain pie doesn’t need any sauce! And it’s generally regarded the measure of how good a bakery’s pies are, he says

... AND FOR A SWEET TREAT Following an Easter tucking into delicious Hot Cross Buns from Bridgewater Bakehouse, Pat has chosen his jelly slice with its rich raspberry jelly top, cheesecake centre and biscuity base for your sweet treat in April.

FARE FIT FOR RELAXING TIMES Bridgewater Bakehouse is located a short 100-metre walk to the Loddon River, the perfect spot to enjoy Autumn days eating your lunch from the Bridgewater Bakehouse, a coffee and relaxing times soaking up the ambience of the river and walking the trails that link the river to the town.

And if you’re yearning for the taste of Loddon when in Bendigo, Bridgewater Bakehouse is just a short stroll from Rosalind Park. Pat and Theresa have just marked five years since they opened their second store in Bath Lane.

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021

Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS Deadline - Tuesdays 4pm - loddonherald@gmail.com FOR SALE Town Land Sale, minutes to shops. On two titles, 2400 sqm. Large display/storage and offices plus display canopy. Streets front, side and rear. All services kerbside. Can subdivide. Great lakeside town with all amenities. North Central Victoria. $200,000.00Contact Keith. 0415 530 879

HERALD CLASSIES - JUST FOR YOU CHURCH NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES

Louise STALEY MP LIBERAL MEMBER FOR RIPON

Shadow Treasurer | Shadow Minister for Economic Development LouiseStaley.com.au

LouiseStaleyRipon

LouiseStaley Authorised by Louise Staley MP, 177 High Street, Maryborough 3465. Funded from Parliamentary Budget.

Audit and Risk Committee Community Member Vacancy Council is seeking the appointment of one community member to its Audit and Risk Committee.

The position has become vacant due to normal rotation of membership, and is for the four year period of 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2025.

The Audit and Risk Committee, which consists of four community members and one Councillor, meets on a quarterly basis. An allowance is payable to community members of the committee.

Ideally, the successful candidate will have expertise in financial management and/ or risk management, and/or experience in public sector management, and have a strong community minded focus.

An Information Pack and Application Form can be found at: https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/OurCouncil/Council/Audit-Committeemembership-and-meetings Applications and any queries can be directed to Sharon Morrison, Director Corporate Services at smorrison@loddon.vic.gov.au

EMPLOYMENT

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday 19 April 2021.

BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Careers at Loddon Shire Loddon Shire has a proactive and enthusiastic workforce of approximately 200 employees. The Council is the largest employer in the municipality providing a broad range of services to the community.

Experience counts. Thousands of properties sold across the region in the last 30 years - houses, bush blocks, weekenders and farm land. I will endeavour to achieve the best result for you.

Call me to discuss all your real estate needs

Loddon is now seeking applications for the following position from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a difference and help shape our future.

Building Maintenance Coordinator – ref. J/88 ● Permanent full-time – 40 hours per week including monthly RDO

● Location – Wedderburn ● Classification – Band 6 - $41.86 per hour Applications for this position close Monday 5 April 2021 at 5:00pm.

For further information in regard to this position including a detailed position description please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

ADVERTISE HERE FOR $66 A MONTH. Contact us on 0419549743 or email loddonherald@gmail.com

Are you vibrant, willing to work as part of a team, love to help others and have a few hours a day or week to spare?

Then you may want to Volunteer at the Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary Op Shop.

If this is, you please call Faye on 0429 008 783 or Deb on 0417 834 342 or pop into the Shop.

Everyone is welcome

Loddon HERALD Thursday 25 March 2021 | 11

Henderson’s home green win DARRYL Henderson won the Level 1 singles section at Boort Lakeside Croquet Club’s tournament.

He flew the flag well for his local club, defeating Russell Smith (Rich River).

More than 60 players from 20 clubs across Victoria played competed in the two-day tournament.

Saturday was warm and humid with the change coming in time for the finals to be played in the rain. Sunday was much cooler with the wind keeping conditions pleasant.

Six croquet greens were needed for the singles.

The club appreciated assistance from the bowls and tennis clubs for sharing facilities, allowing temporary greens to be marked out.

All the visitors were very impressed with the town and its facilities and the co-operation between all the clubs.

It was a great team effort but special thanks to tournament manager Ian Potter, and Julie Puttick and the catering team for a job well done.

Tournament sponsors in-

cluded Loddon Shire, Bendigo Bank and Nutrien Ag. Other section winners were Level 2 Singles: Dianne Wilson (Belmont).

Runner-up: Peter Van der Zande (Echuca Moama) Level 3 Singles: Di Smyth (Rich River). Runner-up: Kaye Joyce (Rich River) Doubles - Level 1: Brian Rowe (Essendon) and Gale Knight (Geelong Eastern Park).

Runners-up: Gary Devlin (Horsham) and Ed Chatwin (Drouin) Level 2: Daryl Henderson (Boort) and Kaye Joyce (Rich River). Runners-up: Les Mat-

thews (Drysdale) and Lyn Hughes (Numurkah) Level 3: Mary James (Deniliquin) and Sue Chandler (Ballarat Alexandra). Runners-up: Ian Londey (Numurkah) and Di Smyth (Rich River).

Level 4: Eileen Ennis (Frankston) and Lyn White (Sandringham). Runners-up: David Maher (Rich River) and John Graham (Echuca Moama) Level 5: Peter Van der Zande (Echuca Moama) Glenys Londey (Numurkah). Runnersup: Carmel Allison (Boort) and Robyn Devlin (Horsham).

Marmal takes out premiership honours CAPTAIN Greg Boyd has lifted the Boort Tennis Club premiership shield after Marmal secured the season’s honours.

He was presented with the shield by Edna Boyle at the end-of-season celebrations.

Club president Damien Lanyon thanked all players, pool players, captains and spectators who had been a part of the club this season.

He acknowledged the up and coming youth and encouraged all players to do some recruiting in the off season.

Damien also acknowledged the work of greenkeeper Jake Boyd, who had done a fantastic job throughout the season.

Damien and life member Alister McDougal presented awards to the club Champions of 2021 B Grade mixed: Joe Kane & Rachel Weaver. A Grade mixed: Chris Hatcher and Judy Parker B Grade women’s doubles: Maree Stringer and Tayla Gooding. A Grade: Rach Weaver and Kristen Gooding A Grade men’s doubles: Craig Scott and Nathan Gooding Under 16 round robin: Tom Potter. B Grade men’s singles: Joe Kane B Grade women: Rach Weav-

er. A Grade men: Nathan Gooding.

Under 16 boys Meadows Cup: Tom Potter. Girls: Tayla Gooding.

Boys’ singles: Cooper Gooding. McDougal Cup: Barraport The cap off an outstanding season, Tom Potter was awarded the John Nelson Junior Incentive award.

ABOVE: The victorious Marmal players and (left) award winners Tayla Gooding and Tom Potter

Calivil’s Howard Miles ponders his shot.

Stumble at final hurdle CALIVIL have fallen short in its bid to win the Bendigo Bowls Division 5 pennant.

Saturday’s grand final against White Hills at South Bendigo started ahead of the scheduled time but the early bowling did not go Calivil’s way.

Only Alan Leech’s rink was able to notch up a win with John Pickles skippering his rink a tie.

The final score was White Hills 97 to Calivil’s 66.

Colin Sleep, Bill Sertori, Wesley McCumber, John Pasternak (s) tied with Nathan Dennis, Brian May, Warren Miles, John Pickles (s) 21-21.

Evan Jardine, Malcolm Zadow, Ted Liddell, Des Fiedler (s) 25 d Bob Boyd, Howard Miles, Lindsay Gronow, Barry Meighan (s) 14.

Peter McGuire, Alan Wakefield, Steven Arbuckle, Trevor Lamb (s) 34 d Ron Lourie, Geoffrey Lourie, Keith Richards, Graham Maxted (s) 12.

Roslyn Sheen, Luigi Charles Basile, John Rothacker, Glenda Jones (s) 17 lost to Glenn Ray, Allan Dennis, John Gledhill, Alan Leech (s) 19.

Following the weekend finals, it is expected that Inglewood will retain its place in Division 1 for next season.

PYRAMID HILL Meanwhile, Pyramid Hill is preparing for Wednesday’s A/C Fours Tournament. Entries are being received by Jan Leed. Members attended the grand finals where Cohuna defeated Kerang in Division One.

sport FLEXI JUNIORS Loddon HERALD

Thursday March 25 2021

League schedules games for Friday nights, Saturdays

A FLEXIBLE draw for Loddon Valley league junior football will give players a game every week.

League president Simon Tuohey yesterday announced games would be played on Friday nights and Saturdays to keep under 18 players engaged.

Just five of the league’s nine clubs have committed to fielding under-age teams - Calivil, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Maiden Gully and Marong.

Tuohey said the five clubs would play each other on Saturdays when drawn to meet.

The Friday night side of draw would cover clubs scheduled to meet any of the league’s four clubs not fielding a junior team this season.

“This is about keeping the participation levels up for our juniors, maintaining a competition for the kids and keeping the integrity of the league,” Tuohey told the Loddon Herald yesterday morning.

“With only five clubs able to field a junior side, we must keep our young players engaged,” he said.

Tuohey said Inglewood and Calivil were still struggling for numbers but both were committed to being on the ground.

By CHRIS EARL “The call is out for junior players in the region looking for a game to contact the clubs,” he said.

“There will be a game every week for every club committed to putting together a junior side.

“We’ll follow the main draw for the season and when there is not a game for juniors, the draw will see those clubs playing under lights at Maiden Gully on a Friday night.”

Tuohey said the league board was continuing to work with clubs who were all supportive of the new arrangements to keep junior football an important part of Loddon Valley fixtures.

Further details will be released before the season’s first round on April 10.

Cohuna gets a break on Pyramid Hill in last Saturday’s practice match.

Football, netball feast brings the people back SIX CLUBS brought community sport back to the people last Saturday in Pyramid Hill, ending a year without football and netball.

The pre-season hitout had cars ringing Mitchell Park, the canteen once more selling pies and hot dogs and the bar a popular place for players and supporters.

It was the first time the Pyramid Hill club had staged the pre-season festival of sport.

And club president Bruce Moon said it was “awesome to see teams and communities together” after the 2020 seasons were abandoned due to COVID restrictions. “We were going to do it last year but COVID knocked that on the head.”

Loddon league clubs Pyramid Hill and Calivil were joined by Boort, LeitchvilleGunbower, Wandella and Cohuna.

Organiser Geoff Hickmott said two more matches - four clubs - could potentially be included in the day, with one match under lights. Bruce said: “We can certainly build on this great day.”