LANDOWNERS are bracing for legalised “home invasions” by renewable energy companies.
The State Government plans to grant companies right of access and fine landowners $12,000 if they refuse entry onto their land.
The proposed new laws come as multi-national European Energy is in talks with landowners
in the Pyramid Hill and Mincha districts for a turbine farm.
Protest banners have been erected on fences around Pyramid Hill in the past fortnight.
And VicGrid will take on planning for the controversial VNI West transmission line under the new Government legislation.
A VNI Wesy briefing for councils in Wycheproof last Friday from Australian Energy Market
Operator’s Transmission Company Victoria was moved online.
“On the advice of Victoria Police, Buloke Shire Council moved the meeting online due to concerns about protest activity—despite TCV representatives travelling to the region as part of our ongoing council engagement,” according to an AEMO spokesperson.
Loddon Shire did not attend.
Mayor Dan Straub said short notice had been given and the briefing clashed with Loddon’s scheduled council briefing and monthly meeting on Friday.
Fernihurst’s Ken Pattison was among Loddon protesters in Wycheproof.
“There’s widespread concern that the Government, AEMO, TCV and now VicGrid will just keep ramming through wind farms, solar farms and transmission lines and are now wanting to give these speculative wind farm companies a ticket to legally invade the homes and properties of Loddon farmers,” Mr Pattison said.
Audrey takes brisk walk on a foggy morn
FROM Bridgewater to Woosang, fog shrouded the landscape throughout Saturday.
Inglewood’s Chris Armon rugged up to take her brood mare Audrey for a morning walk as temperatures stayed in single digits.
Chris has owned the 14.1 hand horse for nine years and describes Audrey as “my love”. And while Chris and Audrey were enjoying the brisk morning, junior footballers at Inglewood and Bridgewater were playing their game under lights.
A yellow ball was used at Bridgewater to help with visibility.
Inglewood scoreboard attendant Michael Rose said of the all-day pea-souper: “You couldn’t see from one end of the ground from the other in the morning.”
A protest sign at Pyramid Hill
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WEEKEND FORECAST
Mapping path to sensory connections
THE community and sensory garden at Bridgewater’s old railway station will soon be engaging local students growing their knowledge of risks to the land by weather and drought.
Paths for the sensory garden and landscaping for the Kooyoora Woman’s Network project were completed last week.
“The work will link our com-
munity garden to the sensory garden and strengthen the experience and understanding for students,” said network president Colleen Condliffe.
“From next term, students at the local primary school will be able to walk out of the classroom and into our gardens that aim to stimulate a change in awareness of and attitudes to drought pre-
paredness. We have been fortunate to receive funding from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal to make this engaging project a reality.”
Colleen said the gardens were part of continued development and community use of the railway station precinct.
“Our community hub is connecting people around town.”
IN BRIEF
Extra census time
LODDON residents are encouraged to complete the online Active Living Census before it closes as responses to the census will help influence decision making about future infrastructure, health and wellbeing projects in the Loddon Campaspe region. Healthy Loddon Campaspe co-ordinator Alicia O’Brien said the closing date to complete the ALC has been extended by two weeks until July 6 to ensure as many people as possible complete the online census. “For the two-week extension, we’re excited to be giving away some amazing prizes for anyone who completes the ALC online,” Ms O’Brien said. “Prizes include one $500 gift card, ten $100 gift cards and 100 home gardening packs. All valid responses to the ALC will have the chance to win these great prizes.”
Ramp closed
THE boat ramp at Laanecoorie Reservoir will be closed until next Friday as Goulburn Murray Water completes final upgrade works including asphalting of the access track and car park. CEO gets extension
GANNAWARRA Shire Council has re-appointed Geoff Rollinson as its Chief Executive Officer, extending his contract for two years. Mr Rollinson has been in the role since 2022.
Jack Millane, Jake Flaherty and Harry Wicking prepare the garden paths. LH PHOTO
Shaping the generations
CELEBRATIONS for 160 years of education in Wedderburn next Tuesday will honour a legacy that has shaped generations and helped define the identity of a proud rural region.
From its earliest beginnings during the gold rush in 1865, education in Wedderburn has grown and evolved alongside the town.
What began as a modest schoolhouse built to serve a handful of children has developed into a thriving college that today supports more than 200 students, providing comprehensive education from Prep through to Year 12.
The week of celebrationsTuesday is on the date of the first school’s opening - will revolve around the spirit of community, students, teachers, families, volunteers and local leaders who have shaped a school culture grounded in values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience.
Historic restored school house banners will be on display for the celebrations.
“Generations of dedicated staff have gone above and beyond to ensure students in Wedderburn receive a high-quality education, equal to any offered in metropolitan settings,” said principal Danny Forrest who has led Wedderburn College for the past five years.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone. It’s a testament to the enduring strength of our community and the passion of those who have supported
Banners of history
education in Wedderburn across generations.
“From our staff and students to our volunteers and partners –this celebration belongs to all of you,” he said.
The 160th anniversary will be celebrated with a series of special events. These include opening ceremonies of new buildings, a past and present educators’ formal dinner, historical displays, the return of the Bloomfield picnic and guided school tours.
“These festivities not only reflect on the past but also celebrate the vibrant present and the future of learning at Wedderburn P12 College,” Mr Forrest said.
“The school has embraced innovation while staying true to its roots. In recent years, Wedderburn College has earned recognition for leading inclusive education practices, community partnerships, and student wellbeing programs. The school was recently awarded the Gold Standard in the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) initiative – becoming the first P-12 school in Victoria’s North-West Region to do so.”
For Principal Forrest, there’s never been a better time to be part of Wedderburn College.
“Our students are engaged, our staff are exceptional, and our community is behind us. We’re building a future that honours our history while providing students with every opportunity to thrive. It’s an exciting time to be at Wedderburn,” he said.
“As the banners are raised and memories are shared, the 160th anniversary stands as a powerful reminder of what makes country education unique: strong values, strong relationships, and strong futures. Education has never been just about classrooms – it has always been about community.”
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Crime spike driven by theft, breaches
CRIMINAL offences in Loddon Shire communities have jumped almost 25 per cent.
Crime Statistic Authority data released last week shows 525 offences were recorded in the 12 months to March.
The number of offences hit 525 compared with 422 the previous year and puts the crime rate it at highest level since 2021.
Recorded offences rose from 55 to 96 in Inglewood, increased 11 to 40 in Pyramid Hill, up marginally in Bridgewater and jumping a third to 32 in Korong Vale.
There was an increase in recorded theft, family violence order breaches, burglaries and theft from motor vehicles. Front yard incidents lifted from six to 21.
Criminal incidents in Loddon towns lifted 11.9 per cent, from 345 to 346. There were decreases in Wedderburn and Inglewood while the number of incidents increased in other towns.
More than half the incidents remain un-
solved while charges have been laid in 33.4 per cent of incidents.
Across Victoria, the rate of recorded offences were up 15.2 per cent, while the number of offences increased 17.1 per cent.
Property and deception offences had the largest increase in the last 12 months, up 23.8 per cent or 71,290 to 370,587 offences. The main driver of the increase was theft offences, up 58,570 to 240,210 offences due to steal from a motor vehicle offences, which were up 23,259 to 82,414 offences in the last 12 months.
CSA Chief Statistician Fiona Dowsley said: “Theft offences have continued to rise sharply, with nearly a quarter of a million offences recorded in the last year. Increases were largest for thefts from motor vehicles and retail stores, with many of these offences linked to repeat offending.
“Family incidents increased over the last 12 months also, reaching 106,247.”
Disused health centre ready for demolition
ASBESTOS has been removed from Pyramid Hill’s former maternal and child health centre with demolition to start within weeks.
The Kelly Street building has sat empty for more than five years and plans for a social enterprise in the centre were abandoned.
According to Loddon Shire, development of the Pyramid Hill streetscape project provided an opportunity to consider if the building was surplus to council requirements and if the space created by the removal of the building would enhance the overall amenity of the redeveloped streetscape.
Council said the building was deemed earlier this year to be in a state of disrepair that would require significant investment to return it to a compliant and useable state.
“The redevelopment of the area sur-
rounding the building through the recent streetscape project provided the opportunity to consider how the site could enhance the works recently completed,” council said.
“That work has just begun, with removal of asbestos from the building in preparation for the demolition, scheduled to begin in late July or early August. The demolition is scheduled to take about five days, with landscaping of the site to follow.”
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Homes rising at estate
THEY’RE the first family - Indi Abbott and Nathan Murphy and their 14-month old daughter Isla at the weekend moved into their new home at the Bridgewater Rise Estate.
Construction of the home started in January and another four new houses at the Loddon Shire’s first major residential estate are also nearing completion.
Work is expected to start on another two new houses within weeks.
Indi said the family was excited to be in their new home, arriving at Bridgewater Rise days before brother Billy is expected to move into his home that is part of stage one of the development. Nathan, a bricklayer, will put his finishing touches to the property “after the boxes are all emptied”. He plans to build the letterbox.
Real estate agent Drew Stratton, of McKean McGregor, said more lots at Bridgewater Rise
were expected to be titled within weeks.
“Interest in stages two and three released late last year is picking up again,” Mr Stratton said.
“People looking to move to Bridgewater are seeing all the activity of new homes being built and that has generated more inquiries.”
Mr Stratton has said that Bridgewater Rise was proving popular with young families.
Arts trail talent wants brush with local faces
BOORT will brush with the quirky with a fun competition as part of this year’s Loddon Valley Arts Trail.
Local artist Anna Beamish is behind the Boortrait competition and hopes district residents will step forward as artists’ study subjects.
“We’re inviting everyone to have a go at creating a portrait of a living Boort resident, whether friend, colleague, teammate or family,” she said.
“The idea provides people the chance to celebrate someone who contributes to the wellness of our Boort community.
“Everyone is encouraged to enter, with sculptures, photographs, paintings and drawings, so we will all learn a
little more about our Boort residents, and how they contribute to our community.
“We think this original portrait show suits our active Boort township, and we’re very much looking forward to celebrating the contribution people make in our community.”
Each entry is to be accompanied with the name of the Boortrait and up to four lines describing their traits. Boortraits will be on display in the Boort Memorial Hall on the first weekend of October where photographer Blake Slatter, acrylic artist Fiona Somerville and Stuart Tweddle with fantasmagoria sculptures will be among exhibiting artists.
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Nathan, Isla and Indi move into their new Bridgewater Rise home at the weekend. LH PHOTO
Anna Beamish, David Meadows and Damien Balzer start work on Boortraits
Wait ends as sod turned
By CHRIS EARL
AN “UNANNOUNCED” sod turning by Premier Jacinta Allan in Serpentine on Friday ended the four-year wait of fire brigade volunteers for work to start on the promised new station.
Media was not invited to the sod turning at the new station’s Treloar Street site as volunteers speculated that it would be their local MP doing the honours.
The new station had been promised by the State Government in the 2021 Budget and has since been estimated to have a price tag of $3.2 million.
Ms Allan was reluctant to speak with the Loddon Herald after breaking ground with brigade captain Neville Cockerell.
She said the official sod-turning had not been planned as a media event.
However, in a media release issued an hour after Ms Allan headed to Ballarat for the next meeting of her drought taskforce, she said: “The Serpentine Fire Brigade has protected the community for decades and we’re making sure they have the facility they need to keep doing this important work.
“We will always make sure our hardworking volunteer firefighters here in Serpentine have what they need to keep themselves and the community safe.”
The sod-turning with the brigade’s 32-year-old tanker as the backdrop was attended by CFA district and regional officials, Terrick group captain Richard Hicks and brigade members.
Mr Cockerell said: “This new
station will give us the space and facilities we need to modernise and grow.
“We trained seven new members last year, and having a modern, fit-for-purpose base will help us attract even more people to join.
“It’ll also give us a place to come together socially, this will help us build an even stronger, more connected brigade.”
The new station will feature two appliance bays, a brigade office, a multi-purpose training room with an integrated kitchen and separate male and female turnout areas.
Mr Cockerell said he hoped the facility could also serve as a staging area for any large-scale incidents in the region. “We’re a practical brigade that’s always been here to serve our community, from fires and floods to road accidents,” he said.
“These facilities will help us continue doing that.”
The brigade has 46 members with almost half operational.
Serpentine’s station was one of just two from the CFA’s 20222023 forward procurement activity plan waiting for work to start before last Friday.
Work on a new station for Rid-
dells Creek is still to start. A Government spokesperson said: “Riddells Creek CFA is in the design and planning stage, with the Cultural Heritage Management Plan and access plans currently being finalised.”
“The Community Safety Building Authority submitted a planning permit application to Macedon Ranges Shire Council in April 2025 and will release the tender for the construction contract in coming months.”
Bowden Corp is building the Serpentine station and expects work to be completed by February.
Premier links emergency tax call to drought
ANY extension to 12-month moratorium on farmers’ being hit with a 150 per cent hike under the State Government’s new emergency services tax could be decided by drought conditions across Victoria.
Premier Jacinta Allan on Friday hedged a question about whether the Government would walk away from its new emergency services tax that saw thousands of firefighters, including Serpentine brigade members, protest at Parliament House last month.
After the new station sod turning, Ms Allan said: “I don’t have anything to add on fire services levy on top of what I have already said.
“We have the drought taskforce, we’re monitoring conditions really closely and we’ll make decisions based on a whole range of factors including conditions.”
The 12-month stay was announced after the first meeting of the drought taskforce.
Victorian Farmers’ Federation, local firefighters and farmers have continued their call for the emergency services tax to be scrapped.
Ripon MP and Labor backbencher Martha Haylett says she has raised concerns with Premier Allan about the tax. After voting for the legislation, Ms Haylett said the tax unfairly impacted farmers.
Loddon Shire has been at the forefront of council opposition to the tax.
STAKES RAISED - PAGE 13
Sod turners ... Jacinta Allan and Neville Cockerell mark the start of work at Serpentine. LH PHOTO
Shirley lived with spirit and passion
Shirley May Hargreaves 1930-2025
SUNDAY roasts and a competitive sporting streak had Shirley Hargreaves well known and respected in the Wedderburn district.
Shirley was was a life member of the tennis club and football ladies’ committee (now Wedderburn Redbacks) where she was involved in the canteen and catering as well as supporting husband Ted during his years as president and committee member. All five of her sons played football for the club.
She was born at Maryborough on November 5, 1930, to parents Edna and Clarry Coates with her early life spent on the family farm at Natte Yallock.
One night when the family dance band was playing at the Fenton’s Creek hall, Shirley come across a lucky Ted Hargreaves, of Kurraca West, and a courtship followed.
They married in 1955 and settled in Wedderburn.
Shirley has been remembered as being incredibly selfless and generous with her time, always aware of the needs of others. While not fond of cooking, with six hungry men in the house, she dutifully prepared meals each day without complaint.
slept over the night before. Everyone was always welcome, with another plate no trouble.
Tennis was Shirley’s sporting love and passion, and she liked to win. Fortunately mum was an excellent player and winning came often, from local weekend competitions, club and association championships, mid-week ladies in Bendigo to country week tennis in Melbourne at Kooyong.
Biscuits and cakes were baked and she preserved whatever fruit was in season. Her energy and resilience were on full display and Shirley’s tomato relish became famous within the family.
Sunday roast lunches regularly had between 10 and 15 people, most of whom had
Got any spare blankets?
Are you shivering through these chilly nights? Then spare a thought for some of our four-legged friends.
Our animal pound hosts a range of visitors who feel the cold as much, or maybe even more, than we do.
We’re running desperately short of blankets to keep them warm so we’re calling out for donations of any spare clean blankets and towels that you may have lying around. If you can help, and we know pound residents would REALLY appreciate it, please drop them into the Council office at 41 High St, Wedderburn, between 8.15am and 4.45pm each weekday. There’s a collection bin in the foyer that you can drop them in to. And on behalf of our pooches and moggies, thank you.
Shirley also took up golf and after retiring from tennis, began playing lawn bowls where Wedderburn’s annual Easter tournament was her favourite time.
At her funeral, Shirley was remembered for her community spirit and a legacy of love, generosity, and joy.
She is survived by sons Jeff, Bruce, Michael Ian, Lee and their families.
Have your say on Loddon Shire's liveability
The 2025 Australian Liveability Census closes on Monday (30 June). We need your voice to ensure Loddon Shire's future reflects what matters to you.
Whether you're in Bridgewater, Serpentine, Dingee or Mitiamo or any of the wonderful places that make up our shire - your 15-minute input will directly shape Council decisions for years to come.
Don't miss your chance to influence Loddon Shire's future - scan the QR code or visit survey.placescore.org/s3/lc25?channel=vic_loddon to take part.
The Australian Liveability Census, conducted by Place Score, and the Active Living Census, conducted by Healthy Loddon Campaspe, are separate and unrelated initiatives.
Each is independently managed, with distinct objectives, methodologies, and data collection processes.
Participation in one does not imply involvement in the other.
Cr
Cuppas christen new centre
More than 40 people attended Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea organised by the town’s neighbourhood house. Businessess donated prizes for competitions that saw $500 raised for the
Winter channel work stretches for kilometres
ALMOST 9km of desilting and remodelling works on the Waranga Western Channel near Kinipanyial are part of Goulburn Murray Water’s winter maintenance program.
GMW said some of the works were near the Tandara Pondage and regulator and flume gate replacement works were also taking place
“Desilting and weed treatment works are underway downstream of Myers Creek on the Waranga Western Channel,” a spokesperson said.
“GMW has dewatered as much of the Waranga Western Channel as possible to facilitate the frosting of weeds, which aims to assist with improving water flow, reducing sediment build-up, and preventing issues with automated regulators
“These works will be complete in time for the channels to be recharged ahead of the start of the irrigation season on August 15.
“With an investment of approximately $14.7 million, this year’s program continues our significant investment in resilience, reliability, efficiency and value for money water services for our customers and the communities we work in.”
More than 60 GMW staff, are working on the program.
THE chatter was constant and cups were constantly refilled with warm tea and coffee when the first local function was held in the new Pyramid Hill Community Centre on Friday.
Cancer Council.
Marie Noelker enjoys the Biggest Morning Tea in Pyramid Hill’s new community centre. LH PHOTO
Jeanette Carroll and Marj Moon
Karen Thomason and Rhonda Dole Elizabeth Boikis and Korsi Vulic Alison McKenzie, Kim Bennett, Mabel Leed and Marree Vinnicombe
New guide makes pitch to gold prospectors
AFTER trying his hand at gold detecting on a property in McIntyre, Eddie Sydor says he caught the bug and hasn’t stopped.
Since then, he has moved to Inglewood to continue prospecting in local areas. “I moved here, brought a detector and learnt what to do and kept going,” he said, “it took me six months to find anything, but I enjoyed being out in nature, so it didn’t matter.”
Eddie and his dog, Lizzie go out prospecting four to five days a week, depending on the weather. “I don’t go out if it’s too cold, I’ve got a mate that’s willing to go out in it but it’s not for me,” Eddie said.
He also postpones his detecting on windy days as he says the wind noise makes hearing the signals too hard.
Eddie is one of many Loddon prospectors and the release this month of a new Loddon Valley gold prospecting guide by the shire council aims to increase the number of locals and visitors to the region.
“A lot of folks will pour over maps and stress about where to look but I like to start in the same spots and expand from there,” he says.
The new guide has tipped on accessible prospecting areas at Wedderburn, Inglewood, Kingower, Wehla, Rheola Tarnagulla, Llanelly and Waanyarra. As for Eddie, when he isn’t busy prospecting, he helps cook lunch at the Inglewood Community Centre, he also spends time with the Gem Club in Bendigo, which he is on the committee for.
Long weekend spends boost town economies
SPENDING has hit record levels in Loddon communities over the Easter and Anzac long weekend, according to data tabled at last Friday’s shire council meeting.
Spendmapp data shows an extra $116,000 was spent over Easter compared to 2024 while the increase was even higher over the Anzac weekend with an extra $167,000 spent.
“Our REMPLAN economic impact estimates indicated we would see an additional $240,000 spent in the Shire, based on the number of visitors we registered,” said Shire Mayor Dan Straub.
“The actual results, reported by Spendmapp, indicated (an extra) $280,000 was spent by visitors to the Loddon Shire during this period – a great result.”
The latest tourism and economic development quarterly activity report shows that in March, $3.47 million was spent in the shire, a 21 per cent increase on February, traditionally one of the quieter months of the year as
part of the post-Christmas dip. And while the overall March figure is slightly less than the same month in 2024, long term trends show an upwards trajectory.
About 62 per cent of that local spend, $2.17 million, was by visitors.
Easter’s national orienteering event attracted 1000 visitors to the shire while there were 400 people and 200 vehicles in Inglewood as part of the 2025 Street Rod Nationals in Bendigo.
The annual Rheola Charity Carnival and the Boort Tennis Club Easter tournament were also part of the autumn surge of visitors and local spend.
“About 62 per cent of that local spend, $2.17 million, was by visitors,” Cr Straub said.
Visit Loddon Valley website statistics show that popular searches for Loddon attractions include Bridgewater, the Spanner Man sculpture gardens at Boort, Eddington Sprints and gold prospecting ahead of people travelling to the area.
Meeting live steams retained
making processes irrespective where people lived.
“I often send photos of me out with the detector to friends, saying just out in my open-air office again,” he said.
“I’ve learnt a lot from prospecting and it’s something I really enjoy doing.”
Eddie says his reason for continuing with prospecting is he “just likes finding gold,” he also enjoys the exercise and learning that come with detecting.
LODDON Shire Council will continue to live stream its monthly meetings.
A governance rule review had put live streams at risk.
However, councillors last Friday backed retention of live streams after community feedback championed the platform for access to council’s decision
The new governance rules will require residents submitting questions to include their name and address.
Until the policy update, council had responded to anonymous questions about council activities and policies.
Eddie Sydor loved gold prospecting in the Loddon so much he moved here.
LH PHOTO (AI)
Loddon
What is the Active Living Census?
The ALC is a community survey that asks about:
Physical activity participation
Fruit and vegetable consumption
Barriers to being healthy and active
Participate, don’t wait!
Only takes around 15 minutes
Open to everyone! No matter your health or activity level, we want to hear from you
3 in 4 trans and gender diverse people have been treated unfairly because of their gender identity. Each silent gesture, every unspoken word, carries weight. Think about what you’re really saying.
Farmer fears $71k bill: Wilson
ONE Loddon farmer would see his emergency services tax bill jump $50,000 to $71,000 unless the State Government repealed its controversial legislation, Cr Miki Wilson told Friday’s shire council meeting.
The Inglewood Ward councillor called for strength and unity across Victoria in continuing opposition to the tax.
Councillors are waiting on the Governor’s office for talks after it called for the tax to be scrapped and attended last month’s protest rally in Melbourne.
They voted last week to again condemn the tax.
Councillors are seeking to advocate for residential, commercial and industrial properties who will still see an increase in 20252026.
Cr David Weaver said the Government had only suspended the tax for farmers for 12 months.
“It’s still sitting there ... only suspended for primary producers.”
Cr Weaver said the tax was seen as divisive in the community.
He said the Government should “step up and give everyone a break”.
Cr Nick Angelo said: “I swore an oath to perform (councillor) duties in the best interests of the community. This levy is just wrong on so many levels.
Holding back tax ‘will hurt local finances’
THERE could be substantial impacts to Loddon Shire’s financial position, following calls from some protest groups to refuse to pay the emergency services tax portion of rate bills.
“We understand and sympathise with those calls to withhold what they believe is the levy payment,” said Mayor Dan Straub,
“However, any payment of rates made to council is apportioned to the individual parts of the rates notice, meaning the ESVF levy will still be paid in part and council would not receive the full amount of council rates.
“Council would then be required to enforce the outstanding payments for both council rates and the levy.
“Any reduction in the amount ratepayers choose to pay will directly affect council’s bottom line and limit our capacity to deliver services and infrastructure.
“The only fair and just solution is for the State Government to immediately repeal this tax,” Cr Straub said.
Mayor Dan Straub said there had been positive feedback to council’s opposition to the tax but pressure had to be kept on the State Government.
He said this week that while the State Government an-
“I appeal to other councillors and councils to do the right thing for their communities,” Cr Angelo said.
nounced temporary changes to the tax, giving primary producers a 12-month reprieve from paying an increased levy, this did not lessen the burden for other large sections of the community.
“Commercial and industrial property owners will still have to pay much increased levies,
Survey shows five-point lift in satisfaction
THERE were still improvements to made for Loddon Shire Council despite an upward trend in the latest community satisfaction survey.
“There has been a lot of effort put into improving the areas identified in past community satisfaction surveys and a result like this shows it is beginning to pay off,” Mayor Dan Straub said.
“However there is always work to do and we will continue to focus on doing it.”
The annual survey shows an improvement in council’s scores, with the overall performance index at 58, up from 53 in 2024.
That rates five points above the statewide average and four points above the small rural group of shires that Loddon is compared with.
The overall council direction score was 45, one point below the small rural and statewide averages but three points higher than in 2024.
Council also performed either in line with or above the small rural and statewide averages on a majority of service areas evaluated.
The three top performing areas were waste management (72, up from 70 in 2024), recreational facilities (72, up from 67) and appearance of public areas (71, same as previous year).
Council was also statistically higher than the small rural and statewide averages for overall performance, value for money (50, up two points on 2024) and community decisions (54, up four points on 2024).
However, council’s performance for emergency and disaster management (62) has fallen behind benchmarks of both the small rural and statewide averages, although this score is still three points higher than in 2024.
Loddon Shire’s lowest performing areas from the 2025 survey remain consistent
with previous years – unsealed roads (36), sealed local roads (41) and planning and building permits (44).
All of these scores also increased from 2024.
The low satisfaction scores for unsealed and sealed roads s likely to continue to be impacted by ongoing flood recovery works and disaster recovery funding agreement claim processes, council says.
Another factor that Loddon contends with in its scoring for satisfaction with sealed roads are community perceptions of road management responsibilities.
A number of surveyed community members identified arterial roads when asked which roads in particular they were not satisfied with council’s management of.
Arterial roads are the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Planning, not council.
Quarterly reporting at the May Council meeting showed that despite ongoing impacts to the road network, Loddon is operating well against its road management plan for the maintenance of its local road network with the most recent quarter seeing 98.6 per cent of defects resolved and 100 per cent of grading activities completed within timeframes in the plan.
A total of 500 people were surveyed in Loddon Shire – 6.5 per cent of the population – including 105 in Boort Ward, 129 in Inglewood Ward, 79 in Tarnagulla Ward, 97 in Terrick Ward and 90 in Wedderburn Ward.
Of those 500 respondents, 43 per cent were aged 65 and over, 23 per cent between 50-64 years, 18 per cent between 35-49, 15 per cent between 25-34 and two per cent between 18-24.
The survey was carried out in two waves between November and March.
Annual surveys have been conducted since 1998.
tens of thousands of dollars for some Loddon businesses, while the burden is also substantially greater for residential ratepayers as well,” Cr Straub said.
“This is not just a Loddon Shire issue, it is a statewide issue, affecting rural, regional and metropolitan residents alike.”
The new tax is to apply from next Tuesday and will appear as a charge on council rate notices. Councils across Victoria have complained little information has been received about implementation of the tax that was passed through Parliament in a late night sitting last month.
Be united in strength ... Cr Miki Wilson.
Gate lockers face $12k fines
LANDOWNERS could be fined more than $12,000 under new State Government plans to fasttrack renewable energy projects.
The National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025 introduced in Parliament last Thursday says “that enables authorised officers, accompanied by officers of electricity corporations to enter private land without owner or occupier consent”.
Fernihurst’s Ken Pattison said the latest move by the Government was another hit on farmers.
“In Victoria, no one has any rights any more. This new move by the Government makes home invasion legal, no rights for the property owner.”
The Bill makes VicGrid responsible for the planning and development of renewable energy zones and transmission infrastructure in Victoria.
The Government last Thursday
said: “We established VicGrid to make sure communities have a real say on the way transmission and renewable energy projects are planned across the state, and to ensure certainty for industry.
“We have heard from regional communities that will host new energy infrastructure that the benefits of the energy transition need to be shared fairly – that’s why this Bill introduces new Renewable Energy Zone Community Energy Funds and a separate fund for traditional owners
“The REZ Community Energy Funds will support projects and initiatives that improve energy supply, efficiency, and affordability for the host regions. Local host communities will identify and help design projects that will best benefit them. The final details of the funds will be formalised through further legislation later this year.
The establishment of a tra-
ditional owners’ fund will support self-determination and the broader aspirations of Traditional Owners impacted by new critical energy infrastructure.”
The Bill will transfer responsibility for transmission network planning from the Australian Energy Market Operator to VicGrid. The Government says this will enable VicGrid to implement the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan which will make sure we build the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time as we transition to cheaper renewable energy.
According to the Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio: “We’re making sure communities that host renewable energy infrastructure directly benefit from the substantial investments in their regions these projects generate.
“These reforms will make sure industry have the certainty they
need to invest and VicGrid can do the important planning works that will keep the lights on and deliver cheap renewable power to Victorian homes and businesses,” she said.
AEMO said while the VNI West project would transfer to VicGrid, it was running a tender process to select a delivery partner to assist with development, and to eventually construct and operate the transmission line.
“At the end of the development phase, VicGrid pending legislation passing will enter into a delivery phase contract with the successful delivery partner, and Transmission Company Victoria will be transferred to them via share sale.
The new owner will assume full ownership of TCV, with VicGrid continuing oversight through the delivery contract.
The preferred delivery partner is expected to be announced later this year.
Dutch-based company has wind farm eyes of paddocks
EUROPEAN Energy has become the latest renewable energy company to approach Loddon landowners.
The Dutch-based company has had meetings with farmers in the Pyramid Hill and Mincha districts.
Some have already voiced opposition to European Energy’s wind farm proposed and erected banners in Pyramd Hill and on farm fences.
The banners have come from Wimmera
Mallee Alliance protesting against renewable and mining projects in the their region.
European Energy’s country manager Australia, Catriona McLeod, has received a list of questions from the Loddon Herald about the company’s plans for the district.
The company’s website says European Energy was founded in Denmark in 2004 by Knud Erik Andersen and Mikael D. Pedersen and now has offices in more than 20 countries.
Its first Australian project was the 58MW solar farm at Winton.
European now has eight solar farms in Victoria, New Wales and Queensland and a wind farm in Queensland.
The company also lists five battery storage projects on its website.
European Energy says it is a leading player globally in renewable energy, across solar, wind, green hydrogen, e-methanol and other emerging technologies.
Join Early Learning Victoria
Water smoothing talks panned ‘for safety’
TRANSMISSION Company Victoria’s meeting with disgruntled councils switched to an online format on Friday as dozens of protesters gathered outside Wycheproof Town Hall.
“On the advice of Victoria Police, Buloke Shire Council moved the meeting online due to concerns about protest activity—despite TCV representatives travelling to the region as part of our ongoing council engagement,” the AEMO company said.
“We remain committed to ongoing dialogue with councils to ensure input meaningfully shapes the planning and delivery of the project.
“Council meetings are one of several ways TCV listens to feedback, strengthens our understanding of local issues, and works to ensure the project delivers long-term benefits for regional communities.”
Buloke and Gannawarra council had voted to oppose the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line “in its current form”. “The meeting was organised in response to recent public statements of opposition from both councils regarding the VNI West project. It was intended as an opportunity to listen to concerns, provide clarity on key issues, and set shared expectations for how engagement will be conducted going forward,” it said.
The Victorian Government is hiring for all roles at our new centre, Early Learning Victoria Wedderburn (interim name), opening in early 2026. Join a team delivering high-quality early childhood education and care, in government-run centres across Victoria.
You will:
• be part of the new Victorian government-run early learning and childcare centres
• foster children’s development and wellbeing in our high-quality learning environments
• build your career with access to professional learning and development opportunities.
Bendigo, Loddon in lockstep on tourism future
A STRONGER, more connected, and sustainable tourism future for the region is tipped after a new structure linking Loddon and Bendigo was ticked off on Monday.
The new visitor economy partnership Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon gained approval from the Bendigo Tourism board and was expected to be officially announced through City of Greater Bendigo council yesterday.
The Loddon Herald has been told that “over the coming months the new VEP board will be appointed which will include Loddon Shire Council, as well as local industry representation. The VEP membership program and benefits will also be announced”.
Tourism numbers have jumped across the Loddon Shire in the past two years with both day-trippers and overnight visitors.
Operator of the Bridgewater and Wedderburn caravan parks. Kristy Hourigan, last month said park bookings for recent long weekends had been up at least 50 per cent on the previous year and parks were already booked out for some dates in 2026.
The visitor economy partnerships replace the regional tourism board model that industry sources say “reflect extensive consultation, research, and strategic planning by industry leaders, local councils, and the Victorian Government”.
Sources say the transition offers tangible benefits, including:
Stronger industry representation –The VEP will serve as the official voice of our visitor economy, ensuring industry priorities are heard at the highest levels;
Increased funding and resources –Recognised as the official tourism body,
the VEP will have greater access to government investment and operational support.
Enhanced regional collaboration – By broadening its footprint, the VEP will connect businesses across the region, fostering innovation and expanding marketing and brand reach.
They say VEPs will bring more visitors to the region through:
A unified strategy for growth – With a formalised structure, the VEP will drive cohesive destination development, marketing, and visitor attraction strategies;
Targeted marketing campaigns to promote the region’s diverse offerings to state, interstate and international markets.
Connected Visitor Experiences –Broader product offering including trails, tours and UNESCO Bendigo City and Region of Gastronomy to encourage longer stays and wider exploration.
Improved visitor Services - Better integration of attractions and visitor centres to enhance the overall tourist experience.
Consistent industry support - Training, development, and communication to be streamlined and accessible across the region.
“This new body is in its early stages of development, and will be the peak tourism body for our region,” Loddon Shire told local tourism operators late Tuesday afternoon.
“The body is recognised by the Victorian State Government and will position our tourism industry for long-term success.
Loddon Shire said Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon was a tourism partnership between the State Government, local government and the regional tourism industry.
Visitor numbers are rising at Loddon caravan parks. LH PHOTO
BOORT District School embraced the winter weather with a pyjama day on Friday. The event, hosted by the Student Representative Council, saw staff and students bundled up in dressing gowns, slippers and cosy pyjamas. An array of pyjama-based activities also ran during lunch time with students participating in colouring, a scavenger hunt, nail painting station, paper plane throwing, a winterthemed photo booth and sleeping bag races.
The Australian wool market has risen for the penultimate sale of the season and in welcome news, this rise driven by market conditions rather than currency. Fremantle did not hold a sale this week, with only Sydney and Melbourne in operation the national offering was 20,756 bales. This was the smallest sale of the season. The small offering attracted strong buyer support and although the selection was not large, what was available attracted spirited bidding, which in turn resulted in price rises across the board. By the end of the selling series the individual AWEX Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece had risen by between 1 and 24 cents, the only anomaly was a 22-cent fall in the 19.5 MPG in the North. The benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) gained 10 cents for the week, closing at 1,207 cents.
The EMI also rose in USD terms, adding 6 US cents.
The crossbred sector of the market continues to strengthen, adding further increases to those achieved over the previous weeks. The recent rise in the crossbreds is best highlighted viewing the Southern MPGs. In Week 45 (7th of May) the 26.0 MPG was 588 cents, today the MPG is at 652 cents, an increase of 10.8%. The 28.0 MPG has risen by 7.7%, while the strongest performer has been the 30.0 MPG, which has gone from 360 cents to 405 cents, an increase of 12.5%. To put this into perspective the best performing merino MPG over the same period was the 17.5, which has risen by 4.1%.
The EMI has risen by 1.3% over the same time frame, the small rise the EMI has achieved, helped by the strengthening of the crossbreds.
This week marks the final sale of season. Fremantle returns to the market, pushing the national quantity up to 32,648 bales..
Source: AWEX
109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM
Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 8648 5816
Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064
Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333
Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior
Agronomist | 0408 188 351
Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044
Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.
Alex Collins - 0408 314 768
Will Lowe - 0498 381 584
Will Holt - 0417 686 814
Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844
Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371
Lachie McAllister - 0459 310 797
Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832
Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917
Mitch A’Vard - 0429 966 572
BENDIGO
DERBY Downs Stud has returned from the weekend’s Victorian Sheep Show at the new Ballarat Showgrounds at Mount Rowan with the title of champion poll Dorset ewe. The award was one better than 2024 when the stud exhibited the reserve champion. Stud manager Lachlan Bailey is pictured with judges after results were announced. In Merino sections, Terrick West Stud won reserve champion medium March-shorn poll ram, reserve champion strong March-shorn ram and lambs March-shorn medium wool.
SHEEP AND LAMBS
LAMB Bsupply declined to 9575 lambs and quality was also plainer with more wintery type lambs in smaller penlots yarded at Bendigo on Monday.
Two major exporters were absent along with a top end domestic which operated here last week, and this sale didn’t have the energy of last Monday which was record breaking for Bendigo.
But while many lamb averages eased there wasn’t a lot of price change on the top runs of grainfed lambs which sold to $390/ head, while some strong supermarket competition pushed the best heavy trades to $315/head in a very robust result.
Overall this sale was more quality driven, with not as much depth in buyer demand to keep the plainer and mixed lots at the price heights they were making.
The best lines of processing lambs over 24kg cwt still sold in a range of 1000 to 1100c/kg cwt, with select pens of very neat trade lambs at 1100c to 1200c/kg cwt at times.
However there was plainer crossbred lambs in the 920c to 1000c/kg cwt range and this is what weakened overall price averages compared to a week ago.
The same scenario played out for Merino lambs, with the lead off grain still at 900c to 1000c/ kg cwt but plainer types with less weight and finish slipping in value. Heavy export lambs $309 to a top of $390/head to average an estimated 1050c to 1080c/ kg cwt, one southern meatwork which doesn’t always buy the
heaviest lead stock stepping into the market. The heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs $260 to $330/head the heavy best heavy trades $255 to $315/head, with this section the highlight of the market.
Once under 24kg cwt there was some softer outcomes on the general run of light and medium trade lambs off grass at $185 to $240/head to often trend under 1000c/kg cwt. Lead of the grainfed trade Merino lambs $214 to $260/head; trade Merino lambs with less fat cover and weight mostly $160 to $205/head. Restockers and feeders paid from $155 to $194 for the better bred and framed lambs to feed on.
There some lines of very light conditioned and mixed breed small lambs at $46 to $130/head.
The mutton sale was cheaper, most grades of sheep averaging below 690c/kg cwt in this market, with just a few better quality lots of ewes still in very prime score 3 and 4 condition selling above 700c/kg cwt.
Heavy crossbred ewes $210 to $280/head; majority of the leaner heavy and trade sheep $130 to $185/head; lightest ewes $44 to $120/head.
EXOTIC LAMBS
A Bishop Echuca (8) $274. Lislea Lodge Piccola (51) $274. S Derrick Kurting (14) $264. NA & ME Hocking Pyramid Hill (8) $228. CROSSBRED LAMBS
ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (59) $390. RW &
AL Baker Dingee (95) $388. RI Brown Pompapiel (70) $380. PN Brown Pompapiel (36) $380.
D Sizer Ghin Ghin (9) $339. OST Elmore (83) $323. Everdale Holdings Calivil (9) $320. Donnellon Family Trust Donald (58) $317. R.A.M.J.
Pty Ltd Knowsley (27) $302. G Holmfield & Co Bunnaloo (14) $288. TF & DL Roberts Charlton (12) $288. H & P Bennett Spring Plains (34) $280. Slater Farming Corack (17) $280. Nedna Pty Ltd Willangie (21) $270. J & L Hooppell Moama (48) $259. D & F Graham Moama (17) $256. R Wilson Echuca Village (17) $228.
MERINO LAMBS
Richmond Park Moama (23) $250. Nedna Pty Ltd Willangie (26) $240. W & P Day Nagambie (155) $210. A & D Freeman St Arnaud (104) $188. TF & DL Roberts Charlton (27) $180.
MERINO WETHERS
Colvin Family Trust Eppalock (51) $182.
CROSSBRED EWES
Everdale Holdings Calivil (68) $290. W Ogden Wanalta (13) $290. Lislea Lodge Piccola (74) $283. RG & KA Martin Emu (32) $280. A Bishop Echuca (7) $248. Nedna Pty Ltd Willangie (8) $248. A & D Freeman St Arnaud (19) $245. Bennett & McElroy Moulamein (12) $245. Andshara P/L Berrimal (129) $240. Slater Farming Corack (17) $225. J & L Hooppell Moama (40) $204.
MERINO EWES
CJ & KM Holt Logan (43) $250. M Seers Appin South (13) $230. Cobaw Stud Pipers Creek (30) $200. B Balmer Harcourt (21) $190. I Ross Mia Mia (143) $164. P & R Spowart Pyramid Hill (17) $160. M & D Martin St Arnaud (52) $156. Order of sales next week – Nuttall, McKean McGregor, Elders, Nevins, Nutrien.
VICTORIAN Farmers Federation wants drought-affected livestock producers to have a targeted rebate scheme for fallen stock collection costs.
The VFF has made the request as it continues to work to ensure a long-term, sustainable solution for animal disposal across the state.
The call comes as a new userpays trial for fallen stock services begins across western Victoria from June 2025, following sustained VFF advocacy to keep the service running in the face of mounting financial pressures.
The trial will see $50 per head paid to farmers for standing, live cows and $200 per pickup paid by farmers for deceased stock
VFF livestock president Scott Young said the VFF had actively worked with service provider Loc Rivett and Agriculture Victoria to prevent a complete collapse of the system, but now warns the government must intervein.
“We absolutely need this service and we’ve helped keep it operating. Clearly the provider has decided to introduce a service fee and we’re calling on the government to step in and help cover the costs in this time of drought.” he said.
“We are calling for a rebate scheme to offset collection costs for producers in declared drought-affected areas. Anything less is a failure to support animal
welfare and on-farm biosecurity during crisis conditions.”
“It’s a complex issue and we’ve been working with the provider, government and farmers behind the scenes for months to ensure there is a service for farmers to access. This vital service remains at an added cost and we think the government needs to step in and cover these added fees,” Mr Young said.
The VFF has consistently flagged the risks of inadequate fallen stock infrastructure, including animal welfare breaches, biosecurity exposure, and environmental harm. The VFF is working closely with stakeholders to design a fit-for-purpose system, but insists producers must not be left carrying the financial burden alone.
UDV President Bernie Free said the trial was a step in the right direction, but it’s missing the financial element to ensure droughtstricken farmers aren’t made to absorb extra costs.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure producers still have access to a collection service, but affordability in times of drought remains a major concern and we can’t lose focus of that.”
“We’re asking the Government to commit funding for a rebate model that recognises the regional impact of drought and helps keep farmers compliant without punishing them financially.”
Digital giants and power inbalance
ACCC report findings recognise impact on country newspapers
COUNTRY Press Australia has welcomed the release of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s final report from its Digital Platform Services Inquiry, describing it as a landmark moment that recognises the systemic challenges facing regional and local news publishers in the digital age.
CPA President Andrew Schreyer (pictured) said the report confirms what independent publishers have known for years, that global tech giants are using their market dominance to control how journalism is accessed, valued and monetised in Australia, to the detriment of local news.
“This report confirms what our members have experienced for a long time,” Mr Schreyer said.
“Local and regional publishers continue to face deeply entrenched power imbalances in their dealings with the major digital platforms. This has real consequences for the sustainability of journalism in our communities.”
Mr Schreyer said the federal government must now move quickly to implement the News Bargaining Incentive legislation, especially in light of Meta’s refusal to renew deals with publishers since announcing their withdrawal from news arrangements last year. “Meta has walked away from compensating publishers entirely, and others like TikTok have never come to the table at all,” he said.
“The incentive legislation is essential to ensure that all major platforms are required to contribute to the journalism they benefit from, either by negotiating in good faith or by making a fair payment.”
He also emphasised that public funding support for journalism, including through the News Media Assistance Program (NewsMAP), must be directed to publishers who are actively producing local public interest journalism.
“Funding should go to the journalists and newsrooms who are on the ground covering councils, courts, community stories and local sport,” Mr Schreyer said.
“These are the voices that hold local institutions to account and help communities stay connected. They need direct and meaningful support.”
The ACCC report draws attention to a range of broader issues threatening journalism, including a lack of dispute resolution options for small publishers, harmful practices by dominant platforms, and the growing use of AI tools that can devalue or displace credible news.
“We support stronger platform obligations to prevent scams and fake reviews, and we also support enforceable transparency requirements that ensure fair treatment of news content,” Mr Schreyer said.
“We need to see the major platforms treated as gatekeepers with clear responsibilities when it comes to how news is ranked, labelled and monetised. We urge
yOuR ONLINE WORDS
Food for thought and conversation
Sir, Thank you for front-page article on the draft Inglewood Streetscape plan and design elements (Loddon Herald, June 19).
It has certainly provided the Inglewood (and broader) community with food for thought and lots of conversation!
the government to consider the rise of AI and its use of publishers’ content and the need for publishers to be fairly compensated for this as part of the News Bargaining Incentive framework.”
He said the rise of AI-generated content and the continued spread of misinformation on social media made it more important than ever for Australians to understand what credible journalism looks like.
“Improving digital literacy must be a national priority,” Mr Schreyer said. “Australians need the tools to distinguish fact-based journalism from misinformation, especially in an environment where AI and algorithms are shaping so much of what people see.”
Country Press Australia represents almost 240 independently owned newspapers, including the Loddon Herald, that serve regional, rural and suburban communities across the country. These publishers are embedded in the communities they serve and continue to provide vital public interest journalism in an increasingly disrupted media environment.
Mr Schreyer said the ACCC report provides a clear path forward and urged the government to act.
“We strongly support the ACCC’s push for a new digital competition regime and external dispute resolution so our members can operate on a level playing field,” he said.
“Our regional, rural and local news outlets are the backbone of Australia’s democracy and they must be supported through practical reforms and fairer digital market conditions.”
1. Approximately how long is the Murray River?
2. In which year was Monopoly first released?
3. The Titanic sank in which month of 1912?
4. How many dots are on a 6-side dice?
5. Kyle Reese is a character in which film franchise?
6. Who painted ‘Starry Night’?
7. A famous golfer shares his first name with the name of which animal?
8. In a standard game of rock paper scissors, what beats rock?
9. Name the town that the Flintstones live in?
10. Which city hosted the winter Olympics in 2022?
11. What is the plural of fish?
12. Which university is the oldest in Australia?
13. Queen Elizabeth II was known to own which breed of dog?
W ELL, Bradley of Boort had a big night for the Winter Solistice. Although, was it as good as OTF’s mate PK who convinced good wife that bacon and eggs were the the warming dinner on a cold and foggy day. Four eggs were cracked into the pan, two each, and four double-yokers were revealed. We’re told the chance of one double-yoker is one in a thousand.
Gotta be a million for four from the one carton, surely?
14. Dr Watson is the
15. The book ‘The Godfather’ was written by which author?
16. Pule is a cheese from Serbia, made from the milk of which animal?
17. The White Sox are a team competing in which professional sport?
18. Who was the first man on the moon?
19. In Roman numerals what letter represents 100?
20. Who lives in a rubbish bin on Sesame Street?
couple of others that dulled the bright blue brigade uniform they had donned.
O NE of their sparring partners, The Northern Correspondent, bobbed his head up at the weekend. Shared photo of trip to Bendigo to watch some footy with his retirement chariot parked neatly behind MP’s sign. Sounds like he wanted to be at the sod-turning.
BAIG days and night ... the sod turning at Serpentine’s new fire station site on Friday must rank up there.
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Again, thank you for highlighting the project.
Cr Miki Wilson
Inglewood Ward Loddon Shire
To make sure the communities voices are heard I would encourage everyone to provide their feedback on the design by going to connect.loddon.vic.gov. au/inglewood-streetscape-enhancement/surveys/inglewoodstreetscape-enhancement-project-survey so everyone’s input can be captured.
Keen eyes saw CFA group captain King Richard looking satorially splendid, The shoes glistening in the bright morning sun. A contrast to the muddy boots of a
ND finally this week, The Oracle has also been under the mircroscope in his role as football league No 2 to King Richard. When asked about whether he harbours aspirations: “Not in the same league ... my clothes are not as neatly pressed and the the shoes have more scuff marks than when I started school.” The Oracle then proceeded to itch a few days of facial growth.
sidekick of which fictional detective?
2500km 2. 1935 3. April 4. Twenty-one 5. Terminator 6. Vincent van Gogh 7. Tiger Woods 8. Paper 9. Bedrock 10. Beijing 11. Fish 12. University of Sydney 13. Corgi 14. Sherlock Holmes 15. Mario Puzo 16. Donkey 17. Baseball 18. Neil Armstrong 19. C 20. Oscar the Grouch.
buSHy TaLES BY IAN jONES
Our special series marking 50 years since the first performance of The Wedderburn Oldtimers’ Orchestra, this week looks at Lindsay Holt who was
Leader of the band with the ideas
LINDSAY Holt was a born entertainer, storyteller and some might say a man of ideas who made good things happen.
He worked hard to master the button accordion after losing the tips of fingers on his left hand to a chaff cutter.
“He had gloves on to handle the hay, the glove got caught and took off part of his fingers,” recalls sister Glenda Hunter who would later be among the musicians in the band Lindsay formed.
The Wedderburn Oldtimers’ Orchestra had Lindsay at its heart.
“He worked for a long time to be able to play the button accordion,” Glenda said.
“He was the leader, he was funny and just a gentleman to everyone in the band.
“If there was any arguing, he just didn’t hear them and carried on doing what was needed ... he’d be there unloading and loading the band van.
“When he stood up during a performance, it would be with a great yarn to tell and yes, he could sing.”
Glenda said Lindsay’s mind was always ticking with ideas about what to do next.
The Oldtimers was one of those ideas that saw the group’s first performance in Wedderburn 50 years ago next month, a ball that set the band on a course to national stardom
Folk music historian and later member of The Oldtimers, the late Peter Ellis wrote: “The Wed-
derburn Oldtimers, formed in 1975, came as a complete surprise, as the band was based on turn of the century style, played completely acoustic music on fiddle, button accordion, and tin whistle, and backed by piano and drums, guitar and banjo.
“It took country Victoria by storm. Again the Lancers, Circular Waltz, Polka Mazurka, Varsoviana, Polka and Veleta were supreme. Many of the old tunes such as those played by Johnny Boughton and Jack Cummings were revived.”
Ellis wrote that the various originals of this band had all played in their own district or family bands as teenagers in the 1920s, and so they were able to accurately hand on the tunes and style of playing as it had been in the bush.
“Founder of the band, Lindsay Holt was a farmer from Kurraca just out of Wedderburn and in his youth had sat in with Johnny Boughton and Jack Cummings at nearby Berrimal.
“Lindsay played button accordion (two-row melodeon) and like most of these musicians could dance and sing as well.
“The people of Wedderburn established their own motel (Gold Seekers) by taking out shares in it, and Lindsay and Coral Holt were the first proprietors.
“Lindsay often organised entertainment and music for the guests and would bring out his old squeezebox.”
It was from those sessions that
the musicians were assembled, some at first for a town float to be in Melbourne’s Moomba parade.
“Lindsay Holt had been meticulous in ensuring the band and its repertoire was turn of the century style,” wrote Ellis.
Lindsay’s son, Gavan, recalls that after the first record was released, and members received only a few dollars each, it was his father who decided The Oldtimers’ would in future produce their own records. That was another good Lindsay idea that saw The Oldtimers go gold and platinum.
Waving to the crowd and unsure what flavour milk Grummy was drinking
THE Wedderburn floats in Melbourne’s Moomba parades were one of Dale Stephenson’s first connections to the musicians who would form The Wedderburn Oldtimers’ Orchestra.
On the 50th anniversary of the band’s first public performance, Dale has recalled that trip to Melbourne for Moomba.
“The players were making their music on the back of truck and I was
there with Caroline Pay. I remember we just kept waving to the crowd as the parade went down Swanston Street,” said Dale. “I reckon I was 13 or 14 at the time and it was a great experience.”
His father Teddy Stephenson, of Fentons Creek, would become MC for The Oldtimers after Ronny Robertson.
“If The Oldtimers were playing at a dance, I’d usually get dragged along.
Reckon I attended almost as many performances by the band as some of the players in it,” said Dale.
And he remembers early teenage curiosity with drummer Grummy Ross.
“He had this milk carton he would drink but I reckon it wasn’t milk,” said Dale.
“After every dance, Grummy would shout out ‘beautiful” and as the night went on, the shouts became louder.”
Dale Stephenson
Lindsay Holt ... an ace on the button accordion and a great singer at home in Wedderburn and on tour (inset) with The Oldtimers
Djaara plans rustle leaves
DRAFT plans to brand the entrance to Inglewood’s historic Brooke Street have unleashed a wave of support to retain the town’s Blue Eucy branding.
Hundreds of people have left comments online and responded to an exclusive Loddon Herald poll since new plans designed by Djaara’s DJANDAK were released by Loddon Shire.
Several Brooke Street shops started displaying gum leaves and tree branches in their windows at the weekend.
DJANDAK plans have a Brooke Street sign featuring the Mallee fowl, indigenous murals and a featured paving creating a blurred serpentine form referencing the great serpent and Djaara’s healing smoke.
“In Djaara stories, Kooyoora is known to be one of the homes of the great serpent who is the enforcer of cultural law. There are also important stories about the Mallee Fowl. While the Mallee Fowl are not currently known in the landscape, we hope that by healing country they will return,” council says.
The latest concept plans, now open for public comment, build on the Inglewood Development
and Tourism Committee commissioned streetscape masterplan completed in 2022 that council says captures the Inglewood community’s aspirations for their town and has been the foundation of this stage of the project.
“The DJANDAK design team have worked with the 2022
streetscape masterplan as a project foundation and interwoven cultural stories into the streetscape,” council said.
“This design draft will be used to present the concept to community and stakeholders and support funding applications for next stages of design and con-
Footy’s fowl link goes back a century, says historian
USE of the Mallee fowl as an emblem for Inglewood Football Club can be traced to the early years of the 20th Century.
Club historian David Rose said Mallee Fowl has been used to symbolise Inglewood’s eucy industry.
“In 1907 a football team of eucy distillery workers played a series of matches against Inglewood’s Second-Rate Team, and were known as the Mallee Birds,” he said.
“Inglewood Football Netball Club’s current Eucy Cutter membership utilises the Mallee fowl in its design.
“Mallee fowl were not uncommon around Inglewood, particularly before European settlement.
“I could take you on a 15-minute drive through the Inglewood bush and show you three former mallee fowl nests. Others could probably show you more.
“There is an interesting article
in an Inglewood Advertiser from 1861 discussing the bird, its nests ‘which are to be found in the neighbourhood of Inglewood’, and a live example that could be seen at the Newmarket Hotel. “
Mr Rose said the Mallee fowl was a “uniquely interesting bird and I think it’s a good idea to leverage this interest, while maintaining/building its symbolism with Inglewood’s ‘Eucy’ industry”.
YOUR ONLINE WORDS
Marianne Klooster wrote: In the 30 plus years I’ve been here, I have never seen a Mallee fowl. But I’ve seen plenty of blue eucy.
Gavin O’Connor wrote: I thought Inglewood was the home off Blue Eucy. I haven’t seen Mallee fowls around Inglewood compared to in the Mallee north of Sea Lake, Hattah area lol.
Luke Ralph wrote: Why would you have Mallee fowl for the emblem - there isn’t any around Inglewood! Should be either gold or a eucy leaf
He said people should view the Streetscape plans and fill out the council survey.
“(There are) a lot of positive improvements included in the plan. The entrance sign is only one small component,” Mr Rose said.
“Plans clearly state that the design of the sign isn’t finalised –not necessarily that shown - but will be themed around Mallee fowl and granite representing Gateway to Kooyoora.
“Is the shire entrance sign being replaced, or is the streetscape sign in addition? Does Wedderburn not retain its shirethemed signage in addition to the streetscape signage?
“In either case, the current Blue ‘Eucalyptus’ Town wording is incorrect – Blue Eucy refers to Blue Mallee or the oil produced from the Blue Mallee, I’ve never heard of such a thing as Blue Eucalyptus. Mallee fowl and eucy Industry are not mutually exclusive.”
Ian Gladman wrote: Inglewood locals always mention the old eucy factory not Mallee fowl.
Katie Gillett wrote: We got plenty of rabbits.
Graeme Watts wrote: There was Mallee fowl around Inglewood years ago because my uncle Peter Watts was filming them. Also out the bush near the Galaway dam there is a old nest in the bush. But I think eucalyptus sign would be more suited.
Julie Bell wrote: Eucalyptus … never seen a Mallee Fowl in Inglewood.
struction. A significant funding application to the Australian Government Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program will be lodged by the Loddon Shire Council project team.
“Project objectives include greening and cooling through plantings of grass, plants, shade
trees and vines, paving and surface variation to accentuate heritage buildings, a public art trail and incorporation of existing heritage trail increased accessibility for pedestrians and vehicles, to support retail businesses (and) defined town entrance and signage.”
The existing mural on the old Porter’s building at the corner of Brooke and Verdon Streets is listed for upgrading “with Djaara artwork feature indicating the Gateway to Kooyoora”.
Development of the old co-=op service station corner includes a feature rock sculpture embedded in mound capturing Kooyoora traditional language meaning Mountain of Light.
The corner park would also have an interpretive display area with curated Inglewood history covering indigenous history, the gold rush, eucalyptus oil and more recent Inglewood information plans also propose garden beds along Brooke Street and trellis posts and wires in front of existing verandah posts for vines.
Council has concept designs on display at its Wedderburn office and online.
ONLINE POLL RESULTS
Tracey Cox wrote: Inglewood is not known for Mallee Fowl. They are birds of Terrick Terrick in the Loddon Shire. Both signs need revamp.
Christine Elliott wrote: Blue Eucy not Mallee fowl Let’s see if they listen to the residents!
Geoff Wilson wrote: Blue Eucy. Kangaroos would hammer out any ground bird nests , they’re well gone.
Madalynne Lamprell wrote: There’s no Mallee fowl to be found around Inglewood. Why can’t it stay the blue eucy town, it’s
what the town is known for! Why take away history and replace it for an animal found in our local desert not our local town
Ian Collie wrote: It has always been Blue Eucy, Why waste even more rate payers money?
Helen Leech wrote: Never known of any Mallee fowls around Inglewood, always known as the Blue Eucy town. Absolutely stupid idea.
Peter Talbot wrote: Political correctness. Leave sign alone.
Inglewood Football Club’s Eucy Cutter membership logo
D e At H notice S
CANFIELD - Graeme Vincent
Passed away June 6, 2025, aged 84
Loved Brother of Doug (Dec) & Helen
Uncle to Jillian, Tanya, Brett & Families
Hobbs - Russell
Respected and admired member of the Hargreaves Family.
We will miss you Rod.
Love Shirley, Greg and Alison, Scot and Wendy and their families. RIP
Heather - David Alexander
Shirley, Lois, Ruth and their families would like to thank family, friends and all community people who knew David for their thoughtful support and kind words on the loss of our dear Husband, Father and Gramps. We would also like to thank the IDHS staff for their wonderful care of David as both a visitor and in his very short stay as a resident. He valued you all and appreciated the chat and banter he shared with you.
To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.
You are invited to to the KWN
July Dinner
RSVP: 4/ 7/ 25 to Sue Brown at 0409 198 974
Guest Speaker:
BANKING ONLINE SAFELY
How to avoid scams
Presented by a representative from the Inglewood Community Bank.
Question time available
Everyone is welcome. but please call or Email before visiting.
Phone - 0417 333 171
Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com
WOOL BUYER
Earth Moving Pty Ltd are currently seeking experienced Truck Drivers to join our growing team.
Reeves Earth Moving are a family-owned business based out of Wedderburn, Victoria. We operate trucks and machinery, carting quarry products and completing earthworks including but not limited to shed pads, driveways, sheep yards, dams etc.
Essential Requirements:
• Current HC or MC Drivers Licence
• Ability to work unsupervised and follow directions.
• Available Monday-Friday with optional Saturday work Non-Essential Requirements:
• Ability to Operate Heavy Machinery including but not limited to: Front End Loader, Grader, Excavator, Bulldozer, Roller, Bobcat is advantageous but not a requirement.
Benefits:
• Above award pay rate
• The right candidate can expect regular work in and around the North Central Region
• A safe, professional and family run business. For more information or to apply: email admin@reevesearthmoving.com.au or by post to PO Box 36, Wedderburn Victoria 3518. VR4823596
Notice of tariffs for water and wastewater
All charges are calculated on a daily basis unless otherwise stated, with amounts charged quarterly.
All charges, whether based on a three-month period, a meter reading or other method, must be paid by the date specified in the invoice.
If no date is specified, then 21 days from the date the invoice was issued. Prices exclude GST except where indicated on invoices.
For a full list of 2025/26 tariffs, please refer to coliban.com.au/about-us/fees-charges
Fees and Charges are payable at Coliban Water, 37-45 Bridge Street, Bendigo; Australia Post Offices and Agencies; and other agencies as determined by Coliban Water.
Support is available for any customers experiencing vulnerability. Ask us about about our Coliban Assist program. Concessions are available to eligible concession and HealthCare Card holders. Contact us for more information or apply online at coliban.com.au
GOALS – Calivil: H. McCarthy 4, A. Dennis 3, J. Maher, H. McGregor. Mitiamo: A. Cussen 6, K. Galvin 2, S. Wright, Z. Myers.
BEST – Calivil: H. McCarthy, R. Walsh, J. Leach, K. Blow, R. Lourie, A. Dennis. Mitiamo: A. Huismann, Z. Myers, Z. Morrison, A. Cussen, L. Lougoon, J. Daglish.
GOALS – Bridgewater: L. Sharp 7, H. Conway, N. Naughton, A. Powell 2, T. Estrada, B. Derrick, L. Ellings, X. Walsh, B. Alexander. Maiden Gully: T. Delahey 3, L. Deslandes 2, T. James, D. Russell, B. Franzini.
BEST – Bridgewater: L. Ellings, D. Ferguson, N. Naughton, T. Estrada, J. Martyn, A. Powell. Maiden Gully: J. Worsley, D. Russell, T. Jackson, L. Bosley, M. Lines, M. Hill.
GOALS – Inglewood: T. Murphy, J. Hood, K. Cavallaro, S. Erharter, H. Veitch. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: F. Priest 7, R. Turner, C. Draper, J. Bailey.
BEST – Inglewood: L. Matheson, J. Whittle, B. Cotchett, L. Marciano, L. Ford, H. Veitch. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: T. Miles, J. Taig, F. Priest, J. Addlem, N. Twigg.
UNDER 18
Bridgewater
Maiden Gully
GOALS – Maiden Gully: L. Hancock 5, S. Neervoort 2, D. Vallance, N. Hadden, L. Budge, H. Carter, O. Bowman, D. Bown, O. Taylor, J. Wittingslow, R. Grinham-Reid. BEST – Bridgewater: A. Lawson, L. Lonsdale, R. Hobbs, S. Hewett-Scull, T. Waters. Maiden Gully: J. Wittingslow, O. Taylor, L. Hancock, L. Budge, T. Brook, D. Bown.
Pyramid Hill 0.0
Marong 9.3
(2)
O’Rourke 3, W. Toose 2, P. O’Rourke, J. Vella, C. Hatcher.
(0)
(227)
GOALS – Marong: R. McNamara 10, C. Dudderidge 5, C. Murphy 4, M. O’Donnell, J. Frankel 3, W. Baird, J. Gribble, W. Thomson 2, H. Roberts, B. Hale, D. Radford, R. Doorty. BEST – Pyramid Hill: O. Tonkin, T. Pritchard, E. Ray, J. Buckley, H. Ray, T. Caine. Marong: R. McNamara, R. Doorty, C. Dudderidge, J. Taylor, W. Thomson, J. Frankel.
Inglewood
(69) East Loddon
(45)
GOALS – Inglewood: M. Pickering 3, R. Murphy, T. Murphy 2, E. McCoy, R. Smith. East Loddon: M. Gray, F. Clymo 2, A. Roulston, H. Vinnicombe, L. James.
BEST – Inglewood: K. McClellan, T. Lovett, B. Smyth, C. Hancock, E. McCoy, R. Murphy. East Loddon: M. Gray, T. Rasmussen, A. Roulston, K. Maxted, H. Vinnicombe.
BEST – Charlton: L. Dunne, C. Boyle, D. Ryan, E. Needs, F. Bourke, M. Campbell. Boort: A. Cockerell, M. Beattie, F. Millar, A. Trethowan, J. Hall, W. Toose. St Arnaud
(93)
5.6 (36)
GOALS – St Arnaud: J. Hicks 4, J. Hicks 3, H. McNally, H. Torney 2, J. Kell, J. McKenny, B. Greenaway. Wedderburn: M. Lockhart, B. Smith 2, A. Roberts.
BEST – St Arnaud: J. Hicks, B. Greenaway, J. McKenny, J. Kell, Z. Notting, J. Hicks. Wedderburn: H. Polglase, R. Tonkin, A. Younghusband, J. Hall, D. Caruana, C. Miller-Govett.
Donald
(156)
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: M. Berry 7, R. Doran, B. Baxter, B. Colbert, T. Wiantara, A. Hay, S. Simmons, R. Hogan, C. Lee, H. Cook, C. Boyle.
BEST – Donald: K. Green, G. Burke, B. Farmer, G. Pearse, B. Harrison, C. Campbell. Birchip Watchem: S. Simmons, R. Hogan, J. Lindeback, M. Berry, M. Rickard, T. Wiantara.
UNDER 17
(79)
Pyramid Hill 1.1 3.2 3.2 5.2 (32) Marong 4.0 7.0
GOALS: Pyramid Hill B. Knight 3, L. Moss, B. Bisset. Marong: K. Robins 3, M. Bradbury, S. Geary 2, M. Lowery, M. Willox, J. Gadsden, R. Taylor.
BEST – Pyramid Hill: B. Knight, K. Daniels, D. Morison, L. Moss, B. Ladson, G. James. Marong: R. Taylor, B. Hartland, M. Bradbury, M. Willox, J. Gadsden, C. Gregg.
SENIORS
NORTH CENTRAL
GOALS – Charlton: M. Collins 2, A. Schofield, B. Kemp, R. Thompson. Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly 8, T. Potter 2, C. Egan, J. Mulquiny, W. Perryman, P. Barbopoulos, K. Jaksic, T. Rutley, J. Smith, L. Hall, N. Whyte, K. Rutley.
BEST – Charlton: B. Xiriha, P. Soulsby, R. Thompson, J. Thompson, A. Schofield, D. Whykes. Boort: J. Dick, J. Baddeley-Kelly, L. Hall, R. McGhie, C. Egan, K. Rutley.
Sea Lake Nandaly 2.1
RESERVES
Pyramid Hill 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.4 (10)
Marong 5.5 9.11 15.13 21.15 (141)
GOALS – Pyramid Hill: B. Reaper. Marong: T. Grant 6, B. Matthews 5, D. Blume, C. Hale 4, G. Reade, P. Gretgrix. BEST – Pyramid Hill: P. Monaghan, M. Dingwall, G. Quinn, D. Lovell, N. Moon, B. Moon. Marong: B. Matthews, L. Hale, B. Stewart, G. Dowler, K. Harris, G. Reade.
GOALS – Bridgewater: A. Pollock, B. Holt 3, J. Ellings, K. Henery, M. Brooks 2, D. Maher. Maiden Gully: R. Crothers 3, J. Spiller 2, T. Baker, J. Leech, M. James.
BEST – Bridgewater: J. Naughton, J. Bowen, N. Bibby, J. Higgins, A. Pollock, J. Ellings. Maiden Gully: H. Kleehammer, R. Crothers, J. Leech, M. James, T. Baker, A. Alcock. Inglewood 1.3 6.6 7.8 9.12 (66) BL Serpentine 1.1 2.3 3.5 4.6 (30)
GOALS – Inglewood: D. Gorrie 3, R. Tresize 2, A. Bennett, S. Gorrie, T. Kilcullen, J. Essex. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Podosky 2, F. Holland, J. Gladman.
BEST – Inglewood: J. Barnett, C. Martin, J. Bennett, D. Gorrie, A. Bennett, K. Wicks. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Orion Downing, Zac Hollis, Joe Stuart, Craig Davies, Jean-Miguel Podosky, Thomas Clarke.
Calivil 4.1 6.3 1.9 15.13 (103)
Mitiamo 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 (7)
GOALS – Calivil: L. McAllister 4, C. Anderson, S. Mills, E. Ritchie 2, C. Hinds, B. Masson, L. Petri, T. Piazza, B. Richards. Mitiamo: J. Rasmussen.
BEST – Calivil: C. Henson, S. Mills, L. McAllister, T. Piazza, C. Hinds, Z. Petri. Mitiamo: A. Daley, C. Milne, J. Cassells, E. Hocking, J. Doherty, A. Sims.
Marong 10 10 0 0 1 451.88 40
Inglewood 10 8 2 0 1 204.17 32
Bridgewater 10 8 2 0 1 197.36 32
Pyramid Hill 10 6 4 0 1 117.84 24
BL
Calder United 4.6 7.10
(45)
(85)
GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, B. Delmenico, A. Pattison, T. McKenzie, W. Donnan, T. Cox. GOALS – Calder United: D. Pearce 7, J. Exell, C. Green 2, R. Smith.
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Donnan, A. Pattison, T. Donnan, B. Poulton, T. McKenzie, C. O’Sullivan. Calder United: D. Pearce, O. Madden, J. Marlais, S. Kennedy, Z. Caccaviello, K. Hommelhoff.
Donald 1.1 1.1
(26)
Birchip Watchem 5.6 9.11 13.13 19.16 (130)
GOALS – Donald: S. Arho, J. Smulders, J. Adams, R. Young. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 8, N. Rippon, R. Conboy 3, J. Christie 2, B. Lakin, T. Gibson, M. Buchanan.
BEST – Donald: T. Reekie, R. Young, J. Adams, D. Pearce, R. Walker, J. Talty. Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, A. Dean, B. Lakin, M. Buchanan, D. Bell, R. Conboy.
St Arnaud 0.0 2.1
(43)
Wedderburn 6.6 11.10 19.13 23.16 (154)
GOALS – St Arnaud: B. Nicholas 2, M. Hungerford, O. Lowe, J. Tillig, J. Needs. Wedderburn: M. Jensen 6, M. McEwen, O. Holt 3, M. Smith, J. Mortlock 2, M. Woods, H. Lockhart, D. Benaim, L. Holt, J. Lockhart, J. McEwen, D. Jackson.
BEST – St Arnaud: B. Organ, K. Torney, M. Hungerford, T. Bertalli, M. Goode, M. Birthisel. Wedderburn: J. Lockhart, J. McEwen, M. Jensen, N. Furlong, H. Lockhart, D. Jackson. Birchip
BEST – Charlton: E. Soulsby, J. Wright, X. Good, J. Fitzpatrick, S. Zagame, L. Van Boven. Boort: C. Gooding, L. Boyd, D. King, D. Perryman, C. Gould, R. Chislett.
– St Arnaud: A. Lowe, B. Donald, J. Batters, N. Saludes, E. Hilton, A. Reyne. Wedderburn: A. Smith, N. Winslett, T. Lowe, D. Tansley, A. Thomas.
(25)
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: N. McClelland, B. Barbary, S. Barbary, J. Cox, C. Mott, C. Kelly. Calder United: R. Hogan, T. Vearing, A. Cowell, D. Coles, T. Perry, M. Fawcett.
– Donald: J. Lydom, B. Donnellon, C. Burke, J. Geddes. Birchip Watchem: N. Dean, B. Kemp, J. Knights, W. Ryan.
Nandaly
GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Tait 3, T. Griffiths. Calder United: J. Turner 4, B. Barker, G. Forrester 2, A. Forrester, B. Forrester, H. Senior, Z. Kelly.
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Michael, C. Tait, B. Stadon, H. Pitchford, C. Allan, T. Considine. Calder United: J. Turner, R. Jones, B. Forrester, T. Trewin, B. Barker, L. Cooper.
UNDER 14
– Charlton: R. Gahan, J. Bartlett, F. Zagame, V. Roberts. Boort: S. Muller, L. Lanyon, T. Stringer, B. Gilmore, X. Bramley.
(12)
BEST – Donald: N. Michael, N. Clapham, J. Italia, T. Lydom, S. Mortlock, L. Hitihamillage. Birchip Watchem: W. Ryan, S. Gardiner-Paikea, G. Kilroy, S. Ferrier.
Arnaud
– St Arnaud: C. Hendy, F. Evans, C. Kirk, F. Wilson, I. Johns, L. Kay. Wedderburn: W. Huismann, J. Benaim, W. Collins, B. Turnbull, B. Collins.
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Cox, R. Allan, K. Wight, A. Smith, H. Wight, H. Landry. Calder United: Z. Harrison, V. Harrison, J. Harrison, C. Allan, B. Hogan, D. Polzin.
LODDON VALLEY
Awesome clubs backing Ashlea
THE disappointment of falling agonisingly short at last year’s national titles is driving Ashlea Rollason ahead of her third carnival in Victorian colours.
Rollason will spearhead Victoria’s defence at the 2025 Marie Little Shield – Netball Australia’s national tournament for women with an intellectual disability, to be held in Brisbane in September.
After going through last year’s national carnival undefeated before losing a hard-fought grand final to New South Wales, Rollason can’t wait to get back on the court with her state team-mates.
“I love everything about it (playing for Victoria),’’ the goal defence/wing defence said.
VICTORIA
“It’s not an easy team to make ... so I’m very happy to be playing.
“We won it in 2023 and last year we were runnersup. We have a better team this year and I think we’ll win it.”
Rollason plays her all-abilities netball locally with the Golden City Netball Association and she’s a training partner with Loddon Valley clubs Calivil United and Inglewood.
“They (the clubs) have been awesome to me, I’d recommend them to anyone,’’ Rollason said.
At age 37, Rollason will be one of the most experienced players in the Victorian squad.
“There’s only a few players left of the original (state) team I played with,’’ Rollason said.
“There’s more young players in the team this year.”
Netball Victoria described the Marie Little Shield as one of the most empowering and prestigious events on the national calendar, celebrating skill, determination, and the spirit of inclusion.
“National tournaments like the Marie Little Shield are essential - not just for recognising excellence in athletes with a disability, but for providing real, meaningful pathways where women can showcase their talent on the national stage,’’ Netball Victoria’s general manager – high performance and pathways Sharelle McMahon said.
“We’re incredibly proud of this team and grateful for the opportunity to support and elevate athletes of all abilities. These programs are vital in building an inclusive sporting culture that reflects the true strength and diversity of our netball community.”
Trading hours
Monday – Open 3.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
from 6.00pm
Trading hours
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm Pot’n’Parma Night
Thursday – Open Midday
Dinner from 6.00pm Social Darts Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Friday – Open Midday
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm Trivia Night
Lunch from 12.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm
Dinner from 5.30pm Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm With Hot Bar Snacks,
Saturday – Open Midday Lunch from 12.00pm
Victorian representative netballer Ashlea Rollason in action at last year’s championships
Kane, Eicher have early grip on titles
LAST weekend saw the third round of the Boortclub championships take place with nine players trying to stay warm in cold, foggy conditions.
Battling it out for top spot again, Karen Allison and Peter Eicher tied with net 70, with Peter technically winning the count-back with a superior backnine score.
However, due to a miscalculation the last time they tied, Peter graciously allowed Karen to claim the winning voucher for this week, while he, Damien Lanyon and Shayne Morris took home minor prizes from the ball pool.
Nearest the pins were shared around between Peter, Karen, Stuart Tweddle, Di Johnston and Roz Wright , with Peter and Damien Lanyon picking up bonuses for knocking their tee shots onto the first green.
In the championships, Andrew Kane is well ahead of Stuart and
Damien in A Grade, while Peter looks unbeatable in B Grade.
In the Weaver Cup, Damien is 11 ahead of Stuart. Saturday will be the final round of the club championships with the annual Farmer’s 4-ball event tomorrow.
WEDDERBURN
The second round of the championships for Wedderburn Golf Club had 13 players on the green amongst the foggy weather.
Graham, Nesbit was the winner of the round with net 66 while G eoff Weston was named runners up on count back with a net 69. The best 2 on 2 was also Graham Nesbit.
INGLEWOOD
Inglewood Golf Club is holding free junior golf coaching on July 7 and 8 from 10am to midday. Accredited coach Paul Condliffe will be in charge and balls and clubs will be provided.
Shannon plays 50th game with Bulldogs
SHANNON Taylor lined up for her 50th netball game with Pyramid Hill last Saturday.
Shannon’s netball journey began \with junior stints at Serpentine, Calivil, and Mitiamo before time away playing rugby union in Wagga Wagga.
Last season, Shannon was runner-up in the club’s B Grade Best & Fairest.
Malachi Coleman bottles up play for
Boort in Saturday’s North Central Football League clash against Charlton. Coleman’s Pies won by 15 goals. LH PHOTO
young talent stars in gala day matches
JUNIOR footballers and netballers from three leagues have played in the 2025 gala day matches.
North Central Hockey Association took out the AFL Central Victoria Cup for the most successful league across matches at Maiden Gully on Sunday.
Heathcote won the honours in the day’s only foot-
ball match, accounting for Loddon Valley with local umpires Curtis Mangan, Neville Cockerell and Tom Ryan having charge of the game.
RESULTS
Netball - 13 and Under: Heathcote lost to Loddon Valley 15-19. Heathcote lost to North Central 13-23. Loddon Valley lost to North Central 18-20. Most Valuable Players - Heathcote: Michala Keele. Loddon Valley: Lana Medhurst. North Central: Willow Vearing. 15 & Under: North Central lost to Heathcote 25-37. North Central lost to Loddon Valley 21-22. Heathcote d Loddon Valley 28-16. Most Valuable Players - Heathcote: Milla Ryan. Loddon Valley: Ashlee Medhurst. North Central: Milla Adams. 17 & Under: Loddon Valley lost to North Central 16-44. Loddon Valley lost to Heathcote 14-41. North Central d Heathcote 33-18. Most Valuable Players: Heathcote: Ruby Loverso. Loddon Valley: Alina Gould. North Central: Libby Thompson. Under 18 Football - Heathcote 13.15 (93) d Loddon Valley 3.2 (20).
Goals - Heathcote: James Brentnall, Charlie O’Toole, Seb Barnett 2, Ari Morrissey, Elijah Hurley, Ryan Foster, Nicholas Mitchell, Liam Westerway, James Matthews, Sam Hancock. Loddon Valley: Harrison Goodes 2, Cooper Murphy.
Best - Heathcote: Nicholas Mitchell, Ben Miller, Seb Barnett, Lochlan Basham, Jett Grundy, Will Malone. Loddon Valley: Harrison Goodes, Tyler Rasmussen, Lincoln Hancock, Ryley Doorty, Blake Gibson.
Most Valuable Players - Loddon Valley: Harrison Goodes. Heathcote: Nicholas Mitchell.
Two are the latest to be in race for region’s top award
JOHN Coffey jun. and Mitchell Pickering have been named the latest Loddon Herald Sports Star of the Year monthly winners.
Coffey collected trophies instead of eggs at the Sydney Easter Royal Show, to be selected for the April award. With his father John Coffey senior, the Inglewood youngster took out first place at in the parent and child relay event.
The pair also finished fourth in the three-man relay with the addition of Lyndsay Hewett. John junior also came second in the standing block handi-
cap event while John senior finished fourth in the second division standi.ng block.
May sports star Mitchell Pickering’s first year with Inglewood Football Club juniors is off to a cracking start. At the halfway mark of the season Mitchell had kicked 35 goals including a smashing 12-goal haul in round six.
The two join other monthly winners to be in the running for the annual Loddon Herald award recognising outstandinbg sports people to be announced later this year.
The sports star year runs from October to September.
Men: Sea Lake Nandaly 1 lost to Calder United 5. Charlton 0 lost to Boort 9. St Arnaud 6 d Wedderburn 1. Donald Bye.
Ladder: Donald 18, Calder United 18, St Arnaud 17, Boort 13, Wedderburn 10, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, Charlton 0.
Women: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Calder United 2. Charlton 6 d Boort 0. St Arnaud 5 d Wedderburn 0. Donald Bye.
Ladder: Calder United 21, St Arnaud 21, Charlton 18, Boort 9, Wedderburn 7, Donald 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 0.
Underage: Sea Lake 1 d Calder United 0. Donald 5 d Birchip Watchem 1. Charlton 7 d Boort 0. St Arnaud Bye.
Ladder: Charlton 24, St Arnaud 18, Donald 12, Boort 9, Calder United 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 6,
north central hockey
North Central’s Lana Angel
Birchip Watchem 4. Under 12: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Calder United 5. Donald 0 lost to Birchip Watchem 7. Charlton 3 d Boort 0. St Arnaud 3 d Wedderburn 0.
Ladder: Birchip Watchem 24, Calder United 22, Charlton 22, St Arnaud 16, Wedderburn 10, Boort 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 4, Donald 3.
Loddon Valley footballers at the quarter-time huddle
Curtis Mangan
North Central Netball Association president Kim Fitzpatrick with the MVP players
Loddon Valley chair Richard Hicks and the league’s leading players on Sunday
Loddon Valley’s Lincoln Hancock was among the side’s best players
Ashleigh Medhurst (Marong) was part of the Loddon Valley 15 and under action at Sunday’s gala day. LH PHOTOS
Emphatic warm ups ahead of top clash
LODDON Valley A Grade netball big guns warmed up for this weekend’s biggest game of the home and away season with commanding performances in round 11 action.
Top-of-the-table Mitiamo and second-placed Pyramid Hill were at their brilliant best in scoring emphatic wins over Calivil United and Marong respectively.
Mitiamo thumped Calivil 8254 to improve its record to a perfect 9-0, while Pyramid Hill outclassed fifth-placed Marong 70-45.
It was Pyramid Hill’s performance that sounded an ominous warning to not only Mitiamo ahead of this Saturday’s game, but the rest of the competition.
Marong had been competitive in previous encounters with Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill this season, but the Bulldogs took their game to another level on Saturday and the Panthers had no answers.
After being forced to make several changes to their line-up over the past eight weeks because of injuries and unavailability,
the Bulldogs were closer to full strength against Marong.
The Bulldogs’ class and depth across the court was on full display and a repeat of that form will put the Superoos’ winning streak in jeopardy.
With Newbridge having the bye in round 11, Bridgewater jumped into third spot on the ladder on the back of an 83-35 thumping of Maiden Gully.
It was arguably the Mean Machine’s most complete performance of the season.
The next step in Bridgewater’s development is finding a way to topple Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill or Newbridge, or all three.
If the Mean Machine can make a breakthrough of that nature, then they will be well-placed to grab the double-chance for the finals.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine kept its finals hopes alive with a 61-35 win over bottom side Inglewood.
After four-straight defeats the Bears needed to regain their mojo if they were to stay in touch with fifth-placed Marong and they did that with a solid four-quarter performance.
The 26-goal win lifted the Bears to within one win and 13.53 per cent of Marong.
The Bears have the bye this weekend, while the Panthers face a potential danger game against the young Calivil United outfit.
The season-defining game for both clubs comes in round 14 when the Bears host the Panthers.
Queens of the ring show superior skills
WEDDERBURN put in a netball masterclass for opponents St Arnaud in Saturday’s North Central netball encounter.
Goal shooter Paige Stephenson and Sophie Cockerell at goal defence controlled the scoring fortunes all day.
Wedderburn conceded just four goals in the opening quarter while putting the ball through the ring 20 times.
There were some early intercepts by St Arnaud and a few fumbles in the scoring zone but Wedderburn’s better skill and system soon had the gremlins sidelined.
Kelsey Pallpratt put in another good performance in the centre and linked well with Paige Ryan at wing attack.
The Redbacks went on to win the match by 57 goals and remain undefeated. Boort boosted its percentage with a 30-goal win over Charlton. Wingers Grace Hosking and Bridie Doyle were among the best for the Pies. The percentage booster gives Boort and additional buffer ahead of key games against Sea Lake Nandaly, Calder United and Birchip Watchem - the trio all within striking distance of claiming second spot if the Pies falter.
In B Grade, the two Loddon clubs are also sitting clear at the top of the ladder while Boort is tied on wins and locked in a battle with Birchip Watchem and Sea Lake Nandaly for two of the top four spots., The Pies have only dropped one game in C Reserve this season,
LODDON VALLEY NORTH CENTRAL
A Grade
Inglewood 8, 18, 27, 35, (35) lost to BL Serpentine 15, 33, 44, 61, (61). Pyramid Hill 37, 55, 70, (70) d Marong 14, 25, 35, 45, (45).
Bridgewater 22, 44, 63, 83, (83) d Maiden Gully 9, 18, 28, 35, (35). Calivil 11, 26, 41, 54, (54) lost to Mitiamo 20, 39, 62, 82, (82).
Mitiamo 36
Pyramid Hill 36
Bridgewater 24
Newbridge 24
Marong 20
BL Serpentine 16
Maiden Gully 12
Calivil 8
Inglewood 0
A Reserve
Bridgewater 11, 21, 42, 57, (57) lost to Maiden Gully 20, 34, 48, 67, (67). Pyramid Hill 6, 16, 24, 33, (33) lost to Marong 14, 22, 32, 46, (46). Inglewood 5, 10, 13, 22, (22) lost to BL Serpentine 11, 22, 27, 35, (35). Calivil 12, 22, 31, 41, (41) d Mitiamo 10, 19, 28, 40, (40).
Marong 32
Bridgewater 32
Maiden Gully 28
Pyramid Hill 26
Newbridge 18
Mitiamo 18
Calivil 14
BL Serpentine 8
Inglewood 0
B Grade
Pyramid Hill 7, 17, 27, 36, (36) d Marong 6, 14, 20, 27, (27). Inglewood 4, 12, 25, 32, (32) lost to BL Serpentine 10, 18, 26, 36, (36).
Bridgewater 14, 28, 43, 53, (53) d Maiden Gully 3, 10, 19, 23, (23). Calivil 15, 22, 29, 33, (33) d Mitiamo 10, 16, 24, 29, (29).
Bridgewater 36 Pyramid Hill 32
Gully 32
24
20
16
12
Serpentine 4 Mitiamo 0
B Reserve
Bridgewater 8, 18, 26, 29, (29) lost to Maiden Gully 6, 15, 24, 32, (32). Inglewood 10, 22, 31, 41, (41) d BL Serpentine 7, 15, 19, 26, (26).
Pyramid Hill 15, 26, 43, 61, (61) d Marong 11, 21, 25, 32, (32). Calivil 11, 19, 27, 43, (43) d Mitiamo 4, 17, 28, 37, (37). Bridgewater 36
Under 17
Bridgewater 7, 22, 30, 43, (43) d Maiden Gully 9, 17, 31, 38, (38). Calivil 15, 34, 42, 60, (60) d Mitiamo 6, 13, 21, 26, (26). Inglewood 8, 17, 25, 28, (28) lost to BL Serpentine 16, 23, 33, 50, (50). Pyramid Hill 0, 11, 20, 24, (24) lost to Marong 12, 26, 39, 52, (52).
36
36 Marong 32 Maiden Gully 24
BL Serpentine 20
Pyramid Hill 16 Mitiamo 8
Inglewood 4
Newbridge 0
Under 15
Bridgewater 13, 21, 31, 43, (43) d Maiden Gully 5, 12, 17, 23, (23). Calivil 19, 42, 64, 93, (93) d Mitiamo 4, 7, 8, 10, (10). Inglewood 5, 8, 13, 23, (23) lost to BL Serpentine 10, 21, 34, 39, (39). Pyramid Hill 2, 8, 18, 20, (20) lost to Marong 10, 18, 27, 41, (41). Calivil 40
Marong 36
BL Serpentine 32
Bridgewater 24
Pyramid Hill 14
Maiden Gully 14
Inglewood 12
Mitiamo 4
Newbridge 0
Under 13
Inglewood 7, 17, 26, 30, (30) d BL Serpentine 7, 10, 12, 16, (16). Calivil 8, 20, 34, 43, (43) d Mitiamo 2, 7, 10, 16, (16). Bridgewater 5, 16, 22, 27, (27) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 15, 24, 30, (30). Pyramid Hill 2, 8, 9, 9, (9) lost to Marong 8, 12, 24, 26, (26).
Newbridge 36 Marong 32
Gully 28 Calivil 24 Inglewood 16
Hill 16 Bridgewater 12 BL Serpentine 8 Mitiamo 4
A Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 10, 19, 32, 42, (42) d Calder United 7, 14, 21, 29, (29). Charlton 7, 14, 21, 30, (30) lost to Boort 13, 28, 41, 60, (60). St Arnaud 4, 9, 16, 22, (22) lost to Wedderburn 21, 42, 62, 79, (79). Donald 10, 22, 35, 45, (45) lost to Birchip Watchem 14, 29, 45, 57, (57).
Wedderburn 36
Boort 28
Birchip Watchem 24
Sea Lake Nandaly 24
Calder United 20
Donald 8
Charlton 4
St Arnaud 0
B Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 10, 13, 21, 29, (29) lost to Calder United 13, 30, 38, 49, (49). Charlton 8, 15, 28, 38, (38) lost to Boort 21, 36, 50, 69, (69). St Arnaud 14, 22, 34, 42, (42) lost to Wedderburn 19, 38, 50, 71, (71). Donald 10, 19, 29, 45, (45) lost to Birchip Watchem 17, 36, 48, 63, (63).
Wedderburn 36
Boort 32
Calder United 28
Birchip Watchem 24 St Arnaud 12
Donald 6
Sea Lake Nandaly 6
Charlton 0
C Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 18, 27, 37, (37) lost to Calder United 20, 30, 39, 55, (55). Charlton 7, 14, 14, 19, (19) lost to Boort 11, 21, 36, 49, (49). St Arnaud 7, 16, 28, 35, (35) lost to Wedderburn 14, 28, 40, 49, (49). Donald 4, 6, 10, 17, (17) lost to Birchip Watchem 18, 34, 46, 58, (58).
Calder United 32 Wedderburn 28
Birchip
Sea Lake Nandaly 10, 22, 33, 43, (43) d Calder United 8, 17, 22, 28, (28). St Arnaud 4, 11, 15, 20, (20) lost to Wedderburn 10, 26, 36, 51, (51).
Sea Lake Nandaly 28
Boort 20
Calder United 12
Birchip Watchem 8 Wedderburn 8 St Arnaud 0
17 & Under
Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 16, 22, 27, (27) lost to Calder United 19, 33, 46, 65, (65). Charlton 5, 12, 16, 22, (22) lost to Boort 5, 15, 22, 34, (34). St Arnaud 22, 42, 60, 76, (76) d Wedderburn 4, 10, 18, 20, (20). Donald 6, 12, 18, 22, (22) lost to Birchip Watchem 19, 33, 55, 71, (71).
Calder United 36
Birchip Watchem 28
Boort 26
St Arnaud 22
Sea Lake Nandaly 20 Charlton 4 Wedderburn 4 Donald 0 14 & Under A
Donald 4, 9, 13, 18, (18) lost to Birchip Watchem 12, 16, 22, 32, (32). Sea Lake Nandaly 1, 1, 1, 1, (1) lost to
Inglewood 17 and under goal attack Lucy Rollinson. LH PHOTO
Wedderburn’s Paige Ryan in action against St Arnaud. LH PHOTO
15 - (2) - Fynn Clymo - East Loddon NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS
72 - (8) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem
46 - (8) - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort
44 - (2) - Jack Exell - Calder United
26 - (6) - Mitch Jensen - Wedderburn
24 - (3) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem
24 - (1) - Max Cahoon - Sea Lake Nandaly
21 - (1) - Kayne Rutley - Boort
20 - (0) - Lachy McClelland - Sea Lake Nandaly
19 - (1) - Thomas Cox - Sea Lake Nandaly
18 - (1) - Adam Pattison
25 - (7) - Matthew Berry - Birchip Watchem
25 - (5) - Alex Cockerell - Boort
23 - (0) - Zachary Wemyss - Sea Lake Nandaly
21 - (1) - Heath Senior - Calder United
21 - (2) - Alexander Hay - Birchip Watchem
20 - (2) - George Forrester - Calder United
20 - (0) - John Summerhayes - Sea Lake Nandaly
Boort’s Alex Cockerell
Arc of dominance powers supercharged Redbacks
WEDDERBURN wasted little time asserting its dominance over St Arnaud in Saturday’s North Central clash at Lord Nelson Park.
The Redbacks dominated play between the arcs with Joe Lockhart constantly thwarting opponents across half-back and sending the ball deep forward.
The endeavour, that had lasped in 10 crucial minutes the previous week against Sea Lake Nandaly, was hard to fault.
Mackenzie Smith’s left foot snap for goal had Wedderburn on the board within seconds of the opening bounce.
Mitch Jensen followed with two quick majors on his way to six for the day.
But it was bustling Joe cutting down St Arnaud attempts to go deep into their inside 50, thwarting midfielders Organ and Torney who would battle out the day with spirit.
Lockhart linked with Jackson McEwen in the centre where Adam Postle was making his presence effective at the centre bounces.
St Arnaud failed to score in the opening term, six majors for Wedderburn (two from free kicks) were good but the six behinds a blot on the scoreline in the first 25 minutes.
The Saints were able to score in the second term yet not enough to stem the growing momentum of Wedderburn with Noah Furlong, Hamish Lockhart and Darcy Jackson pushing their claim for best player selection.
Wedderburn was its most dominant and accurate in the third term with 8.3 added to the scoreboard, and only eased a little in the final quarter but still outscored the Saints by 11 points.
The Redbacks also had goal depth on show with 12 of the team kicking majors.
Jensen’s eight was backed up by three each for Oscar Holt and
Mitchell McEwen while veteran Danny Benaim, having a run on the wing of Saturday, also bobbed up with a goal.
Wedderburn is back at Donaldson Park this Saturday against Calder United who pulled off the season’s biggest upset downing reigning premiers Sea Lake Nan-
daly by 40 and staking its claim for flag favouritism.
Dale Pearce, who had been playing with Central Districts in the SANFL, pulled on the Calder jumper for the first time last Saturday
LODDON VALLEY Bridgewater v Inglewood Newbridge v Maiden Gully Marong v Calivil
Mitiamo v Pyramid Hill
Bears Lagoon Serpentine bye
NORTH CENTRAL
Birchip Watchem v Sea Lake Nandaly
Boort v Donald
St Arnaud v Charlton
Wedderburn v Calder United THIS SATURDAY
League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au
BOORT’S 15-goal win against lowly Charlton may have looked good on the scoreboard but was far from a spectator delight.
The Pies missed James Keeble marshalling troops out of defence on Saturday.
His absence meant disposal and direction was often poor, the ball bombed in all directions without system as the combative Charlton belied its ladder position to challenge one of North Central’s top sides this season.
It took the experience and onfield wisdom of Jayden Dick and assistant coach Jhye BaddeleyKelly to get the Pies out of trouble.
The duo battled away across the midfield and when JBK was allowed to weave his magic deep forward, the goals came.
The influence of Ryan McGhie and Carolos Egan also helped get the Pies out of some sticky situations in the third term when Charlton kept winning the turnovers and headed to the goal square. A true snap by coach
Mitch Collins lifted the spark and grunt of the Navies,only to be snuffed out by quick replies off the boots of Will Perryman and Tom Potter.
A JBK goal late in the third term had Boort up by 60 points at the last change.
Jack Smith sent an ominous warning early in the fourth quarter that proved accurate. Boort piled on seven goals although Charlton still kept its scoreline moving.
Two of the final term goals came from Baddeley-Kelly who finished the day with eight.
Young Pie Lachy Hall has been one of the club’s big improvers this season. On Saturday, he was in the best for a second consecutive week and among the goalkickers.
Boort is at home this Saturday for what should be another big win playing Donald.
The Pies then face a gruelling three weeks up against Sea Lake Nandaly, Birchip Watchem and Calder United.
Calder lost to Sea Lake Nandaly by 20 points when they first met this season but led at every change last Saturday.
Wedderburn at home, however, could be a chance.
Recruited just a fortnight before the transfer window closes for the season, Pearce kicked three goals in the first half and another four after half-time.
Hard to watch: sloppy slog without system
Redback Joe Lockhart in super form on Saturday. LH PHOTO
Tyson Rutley snaps for goal against Charlton. LH PHOTO
Bears back on right track
IT
WAS the win Bears Lagoon-Serpentine had to have in Loddon Valley football.
After a couple of weeks where little had gone right, including a narrow win over bottom side Calivil United, a heavy loss to Bridgewater and yet another hamstring injury to star forward Josh Mellington, the fourth-placed Bears needed to show some resilience in Saturday’s clash with the fifthplaced Inglewood Blues to get their season back on track.
Under adversity, they bounced back in style, defeating Inglewood by 31 points, 10.11 (71) to 5.10 (40).
It wasn’t the Bears’ prettiest football, and the game itself didn’t reach great heights, but the four points was all that mattered to coach Jake Wilkinson.
“We made a point about starting really well, Inglewood has been in pretty good form lately and they’re probably a team we’ll meet in the finals,’’ Wilkinson said.
“We started well and got on top. The first half was free-flowing footy and the secondhalf the play got bottled up a bit and skill execution probably dropped off a bit for both sides.”
The star of the show for the Bears was classy forward Farran Priest.
In Mellington’s absence, not for the first time, Priest stood up when his team needed it by kicking seven of his team’s 10 goals.
He had six goals on the board by half-time, which set up the Bears’ match-winning fivegoal margin at the main break.
Bears’ defender Josh Taig restricted Inglewood star forward Seb Erharter to just one goal, while Tyler Miles continued his brilliant form across half-back.
Luke Matheson, Josh Whittle and Cotchett worked hard for the Blues, who slipped two games behind the Bears on the ladder.
Bridgewater’s season continued to gather momentum when it defeated Maiden Gully by 77 points.
A dominant first-half set up the 18.20 (128) to 8.3 (51) victory for the third-placed Mean Machine.
Making a strong start is becoming a habit for Bridgewater, but it’s not exactly getting full bang for its buck.
After kicking 1.6 with the opening seven scoring shots against Serpentine the previous week, the Mean Machine opened with 4.10 in the first quarter against Maiden Gully.
“We’re starting well, which is pleasing, but we’re not capitalizing completely on the
Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp, Oscar Horan and Maiden Gully coach Shawn Filo before Saturday’s game. LH PHOTO
“The inaccuracy is something we can turnaround. One week you can have a bad week and the next week you don’t. The pleasing thing is we’re switched on from the start.”
Bridgewater kept Maiden Gully goalless for the opening quarter-and-a-half and had the game sewn up by half-time.
“Our back six is pretty set now and defence is so important to winning games,’’ Sharp, who led the attack with seven goals, said.
“It was good to grind and keep going. We got our outside run going and it was a really pleasing performance.
“We’re playing a really good brand of team footy and we’re getting an even spread of contributors across the ground from the backline all the way through.”
Adding merit to Bridgewater’s win was the absence of key midfielder Jack Neylon (foot).
Sharp expected the in-form Neylon to return for this Saturday’s clash with Inglewood.
It was a special day for the Horan family, with Saturday’s clash between the Mean Machine and Maiden Gully the inaugural Lachlan Horan Memorial Cup.
Lachlan was tragically killed in a car accident in 2019. He played football with Maiden
and
was part of the winning senior side on Saturday.
The Eagles, who were again without cocoach Angus Monfries, were best served by Josh Worsley, Daniel Russell and Tyson Jackson. A late goal from Seth Wright lifted Mitiamo to its second win of the season.
The Superoos fended off a gallant Calivil United 10.11 (71) to 9.11 (65), denying the Demons their first win of 2025.
Mitiamo looked set to break the game open when it established a four-goal lead in the first half, but the young Demons showed plenty of grit to fight back.
Despite playing without coach and star onballer Sam Maher, the Demons hit the front in the final quarter and appeared to have the momentum.
However, in the end they fell one goal short thanks to Wright’s late heroics for the Superoos. Inside midfielder Anthony Huismann led the charge for Mitiamo, while Zak Myers and Zachary Morrison were strong contributors and Andrew Cussen kicked six of his side’s 10 goals.
Henry McCarthy (four goals) was best for the Demons ahead of Riley Walsh, Jayden Leach and new recruit Kade Blow.
Didn’t see that coming, says Fitzpatrick
Hill coach Nathan Fitzpatrick certainly didn’t see it coming and even the most fanatical Marong supporter probably wouldn’t have predicted it.
Marong’s 47-point demolition of Pyramid Hill in last Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash grounded a previously full of confidence Bulldogs’ side and confirmed there remains a large gap between the reigning premier Panthers and the rest of the chasing pack.
The 13.11 (89) to 5.2 (32) victory all but sealed the minor premiership for the Panthers – they’re now two games and 24 per cent clear of the second-placed Bulldogs.
“They (Marong) were a lot slicker than us,’’ Fitzpatrick lamented.
“Out of stoppage they handballed their way out well and had some really good plays. Every time we had a similar opportu-
nity we butchered the handball through their pressure, but also due to our lack of quality disposal.
“In the first half there was enough quality opportunities both ways, but they were slicker. In the third quarter they won centre clearances and locked the ball in their forward half really well.
There was probably a 15-minute period where we didn’t have an inside (forward) 50. “We’ve got a bit of work to do.”
The normally free-scoring Bulldogs were choked by Marong’s disciplined team defence.
Marong key defender Brodie Hartland did a great job of quelling the impact of Pyramid Hill key forward Ben Bisset. It was the first game this season that Bisset hasn’t kicked multiple goals.
“They set up very well defensively and they’re able to slingshot their offence off that and we
were a bit reactive,’’ Fitzpatrick said.
“The times we were able to get good one-on-one looks we dropped the mark or had a poor kick. You can’t do that against a quality side.”
Midfielder/forward Ryley Taylor was superb for the Panthers, while big men Michael Bradbury and Matt Willox had a crucial impact on the game.
The Bulldogs had few fourquarter contributors. Midfielder Ben Knight (three goals) was clearly their best player, Kai Daniels continued his consistent form and Dylan Morison battled hard.
Marong won both home and away encounters against the Bulldogs by a combined margin of 89 points.
“We’ll have a good look at the footage together this week,’’ Fitzpatrick said.
“It comes down to me, but also
THEY say I’ve never been one for lightning speed on the football field - as a player or an umpireand the same thinking could be applied to my tipping prowess.
Unlike some of my fellow tipsters, haven’t been as quick to jump on the Bridgewater bandwagon this season.
But after seeing the Mean Machine a few times in recent weeks I’m tipping them to win against Inglewood this Saturday.
Their speed and capacity to score is putting real interest in the season. No disrespect to the Blues though who will be glad I’ve shifted ships and not giving them a kiss-of-death tip.
Down the river at Newbridge, the Maroons will host Maiden Gully and as much as I would like to see the home boys get a win, injuries continue to leave their stocks depleted.
When these two met early in the season, Maiden Guilly had a bumper team on the ground. This time the margin might only favour them by a few goals.
Calivil let me down last weekend when they came ever so close to making my prediction of a draw come true.
This Saturday they face Marong at the Panther Pit. Unless, the visitors are leaving home the night before to set up a 25-goal lead at daybreak, it will be all one-way traffic at Malone Park and another solid win for Marong.
Pyramid Hill will venture over the Mologa Plains smarting from their mauling by the Panthers. They take on a cock-of-thehoop Mitiamo who snuck home with the points.
The Superoos will not be as fortunate this round, even if playing at their hallowed John Forbes Oval.
Pyramid Hill, even a few players down, will simply be too slick and that means the Bulldogs unleashing their brutal brand.
the group, to decide what the best method is going forward because what we did this time didn’t work.
“We’ll have a good deep and meaningful conversation I think.”
Should the two teams meet again in the finals, the Bulldogs will regain some key players.
Ruckman Lachlan Sidebottom (back) didn’t play the second half on Saturday, while midfield trio Steve Gunther, Brodie Carroll and Seb Relouw are travelling overseas and won’t return in time for the club’s key games against fellow top-five teams Bridgewater, BL-Serpentine and Inglewood.
The Panthers won despite the absence of suspended skipper Nathan Devanny and swingman Shaun Knott.
“No excuses, we still had enough cattle,’’ Fitzpatrick said of the absentees. They outplayed us and were too good.”
- GLENN CATTO
PREDICTIONS
GARY WALSH
Bridgewater v Inglewood
Newbridge v Maiden Gully
Marong v Calivil
Mitiamo v Pyramid Hill
Progressive: 35.5
GLENN CATTO
Bridgewater v Inglewood
Newbridge v Maiden Gully
Marong v Calivil
Mitiamo v Pyramid Hill
Progressive: 33.5
CHRIS EARL
Bridgewater v Inglewood
Newbridge v Maiden Gully
Marong v Calivil
Mitiamo v Pyramid Hill Progressive: 33.5
Gully, while his younger brother Oscar plays with Bridgewater
he
PYRAMID
Loddon HERALD sport
SPECIAL REPORT: WIND FARM SPECULATORS RUSH TO SPONSOR CLUBS
CASH GOALS
By CHRIS EARL
NEW energy players are jumping on the bandwagon of sports clubs.
In the modern era when weekly Friday night chook and a bottle raffle at hotels fall well short of putting enough cash in the kitty to pay Saturday afternoon on-field stars, speculative renewable energy companies are helping bolster the coffers.
Boort’s football and netball clubs now have the Meering West wind farm project as a major sponsor.
The Magpies are on a par with other North Central League clubs. Their salary cap this season is $106,600 but players are just a fraction, a significant one, in costs facing country clubs.
Step in companies wanting to establish a footprint in the area.
Meering West is this year classed as a major sponsor. It’s signs are at the entrance to Boort Park and on the football and netball fences, the project’s logo on player shorts.
The emergence of new energy sponsors has divided some communities. Navarre, in the Maryborough Castlemaine Football, League this season walked away from an agreement with speculative wind company Neoen after 12 months of a “Titanium” sponsorship agreement.
But while Boort president Craig Scott says there have been some questions from outside the club about accepting sponsorship from a potentially controversial wind farm project, the decision to sign on Meering West was made after committee discussion.
“The possibility of the company coming on board was put
to us by one of the landowners involved in the project,” he said.
“We know it could be touchy with some people but in the end we took the view that there will be people for this and people who are not.”
Scott said the three-year sponsorship would be kept under review “and it’s something we will continue to gather information about”.
He said clubs struggled for volunteers and fundraising.
“It (the Meering West sponsorship) does help,” Scott said.
Virya Energy, developer of the Meering West Wind Farm said: “Meering West Wind Farm is committed to the support of local clubs, services and events throughout the lifecycle of the project.
“Communities and project landholders expect infrastructure projects to bring benefits to the broader area, and we agree.
“Supporting local community clubs, events and services that have sought sponsorship is just the beginning of this.
“There are no expectations placed on clubs or events sponsored by the project. Meering West Wind Farm is open to more suggestions on how it can assist local communities and is considering additional support.”
Meering West also has Boort Yando Cricket Club on its list of Loddon Shire sponsorships.
Again, according to club president David Rees, the offer was instigated through a farmer involved in the project.
Rees said the three-year deal was inked after talks with club members and the package had meant improvement for facilities available to members.
“It’s not up to us to decide whether the project is good, bad, or indifferent,” Rees said.
Critics of renewable compa-
nies sponsoring sporting groups have claimed money should not be taken from potentially divisive projects.
Industry specialists have told the Loddon Herald that landowner connection with football clubs is part of stakeholder identification and seen as a way for companies to be involved in communities.
Boort Bowling Club has been supported for the past two years by mining exploration company Falcon Metals. That company wants to continue testing for mineral sand deposits at Mysia where some landowners are refusing access for testing.
There had been reports that a sponsorship sign on the bowling club fence has been vandalised twice in the last month.
Falcon’s managing director Tim Markwell said; “Generally, Falcon is approached by community members, usually land-
Impartiality quest drove friendly end
“WE JUST wanted to be seen as impartial,” said Navarre Football Club vice-president Barry Fletcher.
The Grasshoppers this season walked away from a deal with its “Titanium” sponsor Neoen that has plans for a major wind farm in the district.
“We had discussions as an executive and wanted to be seen as completely impartial given the angst in the community,” Fletcher said.
“There was the view that nothing comes for free. We have paused the sponsorship arrangement (after one year) on very good terms.”
Neoen’s environmental effects statement consultation plan this year said the football club was “key community group and which has been happy to partner with the company and display company branding”.
holders we meet. Sponsorships help the community to understand who we are and what we do.
“We have only supported clubs and groups that have approached us for sponsorship,” Markwell said.
A new player in the wind farm game in Loddon communities, European Energy, has been asking potential host landowners about their involvement in sporting clubs and offering the carrot of sponsorship, multiple farmers told the Loddon Herald. But as Craig Scott said: “It’s not for (our) football club to be taking a view on whether property owners should take up wind turbines.”
Loddon clubs and towns are now at the start of an unfolding conversation on renewable energy projects and the value of the sponsorship dollar they say is vital for survival.
