Loddon Herald 27 June 2024

Living with change ... Jye, Pat, Chelsea and Imogen Russell. LH PHOTO

Loddon

Free every Thursday

in the communities and districts of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Laanecoorie, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn. Also available in Dunolly, Charlton, Wycheproof, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.

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WEEKEND FORECAST Rain expected Boort Saturday 12, Sunday 12 Inglewood Saturday 12, Sunday 12

Hill Saturday 13, Sunday 13

12,

Bridge makes new work list

CHAMBERLAINS Road bridge

wlll be fixed by Loddon Shire after Tuesday’s council meeting approved the 2024-2025 infrastructure program budget.

The bridge between Inglewood and Bridgewater has been closed since last month.

The State Government rejected repairs under disaster recovery funds from the October 2022 floods for the work, assessors saying the bridge was already damaged.

Residents living near the Calder Highway bridge have faced travelling an extra 8km to reach the highway and erected protest signs.

Chamberlains Road is one of four bridge and culvert projects in council’s new program. It has allocated $1,33 millions for bridge and culvert projects that also includes Ottreys Road and Sidney Watsons Road at Pyramid Hill.

Council has allocated $229,152 for street improvement works with footpaths in Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn renewal of an existing pedestrian crossover in Godfrey St, Boort, on the list.

A new drainage system in North Street and Southey Street, Inglewood, will be installed under the $7,277,729 infrastructure budget.

Almost 14km of the gravel road network will be resheeted in addition to resheeting 27.6 km of road shoulders.

Council allocated $1.427 million for renewal of a section of Newbridge Road and renewal of the road and kerb and channel in Ottrey St, Pyramid Hill this financial year.

Committee expands

CALIVIL community planning committee has taken a new name with the group now also including Pompapiel and Jarklin, Cr Dan Straub reported to Tuesday’s Loddon Shire Council meeting.

Mid-year break

SCHOOLS across the Loddon will take a break from tomorrow afternoon. The mid-year holidays run for a fortnight with students returning to class on July 15.

Vaping policy

A COALITION Government would introduce a regulated vaping model to crack down on crime and keep vapes out of the hands of Australian children, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Dr Anne Webster said. The policy was announced this week.

Regulation wait

VICTORIA’S 10-yearly hunting regulations will lapse early September yet the new draft has still not been released for public comment, said Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting.

Grassland conference

GRASSLAND Society of Southerland Australia will hold its annual conference in Bendigo next month with a Bridgewater North property tour on the program.

NEW culverts were lifted into position at the Sullivan-Houston Streets railway crossing in Inglewood last week. V/Line contractors completed the work that included using a heavy crane on Tuesday. LH PHOTO

Few hands are going up

AGRIPOLITICS veteran Ken Pattison could make another tilt for a seat on Loddon Shire Council.

The Fernihurst farmer this week said he would run in Boort Ward if “there are no younger candidates putting the hand up”.

Mr Pattison fell 28 votes short of unseating council veteran and former mayor Neil Beattie at the 2020 council elections. Cr Beattie has announced his retirement from local government ahead of October’s poll.

However, Mr Pattison said: “I’m 79 and surely there are younger people ready to step up and represent the communities on council.”

“But if there is no one putting the hand up, I would be prepared to run again.”

Mr Pattison and another defeated Loddon poll candidate in 2020, Reg Holt, had election complaints rejected by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Mr Pattison and Mr Holt want-

Ken Pattison

ed the election of Cr Beattie (Boort Ward) and Cr Gavan Holt (Wedderburn Ward) be set aside and successful candidates be disqualified.

Deputy President Lambrick said Mr Pattison and Mr Holt “each felt a passionate need to ventilate general concerns about issues within the council and have them heard by the tribunal”.

“Each applicant also expressed a degree of frustration about what they perceived to be shortcomings in the administration of

local government elections and the law surrounding local government elections.”

But in her published ruling, she said: “I am not satisfied that any of the issues raised by the applicants in the Loddon Shire Council proceedings could lead me to exercise the power given to this tribunal to declare any person elected was not duly elected; declare any candidate duly elected who was not declared elected; or to declare an election void.”

Meanwhile, amendments to Local Government Act on councillor conduct, governance and integrity were passed in State Parliament last week.

Following October’s elections, all 79 Victorian councils will have a uniform councillor code of conduct the Government says will “create consistent standards of behaviour and increase accountability” including mandatory training for councillors and mayors and annual professional development.

The Government said that since the last council elections, 56 councillors had resigned and 12 councils, including Buloke Shire, had had municipal monitors appointed, with one council suspended and one dismissed as a result of governance issues.

“The reforms introduce stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct and improved processes to resolve conduct matters earlier,” the Government said.”

The Minister for Local Government will also have strengthened powers to deal with councillors that are found to have created a serious risk to health and safety or are preventing their council from performing its functions.

Former Loddon Mayor Dan Straub (Terrick Ward) and Tarnagulla Ward’s Linda Jungwirth have said they will nominate for a second four-year term while current Mayor Gavan Holt (Wedderburn Ward) and Inglewood Ward’s Wendy Murphy are yet to commit to running again.

Winter training will have firies summer ready

FIRE brigade volunteers across the Loddon are using winter to brush up on skills and encourage new members ahead of the summer fire season.

Serpentine, Dingee-Tandarra and Inglewood brigades will host sessions over the next two months.

Recruitment of new members will also be in focus for Serpentine with a presentation aimed at younger people in the district put on the Country Fire Authority’s calendar.

Captain Neville Cockerell said the brigade

was contacting people who had expressed interest in becoming a CFA volunteer.

“We are using the winter months as an ideal time for recruitment and training,” Mr Cockerell said.

“We have been able to have District 20 schedule up to five training sessions in Serpentine during this time to make skill nights more easily accessible for local members and those in the district and not clashing with peak times for harvest and other farm activities.

“Lifting brigade numbers and skills during the colder months will certainly help the brigade in preparedness for the summer fire season.”

Dingee brigade will host a three-session training module at the end of July on supressing wildfire while on-road driving courses will be based in Inglewood for two weekends in August.

District 20 held first aid training courses for brigades this month in the rollout of skill opportunities for volunteers.

Pig inquiry

A VICTORIAN Parliamentary inquiry into the pig industry has made recommendations that would place extreme, costly and unnecessary regulatory pressure on producers, said Nationals’ deputy leader Emma Kealy. The committee was chaired by Northern Victoria Region MP Georgie Purcell.

Basin ‘sweetener’ ire

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation says the Federal Government’s plan to take water from food production in the Murray Darling Basin Plan in exchange for a $300 million sugar hit is yet another slap in the face for regional communities.

THE State Government is today expected to announce a $32,000 grant to upgrade the amenities block at Tarnagulla Recreation Park, Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: “I know how much the Tarnagulla Recreation Parks Committee have been wanting to upgrade their amenities block for some time. I have met with them about this issue and spoken to the minister directly about the project. Delivering this upgrade will soon mean tourists and locals can benefit from even better camping facilities by the Tarnagulla reservoir.”

LATE NEWS

Lingering angst in south

RESIDENTS have vented over the state of local roads, driving Loddon Shire’s performance rating to its lowest in a decade.

Council satisfaction survey results released this week again show angst among people in the southern wards of Inglewood and Tarnagulla.

Results came from a survey of 400 residents between June 2023 and March - almost half the people were aged 65 and above.

Loddon Shire scored highest in appearance of public areas (index score of 71), waste management (70) and recreational facilities (67) but failed the citizen assessment test for unsealed roads (32), planning and building permits (38) and sealed local roads (38).

The report tabled at Tuesday’s June meeting of councillors said the survey showed overall satisfaction had dropped three points compared with the previous survey and was now on a par with other small rural councils.

“Perceptions of the direction of council’s overall performance have trended downwards for the past four years, declining significantly this year to an index score of 42,” the report said.

“Council direction is at a 10 year low, well below the peak result of 54 in 2015. It is important to note that this follows the pattern across the state, with the state-wide and small rural group averages for perceptions of the direction of council’s overall performance also at an all-time low.

“Over the last 12 months, 10 per cent of residents believe the direction of council’s overall performance has improved. Almost two thirds of residents (63 per cent) believe it has stayed the same, and 24 per cent think it has deteriorated (compared to 19 per cent in 2023).”

Loddon Shire has been locked in battle with State Government bureaucrats for approval of October 2022 flood recovery money to repair damaged roads and bridges.

Millions of dollars of works are still to be approved and the State Government has not responded to Loddon Herald questions three weeks ago about delays.

Loddon Shire last December also ended its long-time contract maintaining roads for Regional

Roads Victoria, formerly VicRoads.

The customer satisfaction report said: “Efforts are specifically needed in the area of sealed local roads and unsealed road maintenance. These are among council’s lowest rated service areas and performance ratings have declined significantly over multiple

consecutive years. Ratings are now at the lowest levels since the peak ratings achieved in 2016.

“Furthermore, 29 per cent of residents volunteer sealed road maintenance as the council area most in need of improvement.”

Tarnagulla and Inglewood

Ward residents were also critical of council making decisions in the

best interests of the community, giving a score of 44, down six on the previous year and below 63 in 2021. The same residents rated council higher on enforcement of local laws - the score up four to 55 - in a period when some traders in Inglewood Ward were at loggerheads with council over footpath displays.

Where to put focus

LODDON Shire Council’s overall performance has declined year on year since 2021. The survey says this follows the pattern state-wide. Council’s overall performance is at its lowest level since 2015, says the survey.

Ratings in the majority of individual service areas are in line with the previous year’s results, with significant declines in perceptions evident in four areas, including some of council’s lowest rated service areas. Ratings for top performing service areas (the appearance of public areas and waste management) remain consistently high.

„ Key infuences: Improved communication with residents about decisions made in the community’s interest, particularly on its approach to planning and building permits and rectifying the condition of local streets and pathways, is warranted. Keeping residents well-informed on key local issues in conjunction with regular community consultation and engagement, will help shore up perceptions of council’s overall performance. These efforts are particularly needed in Inglewood/Tarnagulla.

Roads: Efforts are specifically needed in the area of sealed local roads and unsealed roads maintenance. These are among council’s lowest rated service areas and performance ratings have declined significantly over multiple consecutive years.

„ Comparison: In individual services areas, council’s performance is mixed. Council performs in line with group averages on eight of the 16 service areas, significantly lower on seven measures, and significantly higher on one measure.

Couple starts new home search

DAVE Cook and Sally Armstrong have put their Wedderburn property on the market as they start dismantling the shed they made their home.

Loddon Shire Council ordered the shed be removed after the couple failed to obtain a permit for the building on their Bobseins Hill Road property.

Dave said on Monday that he had started the task of dismantling the shed made of recycled materials to comply with the council order.

“We are still to find a place to live ... we want to stay in the district,” Dave said.

“The block has been put up for sale and we hope to find somewhere around here to make our next home on.

“There’s some land in the area that’s for sale where we could apply for a per-

mit and build again. But at the moment, I’m just making sure we are dismantling the shed and then will look for somewhere else to live while things gets sorted,” he said.

Dave said he and Sally had been heartened by support in the community after sharing their story in the Loddon Herald last week. “If we can’t find anywhere to live, we’ll go back to being grey nomads,” he said.

Former shire mayor Helen Leech in a Loddon Herald online comment said: “I don’t know where, or what this ‘shed home’ looks like, but throwing people out in the middle of winter is a complete lack of compassion.

“Does the council have alternative accommodation for them? Times are

tough, work with these people, not against them.”

Loddon Shire’s director operations

Steve Phillips said council’s municipal building surveyor was “regularly responding to complaints relating to the illegal occupation of buildings.

“This is a serious matter that can have significant consequence for the people involved, including the safety of the occupants, non-conformance can result in the removal of the buildings, fines and even potentially magistrates court appearance for non-compliance.

“The municipal building surveyor is continuing to work with property owners to achieve compliance with the Victorian building legislation,” Mr Phillips said.

Duck hunt protesters draw ire of game authority

ANTI-DUCK shooting activists must act safely and legally, said Game Management Authority CEO Graeme Ford.

Mr Ford said the 2024 hunting had seen 23 people suspected of breaching public safety laws,

He said they had entered or remained in a specified hunting area or hindered or harassed hunters.

The authority issued 22 banning notices for the season.

“There was an increase in the number of suspected breaches to public safety laws detected over the 2024 season,” he said.

“Public safety laws are in place to provide a safe environment for all land users.

hunting season Laurie Levy made the claims a day after the 2024 season ended. Police confirmed they were investigating a report of an assault in Boort on June 2.

And the authority said a person had been fined for illegally cutting down a tree at Lake Boort and it was supporting police investigating the assault claim.

The authority later said its authorised officers checked more than 1550 game licences and inspected more than 1,200 hunter bags during the season.

A total of 56 breaches were detected throughout the 2024 duck season. It says 22 infringement notices will be issued and the authority is investigating another 32 matters.

“While those who oppose duck hunting have a right to protest, they must do so safely and legally,” Mr Ford said.

Seven non-hunters are also being investigated for hindering or obstructing an authorised officer.

The end-of-season report said 26 hunting related offences were detected, with the main offence themes being an invalid game licence, being in possession of toxic shot and failing to leave a wing attached.

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

Activists have claimed hunters damaged Aboriginal scar trees and protesters were handcuffed on the final weekend of the season at Lake Boort.

Long-time advocate against the duck

Mr Ford said: “While some people breached game hunting and public safety laws, most of the people our authorised officers spoke with were complying with the law.”

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.

We are in this together, and together we will get through.

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

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.

5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on — but most of all we are a community.

www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

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. Peter Walsh MP

Young cyclist hit on busy highway corner

POLICE are looking for witnesses to an alleged hit-run accident in Inglewood.

Sgt Sean Dixon said the primary school student was riding a bicycle when hit on the corner of Inglewood’s Brooke and Verdon Streets between 3.30pm and 4pm on July 7.

“The young bike rider was not injured but the car continued on from the accident without stopping,” said Sgt Dixon.

He asked people with dashcam or those who stopped and helped the youngster to contact Inglewood police.

Police and emergency services were called to a Calder Highway accident near Glenalbyn on Saturday morning.

Two people, both from the outer Melbourne suburb of Mernda were injured when the utility hit a tree about 11.30am.

The driver had minor injuries and was taken to hospital while a female passenger was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. Police said accident may have been caused by a medical incident.

Meanwhile, police are continuing patrols of the highway in Loddon towns.

YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT

Last week’s Loddon Herald

Centuries of service

ALMOST 1500 years of volunteer service with the Country Fire Authority was recognised at Newbridge on Sunday.

Medals were presented to brigade members by the CFA’s Darren Crawford, among them a 65year award for former captain Ray Kelly.

Mr Kelly joined in 1956 after watching the brigade’s running team train at the recreation reserve.

“I had been riding my bike and saw the demonstration team on the track. I thought I would have a go,” Mr Kelly said.

Six years later he set the state record of 11.3 seconds in the rope climb event. The record will never be broken with the event no longer in championship programs.

“Seven years later I was at the brigade meeting and went home as captain,” Mr Kelly said, serving in the position from 1969 to 1984.

“Everyone plays their part in the brigade, we help each other and join together when the fire calls come.

“I can remember one fortnight some years ago when there was lots of lightning, we had two or three calls at the same time and all the district brigades were kept busy.”

Current captain Jason McDonald, only the sixth leader of the brigade in more than a century, received a 35-year medal.

He said the Newbridge brigade had recruited six new members this year.

“That’s been our biggest intake for a long time and says the future of our brigade is looking

bright,” he said. “And we had one of our busiest years with 24 incidents, fires and accidents.” Medal presentations to members unable to be at Sunday’s ceremony will be made in coming months. Among them, Newbridge’s long-serving member David Heather who will receive the CFA’s 70-year service medal.

10-year: Jakob O’Keefe, Michelle Stewart.

15-year: Jon Holland, Simon Cole, Kylie Collins.

20-year: Nick Punton, Warren Collins,

Captain Jason McDonald (left) and CFA’s Darren Crawford with ex-captain and 65-year member Ray Kelly (above) and Mr Crawford with Alan Schools who has been a member for 55 years.

Kevin McDonald, Merilyn Moyle, Steven Pickering.

25-year: Greg Pickering, Phil Scholes, Mark Tuohey, Daniel O’Keefe, Harry Moyle, Trevor Collins, Gerard Collins, Wendy Metelmann, Anthony Scholes. 30-year: Merrill Cole, Peter Pollock, Christopher Ramsay.

35-year: Jason McDonald, William Stewart, Shirley Heather, Thomas Evans, Graeme Collins, Peter Hamilton, Tony Holland.

40-year: Hedley Price, Lorna Stewart, Gladys Scholes, Julie Ramsay, Graeme Stewart. 45-year: Jim Metelmann, Christopher Lumber, Glen Cole.

50-year: Fraser Ramsay, Ian Pickering, John Steel, Robert Pollock. 55-year: Alan Scholes. 65-year: Ray Kelly. 70-year: David Heather.

LH PHOTOS

50-year members: Ian Pickering, John Steel, Fraser Ramsay and Robert Pollock

Long-serving members of the Newbridge bridade

VICTORIA HOTEL

1874

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Love our local!

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

People of influence command interest

THREE East Loddon P12 College junior students have progressed to the Year 5-6 final of the Lions junior public speaking award after giving speeches on the most influential person in their life.

Emily Lister, Baxter Long and Talia Smith will represent the college at the East Loddon club’s final. Runner-up was Neko Straub.

They were among eight students who spoke before other students and judges

Davidson,

a key topic for many of the young speakers.

Earlier, students from Years 3 and 4 had given talks on their favourite fairytale or book character.

Ruby Hocking, Jonty Hooke and Emily Hughes were selected as East Loddon’s representatives for the club final. Runnerup was Sophia Turra.

Trading hours

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Dinner from 6.00pm

Thursday – Open Midday

Social Darts Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Lunch from 12.00pm

Wednesday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Thursday – Open Midday

Saturday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Lunch from 12.00pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Dinner from 5.30pm

Friday – Open Midday

Sunday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

A 2.75 per cent rate rise in Loddon Shire was confirmed by councillors at their monthly meeting on Tuesday.

Councillors also approved the 20242025 budget after being told no submissions had been received from residents on the draft documents.

The Budget will see a capital expenditure program of $6.96 million, which includes $3.51 million towards roads, $100,000 for parks and streetscapes and $500,000 for recreation and community facilities.

Council has also included a $300,000 allocation for works associated with the building asset management plan and full funding of council’s ongoing commitment to community planning of $750,000.

LIVEMUSICDUO

There is also flood restoration works budgeted of $20 million, which is in addition to the $20 million budgeted in 20232024.

Mayor Gavan Holt said: “The budget includes a rate increase of 2.75 per cent. This is in line with the Fair Go Rates System which has capped rate increases by Victorian councils. Council has also identified a number of significant cost and revenue impacts during the budget process which it has had to take into consideration. These include the continued delivery of flood restoration works (and) council’s desire to continue to support Community Planning to drive strategic outcomes from a community level.”

Community garden making its wicker bed

THE first of two working bees to establish a community garden at Inglewood and Districts Health Service will be held tomorrow morning.

IDHS is calling out to volunteers to help

build wicker beds at its Hospital Street campus.

Volunteers will return later next month to fill the new beds with vegetables and herbs

John

Felicity Davidson and Loddon Herald editor Chris Earl last Thursday. Fathers were

Year 5 and 6 students after giving their speeches last week. LH PHOTO

Inspiration comes from rich history

JULIE Piening has been lauded for providing for an inspiratiing resource charting the history of the Rheola Charity Carnival.

Her book All Roads Lead to Rheola was released on Saturday at the local hall.

Carnival president Matt Catto said: “Julie has devoted hundreds of hours to researching the history of the Loddon Shire’s iconic and oldest community event.

“The information and detail, old posters, advertisements and photographs are a source of pride for the generations of local people who have been part of the carnival and an absolute inspiration for everyone who today as the carnival continues beyond 150 years,” he said.

Julie is part of the sixth generation Leach family at Rheola and a

Goldfields Library

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member of the carnival committee.

She opted for a social afternoon launch of the book celebrating the carnival’s first 150 years over a formal launch.

Julie started researching the book in 2019 “inspired by the work of my grandfather, Donald Clark, who in 2001 had researched and prepared a booklet on 130 years of the Rheola Charity Carnival”.

“My initial idea had been to add to his work and take it up to the 150 years which was to be celebrated in 2020,” she said.

“Then the pandemic hit and caused a delay in holding the 150th carnival. But in turn, this gave me more time for research.”

Julie said the extra time meant she could fill gaps in the recorded

history of the carnival that saw visits to the State Library and accessing online information.

“The book is a snapshot of what a small town has achieved over 150 years,” Julie said.

Saturday’s book release again brought people to the Rheola Hall, among today’s members of families part of the carnival that raises funds for Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Maryborough Health’s Dunolly campus.

Matt said: “Julie’s lovingly written book has immediately proven a hit.

“She’s just signed my copy and you can see the enthusiasm of people now waiting their turn for the signature. Well done Julie, the book is wonderful.”

Agencies have some ideas, but want to hear YOUR thoughts! Your ideas, suggestions and feedback will help shape the future of our libraries, so please have your say at one of our community events or take a few minutes to complete our survey. More info on our website: https://www.ncgrl.vic.gov. au/futurereadylibraries

Tarnagulla Footpath Renewal Program

The Tarnagulla Footpath Renewal on ground works is nearing commencement, with contractors expected to start in July

Half reported crime remains unsolved

ALMOST half of criminal incidents in the Loddon Shire for the 12 months to March remain unsolved.

Crime Statistics Agency data released last week shows a slight increase in incidents across the shire.

The biggest rise was in Boort where incidents for the 12-month period jumped from 16 to 26. Wedderburn was up eight and Bridgewater five.

Inglewood and Pyramid Hill were within two of the previous 12 months.

Most incidents were for criminal damage and burglaries.

However, recorded offences in the shire dropped 7.8 per cent.

The biggest fall was Pyramid Hill, down from 44 to 29.

The town has been without a permanent police officer since last year. Boort, also without a permanent officer, saw recorded offences rise from 20 to 38 while there was also a jump of almost 30 per cent in Bridgewater.

2024. Loddon Shire Council is upgrading the existing asphalt footpath and nature strip on both sides of Commercial Road between King Street and Wayman Street. A black coloured mix concrete is to be used for the footpath, driveways and nature strips to preserve town’s appearance.

New garden beds will be installed along the nature strip to enhance the town’s beauty, along with some enhancements to include some new intersection details at Poverty Street are also part of this renewal program.

This program is designed to retain the town’s outlook with better footpaths, nature strips and garden beds.

It is great to see the start of on ground works nearing and I’m sure the Tarnagulla community is looking forward to the project starting and the subsequent completion of this renewal project.

Community Grants Program

Council is proud to support Loddon community groups with funding through the Community Grants Program to deliver some amazing projects.

Community groups with projects that develop or improve upon existing facilities, fund programs, purchase equipment that will increase accessibility and participation and meet a demonstrated community need are encouraged to apply.

According to the data, most offenders were men - 114 of 145 - and in the 45-plus age group.

The agency’s records show an 18.7 per cent jump in family violence for the 12 months to March, reports jumping from 107 to 127.

The result ends a downward trend since 2022 and again has family violence in the Loddon Shire above the state average.

State-wide, there were 535,673 criminal offences recorded in Victoria in the year to March – an increase of 39,261 offences or 7.9 per cent.

Acting Deputy Commissioner regional operations Brett Curran said: “Overall crime continues to gradually increase from the low levels recorded during the pandemic years.

““The response to family violence remains a critical priority for Victoria Police.

We have thousands of police working tirelessly to apprehend family violence perpetrators and bring them before the courts.”

Funding can also be used as a co-contribution as part of an organisation’s financial contribution for an external funding application.

For more information, visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/ For-residents/Community- support/Council-grants

Ward Boundary Review Final Report

Minister for Local Government, The Hon Melissa Horne has decided on the final ward boundaries for Loddon Shire, following recommendations from the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).

As a result, adjustments will be made to the boundaries of the Inglewood and Tarnagulla Wards. These changes were necessary to accommodate the relatively high growth rate in and around the town of Inglewood, resulting in most of Derby, Leichardt, and part of Inglewood and Bridgewater transferring from Inglewood Ward to Tarnagulla Ward. All other boundaries were left unchanged.

The changes will take effect for the upcoming Council elections in October.

To view the final report, visit https://www.localgovernment. vic.gov.au/council-governance/electoral-representationadvisory-panels-eraps

Booking signing: Sue and Gary Stephenson with Julie Piening, Trevor and Liz Bryant, Maryanne Duke and Lindsay Soulsby.

Nuclear proposal finds favour, says Webster

THERE was early support in Loddon

Coalition’s nuclear power plans.

That was the feedback to Mallee MP Anne Webster after popup community sessions in Boort and Pyramid Hill last Thursday.

Dr Webster’s visit to the Loddon Shire came just a day after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced the Coaliation policy for the next election due by May.

She said the policy charted a responsible pathway to net zero carbon dioxide emissions in Australia by 2050.

Dr Webster said policy contrasted with the Federal Government’s rush for renewable energy and Victroria’s proposed VNI West renewable energy transmission line.

“As I have been consistently saying for years, Labor has been steamrolling regional communities in Mallee and beyond without social licence. Labor are trying to build 28,000km of transmission lines, 22,000 solar panels a day and 40 wind

turbines a month to reach an exclusively wind-and-solar path to energy generation,” Dr Webster said.

“Mallee residents have felt the brunt of Labor’s approach with abysmal consultation on the proposed 400km of VNI West transmission lines and poor - or disingenuous - community consultation by wind turbine proponents across the electorate.”

The Coalition has proposed seven nuclear power plants across Australia - two in New

South Wales, one in Victoria at Loy Yang, two in Queensland, and small modular reactors in South Australia and Western Australia. Affected communities will benefit and be engaged through a 30-month community consultation process.

“Wind turbines require 360 times more land than nuclear, and photovoltaic solar panels require 75 times more – and neither figure includes the land needed for transmission lines.

(The) announcement preserves our prime agricultural land and pristine bushland across regional Australia,” Dr Webster said.

“The Coalition’s responsible energy plan stops Labor’s railroading of regional communities dead in its tracks.

“We can use the existing poles and wires and work with local communities and their skilled energy workforces. There is no need to rewire the energy grid at enormous cost to Australian energy customers during this costof-living crisis.”

Indian community cooks up chicken dinner

Learn Local opens skill doors

LEARN Local is equipping people with valuable skills that open new doors to work, further study and meaningful participation in daily life. the State Goverrnment says of its low-cost courses from maths, literacy and English language to digital and workplace skills.

Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney, says the initiative has a key role in building equity into Victoria’s education ecosystem to ensure all Victorians can pursue the opportunities they deserve.

ugee to Australia and originally from Myanmar, who is undertaking the digital literacy employment class and introduction to child care course at Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services. Day Wah has already gained critical skills through his classes that he can directly apply to everyday life and towards building a future in Australia.

The multicultural celebration has become a regular collaboration involving Regional Victorians of Colour, Boort District Health and Northern District Community Health.

BOORT’S Indian community served up a winter-warming meal on Friday night. They shared secrets in cooking the perfect butter chicken and basmati rice dish in a special demonstration and later shared the dish with the community who had gathered in Boort Memorial Hall.

Called Moving Feast at Boort, the event was a celebration of cultural diversity and community spirit with Indian expats and the community engaging in conversations, shared stories, and experiencing the traditions of Indian cooking.

“Adult and community education plays a vital role ensuring all Victorians are supported to gain the skills they need to pursue further study and rewarding careers.

“Learn Local courses are helping people to transform their lives through community-based education that is focused on the needs of learners and their communities.”

Day Wah is a newly arrived ref-

“Entering a new country can be daunting but Learn Local has given me a sense of independence and confidence to find my feet. I can now use the skills learned in my classes to write my own resume and cover letter, search for employment, and to find secure work in the childcare sector” he says. In 2022-23, 24,595 learners participated in Learn Local training with a recent survey indicating that 90 percent of learners were satisfied with their training. About 27 per cent of learners took Learn Local courses for work-related reasons.

Day Wah

Anne Webster

Stitching together memories

DOZENS of women from across the Loddon worked sewing dressing gowns in the 25 years that Australian company Givoni had a factory in Wedderburn.

Now, 35 years after the sewing machines fell silent and 21 jobs were lost, the call has gone out to former workers to attend a reunion in November.

Robyn Vella is one of the former staff members planning to reconnect people and members at the reunion.

Her first full-time job was at the Givoni factory that opened in the town’s former Commercial Hotel in March 1964.

“A few of us were talking the other day and thought it would be great to get as many together as possible,”

“Givoni was a major employer for the town and the women came from Korong Vale, Bridgewater, Inglewood, Newbridge, Serpentine and Charlton to work there.”

Robyn said Rita Nasi had managed the factory until its closure in September 1989.

“Rita is still living in Bendigo and maintains contact with many in Wedderburn. We hope she will be able to attend,” said Robyn.

The building used by Givoni was originally built by Alfred Wilson to replace the original Commercial Hotel destroyed by fire in 1898.

The hotel was de-licensed in 1921 and was used as a hospital

between 1924 and 1938. After World War Two, it was used by Rampling and Hall as a boot factory from 1945 to 1959.

The Givoni company was established in 1947, manufacturing dyed brush and printed the fabric in Sandringham.

The sewing of garments was done at Sandringham, Moe, Castlemaine, Wedderburn and Swan Hill. Pre-cut material was transported to Wedderburn daily for sewing by local staff.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jacinta

REGIONAL community development and cross-cultural specialist Rose Vincent will speak at a Loddon tourism network dinner next month.

The dinner in Pyramid Hill will see Rose talking on her background in cultural development.

Loddon Shire’s tourism and economic development manager David Stretch said Rose would highlight the importance of local partnerships and identifying opportunities to grow the cultural heartbeat of a community.

“The event will provide an opportunity for tourism businesses from across the Loddon Shire to connect and network over dinner, whilst enjoying a keynote presentation and some local visitor economy updates,” Mr Stretch said.

Ermacora MP

MEMBER FOR WESTERN VICTORIA REGION

For help with State Government issues please email my office jacinta.ermacora@parliament.vic.gov.au phone my office 9651 8238

PO Box 831, Warrnambool VIC 3280 9651 8238 jacinta.ermacora@parliament.vic.gov.au @JacintaErmacoraMP jacintaermacora.com.au

Jenny Martin and Helen Lloyd sewing dressing growns at Givoni’s Wedderburn factory in the 1980s.

Rose Vincent

State honours for studs

LODDON studs have brought home ribbons across three breeds from the weekend’s Victorian Sheep Show in Ballarat.

The show was the last major event at Ballarat’s historic showgrounds before demolition and redevelopment of Eureka Stadium. New showgrounds are under construction at Mount Rowan.

The McGauchie’s Terrick West stud continued its success in March-shorn competition with the champion fine wool ram and ewe.

Don McKinnon Derby Downs poll dorset stud exhibited the reserve champion ewe and collected class awards. And Don’s niece Rosemary claimed first ribbons in the white Suffolk classes.

SHEEP AND LAMBS

LAMB numbers came back to 9510 head and sheep just 3170 as the yarding went very wintery with a lot of smaller clean-up lots at Bendigo on Monday.

It meant buyers had to chase harder for the limited runs of lambs and sheep with weight and finish and these were up to $20 dearer.

Plainer lambs also sold at stronger levels but price improvements were not as significant, these types lifting by around $5 to $10/head.

But while processor competition did intensify buyers were still able to average down their purchase costs by picking through the plainer and more wintery looking lambs.

The result was a price scale of 780c to 820c/kg cwt for a limited run of stand-out supermarket and domestic style lambs; followed by 720c to 780c/kg cwt for the main run of heavy and trade lambs; and then 650c to 700c/kg cwt for plainer lambs in smaller lots and longer skins.

There was a lot of penlots that had less than 30 head. Export lambs over 30kg cwt from $220 to a top of $274 to move up to a ballpark average of 750c.

The best supermarket style went over $200, and good trade lambs sold from $164 to $205/hd at 720c to 780c for most with occasional pens at a premium above 800c/ kg cwt.

Plainer and lighter trade lambs $135 to $165/hd for most. Light lambs mostly $70 to $135 and were dearer in places amid very mixed quality. In the Merino section some small lots of heavy weights made $162 to $185/head.

There was a big run of lean Merino lambs but with frame-size and in a reasonable skin that sold to feeders/restockers at $138 to $160/head.

Agents did pay up to $170 for trade framed crossbred lambs to feed on. The sheep sale followed the trend of the lamb market by favouring sheep with weight and reasonable fat cover.

Heavy mutton gained up to $20 in a sale that gained momentum as it went, good lines of processing sheep costing 350c to just over 400c/kg cwt. Big crossbred ewes to $110 to $139; Merino ewes in wool to $144; big Merino wethers $110 to $142.

But there was little price movement on the most secondary and light sheep at $20 to $55/head. Rams at $9 to $18/head.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Well-presented lambs brought a premium. Heavy mutton recovered from a dip the previous week.

Monday, June 24th 2024 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 9,500 | Sheep - 3,000

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

Collins - 0408

CROSSBRED LAMBS

RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (96) $ 274. DJ & ED Lees Rochester (175) $267. AB & KB Broom Neereman (29) $240.

Blencowe

Niven El-

Terrick West’s Claire McGauchie with the champion ram

Derby Downs’ Lachlan Bailey with judge Joe Scott

Capital chats explore future

MORE than 100 landholders and agricultural industry professionals delved into the latest emerging opportunities for the sector at the North Central Catchment Management Authority’s Natural Capital Forum.

The Bendigo forum was attended by Loddon farmers and provided an exploration of environmental, social, and governance issues and discussions on natural capital and carbon emissions.

Keynote speakers - Australian Farm Institute executive director Katie McRobert, La Trobe University Associate Professor Jim Radford, and Farming for the Future strategic engagements manager Angela Hawdon - set the stage for dynamic conversation emphasising the growing importance of these topics and the imperative for farmers to actively engage.

“Australian farmers are under increasing pressure both locally and internationally to report on environmental performance,” Professor Radford said.

Ms Hawdon highlighted the motivations driving farmers towards natural capital initiatives, emphasising resilience, productivity, and access to additional markets as key drivers.

She said natural capital is in-

tertwined with mainstream farm management practices.

“Farmers need a good ‘why’ to invest in natural capital. Farming for the Future projects are working on that ‘why’,” she said.

Farmers sharing practical applications of natural capital strategies was a highlight at the forum.

Representing diverse agricultural sectors including beef, sheep, wool, lamb, and cropping, these stories underscored the relevance of natural capital across different farming enterprises.

Clare Cannon of Woomargama Station was involved in the farm scale natural capital accounting project lead by Latrobe University.

“The opportunity to become involved in Natural Capital Accounting became an opportunity to measure our progress,” she said.

“I was impressed with the depth of information and how complete the report was. I’m yet to work out how we can use all this information for now and into the future, but now we have a benchmark.

“I’m sure it will be important for provenance, audits, banking or in ways yet to be established.”

WOOL REPORT

Alison Kelly, of Agriculture Victoria’s On-farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot program encouraged farmers to know your number, understand your number before you act on your number.

“Often farmers don’t know where to start and want advice on how to prioritise actions that are feasible for their farming system and support their goals for emissions reduction (and sequestration) over the short, medium and long term,” she said.

Loddon Vale farmer Jo Bear took the opportunity to learn more about their farm emissions

After six selling days with consecutive rises, across which the benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) added 40 cents, the Australian wool market has been unable to maintain this upward trajectory, recording an overall fall last week, driven by losses in the merino fleece sector. With Fremantle again holding no sale due to limited quantity, the national offering dropped to 27,490 bales. With only one sale left in the 2023/24 selling season the total amount offered is set to finish lower than the previous season. Season to date there has been 1,789,762 total bales offered, this is 43,528 bales or 2.4% lower than last season. The individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece dropped by between 2 and 38 cents. The only exception was the 20.0 micron in the North, a limited offering of this type attracted strong competition and the MPG closed 3 cents higher as result. Skirtings were well supported through out the week, finishing the series generally unchanged. The oddments had a mixed week, with the North rising and the South falling, for an overall small average loss. A solid week for the finer crossbred sector in the Southern region, where the MPGs for 25 to 28 microns gained between 5 and 17 cents, prevented the EMI from recording a larger fall. The EMI finished 10 cents lower, closing the week at 1,160 cents. The softer market contributed to the passed in rate of 7.9%, the largest in six weeks. Fremantle returns to the selling roster this week, pushing the national offering higher for the final sale of the season. As this will also be the last sale of the current financial year, many sellers wishing to sell this year take this final opportunity.

There are currently 40,203 bales expected be offered in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Source: AWEX

Branch Manager & Senior Agronomist

Craig Sharam 0408 188 351

Wool - Adam Millard 0400 499 064

Livestock - Nigel Starick 0408 528 322 Wade Broadstock 0427 337 231 Lachie McAlister 0428 717 403 Chris Anderson 0408 921 540

Merchandise - Glenn Jackson 0429 076 459

Agronomy - Anton Mannes 0499 708 044 Josh Mcleod 0447 678 609

number through the AgVic Pilot.

“There’s a lot of noise about emissions, it’s hard to get really accurate information about what to focus on, and with the Australian beef industry setting the aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2050, we don’t want to be left behind, we can’t be left behind,” she said.

Carbon farming also featured on the program with Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Liam Costello discussing tree-based carbon farming projects that can also generate a range of on-farm ben-

efits including improving shade and shelter for stock, enhancing surrounding biodiversity and generating wood or timber products.

Loddon Vale farmer Jo Bear, Narelle Beattie, Alison Kelly and NCCMA board member Olivia Lawson at the forum

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Deflection of responsibility

WATCHERS of government finances will find no surprises in the latest batch of annual council satisfaction surveys for rural councils across Victoria.

These statistical snapshots have become a convenient way for the deflection of responsibility in delivery of key local services, particularly roads.

Councils are left carrying the can as they battle for a fair, reasonable and equitable share of funds from state and federal governments.

It’s been going on for decades. Cost shifting to the lowest tier of government, decreased funding in real terms and allocations that at times have barely, if at all, kept pace with inflation.

Governments like to spruik “record investments” and indeed, in dollar terms, they are often correct.

But reality is a universe away, exacerbated for many councils by recent natural disasters - remember the Loddon Shire has been hit by major and damaging floods twice in 18 months - and the delays in securing approval from authorities within state and

EDItORIAl

federal government for works that will repair damaged roads and bridges.

Bureaucracy of the top tiers of government have sat back and increasingly made local councils the scapegoats.

Against that backdrop, of course, local residents are going to take the baseball bat to their council when picking up the phone and being asked about a shire’s performance.

Local government has been reduced too often to a poorlyresourced branch office of the big bureaucrats in Melbourne and Canberra.

Rural councils are constantly raising their voices as advocates and lobbyists, keen to collar any MP who might exhibit an inkling of a thought that listening to a rural council is worth setting aside a few minutes.

They have jumped at the opportunity of putting a strong, and to most reasonable people, a compelling case that the share of the pie allocated by federal

yOUR ONlINE WORDS

MINISTER COY ON HEALTH SERVICE MERGERS

Mike Akers wrote: But Dan’s sitting pretty and (got) an Order of Australia.

Mick Korong wrote: And it certainly doesn’t help when you’re waiting four years for elective surgery.

PETER AND SUE MOORE

SELL THEIR INGLEWOOD IGA BUSINESS

Helen Leech wrote: Congratulations Peter and Sue, I worked at his supermarket when it was across the road many years ago. Great asset to the town.

Bill Concol wrote: Our community owes a lot to the Moores.

BRIDGEWATER CORELLA PROBLEM STILL STIRRING READERS

Darren Quigley wrote: Those Trees at Bridgewater along the Loddon. Certainly need to be monitored.

Michelle Mead wrote: They are birds, they live in trees. Have some tolerance and let them be.

Brian Burns wrote: The birds aren’t the problem, it’s the abun-

dance of wheat around the flour mill and the silos, that’s what’s bringing them to the town, just so happens they like to nest around water and are nesting in the trees!

Salli Dearricott wrote: Brian Burns yep, just have to look at Google maps. Culling birds will make no difference, it’s the feed bringing them in.

Steve Jefferies wrote: Gum trees come back after a bushfire, so a bit of pruning from birds won’t hurt them, been happening for thousands of years.

Chris Young wrote: Shot gun

and state governments not only should, but must be increased.

Rural councils rely on “others” for something like half their income to deliver basic services.

If any reduction or delay is caused by poor flow of funds, councils should speak up more often and tell residents to vent their anger and frustrations at the root of the problem.

Otherwise, the annual satisfaction surveys will continue to show decline and annoyance with the performance of rural councils.

Our communities deserve proper investment in infrastructure and services, our councils deserve funding to allow adequate maintenance of those roads and bridges travelled every day by residents.

Councils are not perfect but they are the tier of government closest to the people. A target that all too often lets state and federal governments off the hook of real responsibility ... wiping their hands all too easily.

and a box of shells should do the trick!

John Haby wrote: Bird scare gun. Gone after three days use. achieves excellent outcomes! Inform the local residents about the bird dispersion gas gun can be utilised for a few days, specifically just before sunset.

Jodi Hocking wrote: it would be worth a try.

Michele Mizzi wrote: We don’t want them moving to Newbridge!

EAST LODDON P12

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL VOWS TO CALL OUT SLURS

Alex Holt wrote: A 94 year old local gentleman told me he only goes looking for the good in people and he always finds it. What a kind way to view fellow humans. There’s a lesson for us all in that.

Bernard Bracken wrote: A great stand by principal and staff.

Margaret Kirby wrote: So sad and disappointing to hear this but from what I know of East Loddon College, their wonderful core values will shine through and issues like this will be dealt with in the best way possible. Fantastic school!

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. What is the smallest prime number?

2. The construction of which ancient landmark began under Emperor Vespasian?

3. What is the smallest species of tiger?

4. Vegemite is advertised as being a good source of which Vitamin?

5. Who is the youngest person to be Prime Minister of Australia?

6. What is the name of the Coco Pops mascot?

7. Cryophobia is the fear of what?

8. In the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, what is the name of the magazine that Miranda Priestly edits?

9. True or false – Tug of war used to be an Olympic sport.

10. Which system of communication uses a

series of dots and dashes to represent letters and numbers?

11. What are the little people in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ called?

12. The Six Nations is a competition for which sport?

13. Golden Orb was the code name for which operation involving the British Royal Family?

14. Which two colours are key to creating purple?

15. Which singer is referred to as the ‘Queen of Soul’?

16. The larvae of a common housefly is often called what?

17. Which country is hosting the Olympic Games in 2028?

18. What are capsicums called in the UK?

19. Which covers a larger area – Arctic or Antarctic?

20. Is Pilchard the name of the cat in Postman Pat or Bob the Builder?

ANSWERS

THE mornings have been so chilly that it’s been easy to roll over, staying warm and snug. But Bradley of Boort had other ideas on Monday. On another day when the ice was sharper than a steak knife and the temperature looking like another big fat Zero, intrepid Bradley was out putting up his latest Treemendous Sign. Guess the degree of difficulty was greater in the morning chill.

T ALKING about hitting the roads in all weather, The Oracle (he of crystal ball fame) is worthy of cracking a mention in OTF this week for heading north at the weekend watching the sons kick the football around. He reports the warmth of hospitality up Wyche way was as good as the home-made soup he devours in the winter months.

A H yes, home-made soup? Saw the other day a photo of a big pot with the captions “when you know what’s on the meal table for the next week”. Winter soups (double dose of pearl barley) and hearty stews are just what’s needed in the depths of winter.

O KAY, haven’t had any jokes for a while. Let’s break the ice with these - Where does a snowman get the weather report? The winternet. What’s the weatherman’s favorite food in winter? Brrr-itos! Why did the husband pour warm water on his computer? He had asked his wife what to do if windows froze.

A ND what about the car these cold mornings: They reckon vinegar alcohol, salt water or onion will stop the window being covered in ice.. ...

1. Two 2. The Colosseum 3. Sumatran tiger 4. B 5. John Watson (37 years

days) 6. Coco the Monkey 7. Cold 8. Runway 9. True 10. Morse Code 11. Munchkins 12. Rugby union 13. Coronation of King Charles III 14. Red and

blue 15. Aretra Franklin 16. Maggot 17. U.S.A 18. Peppers 19. Arctic (14.5 million km²) 20. Bob the Builder.

bUShy tAlES by IAN jONES

How life changed for popular Pat

By CHRIS EARL

PAT Russell vividly remembers the first sign that things might not be too good.

He was installing a swimming pool at Bullarto deep in Victoria’s Central Highlands in the winter of 2019.

“My right hand just seized up ... thought nothing of it at the time. It was cold, freezing and had been snowing a few days before,” said the Bears Lagoon Football Club reserves coach.

That was until last year when after a visit to the doctor and tests confirmed he had debilitating Motor Neurone Disease.

“June 5 last year ... the Monday before the MND Big Freeze as part of the AFL round in Melbourne,” said Pat.

Just over 12 months on Pat, wife Chelsea and children Imogen and Jye are adapting to a very different life.

Last week he “retired”, taking each day as it comes and making the most of time with family and friends. Time is an unknown but Pat is determined to enjoy every day.

And on Saturday, he will be the reason Loddon Valley football, and netball clubs are throwing support behind an MND fundraising round at Serpentine.

“We set a target of $3000 but that’s already been broken and we could perhaps reach $7000 or more,” said Chelsea.

Chelsea was “recruited” to play netball at Serpentine soon after Pat arrived as a footballer in 2010. She had been at Newbridge and her old club has already chipped in $1000 for the fundraiser.

Serpentine’s opponent this weekend, Inglewood, is backing the cause and will have netballers and footballers take the slide into ice water after the senior football match.

President Greg Gadsden says Loddon Valley clubs have thrown huge support behind the day.

“Pat’s not a local but he and the family have been around the

club, he’s pretty much considered one,” said Greg.

“He’s affable, likeable, engaging and great for Serpentine and the club. And its not just our own members and supporters backing Pat and his family to raise funds and awareness of MND. I was at a meeting of club presidents on Monday and the support from every other club was amazing.”

Pat isn’t too keen on the spotlight and says the support, especially from his reserves players as he continues to coach them, is

a combination of exciting, humbling and surreal.

“Exciting for the let’s do it attitude, humbling ... I don’t like talking about myself, surreal with what is happening,” he said.

The most surreal moment was on the King’s Birthday Weekend. He joined Collingwood, coached by brother-in-law Craig McRae, raising awareness of MND.

Pat laughs when it’s suggested he might become the Daniher of the Bush. Former AFL coach Neale Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and has since become an ambassador and fundraiser.

“It was something though to lead Collingwood in the club song after they beat Melbourne in the Big Freeze round. I also got to speak with the playing group and spend time with old school mate (former Geelong player and now Collingwood development coach) Scott Selwood Commitments didn’t make it possible to catch up with Neale that day but there are plans to get us together.”

Pat and Chelsea admit the 12 months since diagnosis have been no walk in the park.

“My outlook (on life) has changed ... It’s no good being grumpy. So I channel all my efforts into doing things.”

Founded in 2014, FightMND was established with the purpose of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.

What FightMND has done since 2014 is be the voice, and the guiding star for Australians who want to fight ‘the Beast’. The horrible and debilitating disease gradually takes away the patient’s use of their arms and legs, their ability to eat and swallow, their speech and ultimately their ability to breathe … all in an average timeframe of just 27 months.

Former AFL player and coach Neale Daniher is the co-founder and patron of Fight MND. He was diagnosed with MND in 2013.

What is the ‘Beast’

The disease affects two groups of motor neurons within the central nervous system (CNS) that are involved in the initiation of muscle contraction and movement,

Chelsea said Pat’s diagnosis had been a shock. “I had heard of MND but didn’t know anyone with the disease or so young.”

Pat was diagnosed at aged 34. MND is not detected in most people until their 50s or 60s.

The couple are stoked with the outpouring of support since Pat’s diagnosis but also the enthusiasm to back fundraising activities.

“Everyone is really happy to do their bit,” said Chelsea.

“And it’s lovely to see other clubs ... it’s more about community awareness of MND than anything.”

The Russells don’t know exactly what the future looks like. “No idea,” said Pat. “We’ll just keep creating memories with friends, family and being part of the great spirit that shines in country football and netball.”

Chelsea adds: “We just want to help find a cure for this horrid thing.”

MND fundraising merchandise will be on sale at Saturday’s match at Janiember Park, Serpentine, while a large crowd is expected to stay to watch the Big Freeze after the final siren.

“It’ll be good seeing Jayden Gladman and a few others going into the tank,” Pat said with a glint of excitement in the eye.

Upper Motor Neurons (UMN): cells originating in the motor cortex of the brain which travel down through the brainstem and spinal cord where they synapse with the lower motor neurons.

Lower Motor Neurons (LMN): cells originating within the spinal cord that send long processes called axons out of the spinal cord all the way to muscle where they synapse to cause muscle contraction

It is also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease in the US, named after the famous American Baseball player who succumbed to the disease.

With no residual muscles or strength, MND patients are left motionless, mute, and trapped within their once active bodies.

In the majority, the mind and intellect are left intact, with the sufferer bearing witness to it all.

The patterns of weakness and rate of progression vary from person to person.

Pat in the Collingwood rooms after the Pies won their Big Freeze match against Melbourne on the King’s Birthday weekend

Pat Russell is making the most of every day after his MND diagnosis a year ago. LH PHOTO

A slice of the best

AUSTRALIAN travellers agree ... the vanilla slices at Bridgewater Bakehouse are the best in the land.

The votes of gastronomically-conscious tourists saw the Loddon bakery take out wotif. com’s people’s choice award for Australia’s top vanilla slice, the sweet treat bakery owner Patrick O’Toole says goes hand in hand with a coffee. “It’s our top seller for cakes,” he said.

“The flavouring and consist-

ency of the custard that’s fluffy, the pastry that has a buttery texture and flavour and breaks clean when you take a bite.

“And the icing ... people want their sugar too.”

The famous vanilla slice remains the champion in the Great Vanilla Slice competition too, taking out the prize when the event has been held in 2018 and 2019.

The vanilla slice is one of many tempting cakes made fresh daily by the staff at Bridgewater

Bakehouse and well paired with a freshly-brewed coffee.

Why not then wander down to the banks of the picturesque Loddon River, a delightful setting to relax and enjoy a relaxing day.

Pat, Theresa and staff look forward to welcoming you back to the Bridgewater Bakehouse.

It’s a food experience people keep returning for in Bridgewater.

DEATH

NOTICE

Hartskeerl – Grant Jonathon 18/12/1974 -18/6/2024

We will always remember your cheeky laugh.

Always in our hearts, Rest easy. Your loving family Kelly, Cody, Mitchell and Maya

FUNERAL NOTICE

HARTSKEERL – Grant Jonathon

A funeral service to Celebrate the Life of Grant Jonathon Hartskeerl

Will be held at 2pm, Monday 1st July 2024, Mulqueen Family Funerals 15–25 Bridge Street Bendigo.

Private cremation will be held.

To view the livestream of the service, please go to www.mulqueen.com.au/livestream

PUBLIC NOTICES

Intention to sell – Murphys Creek

Loddon Shire Council gives notice under section 114 (2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2020 and in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy, that it intends to sell land located at:  Lot 1 TP409237, Wimmera Highway Murphys Creek, the former Murphy’s Creek Recreation Reserve

The land has no council or community purpose and as such is recognised as surplus to Council needs.

A person may make a submission on Council’s intention. Submissions must be received by close of business on Thursday 25 July 2024, and should be addressed to the Chief Executive O cer, Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn 3518 or via email to executive@loddon.vic.gov.au

Any person who has made a written submission to Council may request in writing to be heard in person in support of the written submission or by a person acting on their behalf before Council at a time and date to be advised.

Any queries can be directed to Christine Coombes, Executive Services O cer, on 5494 1200 or via email executive@loddon. vic.gov.au

Water Act 1989

NOTICE OF MAKING OF THE BY LAW NO. 2 WATERWAYS PROTECTION 2024 NORTH CENTRAL CATCHMENT MANGEMENT AUTHORITY

By resolution of 12 JUNE 2024 the NORTH CENTRAL CATCHMENT MANGEMENT AUTHORITY under sections 160, 219 and 287ZC of the Water Act 1989 made By-Law. No. 2 Waterways Protection 2024 North Central Catchment Management Authority.

The purpose of the by-law is to make provisions for –a. the control, management and authorisation of works and activities in, under, on or over designated waterways and designated land or works;

b. the protection and care of designated waterways and designated land or works; and c. the conservation and preservation of flora, fauna and habitat in designated waterways and designated land or works.

The by-law is made using the Waterways Protection Model By-law made by the Minister for Water under section 287ZB of the Water Act 1989 on 6 March 2024.

A copy of the by-law is available on the North Central Catchment Management Authority website, https://www.nccma.vic.gov.au. A copy is also available for inspection during the ordinary business hours of the Authority, free of charge, at the North Central Catchment Management Authority offices at 628-634 Midland Hwy, Huntly. A copy of the by-law is able to be purchased, on demand, at the offices of the Authority during ordinary business hours.

NORTH CENTRAL CATCHMENT MANGEMENT AUTHORITY 628-634 Midland Hwy Huntly VIC 3551

90 Years of blood, sweat and friendships

Open Invitation

Come join us and celebrate the 90th birthdays of John Carroll and Don Farrar

At the Pyramid Hill Football Clubrooms

On Sunday 14th July 1.30pm to 4.30pm for afternoon tea and drinks.

NO PRESENTS BY REQUEST

We would love to see you there and hear memories of the good old days.

Please let us know if you are attending for catering purposes.

Jean Mann 0427 030002 Jeanette Carroll 0427 171934

Scrumptious

SOFT FOOD WORTH SHARING

The Kooyoora Women’s Network invites you to the next dinner on Wednesday 10th July at the Bridgewater Hotel 6-6:15 pm

Guest speakerAnna Deacon at 6:30 pm

Anna Deacon is a passionate home cook who believes that good food shared with love is a joy forever. She is the professional ringleader to two jolly children and wife of an even jollier Scottish librarian, and lives in Bendigo. Anna’s love of shared meals with family and friends has inspired Easy Eating Solutions and the easyeatingsolutions.com website.

Scrumptious: Soft Food Worth Sharing is Anna’s first book. Delicious, inclusive meals with those you love can feel like a big ask when eating is difficult. But for those who need or prefer a soft food diet, Anna Deacon, founder of Easy Eating Solutions, has published a beautiful cookbook to support a lifetime of eating well with friends and family. Easily modified for any texture, the recipes are designed so that everyone can sit down to enjoy the same meal together, which is always a boost to well-being, social inclusion and mental health.

RSVP: 7/ 7/ 24 to Sue Brown at 0409 198 974

Connecting rivers, landscapes, people FS1286

Chairman quiet on cuts as club representatives gather

CLUB have been left disappointed that Harness Racing Victoria chairman Adam Kilgour ignored that most pressing issue at the weekend.

Mr Kilgour was guest of Trots Club Victoria for its annual awards function but did not address angst of many clubs about to see their number of harness racing meetings slashed.

Boort’s John Campbell said the mood of affected clubs on Sunday in Bendigo was one of devastation and angst.

“The big disappointment is that Adam did not use the gathering to explain how Harness Racing Victoria believes we will be better off under the changes,” Campbell said.

“That was very disapppointing for our club, others affected by the change and most people in the room.”

Campbell joined officials from Boort and Wedderburn clubs at the function.

Both clubs have lost race meetings under the restructure aimed to claw back HRV financial woes.

Along with St Arnaud, Ouyen, Cohuna and Wangaratta, the two Loddon clubs have been left with a single meeting.

Campbell said Birchip would also have a single meeting.

“All the club tracks closed down in 2005 and re-opened in 2012 have been hit again,” Campbell said.

Defenders almost save day

A FAST-PACED and evenly matched game saw Wedderburn attack first in the North Central women’s hockey clash against St Arnaud on Saturday.

CAREERS AT LODDON SHIRE

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

J/267- Environmental Health O cer

 Full-time, permanent position

 Band 7 salary range $97,998.75$108,878.11 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Based at Council’s Wedderburn O ce Applications for the position above will close Monday 15 July 2024 at 5pm.

J/274- Procurement O cer (parental leave coverage)

 Full-time, xed term position (until 30 June 2025)

 Band 4 salary range- $66,374.18$70,993.84 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce

J/273- Financial Accountant

 Full-time, permanent position

 Band 6 salary range- $87,987.51$95,316.86 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce

J/272- Revenue Coordinator

 Full-time, permanent position

 Band 6 salary range- $87,987.51$95,316.86 per annum plus employer superannuation

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce

Applications for the positions above will close Monday 8 July 2024 at 5pm.

Casual Early Childhood Teacher –ref.J/124

 Casual position with exibility to choose your own days

 Early Childhood Teacher 1.1- $42.10 per hour (inclusive of casual loading)

 Positions available at all of our services Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received.

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

Ayla Hartnell made a great pass into goals for Laura Stilo to score, only to be deflected from the goalie.

In the second quarter St Arnaud started strong with Redbacks’ Carlie Turnbull defending and backing up goalie Genevieve Plozza with some amazing saves.

Kelsea Nisbet was determined to keep clearing balls out of defence to Neve Nisbet and Brittany Fasduk who ran hard all game. St Arnaud were awarded three short corners but couldn’t score.

It was anyone’s game until four minutes into the third quarter when St Arnaud caught Wedderburn unaware with goal from a short corner.

As the Saints rejoiced, Wedderburn responded with speed to their attacking end and a short corner hit in received by Brittany and Neve clipping it over the line.

Within the last minutes St Arnaud attacked hard and was awarded a short corner as time was called.

With brilliant deflection from goalie Genevieve there was no score.

Wedderburn regrouped for the break and were determined to defend and protect the goals. Both goalies and defenders worked hard along with the forward player trying to penetrate.

St Arnaud had several corners and under three minutes a free pass resulted in another corner with St Arnaud scoring.

It was a tense lead up to the end of the game with another corner awarded to St Arnaud and time called resulting in no goal scored.

A 1-2 loss for Wedderburn but a great game for the spectators. A team effort with awards to best on ground Carlie Turnbull, Kelsea Nisbet, Leane Martin and Genevieve Plozza.

Wedderburn’s underage team had a more competitive game with St Arnaud sharing some skilful players. Aiden Wingfield scored Wedderburn’s only goal.

Best on ground was Flynn Lonza, with the encouragement award going to Aidan Wingfield.

RESULTS

Kane takes commanding lead into final round

EVEN though it was less than 48 hours since the winter solstice, golfers at Boort on Sunday were forgiven for thinking they were playing in early spring as the sun beat down on a perfect June afternoon.

Making the most of the idyllic conditions, Damien Lanyon and Jarrod Nuttall won the A Grade and B Grade divisions respectively as the club’s biggest field of the year took to the course and two grades were needed.

Picking up balls in the ball pool with some solid scores were Andrew Kane, Jamie Sutton, Scott Rollinson and Craig Allison, who nudged out David Hellsten on a countback.

Winners in the nearest the pins were Tim, Damien, Andrew, Nola Cocking and

Julie Wilson, with Kevin Linehan and Damien unable to be split and so sharing the honours on the 15th .

This week will see the conclusion of the men’s club championships played out on Saturday.

At this stage, Andrew has a commanding lead in A Grade, but Damien is threatening Stuart Tweddle for the runners-up position, while David looks unbeatable in B Grade with Kevin heading off on holidays and the next rival at least 30 shots in arrears. The Weaver Cup will probably come down to whoever can pull out a hot last round between Damien, Scott, Stuart and Peter.

MITIAMO

A TWO-PERSON ambrose was played

on Sunday. Winners were

and Phil

PYRAMID HILL

Last Sunday was the third Championship round. Daily winner was Adam Twigg 95 (26) 69 and runner up Don Stewart 78 (7) 71. This weekend is the last round of the championships, which must be played for players to be eligible.

Current leaders - A Grade: Grant Mooney: 151 (nett 145),

B

207 (nett 151).

Minkey is where it all starts with skills and development had five enthusiastic players.

Under 12: Boort 0 lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 1. Wycheproof Narraport 2 d Donald 1. Underage: Boort 3 d Sea Lake Nandaly 2, Wedderburn 1 lost to St Arnaud 8. Wycheproof Narraport 0 lost to Donald 5.

Women: Boort 0 drew Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Wedderburn 1 lost to St Arnaud 2. Wycheproof Narraport 3 d Donald 0. Men: Boort 2 drew Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 2. Wycheproof Narraport 1 lost to Donald 4.

Matty Miles

Hamley from Simon Ray and Nathan Dennis. Nearest the pin No. 4 second shot was Sam Wilson.

Don Stewart: 153 (nett 139).

Grade: Tony Mullins: 175 (nett 141), Jarad Smith: 199 (nett 153) and Andrew Freemantle: 199 (nett 168). C Grade: Jeanette Naylor: 204 (nett 156), Paul Walters:

Wedderburn’s minkey players on Saturday

Boort and Wedderburn club officials at Sunday’s harness racing function. LH PHOTO

seniors

Calivil 2.3 5.8 7.11 8.15 (63)

Maiden Gully 0.3 1.4 5.6 6.7 (43)

GOALS - Calivil: C. Ilett, S. Maher, B. Baker 2, R. Lourie, H. McGregor. Maiden Gully: D. Phyland 3, A. Monfries, T. Delahey, J. Farrer.

BEST - Calivil: H. Wall, S. Maher, D. Thompson, J. Lea, S. Green, L. Stephens. Maiden Gully: B. Franzini, J. Farrer, G. Brown, T. Pridgeon, D. Phyland, W. Noden.

Newbridge 2.1 4.1 6.3 9.4 (58) Bridgewater 5.2 11.3 16.4 25.7 (157)

GOALS - Newbridge: C. Sanders 3, C. Dixon 2, B. McKinley, A. Padbury, T. McLeod, C. Argus. Bridgewater: L. Sharp 12, J. Martyn 4, H. Conway 3, A. Collins 2, J. Neylon, A. Pollock, D. Wood, O. Watt.

BEST - Newbridge: B. McKinley, C. Argus, W. Copland, T. McLeod, B. Etherington, C. Sanders. Bridgewater: L. Coghlan, J. Symons, J. Neylon, J. Coghlan, L. Sharp, J. Martyn.

Mitiamo

0.2 0.2 1.2 1.2 (8)

Marong 6.4 13.7 21.12 26.19 (175)

GOALS - Mitiamo: R. Duncan. Marong: K. Robins 10, R. Wellington 6, N. McCaig 4, M. Riordan 3, K. Manley, L. Lee, N. Devanny.

BEST - Mitiamo: Z. Morrison, L. Shiell, Z. Myers, J. Falls, W. Draper, R. Byrne. Marong Seniors: K. Robins, L. Lee, D. Johnstone, R. Taylor, J. McCaig, R. Wellington.

Pyramid Hill 2.3 4.3 5.7 7.12 (54)

BL Serpentine 3.0 7.1 8.1 10.1 (61)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill Seniors: J. Sheahan 2, B. Scott, J. Burns, B. Knight, Z. Alford, S. Gunther. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington 6, A. Gladman, J. Laird, C. Gadsden, D. Nihill.

BEST - Pyramid Hill: T. McGregor, G. James, M. Gunther, B. Knight, L. Sidebottom, D. Hemphill. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: N. Twigg, T. Miles, J. Laird, J. Wilkinson, J. Bailey, D. Nihill. Marong

UnDer 18

Marong

Bridgewater

GOALS - Marong: J. McMurray 7, H. Mannix 5, M. Lowery 3, R. Doorty 2, B. O’Neill, W. Thomson, C. Murphy, J. Bird. Bridgewater: J. Friswell.

BEST - Marong: J. McMurray, H. Mannix, K. Thomson, J. Bird, M. Lowery, R. Doorty. Bridgewater: S. McMahon, M. Armstrong, C. Larson, M. Nihill, C. Orton.

Inglewood

East Loddon

(99)

GOALS - Inglewood: R. Smith 2, J. Luckman. East Loddon: P. Cunningham, B. Wagner, M. Hancock 2, L. Stephens, K. Maxted, F. Clymo, J. Ketterer, A. Roulston, B. Dowton, M. Hocking.

BEST - Inglewood: H. Noble, J. Penrose, E. McCoy, R. Smith, C. Hancock, T. Murphy. East Loddon: M. Hocking, F. Clymo, B. Wagner, A. Roulston, C. Tuohey, A. Addlem.

Marong

L. Catto, B. Rogers, z. Cruse. Donald Reserves: P. Morgan, D. Gowlett, E. Landwehr, B. Griffiths, J. Adams, K. Green.

(29)

(83)

GOALS - Boort: M. Beattie, C. O’Rourke, K. Streader, C. Keanelly. Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Harcourt 4, C. Elliott 2, C. Michael, Z. Wemyss, J. Clohesy, T. Considine, N. Wight, C. O’Sullivan, F. Warne.

BEST - Boort: J. Dowling, B. Whykes, D. Hatcher, C. Ross, C. O’Rourke, J. Hall. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Trewick, C. Allan, F. Warne, C. Michael, C. Elliott, C. Noonan., Birchip Watchem

(56)

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: M. Berry 2. Nullawil: L. Cooper 5, S. Hogan, J. Barry.

BEST - Birchip-Watchem: C. Wilson, A. Noonan, M. Ryan, N. Ryan, B. Colbert. Nullawil: S. Kelly, M. Barry, J. Barry, T. Vearing, T. Bickley, S. Hogan.

(66)

GOALS - Wedderburn: C. Hargreaves 4, J. Rollason, D. Price 2, I. Holden, A. Younghusband. St Arnaud: J. Hicks 4, G. Gorrie, H. McNally 2, R. Burke, D. Baldock.

BEST - Wedderburn: H. Polglase, R. Tonkin, S. Carroll, A. Younghusband, J. Turnbull, C. Hargreaves. St Arnaud: F. Donald, J. Hicks, B. Knight, B. Greenaway, C. Zander, H. McNally.

seniors

Boort

Sea Lake Nandaly

GOALS - Boort: T. Potter 2, A. Chamberlain, S. Barraclough, J. Coleman. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. McInnes, T. McKenzie 3, W. Simpson, W. Donnan, A. Pattison 2, L. McClelland, C. Tait, M. Cahoon, B. Weir, B. Delmenico, T. Cox.

BEST - Boort: T. Potter, J. Dick, M. Austin, R. McGhie, J. Byrne, J. Smith. Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, W. Donnan, T. Mckenzie, T. Cox, A. Pattison, J. Poulton.

Birchip Watchem

Nullawil

reserVes

Calivil

Maiden Gully 3.1 4.2 6.5

(62)

(49)

GOALS - Calivil: M. Hore 3, T. Piazza, B. Pickles 2, C. Anderson, B. Masson. Maiden Gully: C. Sungalis 2, A. Williams, J. Brown, C. Wright, K. Kerrison.

BEST - Calivil: D. Canfield, T. Piazza, T. Rial, T. Harcourt, B. Masson, C. Henson. Maiden Gully: M. Clark, C. Wright, K. Griffin, H. Devanny, J. Cardinal, A. Williams.

Newbridge 3.1 4.2 6.4 7.6 (48)

Bridgewater 0.5 4.7 5.10 8.13 (61)

GOALS - Newbridge: L. Hoskin 4, C. Grant 2, M. Van Poppel. Bridgewater: J. Campbell, D. Robinson 3, T. Hywood, O. Muggleton.

BEST - Newbridge: C. Grant, N. Gray, L. Hoskin, A. Moore, B. Harris, M. Adams. Bridgewater: O. Muggleton, T. Hywood, A. Woodman, D. Robinson, T. Broadbent, E. Woodhatch.

Pyramid Hill 1.2 3.5 5.6 10.9 (69)

BL Serpentine 0.4 1.6 3.6 5.6 (36)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: L. Barker, M. Dingwall 2, P. Walker, H. Goodes, D. Reid, B. Delamare, G. Quinn, T. Nunn. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Gladman 3, C. Davies, A. Edwards. BEST - Pyramid Hill: E. Caburnay, K. Quinn, N. Moon, T. Walker, A. Dye, J. Douch. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: D. Tineo, J. Hancock, S. Gladman, L. Murley, B. Finlay, O. Downing.

Mitiamo 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 (6)

Marong 4.3 9.8 14.13 22.17 (149)

GOALS - Mitiamo: M. Storey. Marong: D. Blume 6, T. Grant 5, Z. Turnbull 4, L. Gray, F. Stewart 2, J. Evenden, B. Matthews, Z. Justice.

BEST - Mitiamo: D. Cini, C. Collins, D. Mitchell, N. Hicks, E. Hocking, T. Metcalf. Marong Reserves: F. Stewart, J. Hall, Z. Justice, R. Gretgrix, H. Baker, M. Grant.

(148)

(44)

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 8, J. Reid 4, T. Colbert 3, N. Rippon, D. Bell 2, L. Sirett, L. Foott, A. Butterfield. Nullawil: R. Smith 2, A. Thomson, M. Farmer, D. Smith, A. Casey. BEST - Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, J. Reid, B. Edwards, A. Butterfield, D. Reid, H. Hosking. Nullawil: M. Farmer, R. Smith, B. Sheahan, D. Watts, A. Casey, H. Lawrence. Wedderburn

St Arnaud

(79)

(39)

GOALS - Wedderburn: T. Campbell 3, O. Holt, T. Metherell, J. Miller 2, M. Lockhart, D. Jackson, M. McEwen. St Arnaud: J. Needs 2, M. Egan, S. Elliott, S. Driscoll, O. Lowe.

BEST - Wedderburn: J. McEwen, D. Jackson, J. Lockhart, M. Zelencich, J. Miller, D. Benaim. St Arnaud: H. Durward, Z. Phillips, S. Driscoll, M. Birthisel, T. Bertalli, B. Phillips.

Wycheproof N

(34)

(54)

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: J. Grabowski 2, C. Green, K. Hommelhoff, N. Grabowski. Donald: B. Grant, N. Berry 2, A. Browne, R. Bath, T. Stevenson. BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: K. Hommelhoff, M. Murgov, T. Trewin, M. Fawcett, J. Walsh, S. Kennedy. Donald: D. Pearce, B. Grant, R. Hards, A. Browne, T. Stevenson, H. Geddes.

UnDer 17

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: R. Botheras, J. White 2. Donald: P. Morgan 5, D. Hollis 3, W. Noble, C. Anderson, B. Griffiths, E. Landwehr, G. Beckham.

BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: H. Catto, C. Cox, Z. White,

- Wedderburn: W. Cunningham, C. Ward, D. Tansley, B. Cramp. St Arnaud: B. Donald, G. Gorrie, A. Wickham, J. Batters, R. Leach, C. Hendy.

- Boort: J. Bird, C. Gooding, H. Malone, J. Potter, S. Toose. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. O’Sullivan, C. Goldman, H. Pickering, A. Renney, B. Allan, H. Warne.

UnDer 14

BEST - Wedderburn: B. Cramp, M. Polglase, A. Noordennen, W. Collins, C. Gault. St Arnaud: C. Baldwin, N. Ezard, A. Reyne, F. Green, N. Saludes, F. Wilson.

- Wycheproof Narraport: A. McNaughton, R. Harrison, L. Hall, F. Polzin, O. White. Donald: J. Italia, R. Needs, D. Burke, M. Reilly, H. Funcke, E. Geddes.

Nandaly

BEST - Boort: J. Malone, T. Broad, J. Morcombe, S. Muller, L. Lanyon. Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Warne, C. Wight, H. Cox, C. Symes, R. Newick, Z. Wight.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: B. Kemp, W. Ryan, J. McAuliffe, A. Norton. Mullawil: Not supplied.

norTH CenTrAL

LoDDon VALLeY

Bridgey in boilover

BRIDGEWATER and Bears Lagoon Serpentine have thrown Loddon Valley A Grade netball wide open with wins at the weekend.

The Mean Machine mercilessly punished the lacklustre showing by Newbridge and severely dented the Maroons credentials that had been boosted when defeating Pyramid Hill.

Bridgewater more than doubled the Maroons score, dominant in every quarter.

And Bears Lagoon Serpentine is turning into the competition’s glamour side this season.

After returning a side to the

LODDON VALLEY

A Grade

Pyramid Hill 8, 19, 27, 35, (35) lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 13, 23, 31, 40, (40). Calivil 10, 26, 34, 41, (41) lost to Maiden Gully 19, 30, 42, 58, (58). Mitiamo 15, 25, 42, 57, (57) d Marong 7, 17, 27, 34, (34). Newbridge 6, 10, 16, 23, (23) lost to Bridgewater 14, 29, 43, 57, (57).

Mitiamo 181.90 32

Pyramid Hill 151.08 28

Bridgewater 130.06 24

Newbridge 106.53 24

BL Serpentine 111.20 20

Marong 90.95 16

Maiden Gully 96.40 12

Calivil 56.13 4

Inglewood 37.21 0

B Grade

Mitiamo 10, 17, 31, 41, (41) lost to Marong 16, 28, 41, 63, (63). Calivil 8, 15, 24, 34, (34) lost to Maiden Gully 16, 33, 48, 62, (62). Pyramid Hill 11, 24, 39, 56, (56) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 6, 14, 20, 31, (31). Newbridge 12, 27, 40, 53, (53) d Bridgewater 11, 19, 31, 44, (44).

Newbridge 168.82 36

Pyramid Hill 143.41 32

Marong 141.18 28

Bridgewater 103.54 18

Maiden Gully 109.11 16

Mitiamo 89.54 14

BL Serpentine 74.38 8

Calivil 65.34 8

Inglewood 47.26 0

C Grade

Mitiamo 15, 33, 36, 47, (47) lost to Marong 13, 22, 38, 61, (61). Pyramid Hill 14, 23, 40, 47, (47) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 8, 15, 23, 37, (37). Newbridge 7, 13, 23, 29, (29) lost to Bridgewater 10, 21, 29, 43, (43). Calivil 7, 15, 24, 35, (35) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 23, 35, 43, (43).

Pyramid Hill 140.99 34

Newbridge 134.11 28

Bridgewater 132.07 28

Maiden Gully 105.80 22

Marong 113.14 20

BL Serpentine 103.63 16

Mitiamo 89.24 8

Calivil 63.36 4

Inglewood 47.12 0

C Reserve

Newbridge 9, 18, 28, 40, (40) d Bridgewater 7, 14, 23, 34, (34). Pyramid Hill 11, 21, 33,

top grade last year, Serpentine continues to build confidence and experience with the young outfit.

On Saturday, it was Pyramid Hill left to rue missed opportunities against the Bears who got the jump in the first quarter and was able to hang on for a five-goal victory.

The exciting clash saw the Bears outscore their more fancied opponents in three quarters, including the crucial final term.

Little separated the two all game but it was the Bears who came off the court with their fourth win of the season.

They should record another

victory this Saturday when playing Inglewood.

Newbridge will need to bring its game to the court in the clash with Marong with the Panthers desperate to rise above fifth spot.

Bridgewater has the chance to lift its growing percentage when meeting last year’s premiers Maiden Gully.

While the Eagles have been a shade of their dominant best of recent seasons, they continue to play out games in tough, competitive style, testing more fancied opponents.

Pyramid Hill should be too strong for Calivil.

44, (44) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 14, 20, 27, 37, (37). Mitiamo 6, 8, 20, 24, (24) lost to Marong 19, 35, 53, 62, (62). Calivil 4, 10, 12, 19, (19) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 27, 41, 54, (54).

Marong 191.76 32

Maiden Gully 141.73 32

Newbridge 144.88 24

Pyramid Hill 113.44 24

Bridgewater 120.68 20

BL Serpentine 83.63 12

Mitiamo 56.15 8

Inglewood 69.55 4

Calivil 48.50 0 17 & Under

Calivil 14, 26, 40, 45, (45) lost to Maiden Gully 16, 32, 44, 57, (57). Pyramid Hill 12, 19, 31, 47, (47) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 11, 21, 28, 32, (32). Newbridge 3, 7, 16, 20, (20) lost to Bridgewater 12, 29, 39, 60, (60). Bridgewater 196.85 32 Marong 171.05 32

Gully 122.71 28

Hill 120.07 24

122.04 20 BL Serpentine 80.94 12

Inglewood 52.42

15 & Under

Mitiamo 7, 18, 28, 39, (39) lost to Marong 16, 31, 46, 53, (53). Pyramid Hill 10, 14, 21, 29, (29) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 9, 17, 21, 26, (26). Calivil 10, 17, 25, 39, (39) d Maiden Gully 8, 16, 21, 32, (32).

Tiger claws are blunted

SEA Lake Nandaly’s menacing prowling of top sides in North Central A Grade netball has been tamed by a valiant Boort.

The Tigers attacked hard in the opening term on Saturday for an early lead before Emma Darker and Grace Hosking turned the attack and shot the home court Pies ahead on the scoreboard.

The second term was where Boort asserted superiority that sees the Pies remain on top of the ladder.

A 14-goal term gave Boort the edge, holding the Tigers to just seven goals.

24

NORTH CENTRAL

A Grade

Wycheproof Narraport 7, 8, 13, 18, (18) lost to Donald 10, 25, 34, 51, (51). Boort 10, 24, 35, 43, (43) d Sea Lake Nandaly 12, 19, 32, 39, (39). Wedderburn 17, 35, 48, 70, (70) d St Arnaud 12, 23, 32, 41, (41). Birchip Watchem 15, 26, 35, 46, (46) d Nullawil 8, 19, 30, 37, (37).

Boort 140.66 30

Wedderburn 150.61 26

Birchip Watchem 120.11 24

Nullawil 102.63 24

Charlton 109.78 16

Donald 109.32 16

Sea Lake Nandaly 89.41 16

Wycheproof N 55.30 8

St Arnaud 56.91 0

B Grade

Boort 13, 27, 39, 50, (50) d Sea Lake Nandaly 16, 24, 30, 48, (48). Wycheproof Narraport 1, 4, 7, 14, (14) lost to Donald 20, 38, 57, 72, (72). Wedderburn 21, 45, 62, 90, (90) d St Arnaud 3, 11, 24, 34, (34). Birchip Watchem 7, 17, 28, 38, (38) d Nullawil 7, 16, 27, 37, (37).

Wedderburn 226.50 36

Birchip Watchem 159.71 30

Donald 134.03 22

Nullawil 134.68 20

Boort 116.58 20

Sea Lake Nandaly 114.97 20

Charlton 61.07 8

St Arnaud 46.44 4

Wycheproof N 27.29 0

C Grade

13 & Under

Mitiamo 1, 1, 2, 5, (5) lost to Marong 22, 34, 44, 55, (55). Pyramid Hill 4, 8, 14, 20, (20) lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 7, 14, 18, 26, (26). Calivil 5, 8, 17, 24, (24) d Maiden Gully 3, 4, 7, 7, (7).

Wycheproof Narraport 6, 12, 22, 27, (27) d Donald 5, 15, 16, 25, (25). Boort 14, 28, 41, 56, (56) d Sea Lake Nandaly 10, 19, 26, 35, (35). Wedderburn 16, 29, 43, 56, (56) d St Arnaud 8, 14, 29, 37, (37). Birchip Watchem 10, 19, 27, 33, (33) d Nullawil 7, 14, 24, 32, (32).

Nullawil 191.27 28

Birchip Watchem 158.48 28 Wedderburn 142.07 28

165.95 24 Sea Lake Nandaly 139.12 20

Arnaud 62.38 12 Donald 62.83 8

The two went goal-for-goal in the second half with Boort holding steady at the siren.

Sea Lake Nandaly is now two games outside the four.

Wedderburn had a percentage boosting win on the back of a 22-goal final term against St Arnaud.

The Redbacks had form contributors in Holly and Nikki Lockhart.

While Boort has the bye this weekend, Wedderburn faces Charlton, another side vying for a spot in the finals.

A strong system should see the Redbacks end as winners.

Wedderburn d St Arnaud 34-33. Birchip Watchem 10, 15, 22, 32, (32) lost to Nullawil 15, 29, 39, 49, (49).

20-56. Boort 8, 16, 22, 27, (27) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 4, 9,

Calivil’s Libby Clymo in full flight on Saturday. AP PHOTO

Calivil’s Morgan O’Meara

Meg Powell (Bears) and Pyramid Hill’s Amber Angel. AP PHOTO

GOALKICKING

Plucky opponents leave Redbacks exposed early

FLEET-FOOTED Jackson McEwan, Darcy Jackson and Joe Lockhart helped snap the lethargy of Wedderburn at Donaldson Park on Saturday.

The Redbacks were held to a paltry two behinds in the opening term as a confidence-boosted St Arnaud rammed on an accurate 4.1.

Saints’ skipper Harley Durward led the way for the visitors and had Wedderburn unable to break through.

Coach Tom Metherell revved his troops at the first huddle and it was a very different Wedderburn on display in the second quarter.

NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS

The flair of Wedderburn’s fleetfooted trio soon had the deficit erased and the Redbacks went to the main break up by 19 points.

They found strength coming out of the defensive zone from veteran Danny Benaim who is again putting in a consistent season. While the Redbacks were

without fellow 300-gamer Adam Postle, Benaim acted as a tenacious general.

Postle is expected to miss another fortnight after a hamstring injury in his milestone match.

Tom Campbell was again bobbing up around goals, ending a few lean weeks and slotting through three majors for the day.

St Arnaud was held to just a behind for the term, a feat Wedderburn repeated in the third quarter as the Redbacks showed glimpses of a better game plan that has gone missing in the past fortnight.

Inaccuracy plagued the Redbacks in the final term, allowing St Arnaud to bridge the final score by four points.

„ Boort was blasted away by the dominant Sea Lake Nandaly by 99 points.

The Pies could only score a single goal in the first three quarters from limit entries into the forward 50 zone.

It was the every-improving Tom Potter in the centre who kept some burning drive in the Pies’ play.

Jayden Dick, Matt Austin, Ryan McGhie and James Byrne were other four-quarter contributors for Boort who put respect on the scoreboard with a four-goal final term.

The match saw the Tigers’ Luke Martin play his 300th senior game.

But despite the best efforts of team mates, Martin was unable to leave the ground with 100 career goals.

Three shots for goal in the last term by Martin resulted in behinds and his tally still sits on 99.

Martin debuted in round one 2005 for the Tigers, playing in nine grand finals for five flags.

Boort has the bye this Saturday while Wedderburn faces a difficult assignment against Sea Lake Nandaly.

The Redbacks had an impressive third quarter against the Tigers when they met early in the season, falling short by 16 points after Sea Lake booted 6.3 in the final term. While playing on home turf for the return meeting, Wedderburn will need to show the style of its earlier season this Saturday and not the execution of recent weeks.

Heritage feel in Demons’ win

CALIVIL donned heritage colours on Saturday to keep slim finals hopes alive with a 20-point win over Maiden Gully.

The Loddon Valley Demons again had Northern Territory star Cam Ilett taking the ground in the maroon and gold colours of the old Northern United. He ended the day with two goals.

Calivil controlled the match up to half-time and took a 28-point lead to the main break.

Maiden Gully struck back in the third term through Bryce Franzini, Josiah Farrer and the consistent Grayson Brown.

The last term was a scrappy affair with Calivil kicking 1.4. Best for the Demons included Sam Maher who Calivil revealed would be coach next year to succeed Ant Dennis in the role for two seasons.

Hargreaves, Price give vital fire power

ONE of the more exciting reserves contests in North Central football this season was played out by Wedderburn and St Arnaud on Saturday.

The Redbacks established an early lead at Donaldson Park and maintained it right until the last minute when the Saints, who played a much improved second half, were able to grab the lead late in the game and hold off a Redbacks combination desperate to claw back the lead with seconds remaining.

The Saints defence held firm and they turned the tables on the Redbacks.

Chris Hargreaves and Dave Price with four and two goals respectively provided the fire power up forward.

The experienced Robbie Tonkin and Hayden Polglase making a

comeback for the Redbacks were very effective at half back. Polglase showing that there is still life in that there body. Sam Carroll provided good support out of full back.

Coach Ash Younghusband continues to pick up possessions all around the ground and his good use of the footy brings many in to play around him. Josh Turnbull is enjoying his return to football, finding his feet quickly and getting amongst the action.

The Saints better contributors were Frankie Donald, Josh Hicks, Beau Knight (always seems to save his best for the Redbacks), Ben Greenaway, Chase Zander and Heath McNally.

In the under 17s, the Redbacks had a tough day at the office against the Saints.

A skilled, more physically su-

perior St Arnaud team slipped into gear quickly. A six-goal first term, followed by seven in the second while holding the Redbacks scoreless put the game well out of the Redbacks reach.

The second half was similar to the first with the Saints continuing to hold the Redbacks scoreless and keep the scoreboard ticking over.

As has been the case in all games the Redbacks showed plenty of desire but found a more accomplished opposition more than they could overcome.

Will Cunningham continues to play well in defence, marked well and held the Saints up many times but the wave of forward attacks kept coming.

Deacon Tansley and Blaz Cramp on half back flanks gave solid support while Cree Ward

in the centre picked up plenty of possessions in a consistent effort all day.

The Saints had many contributors but were best served by Bob Donald, George Gorrie, Aidan Wickham, Jack Batters,Rylan Leach and Chad Hendy.

In the under 14s, the young Redbacks started well, attacked quickly and had early goals on the board. With Miller Polglase and Jagger Benaim busy in the forward line the Redbacks were moving the ball well.

However as the Saints settled, they started to put their game together and gradually reached the lead during the second quarter and maintained control for the remainder of the game.

Blaz Cramp and Caleb Gault on ball for the Redbacks have both showed good form.

Lee Coghlan was Bridgewater’s best on Saturday

Tom Metherell

Heritage sandwich ... Calivil keeps hopes of finals berth alive. AP PHOTO

T wigg’s the trigger Sharp snuffs out flickers

THE hype of ex-AFL Docker Josh Mellington disappeared in the second half of the blockbuster Pyramid Hill-Bears Lagoon Serpentine clash.

As Mellington hobbled from Mitchell Park early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury, there to take his place as a vital voice in the Bears’ growing grunt was Nathan Twigg.

The ruckman who returned to Janiember Park in the offseason after two injury-hit years with Boort in the North Central league had been quietly returning to the game.

Twigg, who had a delayed start to the season after getting the all-clear from concussion last season, on Saturday put in the game that heralded the quiet achiever was ready for the big stage.

It was the first major encounter for Twigg and he came through with flying colours, being named the Bears’ best.

Up against another of the league’s top ruckman Lachlan Sidebottom, Twgg showed four quarters of skill in creating opportunities out of the centre and at the boundary throw-ins.

Pyramid coach Nathan Fitzpatrick had his hands full trying to contain Twigg and Mellington in the first half.

Ironically, both clubs would name their ruckman in the best in a game that Pyramid Hill let slip with atrocious kicking for goal.

The Bulldogs had eight more scoring shots but fell seven points short at the siren.

Serpentine was more accurate and economical - kicking one behind for the match, and that came in the second term.

Mellington was again the Bears’ obvious target up forward and finished with six goals before the injury that club officials say will have him out of action for at least three weeks, and possibly four.

Serpentine put the pressure on the Bulldogs’ defence. Tom McGregor and Gavan James again held firm for Pyramid Hill and gave hope, only for their turnovers to be smothered up forward. Mitch Gunther, back from the twos, provided dash along the wing.

But it was Twigg, fellow bigman Justin Laird who teamed with defenders Tyler Miles and coach Jake Wilkinson in showing that opening round win over Pyramid Hill was not a fluke.

Pyramid Hill had its chance - matching Serpentine on the scoreboard in the second term. The goal accuracy cost the four points.

The Bulldogs have been the only side to seriously challenge Marong in the first half of the season. Both sides have been challenged to kick straight although Pyramid will not be blazing away on Saturday, it was just poor, short or misdirected kicking.

That inaccuracy was most evident in the final term when Pyramid Hill battled to snatch the win on Saturday. Seven scoring shots to two with five the wrong side of the posts.

THIS WEEK’S LODDON VALLEY PREDICTIONS

ABOUT the only surprises around Loddon Valley football might be the size of crowds.

Long have I been an observer of the crews venturing out onto the grounds to hear pearls of wisdom from coach and words of grunt and inspiration to lift.

Pyramid Hill is clearly the top club for supporters - and hardy die-hards they are, whether at Mitchell Park or on a road trip; win, lose or draw.

Marong’s pretty good, too, as you would be after winning triple premierships the last two seasons.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Inglewood are consistent with having their supporters share in the day’s thrills, spills, drama and excitement. The boys from Mitiamo have been there at times too.

That rounds out my top five for crowd-pulling clubs and there’s a big gap to the others.

One thing’s sure about this coming Saturday with a big turnout expected at Janiember Park when the Bears host Inglewood.

The Bears are hitting some dangerous form heading into the second half of the season - just ask Pyramid Hill - and as much as Inglewood is playing a desperate and committed brand of football as it goes for second year in the finals, Serp will be simply too good.

There’ll be interest in who

THE Sharp Show snuffed out Newbridge’s battle to bridge the scoreboard gap in Saturday’s clash at Riverside Oval.

The Bridgewater co-coach kicked six of his day’s 12 goals in the final 28 minutes of play. Four of those goals were immediate answers to Newbridge goals.

Newbridge had gone into the last term 61 points down. Bridgewater without veteran Harry Donegan taken off the ground with a serious leg inquiry in the third term.

Caleb Saunders had two earlier goals for Newbridge but they served only to settle and spark Bridgewater.

Sharp was weaving the forward line - only once beaten in the term when Matthew McArthur rose high to outmark the gun - snapping from all angles.

Lee Coghlan, Jack Symons, and Joshua Martyn continued to make their presence felt, aborting Newbridge’s efforts to go deep.

The Mean Machine had space and system that made Newbridge look temporarily sloppy. The Maroons continued to regroup in the face of the onslaught - Ben McKinley, Caleb Argus, William Copland, Tyler McLeod, Brandon Etherington and Sanders among key contributors.

But every time, a more confident and skilful Bridgewater hit top gear. A nine-goal final term, including two late majors by Sharp as the clock ticked into time-on sealed the commanding 99-point win.

Donegan had surgery on Monday for the season-ending injury.

does the slide in the big freeze raising money and awareness for MND after the game,

The old Oracle won’t be taking a dip. Not sure whether the league head honcho should take to the slide.

At the other end of the day, there’ll be a fair bit of interest in the Magoos. Inglewood is travelling pretty well as is Serpentine and they’ll put on a better game than the seniors or certainly closer.

Bridgewater is the other club hitting straps and there’ll be no chance of Maiden Gully putting a hole in the sail.

And then there’s the Sharp Show - backing him to kick the century on Saturday.

Newbridge will need more energy than the cow bell at Marong to have any chance of knocking off Marong.

Down at Calivil, the Demons will feel the bite of redemption from the Bulldogs. Pyramid Hill doesn’t like lowering colours at home and bite back hard.

- GLENN CATTO

Gritty Bridgewater defender Jonathon Coghlan was among the best in the Mean Machine’s big win over Newbridge at Riverside Park on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Nathan Twigg flies high for the Bears on Saturday. AP PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday JUNE 27, 2024

A dejected Josh Mellington sits out the second half at Pyramid Hill on Saturday. AP PHOTO

First to century? Mello injury puts Sharp in box seat

BRIDGEWATER star Lachlan

Sharp has been given a free kick in the Loddon Valley football race to a century.

Sharp needs 14 goals to be the first gun to crack the tonne this season and on Saturday is fancied for a big haul when the Mean Machine takes on Maiden Gully.

His rival for the century honour, Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Josh Mellington, will miss the clash against Inglewood after a hamstring injury in the third quarter last weekend when the Bears snuck home by seven points over a grossly-inaccurate Pyramid Hill.

Mellington had added six goals in the first half to sit on 93 goals from nine games.

Sharp and Mellington are streets ahead on the league goal

SMITH GETS JOB

LODDON Valley Football Netball League’s new executive officer Kyle Smith hit the ground running on Monday.

His first day in the part-time position finished in the evening with a meeting of the league board and club presidents at AFL Central Victoria headquarters in Bendigo.

League chairman Simon Tuohey said the appointment followed a career change for long-serving executive officer Laura Naughton.

“We’re delighted to have Kyle join the team and thank Laura for her amazing

By CHRIS EARL

contribution to the league as executive officer or operations manager for more than a decade,” he said.

“Laura has stayed on deck for the first half of the season while AFL made arrangements to recruit a replacement.

“While no longer holding a position with the league, Laura will continue to be part of the fabric of our football and netball clubs.”

Kyle has a degree in sport management and is also employed by Bendigo Tennis Association.

“I’m looking forward to supporting

the board and the clubs in the Loddon Valley league and getting to know the great volunteers who contribute so much to football and netball in the region,” he said.

The change in administration for Loddon Valley comes days after Tuohey and other board representatives met the new AFL Central Victoria regional council. Last Thursday’s meeting also included Bendigo, North Central and Heathcote league representatives.

The regional council, including Loddon Shire CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald, replaces for former commission structure.

kicking table. Marong veteran Kain Robbins bagged 10 last Saturday to take his season’s tally to 33.

Last time out against Maiden Gully, Sharp kicked 12 of the Mean Machine’s 21 goals in the 95-point victory, Mellington finished with 12 in the season’s first clash between Serpentine and Inglewood.

Sharp’s best haul of the season has been 20 against Mitiamo. The Mean Machine cocoach switched from Bendigo league side Strathfieldsaye and has been a key magent up forward although three tough games against fellow final spot contender Marong, Pyramid Hill and the Bears saw him in the midfield.

Mellington could miss at least three matches.

League chairman Simon Tuohey and new executive officer Kyle Smith. LH PHOTO