Loddon Herald 28 November 2024

FIVE YEARS AFTER AGED CARE HOSTEL

CLOSURE

STILL EMPT Y

THE loss of aged care accommodation in Pyramid Hill five years ago is still being felt in the community.

The town’s former bush nursing hospital that became a 23-bed hostel in 1995 and employed up to 30 people remains empty.

The Durham Ox Road buildings deserted since Respect Aged Care moved out the last of 16 residents and locked the doors in November 2019.

Former councillor Cheryl McKinnon, Loddon Shire mayor when the closure was announced, on Monday said: “It was devastating then and it is still devastating today.”

Mrs McKinnon said local residents unable to live in their own homes had since been forced to leave the district.

“Yet we still have a need for aged care accommodation in the district.”

Respect chief executive officer Jason Binder this week left the door open for the buildings to return to community hands.

“I’m more than happy to engage in constructive and respectful dialogue around a transfer to a community organisation,” Mr

By CHRIS EARL

Binder said. “We don’t believe a town the size of Pyramid Hill can sustain a 23-bed aged care facility.”

Swan Hill-based Alcheringa, now part of Respect, took over running the Pyramid Hill hostel in 2010. The Pyramid Hill facility had been slapped with government sanctions that threatened its future.

But former Gordon Shire secretary Trevor Forbes, by then managing the hostel, recalled this week that news of sanctions came as a shock.

“We had passed all 44 areas in the inspection to continue our national accreditation and then all of a sudden someone decided the hostel was not compliant,” he said.

Alcheringa also had aged care facilities in Cohuna and St Arnaud and was initially seen as a white knight keeping the hostel doors open, according to Pyramid Hill residents.

But within a decade, Pyramid Hill closed and the hostel’s residents moved to aged homes in other parts of the state. MORE REPORTS - PAGE 7

GROUNDS around the closed Pyramid Hill Age Care Hostel retain the appearance of community love and care.

For the last five years Ian Bartels has used his own mower to cut the grass and turn on the watering system, continuing his community service that spanned decades as a member of the bush nursing hospital’s board.

Ian has become an unofficial caretaker, popping from his home next door to give the hostel precinct the appearance, he says, “of being loved by the community”.

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Loddon HERALD

Mobility help takes flight

A $12,000 grant from Qantas will see Boort Men’s Shed helping residents needing short-term mobility assistance.

Shed co-ordinator Ray Stoman said the scooters would keep residents connected and engaged in the community.

“We’ve taken delivery of the two scooters and will be making them available for short-term use by people, seeing them overcome mobility challenges,” he said.

Mr Stoman said the shed ap-

plied through Boort Resource and Information Centre for a Qantas regional grant.

“One of our members, Graeme Moresi, made us aware of the grant program ... his son Roger works for Qantas in Sydney,” Mr Stoman said.

“Our application was one of 28 successful this year from among more than 1700 organisations across Australia.”

This year’s Qantas program distributed $2 million.

More than 80 not-for-profit groups and projects across regional Australia have received a total $5 million in grants since the program launched in 2019.

Mr Stoman said Qantas badges would be fixed to the gophers to recognise the support from the airline for the local project.

“Our members are pleased that we are able to assist elderly residents and give them the ability to continue involvement in the community,” Mr Stoman said.

IN BRIEF

School bonus

THE $400 State Government School Saving Bonus begins this week. Families with children at government schools will have access to $400 per child for either a uniform and textbook voucher or to add to their school account for extracurricular activities. Vouchers will be valid until June 30. For students at a non-government school, $400 will be provided to schools to be managed in consultation with the student’s family.

16 Days of Activism

A MORNING tea at Boort District Health on Tuesday started the annual 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence campaign in Loddon communities. A community walk will be held in Inglewood on Monday with a walk in Boort next Wednesday. The international campaign runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.

VicSwim returns

THE VicSwim program is returning in January to Loddon pools. The five-day educational aquatic holiday program teaches swimming and water safety to children. VicSwim will be at swimming pools in Boort and Inglewood January 6-10, Pyramid Hill January 6-10 and 13-17, Wedderburn January 6-10 and 20-24 and at Mitiamo January 20-24.

Roy Stoman (left) and Graeme Moresi are joined by Boort Men’s Shed members for the arrival of two gophers after receiving a grant from Qantas.

Walsh says he will ‘fight on’

By CHRIS EARL

PETER Walsh has vowed to continue “working hard as the Member for Murray Plains” after stepping down as Victorian Nationals leader.

The local MP for 22 years made the surprise call to relinquish the top position at Parliamentary party room meeting on Monday.

The Boort-born former tomato farmer and Victorian Farmers’ Federation president was agriculture and water minister in the Baillieu-Napthine Government and became leader after the Coalition’s 2014 defeat.

Nationals elected South Gippsland MP Danny O’Brien as their new leader with Horsham’s Emma Keely continuing as deputy.

Mr Walsh in a statement on Tuesday said he would remain the MP for towns including Boort, Pyramid Hill and Mitiamo.

His seat - Swan Hill and then Murray Plains after a redistribution - has at times included most Loddon community.

The veteran MP will sit on the backbench for the remainder of his four-year term.

Mr Walsh said the development of the Murray Darling Basin Plan was one of his biggest political challenges, fighting hard in Opposition and Government to ensure the rights of Victorian irrigators were fairly balanced with the needs of the environment.

He said he believed that initially had been achieved, but he now has “grave concerns the Socialist left agenda of both the Albanese

and Allan Labor governments has skewed the goals and long-term future of the strategy”.

“It has been my privilege to serve the people of two electorates in regional Victoria, in particular, and the whole state in general, and to have been able to lead the Nationals for 10 years and help return to party to the prominence it and its supporters deserve, with 11 members in the Parliament, has been something which I look on with pride and satisfaction,” Mr Walsh said.

“I cannot thank the people of the seats of Swan Hill, and Mur-

ray Plains enough for their ongoing support, and trust in me, as their voice in the state’s Parliament.

“And I look forward to continuing to work on their behalf as we head towards the 2026 election and returning the right parties to government.”

Before entering Parliament, Mr Walsh owned and operated one of the state’s largest tomato growing operations as part of his irrigated horticulture and cropping enterprise, also producing cereals, oilseeds and legumes. In that role he began his public and

Wedderburn Patchwork Group Inc presents

community service as Victorian Farmers Federation president; a director of the National Farmers Federation and a director of SPC Limited.

Mr O’Brien said: ““For over 100 years, The Nationals have served the interests of rural and regional Victoria. That will not change.”

“It remains our singular focus as the only party solely dedicated to serving the interests of the 25 per cent of the population who live outside the metropolitan area.

“It is the greatest honour to have been elected as leader.”

IN BRIEF

Commissioner push

VICTORIA’S rural councils are pushing for the Federal Government to establish a local government commissioner so rural communities get a better hearing in Canberra. The call is in RCV’s policy platform ahead of next year’s federal election. A federal local government commissioner could also assist with the administration of Commonwealth disaster recovery funding, meaning quicker outcomes for people following disasters, according to RCV.

Corella survey

BRIDGEWATER on Loddon Development has launched an online survey gathering information on the impact of plague-proportion corellas have on residents.

Author visit

ACCLAIMED Australian author Peter FitzSimons will visit Wedderburn on Wednesday promoting his recently-released book The Legend of Albert Jacka. Poll staff hunt

AUSTRALIAN Electoral Commission has started the search for staff ahead of a federal election to be held by May. Bridgewater and Charlton are among booths needing staff, according to the AEC.

Friday 29th Nov. 10.30am – 7pm

Saturday 30th Nov. 10am – 3pm

Wedderburn Mechanics Institute Hall High St Wedderburn

Bring entries to the Hall on Thurs 28th Nov. Stall holders welcome.

Contact Irene (0458 073 080) or Hilary (0409 549 433)

Part Proceeds to Bendigo Foodshare

Proudly sponsored by

Veteran MP Peter Walsh at Boort Park as he notched up 20 years in Parliament in 2022. LH PHOTO

for Regional Victoria

Invitation to comment

Draft Scoping Requirements for proposed Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West Environment Effects Statement

Public comment is invited on the draft Scoping Requirements for the proposed Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project environment effects statement (EES).

The VNI West project for assessment in the EES comprises the Victorian component of VNI West. Proposed by Transmission Company Victoria (TCV), this involves the construction and operation of approximately 240 km new overhead 500kV doublecircuit transmission line, associated infrastructure and a new Terminal Station in Tragowel. Proposed transmission infrastructure will be located between Bulgana in Victoria, where it will connect to Western Renewables Link, to the crossing point at the Murray River north of Kerang, where it will connect to the NSW component of VNI West. The project has a target operation of 50 years.

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has prepared draft scoping requirements to set out the matters to be investigated and documented by the proponent in preparation of the EES.

The Commonwealth determined that the project also requires approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 due to the potential for significant impacts on matters of national environmental significance (MNES). The EES process is accredited to assess impacts on these MNES to inform decisions under the EPBC Act.

Wreckers unleash art of building new classrooms

LATEST demolition of old classrooms at Wedderburn College started on Monday as builders work to have a $12.9 million upgrade finished by next April.

Wreckers took to the school’s science rooms, canteen, wellbeing centre and assistant principal’s office just days after students moved into new science rooms constructed in the project’s first stage.

College principal Danny Forrest said the leisure centre roof had been replaced with internal work to start shortly.

“Things are looking good to have the significant upgrade all finished by the end of term one next year,” he said.

Meanwhile, tenders have been called for the college’s early learning and childcare centre that is due to open for the 2026 school year.

Mr Forrest said designs for the centre had been finished and its location was being finalised.

The centre’s name is listed by the Victorian School Building Authority as being interim. The State Government has been giving new centres indigenous names.

The draft scoping requirements address relevant MNES: listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A); listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A) and Ramsar wetlands (sections 16 and 17B).

The draft scoping requirements are available at: https://www.planning.vic.gov. au/environmental-assessments/browseprojects/referrals/victoria-to-new-southwales-interconnector-west-victoriancomponent, or on the Engage Victoria platform at: https://engage.vic.gov.au/ vni-west-environment-effects-statementees-draft-scoping-requirements.

Have your say on the draft scoping requirements, which are open for public comment from 28 November 2024 until midnight on 18 December 2024.

All submissions received will be considered during the finalisation of the scoping requirements and will be treated as public documents.

For more information about the EES process visit: planning.vic.gov.au/environmental-assessment or contact the Impact Assessment Unit on (03) 8622 7633 (Monday to Friday)

For more information about the proposed project, visit: https://www.transmissionvictoria.com.au/

Alternatively, please contact TCV directly: Phone: 1800 824 221 E-mail: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Contact person: Tony Hedley

The $12.9 million upgrade at Wedderburn College enters the next phase

Students settle into the new science rooms

Larder low on essentials

FOODBANK volunteers are struggling to stock up on pantry essentials as demand grows for assistance in Loddon communities.

Glen Mangan, co-ordinator of the Bridgewater foodbank for the past two years, said the service was “barely easing the pain for a fortnight among up to 35 families we help”.

“Bendigo Foodshare is struggling to provide the essentials now that flood recovery funding has finished,” Mr Mangan said,.

“Foodshare covers a pretty large area and they just don’t have the budget to buy what’s needed.

“They are getting what they can out to us in Bridgewater but we’re not getting the essentials.”

Mr Mangan said funding for Foodshare meant its supplies “struggled to be even a Band-aid for the demand we have”.

Concerns about access to essential food were echoed by the Inglewood foodbank co-ordinator Faye Orange.

“People are fighting to be first in the door each fortnight to have first pick of new supplies,” she said,

“There’s an increasing demand for food and we’re not getting the essentials like milk, rice, flour, soups, spaghetti like we were.

“Last year it would be slabs or boxes. Now it might be six or eight jars or packets.

“Without the help of locals and their donations, we would be in a difficult position.

“We do feel a little left out at the moment. Bendigo is get-

ting the food but in the country there’s not the same supply.”

Faye said while Inglewood still received a fortnightly delivery from Bendigo Foodshare, local volunteers were making weekly trips to Bendigo to collect fruit, vegetables and other supplies

from market farmers and supermarkets.

“There always seems to be plenty of pasta sauce coming from Foodshare but perhaps not as much pasta,” she said.

Flood stories collected for special book

CENTRAL Victorian author Lucy Mayes is collecting local stories for a new book on the October 22 floods in Loddon communities.

Goldfields Libraries expects to publish the book A Different Flood next year.

Stories of resilience and recovery will feature in the book. Sharing recollections of the flood emergency. In the Bridgewater district are Colleen Condliffe, Tim Ferguson, Virginia Hyland, Tim Birthisel, Nicole Cox and the Brown family.

Newbridge’s Ron Trimble and Kaye Graham and Serpentine’s Jess Penny, Russell and Brian Gladman have also been part of Lucy’s “story catching” interviews.

Steve Mann from Pyramid Hill and Boort district’s Donna Doyle and Jo Bear will also feature in the book.

A small print run will see A Different Flood distributed to project participants, neighbourhood houses, schools and libraries.

The October 2022 flood came within a metre of the record inundation along the Loddon River in January 2011.

Newbridge Recreation Reserve went under water for the second time with the community rallying to repair damage and have sport back at the reserve within eight months.

Foodshare has been contacted for comment on the shortage of supplies for foodbanks in Loddon communities.

Mr Magan said Foodshare was doing its best with a limited budget. “But the budget’s simply not enough to meet demand across such a large region,” he said.

Flood-hit businesses in Bridgewater re-opened days after the October 14 floods that slowly made their way to northern Loddon communities.

Every dollar spent in the Loddon Shire does more than buy a product – it invests in community spirit, builds resilience, and keeps our rural towns thriving.

From handmade goods to professional services and everything in-between, your choice to shop local supports local families and local communities.

Stay tuned for more information on the Shop Loddon campaign in next week’s edition

Glen Mangan and Phil Ohlson prepare hampers for distribution. LH PHOTO

Retrospective park permit bid given thumbs down

A BID for a retrospective caravan park permit has been rejected by Loddon Shire councillors.

North Central Catchment Management Authority and one neighbour objected to the application for farming zone land on the Loddon River at Bridgewater.

The original permit for relocation of shed in April had been amended after council queries about five cabins already on the land.

A caravan port and canopy had been constructed between the cabins and the river.

guidelines. The proposal is not considered to be in accordance with planning policy.

Historic church furniture will have its own shed

HISTORIC church furniture will return to the former Anglican church in Kingower.

Peter Walsh, bought in 2012 to preserve the history of both his family and the district.

Loddon Shire councillors on Tuesday agreed to waive planning and building permit fees of almost $1100 for Kingower Development and Tourism Committee to build a storage shed next to the church.

Committee member Mark Gilmore said pews and other furniture had been privately stored off-site while the community raised funds for a storage shed.

Planning officer Darcy Jackson told councillors on Tuesday: “When the application was lodged, officers questioned the legalities of the existing cabins and caravan located on the land, as there were no records of any approvals for this development and use. As a result, the application has been amended to include the existing use and development of the land for camping and caravan park.

“The application does not increase or support agricultural output of the site and the proposal is considered to result in a permanent land use change. The proposal will also increase the risk to life, health, and safety due to the significant flood risk to the site and the proximity of the development to the river. Further development of this site is likely to further obstruct flood flows and reduce natural flood storage, as well as increase the number of buildings within the floodplain.”

“The proposal is not consistent with the purpose of the farming zone and the land subject to inundation and the relevant decision

Electronic switch has numbers static

LIBRARY loans at Loddon Shire’s five agencies have been on par after a jump in eLibrary loans during the September quarter.

Book borrowings dropped 1735 compared with 2110 for the same quarter last year. However, eLibrary loans jumped almost nine per cent from 3258 to 3740 for the quarter.

There were 19 new library members for the three months.

Cr Gavan Holt said the applicant would have opportunity to pursue the matter “and to meet compliance requirements”.

Officers had outlined good reasons to reject the application, Cr Holt said.

“We have martial arts classes twice a week, monthly committee meetings and a quarterly community function in the church,” he said. “When it is used for a funeral or wedding, the pews have been put back into the church.”

The former St Mary’s church is owned by Murray Plains MP

Mr Walsh’s great-greatgrandfather, the Reverend William Hall, founded the church in 1871. The granite and sandstone church, which remains in solid order today, has been described as the ‘’biggest and grandest’’ of seven country churches designed and founded by Reverend Hall in the 1860s and 1870s.

The community continues to have use of the old church.

After buying the church, Mr Walsh said he remembered as a child ‘’being dragged along” for family reunions.

‘’When you get older, you appreciate the history,’’ he said. ‘’It is 150 years of history. It doesn’t happen very often that you actually have the opportunity to preserve it.’’

Water, sewerage review delayed four months

LODDON Shire will wait until March before deciding whether to fund more concept work on proposals to connect water and sewerage in Newbridge.

Councillors on Tuesday agreed with CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald that an adequate report to that meeting was not possible.

At the final council meeting before entering caretaker mode, now-defeated councillor Linda Jungwirth called for the report by November.

Mr Fitzgerald told councillors: “Due to the recent swearing in of councillors ... and the significant mandatory training

required within the first three months of a councillor’s term of office, there has been limited time to brief incoming councillors on this matter.

“Given the complexity, extensive history of previous discussions, actions taken to date and council’s role as an advocate (not a decision maker) additional time is required to ensure that councillors are provided fair opportunity to understand the information and make well informed decisions regarding the next steps for Newbridge water and sewerage.”

He said the efforts of the Councillors for

a reticulated water and sewerage system in Newbridge has been a recurring topic in council forums, briefings and meetings since 2006.

The report will consider making the Newbridge sewerage and water concept ready for funding bids.

Council adopted its 2024 priorities document in September which outlines the development of precinct plans for Bridgewater and Inglewood to support growth and infrastructure investment after an earlier councillor briefing on current advocacy priorities.

Cr Gavan Holt

HOSTEL SITS EMPTY

No rush to sell property

RESPECT Aged Care has no plans and no timelines to sell the former Pyramid Hill hostel.

Originally the town’s bush nursing hospital from 1959 to 1995, the hostel has been empty for five years.

Ian Bartels said he remembered anything of value being stripped from the building.

“The office chairs were being thrown into skips. We salvaged them and sold a lot through the op-shop the community saved when Respect closed up,” said the unofficial caretaker of the hostel grounds.

Mr Bartels said that the local hospital community had invested in the facility and services.

“We build a residence for the doctor, we bought the op-shop and even the chemist because we thought it was important for the town to have one,” he said.

According to Mr Bartels those properties were sold off by hostel owners apart from the op-shop that was acquired by the progress association when the hostel closed.

The former hostel and hospital buildings - including the mortuary - have sat empty for five years.

Respect said there had been a possible buyer but the sale fell through amid concerns about land ownership.

“There was an interested purchaser some months ago, and my

understanding is they became concerned after some members of the community believed they have a legal right to the property,” said CEO Jason Binder.

“We’re not concerned by the loss of the sale because the price was insignificant. We only agreed to sell it because we thought it would be good for the Pyramid Hill community to have worker accommodation in there and increase the local economy.

“We can’t find any such legal

right that the community has to the property, but we’d appreciate it if there are community members who want to take over the building, that they’d just ask us which they haven’t done since the heat of the announcement of the closure five years ago.

“At the end of the day, we just want it to go to a good use and I’m more than happy to engage in constructive and respectful dialogue around a transfer to a community organisation.”

Respect CEO Jason Binder and plaques on the former hospital and hostel facade

Progress association president Drew Chislett said the community would be open to discussions with Respect. “Let’s see where that goes.”

Mr Bartels, who was made a life member of the former bush nursing hospital and served on the board for many years, said the Pyramid Hill community had raised significant funds to improve the hospital and hostel, services and assets until the facility was taken over by Respect.

Care of aged: community can have a go

TWO of Loddon’s “big towns” see older residents move when they need care.

Wedderburn Lions Club has spent more than a decade raising funds to build accommodation and hoping to find a provider in the town of 951 people.

Respect Aged Care says Pyramid Hill, with a population of 600, is unable to sustain a 23-bed aged care facility.

“At the time of its closure, it had low occupancy (16 residents), and most residents came from other communities which made the facility unsustainable when beds opened up in those communities and reduced the demand for the Pyramid Hill aged care facility,” said CEO Jason Binder.

“Respect lost more than $2 million running the facility over a five-year period, and those funds came from our residents in other facilities which we couldn’t ethically continue to do to.

“We won’t ever open Pyramid Hill Hostel as an aged care facility again, but we’re more than happy for the community to try.”

Inglewood has respite accomodation, low care 20 beds in its hostel and 15 high care beds. At Boort, there are 15 low care deds and 10 in high care.

In 2021, Loddon Shire had 3033 people aged 60 or more, up 394 on the 2016 Census.

Corks pop and the beers flow

HOT WEATHER didn’t deter local gourmands from enjoying the inaugural Cork and Fork Loddon Valley at Newbridge Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

With more than 20 food and drink stalls set up where normally the big men kick for goal during the winter football season, it was understandable that the biggest line on the day was for Lake Meran Brewery’s beers.

Brewer Hamish Chirnside was kept busy pouring beer for thirsty patrons as temperatures hovered in the mid-30s, while many were also happy to sip a classy red wine from one of a number of Loddon Valley vineyards represented on

site. The focus of the event was squarely on local enterprises –from wineries to saffron producers, and from peanut brittle makers to Spanish street food. There were sangria and beer making classes, as well as lessons on how to use saffron in your cooking.

And local musicians performed throughout the day to appreciative audiences.

A surprise hero at the Southern Loddon Tourism event was volunteer Fiona Rogers, the colourful self-appointed Toilet Fairy, who made sure the loos were in good order on the day.

- GARY WALSH

Health services hit with jump in premiums

THE Workcover premium paid by Inglewood and Districts Health Service has more than doubled.

Figures released by the Victorian Coalition last week put the 2023-2024 premium at $138,516, up 102 per cent on the previous year. The hike is one of the largest across Victoria’s 77 health services.

Boort District Health’s Workcover premium jumped 42 per cent to $105,000.

Nationals leader and Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said the two Loddon health services had been dealt a “severe financial blow” by exploding WorkCover premiums. Mr Walsh says hospitals have been under enormous pressure having to find the additional money on top of increased costs, the threat of amalgamations and budget cuts.

“And now to have had another blow to their finances must be overwhelming for management teams – and it will certainly impact on patient care,” Mr Walsh said.

“These frightening figures have been revealed as part of analysis of health service annual reports collectively dumped last week in the Victorian Parliament, detailing hospitals across Victoria have paid more than $252 million in WorkCover premiums in 2023-24.”

Declan Polson and Briohny Mitchell enjoy Cork and Fork. LH PHOTOS

Joan and Murray Oakes

Glenn Walker and Dallas Coghill

Vicki Wood and Barb Lewis

Michael Firth and Janene Godden

Phone backflip sign of Government’s

‘no care for country’

POOR phone connectivity in the Loddon Valley has been raised in State Parliament by Western Victoria Regon MP Joe McCracken.

He took aim at the Government for breaking a promise to improve connectivity for Newbridge.

“Labor has broken another promise and the people of Loddon will suffer as a result ... the Labor Party does not care about country people. They don’t care about regional communities,” he said.

Mr McCracken has called on the Government to deliver outcomes for the regions and not focus so heavily on city-centric projects like the Suburban Rail Loop in Melbourne.

The Government last month told a community meeting in Newbridge that the promised improved service would not happen.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett sent her office manager to the meeting attended by more than 60 people venting frustration with poor phone connectivity. They were told that promised new infrastructure in the region would now not benefit the town.

They had been told in 2022 that projects in Big Hill, Wilsons Hill and Marong would improve service.

The original announcement said: “Coverage will span Golden Square, Flora Hill and Kennington, as well as Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat, and out to Newbridge”.

However, two years later at the meeting a statement from Ripon MP Martha Haylett, read on her behalf by office manager Jarrah Storey has informed townspeople

“projects will not provide the direct mobile improvements we anticipated” in a backflip on the original message.

Ms Haylett in her statement to the meeting said she had raised concerns with both state and federal governments.

“I will continue to fight for better mobile reception across the Loddon Shire, especially from the Federal Government.”

Ms Haylett later said the Government’s pledge to improve mobile phone services had been made on coverage maps that had proven inaccurate

Loddon residents have aired their grievances many times but say they have been left feeling ignored both by service providers and the government.

Mayor Dan Straub spoke on the topic after the summer storms, saying it was time to take rural communities off the telecommunications backburner.

“We have very poor connectivity that is inhibiting residents and the day to day running of business” Mayor Straub said.

Wehla farmers Darren and Stacey McCoy have been told they live in a technical blackspot by Telstra.

“We cannot rely on our phones to make and stay connected to calls, … run a business or most importantly call for services when we need to call for help,” Stacey told the Loddon Herald in February.

Concerns about connectivity in an emergency have been raised numerous times since the government announcement in 2022. Newbridge resident Matt Davies said: “The best way to make people safe is by fixing the service” earlier this year when speaking with the Loddon Herald.

brick wall into a vivid mural featuring a black shouldered kite bird found in the district. The town’s progresss association organised the mural.

Walsh questions treaty talks

THE State Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have started negotiations for Australia’s first treaty.

“Treaty is about making a better and fairer state for every Victorian,” said Premier Jacinta Allan.

But Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh says that without any openness and transparency, Victorians will never know what rights or access to land and water will be traded away without their knowledge or agreement.

He says reports traditional owner groups across the state will be able to negotiate individual treaties, which it is suggested will reflect the priorities and aspirations in

their local area, are incredibly concerning.

“We have multiple tiers of government already in place – does this secretive Premier plan to cut out local councils and local communities about their own shires and their own homes and business?” Mr Walsh asks.

“And if they are cut out, what does that do to other organisations such as our water authorities, water management in a country such as ours is already a massive and controversial challenge, that last thing we need in Victoria is our socialist Premier with her unbelievable blinkered view of the real world throwing yet another spanner in the works.”

THE entrance to Mitiamo’s swimming pool has been turned into the town’s first mural. Lifeguard Irene Markripoulias last Saturday was the latest to admire the work of Gunbower artist Rebecca Wells that has transformed the toilet block

Showcase seeds, sales

ACCELERATED investment in Loddon Shire communities could flow from the weekend’s lifestyle and living showcase.

Two lots were sold on the first day of release of stages two and three of the Bridgewater Rise housing estate release.

And according to Loddon Shire Council, there were investor conversations for more potential housing sub-divisions in the shire.

“There appears to be opportunity for accelerated investment and development of housing for the shire,” said council’s manager tourism and econom

ic development David Stretch.

More than 100 people attended the two-day showcase in Bridgewater Memorial Hall.

Real estate agents, Coliban Water, Inglewood Community Bank, builders and planners gave presentations and answered queries about housing development options in the Loddon Shire.

Villawood Properties, commissioned by council last year to investigate residential growth in the shire was also present. The company’s Julian Perez spoke with investors on the report Unlocking Loddon’s Growth Potential that reviewed the viability and attractiveness of residential development in the shire.

That report found that when “significant infrastructure such as new roads, drainage basins and lengthy service extensions are required, that the cost of these works generally exceeds the market sales price of the land and therefore the financial viability of the project would unlikely be supported by lenders. Bridgewater and Inglewood are the exceptions being closer to Bendigo, where market land values are higher.

“Presently, the most attractive opportunities are available for land that only requires a modest infrastructure spend to create the new titles, or for existing vacant titled land which are commonly

being used as side or rear yards,” the study found.

Drew Stratton, of Bridgewater Rise selling agents McKean McGregor, said price point affordability and location were key drivers for interest among people looking at the move to Loddon living. “Loddon Shire is being pretty proactive in putting the attractiveness of a Loddon lifestyle before people at events like the weekend’s showcase,” Mr Stratton said.

James Nevins, of FP Nevins and Co in Inglewood, said housing stock in Lod-

don communities continued to be highly valued by potential buyers.

“Young families and retirees are certainly looking to local communities, particularly those in the Calder corridor, for their home purchases,” he said.

“Whether local existing homes or new builds, towns like Inglewood and Bridgewater are increasingly attractive.”

Greg Fathers, of Property Plus, said the showcase had there was increasing investor interest in the shire.

Mr Stretch said there were plans for a second showcase next year.

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY

Luke Nevins, Cr Miki Wilson, Kerrie Scolari and James Nevins. LH PHOTOS

Drew Stratton, Josh Cummins and Julian Perez

Will Pattison and Greg Fathers

Stacey Gazzola and Faith Cooper

Long-held three look for owners

WEEKS after a Loddon farm sold for the first time in 150 years at a record price, three more tightlyheld properties have hit the market.

Expressions of interest close today for Don and Dale Gilmore’s Durham Ox property that has been home to the century-old Ingolston Holstein Stud as the couple look to retirement.

“What grandfather established a century ago has had a big influence on generations of breeders and milk producers,” said Don Gilmore reflecting on the centenary of his stud last year.

It’s a similar story for Arnold’s Col Graham whose family has farmed the district since the 1870s.

Mr Graham, a fifth generation farmer, said it had been “expected that I would go onto the farm”.

But he says that after two knee replacements, the time was right to sell the property for a new owner to continues its high productivity.

“Farms have become bigger over the last 50 years, it’s at least a six-day-a-week occupation but very rewarding even if intense at times,” he said.

“The last six years have been among the best on our farm, apart from the flood years.

“Today, farmers need to be bigger, either with farmers buying up adjoining properties or leasing.

“That’s how things have evolved for generations.”

Inglewood agents FP Nevins and Co have the Graham property for sale. The company has also listed another long-held farm for sale.

“The 684-acre parcel at Jarklin has been in continual family ownership for 90 years plus,” said agent James Nevins. “Situated in the middle of the

renowned Jarklin farming community, this superb block is excellent in it presentation and condition.”

Despite the lure of retirement, Mr Graham said there was still a real future in farming, especially stock.

“We are selling because it now needs someone younger and with more enthusiasm than me,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed the way of life and it will be a moment in history when we sell but it’s the right time.”

Farmers back new switch, claims climate group

COUNTRY people backed renewable energy projects on farmland, it has been claimed by an agricultural lobby group.

Farmers for Climate action on Monday said there was 70 per cent support for projects in renewable energy zones.

Loddon Shire is one of six zones in Victoria where the controversial VNI West transmission line to go through northern properties, wind turebine companies have started ap;proaching local farmers and there are plans for at least two solar farms.

Local farmers have been at the forefront of protests against VNI West since plans were announced more than 18 months ago.

Farmers for Climate Action said its report on sureveys and a national focus group of 19 people - three from Victoria - backed its claims of support for renewable energy projects.

CEO Natalie Collard said the results showing more than two thirds support and 17 per cent opposition to local clean energy, matched that of a recent Porter Novelli regional poll, the CSIRO survey of 6000-plus people, Renewable Energy Zone polling by RE-Alliance, and even the results across the recent NSW council elections.

“The data shows the quiet majority of rural Australia is clearly in favour of clean energy projects locally, although many don’t real-

ise they’re part of the quiet majority,” Ms Collard said.

“Those who don’t support clean energy and those who do have a lot in common - they express the same valid concerns.

“Regional Australia is clearly asking the Government to hold developers to account as they aim to build clean energy projects. Those polled clearly ask for the Government to take charge on decommissioning, even though the vast majority of clean energy contracts already require the operator to decommission the project, and this means decommissioning would be covered by insurance should a company go broke.

“Just 30 per cent of Renewable Energy Zone residents realised farmers do well from renewable energy. With farmers being offered more than $40,000 per turbine per year and $1500 per hectare per year for solar, while they continue to farm cattle around the turbines and sheep under the solar, it’s very good, drought proof money.”

Release of the Farmers for Climate Action survey results comes as Transmission Company rolls out last-minute pop-up community consultation along the VNI West route between Stawell and Kerang.

Critics have questioned the timing and notice of pop-ups being held during harvest.

An Opportunity to Grow Your Business

Inglewood is offering a unique and exciting opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals or businesses to manage the eucalyptus museum, kiosk, and retail space. This opportunity not only allows the operator to support the museum's operations but also to grow their own business in a prime location with highway presence. With flexible terms and reduced outgoings, this proposition is an attractive option for those looking to establish or expand their retail presence.

The Eucalyptus Distillery Museum has unique historical artifacts and exhibits that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the eucalyptus oil production in Inglewood and its surroundings.

To enhance the visitor experience, the museum offers several services, such as:

• Guided tours and potential educational programs

• A gift shop with eucalyptus products and local crafts

• A small café or kiosk serving refreshments

The location of the museum and retail space along a busy highway provides excellent visibility and accessibility.

One of the most appealing aspects of this business opportunity is the flexibility of terms and the reduced outgoings. These conditions make it easier for you to focus on growing your business without the burden of high operational costs.

For further discussions about this exciting opportunity, contact the Secretary, Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery Museum Inc.

Murray Baud, M: 0409 309090 eucymuseum@inglewood.vic.au

Looking towards retirement ... Col Graham. AP PHOTO

The Australian wool market has continued with the trend experienced over last 18 months, recording minimal price movements across the selling series, resulting in a small negative movement for the week. The benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped 3 cents on the first day of selling, then dropped another 24 cents on the second. Finishing the week 5 cents lower, closing at 1,137 cents. The last 14 daily movements in the EMI have been by 10 cents or less, 13 out of the 14 have been by 5 cents or less. Since the 24th of May 2023 until this week, the EMI has fluctuated between 1,086 and 1,220 cents, a range of 134 cents. Despite the flatness of the market, the clearance rate continues to be high, as most sellers are prepared to accept the prices on offer. Last week the clearance rate was 91.2%, with just 8.8% of wool failing to reach seller reserve. High strength wool, typically wool measuring 40 NKT and above, continues to be in decline. In this selling series there was 27.7% of the fleece offering recording a strength of 40 NKT and above. Another highly sought after wool characteristic by exporters is a low mid-break in the Position of Break (POB) measurement. Wools possessing very low mid-breaks often have other faults overlooked as buyers need these lots to achieve their desired averages. In this sale 54.4% of merino fleece wool had a mid-break of 50 or less. Season to date there has been 33.3% of mid-breaks 50 or less, this is 6.4% lower than the corresponding sale of the previous season. Fleece wool carrying less than 1.0% vegetable matter is another desirable characteristic. In this series 61.4% of the fleece offering was free of nearly free (FNF) of vegetable matter.

This week’s offering reduces, there is expected to be 34,494 bales on offer.

Source: AWEX

109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM

Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 5448 3936

Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064

Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333

Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior

Agronomist | 0408 188 351

Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044

Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322

Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540

Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459

SHEEP AND LAMBS

LAMB supply reduced to 19,395 head at Bendigo on Monday, around 5000 less than a week ago.

Quality continues to decline and the yarding did have a lot of rain on it overnight which didn’t help presentation.

Once again the talking point was the lack of weight and finish across the offering, and the price difference between heavier processing lambs and those under 21kg cwt continued to expand.

Any heavier lambs were firm to dearer while lighter lambs were cheaper. Store lambs were also cheaper amid less quality and less restocking support compared to a week ago.

A pen of export shorn lambs up around 34kg cwt topped at $300/head, another highlight being $280/head for shorn lambs estimated at 29kg cwt as some of the heavy lambs sold well into the 900c/ kg price range.

The main run of heavy young lambs, 26-30kg cwt, sold from $215 to $271/head to average around 860c/kg with the lead pens over 900c/kg. The heavy trade 2426kg cwt young lambs $200 to $241/head at a ballpark cost of 850c/kg, again with some sales over 900c; followed by the 2224kg cwt run at $180 to $224/head.

Once under 21kg cwt it was a cheaper market for lambs at $140 to $180/head for a lot of stock at an estimated 740c to 780c/kg cwt. Store lamb quality was plainer and with less agents buying store lambs prices retreated, the small 12-16kg crossbred lambs from $48 to $124 to average $96/head to the paddock.

Bigger framed store lambs $125 to $144/ head. The Merino lambs on offer tended to be lighter weight types at $74 to $123/ head for most.

Sheep numbers remained high at 11,650

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Lamb prices improved whilst mutton remained firm after a strong market last week.

To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team. Monday, November 25th, 2024 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 20,000 | Sheep - 11,000

Alex Collins - 0408 314 768

Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371

head, but there was less heavy lines of mutton available.

Prices tracked either side of the improves rates of a week ago, most sheep costing processors and estimated 360c to 400c/kg cwt.

Heavy Merinos to $128 and crossbred ewes $90 to $112/head with not as much weight. Most trade sheep $60 to $90/head.

MERINO SUCKERS

RJ Bryan Mellool (85) $152. Pepperell Rushworth (21) $136. Bradford Hills Maldon (285) $126. SUCKERS

WJ Whatley Goornong (90) $271. M & M Ryan Kilmore (52) $270. DI & CL Palmer Bamawm (62) $268. RG & TA Barnes Shelbourne (51) $248. DP & SA Luderman Raywood (64) $241. Sharleena Nominees Tallarook (31) $234. M & R Bennett Mia Mia (14) $233. KJ Exton Nagambie (39) $230. DP & DJ Lawrence Avenel

Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844 Will Holt - 0417 686 814

Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832 Henry Bugge - 0403

Lowe

BENDIGO

Ho Ho Ho, Loddon way

WELCOME to your 2024 Loddon Christmas gift, food and wine guide showcasing local stores making festive shopping easy.

Local small businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities. Passionate family-owned shops providing service to locals and attracting customers from far and wide.

In your 2024 Loddon Herald special feature, are more than a dozen businesses who are geared up for the festive season.

They have gift ideas galore, ranging from the traditional to contemporary and quirky suggestions.

There are the practical gifts, too, for the family member or friend who says they don’t need any presents this

year. The people you want to thank and show appreciation for what they do in your lives.

Loddon communities have many fine businesses for artisan and gourmet products to share at parties and on Christmas Day.

There are award-winning vineyards crafting acclaimed wines to toast the year as it comes to a close.

Every business in our feature is part of the life and the lifestyle of the Loddon Shire.

Our 2024 feature comes on the eve of Loddon Shire Council launching a shop local campaign.

The council positions Loddon towns to maximise the economic impact from visitors to the shire, while

also meeting the needs of residents.

Small business success stories have helped put local towns on the map, drawing visitors to shop besides local people in the great shops.

Community groups are also busily organising Christmas celebrations. Your 2024 Christmas feature lists where you can join in the festive frivolity over the next month.

They start tomorrow with the annual Wedderburn Art and Christmas Festival running over two days. Inglewood Lions Club, backed by local businesses, will do its annual toy run in the week of Christmas.

Supporting local businesses also supports our communities. So buy local this festive season

Stunning ways to toast the season

Black Wallaby Wines IN NORTH Bridgewater along on eastern bank of the Loddon River sits Black Wallaby Wines, a family-owned vineyard, known for their shiraz vines.

Their Ruby Rosé is the perfect accompaniment to Summer, a delightfully refreshing drop perfect for sunny days.

The vibrant, fun wine is a beautiful representation of the Shiraz fruit that makes up this delicious drop.

Their Madelyn Sparkling Rosé is full of bubbles and energy.

A beautiful soft pink colour with a nose of strawberries and fresh red fruits delivers a crisp, fresh finish, with soft gentle bubbles, fantastic for summer celebrations.

From a blend of Viognier and Chardonnay comes Albino. The viognier displays complimentary stone fruits, while the chardonnay adds a savoury, nutty complexity delightful for drinking now or after it has aged.

Black Wallaby Wines celebrated 20 years in March and will continue to produce wonderful wines to be enjoyed at Christmas and all year round.

Water Wheel

WATER Wheel has a reputation for creating some of the most exciting wines of the region. From their first Shiraz release in 1974, they have been dedicated to crafting rich red and refreshing white wines.

Water Wheel is still a family business based in Bridgewater, with a vineyard area of over 100 hectares and sales across Australia and abroad.

Memsie Shiraz named after the nearby historic Memsie Estate Homestead on the banks of the Loddon River is a fruit forward easy drinking style. Rich in bright red fruits accompanied by gentle tannins and sweet oak, a delicious drop to enjoy on a summers evening.

Their flinty, funky, cereal nose chardonnay has a rich mouth-filling honeysuckle palate. Reflecting the wild yeast fermentation and high fruit quality a chilled glass of this goes amazingly with a sunny day.

The Sauvignon Blanc has exciting aromas of pineapple and lime leaves. It is refreshing and bright, full of grapefruit and citrus zest, the perfect chilled summers drink.

to

Celebrate with local produce

BRIDGEWATER BAKEHOUSE

CRAVING a sweet treat? Or perhaps a pie for lunch? Bridgewater Bakehouse has both areas covered with their range of goods, made on the premises with care.

Known for their award-winning vanilla slice, the Bridgewater Bakehouse has a fantastic selection of sweet and savoury treats. Whether it’s to add to the Christmas table spread or for sustenance while enjoying Christmas festivities there’s something for everyone.

The Bridgewater Bakehouse captures the essence of a smalltown Christmas with their range of Christmas baked goods. A staple dessert for many, the Christmas pudding, returns to the bakery this year alongside fruit mince pies and Christmas cakes.

Along with their Christmas food they also have their staple range of pies, rolls, sandwiches and pastries. The Bakehouse, located conveniently on the main street of Bridgewater, has freshly baked goods for a delicious lunch, an afternoon treat or to take home for dinner.

ARNOLD FAMILY BUTCHERS AND THE FAT BUTCHER

WITH six generations of farming experience, the Fat Butcher in Inglewood provide paddock to plate direct from their Murphy’s Creek farm to customers. Set apart through innovation and originality with their specialty aged beef, they are well known in the local community.

stop shop for customers who are treated to old fashioned service with a smile.

Alongside their own farm products, they also source local beef, lamb, pork and chicken, a one

Arnold Family Butchers Boort is ready for Christmas with their award-winning boneless ham and hickory and peppercorn bacon a delectable addition to any meal. The family owned and op-

erated butchers award winning meat is the perfect addition to a Christmas Day meal. Whether it’s the main feature of the meal or the snacks on the table to tide the chefs over while dinner is prepared with produce from the Fat Butchers and Arnold Family Butchers have you covered.

Town pair will corner Christmas

TWO contemporary Bridgewater businesses a hit with locals and people from further afield are joining to celebrate Christmas with a VIP event.

Ergo and Mane and the Bridgewater Nursery have opposite corners in Main Street but will become one to offer VIP treatment on Friday, December 6.

At Ergo and Mane, indulge in the haven of pampering and relaxation that is Bridgewater salon Ergo and Mane. With premium haircare and beauty products and expert salon services it’s the place to find the perfect gift for a loved one or to treat yourself with.

Take a break from the frenetic Christmas season at Ergo and Mane. Offering highend salon and beauty treatments in a relaxing and welcoming environment, Ergo and Mane provides their clientele with the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate in their beautiful salon.

Their professional curated luxury haircare and organic beauty product are perfect for Christmas gifts or purchase a gift

voucher to allow loved ones to enjoy the salon as well.

The Bridgewater salon has recently expanded to include beauty services, performed by Emily Turnbull. Emily has several years of experience and is more than happy to share her knowledge and expertise with everyone. The salon also hosts four hairdressers, all colour experts, who are ready to make hair dreams come true.

At the Bridgewater Nursery, there are gifts for indoors and outdoors in the special and dedicated gift centre while for all your Christmas decorations and more there’s now also the festive feature next door to the nursery’s heritage garage home.

For an evening of festive cheer pop in for their VIP Christmas shopping night on December 6 to shop their range of haircare and beauty products or to pick up a voucher to spoil someone with.

Enjoy an exclusive shopping experience with a personal touch and celebrate the festive season with Ergo and Mane and the Bridgewater Nursery.

Writing your letter to Santa

SANTA has asked the Inglewood Post Office to help collect all the letters to him this Christmas and making sure they arrive safely to the North Pole.

Kids can write a letter to Santa, sharing their Christmas wishes and maybe a few good deeds they’ve accomplished this year then pop the letter in a sealed envelope and drop it off at the Inglewood Post Office.

Letters to the North Pole don’t need a stamp but they do need a return address so Santa can mail his replies to everyone! Letters will be off to the North Pole on Wednesday December 18 so make sure to get them in before then.

INGLEWOOD PHARMACY

THE ultimate gift ... a Miss Serenade Beverly Hills Collection bag will bring a real smile on the special lady in your life this Christmas.

Inglewood Pharmacy has just filled the shelves with an amazing range in the latest styles in the classy Miss Serenade brand.

That’s not all, the pharmacy has a wide range of special gifts for all ages waiting for your perusal in the lead up to Christmas.

Outdoors, indoors and even the pets

MILLER’S AG SUPPLIES

MILLER’S Ag Supplies is a family-owned business located in Pyramid Hill and Kerang.

And this Christmas they have a great range of gift ideas for fishing and outdoor recreation enthusiasts to suggestions for the home and even for your pets.

They are a part of the AIRR buying group

CARLIE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

and Tuckers Pet and Produce and stock a wide selection of farm supplies. Ranging from Animal health products, Ag chemicals, stock feed, seed, hardware to gardening products and more.

They are also a re-seller for GoldAcres, allowing them to sell and fix boom sprays. Their friendly staff are happy to assist everyone to find what they need whether it is pet supplies or hardware.

Located on Brooke Street in Inglewood, Carlie Clothing is the place to find a unique gift for a loved one or for yourself.

The name Carlie comes from a combination of Carol and Charlie, the couple who founded the store in 2013.

They aim to bring customers different, supplying colourful, exciting and ethically made products both online and in store.

Offering presents for every occasion they are the perfect place to purchase Christmas gifts locally. Pop in to explore distinctive nemesis wallets and purses, , mosaic oil diffusers and more special gift ideas.

Celebrate in our communities

Friday November 29

Wedderburn Community Christmas and Arts Festival 10:30am-7pm

Saturday November 30

Wedderburn Community Christmas and Arts Festival 10am-3pm

Sunday December 1

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre Lunch 11am onwards

Saturday December 7

Mitiamo’s Christmas 5pm onwards

Wednesday December 11

Bridgewater Community Carols 6-8pm

Friday December 13

Wedderburn Community House Christmas 5:30-8:30pm

Friday December 13

Boort Street Party 5pm onwards

Saturday December 14

Pyramid Hill Christmas Party 3pm onwards

Friday December 20

Serpentine Christmas Tree 5:30-8pm

Saturday December 21

Inglewood Christmas Carols 5:30-9pm

Sunday December 22

Tarnagulla Carols 4pm onwards

And don’t forget Mysia’s Christmas Wonderland

Harvest hope dampener GRAIN

EARLY week rain of up to 50mm has stifled harvest momentum across the Loddon.

Many farmers had started stripping barley crops before rain started Sunday morning.

They had already delivered more than 120,000 tonnes of barley, canola and lentils to the Boort Grain Co-op where weighbridge staff was kept busy on Saturday as farmers tried to beat predicted rains.

Graincorp silos at Mitiamo, Tandarra and Boort were also busy with receivals.

Lake Meran’s Carl Chamberlain made several deliveries to Boort Grain Co-op at the weekend.

He said early season returns had been highlighted by the quality and yield of lentils while he had been pleased with the yield from TT canola “that fits into our rotation well.”

Mr Chamberlain said early test weights for malt barley had been high.

“We’re only about a third of the way into harvest and now there’s been the rain ... 32mm alone from early Sunday to Monday morning,” he said.

“The quality has been really good. We had that dry spell but crops had held on to their stored moisture.”

Mr Chamberlain said yield and quality continued to be above long-term averages in the area.

“And they had been looking

to be on par with what we have taken off in the paddocks the last four or five season.”

The Loddon’s northern areas received the heaviest falls this week compared with southern districts.

Australia is looking towards harvesting a marginally larger winter crop this season despite significant weather challenges experienced in western Victoria, according to Rabobank’s 2024-

2025 Australian Winter Crop Forecast report shows.

After five consecutive average to above-average winter crops, Victoria’s harvest this year is forecast to come in at 6.8 million tonnes, due to a late seasonal break, low growing season rain and late frosts. Rain was expected to have cleared by yesterday although there may be some further harvest hampering falls at the weekend.

Sub-moisture tap yield returns

HARVEST is well underway across the Loddon Valley, with farmers turning their attention from canola to cereal crops.

The dry November weather had provided ideal conditions, allowing a smooth and uninterrupted early harvest.

Key crops including canola, lentils, faba beans, lupins, and barley are nearing completion, with much of the grain safely stored in bunkers.

Despite receiving only 230mm of rain since February, yields have been impressive.

Canola crops from dryland areas are averaging 2-2.5t/ha, a testament to strategic moisture conservation and summer spraying efforts. Crops that tapped into the subsoil moisture left by over 300mm of summer rainfall performed particularly well, underscoring the importance of proactive management.

The GRDC’s figure that “every dollar

spent on summer spraying returns $7.20” has proven true once again this season.

Sowing time has also played a crucial role. Crops sown into moist soils early in the season were able to establish strong biomass, giving them an advantage throughout the year. These early crops matured faster and, if they avoided frost damage, were able to fill grain heads before the dry spring took its toll.

As headers continue rolling, farmers remain hopeful that the dry weather will soon be back, ensuring a smooth finish to what has been a challenging but rewarding season.

With careful planning and hard work paying dividends, the 2024 harvest is shaping up to be a result of the resilience and adaptability of the region’s growers.

KurtLukies, WheelhouseAGnVET

BOORT Grain Co-op prices on

Tuesday: Wheat – H1 $335. H2 $325. AGP1 $278. APW1 $313. ASW1 $302. AUH2 $295. SFW1 $282. Barley – Bar1 $282. Bar 2 $275. COMD $285. MA1 $298. PL1 $307. SP1 $298.

Canola – Can1 $732.25. CanG $635. Faba – FAB1 $610. FAB 2 $595.

Field Peas – Grade 2 $485. PEAK $512. PEAS $515. Lentils – NIP1 $850. NIP2 $805. Oats –Oat1 $370. Oat2 $355.

GrainCorp’s harvest update for Victoria says harvest activity is underway in all regions, with sites now receiving all commodities.

However, widespread wet weather over the weekend is expected to slow receival activity in the coming days.

The overall quality across all commodities has been excellent. In the last week, they have received 583,800 tonnes of grain bringing the state total to 1,093,000 tonnes.

GRAEME HAYES

FOR LEASE BY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Recognised “WYCHITELLA NORTH CROPPING COUNTRY”

Corner Charlton Borung Road and Quambatook Wychitella Road

Approx 795 Acres

Fronts main bitumen road / 1710 Charlton Borung Road

Midway to 3 grain receival facilities

Sound Agronomy and Fertiliser History

2 Water supply points from Grampians Wimmera Mallee

Pipeline

3 – Year Term commencing 1/3/2025

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted

Half yearly instalments paid in advance

Expression of interest close with the agents on 16/12/2024 @ 1.00 pm

Documentation Available from agent

Inspections by appointment with agent only

Trainee agronomist Kurt Lukies in Andrew Bissett’s lentil paddock at Serpentine

Harvest was tracking well for Carl Chamberlain before weekend rain. LH PHOTOS

Deliveries at Boort Grain Co-op

FOR SALE

ARNOLD & MURPHY’S CREEK DISTRICT “GRAHAMS” BY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

In 16 Titles -11 Allotments - To be offered in 3 Lots

Lot 1: “Billings” Arnold

197.56 Hectares - 488.16 Acres 7 Titles

Rich red loam topsoil through to a clay base with sandy ridges throughout. Excellent draining soil. Offering in 8 paddocks with fair to good cyclone fencing. GWM Water supply to trough from Pipeline and already established dams. Excellent fertiliser history, 99% arable lands, suiting all aspects of Agriculture. Also offering 2 stand shearing shed with undercover steel sheep yards and draft with attached Kitchenette in good condition.

Lot 2: “Murphy’s Creek” 198 Keoghs Lane, Llanelly in 2 parcels

A: “Home Block” 6 Titles - Offering 260.54 Hectares645.15 Acres or there abouts in 7 paddocks

Fencing of steel & timber post and plain wire & new cyclone, Mallee loam topsoil to a clay base to a Murphy’s Creek grey loam.

Substantial mix of shelterbelts, creek washouts and wetland revegetation area & 2 water outlets. Improvements include: 3-bedroom original farmhouse, Kitchen/Dining and Living room area, Weatherboard construction with detached Gal Iron double carport. Also 2 stand Gal Iron shearing shed, hayshed plus GWM Pipeline & established dams.

B: Adjacent 18 Keoghs Lane, Llanelly - Offering 30.8 Hectares – 76.07 Acres, adjacent to Lot 1 in 3 Titles Cleared grey loam soil fenced into one paddock, with standing shelterbelts. In 4 allotments, fencing fair, water by trough from GWM Pipeline and established dam.

Terms: EOI open: 9th November 2024 & closes 12th December 2024 @ 4pm sharp.

Further Particulars & Inspection: James Nevins: 0407 302 900

Magnificent allotment close to schools

78 Sullivan Street, Inglewood

2 bed | 1 bath | 1 car 1121 Square metres

A PRIME allotment in Inglewood is being offered for sale through FP Nevins and Co.

Agent James Nevins says the property currently has a twobedroom weatherboard miner’s cottage.

“It’s a salute to the district’s rich money history that has fall-

 2 paddocks, 1 dam

 GWM Water connected with 22,500L poly tank, 300KL allocation

 2 Water Troughs

 Marmal Creek runs NorthSouth, fully fenced off

 Good Fencing

 Quality heavy Barrakee red loams to self-mulching grey loams, presenting in great heart

 Cropping rotation running in a 3 year cycle

 20’ Steel container

Terms: Expression of Interest open Monday 11th November, closing Thursday 12th December @ 4:00pm at Offices of F.P. Nevins & Co Real Estate Pty Ltd

Further Particulars/Inspection:

Luke Nevins: 0418510166

James Nevins: 0407302900

Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au

en but has options and opportunities whether for the house or the land,” he said.

“This is a magnificent allotment in a central position, with hospital, schools, shops and sporting facilities all nearby.”

The house features cedar timber ceilings in several rooms, a large combustion stove and an electric hot water service. The property is connected to power, water and sewerage.

In 4 Titles, located facing Loddon Valley Highway and No2 Weir Road, this parcel has continual family ownership for 90 years plus Situated in the middle of the renowned Jarklin farming community, this superb block is excellent in it presentation and condition Consisting of Jarklin and Fernihurst loam soil (red & grey), this property displays forward feed options with under sown Lucerne, Phalaris and Rye grass.

Offering 15 paddocks with excellent Cyclone internal and external fencing, established feed with trough water throughout along with access to the Serpentine Creek. 4 dams across 4 paddocks.

Gal Iron 2 stand shearing shed with steel sheep yards in excellent repair (Generator run), steel cattle yards with loading ramp and laneway livestock movement, this properties ease of management is beyond reproach

Exceptional management of weeds, fencing and tree plantation establishment only enhances this properties stellar presentation 2 meg/litre S & D water (serviced from 2 points), also includes established tree plantations and exceptional open cropping paddocks, nothing is wanting

Terms: EOI opens –Saturday 9th November 2024. Closes – Thursday 5th December 2024 at selling agents’ offices at 4pm sharp. Settlement: 16th January 2025. All documents available 10% deposit on signing

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Young people step up at grain silos

By Cr DAVID WEAVER

FIRSTLY , I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the people of the Boort Ward, to thank Neil Beattie for his tireless efforts over the last 19 years as councillor of the ward and the Loddon Shire.

I would like to thank Neil for his guidance and support throughout the election process.

It is a very busy time in the Boort Ward with harvest in full swing.

The local receival sites have already received over 120,000 tonnes of grain to date.

When delivering grain to these facilities you can’t help but be impressed by the young people from the local area , who are now working incredibly hard, testing and receiving grain.

They are confident, well mannered and a credit to their families and schools.

I wish all the school leavers the very best with their results and for their future, further studies

and careers. When speaking with other farmers while delivering grain, most are reasonably happy with their harvest.

We have been more fortunate than other shires around the state, getting a little more rain and having missed the worst of the frosts.

Lets hope the rain dries up soon and harvest can recommence.

It was fantastic to see the Boort Pool opening last weekend.

I would like to congratulate the Boort Yando Cricket Club on their new shed and training facilities.

A decade or so ago the senior cricket club was in recess and to see what has been achieved since then, is a credit to all involved.

The Lake Committee have the lake looking fantastic and ready for a big summer.

Please remember to come along to the Boort Christmas Street Party on December 13. It

promises to be a wonderful evening for all and a great chance to support local businesses.

I have only officially been a councillor for a few days but one thing that has impressed me is the dedication of the Loddon Shire’s executive staff.

They are genuinely committed to getting great outcomes for the people of Loddon Shire.

I am looking forward to working with experienced Councillors, Gavan Holt and Dan Straub and with new fellow councillors Miki Wilson and Nick Angelo.

I would like to finish by wishing everyone in the Loddon Shire a very Happy, safe and fun filled festive season, I hope each of you has some time to rest, relax and to celebrate being together in this amazing community.

CrWeaveristheBoortWard representativeonLoddonShire Council

FEDERAL MP ANNE WEBSTER RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT CONDITION OF ROADS

Annette Blanchard wrote: The roads are a disgrace. Hasn’t VicRoad been sold?

Gordon Stevenson wrote: What only just now when we have been complaining for years. sounds like someone is looking for brownie points instead of telling council to fix the problem straight away.

INGLEWOOD COMMUNITY BANK FUNDS HALF-PRICE POOL PASSES

Anne Maree Fiscalini Hansen wrote: Best idea to sup-

port the community in years! Now bring back the diving board please?

DAN STRAUB ELECTED NEW LODDON SHIRE MAYOR

Anne Webster MP wrote: Congratulations Dan. I look forward to working with you.

EX-COUNCILLOR MURPHY’S PARTING SHOTS

Ann Irving wrote: Way to go Wendy, thought that for a long time. Thanks for your time and energy whilst in council.

1. How many elements are there on the periodic table?

2. Japan is often called the “Land of the Rising ___”?

3. “The Flying Scotsman” is what type of vehicle?

4. What are the three main ingredients in béchamel sauce?

5. Atticus Finch is a character in which novel?

6. In yoga, what does the term ‘pranayama’ refer to?

7. Which part of the brain is responsible for memory and learning?

8. Robert Downey Jnr is famous for his portrayal of which superhero?

9. And who created that character?

10. To the nearest whole number, zero degrees Celsius is equal to how many degrees Kelvin?

11. The Statue of Liberty

was a gift to the USA from the people of which nation?

12. Flamboyance is the collective noun for which animal?

13. What is the best-selling book of all time?

14. Which mammal was the first to be cloned?

15. The ‘King of Pop’ is a nickname for which singer?

16. A 13-sided shape is called a what?

17. What is the cause of the old book smell?

18. In which country where tulips used as a form of currency in the 17th century?

19. Juniper berries help make which alcoholic beverage?

20. What is the Australian equivalent of Area 51

BRADLEY of Boort has the lights flickering in time for Christmas. His latest Treemendous Sign tells us the sensor light works sometimes.

THE decorations are already out. And not just on the main street of Boort, as we noticed last weekend. Houses are beginning to be adorned with lights, tinsel and inflatables.

DOWN in Bridgewater we see that Bianca at the nursery is bringing in the real, fair dinkum Christmas trees. Perhaps not as big as one of the world’s largest natural Christmas tree found in Dortmund,

Germany - 46 metres tall and covered in in 48,000 electric lights. Construction takes four weeks before the tree becomes the centrepiece of the Dortmund Christmas Market, one of the world’s biggest Christmas markets

IN Gubbio, Italy, the Christmas Tree is lit up on the slopes of Ingino Mount, overlooking the town. It has 260 lights make up the shape of the tree and 200 make up the shape of the star .

WITH all these snippets about Christmas Tree, OTF is saying, yes, it’s almost time to erected them at home. But, being a bit old fashioned, please not before December 1.

exercises

Hippocampus 8. Ironman

Stan Lee 10.

273 11. France 12. Flamingo 13. The Bible 14. Sheep 15. Michael Jackson

16. Tridecagon 17. Glue, ink, and paper breaking down 18. The Netherlands

Gin 20. Pine gap

David Weaver

Serenity & tranquility

MICHAEL Ghalayini often finds what he needs by chance.

Working as a volunteer counsellor for a grief helpline, Michael wasn’t expecting to find a love of painting through his job, but an art therapy workshop sparked the creativity inside him.

Now 15 years later the fire still burns bright.

A five-week course on painting basics gave Michael the advice he carries with him to this day, “if you want to get good at painting, don’t ever stop”.

He discovered his passion for seascapes and plein air art through various art teachers in Melbourne before relocating to Pearl Beach on the New South Wales coast in 2016.

Pearl Beach drew Michael further into the art scene as he joined the local artists’ group and was able to display his artwork in an artist co-op gallery. While at the co-

By RUBY HYLAND

op he was only able to display four pieces of art but having his own gallery he enjoys not being limited in how many pieces or which ones he has on display.

Living on the coast, inspiration for painting was right outside the window and some of his favourite work was of the beach there. Michael’s passion is the ocean and that has transferred to a love of the Loddon River as well.

April 2024 drew Michael back to Victoria and to Bendigo to be close to his mum. While searching for a house in Bendigo he visited Bridgewater for lunch one day and received a message from his sister about a house in Inglewood that had just been listed. After searching Inglewood on maps and discovering it was only up the road, he drove up to see the house.

Arriving at the old bakery in Inglewood

Michael took one look at the house and fell in love. “I’d looked at a house in Bendigo that just didn’t feel right but as soon as I saw this place I knew it was the perfect spot” Michael said.

The storefront of the house has allowed him to set up his own gallery and gave him the freedom to choose his own opening hours, something he had craved at the Pearl Beach gallery.

After living in various busy towns, the quiet and serenity of Inglewood has been the perfect place for him and his artwork. Michael feels he has been welcomed with open arms into the community.

“I have some locals who come in for a look and a chat which is so nice” he said. The community in Inglewood is so kind, everyone says hello and is friendly and many have popped in to see the new space Michael said.

The Loddon River has become a feature

in many of his plein air paintings since his move. The tranquillity of the river and the vast areas providing different perspectives allows him to paint something different each time.

As an artist Michael is enthusiastic about sharing his work and his knowledge, “I’m fortunate to be able to use the gallery more as a place to display my work instead of needing to sell it” he said.

“I paint for the joy of it, it’s an expensive hobby but it’s my passion” Michael said.

He has plans to open a second gallery in Ironbark which is a bit bigger to display his larger pieces. “I enjoy painting large artwork, but they take up so much room, so I’ve been sticking to smaller canvases for the moment,” he said.

While becoming an artist wasn’t in Michael’s plans 15 years ago, chance brought the opportunities to him and now he finds painting is his passion.

Within the walls of the old Inglewood bakery, Michael is putting his impressions of local landscapes onto canvas

Michael is inspired by the Loddon River and has recently completed a work from the banks at Bridgewater. LH PHOTOS

BOORT NEWSAGENCY

BRIDGEWATER BAKEHOUSE

BRIDGEWATER CARAVAN PARK CAFE

BRIDGEWATER HOTEL

BRIDGEWATER NURSERY

BRIDGEWATER POST OFFICE

BRIDGEWATER SERVICE STATION

CHARLTON NEWSAGENCY

DINGEE STORE

FOUR POSTS JARKLIN

INGLEWOOD IGA

INGLEWOOD POST OFFICE

STEVE’S EMPIRE HOTEL

INGLEWOOD

KANGAROO

KORONG VALE HOTEL

MITIAMO STORE

NEWBRIDGE STORE

NEWBRIDGE HOTEL

PYRAMID HILL POST OFFICE

PYRAMID HILL BAKERY

VICTORIA

TARNAGULLA

EAGLEHAWK NEWSAGENCY

21st December

PUBLIC NOTICES

Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens

Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens have not been active in recent times. A new committee has been elected and will welcome anyone interested in becoming a member

The Club has activities planned from 1pm on the second Friday of each month in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. On the fourth Friday of each month, a light meal will be available costing $10 -00. Again in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. You are welcome to pop in even if you would prefer just a cup of tea/coffee and a chat. There is no pressure to participate in the available activities.

Membership fee is $5-00 annually.

The above will be in place until the Club moves to the new building currently being constructed in McKay St. Terry Wood email tp.wood@bigpond.com Ph 0429843479

Inglewood-Bridgewater Sub Branch MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

2025 annual membership fees are now due. Service Members $10.00 Affiliate Members $10.00 Social Members $10:00

For your card to remain current please renew your membership by the 27/12/2024.

On time payment will qualify entrance into the RSL Vic car raffle.

Memberships can be renewed by contacting Stephen Gartside at the Inglewood Emporium. m EETIN gS

Wedderburn and District Harness Racing Inc. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday 2nd December 2024

7.30pm at Donaldson Park

Tom Nisbet

Secretary, W.& D.H.R.C

WANTED TO BUY

Old bottles with town or company names.

Marble bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons

Any old bottles - single items or box lots

CASH PAID ON DAY Phone 0452 264 661

AUGER - 40’ x 7”

16hp. New paint VG condition $5500

Phone 0419 584 598

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN EXPLORATION LICENCE

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 – Section 15(5)

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 – Regulation 22(1) and Schedule 1

1. Name and address of applicant(s): Falcon Gold Resources Pty Ltd C/-PO Box 106, Flinders Lane, VIC 8009

2. Contact details of applicant (for map and other information requests):

Belinda Ingram, Authorised Agent (as employee of AMETS) Mobile: 0428 158 374. Email: vic@amets.com.au

3. Applicant’s Website (see notes)

Further information about this application is available at the following websites: www. amets.com.au/victoria-tenements/ and www. earthresources.vic.gov.au/licenceapplications

4. Details of the application: Application number: EL008581

Locality of the land to which the application relates: 11km west of Mitiamo, 11km south of Pyramid Hill, 15km Northwest of Dingee, 15km southeast of Durham Ox. Approximate area of the application (Graticular Sections): 22

Date of the application: 13 th November 2024

Term the licences are applied for: 5 years Outline of the proposed programs of work: Desktop studies, soil sampling, geophysical surveying, drilling

5. Objections and Comments:

Any person may object or comment to a licence being granted by:

a. putting the objection or comment in writing; and

b. including the grounds on which it is made Objections or comments must be lodged within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised and can be lodged online or posted to:

The Minister for Energy and Resources c/- Manager Licensing, Earth Resources Regulation, PO Box 500, East Melbourne Victoria 8002

It is recommended that objections or comments are lodged online to ensure timely consideration: https://rram.force.com/ObjectionSubmission

Enquiries can be made by writing to the Manager Licensing at the above address or by phoning the Earth Resources Information Centre on 136 186.

6. Other information:

a. Subject to other requirements being satisfied, a prospecting licence, if granted, entitles the holder of the licence to prospect or explore for minerals, carry out mining on the relevant land, and do anything else that is incidental to that mining.

b. Further information regarding the requirements that must be complied with prior to work being undertaken is available on the department’s Community & Land Use page: https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/ community-and-land-use

LODDON

Washouts hinder the climb

INGLEWOOD’S Division Five midweek pennant bowls team remains second on the ladder after the match against Woodbury on Monday was declared a washout.

The Division One team team’s clash with Golden Square was also washed out, leaving the side in last spot on the ladder after seven rounds.

In weekend pennant, the Division Five team fell to an experienced Bendigo lineup.

Top marks went to the team of Edna Patterson, Dionne Roberts, Patsy Lyndon and Ian Bradley (skip), which managed a five-shot win as Inglewood’s 57 shots (2 points) lost out to Bendigo’s 80 shots (16 points).

The Division One team lost to Bendigo East – 69 shots (2 points) to 77 shots (16 points).

The day’s best result for the day came from the team of Simon Laird, David Vanston, Daniel Gar-

Bendigo

Division 1 Bendigo East 77-16 d Inglewood 69-2. R. Pearce, T. Carmody, M. Boyd, T. Fuller (s) d B. Jackson, J. Palfreyman, V. Tierney, G. Jackson (s) 18-15. I. Lacy, S. Hocking, J. McDermott, B. Edwards (s) lost to S. Laird, D. Vanston, D. Garrett, A. Harrison (s) 15-22. A. Ellerton, H. Clough, I. Cail, B. Griffin (s) d R. Stranger, D. Wilson, B. McClymont, G. Wilson (s) 25-17. J. Clough, D. Judge, P. Huggard, R. Clough (s) d B. Smyth, D. Whitehead, L. Kelly, C. Kelly (s) 19-15. Castlemaine 74-3 lost to Strathfieldsaye 83-15. North Bendigo 77-2 lost to Kangaroo Flat 97-16. White Hills 78-2 lost to Golden Square 92-16.

Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 80, Bendigo East 54, North Bendigo 48, Castlemaine 44, Golden Square 36, Kangaroo Flat 35, Inglewood 34, White Hills 29. Division 2 Kangaroo Flat 86-18 d Serpentine 54-0. M. O’Sullivan, B. White, R. Storey, K. Reed (s) d A. James, F. Maher, R. Gladman, D. Walker (s) 17-16. R. Sparke, P. Burchell, J. Ritchie, G. Waegeli (s) d L. James, W. Gladman, K. Canfield, N. Tonkin (s) 22-9. P. Wiegard, A. Cooper, P. De Kuyper, P. Beveridge (s) M. Mathews, J. Addlem, J. Stuart, B. Long (s) 26-11. F. Nolan, D. Densley, R. Morrall, A. Densley (s) d B. Gladman, G. Addlem, S. Rudkins, L. Cadzow (s) 21-18. Bendigo 85-16 d South Bendigo 69-2. Strathfieldsaye 95-18 d Harcourt 48-0. Eaglehawk 88-15 d Bendigo East 72-3. Ladder: Harcourt 64, South Bendigo 62, Strathfieldsaye 58, Eaglehawk 55, Bendigo 54, Kangaroo Flat 38, Bendigo East 25, Serpentine 4. Division 4 Bendigo East 101-16 d Dingee 55-2. J. Ryan, R. Miller, B. Hawkins, D. Johnson (s) d B. Cail, J. Hocking, L. Hocking, B. Lawry (s) 27-13. J. Hawkins, D. Grant, W. Schmidt, A. Bamkin (s) d T. Kavanagh, N. Hocking, M. Grieves, F. Grieves (s) 37-10. L. Aiello, R. Baetge, S. Ayson, C. Findlay (s) d W. Wilson, J. Monaghan, B. West, R. Thompson (s) 21-11. J. Dullard, A. Von Sierakowski, T. Costello, T. King (s) lost to S. Cail, P. Plant, K. Pollock, N. Lister (s) 16-21. Calivil 100-16 d Kangaroo Flat 53-2. R. Boyd, R. Lourie, M. Collett, G. Maxted (s) lost to B. Duncan, D. White, M. Collins, T. O’Brien (s) 15-16. N. Dennis, P. Hercus, J. Pickles, M. Dennis (s) d B. Smith, W. Conboy, D. Johnson, H. Hornstra (s) 31-6. A. Dennis, W. Lourie, G. Ray, L. Gronow (s) d M. Perryman, A. Boadle, H. Crow, G. Bysouth (s) 29-19. G. Lourie, B. Meighan, W. Miles, A. Leech (s) d S. Teasdale, V. Webster, E. Caine, G. Teasdale (s) 25-12. Marong 63-2 lost to Bendigo 77-16. Harcourt 84-16 d White Hills 82-2.

Ladder: Calivil 68, White Hills 68, Ben-

rett and Arthur Harrison (skip), with a seven-shot win.

BRIDGEWATER

The midweek Division Six pennant team sits on top of the ladder, but had to cool its heels after play was washed out on Monday.

The Division Five team travelled to Golden Square on Saturday and at the halfway mark was leading the home side.

The clash ended up as a shootout, with two rinks just missing out in the last ends of their games.

Golden Square won 85 shots (16 points) to 75 shots (two points).

The only winning rink was Glenn Mangan, Tyler Estrada, Glenn Catto and Peter Gath, who won 20-14.

The Goldfields side travelled to Carisbrook, with the home side much too strong on the synthetic carpet. Carisbrook finished with 103 shots (16 points) to Bridgewater’s 34 shots (0 points).

SERPENTINE

Another tough day on the bowls circuit as Serpentine ventured to Kangaroo Flat on Saturday. Starting early because of the heat to follow, Serp lost all rinks

digo 64, Harcourt 60, Bendigo East 28, Kangaroo Flat 27, Dingee 25, Marong 20. Division 5 Bendigo 80-16 d Inglewood 57-2. B. Pontell, M. Kelly, S. Hamilton, P. McMaster-Smith (s) d D. Shay, B. McNaught, J. McClymont, H. Leech (s) 18-14. G. Painter, P. Dumont, T. White, J. Cassidy (s) d W. Concol, D. Shay, K. McNaught, C. McEwan (s) 24-7. J. Wells, J. Penfold, M. Harris, B. Morrison (s) d B. Scoble, B. Hopcott, W. Wilson, B. Taig (s) 21-14. H. Champion, M. Mitchell, L. Trahair, A. Champion (s) lost to E. Patterson, D. Roberts, P. Lyndon, I. Bradley (s) 17-22. Golden Square 85-16 d Bridgewater 752. J. Holborn, J. Chapman, R. Bird, W. Banyard (s) d G. Mabon, G. Harrison, C. Wattie, J. Fagan (s) 23-21. S. Benney, E. Hocking, K. Skinner, G. Taylor (s) d L. Catto, V. Wilson, P. Short, R. Broadbent (s) 29-16. G. Blease, M. Lea, R. Fyffe, H. Hendy (s) lost to P. Gath, G. Catto, T. Estrada, G. Mangan (s) 14-20. P. Ferrier, M. Campbell, M. Muir, W. Stammers (s) d G. Papworth, B. Catto, C. Payne, A. Harrison (s) 19-18. Campbell’s Creek 100-18 d Woodbury 63-0. South Bendigo 61-2 lost to Strathfieldsaye 83-16. Ladder: Campbell’s Creek 80, Strathfieldsaye 69, Bendigo 63, Golden Square 55, South Bendigo 39, Inglewood 34, Bridgewater 11, Woodbury 9. Monday pennant abandoned due to rain.

North Central

Division 1 Donald Golf 83-10 d Boort 672. G. Stopps, B. Dixon, S. Hollis, P. Hibberd (s) d G. Carrall, J. Maxted, J. Gibson, L. Maxted (s) 30-17. B. Bayles, T. Boyd, D. Peake, G. Rigby (s) lost to K. Walton, G. Hudson, W. Keenan, K. Depiazza (s) 29-30. R. Adams, G. Geddes, R. Reseigh, D. Pettifer (s) d K. Birt, D. Gibson, C. Newsome, S. Morris (s) 24-20. St Arnaud Country 69-2 lost to Wedderburn 75-10. D. Moulday, R. Pole, T. McDonald, W. Rodger (s) lost to L. Holt, M. Guelfo, B. Hargreaves, D. Mason (s) 24-30. F. Rodger, L. Lynch, J. Nevill, J. Abbott (s) d A. Roberts, G. Burnside, B. Montebello, L. Witham (s) 30-16. B. Medlyn, D. Mullins, S. Elliott, M. Esmore (s) lost to R. Guelfo, A. Holt, N. Holt, A. Jackson (s) 15-29. Wycheproof 96-12 d Charlton 49-0. J. McKay, G. Coatsworth, A. Mead, P. Wellington (s) d L. Southwell, P. Watts, D. Finlay, S. Perry (s) 31-17. P. Allan, A. Coatsworth, D. Groves, B. Macdonald (s) d D. Beaty, W. Southwell, D. McCallum, K. Willey (s) 32-11. A. Jones, J. McLean, N. Coles, J. Grylls (s) d J. Cox, R. Porter, M. O’Brien, K. North (s) 33-21.

St Arnaud 108-12 d Donald 40-0. Ladder: Wedderburn 72, Donald Golf 66, St Arnaud 50, Wycheproof 50, St Arnaud Country 40, Donald 34, Boort 20, Charlton 4. Division 2 Donald Golf 78-12 d Boort 66-0. G. Bowles, S. Donnellon, M. Frank, S.

but was close in two matches with Dianne Walker and her team going don by the narrowest of margins and Laurence Cadzow in his return going down by only three.

It was great to have Laurie back

O’Shea (s) d S. Nelson, S. Polack, S. Rollinson, A. Matley (s) 24-19. C. Stopps, M. Raynes, B. Murray, G. Wood (s) d I. Allison, Y. Cashen, P. Waters, G. Smith (s) 26-25. B. Brasier, J. Slater, A. Dionisopoulos, L. Borden (s) d G. Charles, L. Newsome, A. Gould, J. Earl (s) 28-22.

St Arnaud Country 75-2 lost to Wedderburn 83-10. P. Jorgensen, P. Mullins, C. Webb, P. Elliott (s) lost to S. Standfield, A. Benaim, R. Hall, L. Standfield (s) 19-27. T. Coloe, K. Pole, N. Robinson, A. Bond (s) lost to R. Little, R. Ashley, J. Matthews, J. Grant (s) 15-35. G. White, D. McAllister, K. Meade, J. Needs (s) d S. Lear, N. White, A. Noordennen, I. Hall (s) 41-21.

Wycheproof 85-12 d Charlton 50-0. D. Nicholls, H. Grylls, R. Coles, D. Denney (s) d Z. Irwin, B. Chester, B. Patton, G. Wain (s) 26-18. S. Wellington, V. Grant, P. Bagley, P. Connolly (s) d R. Gahan, E. Rosewall, S. Harper, G. Bateson (s) 22-20. C. Rayes, S. Barratt, M. Nicholls, R. Grylls (s) d G. Thomson, B. Catherine, M. Hamley, J. Headon (s) 37-12. St Arnaud 88-12 d Donald 53-0. Ladder: Wycheproof 64, Wedderburn 58, Donald Golf 58, St Arnaud 48, St Arnaud Country 41, Donald 25, Boort 22, Charlton 20. Midweek - North Central Midweek Pennant Wedderburn 84-10 d Boort 55-2. R. Ashley, J. Murnane, R. Hall, A. Caserta (s) lost to S. Polack, P. Gould, J. Earl, T. Moresi (s) 1924. H. Stephenson, J. Matthews, S. Steel, A. Jackson (s) d S. Nelson, G. Tweddle, J. Maxted, L. Maxted (s) 40-10. R. Little, S. Standfield, A. Roberts, L. Witham (s) d L. Carrall, P. Baker, D. Gibson, J. Gibson (s) 25-21. Charlton 67-9 d Donald 57-3. C. Brien, E. Rosewall, J. Headon, K. Willey (s) lost to J. Wood, M. McEwen, B. Brennan, B. Milne (s) 15-19. J. Cox, D. Gretgrix, D. McCallum, K. North (s) drew D. Knight, K. Wyllie, M. Hollis, H. Wingfield (s) 25-25. G. Bateson, R. Porter, D. Finlay, L. Southwell (s) d M. Quick, A. McEwen, E. Adams, I. McEwen (s) 27-13. Wycheproof 66-9 d St Arnaud Country 59-3. St Arnaud 73-3 lost to Donald Golf 76-9. Ladder: Wycheproof 75, Boort 52, Donald Golf 49, Wedderburn 40, Charlton 39, St Arnaud 37, St Arnaud Country 25, Donald 19.

Goldfields

Division 2 Carisbrook 103-16 d Bridgewater 34-0. S. Pearson, D. Matic, R. Holmes, R. Baker (s) d D. Payne, substitute, J. Hosking, R. Brown (s) 39-13. D. Purchas, J. Cassidy, R. Pickering, R. Gregory (s) d S. Miller, D. Grant, substitute, C. Brooshooft (s) 22-15. I. Stevenson, C. Taylor, G. Haigh, M. Milne (s) d R. Simons, substitute, H. Fagan, D. Wilson (s) 42-6.

bowling. The bowling was followed by asuasage sizzle thanks to Kangaroo Flat. This week Serpentine return home to take on Bendigo and a win must be getting closer.

Northern District

Division 2 Pyramid Hill 1 79-10 d Cohuna Golf 3 49-2. T. Stobaus, K. Wood, J. Mann, N. McGann (s) lost to A. Dunne, N. Brown, C. Baker, G. Mathers (s) 17-22. D. Demaine, M. Noelker, R. Price, L. Mann (s) d S. Brown, L. McManus, J. Sutherland, I. Morrison (s) 31-14. R. Harris, I. Bartels, J. Leed, T. Dzufer (s) d M. Rodwell, L. Baker, L. Sutherland, D. Keely (s) 31-13. Kerang Golf 2 69-10 d Barham 4 40-2. Kerang 3 50-0 lost to Cohuna 2 58-12. Ladder: Cohuna Golf 3 60, Cohuna 2 56, Kerang Golf 2 47, Pyramid Hill 1 44, Barham 4 25, Kerang 3 20.

Division 3 Pyramid Hill 2 35-0 lost to Kerang Golf 3 84-12. M. Mahoney, C. Cauchi, A. Roberts, L. Dingwall (s) lost to R. Carter, R. Laughlin, R. Curtis, N. Robertson (s) 9-23. A. Harris, J. Dingfelder, A. Fidler, J. Cauchi (s) lost to N. Paul, T. Linton, J. McKerrow, D. Randell (s) 17-24. G. Godward, A. Dzufer, R. Fidler, A. Bennett (s) lost to T. Pearson, R. McKerrow, M. Rawson, J. Anderson (s) 9-37. Gunny Golf 1 32-0 lost to Cohuna 3 10012. Barham 5 63-10 d Kerang 4 49-2. Leitchville 2 30-0 lost to Wakool 2 79-12.

Ladder: Wakool 2 74, Kerang Golf 3 59, Cohuna 3 46, Kerang 4 46, Barham 5 36, Gunny Golf 1 35, Leitchville 2 23, Pyramid Hill 2 17.

MIdweek - Division 1 Pyramid Hill 1 50-0 lost to Cohuna 1 75-12. H. Crichton, K. Wood, S. Bennett, R. Opie (s) lost to P. Van der Zande, M. Reade, J. Reade, M. Hofman (s) 18-19. I. Bartels, J. Cauchi, M. Noelker, A. Cantwell (s) lost to A. Ainger, I. Howard, R. Ballard, F. Tonn (s) 16-27. R. Harris, L. Dingwall, J. Leed, M. Scott (s) lost to V. Dehne, V. Meredith, T. Dehne, W. Brooks (s) 16-29. Kerang 1 69-12 d Barham 1 51-0. Kerang Golf 1 76-10 d Cohuna Golf 1 39-2. Ladder: Cohuna 1 61, Kerang 1 46, Kerang Golf 1 37, Barham 1 32, Cohuna Golf 1 22, Pyramid Hill 1 18. Division 2 Gunbower 1 64-8 d Pyramid Hill 15-0.

PENNANT BOWLS RESULTS

Pyramid Hill’s Alan Fidler

Pyramid Hill skip Joe Gauci. LH PHOTO

A round hit with forfeits

TENNIS across the Loddon saw some forfeits in all competitions on Saturday.

Heat and harvest took a toll on scheduled association matches.

MARONG

Marong 15-99 d Woodstock 3-45

Ladies: P Franklin J Cornish d F Curnow

K Punton 6-2. P Franklin G Turnbull d F Curnow N Earl 6-2. J Cornish G Turnbull

d K Punton N Earl 6-1. S Thompson H Turnbull d K Punton E Ruthledge 6-1. S Thompson A Pickering d K Punton G Collins 6-2. H Turnbull A Pickering d E Ruthledge G Collins 6-1.

Mens: J McCraig N McCaig d G Leach

C Hercus 6-0. J McCraig D Turnbull d G Leach N Punton 6-3. N McCaig D Turnbull d C Hercus N Punton 6-3. S Pickering K McCaig d A Curnow K Rutledge 6-2. S Pickering H Baker d A Curnow L McKinley 6-3. K McCaig H Baker lost to K Rutledge L McKinley 3-6.

Mixed: P Franklin J McCaig d F Curnow

C Hercus 6-1. R McCaig N McCaig d N Earl N Punton 6-0. J Cornish D Turnbull

d K Punton G Leach 6-2. S Thompson

K McCaig lost to K Punton A Curnow

4-6. A Pickering S Pickering lost to E Ruthledge L McKinley 2-6. H Turnbull H Baker d G Collins K Rutledge 6-4. Harcourt 8-62 lost to Newbridge 94-10

Ladies: K Walters J Teague d E Jenkyn S Wallace 6-5. K Walters K Eastwood lost to E Jenkyn Partner 1-6. J Teague K Eastwood lost to S Wallace Partner

2-6. H Brane W Kelly d T Higgs N Jenkyn 6-5. H Brane S Bickford d T Higgs Partner 6-4. W Kelly S Bickford lost to N Jenkyn Partner 3-6.

Mens: H Eastwood B Bickford lost to S Atkins D Graham 0-6. H Eastwood L Tunn lost to S Atkins Partner 2-6. B Bickford L Tunn d D Graham Partner

6-4. M Blake P Brane lost to D Stewart Partner 1-6. M Blake S Blake d D Stewart Partner 6-4. P Brane S Blake lost to Newbridge 0-6.

Mixed: J Teague L Tunn d S Wallace D Graham 6-4. K Walters B Bickford lost to E Jenkyn S Atkins 2-6. K Eastwood H Eastwood lost to N Jenkyn Partner 1-6. W Kelly M Blake lost to Newbridge 2-6. H Brane P Brane d Newbridge 6-5. S Bickford S Blake d T Higgs D Stewart 6-3. Derby won on forfeit from Lockwood Ladder

INGLEWOOD

Fenton’s Creek lost to Wedderburn Junction 8.5-15.5

Mens: L Holt H Lockhart d S Lockhart J Postle 6-0. H Lockhart G Lockhart d J Postle S Lockhart 6-1. L Holt G Lockhart lost to S Lock S Turnbull 4-6.

Ladies: M Postle J Millie d S Turnbull K Weston 6-3. J Millie A Hubbard lost to K Weston A Benaim 2-6. M Postle A Hubbard lost to S Turnbull A Benaim 5-6. A Guerini R Black lost to C Day C Drinkwater 4-6. R Black R Hughes d C Drinkwater T Postle 6-1. A Guerini R Hughes lost to C Day T Postle 3-6. Mixed: L Holt M Postle lost to S Lock S Lockhart 3-6. H Lockhart J Millie lost to S Turnbull K Weston 0-6. G Lockhart A Hubbard d J Postle T Postle 6-0. A Guerini R Black lost to C Day Partner 0-6. Korong Vale forfeited to Powlett

LODDON VALLEY

Yarrawalla 5 (97) d Lake Meran 0 (38)

Calivil North 4.5 (104) d Mincha West 0.5 (92) Dingee forfeited to Raywood. Ladder

Mincha West 3.83

Calivil North 3.83 Dingee 2.75 Raywood 2.67

Yarrawalla 2.17

Serpentine 2 Lake Meran 0.25

BOORT

0-6. O

K

d B McPherson M

6-4. G

O

d C Scott B McPherson 6-5. J

K Waldron lost to H

M Scott 2-6. C O’Flaherty K Waldron d S McNally M Scott 6-3. G Boyd K Hare d C Scott H Dempsey 6-5. Barraport 8-48 d Mysia 0-16 L Boyd J Bear d G Bear J Dodd 6-2. J Malone S Williamson d A Bear A Beamish 6-2. L Boyd J Malone d G Bear A Bear 6-4. S Williamson N Wright d A Beamish R Wright 6-0. L Boyd S Williamson d G Bear A Beamish 6-4. J Bear N Wright d J Dodd R Wright 6-2. J Malone N Wright d A Bear R Weight 6-2. L Boyd J Bear d G Bear J Dodd 6-0.

Leaghur 5-34 lost to Marnal 3-38 G Boyd K Hare d C Scott H Dempsey 6-3. C O’Flaherty O Byrne lost to S McNelly B McPherson 2-6. G Boyd C O’Flaherty lost to C Scott S

Woodstock’s Kane Rutledge and Gerard Collins went down to Marong’s Heidi Turnbull, Harry Baker. LH PHOTO

SPORT

Kings of court in finals

A REMARKABLE shooting performance from Luke Boyd has carried the Kings to a win over the Taipans in the grand final of the Boort Basketball Association’s summer mixed competition.

The Kings won 44-33, with Boyd scoring 40 of his team’s points.

The Taipans shared their scores around, with Cooper Gooding scoring 19 points.

The junior final was a thriller, with Spirit defeating Flames 2827. Victoria Lanyon scored 19 points for the winners, with Hayley Stringer hitting 16 for the Flames.

Boort is also represented in the Kerang Amateur Basketball Association’s midweek competition, where SRP Boort sits in fifth sport on the ladder with four wins and three losses.

Jan Dave Gumilao leads the competition for points scored, with 156 to his credit, including 30 three-point baskets.

Another Loddon Shire team, Pyramid Hill Café is last on the ladder with just one win, but Jayson de Leon is fourth on the scoring charts overall with 107 points.

ARCHER Day-Wicks, the son of Mitiamo footballing legend Tim Wicks, has been drafted to AFL club Essendon.

The 18-year-old Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country representative was chosen with pick eight in the rookie draft last week.

Father Tim played 240 senior games with Miti from 1996-2008 and 2015-2016.

He was ruckman in the Superoos’ 1999 premiership team and won eight senior best-andfairest awards.

A life member of Mitiamo, Wicks also won three Harding Medals as the Loddon Valley’s best and fairest in 1998, 2001 and 2007.

Birthisel leads again

TIM Birthisel has been re-elected Inglewood Football Club president. Vice presidents are Paul Williams and Bill Concol, treasurer Michael Mayes and secretary Suzi Birthisel Committee: Bec Hermans, Chelsea Roberts, Chris Nevins, Gary Scanlon, Graham Roberts, Nerissa Rollason, Ron Heenan.

Smith strikes to cause second over stumble

WEDDERBURN Band’s chase after Kingower’s total of 142 was rocked as they crashed to 2-0 in the second over of their two-day junior match.

Kingower captain Ryder Smith took wickets with the second and third balls of his spell, setting up a thrilling run chase when play resumes this Saturday.

The Band battled to 2-11 from six overs before stumps was called.

Earlier, a 54-run opening partnership between Tyler Murphy (44) and Morgan Lonza (30) set up Kingower’s innings.

But until Matilda Rose’s unbeaten 17, batting at number nine, no one else managed double figures as Kingower lost 9-59 before a crucial 29-run last-wicket stand.

Blaz Cramp was outstanding for Wedderburn, taking 3-2 from eight tight overs, while Edwin Sellick took 4-21.

Cramp, however, was one of Smith’s two early wickets, along with Aaron Thomas.

Sellick, not out on one, will resume the run chase alongside Beau Hartnell, who is on four.

Boort Yando’s unbeaten junior cricket team has set the Bridgewater Bulls an imposing task after compiling 5-215 on the first morning of their two-day match with Bridgewater Bulls.

Young star Cooper Gooding retired on 51 not out from 43 balls, while Jake O’Flaherty clubbed 43 runs off just 29 balls batting at number six.

The Magpies kept up a solid run rate from the start, anchored by Jacob Malone, who retired not out on 22 from 87 balls as an opener and let the stroke makers loose at the other end.

Gooding hit four boundaries in his innings, while O’Flaherty struck half a dozen fours.

Isaac Ferguson was the best of the Bulls

bowlers, taking 2-27 off his five overs, including clean bowling the dangerous O’Flaherty.

Connor Alexander, Lewis Lonsdale and Ned

Adam Day-Wicks

Pyramid Hill’s Ronald Ocampo heads into the scoring zone last week

Victory in total recall

FOR ONE brief, shining moment, Arnold cricket supporters thought they had got away from Saturday’s clash with Wedderburn Band with a miraculous tie.

Wedderburn had scored the winning runs, handshakes had been exchanged and the stumps pulled from the ground as players wandered from the ground.

Then came the shouts from the scorers’ table: “There’s still one to win!”

Redback fans openly wondered if the game had been called with the teams tied on 107, but cooler heads prevailed, and the players returned to the field.

One ball later, one straight drive from Kade Walker and the match was really over.

Unbeaten Wedderburn made short work of Arnold’s 7-106 from 35 overs, which came on the back of solid batting performances from opener Heath Lock (40, including four boundaries and a six) and Michael Dale (23).

The Redback batsmen only really got hold of one Wedderburn bowler, Finn Turnbull, whose four overs cost 31 runs, although he picked up a wicket in his final over.

Isaac Holt, whose day would

soon get even better, was outstanding with the ball, with 3-19 from seven overs.

The chase took just 13.1 overs, with Holt taking control after his side slumped to 3-34 after six overs.

Arnold captain Henry McCullough and opening bowler Campbell Hancock made the early breakthroughs, giving the Redbacks optimism that they could bowl out the Band.

But Holt and Walker came together in an unbroken 73-run partnership that swept away Arnold hopes.

Holt’s 53 not out included nine fours and two sixes, while Walker’s 30 not out provided excellent support.

Campbell’s two wickets were hard won, with his four overs costing 34 runs.

A rough and patchy outfield, plus the very hot weather, made fielding a struggle all day, but young Arnold player Georgia Hancock stood out with her determined chasing and strong arm.

Arnold has the bye this week, while Wedderburn travels to Kingower for a match between this season’s two outstanding teams.

Mean deliveries put batsmen in a Pickle

A STRONG all-round performance from Kingower saw them account easily for Boort Yando in their one-day senior contest on Saturday.

In hot conditions, Boort batted first after being sent in, and battled to 72 all out from 31 overs.

Opener Alex Cockerell was the mainstay of the innings, making a patient 21, but when he was fourth out with the score on 49 the batting side crumbled, losing 6-23. The destroyer was Blake

Pickles, who took 5-13 from 5.4 overs, while captain Jayden Leach, the competition’s top wicket taker, finished with 1-6 from seven overs including two maidens. All five Kingower bowlers took wickets, with Matt Rowe’s five overs costing just two runs and dismissing opener Fergus Bear. The powerful Kingower batting line up was untroubled in the chase, which took just 21 overs.

Top scorer was Leach with 27 not out, continuing his remarkable run with the bat.

He is averaging just over 109 runs for the season, with opposition bowlers struggling to dismiss him – after six rounds, he has only been out three times while compiling 328 runs.

Leach hit three fours and two sixes in his rapid-fire innings, while consistent opener Will Deason made 24, and Pickles finished on 13 not out to set the seal on his fine

day’s efforts. Daniel Lehman battled hard with the ball for Boort, taking both wickets to fall, taking 2-24 from his seven overs.

Kingower will host unbeaten league leaders Wedderburn Band this Saturday, the only team to have defeated them this season.

Victory for Kingower would see them go to the top of the ladder due to their higher run rate than the Band.

- GARY WALSH

Alex Cockerell top scores for Boort. LH PHOTO

Wedderburn’s Isaac Holt hits an unbeaten 56 while (below) Arnold’s Cam Hancock watched the Redbacks’ innings unfold. LH PHOTOS

Loddon HERALD sport

Zooper sipping on a stinker day

BOWLERS started early and pools were the place to be as temperatures came within a whisker of 40 degrees across the Loddon last Saturday.

Zooper Doopers were in ample supply at cricket and bowls games where David Demine was pleased to help Suzzane Bennett empty a container full at Pyramid Hill (left).

RUGBY RUCKMAN

CODE switch bigman Mark Robinson could be part of Wedderburn’s solution to finding a new ruckman.

The Redbacks have lost star big man Jordan Hargreaves to North Bendigo and still have plenty of lines in the water in trying to find an experienced replacement.

However, a recruit with a rugby background and only three years’ experience playing Australian football has emerged as an option for the ruck role.

Coach Tom Metherell said Robinson, who has joined the Redbacks from West Brunswick in

By GARY WALSH

the VAFA, was “a big strong lad who is training really, really well.

“He’s a quick learner and he definitely has the skills to play in the ruck.”

Strongly built Robinson is about 195cm, and Metherell said he would be confident to back him in as first ruck if the club’s ongoing search proved fruitless.

“Ideally we can sign up a number one ruck and he can give some support.”

Experienced brothers Zach and Jake Pallpratt shape as crucial recruits for the Redbacks as they

reunite in the North Central competition.

Their careers have intertwined over the years, with both playing for Sandhurst in the strong Bendigo league and for Benalla in the Goulburn League, where they starred.

Both are coming off premiership seasons – Zach at Sandhurst and Jake at White Hills in the Heathcote District league.

Midfielder Zach won two bestand-fairest awards at Benalla and appeared for Vic Country in AFL Victoria representative games between 2012 and 2017.

Jake, a half-back flanker, also

has two best-and-fairest awards to his name at Sandhurst, has played in Vic Country representative matches, and appeared for the Murray Bushrangers in the elite under-18 competition.

He was Benalla coach in the COVID-hit 2020 and 2021 seasons. Metherell said Jake’s coaching and leadership experience would be “a huge asset” to the Redbacks, although he will not have a formal coaching role.

A regular goalkicker, Jensen was coach of Diggers Rest this season and captained the club’s flag side in 2023.

Returning to Wedderburn is Dane Keuken, who finished second in the reserves best-and-fairest in just seven games in 2023. He spent this season at Strathfieldsaye.

Wedderburn made the North Central preliminary final this year.

“Jake wanted to step back and have a run with his brother. What I have tried to build is, you don’t have to be an assistant coach to be able to speak up and speak your mind.” Another key recruit is 2014 Footscray VFL premiership player Mitch Jensen, who joins the Redbacks from Diggers Rest in the Riddell District league.

Melissa Kirby and Bella May were among many to take a cooling dip at the Mitiamo pool. LH PHOTOS