Loddon Herald 28 March 2024

By CHRIS EARL

WORK has started on the Loddon’s first major housing estate.

Earthmoving equipment moved onto Bridgewater Rise last week to begin laying water and sewerage connections.

Only four of the 15 residential blocks in stage one of the development remain unsold.

Developer Josh Cummins expects civil works to take five months and construction of the first new homes in Acacia Court likely to start this year.

Drew Stratton, of McKean McGregor Real Estate, said: “People are already engaged with builders and preparing plans.

“Both first and second-home buyers have bought blocks in stage one and are younger people, family people, people with a connection to the area.”

Mr Cummins said people were buying off the plan at Bridgewater Rise while Mr Stratton said interest in the residential development was comparable to subdivisions in Bendigo.

A second stage land release at Bridgewater Rise would see 10

blocks with a third stage having another nine. The start on civil works in Bridgewater comes as Loddon Shire councillors on Tuesday backed recommendations in a report prepared by Villawood Properties - Unlocking Loddon’s Growth - to implement a ninepoint action plan. Council has already started

searching for federal and state government grants for future housing development and now plans market demand opportunity research.

A housing expo in September to promote Loddon’s lifestyle rounds off top priorities in the action plan. “An understanding of who, their housing needs and capacity to pay must form the basis

of council strategies in relation to direct investment in housing development,” says the report

The Villawood report indicated Bridgewater and Inglewood were key potential growth areas because of their proximity to Bendigo.

Councillors said the report provided a pathway for population growth.

Cr Linda Jungwirth hopes it is successful in encouraging people to live in Loddon.

Cr Dan Straub called the report one of importance for strategic population growth to underpin the local economy and council’s future rate base.

Villawood recommended that council “sell the story” of Loddon life to grow residential growth.

Loddon HERALD

Free every Thursday

Shirley’s Coaldrake Award a rare honour

SHIRLEY Heather has joined a select group of the Anglican Board of Mission members to receive the Fred Coaldrake Award.

The St John the Evangelist Newbridge parishioner was presented with the award during the monthly church service at Inglewood and Districts Health Service hostel.

The award is usually given to clergy and missionaries. Shirley is one among a select group of parishioners to be honoured.

The award was presented by Canon Ian Howarth and recog-

nised Shirley’s contributions to raising funds for ABM.

These have included running pancake and morning tea programs, collecting and trimming thousands of stamps sent and organising gold coin jar collections across the Anglican Parish of Inglewood and Maldon.

Shirley also made cumquat jam and cakes for sale at fundraising events.

Frank Coaldrake was an Anglican missionary in Japan after World War Two and became chairman of the Australian Board

of Missions when, in 1970, he was elected Archbishop of Brisbane, but he died before being consecrated.

The award is presented annually to missionary, volunteer or staff members of the Anglican Board of Mission.

“People’s faithful and selfless commitment to promoting the Gospel and growing the church has laid the foundation for the missional partnerships that continue to underpin all our work today,” the board says of people recognised with the award.

IN BRIEF

Attempted burglary

POLICE are investigating the break-in and attempted burglary at Bridgewater roadhouse overnight Sunday. Thieves attempted to enter through the front door before forcing entry at the rear and ransacked the office. Police said the roadhouse’s anti-theft devices were activated and burglars left empty handed. A burnt out vehicle, believed to be connected with the break-in, was later found in Walnut Avenue.

Farm bike theft

A $10,000 farm quad bike has been reported stolen from a property near Newbridge. Police said the theft is believed to have happened last Thursday night and investigations are continuing.

Weekend fires

FIRE BRIGADE volunteers attended a fire at Wehla on Sunday where occupants at a bush property are reported to have escaped their shack before the fire took hold. Community advice was issued Sunday afternoon after a haystack fire on Phillips Rd, Prairie.

Change at top

EAST LODDON P12 College council has a new president. Mrs Sharon Lister has been elected president and Michael Lawry. Mrs Lister replaces long-serving Richard Hicks who has retired from the council.

Shirley Heather (centre) is congratulated by daughter Ruth Penny and IDHS’s Maddy Foster. LH PHOTO

Pumpkin paddler primed

A 352KG pumpkin grown on the banks of Lake Boort has been carved out ready to take to the Murray River on Saturday.

Bradley Haw hopes to break the world record for pumpkin paddling with the planned 67km voyage from Torrumbarry Weir to Barham.

The current record of 63.04km was set by Steve Kueny last October when he took to the Missouri River in the United States in a 544kg pumpkin.

Bradley’s giant vegetable was grown on father Paul’s property.

“The pumpkin is about 50kg lighter than I had wanted but the first batch of giant pumpkin seeds did not take,” Bradley said.

“We put in a second lot after sourcing seeds from a Melbourne supplier and the pumpkin chosen is the largest of half a dozen now taking on giant proportions.

“The skin is strong ... inside there’s really only water.”

Bradley said the world record attempt would either “last 10 metres or 100km”.

Travelling in the safety of a boat as Bradley negotiates the Murray will be his work colleague and friend Fred Assi. “I’ll be there to keep Bradley on course,” Fred said.

World-record holder Steve took almost 11 hours to paddle the 63km.

He paddled the wakes of eight barge passings, passed three sand dredges, and had one startling crunchy drag and bounce off submerged rocks near shore.

Bradley said he had never been a great sportsman but the lure of “having a crack at a world record” and paddling a pumpkin was sufficient incentive.

“Just like the pumpkin was a late starter for germination, I guess I’m a bit of a latecomer to sport,” he said. “With Fred’s help and luck, a record can be set.”

Easter speed warning after P-plater caught at 190kmh

LODDON police have issued a warning to Easter drivers to observe speed limits on local highways and roads after a P-plater was nabbed on Sunday at 190kmh.

Leading Senior Constable Mick Balazs stopped the Bendigo man, 18, on the Calder Highway at Leichardt.

The man had had his licence only five months and was allegedly driving the vehicle with two passengers in contravention of licence restrictions.

Senior Constable Balazs said the man’s vehicle had been impounded for 30 days and he had been charged with driving of-

fences. The driver will be summonsed for a future court appearance and faces loss of licence for 12 months.

“Police will have a visible presence on roads across the region over Easter. Keeping all motorists safe is our focus as we want everyone to enjoy the break,” local police said.

Lions clubs will run driver reviver stops today at Bears Lagoon and Ryan’s Creek Rest area near Wedderburn. Members from Wedderburn and East Loddon will be providing free tea, coffee and biscuits.

Collection days

THERE will be no changes to the Loddon Shire kerbside waste collections on the public holidays over Easter. Residents have been advised to place bins out as normal. Transfer stations and landfill facilities will be closed on the public holidays.

Stud successes

KERRILYN Merino Stud, Dunluce, was named equal most successful exhibitor at the weekend’s Wimmera Sheep Show in Horsham, taking out several reserve champion ribbons. Terrick West stud won the Champion and Reserve Champion August-shorn medium wool poll ram and Champion and Reserve Champion Augustshorn medium wool poll ewe.

Highway crash

OCCUPANTS of a vehicle that crashed into a tree on the Calder Highway at Glenalbyn last Thursday received minor injuries. Police were called to the scene about 1.50pm.

Heritage visit

Chief Advisor to the UNESCO Victorian Goldfields World Heritage listing bid, Britain’s Barry Gamble, has been in Australia to investigate sites across the Victoria’s Goldfields. Loddon is one of 15 councils making the bids.

Fred Assi and Bradley Haw check the weight of the pumpkin to be paddled down the Murray River. LH PHOTO

Impounded on the Calder

You don’t need all the safety gear, until you do.

You might think putting on the safety gear will take longer than doing the job.

It could be that you’ve done it a thousand times before. But that doesn’t reduce the risk. You may not come back in one piece.

Check you’ve got the right safety gear for the job, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-gear-farm

It’s never you, until it is. Scan

Ready for a ripper day

RHEOLA 3515 - usual population 50 but come Easter Monday more than 4000 people are expected at the 151st charity carnival.

A year after record crowds raised the highest ever total at the sesquicentenary, committee volunteers say the passion and enthusiasm for 2024’s incarnation of the Loddon’s oldest community event remains high.

“Established in 1871, the carnival finally celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023 after COVID forced the cancellation of the previous three years. and returned the tradition of raising funds for the Inglewood and

Latest visitor guide hits tourism stands

TOURISM groups and operators descended on Loddon Shire’s visitor information centre in Wedderburn on Tuesday to pick up copies of the region’s 2024 visitor guide.

Tourism and marketing coordinator Bradd Worrell said the guide encouraged visitation through “compelling stories, itineraries, local profiles, must dos and key editorial, whilst informing the industry, community and potential visitors of the region’s diverse tourism product offering.

“The publication is used to highlight key tourism experiences based around history and heritage, arts and culture, gastronomy, natural environment, tracks and trails, first nations, events and other emerging brand strengths in a unique and creative way,” Mr Worrell said.

Dunolly health services,” said president Matt Catto.

In a world first in 2024, Telstra is partnering with the carnival to provide internet and mobile phone coverage.

“Mobile phone and internet coverage is currently notoriously poor or non-existent in much of Rheola & surrounds,” Mr Catto said.

The 2024 event promises to be a great day out for all the family. It really does have something for everyone,” he said.

Highlights of the day include the sheep

dog trials, the woodchop, the tractor pull, the Rheola Gift, Miss Rheola Carnival Girl, novelty events, an indigenous artefacts and history display, pony club, small engine display and vintage car display.

“There’s food options a plenty with a sit down lunch available as well as Spanish food, barbecue, pies, ice-creams and drinks,” Mr Catto said.

“The event has been run by volunteers since inception. Entry for adults remains at $10 and cash remains king due to the issues with technology.”

THE Loddon is geared for an influx of visitors over the Easter weekend.

Manager of caravan parks in Wedderburn and Bridgewater, Kristy Hourigan, said both parks had reached capacity bookings this week.

“We knew that Bridgewater would be very popular as it usually is and we’re so excited that Wedderburn is also booked out,” she said.

Kristy and husband Warrick last year signed long-term management leases for the parks with Loddon Shire.

She said patronage continued to grow with Wedderburn increasingly popular with grey nomads.

“The park is a great rest spot for retirees heading to or from South Australia or to Mildura.”

Appeal collections get underway

FIRE brigades have started hitting streets in Loddon towns collecting for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Wedderburn members started their run last night and will be out again tonight.

Volunteers will also be collecting in Pyramid Hill, Korong Vale, Tarnagulla and Inglewood tomorrow morning.

Janey Clutton is again organising a major raffle in Bridgewater.

VNI West Community Drop-in Sessions

TCV is continuing to talk to landholders, local communities and Traditional Owners as we work to narrow the route for the VNI West transmission lines.

In April, TCV will run drop-in sessions to provide community members with information on key topics of interest such as the project’s planning and approvals process, route refinement, landholder engagement and next steps.

Experts on agriculture, environment and technical matters related to VNI West will be available to answer questions and share information in their specialty areas.

The sessions won’t be “town-hall” events, and there will not be any formal presentations – the casual format means that community members can visit at a time that suits them, and speak to the project team and subject-matter experts informally about aspects of the project they are most interested in.

Drop in at a time and location that suits you

16 April 2:30pm-7:30pm

17 April 2:30pm-7:30pm

18 April 2:30pm-7:30pm

Freecall: 1800 824 221

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Website: transmissionvictoria.com.au

Shannon Brown, Amber King, Lynette Rose, Michele Mizzi, Mayor Gavan Holt and Pauline Wellman launch the new visitor guide. LH PHOTO

Social shop idea earns funding

A SHARED shops trail to strengthen communities could include Boort and Pyramid Hill.

The Midura-based Rural and Community Ltd has been awarded $20,000 by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to establish the trail.

Executive director Patrick Timmons hopes the trail will have social enterprise shops in Donald, Hopetoun, Boort and Quambatook and says he is keen to speak with Pyramid Hill about its plans for a social hub bringing together local micro businesses.

Mr Timmons says the trail will make communities prepared and resilient to the impacts of drought.

He said the shared shops trail also aimed to strengthern co-ordination of professional, social or community networks.

Mr Timmons pointed to the success of a shared shop in Sea Lake a decade ago that was now home to 10 local micro businesses.

“They are all independent but glued together,” he said.

“The FRRR funding will allow us to explore the possibility of a share shop in Boort and I hope to have a catch up in Pyramid Hill to talk about the possibility of including them in the trail.

“The idea is to build networks now for when there is the next drought when towns will be under pressure.”

Achievements are in bronze

They have participated in schoolbased activities to build resilience, explore opportunities, and be recognised in preparation for life and work in a rapidly changing world.

The students began their journey in February 2023, with each student completing a physical, skill, volunteer and adventure journey component over 12 months and attended a camp each term.

A special assembly was held to present the certificates.

YEAR 9 students at Wedderburn College on Tuesday received their Duke of Edinburgh Award bronze certificates.

AUSTRALIAN singing star Taylor Henderson had the Four Posts at Jarklin jumping on Saturday when families from across the Loddon rocked along for a night of music and entertainment. Henderson has starred on TV music shows and released top-selling albums. LH PHOTO

LH PHOTO

Seven step out at college ball

SEVEN Wedderburn College students made their debut on Friday night at the school parents’ association ball.

The girls and their partners were presented to principal Danny Forrest and his wife Rachel, school council president Carolyn Stephenson and husband Ralph and association president Melinda Springthorpe.

The debutante set, trained by Dede Wil-

liams, performed the Friendship Pride of Erin, Melba Blues and Mayfair Quickstep for their presentation dances and Chicago Swing for the special persons’ dance.

College assistant principal Dean Lockhart was MC for the ball held in Wedderburn Mechanics’ Institute Hall.

Debutantes were Ella Weber (partnered by Maikia Punguika), Kalais Crees (Dea-

con Tansley), Charlotte Carroll (Scott Reid), Amelia Buschmann (Beau Hartnell), Sianna Thomas (Aaron Thomas), Lillian Stephenson (Jamie Turner), Elizabeth Norman (Travis Lowe). Stella Polkinghorne was flowergirl and Edward Marr the page boy.

Chaperones were Kirsten Graham, Emma Milne, Emily Van De Wetering, Mark Gretgrix and Benjamin Potter.

Flags lowered in honour of ‘Twinks’

FLAGS have been lowered to half-mast at Inglewood fire station after the passding of former captain Graeme Lyndon.

Known as Twinks throughout his 65-year membership of the brigade, Graeme died on Sunday aged 84.

Twinks served as captain from 1978 to 1984 and was a Country Fire Authority life member.

Brigade captain Andrew Smith said: “His service to the commuinity was second to none and he was a mentor and friend to many brigade members.”

Twinks’ funeral will be at St Mary’s Inglewood next Wednesday with full fire brigade honours.

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

Peter

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.

contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

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 family,

Debutantes

Twinks Lyndon

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.

Heartfelt support high note

ENZO Scafati kicked off his fundraising for Dementia Australia on Sunday with heartfelt songs performed on the stage of Bridgewater Hotel.

The former Inglewood publican launched his CD of special songs recorded to honour wife Ros who died two years ago after battling dementia.

He was joined by family and friends who combined to raise more than $2000 for the charity.

“They’re songs from the heart, songs Ros loved and tunes many people will know,” he said.

“I just hope we can raise some money for the foundation to assist in their work to find the cause of this horrible disease and save the lives of people we love”.

Ros was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 and her condition intensified three years later.

“It doesn’t matter how much I raise. I know it’s going to help,”

he said as he took a break between brackets on Sunday.

Enzo’s CD was recorded in a Bendigo studio last year and is also being sold on a USB stick.

“I hope people enjoy the special songs that are oldies with lyrics always able to give joy and hope in tough times. The project is so special to me,” he said.

The Railway Hotel BOORT

Crime figures a mixed bag

RECORDED crime dropped in Inglewood and Pyramid Hill last year, according to latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency.

Offences in Inglewood for 2023 totalled 54 compared with 71 the previous year.

And in Pyramid Hill rerecorded offences dropped 13 to 44.

Increases were recorded in Wedderburn (up four to 83), Bridgewater (up 17 to 37) and Boort (up eight to 25) with the Loddon Shire figure down 0.9 per cent on the previous year.

There was an increase in thefts and burglaries across the shire with a big rise in farm incidents, doubling compared with 2022.

There was a slight drop in family violence incidents, down four to 453. Incidents had peaked near the state average a decade ago and figures have declined since the pandemic.

The majority of victim reports - up almost 20 per cent for the year to 291 - came from Loddon residents aged over 55 and included 71 from local organisations. Most victim reports were for theft.

The agency said action had been taken in 41.7 per cent of incidents reported. More than 46 per cent of crimes remained unsolved.

Dorothy Silk. Jill Hobbs, Enzo and Louise Bewley

Carole Buckingham, Julie Luks and Amy Thorsen

Matt Rowe, Ella Rowe and Marcey Martin and (inset) Enzo. LH PHOTO

Approval fast track follows ‘sham talks’

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation says the State Government’s fasttracking of renewable energy projects by accelerating planning approvals is a slap in the face after years of sham consultation with farming communities.

President Emma Germano said the green-lighting of major renewable projects added to a poor-track record of consulting landholders set to be impacted and risks further alienating already frustrated farmers across Victoria.

The Government and Transmission Company Victoria continue to be criticised over consultation around the VNI West project that will run between Stawell and Kerang and through

northern parts of the Loddon Shire. Ms Germano’s attack comes as TCV has announced a series of three drop-in sessions next month at Kerang, Charlton and Stawell.

“The Victorian Government has decided to steam roll Victorian farmers and regional communities, with little regard to how it impacts their livelihoods and countless generational family farms,” Ms Germano said.

“We’ve heard that vast parts of Victoria’s farmland will be needed to reach our renewable energy targets. If we can’t get this right now, our ability to produce the food and fibre needed to feed people will be severely inhibited.

“For the Government to say

they are genuinely listening to the concerns of these communities and then completely ignore them and fast-track the process smacks of arrogance and them being completely tone-deaf.

“For years the VFF has been pleading with the government to introduce a fair framework that guides the transition to our renewable energy future. Not only have they failed to do this, they’ve now hit the accelerator and it’s farmers and our regional communities that are set to pay the price.”

“We’ve already seen farmers take to the streets of Melbourne in pure desperation as a last resort to have their voices heard. Decisions like this one leave us shaking our heads.”

Broad pushes for Plan B review action

THE State Government should deliver on its commitment to review Professor Bruce Mountain’s Plan B alternative to the proposed VNI West overhead transmission line project.

Nationals MP Gaelle Broad told Parliament last week that many residents across Northern Victoria had raised concerns about the devastating impact of the VNI West proposal, fearing it would impact families, businesses and local communities.

“As Victoria’s population and demand for electricity contin-

ues to grow, along with an everincreasing state debt, it is critical that the government spend money on projects that will achieve the best outcomes and long-term value for money,” Ms Broad told Parliament.

Last year the Minister made a commitment to review the proposal by energy specialists Professor Bruce Mountain and Simon Bartlett to use existing easements to maximise electricity transmission and increase capacity.

“The Government was to pro-

vide a response to this report last October,” Ms Broad said.

“Securing Victoria’s energy supplies is critical, and I ask the Minister to deliver on their response to this report, and urgently share the findings of the Government’s review.

“In 2016 when the Coalition was in Government, Victoria exported electricity,” Ms Broad said. “Despite a wealth of energy resources in Victoria, under Labor our state is on track to import nearly a third of our energy supplies by 2040.”

Volunteering at the library?

Libraries are a vibrant part of our community, and volunteers play a crucial role. By volunteering at one of our local libraries, you’re not just lending a hand – you’re ensuring that services remain accessible to everyone in the community.

Whether it’s helping someone nd their next read, helping to maintain the space, or just being a friendly face, your contribution makes a real di erence.

Joining the library team means working alongside library sta who share a passion for making a di erence. You’ll get to showcase your unique skills, strengths, experiences and interests while gaining new ones along the way.

Robyn has been volunteering at the Dingee Library Agency since 2016.

She is now the Agency Volunteer Coordinator and also volunteers with the CWA. “Volunteering at the library is not just about organising books on the shelves; it’s about cultivating a community of knowledge, fostering a love for learning, and unlocking doors to endless possibilities. “In giving your time, if only for two hours once a week, or each month, you receive the immeasurable gifts of connection and the joy of helping others.”

With six library agencies across the Shire – Boort, Dingee, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn – there’s a place for everyone to get involved. Most libraries are co-located with other community services, serving as hubs of activity and connection for residents. To nd out more, call the Gold elds Libraries team on 5449 2790.

Popular nursery grows to celebrate fourth birthday

THE main street of Bridgewater was packed with cars over the weekend as people from across the region arrived to celebrate the local nursery’s fourth birthday.

Owner Bianca Rothacker said the nursery had become a popular destination for garden lovers from Loddon towns and also attracted customers from

Bendigo and other communities.

The nursery was established in the town’s heritage garage and last year further expansion saw the opening on an indoor gift centre.

Regular customers were among those popping in over the weekend to stock up on plants and trees.

We invite you to share your ideas with us as we develop the design for the Little Lake Boort Recreation Precinct plan. Visit connect@ loddon to view the plans, and provide us with your feedback and suggestions.

The page will be open for feedback until Wednesday 10 April 2024.

https://connect. loddon.vic.gov.au/ little-lake-boortprecinct

Bridgewater Nursery’s Bianca Rothacker and Lisa Poole had a busy weekend welcoming customers for the fourth birthday sale. LH PHOTO

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Social Darts Night

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Night

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Saturday – Open Midday

Sunday

INGLEWOOD LIONS MARKET: Entertainer Geoff Rooney (left) and Wendy Harveym Julian Abraham, Taylor Cool and Ian Harvey. LH PHOTOS

BIRCHIP CROPPING CROUP YOUNG FARMER NETWORK BALL: HHundreds of people came from across Victoria and also from New South Wales and South Australia for the first-ever event in Bridgewater connecting the younger generation of farmers.

The local Lions club and volunteers had a busy weekend cooking food for hundreds of people who flocked to Hard Hill Tourist Reserve for the annual gold hunt weekend. LH PHOTOS

Choppers check power

HELICOPTERS have taken to the skies around Boort scanning powerlines as part of Powercor’s year-round bushfire mitigation and vegetation management program.

Powecor says residents in Boort, Kerang Echuca could see choppers fly about 300 metres above the ground for several weeks.

The choppers are equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to scan the distance between tree branches and powerlines.

Using the LiDAR data, Powercor teams create 3D models of powerlines and their surroundings, helping to inform what vegetation needs to be cut.

Three helicopters are being used to gather new data.

Year-on-year data is helping track

Action mitigates six top risks across shire

DISASTER and cyber crime were the biggest risks to Loddon Shire Council, according to an updated risk register.

Councillors on Tuesday were told the two areas of threat had been given the highest risk level of six identified risks.

They were also told council had control measures to manage effectiveness of risk strategies.

A disaster or disruptive event that interrupt or change council’s operations and project delivery was rated as very high with all three measures rated at fair.

Officers said in a report to council that the business continuity plan and management policy required business impact assessment and scenario testing.

Departmental strategy dealing with increase and severity of climate events such as heat, flood, and storm, that may lead to a change in the operations of council to accommodate wetter and drier soils and the impact they have on infrastructure and building assets was listed as fair until flood studies were completed in Wedderburn and Korong Vale.

Councillors were told that extensive use of information technology to provide contemporary and efficient business practices may result in council’s systems being infiltrated by cyber criminals resulting in loss of data or being locked out of Council’s core systems.

However, officers said all control measures in the high risk area were rated as excellent.

“We have procured and implemented a Darktrace Device, which detects, monitors and alerts us of any abnormal or unexpected network activity,” they said.

Highway added to ‘emergency blitz’

ROUGH and damaged sections of the Loddon Valley Highway will be repaired under what the State Government says is an “emergency blitz” of flood-damaged roads across north central Victoria.

The highway linking Bendigo to Kerang has several heavily-potholed sections at Serpentine and near the Mitiamo turnoff. The highway surface was damaged in the October 2022 flood emergency and again during the summer storm floods.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said a $99.5 million rebuild and recovery package would see large scale long-term repairs made to roads in the region.

“Continuing Victoria’s road to recovery after these recent flood events is our number one priority, and we’ll deliver these large-scale repairs as quickly and safely as we can,” she said.

growth for different vegetation types, allowing cutting teams to plan ahead for areas that show faster growth. Powercor’s head of vegetation management Ayce Cordy said the extensive vegetation management program was about keeping power safe and reliable for homes and businesses.

“Our work is about reducing the risk of trees and branches coming into contact with powerlines, which can lead to power outages and fires,” Mr Cordy said.

“These flights are just part of our extensive work to keep the network safe and reliable for our communities.”

The helicopters will be scanning powerlines in and around Echuca, Kerang and Boort townships themselves, as well as in rural areas in the region.

Each year Powercor uses a fleet of three

helicopters to inspect 100 per cent of more than 77,000km of powerlines and 597,000 poles across central and western Victoria.

Last year, teams cut more than 500,000 trees and shrubs growing near more than 50,000 powerline spans (the distance between two poles).

Last year, Powercor’s vegetation team conducted a second vegetation inspection in the highest bushfire risk areas to help inform any further cutting that may need to occur ahead of summer.

Since 2022, Powercor says it has increased its cutting resources by 60 per cent across the network.

Powercor is responsible for the cutting of trees near its powerlines within the boundaries of private properties and on some parts of public land.

A LiDAR image from Echuca

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETIN

28 MARCH 2024

HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT

Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.

Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and con dential nancial support - Call 1300 735 578

Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au

Orange Door - You have a right to be safe - Call 1800 512 359

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area.

1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732

Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.

Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au

Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au

Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821

Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au

Translation and Interpreter Services

Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au

National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Health/Hospitals

Boort District Health

3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200

Inglewood and District Health Services

3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000

Northern District Community Health P: (03) 5451 0200

Boort Medical Centre

2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309

Marong Medical Practice

8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308

Wedderburn Health Clinic

25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511

Legal Services

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909

Neighbourhood Houses

Boort Resource and Information Centre (BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort P: (03) 5455 2716

Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House

Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood P: (03)5455 2716

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House

43 Kelly St, Pyramid Hill P: (03) 5455 7129

Wedderburn Community House 24 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3489

Flood survey – invitation to share your experience

Women Rising: Empowering Flood Recovery Report

The research is exploring community experiences of the 2022-23 oods in South Australia, Victoria and south-western New South Wales; oods that involved sudden-onset ooding (Victoria) and longer lead time riverine ooding (Victoria and South Australia).

While the recent oods in December 2023 to January 2024 are not the focus of the study, if you were a ected by these oods a few questions will be asked. For more information and to complete the survey visit https://shorturl.at/ehGR4

Climate resilience inquiry invites community input

The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee is seeking submissions to its inquiry into climate resilience in Victoria.

The inquiry is seeking to understand and address the main risks posed to Victoria’s built environment and infrastructure by climate change.

The Committee will explore the implications of these risks to Victorians and evaluate the preparedness of the Victorian Government to mitigate and adapt to these challenges.

Submissions to the inquiry close 1 May. For more information, including the full terms of reference and details on how to make a submission go to the Committee’s website:

https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/climateresilience

The Committee is due to report to the parliament by 30 June 2025.

Loddon catchment ood warning system review

On Friday 8 March, Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes announced funding for three North Central Catchment Management Authority projects worth more than $448,000. One of the projects is a review of the ood warning systems available to communities in the Loddon catchment.

Warnings before the October 2022 ood were inaccurate for Newbridge residents who were told to prepare for moderate ooding only for a major ood warning to be issued at 5am on 14 October. For more information visit https://shorturl.at/uVXZ2

On Tuesday 19 March, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM) launched its ‘Women Rising Empowering Flood Recovery’ Report in Cohuna. The report brings together the ndings from a series of focus groups held in 2023 with women across ood impacted areas of the Loddon Mallee region.

By hearing rst-hand from local women, WHLM has been able to build a stronger understanding of the gendered impacts of natural disasters to be able to e ectively advocate for the needs of women and girls in disaster planning and response e orts across the region. The result will be stronger and more inclusive communities in and after disasters.  To read the report visit https://whlm.org.au/womenrising/

Dr Rob Gordon returned to Loddon

Renowned disaster expert and psychologist Dr Rob Gordon returned to Loddon recently, presenting three recovery sessions in Wedderburn. Rob presented to a community dinner at the Wedderburn Hotel sharing his insights for people recovering after recent disruptions due to ooding and storm events. Attendees enjoyed a free meal as well as the opportunity to connect socially with one another while learning from Rob’s sage advice and observations.

All of the attendees reported that the event gave them an opportunity to re ect on their own wellbeing, further demonstrating the value and bene t of activities to support community recovery.

While in Wedderburn, Rob also presented two workshop sessions to 30 agency sta whose organisations are engaged in ood recovery. The workshops gave recovery workers a chance to share their experiences and discuss tactics and ideas for navigating some of the challenges of working in recovery while often also being impacted personally.

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS

Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love to hear from you and assist you through your ood recovery.

Please get in touch if you would like to chat about ood recovery for you and your community.

Call Mal: 0499 978 145 or Josie: 0474 911 783

For up-to-date information regarding ood recovery and council services:

 Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au

 Call our o ce between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or

Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/

Researchers at Natural Hazards Research Australia - Australia’s research centre for natural hazards resilience and disaster risk reduction – want to hear from Loddon residents who were a ected by ooding in the October 2022 event.

Bespoke design in beautiful Boort

38 Holloway Street Boort

Beds 4 | Baths 2 | Cars 2 |

Land 1,390m 2 approx

Price range $700,000 - $770,000

THE charm of this home in the Northern Oasis town of Boort is undeniable.

The newly renovated 1900s cottage retains its charm of more than a centuryrenovated and extended, transforming the space into a home ready to move in and enjoy 21st century living.

With a welcoming wide verandah you are drawn into the home with generous proportions, light filled living spaces and a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

This is a serene location with a welcoming country vibe. You cannot help but feel relaxed by the charm .

Owners have poured passion and love to create a retreat designed with bespoke fittings and fixtures.

The home flows beautifully. A wrap-around wide verandah offers so many resting places.

Step inside and there are soaring ceilings, large bedrooms, a cosy lounge, beautifully and renovated bathroom.

Step into the expansive kitchen, the living and dining area - the heartbeat of the home.

The strikingly exposed brick feature wall is the perfect backdrop to the chef’s kitchen

with designer SMEG cooktop and oven, complete with custom timber island, and large pantry.

Refrigerated heating and cooling give year round comfort.

Upstairs you walk into the master retreat. This expansive designer robe with his and her cabinetry built in and a bespoke barn door.

The ensuite is light filled with velux skylight, clawfoot bath and ample storage. It feels calm and luxurious, a day spa vibe.

Established and private gardens offer cool outdoor spaces to relax. There is an abundance of space for alfresco cooking and entertaining with a seamless servery window opening from the kitchen.

There is no shortage of space on the allotment where it is private and established, yet maintainable with a Sprinkler system for the lawn.

The outdoor pool adds to the appeal of this outstanding Boort home and includes a heat pump for the pool for relaxation in

your own backyard at more times of the year. The home is an oasis to sit by the stunning pool, light the fire pit, walk to the lake - it is all on your doorstep to slow down and take advantage of the ever so desired tree change, country lifestyle. Designed with room for all the toys on site, there is with undercover storage for boat, trailer, car, caravan and jet skis.

With plenty of amenities including hospital, cafe, restaurants, P-12 school, golf, football and tennis club, boating, fishing and walking trails, your dream Boort home is a short stroll to Little Lake Boort.

A wonderful community and place to raise a family. 38 Holloway Street has been a treasured family home that now awaits new owners to create their own wonderful memories in a very special home.

Heartbeat and relaxation ... contemporary charm in renovated and expanded cottage

The Australian wool market has recorded an overall reduction last week, driven by losses in the merino fleece sector.

The national offering rose by 3,978 bales to 44,033 bales. The majority of the losses were recorded on the opening day of selling. By the close of the day, in the merino fleece, the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) had fallen by between 9 and 43 cents. The largest falls were in Sydney and Fremantle, as these centres were yet to realise the losses in the market recorded in the standalone Melbourne sale of Thursday last week. The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) closed the day 16 cents lower. This was the equal largest daily fall in the EMI this calendar year, and the largest fall since August last year, when the EMI fell by 24 cents. The market settled on the second selling day, with a positive finish in the West where all MPGs posted rises. Varied movements in the Eastern centres ended with a one cent daily rise in the EMI. The EMI closed the series 15 cents lower at 1,152 cents, a 1.3% drop. In contrast to the previous series, due to a strengthening Australian dollar, in USD terms the overall fall was larger. The EMI lost 19 US cents for the series, closing at 753 cents, a 2.5% fall.

The oddments have again defied the trend of the other sectors. Strong interest, particularly in locks, helping to push the market higher. Since the start of the calendar year, the three Merino Carding Indicators (MC) have recorded an average positive movement for nine out of eleven selling series. The three regional MC opened the year at an average of 700 cents. These indicators now average 741 cents, an increase of 5.9%.

Next week’s national offering is forecast to rise to 49,814 bales.

Source: AWEX

SHEEP anD LaMBS

A REDUCED yarding ahead of the Easter break at Bendigo on Monday with lamb numbers down to 13,774 and sheep back to 4600 head.

The lamb market was dearer by $10 to $20 over heavy and trade slaughter lambs, although in carcass price terms this sale didn’t hit the highs recorded at Wagga Wagga late last week.

The stand-out price improvers in this Bendigo market were the light and secondary lambs in the 15-20kg cwt bracket, with some of the MK type categories up $25 and more on a week ago.

Export lambs over 30kg from $185 to a top of $244 and after a strong opening buyers did ease back a bit as the sale progressed.

The ballpark costs for extra heavy lambs was 660-670c/kg which was at a premium to the average costs recorded for trade types.

The heavy 26-30kg lambs $160 to $212, and heavy trade lambs $145 to $174. Medium trade lambs, 22-24kg, from $130 to $158. A range of 610c to 660c/kg covered the majority of lambs categories between 22-30kg cwt.

Showing much dearer carcass price results were light and secondary lambs, most of the these also above 600c in this market at $90 to $130 for light crossbreds with frame; smallest lambs mostly $40 to $85/ hd.

One local Bendigo agency again purchased bigger trade type store lambs to feed on.

Sheep prices varied a few dollars either side of last week, with light mutton lacking some buying support at times. Big crossbred ewes $70 to $90; good Merino ewes $60 to $100; plainest ewes $12 to $30 and rams down to $1.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Market improved in all categories. Heavy lambs were highest at $15-20 dearer.

Most mutton was estimated between 220c to 280c/kg cwt.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

R & K Mountjoy Raywood (99) $244. ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (70) $233. OR & BE Osborne Neilborough (41) $231. GJ & GM Bremner P/L Quambatook (36) $230. Lislea Lodge Picola (118) $230. S & N Betts Echuca (61) $225. T & S Lockhart Wedderburn (77) $225. AB & KB Broom Neereman (62) $212. Ian Angove Echuca (29) $212. A & K Ogden Wanalta (53) $211. Pompapiel Past Pompapiel (44) $204. DJ & ED Lees Rochester (118) $196. Coobool Downs Mellbol (91) $195. I & P Durie Wycheproof (140) $194. J & C Pay Murrabit (61) $192. A & C Dalrymple Narrewillock (98) $192. Freemantle & Bell Woodstock (25) $183. MJ Byrne Axedale (38) $181. C Mountjoy Raywood (61) $165.

MERINO WETHERS

Bolangum Hills Farm Gre Gre (90) $90.

CROSSBRED EWES

WJ Symons Stanhope (51) $80. R & D Trewick Elmore (20) $75. R Caldwell Bunnaloo (66) $70. DR & JA Brawn Pental Island (19) $70. Pompapiel Past Pompapiel (18) $70. CV & MS Hearn Koyuga (10) $65.

MERINO EWES

Everdry P/L Moama (60) $100. Pompapiel Past Pompapiel (31) $91. Glenorchy Past Glenhope (34) $88. Bolangum Hills Farm Gre Gre (32) $85. P Scott Manangatang (37) $80. DR & JA Brawn Pental Island (23) $80. M Rowlands Swan Hill (30) $74. Bendigo sales resume April 8 starting at 9.30am.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

grain

BOORT Grain Co-op prices on Monday.

Wheat – H1 $348.25 FIS. H2 $320 FIS. APW $290 FIS. ASW $284.75 FIS. GP1 $278 FIS. Barley – Maximus $296 FIS. Planet $306 FIS. Spartacus $296 FIS. Bar1 $281.25 FIS. Bar2 $263 FIS. Pulses - Faba1 $450 FIS. Faba2 $450 FIS. Nipper $845 FIS. Field pea $480 FIS. ISCC non-GM canola $575 FIS . ISCC GM canola $612.25 FIS. GM canola $597.50 FIS. New crop 2024-2025 – APW MG $317. Bar1 MG $285.

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

Will

Buzzing praise for pollinators

IN A concerted effort to bolster local biodiversity and promote pollinator conservation, the Loddon Plains Landcare Network hosted the much-anticipated Bees Knees event on Friday night.

The event highlighted the significance of various pollinators beyond the renowned honeybee, including beetles, hoverflies, moths, and wasps.

Dr Mark Hall, senior biodiversity officer with the City of Greater Bendigo, spearheaded the event and emphased the crucial role played by diverse pollinators in maintaining ecosystem health and agricultural productivity.

“Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, facilitating the reproduction of countless plant species and ensuring food security,” said Dr Hall.

“While honeybees often take centre stage in discussions about pollination, it’s essential to recognise and support the

myriad of other pollinators that contribute to our ecosystems.”

Attendees were treated to an engaging presentation aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of pollinator diversity and offering practical tips for attracting and supporting these vital creatures.

Focusing on creating pollinator-friendly habitats, providing participants with insights into the types of flowers, shrubs, and nesting sites that appeal to a variety of pollinators, including beetles, hoverflies, moths, and wasps. Participants learned about the importance of planting native species and adopting pesticide-free gardening practices to create welcoming environments for these often-overlooked pollinators.

“The diversity of pollinators is staggering, and each species plays a unique role in pollination,” explained Dr. Hall.

Katherine promotes local eucalyptus provinance

NATIVE trees and shrubs of local provinance were showcased on National Eucalypt Day last Saturday.

Inglewood Wildflowers’ Kathryn Gillett was part of Loddon celebrations at Inglewood’s Eucalyptus Distillery Museum that attracted visiting groups from Melbourne, Echuca and other parts of Victoria.

Kathryn has been propagating euca-

lypts and natives at her Inglewood property for two years but has worked in horticulture for almost three decades and is an agriculture teacher at Bendigo TAFE.

She was attracted to Inglewood and the golden triangle region for its capacity to grow natives.

“Eucalypts have so many uses - in printing, oils and more,” she said at her stall on Saturday.

Dairies want better transparency

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation United

Dairyfarmers of Victoria is stepping up calls for increased transparency as the ACCC’s Dairy Code of Conduct review continues.

VFF UDV president Bernie Free said despite a fairly positive overall view of the Code, the VFF UDV was seeking a number of changes as outlined in a recent submission to the review.

“The Dairy Industry Code review has had an overwhelmingly positive impact for Victorian dairy farmers, but strengthening the Code in relation to dispute resolution and increasing transparency in milk supply agreements will assist farmers in ensuring long term profitability,” he said.

“We’re calling for the most current version of a Milk Supply Agreement to be

“By enhancing habitat diversity and reducing pesticide use, individuals can make a tangible difference in conserving these vital insects.”

The Bees Knees event underscored the importance of recognising and conserving the diverse pollinators that contribute to the health and resilience of ecosystems.

With continued community engagement and proactive conservation efforts, the Loddon Plains region is poised to become a haven for pollinators of all stripes, ensuring a flourishing natural heritage for generations to come.

- ANDREW PERRYMAN

published with a separate document recording changes since previous versions to simplify the documentation.”

“If we could get the costs of dispute resolution to be based on pro-rata turnover and that producers be permitted to engage in multi-party dispute resolution, but not processors, it would be a fantastic outcome for producers,” Mr Free said.

Mr Free added that overall the Code has been a great success since its inception, and the tweaks suggested aim to further strengthen it.

“The Code of Conduct has worked well to correct some market failures and to promote improved competition for milk at the farmgate. There’s no doubt it’s had a very positive impact for dairy farmers throughout Victoria,” Mr Free said.

Mark Hall

Crisis? There is good news to celebrate

by Revd Darcy Vaughan

ARE you struggling with the cost of living crisis?

Insurance premiums are up, mortgage rates have spiked and everyday items seem to cost more than they should.

Our politicians promise a solution, but it seems no one is certain of the way out.

You may also be struggling with a bigger cost of living crisis. That is; the pain and suffering that seem so bound up in our lives. Loved ones who are unwell, friends who are struggling or the persistence of grief for those we have lost.

Sometimes it seems this suffering is just the great ‘cost of living’ we have to endure.

Easter is about the good news of God who has shared this experience with us, taking on human form, and in humility accepting death, even death

EAStER REFlECtION

on a cross. In the death and resurrection of Jesus we see that there is hope in the midst of the struggle to live.

That suffering and death will not always be with us, and that we may have a certain hope that this crisis has been overcome through the love of God.

Easter is such a joyous time of celebration! We get together with friends and family for a great time.

It is also a time to celebrate the wonderful news: Christ is risen! And has brought abundant life to all who would follow him.

Every blessing to you and yours this Easter, RevdDarcyVaughanisrectorofthe Anglican ParishofInglewoodandMaldon

Housing report provides vital roadmap for shire growth

THERE are statistics around that say the Loddon Shire won’t experience population growth in the next few years - the Victorian Electoral Commission used such data in justifying proposed new ward boundaries and Coliban Water’s five-year plan doesn’t seem to factor in local growth.

The reality is very different and this week’s Loddon Herald reports on the positive sign with breaking of ground for civil works on the first major residential sub-division for the shire. Bridgewater Rise has pretty much sold all blocks in stage one of the development by Josh Cummins.

He has shown faith in the future growth of Loddon Shire, and particularly the strategically important towns along the Calder Highway that were identified in the Villawood report presented to Loddon Shire Council this week.

The housing market, just like sheep and cattle, has had a few challenges over the past 12 or so months. But those challenges have not diminished interest in people wanting to make the move and enjoy a Loddon lifestyle.

yOUR ONlINE WORDS

EDItORIAl

With Loddon Shire now committed to a housing expo in September, promoting opportunities for investment in the residential future, one can sense that there will be increased interest in bringing new residents to local towns.

There is a story to tell to prospective homebuyers and builders. The Loddon Herald believes Calder corridor towns are the next big growth area in central Victoria.

Council is putting itself on the front foot. People like Josh Cummins are putting in the hard yards to build and grow the future.

As we have written before, governments also need to step up to the plate and not be caught napping. Infrastructure and services are part of the package that will ease growing pains in our local communities.

There is an opportunity for government to plan ahead instead of playing catch up.

MOBILE PHONE TOWER AT RHEOLA CARNIVAL

Dizzy Brett wrote: Can they bring the tower to Laanecoorie after?

BRIDGEWATER NURSERY FOURTH BIRTHDAY

Sue Heerey wrote: Great nursery, highly recommend.

Darren Quigley wrote: Good to see. I’m really happy with the plants I’ve bought there so far with

bUShy tAlES by IAN jONES

more to come. Highly recommend Bridgewater Nursery.

POLICE PRESENCE IN LODDON

Jo Guthrie wrote: Just ridiculous that we can’t get local police presence in the country areas. We have been without one in Serpentine for a long time also. Puts pressure on other stations covering as well and we have to wait hours for police to show up. Not good enough!

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. P is the chemical symbol for which element?

2. How many musical notes are in a hexachord?

3. A frugivore is an animal that feeds mostly on what?

4. A baby Quokka is called a what?

5. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are known by what name?

6. Who was the founder and first King of Rome?

7. Which gemstone is entirely made up of carbon?

8. Name the mythical beast that has the body of a lion, face of a man, and tail of a scorpion?

9. Lala, one member of The Teletubbies is what colour?

10. A nephrectomy is a surgical procedure where which part of the body is removed?

11. What does a hygrometer measure?

12. Latrodectus hasselti is the scientific name for which arachnid?

13. In which year was the Wall St crash?

14. Someone who is a visagiste is more commonly known as a what?

15. Which country was previously called Siam?

16. What was the title of the first James Bond film?

17. Beethoven lost which of his senses?

18. What is the longest and largest nerve in the human body?

19. Name the gas which causes fizz in soft drinks?

20. What name is given to the icicle-like formations that grow down from cave ceilings? 1. Phosphorus 2. Six 3. Raw fruits 4. Joey 5. Mormons 6. Romulus 7. Diamond 8.

ANSWERS

BRADLEY of Boort is one for hobbies - you have may read about his pumpkin exploits earlier in today’s paper - and now it’s his Treemendous Sign about collecting coins. Perhaps after his success at growing giant pumpkins, there’s a chance he can turn coins into big bucks.

TALKING of big bucks. we hear that rabbits are attracting a premium price over Easter. Apparently the wholesale price for the bunnies at markets has gone through the roof. Could be a ploy to add them to the protected list for the weekend.

EASTER always brings back memories as a youngster of heading down to the corner shop - you know, the milkbar and using spare

change to buy as many of those little Red Tulip caramelfilled chocolates. The aim was always to have a decent booty in reserve before the official arrival of the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday.

PROBLEM with hoarding chocolates? They just don’t seem to last. You think there’s a bunny’s dozen and 30 minutes later ... they’ve gone somewhere!

AND while Bradley is one about change, there’s all those varieties of hot cross buns coming out of ovens. At OTF, we’re not into the fruity version. Anything sans the little bits find more favour.

DID YOU KNOW: In 1873, J.S. Fry & Sons produced the first hollow chocolate egg using egg moulds. Manufacturing their first Easter egg in 1875, Cadbury created the modern chocolate Easter egg after developing a pure cocoa butter that could be moulded into smooth shapes.

Manticore 9. Yellow 10. Kidney 11. Humidity 12. Redback spider 13. 1929 14. Make-up artist 15. Thailand 16. Dr No 17. Hearing

FEATURES

AUSSIE LIFESTYLE WINS OVER EXCHANGE STUDENT

I’LL BE BACK

By CHRIS EARL

FRED Gjorup has crammed heaps into his nine months as an exchange student in Australia discovering Aussie Rules football, rabbit shooting, trips to the beach.

He’s also become a local champion at Boort, taking up cricket for the first time last October, proving more than handy as a bowler and ending up a member of the Boort Yando junior side that won the Upper Loddon association premiership.

The youngster from Copenhagen, Denmark, was at Pyramid Hill on Saturday cheering the football side from the sidelines, equally committed in saying that he’ll be back to Australia, and Boort, sooner rather than later.

This Saturday, he flies home after final farewells to a Boort bevy of new Australian mates who welcomed him last year as a World Education Program exchange student.

Fred said he had enjoyed experiencing the culture. the food and Australia’s school life.

“In Denmark I live in a city ... it’s very different to Australian life in Boort,” he said.

“I’ve driven tractors and headers this year and met the boys in football and cricket, sports I had never heard of before coming here.”

Fred has become a quick convert to Australian Rules football.

“It’s the best sport in the world. I like the physical contact and that you use your hands and legs ... it’s very different to soccer,” Fred observed.

Fred clearly has Boort Magpies marked as his favourite team while admitting Melbourne takes front position in the AFL competition.

School routines have proven very different as well. “In Denmark there are more subjects - 12 - and I was doing four

languages - Danish, English, German and French.” Between cheering for the Magpies, he again comes back to expressing a love for the Australian lifestyle.

“I don’t like living in cities. They are cramped and crowded. In the country, you get a private life,” he said. “And you can go hunting for foxes and rabbits.

“So I’m already planning to return, to save money and be back here within 12 months.”

Fred was hosted by Brooke and Kane Arnold for his nine-month stay in Boort. “We really will miss Fred, we couldn’t have imagined him fitting in as easily as he did,” Brooke said.

World Education Program Australian

said: “I love what these students bring to small communities and what you wonderful communities give to these students who have chosen to come and live the Aussie life.

“I’d love if we could also hopefully find some more families in the area to host students that are coming in July to Australia from all around the world.”

World Education Program Australia Ltd is an independent, incorporated, not-forprofit Australian student exchange organisation registered and approved by the education departments across Australia.

It was formed in 2001 in cooperation with WEP International which now has

offices in Brussels, Turin, Milan, Lyon, Paris, Rosario, Rome and Oderzo. Trina says WEP Australia has enabled thousands of students to open a door to a rewarding and successful future through education abroad.

“We love placing students in rural communities as they really get a taste of the great Australian lifestyle and we always find warm, loving families ready to open up their home to these courageous students,” she said. “Students arrive from Italy, France, Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, the UK and plenty of other countries. They are aged between 15 and 18 and are placed in Australian schools for the duration of their stay.”

community engagement manager Trina Henderson

Fred makes his debut as a cricketer last October.

Loving the football ... Brodie Arnold, Fred and Alex Chamberlain. LH PHOTO

EM plo YME n T

LYNDON - Graeme Ronald “Twinks”

A Mass of Thanksgiving for the life of Mr Graeme Ronald Lyndon “Twinks” will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 87 Southey St, Inglewood, on WEDNESDAY (April 3rd) at 11:00am.

At the conclusion of Mass the cortege will leave for the Inglewood Lawn Cemetery.

A Livestream of the Service will be available to view at www.napierpark.com.au

LYNDON Graeme

The Chairman, Board, Management, members of CFA North West Region and District 20 regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

MEET ing no T ic E

Boort Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc.

Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 3rd April, 7pm

Venue: Boort Park

Apologies to boortagsociety@outlook.com

General meeting to follow at 7.30pm

public no T ic E s

Yung

Phone - 0417 333 171 Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com

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.

Grader Operator – Loddon Gold elds –J/262

 Full-time, permanent position

 GOCOM salary $74,435.25-$77,562.67 per annum plus employer superannuation Payroll O cer – ref.J/263

 Full-time, permanent position

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

 Based at Council’s Wedderburn O ce Applications for the above positions close on Monday, 08 April 2024

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.

for s A l E

Holt’s double in Band awards

LUKE Holt has won Wedderburn Band Cricket Club’s champion player award for the 2023-2024 season.

Holt finished with 607 points to take the top trophy in another stellar year for the club that it make the grand final. He also won the club’s batting award with 482 Runs for an average of 40.16. The bowling award went to Will Holt with catching honours were take by Macca Smith.

North Central bowls Division 2 runners-up Wedderburn. LH PHOTO

Loddon Valley tennis runners-up Raywood. LH PHOTO

Boort tennis runners-up Leaghur.

Boort’s Jacob Coleman handballs in Saturday’s practice match against Pyramid Hill. LH PHOTO

Rolling subs tipped to lift game pace

A REVOLUTION is coming for the 2024 season with the introduction of THE rolling substitution rule in North Central Netball Association games.

Expect to see faster and fresher players, more tactical pressure on coaches, and an end to players feigning injury to allow a substitution.

NCNA president Kylie Walsh said the league’s introduction of rolling subs, which had been part of the national Super Netball competition since 2020, made sense.

She said players pretending to be injured and leaving the court to enable a substitution had long been an issue for netball, especially close to the finals, with players needing to play a certain number of games to be able to qualify to appear in the playoffs.

The rule change means more players can get the game time needed for finals netball, with new qualifying requirements of three games in a specific grade and six appearances overall for a club.

The rolling subs innovation allows teams to substitute players without needing a break in play,

By GARY WALSH

although substitutions can still be made at stoppages and intervals. The player being subbed off tags a teammate by touching hands in a designated substitution zone.

“The C graders are loving it; they can have a rest when they’re puffed,” Walsh said.

The new rule was tested last weekend in Bendigo, where Walsh coached at the state titles. She found it worked well from a strategic point of view, making it easier to match up with opposition players.

Walsh expected the change to be “a bit of a novelty” early in the North Central season as coaches adjusted but she said it would prove to be a great innovation for juniors in particular, allowing for greater rotation of players.

She also said the league would have to use umpires from Bendigo, Swan Hill and Horsham during finals, who would be practised in the use of the new rule, making the change more logical.

Concern has been expressed that the rule might prove costly for some clubs through the need

for a second set of bibs, and that keeping track of the substitutions might prove too difficult for volunteer scorers on top of their normal tasks.

However, Walsh said most clubs already had two sets of bibs because of the requirements of the blood rule, while a by-law change would mean scorers would now only have to note games played, rather than quarters, easing their burden.

The North Central league has also adjusted its grades, adding a new C Reserve to the existing A, B and C competitions.

Last season, St Arnaud and Birchip Watchem could not fill their Under 17B teams, so were forced to play a series of scratch matches instead of competition games.

Walsh said the new C Reserve grade would allow clubs to top up the new senior team with juniors, who would gain valuable experience and be mentored by senior players. The change would also allow netballers to play two games per round, rather than the previous maximum of six quarters – either two senior games or one senior and one junior match.

Carnival kicks off new seasons

were less important than finetuning tactics and game plans, the Yellow side narrowly beat their rivals.

McClelland steps into league’s top position

SEA Lake’s Mick McClelland was named new chairman of North Central Football at Sunday’s season launch in Charlton.

The seasoned country football administrator already has his eyes on the league working through an unexpected challenge to junior football after the AFL last week dropped a decree that restricts the ages of players. Under the AFL directive, only players aged 12 or older will be able to play in under 14 competitions and the youngest in under 17 will be 15. However, McClelland said the league would seek clarification from the AFL “because of potential impacts” on North Central clubs.

Most North Central clubs have younger players in their junior teams, making it possible for the underage competitions to continue.

The AFL bombshell came in a week when Nullawil and Wycheproof Narraport announced they would merge for the 2025 season. McClelland said the league supported the merge and there would be talks about the format of next season’s draw.

The arrival of Nullawil last season created a bye that has seen two complete rounds and byes part of the North Central draw.

McClelland replaces Wedderburn’s Tim Lockhart who had served as president for four years.

Gary joins your local Herald team

EXPERIENCED journalist Gary Walsh this week’s joins the team of your local Loddon Herald.

an enthusiastic

of spectators from the 10 clubs represented on the day.

Matches kicked off with a clash between two footy teams – Yellow and Blue – from the Bendigo Pioneers under 18 women.

While results on the day

Newbridge then accounted for a determined Wandella outfit with a last-term surge, before Ultima saw off Charlton. Game four pitted a young Lake Boga squad against Woorinen, who proved too strong. The final football match saw the closest match of the day, with hosts Pyramid Hill kick-

ing the last two goals of the game to account for neighbours Boort.

Experienced Netball Victoria umpires were on hand to help club officials who want to obtain umpiring badges for the coming season, offering courtside feedback and mentoring throughout the day. Coaches noted the practice match series offered a welcome chance to introduce new players and work on team strategies.

Gary’s stellar career started on Melbourne’s Sun News-Pictorial and included stints as State Parliament roundsman and as a feature writer.

He later worked for the Sunday Observer and Sunday Herald, The Age and Sunday Age.

Gary has also worked with the AFL and APT Travel Group.

He recently retired to Dunolly and now joins the Loddon Herald.

Contact Gary on sportloddonherald@gmail.com

Wedderburn president Chris Hargreaves, Mick McClelland, Tim Lockhart and Boort president Chris Scott at the launch. LH PHOTO

PYRAMID Hill’s fourth annual Pre-Season Community Practice Match Series saw five football matches and eight netball games played before

crowd

North Central hockey president Janelle Barbary and netball president Kylie Walsh. LH PHOTO

Pyramid Hill’s Zach Alford breaks clear in the match against Boort. LH PHOTO

Miti boys bring home first pennant in four decades

IN A feat 42 years in the making, Mitiamo Golf Club has snared a pennant in the powerful Bendigo competition.

The club last entered the Bendigo pennant competition in 1982.

But this year’s team turned back the years and beat Heathcote 3-2 in a

hard-fought Open Division 2 grand final played at Castlemaine Golf Club on Sunday.

Scott Lawry won 3 up with two holes to go. Matt Miles beat his opponent on the 19th hole after being all tied up on the 18th, and Paul Condliffe streeted his opponent 5 up with four

holes to go. Brett Holmes lost 4 down with two holes to play, and Adam Gould lost on the 20th hole after being tied after 18.

Other players who represented Mitiamo during the five-week season were Dale Anderson, Matt Dennis, Sam Newth, Rick Hasty and Gav Kerr.

Marmal crowned champions

BOORT Tennis Club’s grand final has been taken out by the Marmal team, which beat Leaghur by 7 sets and 63 games to 2 sets and 45 games.

The hard luck story of the day belonged to Alister McDougal, who would have played on the winning side if not for an injured shoulder.

J.

Marmal 7-63 d Leaghur 2-45

Centenary feast of bowling on big tournament menu

WEDDERBURN Bowls Club celebrated its 100th Easter tournament this weekend, with a three-day gathering that has attracted bowlers from all over Victoria.

Club president Lance Standfield said there would be as many as 88 entrants in the Gold Letter fours event on Saturday, with some local members having to step aside to allow the visitors to play.

“We’ve got players coming from as far afield as Melbourne, Lara, Irymple and Mildura,” he said.

The club will have 11 rinks operating, with an expected 44 players in the pairs event today – with six bowlers on the waiting list – and 66 in the triples on Friday, before Saturday’s huge turnout.

The centenary will be celebrated with an afternoon tea on Saturday following play, with many visitors attending to commemorate historic family connections with the club.

Despite the feast of player entries, Standfield lamented that the diminishing number

of volunteers made staging the annual event ever more difficult.

“It used to be a seven-day tournament from Wednesday to Tuesday, but now we have only eight lady members as volunteers. Our volunteer numbers are shrinking all the time. We need more from outside,” Standfield said.

Those eight members have organised the catering and will serve on the three days as well as donating much of the food themselves.

“If we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t be able to hold the tournament,” Standfield said.

Play begins at noon today and at 9.30am on Friday and Saturday.

Wedderburn teams have also had success at a local level this season, with the mid-week team winning its grand final and looking forward to regional championships in Warracknabeal on Sunday.

The division one team also triumphed in its grand final and will compete in regional titles at Stawell on Wednesday.

Late entry surge expected

ENTRIES for the 65th Boort tennis tournament are expected to go through 200 before play gets underway tomorrow.

Tournament director Alister McDougal said more than 180 entries had been received by last weekend.

“We picked up 20 just on Saturday and they will continue

to be received throughout the week,” McDougal said.

The premier singles events tomorrow will be followed by doubles, age group and family sections.

Boort Tennis Club has also organised social activities throughout the weekend for visitors to the town.

and

Beamish d G. Boyd and L. Clark 8-7. G. Bear and K. Hare d D. Lanyon and H. Lanyon 8-6. N. Wright and B.

8-4.

Mitiamo’s winning pennant side

The winning Marmal team - Back: Greg Bear, Luke Boyd, Brodie McPherson, Natham Wright, Jacob Moresi. Front: Owen Byrne, Anna Beamish, Kellie Hare, Alister McDougal.

Marmal’s Kelly Hare. LH PHOTO

Summer that fizzled

SCRAMBLING for players and teams, Loddon’s summer sport competitions are being stifled and strangled by the Goliath that is AFL football.

Clubs imitating the big league have been in training since last November - barely a month after footy grand finals were decided.

The quest for an edge securing name recruits, players reaching optimum and peak fitness before the first bounce of the new season and the greater commitment of time by players and families has accelerated post-COVID.

The cracks have emerged and summer sport in the Loddon and right across Victoria, has become a bare shadow of the strength enjoyed even a decade ago.

Many club veterans say players and families now focus on personal time and relaxation over summer, unwilling to make commitments for cricket and tennis after the slog of training twice a week and then match days for football and netball.

“We’ve lost two families this season alone,” said Boort tennis club’s Alister McDougal.

This summer saw more forfeits than centuries in Upper Loddon

By CHRIS EARL

Cricket Association - reduced to just four teams in both the senior and junior competitions.

Inglewood and District Tennis Association limped through with five teams, the bye team often bumping up others. It even happened in the finals.

Even the stronger Loddon Valley Tennis Association dropped a team when Calivil was unable to muster enough players, particularly women despite the district having a vibrant Saturday morning junior scene.

The accelerated push by AFL Victoria to raise participation in Aussie Rules is having a flow-on effect already in Melbourne. Top private school Haileybury will no longer force students to do both summer and winter sports by 2025, a decision tipped to free talented students up to participate in AFL junior competitions.

Loddon youngsters previously part of junior academy programs like the Bendigo Pioneers have been discouraged from playing summer sport. “They tell us that if we get injured playing summer sport, that’s our fault ... the pressure is there not to play tennis or cricket,” one said.

More than a dozen tennis clubs and almost as many cricket clubs have disappeared across the Loddon in the past 40 years. There are abandoned courts and practice nets at recreation reserves, some themselves long abandoned by winter sports too.

But it is the reduction of participation in summer sport that is raising concern after a summer season that was more a fizzer than a sizzler.

Inglewood tennis association president Aaron Lock said the associations and clubs had to look at options to make the sport more engaging and enjoyable.

“And that may mean scheduling matches away from the traditional Saturday afternoons, freeing up weekends for people. Perhaps we do look at some Friday night rounds,” he said.

Marong Tennis AssociationLoddon clubs Derby, Newbridge and Woodstock play in that sev-

en-team competition - did just that this season, bringing all players into Bendigo for one round.

Ironically, Newbridge was the “home side” against Woodstock yet its courts with lighting were not used for the special round.

Instead, members of the two clubs say they are now looking at the possibility of pushing for a twilight round at Newbridge next season, or at least, a round-robin evening for all teams in the area.

According to former Inglewood association president and veteran sportsman Glenn Catto, football is not the only reason summer sport has struggled in recent years.

He says the greater reliance on crops by district farmers puts competing demands of harvest against summer sport schedules.

And Catto also points to the reduction in local farming families and rural properties becoming bigger. “There’s less families on farms these days,” he said.

Catto said the increase in local football clubs recruiting from outside the area had also reduced the available pool of players for summer sports.

“And where once council staff and school teachers lived in the towns and played sport in summer and winter, there’s a lot these days that just travel in to work and then head back home to Bendigo or other towns.

“The loss of these people has taken away potential players and the link for young people to be involved in sport in the community.”

Catto last played tennis two years ago and now devotes his summer focus to lawn bowls. As vice-president of the Bridgewater club, he has seen several younger generation players emerge. “We’ve picked up a few at Bridgewater this season and there was Jack Nevins who headed to Inglewood after that town’s cricket club went into recess.

Creating family atmosphere for future

THERE are a few

eager

Mid-week cricket clinics in Bridgewater and Boort are putting fun into summer sport for primary students.

Some have already graduated to the Bridgewater junior team where more seasoned hands are guiding their development in competition.

Wedderburn tennis club has run summer tennis clinics the last two seasons.

Club life member and current singles champion Susie Lockhart said the next generation was also in the Saturday

routine, accompanying their parents to Inglewood association matches.

“The clinics we ran in January went really well,” she said.

“We want to keep people involved ... each and every person so we have the sport surviving while these young children start coming through.

“We want to keep people who are harvesting involved as players too. We have to have flexibility.

“We have families around the club all the time and lots of young children.”

Lockhart said that adaptability had seen the two Wedderburn teams schedule their match on the Friday night of the Australia Day weekend.

“We do what we have to do and share players to keep all teams on the court,” she said.

Boort’s hopes for more twilight options, however, may have been dashed by latest concept plans under the Little Lake Boort draft masterplan.

While lighting of the courts would open Friday night to match scheduling, the plan now only includes two courts.

Alister McDougal said two courts would be enough for just one match, not a full round of encounters.

Original discussions had canvassed lighting on all 12 courts at the Boort complex.

“There’s also the Dennis boys at Calivil ... younger lawn bowlers who came into the sport after the demise of their cricket club.”

Lock was a premiership coach at Arnold until the Redbacks put their junior cricket side in mothballs this season.

He said junior cricket and tennis had shared players, with youngsters on the field in the morning and the courts in the afternoon.

“There’s also the risk of burnout of youngsters in their 20s when really they should be in their prime,” Lock said.

“But winter sport has been growing continually. Many people are worn out when they finish football or netball,” he said.

“When I was playing football, we didn’t start training until February and that wasn’t even 20 years ago.”

“We need to encourage people new to our towns to be involved, make friends and play sport.”

Aaron Lock has been part of the Loddon sports scene for decades ... he sees the dominance of winter sport contributing to “burn out” in youngsters. LH PHOTO

bunches of

youngsters already in training to sustain Loddon tennis and cricket sides into the future.

Susie Lockhart

The Oracle says: It’s demographics, farm sizes and footy factors

WHEN council workers and teachers lived in local towns, they played sport with local clubs.

But according to Glenn “The Oracle” Catto, times have changed and sport is missing out on numbers needed to survive and be sustainable.

Catto, a former Bridgewater footballer and one-time Inglewood tennis association president, said bigger farms and changing demographics were equal in cutting the pool of players for tennis and cricket sides.

“There have been big changes in agriculture and demographics,” said Catto.

“And sure, football is not helping. When I played football between 1982 and 1991, we’d start senior training in February ... it didn’t encroach on summer sport.

“If we weren’t fit by round one we would get our bum kicked and be expected to have good form soon after.

“Now football has much higher expectations.”

Catto said the focus of farmers, now tilling larger parcels of land than a generation ago, was on grains.

“Everything is now structured around cropping and income from crops is very important be-

Premiers say five teams

‘stay key’

WHEN Bridgewater withdrew its senior side from Upper Loddon Cricket Association this season, the competition’s oldest club Arnold started looking at options.

The Redbacks say they don’t want to be left without playing a game on summer Saturdays if suddenly another side faltered and made the current four-team competition unviable.

The Redbacks have looked at neighbouring associations based on Bendigo and Maryborough.

But within minutes of Arnold winning the 2023-2024 flag a fortnight ago, secretary Ryan Metelmann said a minimum fiveteam Upper Loddon association was key to the Redbacks staying put next season.

Arnold celebrated its 125th anniversary earlier this year, its history of successfully playing in Loddon-based competitions for more than a century celebrated.

Association president Wendy Murphy used grand final day to

SPORTS-MAD youngsters were being forced to make a choice between summer sport finals and winter sport training and camps, according to tennis coach Paul Condliffe.

announce a “pow wow” on April 15 to discuss the competition’s future when clubs could indicate their preparedness to be part of the next season.

Bridgewater says it wants to make a return. President John Daldy has told members: “It was disappointing to lose the seniors this past season ... but we are working hard behind the scenes to get it back up and running so the juniors will have a place to continue their cricketing careers”.

There have also been informal discussions about looking to entice teams in adjoining districts into Upper Loddon.

Charlton is one club that has been mentioned. It has a team in the two-grade Wimmera Mallee competition that draws sides from most North Central Football League towns and as far north as Brim.

Competing in B Grade, Charlton finished the season as runners-up.

tween the end of October and December - the first half of the summer sport seasons,” he said.

Catto also says time demands on family time have become tighter.

“Both mum and dad are working and the kids have jobs after school and at weekends.

“As a result, cricket and tennis have kind of gone a bit by the wayside.

“Inglewood itself in the 1970s had five sides, then there were country clubs like Arnold West. It was the country clubs who were the strength of the association when I was growing up.

“The same up north around Dingee and Yarrawalla where families were together playing sport on Saturdays.”

But Catto observes that the dearth of people taking up summer sport is not restricted to Loddon towns.

“Look at any tennis or cricket association in any area, Bendigo included, and the numbers of players and teams is not what it once was,” he said.

Catto sees opportunities for Loddon bowls clubs to attract younger players to the game. His own Bridgewater club this year blooded three younger gen-

eration players. Inglewood gave teenager Blake Smyth a taste of premier division action in just his second year in the sport, Saturday mornings spent putting down overs in junior cricket and the afternoons on the bowling green.

Catto, who switches to football umpire in the winter months, also sees the expanding domination of football as playing a role in summer sport decline. “AFL football has become the dominant sport,” he said.

Despite the changes, Catto says summer sport will stay in Loddon towns. It might just look different.

Upper Loddon has its own junior association - also back to four clubs this season after Arnold withdrew. In Donald and St Arnaud, four teams vie for honour in each of the town’s competitions - Donald runs matches on Friday nights.

Boort Yando returned to Upper Loddon junior cricket this season after standing out for a season, linked in part to fatigue among the same cohort of achieving under 17 footballers in the town.

Upper Loddon clubs have also been discussing senior match formats. Wedderburn and Arnold agreed to have two 20:20 encounters during the season.

Informal talk has extended to two twilight 20:20 rounds at a central venue that would then free up the weekends of players.

Inglewood has emerged as the likely location with suitable lighting. It’s a ground still with a pitch almost a decade after the local club went into recess and players

last honed their skills in practice nets.

Players want to see the association build on strong town and family support seen at matches this season.

“A Friday night 20:20 would be a great way to bring all clubs together and make for a real family night,” one player said during the finals.

As association president Wendy Murphy said, all ideas are on the table for next season.

Kids forced to make choice in crossover Summertime break time puts extra call on emergency list

Condliffe also said that youngsters wanting to continue skill development in a sport like tennis tried to juggle lessons with winter sport training.

The one-time Serpentine footballer who runs tennis clinics across the region said extended demands for football and netball training and earlier timing of practice matches “impacts them 100 per cent if they are in summer sport finals”.

“It’s been going on for quite a while. Football has become a lot more professional and it’s where the money is,” Condliffe said.

“It’s getting that way that juniors are following the same training routines as the seniors.”

“At this time of year, you are always switching lesson times around because they clash with football or netball,” he said.

Traditionally Saturday morning sport for juniors, Condliffe believes Friday twilight rounds were an option for the future.

Loddon Valley association, formed from the old Pyramid Hill and Dingee competitions, was the only tennis competition in the Loddon Shire running a regular junior schedule.

“Charlton has done a great job with its lights and not playing

in the heat of the day. Friday or Saturday nights could be where things are heading,” he said. “Friday nights might be the one though as parents don’t seem to want their weekends interrupted as much.

“To be successful with numbers in the seniors we need juniors coming through to at least maintain the teams we have.

“Otherwise we will be falling away with both numbers and club wise.”

Condliffe laments that youngsters are being forced to choose between winter sport practice matches and taking the tennis court for a semi or grand final.

“There used to be a gap between the seasons. There’s not now.”

BOORT tennis veteran Maree Stringer has seen a decline in families playing summer sport in the town.

She says families now holiday more than a once a year while women working and youngsters with part-time jobs had also contributed to a decline.

“And people are more committed to winter sport,” she said.

Fellow tennis club member Alister McDougal said the local competition 30 years ago had eight teams of 16 players.

“And we had 50 kids playing in the morning,” said Maree.

McDougal said: “Last year it was four teams of 11 and this year four teams of six ... and we strug-

gled to have a strong list of emergencies, the people who didn’t want to play every week.”

Like the town’s cricket club, harvest commitments have impacted numbers the past two years.

Stringer and McDougal said two families pulled out of tennis this season. That loss alone was double figures with the families saying they needed a break after the football season.

Unlike other Loddon tennis competitions, all Boort matches are played on courts overlooking Little Lake Boort. “There’s no travel, the pressure not high and while it can be serious, we’re quite social too,” McDougal said.

2023-2024 Upper Loddon premiers Arnold. LH PHOTO

Create your own adventure in the Loddon Valley during Autumn With endless blue skies and golden horizons, Autumn is the perfect time to experience the remarkable beauty of the Loddon Valley.

AUTUMN MUST DO’S

your adventure awaits

From culturally enriching tours, to walking and riding spectacular trails, from treasure hunting that must-have vintage piece or cold brews in eclectic cafés and beer gardens… Autumn shines in Loddon.

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 2024

Rheola Charity Carnival

1 April Rheola

MAY 2024

Logan Car Show

20 April Logan

Bendigo Goldfields

Chrysanthemum Championship 2024 27 – 28 April Laanecoorie

Cultural heartbeat: Participate on a Djaara cultural tour at Kooyoora State Park, or be enriched at the Wedderburn Coach House Gallery and the Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery.

Adventure time: Hire a canoe and paddle Little Lake Boort, or bring your own bike and ride the loop trail around the stunning lake.

Australian Heritage Festival – Eucalyptus Distillery Museum

12 May Inglewood

Bridgewater on Loddon, Mother’s Day Classic

12 May Bridgewater

Wedderburn Annual Swap Meet & Market

18 May Wedderburn

Cellar Doors: Visit local cellar doors for a wine tasting at Water Wheel Vineyard, Both Banks Vineyard, Old Kingower Vineyard and Connor Park Winery.

Golden delights: Fossick for gold in Wedderburn or Inglewood on a personalised tour with the Gold Nugget Hunter.

Picnic: Relax on the bank of the Loddon River in Bridgewater, and enjoy a picnic from award-winning Bridgewater Bakehouse.

Iconic Views: Take in the breathtaking views of the northern Loddon region at Mount Hope, Terrick Terrick National Park or Pyramid Hill.

Retail therapy: Visit the vintage and collectables precinct in Inglewood to unearth your own treasure.

For a full list of events and experiences: www.visitloddonvalley.com.au