Loddon Herald 27 April 2023

Loddon HERALD

COMMUNITIES across the Loddon stood silent in reflection and remembrance on Tuesday, the 108th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli.

From services of commemoration and gunfire breakfasts at Dawn to short marches to town war memorials, Loddon residents joined with veterans of later conflicts in honouring service and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses in war on ANZAC Day.

Jack and Jayde Gleisner (main picture) at the Tarnagulla Dawn service were among many youngsters involved in local commemorations.

RSL sub-branches and community groups partnered to mark Australia’s national day of remembrance with Murray Kellar (above) one of the proud flag bearers at Korong Vale.

ANZAC DAY ACROSS THE LODDON - PAGES 8, 9 and 17

RATE RISE MAXIMUM

RATEPAYERS could see their annual Loddon Shire bill increase 3.5 per cent.

Councillors yesterday afternoon were expected to send the draft 20232024 budget out for community comment until mid next month.

The budget includes a 3.5 per cent rate rise with waste collection charges tipped to jump three per cent to keep the service cost neutral.

The proposed rate increase will keep Loddon Shire debt-free. Rates and flood recovery grants are expect-

ed to boost income almost $15 million to $51.41 million.

Mayor Dan Straub told councillors: “This (rate rise) is in line with the Fair Go Rates System which has capped rate increases by Victorian councils.

“We have consistently heard that council’s services are valued by the community and that council also needs to be financially responsible.

Council has continued ... identifying savings and organisational improvements that provide increased value for money to ratepayers.”

CONTINUED PAGE 2

Real Rural Living

126 PERRYS ROAD, LOGAN

Weatherboard family home on 2 Acre allotment - “Have your horse and chickens too” - Consisting of 3 spacious bedrooms with excellent light and quality carpets with the Master bedroom having a ceiling fan. Kitchen/ Dining area is original and has that delightful Country feel and appeal. It has all electric cooking appliances, ceiling fan. Open living room with freestanding Solid fuel heating with small air conditioner system and ceiling fan. Water to the home is from its own catchment with 67,500L of storage. Externally there is a single car garage which is of Gal Iron construction with earth floor. $350,000

LH PHOTOS

Our towns remember

UBLIC figures make fashion statements all the time: for the blokes in suits it was the tie - one prime minister was renowned for his blue tie, others used to don red ties when making tough announcements ... that was until COVID saw the tradional neck pieces ditched for North Face jackets and open neck shirts. There was one female politician in country Victoria who opted for the pink livery, saying no opponent (male in those days) would copy her. And in the Loddon Shire, there’s Mayor Dan Straub with his high-crowned, wide-brimmed cowboy hat. Dan’s head covering has even picked up fans. We hear a group of Wedderburn students at a recent Q&A with the mayor went straight to the tough questions and wanted to have a pup from his now famous hat.

BUT what’s this? Has Mayor Dan ditched the cowboy hat - they say the gallon version concept of a broad-brimmed hat with a high crown worn by a rider on horseback can be seen as far back as the Mongolian horsemen of the 13th century - and gone for the more 19th century style of a flat or newboy style felt cap? Recent appearances have dapper Dan wearing the smaller fashion accessory. OTF is on the case to find out whether the cowboy version is just in winter hibernation on the hat stand or whether there’s a new look for Dan.

ONE of the first pictorial depictions of a hat appears in a tomb painting from Thebes, Egypt, which shows a man wearing a conical straw hat, dated to around 3200 BC. Hats were commonly worn in ancient Egypt. Many upper-class Egyptians shaved their heads, then covered it in a headdress intended to help them keep cool. Ancient Mesopotamians often wore conical hats or ones shaped somewhat like an inverted vase.

THERE’S even a patron saint of hat makers. St Clement is said to have discovered felt when he filled his sandals with flax fibres to protect his feet, around 800 AD. St Clement is the first Apostolic Father of the church and was the fourth pope of the Roman Catholic church and is still a pretty

busy bloke, also credited as being the patron saint of marble workers, mariners and sick children, blacksmiths and let’s not forget his connection with oranges and lemons and the bells of that London church taking his name.

JILL up Mitiamo way slaved over the stove for a few hours last week as she whipped up 120 cup cakes for her store customers in celebration of 14 years in the business. OTF is a tad disappointed there wasn’t one put aside in the freezer but the photographs showed great icing with colours including oranges and lemons.

ABIT like Mayor Dan’s hats that have a fair bit of American influence in design, cup cakes are also credited to the Yanks. the first ever reference to ‘a cake to be baked in small cups’, rather than as a layer cake, was in Amelia Simmons’ American Cookery in 1796. The first reference to the word ‘cupcake’ is said to be from a 19th century American author named Eliza Leslie in her cookbook Receipts.

ACCORDING to some sources in the Land of Uncle Sam, cup cakes are out of favour these days. The bigger muffins have apparently consigned the more genteel version of cake to history.

NOT so with hats then ... the bigger version has been put away for a wee while by Dan as the flat felt hat finds favour.

VOLUNTEERS at Pyramid Hill’s op-shop have been busy in recent weeks with local football and netball club supporters checking out recycled fashion ideas for the Bulldogs’ op-shop ball held at the weekend. Sue Pickles and Leanne Talbot are among the team that opens the doors of the shop at least three days a week, receives and sorts donations and raises money for local groups, including the football club and memorial hall committee. LH PHOTO

Rates tipped to jump 3.5%

FROM PAGE 1

Cr Straub said: “We have also heard that our community wants to recover from the October 2022 floods and increase our mitigation against and resilience to future flood events.”

The monthly council meeting yesterday was also discussing a recommendation on new fees that are also tipped to rise 3.5 per cent.

These include planning and

building permits, hall and facility hire, health and food premises and unit rentals.

The council was also asked to adopt increased fees for caravan parks at Bridgewater and Wedderburn. Tenders for long-term leases of the parks close tomorrow after being re-opened earlier this month.

Fee increases have not been recommended for the Loddon’s five swimming pools.

Farmers told to register stubble burns and ...

Prevent call outs

FIRE brigade leaders have called on farmers to register their paddock burns after being called to a reported fire on Saturday.

Inglewood captain Andrew Smith said an alarm had been raised by a motorist travelling the Calder Highway. However, the sighting of smoke was from a stubble burn at Derby.

“Just notify the hotline - Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority - and when a report comes in, everyone knows that this is a proper burn-off,” he said.

Mr Smith’s plea was echoed by Terrick CFA Group captain Richard Hicks who said brigades were being called to unregistered burns since the end of fire restrictions.

“There’s a concern that some people are not obeying the conditions of burning off and our brigades are being called out,” he said.

Mr Hicks and Mr Smith said the 2022-2023 fire season had been generally quiet for Loddon brigades.

“We probably spent more time on the floods and flood recovery than attending fires during the season,” said Mr Hicks.

“But we need to remain alert now and right into next season with the growth that’s now around.”

Mr Smith described last season

as the quietest he had experienced as a volunteer fireman.

“The extended wet played a role early. The two biggest callouts we have had were for a farmer burn and another started by machinery.”

Unregistered burns had also been the biggest case for callouts by the Boort brigade.

Captain Kel Mayberry said:

“Considering the spring growth and the late harvest, our brigade has been really quiet.

“The biggest fires we have had for the season were a stubble fire at Yando and some lightning strikes around Wychitella,” he said.

Boort members quickly responded to a car fire in Wait Street on Friday afternoon. The

IN BRIEF

Please explain

CLOSE to 300,000 Victorians who “appear to have failed to vote” in last November’s state election will have an opportunity to explain why they didn’t vote. Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming says the Victorian Electoral Commission is urging people who receive a notice to respond with a detailed explanation, as the VEC is required to issue a fine of $92 if a person fails to respond within 28 days.

Trial site

BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s main mesearch site this year will be at Kinnabulla, 25km north west of Birchip on Kinnabulla West Road. On the property of the Linc Lehmann and his parents Roger and Dianne, the site will host a total of 39 trials with a number already in the ground. These include canola (application of silicon and canola establishment), Future Drought Fund deep sowing wheat and safflower time of sowing.

Strategic break

sedan was fully engulfed in flames about 2pm.

Two units attended and volunteers used breathing apparatus to quickly extinguish the Holden Commodore.

The fire only spread metres from the car that was parked near paddocks at the end of the street.

DEPARTMENT of Energy, Environment and Climate Action said construction of a strategic fuel break at Old Reservoir Track,Inglewood, was to start yesterday and take two weeks to complete. It says the 2km break will be five metres wide on each side of the road.

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on

— but most of all we are a community. about We are in this together, and together we will get through.

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

Boort brigade is called to a car fire in Wait Street on Friday afternoon. LH PHOTO

You’ve got it wrong, say council

AUSTRALIAN Energy Market

Operator’s preferred option five route did not adequately recognise the high value of horticulture in the Loddon Shire, said Mayor Dan Straub.

In council’s submission on plans for a 500 kiloVolt interconnector, Cr Straub said the route should better consider the quality soils, horticulture, high value irrigation, cultural heritage, and natural waterways.

“The area between Lake Marmal and Boort is a high value horticultural area,” he said.

“Boort hosts the largest olive grove in the Southern Hemisphere comprising around 14,000 acres.

“There are large vineyards tra-

versing the alignment. Further to the south is irrigation supplied from the Waranga channel with travelling irrigators and centre pivots as well as new horticultural developments near Fernihurst.”

And Cr Straub questioned impacts on Loddon communities if the interconnector bypasses Bendigo.

“The assessment does not adequately consider the impact of bypassing Bendigo,” he said.

“This is a short-sighted approach which will result in future duplication of infrastructure at a significant financial and social cost.

“Not connecting to Bendigo results in heavy loading of the

Kerang-Bendigo 220kv line due to shared network loading and limits the achievable renewable energy zone transmission limit. AEMO is suggesting they will consider upgrades when there is required demand, however there are already identified projects around Mitiamo, Kerang and Pyramid Hill which will exceed the limits of this line.”

Cr Straub says in the submission there is a level of social license to consolidate transmission lines along one alignment.

“There is no appetite for a spider web of transmission infrastructure across our municipality.

“Loddon Shire Council has approved planning permits for a

number of solar farms along the original alignment as a reflection of market confidence.

“These solar farm proponents have been consulting with the community through that process to proactively build trust.”

Council said AEMO’s February report added social and environmental impacts as part of the non-statutory multi-criteria assessment.

“This assessment allocates a percentage weighting to categories as specified in the criteria.

“This assessment is desktop based and we believe that it lacks significant understanding of the landscape in our region,” the submission said.

Next stage identified area will be ‘up to 50km wide’

AEMO on Monday said its project conclusion report will have “broad area” land of interest up to 50km in width.

The report, not expected for at least a month, will also name the network route option for the VNI West project connecting Victoria and New South Wales.

“This could possibly span 10 to 50km in width, which will be refined to the final route based on further assessments and important stakeholder input, including direct engagement with landholders,” according to an AEMO stakeholder update.

“The landholder consultation will involve landholder liaison officers working directly with landholders to understand constraints on their land.

“In Victoria, AEMO Victorian Planning and its contractors will adhere to expectations as per the Essential Services Commission’s Code of Practice for land access expected in 2023, including respecting biosecurity requirements.

“Transgrid has established The Office of the Landowner and Community Advocate to help implement the best possi-

ble landowner and community engagement practices across all major transmission projects. If infrastructure is likely to be housed on a property, a dedicated landholder liaison officer will be assigned, who can discuss the individual implications and potential compensation.

“This will happen before the final transmission design is finalised and route is selected.”

An AEMO report last August had named a route from Bendigo through Prairie West as the likely option, using existing transmission line easements.

500 in voice by deadline

MORE than 500 submissions were received by AEMO when it ended the extended consultation period last week.

“We’re pleased to confirm that the stakeholder engagement program on the consultation report –including stakeholder events, community drop-in sessions, webinars and briefings with traditional owners, councils and stakeholders – has resulted in more than 500 submissions,” it said on Monday.

“The consultation report was developed in response to stakeholders’ feedback to the VNI West project assessment draft report, including investigating alternative options to connect VNI West with the Western Renewables Link transmission project.

A later report released in February had five potential routes with option five from Bulgana, near Stawell, running between Wedderburn and Charlton and through Boort and Pyramid Hill named as the preferred option.

Identified land of interest in the February report was up to 50km wide in the area near Boort and Durham Ox.

Loddon Shire council and local groups have questioned the line’s capacity and asked whether future upgrades would be needed to feed local energy into the grid.

“Stakeholder submissions will be assessed and contribute to the final stage of the investment test, the project assessment conclusions report, which is due in the next month.”

AEMO said all non-confidential submissions would be published on its website.

Forum livestream

NEXT week’s Loddon Herald

Your Energy Future will be live streamed. The public forum on May 5 will include industry and community leaders on the panel.

Shire waits on government aged care announcement

THE FEDERAL Government has completed its process to select new aged care in-home service providers in the Loddon Shire.

Council exits aged care services from July 1 and says an announcement of new providers will be by the Government.

Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said: “The Commonwealth has completed a process to select new provider/s for the Loddon Shire Council area, which will take over the delivery of services from July 1, 2023.

“Council has been provided with details of the new provider/s only to allow transition to occur.

“We have been embargoed from releasing information on the new provider/s to media outlets.”

Loddon Shire referred Loddon Herald inquries to the Commonwealth Home Support Pro-

gramme Policy Team. A response had not been received when this week’s edition went to press.

Mrs Gladman said: “Council is contacting current clients providing information regarding the transition and the service provider/s that will be operating in their area, and will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Government and the new provider/s to support community members to transition to an alternative provider.

“The timing on public notification of new provider/s sits with the Commonwealth. We await their advice on this matter,” she said.

The Loddon Herald understands that at least three providers have been selected by the Federal Government.

Council is currently advertising for an aged care navigation

co-ordinator to support residents and carers navigate the Commonwealth aged care system and the Victorian Home and Community Care Program for Younger People.

Mrs Gladman said: “This position will also co-ordinate and support the community care team to transition clients to new service providers, and will provide positive ageing specific support to the Inclusive Communities program, as time permits.”

Councillors last November voted to stop delivering home support program services, home and community care program for younger people services and veterans’ home care services.

Loddon Shire’s move followed other councils in country Victoria opting out of home services after Federal Government reforms to in-home aged care services.

Bank inquiry submissions close tomorrow

PYRAMID Hill Neighbourhood House co-ordinator

Kim Bennett is assisting residents make submissions to the federal inquiry on bank closures in regional Australia.

The Senate standing committee on rural and regional affairs will bring down its report in December after considering submissions that will be received until tomorrow.

Ms Bennett said the inquiry was important and relevant for the town after Bendigo Bank’s decision to close its Pyramid Hill agency from July 20.

She is assisting residents requesting help to write a submission or lodge it on the Parliament’s online

platform. Committee members are looking at the branch closure process, including the reasons given for closures; the economic and welfare impacts of bank closures on customers and regional communities and the effect of bank closures or the removal of face-to-face cash services on access to cash

Some banks had agreed to pause bank closures during the inquiry period, however, agencies were not part of that undertaking.

The inquiry is also looking at the effectiveness of government banking statistics capturing and reporting regional service levels and possible solutions for banking services in rural areas.

Gary makes return visit checking out old town

GARY Storti made a sentimental return to Korong Vale over the Easter break.

The former railway signalman and guard had been in the Vale when it was a hive of train activity.

Closure of the railways in the 1980s, saw Gary move away from the town and family, initially to Maryborough and eventually retirement in Coloundra, on Queensland’s

Sunshine Coast. Gary spent several days catching up with family, including the Matthews family.

He said the Easter visit was his first back to the area in more than three years after COVID had scuttled earlier plans. While in town, Gary was an eager donor to Korong Vale Fire Brigade volunteers collecting for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal.

Josh McClelland receives a Good Friday appeal donation from Gary Storti who was visiting Korong Vale. LH PHOTO

Admit climate change negatives: Jungwirth

TARNAGULLA Ward councillor Linda Jungwirth was yesterday urging the Loddon Shire to admit negative climate impacts on local communities.

Cr Jungwirth was drumming up support at the monthly council meeting for a report on local risks of climate change, risks of extreme weather events and economic and social risks and future climate scenarios for the Loddon region.

She wants council to prepare a report within six months.

Her notice of motion on yesterday’s meeting agenda said: “Farmers and the community at large have an expectation that council will plan for climate change and develop strategies for mitigation and adaptation.”

“In light of the flooding in October 2022 and community concern regarding future risks, together with the recent report from the IPCC (United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) it would be prudent to understand impacts of climate change at a local level.

“The floods had a huge impact on our shire causing economic and emotional stress with many people still actively dealing with effects six months after the event. The community have expressed concern about future flooding events.

“We cannot tackle climate change alone.

We’ll need support from partners and from state and federal government to manage the current impacts and to mitigate emissions and adapt to changes in climate.

“We do, however, have a moral and ethical responsibility to do as much as we can to address the issue of climate change at a local level for our current population and future generations.”

Cr Jungwirth has told councillors Loddon Shire previously implemented many positive actions to mitigate emissions.

“We have collaborated with 46 other councils to switch to 100 per cent renewable energy. We are members of the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliances and have supported many initiatives to reduce emissions locally.

“Climate risks demand a co-ordinated and detailed approach and carry financial implications for the shire.

“Agricultural industries make up the main income streams in Loddon. Our farmers are more closely tied to the vagaries of climate than most of our community and are dependent on weather for production.”

Cr Jungwirth is also calling for the report to include actions taken by other rural councils to address the current and future risks of climate change.

How councillors voted and what they said - NEXT WEEK

Mayor backs duck hunt benefits

A STATE Parliament inquiry could be told that duck hunting made a positive economic and mental health impact in the Loddon Shire.

As the shortened 2023 duck hunting season opened yesterday, Mayor Dan Straub presented a notice of motion at the council’s monthly meeting for a formal submission telling the inquiry that duck hunting was a long-standing tradition for many families in the shire and to visitors.

“The Loddon Shire area has long been one of Victoria’s most popular duck hunting location,” said Cr Straub.

“With a vast number of hunting locations including some of the best state game reserves in Victoria, like Tang Tang Swamp, Thunder Swamp, Woolshed Swamp, Lake Boort, Lake Lyndger and Lake Yando to name but a few of the most popular.

“The economic stimulus promoted by the game hunting in Victoria estimates recreational hunting was worth $356 million to the Victorian economy in 2019.

“A great portion of this is generated throughout northern Victoria, with Loddon Shire one of the recipients benefiting our tourism and small business sectors.

“Mental health is a continuous concern within society, many Loddon residents have raised this issue with me a number of times, stating the ability to connect with likeminded people, reconnect to nature in the natural environment and the ability to

harvest organic game meat, whilst spending quality time with their family and friends are some of the most important reasons they continue to hunt.

“The long-standing tradition of duck hunting in Victoria is generational and nondiscriminatory. The ability for cross generational participation and options for multiple fitness levels sees duck hunting across Loddon Shire very popular, not just as a recreational activity but a lifestyle choice.”

Loddon Shire’s debate yesterday afternoon on Cr Straub’s notice of motion came as Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting said the inquiry was the best chance for Victoria to align with other states and “change the plight of native duck and quail”.

“In Victoria, less than half of one percent of the population shoot ducks and quail. Professional polls show most Victorians, particularly regional residents, wish to see the end of annual shoots, hoping this year is the last.”

“Our towns and business continue to recover from the October 2022 flood event, nature tourism of our natural environment of many user groups including duck hunting, helps support the economic stimulus across our shire,” said Cr Straub, Next week’s Loddon Herald will report on debate of Cr Straub’s motion yesterday afternoon.

INGLEWOOD: History took to the field in Saturday’s Loddon Valley football match between Inglewood and Bridgewater.

After the Last Post was sounded by Liam Truscott (above left), players Charlie McGaw and Jack Nevins joined team mates on the field wearing commemorative jumpers bearing the names of Inglewood’s ser-

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Social Darts Night

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm  Pot’n’Parma Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Saturday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

vicemen in wars and conflicts of the 20th Century.

Jumpers were later auctioned with money raised being split between the RSL Inglewood-Bridgewater sub-branch and the club.

Club secretary David Rose and Cr Wendy Murphy spoke at Tuesday’s ANZAC Day

Hijack refugee finds Aussie mateship

ANZAC Day brought mixed emotions in celebration of mateship, former Australian Army soldier Phuc Tran told Tarnagulla’s Dawn service.

Mr Tran had arrived in Australia as a 13-year-old, separated from his family in Vietnam where his father, a former senior South Vietnam officer, had been sent to a concentration camp by the Viet Cong following the fall of Saigon in 1975.

The youngster had been living on a boat that was hijacked by refugees wanting to flee Vietnam that was sailed to Australia.

“War is terrible - it destroys lives, sepa-

rates families, scars memories,” he said. After a long career in the Australian Army, Mr Tran now works with mapmakers Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation with Tarnagulla’s Brett Treneman. Mr Treneman told more than 100 people at the service that ANZAC Day was a time to reinvigorate national pride.

The ties forged by Australia and New Zealand at Gallipoli set the two countries apart from others, he said.

Holly and Ella Gleisner recited the Ode during the service that was followed by a gunfire breakfast.

ceremony in Inglewood on the men who had served.

Following the service, Cr Murphy (above right), who is also president of the historical society, presented sub-branch president Michael Hobson with framed certificates honouring Sapper Merlin Rochester who was killed in France in 1918. LH PHOTOS

Sunday – Open Midday  All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm The second Sunday of each month from May – August

PYRAMID HILL: Jennifer Prior proudly wore her old army uniform when carrying the Australian flag at Pyramid Hill on Tuesday.

WIN

A former member of the Army Reserve, Jennifer, pictured with Renae Colls, joined the large Memorial Hall crowd for the service of commemoration where Adam Caspani read extracts from the World War Two diary of Norman Cameron.

Renae made one of the wreaths with flowers from her garden.

Phuc Tran

Ron Weston headed up the Korong Vale group working in partnership with WedderburnKorong Valle RSL sub-branch to organise the commemoration in Borella Park. LH PHOTO

First service since 1978

SEVEN soldiers from Rheola have been remembered at the town’s first ANZAC commemoration since 1978.

Descendants of World War One casualties William Soulsby, Michael O’Shannessy and Robert Catto joined with families of Paul Grieves, Harold Leach, Albert Vorath and Thomas Leach killed in World War Two to lay wreaths.

The wreaths were placed at the base of the memorial that stands opposite the site of Rheola’s school that closed in 1978, the last time residents had commemorated ANZAC Day.

Inglewood and Bridgewater sub-branch of the RSL organised Tuesday’s service at the suggestion of Glenn Catto who was guest speaker.

“Rheola Primary School’s war memorial was started back in the late 40s with guidance of Cr Stan Catto and the local com-

munity,” he told 100 people who had gathered at the roadside plantation and memorial.

“The memorial cairn was built by Bradleys of Inglewood with rocks being sourced from Leach’s paddock near Melville Caves.

“The pine tree behind the cairn was planted by Charlotte Poyn-

ton with all the others students of that year with supervision from the teacher Alan McDonald.

“As a student at Rheola in the late 60s and 70s I remember the ANZAC Day services conducted at the school with the ABC radio broadcast, marching over the road followed by the laying of wreaths for the fallen and raising the flag.”

Mr Catto said the service re

membered locals “who repre

sented this very proud small country town”.

“It’s hard to imagine what effect the loss of these local men had on the district and the resolve of the men who returned, who lost best mates, that they had gone to school with and worked with,” he said.

“Those who returned, in true Australian spirit and mateship, got on with life and helped build the Australia we know today,” Mr Catto said.

Speaker’s long wait comes to end

EXPERIENCES walking the Kokoda Track as a rite of passage to understand some of the struggles faced by Australian soldiers in World War Two were shared at Wedderburn’s ANZAC Day service.

Wedderburn College assistant principal Dean Lockhart spoke of the preparation and experience he shared with son Hamish walking the track in 2018.

Mr Lockhart had originally been engaged to share the experience at the town’s ANZAC service in 2020 but commemorations were cancelled for two years by COVID restrictions.

And plans to speak in 2022 went awry when Mr Lockhart himself was isolating with COVID. College students played key roles in services at Wedderburn and Korong Vale, including the Dawn service.

Captains Eliza Turnbull and Pippi Hartnell layed wreaths at the services where Loddon Shire Young Citizen of the Year Jake Murphy was the bugler.

Guest speaker at Korong Vale was Peter McHugh, recalling the service lives of his grandfathers Ethan McHugh and John Greenwood during World War One. Dean Lockhart

Wendy’s special moment of reflection

A BEACON of respect stood out in the dark sky before sunrise in Bridgewater on Tuesday morning.

Wendy Stewart had a tight grip on the pole supporting an Australian flag.

Standing tall with reverence and respect, Inglewood’s Wendy explained this was no ordinary Australian flag.

“This is a next-of-kin flag issued to descendants ... for me, my uncle

Peter Penneyston who was killed in Vietnam on August 7, 1970,” she said in hushed tones as about 100 people gathered for the Dawn service.

Wendy joined local school children and community for the poignant start to a day of remembrance and commemoration across the Loddon Shire, giving a personal reflection on a day that touches many.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub (right) attended the Mologa ANZAC Day service with (from left) Julie Kerr, Cheryl McKinnon, Alanna Gould and Bill Boyd.

Bob and Lindsay Soulsby

Descendants of seven Rheola men killed in two world wars. LH PHOTO

Ian Anderson, Sue Lea, Keith Hocking and Ron Lourie at the Calivil commemoration on Tuesday.

Veterans and community march in Wedderburn. LH PHOTO

Wedderburn College captains Eliza Turnbull and Pippi Hartnell. LH PHOTO

Wendy Stewart Rylea Bailey, Gus Ferguson and Emily Bailey

inimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for

small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of

government with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change growing problem for regional Australia.

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

Thursday 8 December 2022

The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP

Director of Australian Community Media, Australia's largest titles around the country. In NSW we publish 8 daily Mercury, Wagga Daily Advertiser and the Northern Daily the far south in Batemans Bay to far north in Lismore. We our stable of papers. support for our industry and the communities we serve. and cities. Sadly, due to the rise of the digital platforms and had to close and many more are on life support.

Premier of NSW GPO 5341

Dear Dr Chalmers,

Sydney, NSW 2000

There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

By email: media@premier.nsw.gov.au

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

Michelle Rowlands announced a campaign promise of $15m of costs that we faced at the time. Whilst this is welcomed by structural issues we face.

Dear Premier Perrottet

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

By way of introduction, I am the Managing Director of Australian Community independent regional publisher. ACM has over 140 titles around the country. newspapers like the Newcastle Herald, Illawarra Mercury, Wagga Daily Advertiser Leader. Additionally, we publish 47 weekly titles from the far south in Batemans Bay also have the St.George and Sutherlands Leaders in our stable of papers.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend.

the Premier of Victoria (see attached) with a policy that full page advertisement in every regional paper every week

In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs.

The reason for writing to you is to seek your support for our industry and Regional newspapers are the lifeblood of their towns and cities. Sadly, due to the increased cost pressures many titles in NSW have had to close and many more are

During the recent federal election campaign, Michelle Rowlands announced a grant funding to address the 80% rise in newsprint costs that we faced at the time. the industry it is a short term solution to ongoing structural issues we face.

promise for NSW Labor that does three things: and the jobs they support valuable communications tool in the most trusted of mediums government grants.

Association that represent another 27 publications in NSW and, together, proposed policy announcement across our respective mastheads and available to meet with you at any time to discuss this important

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

This shouldn’t be controversial.

A more meaningful solution has been enacted by the Premier of Victoria (see guarantees that the Vic state government will buy a full page advertisement in every of the year.

We believe a similar policy could be an election promise for NSW Labor that does - provides certainty for regional publishers and the jobs they support - provides the NSW Government with a valuable communications tool in - moves away from the need for government grants.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

We are working with the Country Press Association that represent another 27 publications we would be enthusiastically covering this proposed policy announcement across their websites.

Both Andrew Manuel from the CPA and I are available to meet with you at any initiative.

Yours

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Andrew Manuel President

Press Australia

sincerely Tony Kendall Managing Director Australian Community Media Tony.kendall@austcommunitymedia.com.au Encl.

Crossings will be ‘looked at’

SPEED and pedestrian crossings in Loddon towns are expected to be higher on the agenda of the Calder Highway Improvement Committee.

Loddon Shire councillor Wendy Murphy was elected deputy chair of CHIC last week when the group had a briefing from the Department of Transport.

Cr Murphy said members were told the Safe System Solution investigation was focusing on speed limits in all towns.

She said it was hoped there would also be discussion on pedestrian crossings in Bridgewater and Wedderburn.

Cr Murphy said she wanted the investigations to consider reduced speed limits through Inglewood.

Special

occasion for 22 debutantes

A SECOND generation debutante has been trained by Richard and Jacinta Hicks for East Loddon P12 College’s ball.

Lilly Heath took her place with 21 other debutantes when the college ball was held this month.

Richard and Jacinta have been training the school’s debutante sets for 25 years and Lilly’s mother Chevron had been in one of their early groups.

Assisting with training the girls and their partners this year were Gemma Maxted, Lauren, Chelsea and Sam Hicks and Brodie Welsh More than 600 people attended the ball that organisers said was the first in three years to

proceed smoothly after two years of COVID interruptions and then an electricity blackout last year.

“Every time the deb rolls around many hold their breath in anticipation of the workload, however, in the moment, many then say what a beautiful event it is and what a special opportunity for our young adults - students - to be a part of,” said senior sub-school leader Sarah Krahe.

Debutantes were: Tahlia Hoffman (partnered by Jaidan Burton), Gracie Hall (Max Gray), Addison Humphries (Mark Green), Ava Scott (Jackson Luckman), Charlize Sinclair (Tyler Duncan), Shyann Wilson (Isaac

Flood inquiry deadline

People within the Loddon Shire who were a ected by the October 2022 oods are encouraged to make a submission to an inquiry into the 2022 ood event, by the deadline of 8 May 2023.

Victoria’s Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee is urging people a ected by the oods to ensure they make a submission by the deadline, and tell the Committee what happened to them. The Committee will be investigating how prepared Victoria was, and how it handled the ood event.

Victoria’s response to major oods in October 2022 is the focus of a wideranging parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry will look at what caused or contributed to the ooding and the adequacy and e ectiveness of early warning systems.

The inquiry’s extensive terms of reference allow for examination of water catchments and ood plains including, but not limited to Avoca River, Barwon River, Broken River, Campaspe River, Goulburn River, Loddon River, Maribyrnong River and Murray River. The implementation and e ectiveness of the 2016 Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy and the implications of the ood event for future planning decisions will be key to the inquiry.

The Committee plans to hold public hearings in ood-a ected areas and will deliver its ndings and recommendations by 30 June 2024.

For more information and to make a written submission by 8 May visit https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/ oodinquiry

Johnstone-McCloud), Lilly Heath (Ty Farmer), Molly Bolwell (Lachie James), Ireland Turner (John Hickey), Daisy Stinger (Jaspa Wendels), Madison Lenton (Brodie Wagner), Amy Tomic (Mason Hocking), Lilly Hocking (Colby Collins), Marissa Humbert (Harvey White), Macey Vinnicombe (Hayden Ray), Hollee Vinnicombe (Ned Cartwright), Ebony Twigg (Harrison Noble), Ava Maxted (Tyler Murphy), Marley Addlem (Fynn Clymo), Isabelle Morrison (Cade Tuohey), Abigail Johns (Tyler Rasmussen), Charlie Chuhaj (Connor Cullinan). Flowergirls and their partners were Mary Smith, Alexander Milgate, Jonty Hooke and Ilah Penny,

Town businesses and leaders have been calling for a 40kmh speed limit through town since a truck rollover on New Year’s Eve.

Thunder Swamp burn

A PLANNED burn reduced fuel loads over 91 hectares at Thunder Swamp, Tandarra on Sunday.

The Djaara traditional owner burn by Forest Fire Management Victoria was one of five across Loddon Mallee at the weekend.

Building farm spirit

Are you planning a community event to help the health and wellbeing of farmers and farm families impacted by the oods and ood recovery?

The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) #BuildingFarmSpirit program is partnering with Victoria’s community groups, local agriculture industry, not-forpro t organisations, sporting clubs and individuals with grants of $500 to $1,500 for activities that provide social connection and mental health promotion for farmers and farming communities. Social connection is an important part of supporting farmer mental health.

You may like to host a barbeque lunch or dinner and get a local speaker who has lived experience to share their story, follow your AGM or regular meeting with a guest speaker, start a walking group, book-club or podcast community or tie an activity to a local festival.

If you have an idea for a community event or program that promotes social connection and wellbeing for farmers and farm families, go to www.farmerhealth.org.au

East Loddon P12 College’s 2023 debutante set after their presentation dance. RICHARD GIBBS PHOTO

Coffee and cartoons

THE minute you walk into Wedderburn’s 24 Karat you get a feeling of belonging.

Amazing coffee and friendly staff add to the relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the expansive outdoor area, and the food is fabulous, you’re sure to be back for more!

24 Karat has tasty coffee and food dished up with a smile!

There is an all-day breakfast menu and main dishes include home made lasagne and soup

along with the best homemade pies and slices!

Any wonder the cafe in Wedderburn’s main street is popular with locals and a great spot to take a break for people travelling the Calder Highway.

And it’s not just the great coffee and food. While you’re there make sure to visit the loo where you’ll find quirky cartoons and words of wisdom from the cafe’s resident artist, Len.

His works also adorn the walls of cafe as you take your spot indoors or outdoors.

24 Karat Cafe sells a variety of delicious cakes and slices as well as food made to order and also offer catering for your next function or meeting.

The friendly staff at Wedderburn’s 24 Karat Cafe looks forward to serving you their finest when next you drop in for a great relaxing time.

Joe confesses his love of gold and creative beauty

JOE Jakitsch was talking art, gold and opals as visitors arrived at his studio gallery for the Tiny Towns Art Trail weekend.

The walls of the former St Francis Catholic Church in Tarnagulla, confession box still in a corner, were adorned with Joe’s diverse works.

He said ironbark and grey box forests native to Tarnagulla had provided consistent inspiration since moving to the goldfields from Lightning Ridge 40 years ago after opal mining faded.

Joe and partner Sandra built a mud-brick home across the road - Sandra continuing her career as a naturopath while Austrianborn Joe picked up his interest

in drawing and painting - after making 6000 bricks!

He ventured across the road when the former church was up for auction three years ago. He returned home in the box seat to buy the property that had just been passed in and set about negotiations to seal the deal.

Joe told visitors at the weekend that when not painting, he still prospects for gold in the area.

He has one sizeable nuggest to his name and many smaller specimens.

But it was the art that Joe and other Loddon creatives showcased as hundreds of people traversed the region for the seventh edition of the arts trail.

For Joe, there were his landscapes to be admired and still life creations. He said life drawing allowed him to hone his observational skills and develop the sensitivity and expressiveness evident in his linework.

Joe has also captured the dusky glow of twilight, he says it invites the viewer to contemplate the fleeting magic emanating from the ambient fading light.

His latest work, Late Afternoon, took pride of place on the old church wall. Painted in acrylic, sun over the Tarnagulla hills captured in its glory ... Joe’s type of inspiration.

- CHRIS EARL

Small floods a town risk

LASTEST flood mapping has highlighted how even smaller floods can have a widespread impact on Korong Vale.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority, Loddon Shire Council, and State Emergency Service are working with the community on the Korong Vale Flood Study.

NCCMA waterways and floodplain officer Owen Hayden said after community consultation and updated information from the 2022 floods, the next step in the study was ready to take place.

“We have finalised modelling and have a series of maps to present to the community,” he said.

“The maps model flood water for a one-in-five and onein-100-year flood, and the results are worth noting.

“Even with a one-in-fiveyear flood, most properties in the town will have water around them. For many it will be less than 15cm, but hardly

any properties will be left dry. For a one-in-100-year flood, it’s more widespread, faster moving, and deeper in places.”

Mr Hayden said as well as the maps, flood mitigation options would be presented to the community.

“We want residents to understand the options, have a say on them, and even present their own ideas for mitigating the effects of flooding on the town,” Mr Hayden said.

“We’ll then analyse the effectiveness of the most promising options, along with their costs and benefits.

“The aim of this stage is to show if there are flood mitigation options for Korong Vale that provide a favourable benefit/cost ratio.”

A drop-in session will be held at Scully’s Korong Vale Hotel next Tuesday.

“We encourage people to come and take a look at the maps and have their say about the future of the town,” Mr Hayden said.

Inspired by life and landscape ... Tarnagulla artist Joe Jakitsch. LH PHOTO

One in 100 year event

HUNDREDS of people on Sunday helped Inglewood’s FP Nevins and Co celebrate its centenary.

Director Luke Nevins described the party as a “one in 100 year event” when welcoming clients from across the Loddon to the real estate and stock agents centennial celebrations.

“You are all family,” Mr Nevins said in tribute to the clients whose families have been with the company through the generations.

Mr Nevins: “We are here to pay out respects to you. You are all FP Nevins and Co and each person - family, staff, clients - has contributed to the fabric of the company.”

“Your longevity has guaranteed success of the company ... that is undeniable.”

Mr Nevins said the company and farmers had all endured war, depression, recesssion, floods, drought and COVID.

Inglewood’s football club, Lions and fire brigade catered for the celebrations.

FP Nevins and Co turned 100 on April 1, the anniversary of Frederick Nevins taking over the auction business of Thomas Morrow.

Clients at Sunday’s celebrations shared stories and also viewed a collection of memorabilia charting the history of the Loddon’s oldest family business.

FOR LEASE BY TENDER

Arabella Lane - 86.19 Ha / 213.21 Ac

Primarily loam soils with shelter belts fencing fair to good condition

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted

Terms: Payment quarterly in advance, Tender will include + Rates + GST

HIGHEST OR ANY TENDER NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED

Lease Commences: 1st May 2023

Tenders Close: 27th April 2023 @ 4pm at offices of FP Nevins & Co

Further

Noel Rutley, Bill Twigg, James Nevins, Petrer Harris and Mick Crapper Jeff Martin, Liza Sheil, Fiona Current, John Nevins and Chris Nevins

Colleen Coutts, Bill Fizpatrick, Luke Nevins, Shane and Tracey Jackson and Robert Coutts

Lisa Langley, Jan Stuart, Jack Stuart and Lisa Wilson

Patsy Mitchell from Prairie

Eunice Collins, Ken Collins and Jan Starr Doug Leed from Yarrawalla

Shirlee Tillig, Kerry Kennedy, Shirley Nevins and Bettina Catanese

Landcare pioneers need next generation helpers

ONE of the Loddon’s first Landcare groups formed 30 years ago and at the forefront of action to combat wheel cactus faces an uncertain future.

Wychitella group has seen membership decline as farms are sold and active volunteers age.

Long-time member David Bird has stepped into the secretary’s position to keep the group running while the next generation of volunteers are recruited.

Janet Richardson, now 85, had been secretary for 15 years but has now retired to Melbourne, he said.

“Over the years farms have become bigger, there are less peo-

Wheat – H1 $370 FIS. H2 $358 FIS. APW1 $348 FIS. ASW $338 FIS. AGP1 $338 FIS. SFW1 $338 FIS. FED1 $315 FI. Barley – PL1 $343 FIS. SP1 $343 FIS. PLX $315 FIS. BAR1 $303 FIS. BAR2 $250 FIS. BAR3 $250 FIS. BAR4 $230 FIS. Faba1 $382 FIS. Faba2 $382 FIS. New season – APW MG $364. ASW $323.. BAR1 MG $290. Non-GM canola $605. GM canola $565.

ple and the ones still in the area are often busy just working their farms,” he said.

Mr Bird said the need for vigilance and action against wheel cactus remained important.

“There’s been a lot of work done over the years at Mount Buckranbanyule, Sunday Morning Hills and around Mount Egbert,” he said.

“In the early days, when taking a break we would come across wheel cactus on back roads and spike the plants. If you saw it you hit it (with an injection).

“We had a lot more people in the group at the time.

“It’s a never-ending job. Bush

SHEEP MARKET

THERE was a similar lamb supply to a week ago at Bendigo with 10,500 penned, however sheep numbers more than doubled to 7650.

lambs tracked between 650c to 685c, with patches of selling at 700c to 740c for the neatest trades.

Heritage Australia has been doing a lot of good work at Mount Buckrabanyule.”

Mr Bird said wheel cactus plants were up to two metres high in some areas and had spread across the region.

“We keep patrolling every year ... injecting the plants is not a big burden if everyone chips in,” he said.

Mr Bird said he hoped younger people in the district would join the Wychitella Landcare Group to continue the work of the last 30 years protecting land in the area from the risk of wheel cactus and launching other initiatives.

Stock group wants local input

VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation’s Stock Sense Project wants livestock producers to join the network helping increase engagement in animal health, welfare and biosecurity.

VFF livestock president Scott Young said it remained essential that livestock producers had a say on these important issues for the livestock industry.

“Victoria is a leader in animal health, welfare and biosecurity and we need to ensure we stay

ahead of the curve,” he said.

“We’re asking all interested livestock farmers to register their interest to help provide the important feedback needed to shape the future of our local industry.”

“Knowing exactly what is happening in the community will help the team provide targeted resources and solutions,” Mr Young said. Stock Sense has 10 regional network groups.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Lambs continue on the same trend as previous weeks. Sheep remain strong for consecutive weeks with double the amount coming forward.

Mutton was the positive of the sale, with heavy sheep and good Merino wethers gaining $15 to $25 per head.

But processor demand for lambs retreated, the majority of sales back by $5 to $15.

The two major supermarkets remained absent, while some other key export companies were quiet.

Demand for extra heavy lambs was subdued and there was more lambs over 30kg cwt offered this week.

The strongest inquiry was for neat trade and heavy trade lambs and these held their value the best.

The line-up of light lambs included a lot of secondary types with few decent store lambs available.

Heavy export lambs over 30kg cwt sold from $216 to a top of $250, although sales over $235 were limited.

Heavy lambs, 26-30kg, $182 to $215 for crossbreds, the price spread reflecting how buyers picked through depending on breed quality, shape, finish and skin presentation.

Heavy trade lambs, 24-26kg, $169 to $185 and medium trades $143 to $171.

On a carcass basis a lot of

Trade and light lambs lacking fat cover $110 to $140; small lambs $30 to $90. Heavy sheep were keenly contested.

Big crossbred ewes $146 to $182, and heavy Merino wethers $138 to $175.

More sheep were costing over 500c this week, with the better weights and grades of mutton 450c to 480c. But secondary sheep often cheaper.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

PA Condely Lake Meran (27) $250, GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (41) $246, Somerville Feeds P/L Tragowel (24) $238, Lyndoch Farming Macorna (48) $237, Peter F Schlitz Quambatook (41) $231, DG & EJ Rathjen Colbinabbin (79) $228, W & H Ladson Mincha West (38) $225, GE , KM & NE Harrop Knowsley (31) $225, A Wright Boort (49) $215, RJ & DM Johnston Family Trust Boort (33) $212, Gredgport Holding Boort (31) $205, D & H McKinley Leichardt (51) $192, C Graham Family Arnold (46) $187.

CROSSBRED EWES

S & R Snelson (86) Tongala $176.

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

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

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

FEATURES

Simple message that Feds should heed

COMMUNITIES in the Loddon have appalling internet connectivity and there’s certainly no big shopping complex with the technological gadgetry flashing slogans and messages for the fleeting second it takes to walk the 21st century arcades.

Yet, since its election coming up 12 months ago, the Federal Government has directed its efforts to communicate with the people of Australia to epicentres that may well be a way of life of metropolitan and big city residents but are far removed fcrom the reality that is life in rural areas.

Today’s Loddon Herald publishes a full page message from Country Press Australia, of which this newspaper is a member, calling on the Federal Government to not spend more money, just re-allocate some of its advertising spend to newspapers just like ours.

The current Federal Government has spent not one cent with the Loddon Herald - obviously decision makers in Canberra have little care that important messages don’t make it as far as country communities.

A parliamentary inquiry in the final days of the

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

previous government actually recommended that 20 per cent of the advertising spend be with rural and regional newspapers. That inquiry was chaired by Mallee MP Anne Webster, our local member in Canberra.

Sadly, with the dissolution of that parliament, the recommendation lapsed. Neither side of the political fence has sought to advance the proposal in the life of the new parliament despite the former parliamentary committee drawing its membership from across the political spectrum and offering recognition that rural newspapers are a credible and important platform of communication.

The Loddon Herald, along with our industry colleagues across Australia, strongly urges the Federal Government to acknowledge and support rural newspapers with a fair share of its advertising spend. Afterall messages in local newspapers are better value than a flickering shopping centre screen seen for mere seconds.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ON AEMO PLANS FOR TRANSMISSION LINE HAVE HAD RESPONSES FROM READERS

Darren Edwards wrote: Very powerful messages. Thank you to those who wrote them. The energy market really needs to understand there are people beyond the poles and wires and these people have every right to actively ‘participate’ in decisions that impact them from the moment a project is conceived. Not ‘informed’ years later when decisions have been made and the only form of engagement is to defend that decision.

Carly Noble wrote: With five design locations offered ... and this being the last line plan left, where will it go then? Farmers cannot continue to block service production. FROM THE LODDON HERALD FACEBOOK PAGE

ReÞnance, renovate or just re-evaluate

rates on the rise, there’s never been a better time to review your home loan.

We’ll look at your rate, term, repayments, and equity, giving your loan a full check-up to make sure it’s still right for you and your current needs.

Enquire online at bendigobank.com.au/healthcheck or call your nearest branch on 5438 3500.

Community Bank ¥ Inglewood

1. In which year was the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) founded?

2. Mason Cox plays for which AFL team?

3. And what nationality is that player?

4. Plus or minus 20 minutes, what was the time that RMS Titanic sank?

5. The Incan Empire originated from which modern-day country?

6. Which species of fish is the most dominant large-bodied fish in the Murray-Darling Basin?

7. What animal represents the South African national rugby team?

8. If Aurora Borealis is the Northern Lights, what is the other name of the Southern lights?

9. Up until 2022 when it was destroyed, what was the world’s largest plane ever built?

10. And how many engines did that plane have?

11. How many litres of blood is inside an adult human body?

12. The name of the spice ‘tumeric’ stems from Medieval Latin words meaning what?

13. Skateboarding made its Olympic debut at which Olympic games?

14. Who was the last Australian to wins the Men’s

Singles Championship at the Australian Open?

15. In 2015 Australia began competing at which famous song competition?

16. Which vegetable is often a main ingredient in making vodka?

17. Which country shares the most land borders with other countries at 14?

18. Bastille Day is a public holiday in which country?

19. The Rosetta Stone resides in which museum?

20. Which river runs through Melbourne?

Prepare to play

ALAN’S DECADES OF SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE

WHEN haunting sounds of the Lost Post echoed along Godfrey Street on Tuesday, the town of Boort knew Alan Streader was paying tribute to servicemen and women whose names are on local honour rolls.

The spritely 97-year-old has put bugle to lips since soon after World War Two producing evocative bugle calls on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

“Alan’s contributions are among the most moving moments of our ceremonies,” said RSL sub-president Paul Haw.

“The feeling Alan puts into the Last Post conveys a strong message of remembrance and puts a tear in all our eyes.”

As one of the oldest solo buglers still on duty, Alan’s record of assistance in local commemorations extends to Boort District School.

Alan has never missed performing at school ANZAC services. Teacher Drew Crilly said that when students were in remote learning during COVID lockdowns of 2020, Alan’s grand-daughter Hannah was school captain and arranged for him

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

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

MONDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

TUESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM PARMA NIGHT EXTENDED PARMA MENU

WEDNESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

FULL MENU AVAILABLE

THURSDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

to be recorded playing the Last Post that was later streamed to students.

“We were able to continue our ANZAC service and Alan kept up his unbroken contribution,” Drew said.

Last week, Alan caught up with current school leaders Bridie Doyle, Pheobe Malone, Alyssa Boyd and Zarlie Featherby as they prepared for commemorative services on Monday and Tuesday.

Alan eagerly shared his love of music and remembrance with the senior students, an enduring part of his life.

He had his first lesson as a nine-yearold from the legendary Bob McCaskill, of Bendigo, a champion brass band conductor and footballer for Richmond and later coach of North Melbourne and Hawthorn.

McCaskill started bands in many country communities around central Victoria after his return from World War One.

“I joined because I was very keen. Started playing the euphonium that produces beautiful rich notes and then switched to the cornet when the band needed a solo

cornet player,” he said. “Over the years we had brass bands at three different times in Boort. The last once finished in the 1970s ... like everything, it faded away.”

Alan was also noted in younger days as a key member of the local Church of Christ Choir.

And while the long-retired carpenter did not serve in war - an arm injury kept him at home in World War Two - Alan knows the special place the Last Post holds with old diggers.

“When it comes time for the Last Post, you realise that this is the time for remembrance. This helps me prepare to play,” he said.

On Tuesday, son of Boort David Wanger spoke of his service in Vietnam, based at the Nui-Dat main camp.

He recalled that after completing his 12 month’s tour he was flown back to Sydney where the planes always landed after midnight so that no one would be there as it Vietnam had become viewed as an unwelcome war.

David continued his six-year term at Puckapunyal as an instructor of national servicemen.

It was David’s speech and the reading by the four school leaders of names of Boort men killed in war that set the scene and context for Alan’s 2023 rendition of the Last Post.

The man Paul Haw describes as Boort RSL’s greatest support then stepped forward and sounded the ultimate musical tribute to those killed in war.

“And yes, there were again tears to be wiped away,” said Paul.

“After all these decades, our RSL services would just not be the same without Alan.

“Even if he only played half the notes, people would understand ... he’s a wonderful man who every year helps exservicemen and our community with respect.”

DINNER FROM 6.00PM STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY - OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

LUNCHTIME SENIORS DAY

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE

FULL MENU AVAILABLE

SATURDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

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

84 Godfrey Street, BOORT 03 5400 9650

railwayhotelboort

Boort school leaders Bridie Doyle, Pheobe Malone, Alyssa Boyd and Zarlie Featherby. LH PHOTO

LEGENDARY LAST POSTS ... Alan Streader and his bugle.

LH PHOTO

Korong Vale Flood Study

The next step in the Korong Vale Flood Study is ready for discussion.

Flood modelling maps have been produced, and the time is right to discuss mitigation options with the local community.

Come along to our drop-in-session:

Scully’s Korong Vale Hotel

Tuesday, May 2, at 3.30pm.

Come and take a look at the maps, talk mitigation options, and have your say about the future of your town.

For more information email owen.hayden@ nccma.vic.gov.au or call 03 5440 1823.

NETWORK DINNER

Wednesday 10th May

Supper Room

Inglewood Town Hall. 6p, for 6.30pm

2 Course meal $28 / Drinks and glasses

GUEST SPEAKER

TENAR DWYER

The theme is Black and White with a splash of colour

BOOKINGS TO SUE BROWN 54373258 or 040 919 8974

RSVP May 2 All welcome

ANNUAL and GENERAL MEETING

Will be held at BAC Club Rooms. 7.30pm Wednesday 10th May 2023. All past, present, and future members welcome.

Please submit agenda Items or questions to boortanglingclub@yahoo.com at least 14 days prior to hat date. Nominations for office bearers will be accepted prior to, or at the meeting.

Rod Stringer, Secretary

BOORT BOWLS CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING

Monday, 8th May, 2023, at 7.30pm ALL MEMBERS WELCOME.

Bring

IS NOW HIRING!

The Role is to manage the distribution and application of fertiliser, lime, gypsum and manures for Wheelhouse Group as required throughout the distribution area. Driving spreader trucks and maintaining equipment to ensure regular and reliable service. Wheelhouse AGnVET services clients across a considerable area with branches in Bridgewater, Dingee, Boort, Rochester. If you’re interested in the role available, please contact: Andrew Bodycoat | Branch Manager Mobile 0400 785 096 | Store 03 5437 3174 Email: andrewbodycoat@agnvet.com.au For full role description and online applications visit: www.agnvetservices.com.au

Careers at Loddon Shire

Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.

Early Childhood Educator – ref.J/212

 Part-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn Service

 Salary in line with the Early Education Employees Agreement 2020 Applications for the position above will be considered as they are received.

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www. loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

Lanyon takes opening honours

STEADY early spring rains saw the course presented with an excellent cover of green grass as seven members took to the fairways for the first round of the Wimmera/Mallee stableford competition at Boort on Saturday. Playing to his handicap with 36 points was enough for Damien Lanyon to win the day and take out this month’s Privilege Cup.

Runner-up was president Stuart Tweddle, just one back on 35, while Kevin Linehan picked up the last ball with 32 points. Kevin also did well in the novelty events, picking up two nearestthe-pins, while Stuart picked up

one and Tim Lanyon and Andrew Kane tied on the 15th.

This week will be the first round of the Mercer Cup stroke competition, with the annual Captain versus President match play event also taking place as the first round of the singles knockout kicks off.

INGLEWOOD

Ideal weather and course conditions greeted the small field assembled for the opening day of the season at Inglewood.

The stableford event saw some good early season scoring with Dave Harrison (33) taking the

win on countback over Nathan Joyner. Dave also took out the nearest the pin on the 9th hole in keeping with his consistent play during the day.

Rob Stranger (2) and Ash McDonald (1) both recorded birdies in their rounds in promising signs for the season ahead.

WEDDERBURN

Keith Lewis won Saturday’s stroke event contested by 15 players. Keith finished with 69, ahead of Graham Nesbit 72 and Liam McNeill 76.

This week’s play will be a knockout event.

Ash McDonald, Nathan Joyner and Dave Harrison at Inglewood’s first day. LH PHOTO

Young Blues show spirit

INGLEWOOD has displayed good system and style in its first AFL Central Victoria under 18 football match.

The young Blues completed the opening split round against Bridgewater on Saturday.

While Bridgewater is currently short of numbers, co-operation between the two sides ensured the game was played.

Inglewood with Murphy brothers Riley and Tyler showing good dash around the ground kicked 26 goals in one of the Blues’ best junior performances for many years to head the ladder after round one.

z In North Central, Boort under 17s had a 98-point victory over Charlton.

The young Pies and Wycheproof Narraport are the only undefeated teams after two rounds. Only one will be in that position after Saturday when the pair clash.

TWO junior golf clinics were conducted by the Inglewood club over the school holidays.

Club secretary David Vanston is pictured with some of the participants who came from Inglewood, Dingee, Epsom and Echuca after the final clinic.

Clinics were sponsored by Inglewood IGA community chest for a second year.

NORTH CENTRAL UNDER 17

GOALS - Not supplied.

BEST - Charlton: C. Boyle, F. Holmes-Brown, E. Fitzpatrick, C. Markham, H. Conroy, N. Zagame.

L. Hall, S. Toose, J. Hird, J. Potter.

- Wycheproof Narraport: H. Senior

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: L. Rice, D. Cook

2, S. Al Amoudi, A. McNaughton. Wedderburn: T. Lovett .

BEST Wycheproof Narraport: D. Cook, D. Coles, F. Polzin, R. Cavalier. Wedderburn: B. Treuel, F. Guzzo, T. Lovett, B. Cunningham, A. Roberts.

X. McKersie

O. Daykin, H. Connolly, J. Harrison, L. Coles. Wedderburn: R. Whyman

Cunningham, T. Lowe, B. Hartnell, D. Caruana.

- Wycheproof Narraport: T. Allan, X. McKersie, L. Rice, W. Ison, B. Donnellon . Wedderburn: R.

T. Blair, D. Caruana, E. Clarke.

GOALS - Not supplied.

BEST - Charlton: S. Zagame, M. Fitzpatrick, L. Van Boven, D. Hill, T. Bourke, C. Zagame. C. Hird, S. Muller, N. Howe, C. McNally, T. Broad.

CENTRAL VICTORIA UNDER 18

Inglewood

GOALS - Inglewood: T. Murphy, R. Smith 3, J. Luckman 2, R. Aggenbach, R. Murphy, E. McCoy, D. Kennedy.

BEST - Inglewood: R. Murphy, T. Murphy, E. McCoy, R. Aggenbach. C. Woodhatch, R. Smith, T. Pidoto, B. Tyrrell, C. Orton, M. Skinner.

Under 12: Charlton d Boort 5-0, Sea Lake Nandaly lost to Birchip Watchem 0-2, Wycheproof Narraport d Wedderburn 3-0.

Under 15: Charlton d Boort 2-1. Sea Lake Nandaly d Birchip Watchem 2-1, Wycheproof Narraport d Wedderburn 6-0.

Women: Charlton d Boort 11-0, Sea Lake Nandaly lost to Birchip Watchem 0-1, Wycheproof Narraport 10 d Wedderburn 10-0.

Men: Charlton lost to Boort 2-6, Sea Lake Nandaly d Birchip Watchem 5-1.

Ladder: Boort 6, Wycheproof Narraport 3, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, St Arnaud 0, Charlton 0, Birchip Watchem 0, Donald 0.

HOCKEY

Inglewood vice captain Kyle McLellan eyes the mark in the clash with Bridgewater. LH PHOTO

BOORT has set itself up as an early season A Grade benchmark in North Central netball.

The Pies are sitting on top of the ladder after a solid victory over Charlton on Saturday.

Sophie Lanyon playing wing defence was a crucial contributor to the 17-goal win with goal shooter Amy Dridan capping off the good up-court work.

Wedderburn also remains undefeated in the first two rounds, holding off the strong-finishing Wycheproof Narraport.

The Redbacks had the edge in a tight first half before taking the lead out to 10 goals at the final break.

However, the home side piled on 17 goals to Wedderburn’s 10 in the last quarter.

The Redbacks held on to win by three goals, goal defence Holly Lockhart again in the best with goal attack Aliza Lockhart adding to the team’s resolve in the close finish.

NORTH CENTRAL

B GRADE

(60) d St Arnaud (32). Sea Lake

17, 23, 25, (25) lost to Birchip

22, 29, 39, (39). Wycheproof

Mean Machine has first win

BRIDGEWATER broke clear of Inglewood in the final term to record its first win of the season in Saturday’s Loddon Valley round.

While the Mean Machine had an edge for most of the game, the developing Woodies were close to the mark for three quarters against a more seasoned outfit.

Inglewood’s Taya Bartram was awarded the ANZAC Medal for most courageous player.

Meanwhile, defending premiers Maiden Gully has again downed arch rival Mitiamo.

The Eagles were ahead all day in the grand final rematch and won by 19 goals against the Superoos who were without some players for the clash.

LODDON VALLEY

13 AND UNDER

Inglewood 5, 13, 19, 22, (22) d Bridgewater 0, 1, 1, 2, (2). Pyramid Hill 5, 10, 20, 26, (26) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 3, 5, 11, 15, (15). Maiden Gully 9, 11, 26, 30, (30) d Mitiamo 1, 1, 2, 3, (3).

AND

13, 32, 54, 63, (63) d St Arnaud 4, 13, 17, 22, (22). Wycheproof Narraport 8,

24, 41, (41) lost to Wedderburn 11, 21, 34,

(44). Sea Lake Nandaly 5, 8, 13, 18, (18)

to Birchip Watchem 12, 26, 36, 49, (49).

7, 13, 18, 27, (27) lost to Boort 10,

33, 44, (44).

Gully 11, 21, 31, 36, (36) d Mitiamo

9, 12, 17, (17). Inglewood 5, 9, 19, 23, (23) lost to Bridgewater 6, 14, 20, 28, (28). Pyramid Hill 8, 16, 20, 25, (25) Bears Lagoon Ser-

Bears Lagoon

Sianna Thatcher (Inglewood) and Aramina Wood (Bridgewater) in the 15 and under clash. LH PHOTO

Inglewood Bridgewater RSL president Michael Hobson presents the most courageous player medal to Taya Bartram. LH PHOTO

Biggs’ pick looms at Pies

GUN Boort recruit Shane Biggs is tipped to make his black and white debut against Wycheproof Narraport on Saturday.

The former Western Bulldogs premiership player is one of the Pies’ key signings under new coach Dale Cameron.

Biggs joins the Magpies after a stint with North Heidelberg in the Northern Football Netball League.

The versatile midfield-forward played 57 games for the Bulldogs, including all four games that led to the famous 2016 flag. He was drafted from former VFL side Bendigo Gold in the 2012 rookie draft.

Biggs has not played since a hip injury in 2019. Other Boort recruits Jarrod Fitzpatrick and Ryan McGhie who had lined up with the AFL premiership player at North Heidelberg helped entice him to Boort.

The early season evolution of Boort under Cameron’s guidance has seen the Pies challenge league yardstick Sea Lake Nandaly and win against Charlton.

This Saturday’s match, however, could prove the Pies toughest game

yet in 2023. Wycheproof Narraport has been the early surprise beating Donald in the opening round and then Wedderburn last weekend.

Cameron says Boort is still “just scratching the surface”.

“It’s been a good learning curve so far,” he said.

Boort has shown pace and good defence in the opening two rounds and the inclusion of Biggs will strengthen the home side for its big encounter.

Meanwhile, Wedderburn is also at home on Saturday and that could prove the difference between the Redbacks and last year’s grand finalists Donald who have failed to fire so far in 2023.

Wedderburn has already seen good form from coach Sam Barnes and Tom Campbell.

The unexpected return of Jackson Guan last week will undoubtedly strengthen the Redbacks.

Guan had been a key contributor last season and his availability now for the first half of the season - before heading to Europe - is a muchneeded bonus for the team at Donaldson Park.

Good start and goal accuracy helps

ACCURACY in front of goal and a good start combined to set up Boort’s first win of the North Central season.

The Pies had shown glimpses in the opening round against Sea Lake Nandaly but was cruelled on the scoreboard in atrocious playing conditions.

Lessons were learned and on Saturday against Charlton, the Pies skipped straight into action.

There was still some goalfront inaccuracy but kicking 6.5 in the first term was a big step up on 1.2.

Good defence, tackles, pressure and the little one percenters made a difference.

Tom Potter was again dominant in defence and worked well with Fitzpatrick and McGhie all day.

The Pies kept the pressure up for the

SENIORS

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: G. Hommelhoff 9, R. Allan 3, C. Green 2, K. Kennedy, B. Bish. Wedderburn: S. Barnes 4, J. McKay, T. Campbell 2, D. Benaim. BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: G. Hommelhoff, K. Hommelhoff, L. Van Schaik, J. Kenny, S. Allan, J. McHutchison. Wedderburn: T. Campbell, D. Jackson, J. McKay, S. Barnes, L. Brown, J. Rosengren.

GOALS - Charlton: H. Taylor 2, B. Lanyon, M. Heenan, R. Woods, K. Clifford, N. Thompson. Boort: N. McLaren 4, L. Moss, F. Holland 3, B. Aitken 2, J. Starr, K. Wilson, J. Wilson, F. Millar, J. Fitzpatrick, D. Hawker, T. Potter.

BEST - Charlton: A. Judd, H. Taylor, R. Woods, T. Hill, B. Lanyon, M. Heenan Boort: J. Fitzpatrick, R. McGhie, T. Potter, J. Wilson, L. Moss, J. Smith.

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. McInnes 4, W. Simpson, J. Summerhayes, T. Cox 2, C. Cox, T. McKenzie.

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 7, N. Gordon, B. Christodoulou, L. Ryan. Sea Lake Nandaly: L. Martin, T. Donnan, T. Cox, W. Donnan, M. Cahoon, B. McInnes. Birchip Watchem: D. Hinkley, N. Rippon, M. Rippon, B. Edwards, J. Builder, L. Ryan.

GOALS - Nullawil: M. Farmer 6, A. Thomson 4, L. Caccaviello, D. Isbister, A. Casey 2, J. Bamford, J. Casey, B. Forrester, D. Smith, St Arnaud: B. Durward, D. Baldock, J. Male. BEST - Nullawil: D. Isbister, J. Humphreys, D. Putt, D. Smith, A. Thomson, Z. Caccaviello. St Arnaud: W. Bertalli, B. Durward, J. Tillig, J. Hicks, D. Gifford, M.

next two quarters, adding 11 goals while Charlton did find some joy in front of goal with four majors.

The final term did see Boort back off, allowing the Navies to win the term kicking 3.1 to 2.2.

Pies’ coach Dale Cameron said: “The first three quarters did take a bit out of the players ... it was pretty fast.

“We had a few hiccups in the last quarter and that allowed Charlton to get a run on.”

z Wedderburn ventured to Wycheproof and was competitive for the first half before the Gedd Hommelhoff show took centre stage and had the gun forward kicking nine goals for the day.

Tom Campbell was again the best for Wedderburn while coach Sam Barnes

IN FRONT OF GOAL SENIORS

10 - (7) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

10 - (9) - Gedd Hommelhoff - Wycheproof N

9 - (6) - Mitch Farmer - Nullawil

7 - (2) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn

7 - (4) - Sam Barnes - Wedderburn

7 - (4) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil

3 - (2) - Cody Green - Wycheproof

Early pennants join collection

INGLEWOOD added two premiership pennants to its collection on Saturday.

The club unveiled a 1903 flag 120 years after winning the first Loddon Valley association premiership and an ensign emblazoned with then then Korong Vale association honours from 1920.

Secretary David Rose donated the flags and was joined by Leigh Lampbell whose grandfather Harry played in the 1903 side and club president Chris Cohalan. Inglewood’s 1903 win was its second flag. The 1903 and 1923 wins came at the expense of Bridgewater.

RESERVES

booted four major as the Redbacks went down by 39 points.

The Redbacks were dealt a blow in the second term when ruckman Jordan Hargreaves was surprisingly carded by umpires and later accepted two-week suspension. Witnesses say there was nothing untoward in the passage of play and Hargreaves’ absence sapped the Redbacks’ game plan.

Sea Lake Nandaly had a one-goal win over reigning premiers Birchip Watchem.

The Tigers led 13 points at quartertime before the Bulls charged to a on point lead by the main break.

An evenly-contested third term ended with the Tigers regaining the lead and be up by seven points. Newcomer Nullawil was a big winner over St Arnaud.

THIS SATURDAY

RESERVES

- Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Poulton, J. Clohesy 2, C. Noonan, R. McGarry. Birchip Watchem: T. Wiantara, C. Goode 2, C. Boyle 1, details incomplete.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: L. McClelland, B. Poulton, R. McClelland, A. Collins, C. Noonan, W. Conlan. Birchip Watchem: M. Finster, B. Colbert, J. Ryan, K. Leith, T. Wiantara.

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: B. Brennan 7, H. Senior 2, C. Duffy, T. Rumbold, T. Metcalf. Wedderburn: G. Riley 2, C. Hargreaves 1, details incomplete.

BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: T. Rumbold, A. Hogan, M. Hall, C. Duffy, H. Senior, Z. Cruse. Wedderburn C. Hargreaves, L. Holt, T. Boneham, F. Turnbull, J. Van de Wetering.

(120)

(33)

GOALS - Nullawil: S. Goldsmith, J. Perry 6, D. Kelly, A. Forrester, J. Morrison, C. Fawcett, S. Barker, J. Bowyer. St Arnaud: H. McNally 3, D. Needs, N. Coghlan.

BEST - Nullawil: D. Kelly, J. Vearing, J. Bowyer, J. Perry, C. Fawcett. St Arnaud: S. Elliott, L. Ezard, J. Kell, H. McNally, E. Swanton, P. Adler.

(19)

(101)

GOALS - Charlton: R. Thiesz, T. Catherine. Boort: P. O’Rourke, A. Jackson 4, E. Coleman 3, N. Gooding 2, D. Hatcher.

BEST - Charlton: R. Thiesz, B. Sexton, E. Fitzpatrick, T. Catherine, L. Holmes-Brown, F. Bourke, Boort: A. Jackson, E. Coleman, N. Scott, T. Healy, L. Hall, J. Hall.

Narraport

- (4) - Billy McInnes - Sea Lake Nandaly

9 - (7) - Ben Brennan - Wycheproof Narraport 9 - (6) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil 6 - (6) - Jason Perry - Nullawil 4 - (4) - Patrick O’Rourke 4 - (4) - Alistair Jackson

bye

Pies’ recruit Shane Biggs

SENIORS

GOALS - Marong: M. Riordan 8, B. Grenfell 5, R. Taylor 4, K. Robins 3, J. McCaig, M. Bradbury 2, M. Grant, P. Gretgrix, J. Ede, C. Thiesz, N. McCaig, N. Devanny, J. Gadsden. Newbridge: M. Giri, W. Copland.

BEST - Marong: J. Ede, R. Taylor, M. Riordan, M. Bradbury, L. Lee, J. Gadsden. Newbridge: D. Lloyd, D. Stevens, W. Copland, D. Romer, J. Clark, D. Makur.

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: D. Collis 5, Z. Alford 3, S. Mann 2, J. Woodward, S. Gunther, M. Gunther, B. Micevski, S. Relouw, W. Perryman, G. James. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Laird 6, S. Gladman, A. Gladman, C. Gadsden 2, K. Paxton, H. Gadsden, L. Mott, N. Kemp.

BEST - Pyramid Hill: D. Collis, Z. Dingwall, Z. Alford, B. George, A. Holland, S. Gunther. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Addlem, D. Poulter, A. Brohm, L. Mott, N. Kemp, H. Gadsden.

Maiden Gully 5.2 9.6 14.10 19.13 (127) Mitiamo 4.1 8.3 11.6 11.7 (73)

GOALS - Maiden Gully: H. McCartney 5, B. Green 3, B. Dimech , T. Durston 2, J. McDonald, J. Worsley, D. Wust, W. Noden, D. Baldwin, T. Miles, G. Brown. Mitiamo: A. Cussen 4, B. Baines 3, J. Reynolds 2, E. Spiers, R. Turner.

Payne in Mean Machine’s side

FIRST quarter goals to Keelan Payne set up Inglewood’s victory over Bridgewater in Loddon Valley football.

The former Strathfieldsaye forward capitalised on every forward lunge by Inglewood as the home side stamped its authority early.

Across the midfield, Sam Dorevitch was instrumental in setting up attacks, backing up Brogan Cotchett and winger Gabe Nevins.

It took Bridgewater until mid-way through the term to deliver the ball to Joshua Martyn who put through the first of his seven majors for the day. Up by 22 points, Inglewood had dominated the scoreboard in the opening quarter.

The second term saw a lift from Bridgewater but Payne again steadied the Inglewood ship winning a free as the home side pushed forward.

The Mean Machine had not given up late in the term, a goal providing a glimmer of hope before Charlie McGaw sent the ball direct through the goals minutes before the half-time siren.

There was one last roll for Bridgewater in the third term as tempers flared and the Mean Machine temporarily had an upper hand.

Martyn was a magnet and Darcy Wood

darting around the midfield, Bridgewater more accurate and outscoring Inglewood with two less scoring shots.

Charlie McGaw, Dorovitch, Cotchett, Nevins and Kennedy all steadied the ship to see off Bridgewater’s challenge.

Payne set the ball rolling within two minutes of the final term opening bounce and Inglewood was off towards victory.

A goal out of the square pack by Estrada was some consolation for Bridgewater in the dying minutes.

Martyn’s seven goals has him well clear early on the goalkicking ladder.

z Bears Lagoon Serpentine kept with Pyramid Hill all day in their match at Mitchell Park. Starting strongly in each quarter, Serpentine made late charges each term to challenge the home side.

Accuracy in front of goal meant that the Bears were able to efficiently convert their forward forays for the duration of the clash. Midway through the opening term they led 2-1 to 0-6 thanks to a wasteful Dogs unit, but gradually the home team found the goals and asserted a degree of control.

Ten scoring shots in the opening term entitled the Dogs to be more than 16 points up at the first change of ends. The visitors won the second stanza, and with

the margin just nine points at the main break the stage was set for a great finish to the clash. With Dylan Collis, Adrian Holland and Zac Dingwall continuing their great first half output in the third term, and the margin blew out to 6 goals.

To the visitors credit, spurred on by great work from Justin Laird they refused to lay down, and had trimmed the margin to 19 points as they turned for home. Again, the Bulldogs kicked clear and built a 6-goal buffer, but in a replica of the third term the Bears hit back.

Three consecutive goals, the last after the siren, saw the final margin sitting at 18 points. It was a hard-fought free running affair, but 34 scoring shots to 21 was probably a good way to summarize why the home team prevailed.

z Marong simply mauled Newbridge. The 202-point margin coming off the boot of 13 different goal kickers. The Maroons, without some players last Saturday, were outclassed and held scoreless in two quarters.

z Mitiamo was more than competitive against Maiden Gully in the first half of their clash.

It was only in the final term that Maiden Gully was able to break clear, adding 5.3 to the Superoos’ solitary behind.

Premiers face first early test of strength

ALL-CONQUERING Marong has its first big test on Saturday when up against the side it was lucky to avoid in last year’s grand final, Pyramid Hill.

The Bulldogs faltered against Marong in the semi-final and then came up against a momentum-charged Bridgewater in the preliminary final to miss an end of season crack at the Panthers.

Pyramid Hill is the only side to have beaten Marong in three years. This weekend’s assignment will be tough for the Bulldogs who have plenty of pace and skill around the ground but perhaps are

SENIORS

relying on the fleet-footed Bailey George too much to kick needed goals.

Marong has power around the square with Grenfell and Robins and this may prove the difference unless Pyramid Hill puts its A game on the ground for four quarters.

Inglewood, having cracked open the winning seal, travels north to Mitiamo and will be favoured to score the points.

The Woodies are far superior to last year’s outfit that more than challenged Mitiamo.

Fast forward 12 months and Ingle-

IN FRONT OF GOAL

21 - (7) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater

15 - (5) - Brandyn Grenfell - Marong

11 - (3) - Kain Robins - Marong

11 - (8) - Matthew Riordon - Marong

11 - (3) - Andrew Gladman - BL Serpentine

9 - (5) - Keelan Payne - Inglewood

9 - (6) - Justin Laird - BL Serpentine

8 - (4) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

RESERVES

9 - (3) - Jonty Davis - Marong

9 - (4) - Bradley Matthews - Marong

7 - (6) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill

7 - (7) - Mitchell Dingwall - Pyramid Hill

5 - (0) - Jayden Gladman - BL Serpentine

5 - (1) - Reece Gretgrix - Marong

5 - (0) - Austin Fithall - Newbridge

5 - (4) - Joel Pianto - Mitiamo

wood has greater flexibility across the midfield - the Polak brothers have been useful gets - while Mitiamo has definitely dropped a few cogs.

Bridgewater should find redemption against Newbridge. The Mean Machine is blending youth and experience, a similar pattern to last year, while Newbridge is battling Maiden Gully for the title of the league’s biggest paradox.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine should add to its early season buoyancy and glamour, proving too strong for the rebuilding Calivil.

THIS SATURDAY

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Marong v Pyramid Hill

Bridgewater v Newbridge

Mitiamo v Inglewood

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Calivil Maiden Gully bye

BEST Maiden Gully: B. Green, H. McCartney, N. Murley, J. Worsley, B. Archer, M. Crooks. Mitiamo: R. Turner, A. Cussen, B. Baines, L. Lougoon, D. Walters, W. Draper.

(103)

(70)

GOALS - Inglewood: K. Payne 5, C. McGaw , C. Ingham 3, N. Silvestro, B. Cotchett, J. Nevins, S. Dorevitch. Bridgewater: J. Martyn 7, N. Naughton 2, B. Derrick, T. Estrada.

BEST - Inglewood: T. Kennedy, C. McGaw, B. Cotchett, C. Ingham, K. Payne, G. Nevins. Bridgewater: D. Wood, B. Irvine, J. Martyn, Z. Hoiles, J. Symons, H. Donegan.

GOALS - Marong: B. Matthews 4, J. Davis 3, K. Manley, J. Gretgrix, K. Newton, R. Gretgrix, C. Williamson, A. Collins, R. Hender, J. Evenden, T. Thach. Newbridge: C. Grant, J. Dawkins 2, J. O’Neill, J. Langtree, D. Whan. BEST - Marong: H. Baker, J. Knight, K. Newton, J. Davis, R. Gretgrix, G. Dowler. Newbridge: K. Gard, J. Langtree, O. Friswell, R. Hipworth, J. Dawkins, M. Harris.

GOALS - Maiden Gully: J. Magnusson 3, H. White 2, R. Strauch, J. Covington, C. Flood, M. Clark. Mitiamo: J. Pianto 4, C. Milne 2, T. Fitzallen, A. McKean, details incomplete.

BEST Maiden Gully: J. Burns, T. Hudson, W. Anderson, J. Magnusson, M. Clark, H. White. Mitiamo: T. Rasmussen, H. Storey, C. Milne, J. Pianto, A. McKean, E. Hocking.

Pyramid Hill

(115)

BL Serpentine 1.0 4.0 5.1 5.2 (32)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: M. Dingwall 7, R. Pollock 6, P Monaghan 2, C. Gibbins, T. Walker, L. Carroll. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Anstee, P. Russell, Z. Stone, O. Amy.

BEST - Pyramid Hill: G. Quinn, M. Dingwall, A. McErvale, T. Walker, R. Pollock, L. Carroll. Bears Lagoon

Serpentine: O. Amy, J. Stuart, M. Hancock, M. Turvey, Z. Stone, B. Finlay.

Inglewood 3.2 5.5 8.11 11.16 (82)

Bridgewater 2.3 3.4 3.5 5.6 (36)

GOALS - Inglewood: M. Rowe 3, K. Wicks, Z. Schmidt 2, D. Gorrie, L. Field, L. Else, T. Stevenson. Bridgewater: J. Campbell 2, L. Maher, H. Pidoto, M. Bourke.

BEST - Inglewood: D. Gorrie, J. Lovett, D. Mackay, M. Rowe, C. Martin, T. Stevenson. Bridgewater: M. Bourke, R. Taylor, J. Campbell, J. Wild, C. Rooke, O. Horan.

Merle Harrison with the game’s most courageous player Brogan Cotchett after the medal presentation on Saturday. LH PHOTO

HERALD sport

Thursday April 27, 2023

GOOD DAY BLUES

WOODIES SUPREME IN BLOODY ANZAC CLASH

INGLEWOOD has broken a 15-year drought winning a fierce and bloodied ANZAC weekend battle against rival Bridgewater.

The Woodies had control of the match apart from 15 minutes in the third term when Bridgewater lunged back within three kicks.

Bruising play in the middle quarters exploded into arm-toarm battle, scums only separated when runners and umpires stepped in.

Several players spent time off in the hands of trainers who patched cuts and wiped away blood.

Twice Bridgewater bounced from the altercations to kick goals and twice, Inglewood regained composure and focus to forge ahead and win by 33 points.

Brogan Cotchett was named the most courageous player and picked up the Harrison Medal, named after former Inglewood and Bridgewater player Eddie

By CHRIS EARL

Harrison who served in World War Two.

Saturday’s win by Inglewood was it’s first in the traditional Loddon Valley league ANZAC weekend clash of the arch rivals and the first over the Mean Machine since 2008.

Celebrations were not confined to the seniors. Inglewood also won reserves and under 18 matches - a feat not achieved for almost a decade.

And Saturday’s win put Inglewood on the scoreboard after going down to league powerhouse Marong and big improver Bears Lagoon Serpentine in opening rounds.

Jubilant coach Darrell Billett quickly embraced players after the final siren and they headed into the rooms singing the club theme song with gusto.

“The monkey’s off the back now,” he said as supporters joined post-match celebrations.

MATCH REPORT,

SCOREBOARDS - PAGE 23

Draft pick tip on the cards

AFL Central Victoria under 18 competition is expected to proceed with the draft draw sent to clubs a month ago.

Release of the draft was delayed when there were fears clubs in the new junior competition may struggle for numbers.

However, coaches of the Loddon Valley sides who are the only clubs part of the competition in its first year say they are committed to making sure Loddon youngsters get a game.

Inglewood’s Leigh Lamprell said his club provided two players for Bridgewater on Saturday to ensure the game proceeded.

“We gave them two players and we both had 17 on the ground,” Lamprell said.

Pyramid Hill had the bye in the opening split round and play Marong this weekend, according to the draft draw.

AFL Central Victoria is yet to confirm this weekend’s arrangements.

Inglewood’s Charlie McGaw (left) and Keelan Paynestar in the torrid encounter. LH PHOTO