RICHARD Jeney’s Kurting home will be complete come Father’s Day on Sunday when his five-week-old twin sons are together again.
Isaiah is already enjoying life at home with Richard and partner Liana.
And tomorrow, brother Elijah will make the trip from Bendigo hospital to Kurting.
“It’s so exciting,” said Richard as he and Liana prepared for the family’s first Father’s Day.
“We’ve been making the daily trip in to see Elijah and can’t wait to bring him home.
“Isaiah and Elijah will really make this Father’s Day the best.”
By CHRIS EARL
LODDON Shire councillors have clashed over pronouns and recreation facilities in a marathon sitting on Tuesday.
Mayor Gavan Holt used his casting vote to again allow councillors to address directors and officers as Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms ... if prior consent is given.
The vote came at the longest meeting in at least four years as councillors debated eight decision and nine information reports over two hours.
Mayor’s casting vote brings back pronouns
Cr Dan Straub had last month called for a report on changing council governance rules adopted last year and reinstate the use of pronouns. Tuesday’s recommendation from corporate director Michelle Stedman was only to receive her report.
Cr Straub and Cr Neil Beattie combined to bring back pronouns. But Cr Linda Jungwirth promptly labelled the move a
waste of council’s time. “This isn’t about community,” she said.
Cr Wendy Murphy said: “I think we are just sweating the little things here, the small stuff.”
She said there had been no community feedback to the omission of allowing pronoun use when new governance rules were adopted last year. “I don’t think it’s a big issue.”
Cr Straub said his motion was
about increasing inclusivity and if “a minor issue why do we review governance rules”.
Cr Holt said” When we make decisions as councillors, most of the time we attempt to reflect the views of the community ... on other occasions take leadership and make decisions that may be controversial in the community.”
Soon after the motion was carried, Cr Holt: “In 71 of the 80 council meetings I have chaired, I have been refered to as Mr Mayor and I would like to be referred to as Mr Mayor again.”
He also received consent from CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald and operations director Steve Phillips
to call them “mister”. Ms Steadman and community wellbeing director Wendy Gladman did not consent, saying they wanted to be addressed as “director” or “officer”.
Earlier in the meeting, Cr Holt dismissed a point of order that Cr Jungwirth was using council debates for election campaigning.
The Tarnagulla Ward councillor, facing three challengers in October’s election, moved a motion to approve the draft recreation, open space and aquatic strategy and put it out for public comment.
CONTINUED PAGE 6
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Our three new citizens
THREE Loddon residents on Tuesday became Australian citizens in a ceremony at the shire council chambers in Wedderburn.
Mayor Gavan Holt administered the affirmation for Salisbury West’s Karn Yuirum and her daughter Monthira Sonsuwan and Zaldy Salditos, of Mitiamo.
Zaldy came to Australia from the Philippines in 2009 under a sponsored visa and employed at
a dairy in Echuca and now works at Pickles dairy farm.
Karn’s first visit to Australia was in 2012 and she returned with daughter Monthira five years later.
For the past seven years, Karn has worked at Inglewood IGA where she is among the wellknown staff.
Monthira also worked parttime at Inglewood IGA while studying a bachelor of health sci-
ences and health promotion at La Trobe University Bendigo. She now works in health promotion and community engagement at Bendigo Community Health Services. Monthira said she was passionate about advocating for health change.
The three new citizens joined councillors and Loddon Shire staff for lunch after the ceremony that was also attended by friends of the newest Australians.
Tiny town funds
THE State Government has launched a new round of its tiny towns funds. Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled the $20 million fund last Friday. Grants between $5000 and $50,000 will be available through Regional Development Victoria to boost tourism, liveability and community pride in towns with up to 5000 people.
Fish options
OPENING a trio of large Victorian waters for yearround fishing was expected to expected to reduce fishing pressure on nearby systems where natural breeding occurred, including the Loddon, Campaspe and Broken rivers. Victorian Fisheries Authority opening Lake Eppalock, Lake Nillahcootie and Cairn Curran Reservoir would also give more options for the Murray cod season opening in spring.
Food compliance
TWO Loddon food premises have been found to have major non-compliance issues after Loddon Shire inspections last quarter, according to a report to council on Tuesday. Shire officers found another 29 compliant. Officers conducted 37 inspections of food and health premises, temporary stalls and caravan parks between April and June. There were three wastewater complaints for the quarter.
Loddon Herald is published by Muso’s
Mayor Gavan Holt with new Australia citizens Karn, Monthira and Zaldy on Tuesday. LH PHOTO
Uniting with strength
THE fabric of two towns will gain new strength when residents walk 8km and put a face to tackling mental wellbeing.
The Tarnagulla and Newbridge districts will use the September 7 walk between their towns as a healing step following the recent sudden deaths of three men within five weeks.
“We want to support each other,” said walk co-organiser and Tarnagulla post office owner Mary Wollmering. “We have to look after each other.”
Local church pastor Michelle Heather said: “The walk is a time to reflect, remember and engage with nature.”
Another Tarnagulla resident Jan Sharman said: “We want people to talk on the walk. It doesn’t matter what stories people tell each other, as long as they are able to open up and chat.”
“It’s really important for people to stay in touch ... that’s just so important and it may take a bit more effort some times to connect but it’s a positive way to stay in touch,” she said.
Mary and Newbridge Hotel owner Michele Mizzi say their businesses are a barometer for life in the small towns. The post office is Tarnagulla’s spot where locals have for a coffee and chat.
The hotel, too, has its finger on the daily pulse of town emotions. Michele said the recent loss of lives had been felt across the district.
The four women said the One Foot Forward walk aimed to support their communities and build
the message “mental illness isn’t always easy to see”.
They said walkers would leave Tarnagulla’s Soldiers’ Memorial Park at 2pm on the “walk n talk” to Newbridge hall.
“We will have a courtesy bus travelling with walkers for anyone who may wish to walk only part of the distance,” Mary said.
The shuttle bus will also bring Newbridge people to Tarnagulla before the walk and run a return
service afterwards. One Foot Forward will also include an evening barbecue at Newbridge recreation reserve and a comedy night featuring artists Caveman Cavie, Aarti Vincent, Brett Hunter and Huc Richards.
Mary said residents across the district had stepped up their support of each other in the past two months.
“We’ve instigated One Step Forward with a feeling of want-
ing to keep that support going,” she said. “We hope we can come together and make a difference.
“And one thing we have learned in recent weeks is that it’s important to take more time to listen.”
Michele Mizzi said: “And the comedy night is about bringing mates together where everyone can have a good laugh and talk.”
“We are small communities looking to heal,” said Michelle Heather.
Street fix cost not in budget
LODDON Shire would have to find $259,325 in its infrastructure budget to reduce the camber of Godfrey Street, Boort, that prevents the opening of car passenger doors.
A Boort Tourism and Development petition was tabled at Tuesday’s council meeting. The petition said: “The bluestone kerb and channel on the north side of Godfrey Street, between Lakeview and Station Streets, has been a problem for decades. The kerb is too high and this makes it difficult to open car passenger side doors.
“This was accentuated in 2012, when VicRoads resurfaced Godfrey Street with two layers of asphalt raising the road by 75-100mm.
“The resurfacing was carried out on the two traffic lanes and tapered to the gutter across the parking bays. This greatly increased the camber across the parking bays to such an extent, that it is now difficult to open the driver’s side door without it falling back. The situation with the passenger side door is now worse.”
Operations director Steve Phillips said the section of Godfrey Street was council’s responsibility but council currently had an annual renewal gap of $2,2 million.
Councillors accepted his recommendation not to commit to the works.
Time to walk and talk ... MIchele Mizzi, Jan Sharman, Michelle Heather and Mary Wollmering. LH PHOTO
Opposition builds to cattle grid move
DOZENS of signatures have already been added to a petition against removal of the historic entrance gate at Rheola recreation reserve.
Some of the 157 people turned out on Saturday to prove the memorial gate entry was wide enough for fire trucks to enter.
Organiser Matt Catto said the entrance width had been one reason given by the reserve committee and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to remove the gates, demolish pillars and install a cattle grid.
“Regrettably, the current committee of management and the Department of Environment, Energy and climate action have decided that after 73 years the gates and pillars aren’t wide enough,” Mr Catto said.
“They plan to do away with the pillars and install a single farm gate. The plaque that features the names of early pioneers will be relocated. Quite apart from its emotional significance, the memorial plays a key role in our understanding of local history, portraying the spirit and grit of our pioneering ancestors. Its preservation is vital.”
Members of the Rheola Charity Carnival Committee also voiced their opposition to the plan.
They said a cattle grid would present safety issues for the 4000 people who attend the annual carnival on Easter Monday.
A plaque honouring World War One soldiers from the district is on one pillar. Among the six names is Robert Catto with descendants saying it is the only memorial to the soldier killed in France in 1918.
DEECA this month said discussions on plans continued with the reserve committee while Mr Catto said the community had also engaged in talks.
Deficits fuel health pledge trust fears
COMMUNITIES including Boort should not be misled by the State Government’s decision to backflip on proposed hospital mergers, said Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh.
Mr Walsh said 22 the 23 regional Victorian health services were running at a loss. “(Premier) Jacinta Allan will force her cost-cutting mergers through, by hook or by crook. Don’t think for a minute you can believe anything she says to the contrary,”
he said Mr Walsh, who is also Victorian leader of the Nationals, said the party had launched a petition www.handsoffourhospitals.com.au
“If just the billions of dollars in cost overruns on Melbourne’s raft of projects going nowhere fast was directed to areas where it is actually needed, such as health, education, our police ... you would see some immediate improvements and over the long haul a much better system,” he said.
Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street,
Lachlan and Mitchell Catto and the memorial to Robert Catto
Keep the historic gates say residents. LH PHOTO
Flood cash block with Feds: Allan
THE Federal Government was delaying approval of $22 million of flood recovery projects in the Loddon Shire, Premier Jacinta Allan said on Friday.
Ms Allan, also the member for Bendigo East, passed to the buck to Canberra when answering a Loddon Herald question at Friday’s Rural Press Club of Victoria luncheon.
She said there had been review between the State and Federal Government and “we need to speed up review of the process” of assessing council claims under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“Some of those (Loddon) projects are actually sitting with the Federal Government to be responded to,” Ms Allan said.
“One of the challenges for communities going through recovery phase is that’s such a difficult time and (we) shouldn’t be making it more difficult because of bureaucratic processes.”
Concerns about delays in funding October 2022 flood recovery work were first raised
with Ms Allan by the Loddon Herald in the aftermath of the 2023-2024 summer storms.
Since then, only three Loddon sets of projects have been approved and council says there is a risk road, bridge and culvert works will not be finished by next June’s funding deadline.
Council has already pulled some projects from the approval process and funded them within its own budget.
Ms Allan on Friday said: “We will absolutely follow it up.”
The premier’s office has been asked what are these delays and what action has the State Government taken to resolve bottleneck of approvals and whether it will seek an extension to June deadline.
The premier was also questioned at the luncheon in VNI West.
“We must deliver new transmission networks to get the renewable energy from where it is being generated particularly here in the north and the west of the state to the rest of the state,” Ms Allan said.
Country voice booms at rally
THE State Government’s plans for more renewable energy projects across northern Victoria was dividing communities who would not see any benefits.
That was the view of Colin and Mary Fenton standing among more than 450 people holding protest banners that greeted Premier Jacinta Allan as she arrived at a Rural Press Club of Victoria luncheon in Bendigo.
The Lake Marmal couple joined dozens of Loddon Shire residents continuing their protest against the VNI project.
Mr Fenton said: “Who are the beneficiaries? Not regional Victoria.”
Rally organiser Ben Duxson said rural families were united in their fight against State Government projects that would impact agriculture.
He said Victoria was financially broke but the Government was continuing to bulldoze through the projects.
“We are ground zero,” he said.
Mr Duxson said that strong rural communities working together “can’t be beaten”.
Plant failure could close ‘old pools’
MAJOR equipment failure would spell the end of Loddon swimming pools.
Reports tabled at Tuesday’s Loddon Shire Council meeting hinted that “catastrophic failure” at ageing pools in Boort Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn would trigger investigation of future options.
“Rationalising the range of facilities will enable increased investment in those facilities that are worthy of having their asset life extended,” the social infrastructure strategy report said.
And the draft recreation and outdoor space strategy said council’s current spend on the pools was unsustainable.
Councillors were told $1.3 million would be needed over the
next decade “to maintain the current aquatic service”.
“This funding only maintains the assets and does not provide any additional benefit to the community; or address ... accessibility and depth concerns with pools. The Pools do not meet current industry standards and are now over 50 years old.”
Councillors were told each pool visit cost the shire $47. Councillors were told shire last summer spent $711,067 at the five pools with total attendance 14,928.
The ROSA report suggests council “conduct close analysis and feasibility studies of individual pool locations.” Boort has the highest visitation across the shire’s pools, the other four have a low patronage.
“The council recognises that the Loddon Shire community value having access to swimming pool facilities and despite declining attendances there is strong support for them. Unfortunately, the high cost of swimming pools is placing considerable pressure on council’s capacity to fund them amongst other competing community and infrastructure needs. A strategic approach to addressing this issue is critical.”
Reports suggested council consider new operating models and used the Golden Square pool in Bendigo as an example with that pool now run by the community.
“Loddon Shire Council has also recently considered a proposed increased management fee by the current operator, whilst unde-
sirable, represents market rates for pool management and operations.”
The pools have been managed by Belgravia Leisure for the past three seasons under a contract with more than $1.6 million.
The draft ROSA strategy says Loddon Shire is facing a health crisis and “we need creative ways to reverse this trend.
“There are high rates of dental health problems, smoking, and pre-obesity/obesity in the Loddon,” according to the report.
The draft strategy calls for a greater emphasis on non-traditional sports and activities, a cricket pitch at Donaldson Park and talks on the future of Korong Vale Recreation Reserve will be put out for public comment.
Rally speakers accused the Government of not listening to their concerns.
The claim was rejected by Ms Allan at the luncheon, saying rural communities and farmers were most exposed to the challenges of climate change. “We already have in the state 6500km of transmissions lines that already criss-cross the state. Building a couple more to be able to deliver that cheaper more more secure renewable energy is about providing better security for rural and regional communities.”
FROM PAGE 1
Councillors split on pronoun use
But Cr Jungwirth said she only agreed with seeking comment, claiming the strategy along with the social infrastructure strategy would impact Tarnagulla Ward towns with its focus on larger shire communities.
“It’s divisive to make decisions by town population,” she said. Cr Jungwirth said the ROSA strategy was based on a top-down and outdated model. She voted against the social inclusion policy.
The documents and a report on swimming pool attendances last summer raised questions about the long-term sustainability of Loddon’s five pools, the cost of maintenance and ultimate replacement.
More reports in next week’s edition
Colin and Mary Fenton at the rally. LH PHOTO Helen and Leigh Parry
Rhonda Crawford and Ken Pattison
Brigades reel in latest recruits
FIRE brigades across the Loddon are putting new recruits through their paces ahead of the summer danger period.
Serpentine brigade has signed six new members who on Sunday joined recruits with the Mitiamo, Dingee Tandarra, Newbridge and Cohuna brigades for the fourth session in their general firefighter training course.
Trevor Boyd took new brigade members through consolidation and practical modules.
Recruits were back at the Serpentine fire station on Monday night for a theory assessment and will have their practical assessment next Thursday.
Serpentine captain Neville Cockerell and his counterparts from Dingee Tandarra and Mitiamo have been assisting with training.
Mr Cockerell said his brigade was pleased with the influx of new members.
“We have been actively engaging acrossing our community this year to encourage young residents to join and boost the number of volunteers,” Mr Cockerell said.
Serpentine brigade is hoping to have a new fire station in 2025 after an announcement of funding in the state Budget four years ago.
‘Traditional owners’ in scheme
DJA Dja Wurrung and the Barapa Barapa people will be recognised as “the traditional owners of the land that is included in the Loddon Shire” if changes are approved for council’s planning scheme.
The revised scheme needs ministerial authorisation before it goes on public display for resident feedback.
Proposed changes will also update environmental risks and amenity to include reference to recent floods, amend clauses on housing for older people to specifically include Boort, Bridgewater, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn and a new clause that defines the purpose of land subdivided in McIntyre and Wehla for rural living development.
A report at Tuesday’s council meeting from the shire’s senior strategic planner Carolyn Stephenson said” “Loddon planning scheme review provided for an assessment of the relevance and effectiveness of the ... scheme.
“This review determined that the Loddon planning scheme is largely responsive to local issues and generally consistent with the aspirations of council and the community.
“In particular, the review concluded that the scheme supports the key directions of the council plan, being population and economic growth.”
Proposed changes will also include updated council policies and data.
Jaxson Addlem, Joe Ketterer, Nathan Twigg and Wayne Shepherd. LH PHOTOS
Nic Davis and Kurt Fridey
Trevor Boyd
Adam Bish
Library visit figures drop off the page
LIBRARY agency visits in the Loddon Shire have dropped almost 20 per cent in three months.
A Goldfields Libraries report to Tueday’s council meeting showed 3067 visits to the shire’s five agencies last quarter.
This compared with 3836 the previous quarter and a high for the financial year of 4560 in the December quarter.
Councillors were told 15 per cent of the shire’s population were library members and accedssed agencies in Boort, Dingee, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.
There had been 98 new members for the financial year.
While borrowing returns also dropped in the final quarter, more programs were offered at
the agencies that saw a jump to 420 people attending.
Engagement with young people saw eight agency storytime sessions with 155 attendees, eight outreach storytime session (176 attendees) and six school holiday activities (22 attendees).
“The first Loddon Shire story walk was launched after overcoming months of planning challenges, including setbacks caused by floods and location issues.
Families, including children from the Wedderburn Playgroup and Preschool, gathered at Jacka Park Playground for the launch,” councillors were told.
“This fun initiative combines a beloved children’s story with a scenic walking route, promoting both physical activity and a liter-
ary experience. The story walk will feature a new story quarterly, ensuring ongoing enjoyment in the future.
“During Law Week we offered legal health check sessions at Wedderburn library agency. These sessions, presented in partnership with Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre, were designed to help participants learn how to run a personal legal health check to attain peace of mind.”
Kokedama ball workshops were held at Inglewood and Pyramid Hill. Kokedama is a style of potting up plants in a ball of moss and displaying them in a dish or suspended in the air.
Loddon is one of four councils part of Goldfields Libraries.
Roadside dumping sparks fire
of warm household fire embers on the roadside has been branded dumb and stupid by farmers.
Fire brigades were called to a small fire started at Korong Vale on Sunday.
Farmers are angry that some people used the roadside as a rubbish tip for warm coals from fireplaces.
They have called for an end to the dangerous practice. “On
Sunday two fire brigades where called out to a small fire on the side of the road close to Korong Vale where dumped coals ingnited grass, sticks and leaves and nearly set fire to large trees,” said farmer Murray Keller.
“Sunday was not a good day for a fire with extremely strong winds on the day.
“In three months time this dumping of coals would have burnt out hundreds of acres of
farmland and even come close to houses in Korong Vale.”
Mr Keller said it was lucky there had been green grass and crops that stoppped Sunday’s fire from spreading.
“The dumping of coals and garden waste has been occuring along the back roads around Korong Vale for some time now,” he said.
“It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
WOMEN are ironing the pinnies and blokes trimming the beards ahead of Tarnagulla’s step back in time for the annual Strictly Vintage Fair next month.
The Southern Loddon Tourism event pays homage to lifestyles and fashions of last century, organiser Frances Clarke said.
“The pinny competition for the most colourful and decorative aprons has also had local
woman rummaging through drawers to find their grandmother’s apron to put on show,” she said.
“And the blokes are carefully shaping their beards for a tilt at our hirsute title.”
Frances said the September 8 event would feature vintage caravans, vehicles, produce stalls and live music.
“Wear your vintagy and fabulous glad rags and join in the fun,” Frances said.
DUMPING
Pinnies are flying for Tarnagulla’s vintage fair. LH PHOTO
Trees down in weekend’s wild weather
STRONG winds on Sunday brought trees down across the Loddon.
State Emergency Service’s Wedderburn unit responded to six calls for assistance at Kingower, Wedderburn, Logan and Glenalbyn.
It was the first major emergency response for the unit that has returned to operational strength after recruitment and training of new members this year.
Inglewood and Bridgewater were hit with hail the size of golf balls in the mid-afternoon deluge.
Storms also brought havoc at Pyramid Hill where rain and lightning twice delayed football and netball in the Loddon Valley league elimination finals.
Official rainfall in Loddon towns for Sunday averaged 5mm.
The wild and woolly weather also delayed a start by Telstra on upgrades to the Mount Moliagul tower.
Work on 4G and 5G technology improvements were to have started on Monday but Telstra said they had been delayed 48 hours.
The notorious blackspot area will be without mobile connection at various times over the next fortnight while the upgrade is completed.
Winds are predicted to remain at more than 30kmh for the rest of the week. There were reports of more fallen trees overnight Tuesday.
PYRAMID HILL
VICTORIA
History hunting for new home after sale move
HISTORY has been put in storage at Korong Vale as talks are held to find a new
HOTEL
Firewood season
A mural and plaque that had been at the town’s former community centre are now in safekeeping at Loddon Shire’s depot. The ceramic mural depicts Korong Vale’s history while the plaque recognised donation of land for the centre and its official opening. Council earlier this year voted to sell the centre last used more than a decade ago.
EST. 1874
PYRAMID HILL
A council spokesperson this week said the future installation of the mural at the Korong Vale Hall public toilets had been discussed with the Korong Vale Planning Committee and Korong
Vale Hall Committee. “The relocation of the plaque is to be finalised. The mural and plaque are currently in storage at council’s depot,” the spokesperson said.
VICTORIA
The community planning committee had opposed sale plans, one of several unused properties put on council’s disposal list.
HOTEL
“The citizens’ centre is not just about a building; it’s about the
EST. 1874
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legacy of those who envisioned a better, more connected community,“ secretary Rhonda McTaggart said at the time.
“There are residents from the town who are now in their 90s who would dearly love the see the citizens’ centre become a community hub once again.”
The community centre has now been listed for sale.
Tours EVERY WEDNESDAY 11am-1pm
RESIDENTS can prepare for next winter by collecting free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas from Sunday. Domestic firewood in state forests is provided from fallen trees and forest management works to clean up after storms.
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THE Loddon’s flood recovery hub has become mobile. The shire council this week took delivery of a customequipped trailer that can take the flood recovery team’s office to any part of the region. Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman and Cr Neil Beattie inspected the trailer during a break in council meetings on Tuesday. LH PHOTO
Murphy locks in re-election bid
WENDY Murphy has declared she will seek a second term representing Inglewood Ward on Loddon Shire Council.
The first-term councillor used her social media page to make the announcement within half an hour of last week’s Loddon Herald going live online.
When contacted by the Loddon Herald, Cr Murphy said: “The past four years have been a big learning curve for me providing a good opportunity for personal development and learning from my fellow councillors, the CEOs and staff.
“Mostly, I have really enjoyed the interaction with the community. I’ve met so many people and heard many differing views and opinions. I appreciate what everyone has to contribute to Loddon Shire.
“There have been challenges but overall the experience has been positive. There are projects and opportunities I would like to continue to see develop further. For example, the Inglewood Streetscape Project that has been a community wish for 20 years, is now moving with $1 million funding for the initial stages. But the project needs further funding from outside sources and I’d like to continue working towards securing that funding.
“I realise and acknowledge there are some difficult decisions to be made in the future, but I feel I have a good understanding now and a rounded thought process to be able to support the community in any decisions made.”
Cr Murphy said she wanted to continue to support Inglewood Ward developing projects.
“Inglewood is obviously my home town and there are several projects underway such as the Inglewood streetscape project and the Inglewood community sports centre masterplan that I will continue to support.
“But just look at Bridgewater. It is growing, it attracts visitors and it has strong industries employing many locals. The
community (town and district) is strong and works together to support each other. Inglewood has very few empty shop fronts and Bridgewater is adding to their businesses. The Inglewood Ward is growing and prospering.”
Cr Murphy said she did not have secret or personal agendas. “I want to see a shire where everyone has the opportunity to live, work and thrive.”
She called for a shift in thinking from State and Federal Governments “to understand one size does not fit all, and the smaller councils and towns are still important”.
“Focussing on and providing quality core services through robust strategies and plans is important, not worrying about the small stuff that doesn’t value add or achieve anything for the people of Loddon.”
Cr Murphy, who was unsuccessful in a tilt to be mayor last year, has not ruled out making another bid for the top position. “We will cross that bridge if it arises. My first focus is getting re-elected.”
Cr Murphy is the only declared candidate for Inglewood Ward.
‘Rainbow’ petition seeks signatures
AN online petition is calling on Loddon Shire Council to form an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee.
The Rainbow Local Government group’s bid comes almost two years after councillors backed a petition from 33 residents to fly the rainbow flag on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Day each May.
Co-lead of the Rainbow Local Government, part of the Victorian Pride Lobby, Sean Mulcahy said: ““We are deeply disappointed by the Loddon Shire Council’s decision to vote against a motion for the Municipal Association of Victoria to host forums on LGBTIQA+ inclusion open to all councils. This decision is especially troubling given the recent threats to community safety, exemplified by protests against rainbow storytime events across
the state,” he said. “It is clear Loddon Shire Council needs to engage with and listen to its local LGBTIQA+ community on issues of inclusion and safety. Establishing an advisory committee would provide an essential platform for these voices to be heard. More than 20 other Victorian councils have already implemented such committees, something we have long advocated for.
“We urge all Loddon Shire residents and ratepayers who value LGBTIQA+ inclusion to sign this petition, which will be presented to the council. We are committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to support this vital cause and make their voices heard,” he said.
Mr Mulcahy did not respond to questions on whether there had been local consultation before launching the petition or petitions to other councils.
Nominations will be by appointment only
LODDON Shire election candidates have just over a week to book an appointment to lodge their nomination with the Victorian Electoral Commission.
While nominations will not close until September 17, the VEC last week said candidates were to make their appointment before nomination opening day on September 9.
At the appointment candidates will hand over their $250 nomination fee and provide proof they have completed mandatory online candidate training.
Nominations must be lodged in person. ‘If you want to represent your local com-
munity, make sure to confirm your eligibility and complete the mandatory online candidate training through Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination,” said VEC commissioner Sven Bluemmel.
“This rule applies to all candidates, including those who are currently or have previously been a councillor.”
Prospective candidates are also encouraged to attend the candidate information session at Wedderburn on September 4.
The VEC said candidate nomination tools and information had been posted to its website.
Wendy Murphy
$20,000 star puts glow on day at Merino stud auction
KEDLESTON Park Poll Merino’s
$20,000 ram has sent a clear warning for the rest of the 2024 stud Merino selling season – quality is king.
The privately negotiated sale of the outstanding KP 23.0059 came just before the auctioneer kicked off the Calivil stud’s annual on-property sale last Friday with a bang.
But in a reflection of the current market, it became hard work after that.
Calling the action from the rostrum, Elders stud stock manager Ross Milne worked overtime to drive prices up from a conservative gallery of buyers.
In the end 32 of the 40 rams penned by Rosemary and John Humbert were knocked down to a high of $4500 and average of $2773. The top-priced Lot 3 went to long-time client David Rankin from Mitiamo while the volume buyers were PS & M Hurst, who took four at an average of $3125 and JA Tonkin, with five at $1500.
Ross says the stud sheep market is currently “selective” and Friday’s results were about where he expected and he was confident the passed-in rams would be sold – and two were soon after.
He says with the ram selling season just getting underway it will take a few more weeks to
see what buyers are really going to do.
“Clearances will be the key, and while we expect the market to be solid, and slightly better than the past couple of years, I don’t think we will be seeing too many record prices,” Ross said.
“But people will still want the pick of the catalogues – just look at John’s $20,000 ram today, so the money is there if you have the rams which really deliver across the board.
“After that I am confident sales will still do well, right through their catalogues, but the gallery on the day will set the floor in each sale.”
John said that despite the tough going, the sale ended up a little better than he had anticipated.
He said he was pretty happy with the average and encouraged by the mix of repeat buyers and the arrival of some new ones –including for the $20,000 ram.
“KP 23.0059 was bred by a ram we sold for $32,000 in 2022 and nine of his sons in this year’s catalogue sold for an average of $4500, showing the breeding capability of the father,” John said.
“It isn’t an easy market right now but buyers like Dale West, who paid the $20,000, recognise the potential of introducing genetics as proven as these into their flocks, as he will be hoping
to produce some very good rams of his own with him,” he says.
Dale, of Riggs Creek near Violet Town, said he first saw the $20,000 ram at Marnoo during the Victorian Field Day and immediately made a mental note to follow him up. He describes the ram as having “a beautiful symmetry, with a great spring of rib and lovely soft skin”.
“I always try to buy one outstanding ram privately each year for my commercial wool flock and there is no question this is a beautiful ram,” Dale said. “In the 19-micron range he is exactly where I want him to be and I will be using him to breed up some quality rams for my flock.
“In the past I have been a bit of a regular at the Adelaide ram sales, but lately I have also branched out with purchases from studs such as Terrick West.
“This is my first Kedleston Park acquisition and I think we are going to be pretty happy with him because he looks every bit as good as the day I first saw him.”
The May 2023 drop KP 23.0059 presented with outstanding figures, ranked in the top 20 per cent of the breed for yearling clean fleece weight before transforming that into the top five per cent for adult clean fleece weight.
- ANDREW MOLE
Wheelhouse AGnVET Bridgewater Hands On Field Day
Join us for ‘Hands On’ demonstrations and more
AGnVET Water – Updates on local water
Zoetis – Showcasing their latest range of products
Gallagher – Showcasing their latest weighing and scanning equipment.
Waratah – Fence built on site showcasing the full Waratah fencing range.
Coopers – Demontrations of New Oral Lice Drench & Ram Preparation.
Ahrens – Brandt Augers, Field Bins and Mobile Sheep Feeding Silos on site.
AIM - Animal Health & Nutrition – Animal
Nutritional products & Information.
Syngenta – Information on their range of products.
Pioneer Seeds – Hybrid & New varieties for 2025 Season.
Bushmans Tanks - Showcasing their range of products & Upcoming Specials.
AgNova - Information on their range of products.
Corteva - Information on their range of products.
Bayer - Information on their range of products
Darling Irrigation – Irrigation and Water management planning.
Also watch Seed Treatment Demonstrations and a Boom Spray Demonstration & Information Session.
Precision Ag - Soil testing information
Mitiamo’s David Rankin (left) with Kedleston Park’s John Humbert,
The $20,000 pre-sale ram ... John Humbert and Nutrien Steve Chalmers
WOOL REPORT
The Australian wool market returned from the annual three-week mid-year recess to losses across nearly all sectors. In an all-too-common trend, currency fluctuations played a large role in the market movements. With the sale recess moving this year, comparing national quantities to the previous season was problematic, with the recess behind us, we can now accurately compare quantities. Season to date there has been 167,307 bales put through the auction system, this is 46,719 fewer bales than last season, a reduction of 21.8%. In the merino fleece sector, the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) movements ranged between +7 and -61 cents, 17.5 micron and finer in the North recording the largest falls, while strong competition on 19.5-micron wool in the West helped the 19.5-micron MPG to record the only positive result in the merino fleece sector.
The crossbred sector had a mixed series, while the oddment sector recorded losses across all three regions. The result of these movements was an 11cent fall in the benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI), the EMI closed the week at 1,113 cents. As mentioned earlier, currency played a large role in the overall outcome of this series. The USD is trading 1.48 cents higher compared to the close of the last series (24th of July). As a result, when viewed in US dollar terms the market rose. The EMI added 9 US cents for the series, closing the week at 751 US cents. Worth noting, on the final day in the Western region, the fleece which sold last, recorded increases across all MPGs, setting a positive tone for this week’s opening. Wet weather across certain parts of the country, particularly in the West, has held up shearing. Despite this, this week’s offering is an almost carbon copy quantity wise. There are currently 42,349 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle. Source: AWEX
109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM
Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 5448 3936
Branch Manager & Senior Agronomist
Craig Sharam 0408 188 351
Wool - Adam Millard 0400 499 064
Livestock - Nigel Starick 0408 528 322
Wade Broadstock 0427 337 231
Lachie McAlister 0428 717 403
Chris Anderson 0408 921 540
Merchandise - Glenn Jackson 0429 076 459
Agronomy - Anton Mannes 0499 708 044
Josh Mcleod 0447 678 609
sheep and lambs
THERE was urgency from the buying ranks as lamb numbers dropped back to 9310 head to be nearly 6700 below the supply of a week ago at Bendigo on Monday.
Prices were dearer, gaining anything from $5 to $20 with the best quality new season lambs and light stock under 20kg cwt recording the best gains as they recovered from the cheaper trend of last Monday. The rise took the best heavy new season lambs back over 900c/kg cwt again.
Sheep were also dearer, with the exception of the heaviest crossbred ewes which remained firm.
The buying focus is starting to transition to new season stock and one pen of extra heavy unshorn lambs nearing an estimated 30kg cwt topped at $279/head. The next best price was $244. Most of the lead pens of young lambs were heavy trades at $190 to $235 at an estimated 850c to 940c/ kg cwt. Once off the top onto the plainer trade young lambs with less weight and hard carcass finish the price was $168 to $189/head. There was two large lines of MK sized light young lambs, but in fresh condition, which sold strongly at $130 and $121/head. In the old lambs there wasn’t a lot of weight, the few heavy export pens from $240 to $270/head.
The pick of the heavy trade lambs up to about 28kg cwt from $202 to $244/head, and neat medium trades $170 to $200/ head. It was still something of a two speed market in the old lambs, the better quality types in shorn skins costing 800c to 880c/ kg cwt but secondary clean-up winter lots still fluctuating in the 700c/kg cwt price bracket. Light lambs under 20kg cwt were considerably dearer in places compared to last week at $90 to $139 for those under 18kg cwt. Smallest lambs $48 to $90/ head. Just a modest decline in sheep sup-
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
Sheep were $6-10 dearer. Good quality lambs sold to firm demand.
ply down to 7050 head, 1200 less. The heaviest crossbred ewes were firm at $100 to $130, buying dominated by a northern exporter who only purchased mutton and no lambs in this market. But the other grades of mutton were all dearer by $8 to $20/head, good runs of sheep estimated as costing processors 370c to 430c/kg cwt. Heavy Merino wethers to $130; heavy Merino ewes $110 to $134; general run of sheep $60 to $90/head. There was the occasional sale of very light ewes down to $1/head.
MERINO SUCKERS
Bernard G Smith Pyramid Hill (81) $135. SUCKERS
Lislea Lodge Picola (127) $279. 00 Ky Pastoral, Wilkur (44) $246. A C Branson Colbinabbin (114) $244. Breakfast Plains Womboota (79) $238. G C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (51) $232. Pepperton Elmore (42) $224. H & J Mountjoy Bagshot (35) $217. Sandy Ridge Farming P/L Kerang (27) $204. TS & G
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.
GRAINGROWERS and agronomists last week got an opportunity to deliver their message to the industry’s biggest investor in research development.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation staged one of its grower network forums at Pyramid Hill to hear directly about local grain production challenges and opportunities for research, development and extension.
At the same time GRDC specialists detailed what it is investing grower levies in. Speakers included Dr Jason Brand, from Frontier Farming Systems, who presented a detailed update on pulses in low rainfall zones such as the Mallee.
Birchip Cropping Group senior research manager Dr Yolanda Plowman talked about disease management in the southern Mallee, backed up by Chris Davey, from Next Level Agronomy, who zeroed in on local weed control.
GRDC grower relations manager Courtney Ramsey says the national grower network is “the community of growers and grains industry stakeholders across Australia’s growing regions who GRDC directly engages with to developing locally relevant research development and extension investments”.
Speaking to the Loddon Herald, Courtney said the network helped capture ideas, issues, constraints and opportunities for research, development, and engineering to enhance grower profitability.
“To achieve this, we will engage with stakeholders through forums such as this one at Pyramid Hill, which are open to all growers, advisers, researchers and industry parties,” she said.
“We recognise the value of grower and grains industry stakeholder time and where possible, we will partner with industry stakeholders to leverage existing engagement opportunities.”
Courtney said networks also contributed to the national opportunities and constraints register, which captured all issues and constraints raised by people at forums nationally.
She said the register provided a list of priority issues raised in each sub-region including background to provide context.
This data is used to inform the GRDC investment portfolio and also provides a feedback summary of GRDC investments and resources related to each of the issues.
The Pyramid Hill forum was one of three in Victoria.
Big profit, sales jump for olives
SALES of Cobram Estate olive oils increased 34.6 per cent last financial year, the company told investors last Friday.
The company announced an $18.5 million profit after tax for the 2023-2024 financial year and expects to pay a dividend of 3.3 cents.
Profit is up 140.1 per cent on the previous year.
In an investor presentation, joint-CEOs Sam Beaton and Leandro Ravetti said the company’s debt ratio increased from 29.8 per cent to 31.5 per cent as the group entered into a new debt facility and drew down existing debt facilities, as planned, to fund major growth capital projects.
They said the company had recorded a record cashflow from operations of $64.1 million, up from the previous year’s $54.1 million.
“The group’s cashflow generation is reflective of growing sales in Australia and the US, increased sales prices and the stabilisation of costs,” investors were told.
Cobram Estate, with groves in Australia and the US including the major growing base at Boort, says past capital investment in Australia is expected to significantly increase olive oil supply over the medium term.
Its extra virgin olive oils are the top selling Australian brand by value and volume. Australian packaged oils are 65 per cent of the company’s sales.
Luke Milgate (Serpentine), Belinda Cay and Bruce Macague (Rochester) at the GRDC Pyramid Hill presentation.
Tiarna Deegenaars (left) and Alex Miller (right) from Millers Ag, caught up with Birchip Cropping Group’s Grace Hosking and Pyramid Hill’s Ash Moon.
FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ
Still the question: where’s Premier?
By CHRIS EARL
WHO’S really listening? Protesting farmers say the State Government has turned a deaf ear to their concerns of renewable energy transmission lines, roads and a myriad of other issues and challenges being faced by rural communities.
Premier Jacinta Allan, who also happens to be the member for Bendigo East and representative of several Loddon communities in Spring Street, says her government is listening.
Somewhere in the middle may be the reality. But when it comes to perceptions, the farmers may have more than a point or two.
Among frustrated farmers who protested outside a Rural Press Club of Victoria luncheon in Bendigo last Friday, where Premier Allan was the speaker, were a couple of dozen local residents. From Wedderburn, Powlett and areas around Boort caught up in the VNI West debate.
Inside were some of their neighbours who had paid to attend the luncheon, been ushered into the venue after providing proof of identity and sat at tables to hear the words of the Premier.
Those inside were the locals who have got closest to the state’s top decision maker and nearest to where there is disquiet and unrest with the Government since the sudden change of the VNI West route was announced almost 18 months ago.
As was emblazoned on one Loddon Herald front page back in 2022 - when Daniel Andrews was still at the top - as major announcement after major announcement was being made in Melbourne:
“Where’s the Premier?’
Fast forward to this August, just weeks before the VNI West corridor will be announced, and still not a single visit to likely impact communities by the premier or the minister, Lily D’Ambrosio.
This week, I asked the Premier’s office: In view
ONLINE WORDS
of farmer protests at the luncheon, will the Premier visit communities in the VNI West corridor areas to meet and hear local concerns about that project and other renewable projects possible for northern Victoria? If not, why?
The only response received was that the Premier’s itinerary is only released on the day of visits to an area.
That may be so, but does not help farmers across the Loddon and adjoining shires have a sense of engagement, of a government listening to them, trying to understand their concerns and frustrations or of one that might actually consider that other solutions exist to future energy supply in Victoria behind renewables and cutting off supply of gas.
That absence of on-the-ground dialogue between rural communities and pollies, even bureaucrats, signing off new laws, regulations and rules that will impact the future of country areas could be seen, by some at least, as trampling over the ideas, views and hopes of country people.
Why the aversion to visiting small country towns? Mightn’t be too many votes to be won by the Government but goodwill could emerge if a decent hearing is given.
Australian Energy Market Operator and its VNI West subsidiary Transmission Company Victoria have already copped a belting for its tardy initial consultation and engagement with Loddon communities. Protesters outside the Rural Press Club luncheon were as tempered in delivering a blunt message as their neighbours inside. That should encourage the pollies’ minders to let MPs venture into the real bush and have a good old sit-down pow-wow with the locals.
AEMO SEEKS VNI WEST PROJECT PARTNER AND OWNER
David G Perkins wrote: Don’t bother, gates will be locked with no access to farms.
STORM DELAYS IN FOOTBALL AND NETBALL FINAL
Nerissa Rollason-Carboon wrote: That’s insane considering it was beautiful and sunny for the reserve’s game lol.
Jennifer Pettit wrote: The hail would knock you out.
MAX BEATTIE WINS NORTH CENTRAL UNDER 17 BEST AND FAIREST
Marg Byrne wrote: Congratulations Max. Well done.
DELAYS IN FLOOD RECOVERY WORK APPROVALS
Leesa Catto wrote: What’s going on with these State Government approvals for those Victorians affected by flood in 2022 for God’s sake.
VIETNAM VETERANS’ DAY COMMEMORATION
Mick Korong wrote: Thank you for your service. Please advertise this heaps more for next year as we can get more people coming out to pay their respects.
ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL TO CLOSE
Kel Stewart wrote: This is so sad my old school. Now what will happen to this amazing set up?
20 QUESTION QUIZ
1. What are the three main ingredients in a Caprese salad?
2. In the movie ‘Tár’, what occupation does the main character have?
3. What would you use a tagine for?
4. NASA’s Curiosity rover has been exploring which planet for more than 10 years?
5. Conchologists collect and study what?
6. Who wrote the book ‘Charlotte’s Web’?
7. Name the human organ that filters blood, and removes old or damaged red blood cells.
8. The laurel tree is also known by what other name?
9. Cirrocumulus and nimbostratus are types of what?
10. How many squares are on a chess board?
11. Which country is often credited as having invented fireworks?
12. The kina is the currency of which nation?
13. A stretch of coast between Sydney and Melbourne is named after which gemstone?
14. What is the name of the fictional nanny who looks after Jane and Michael Banks?
15. Lauren Jackson represents Australia in which sport?
16. And as of Paris 2024, at how many Olympics games has she appeared?
17. What is the traditional gift for a 12th wedding anniversary?
18. St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne is built in which architectural style?
19.What is the opposite of windward in regards to wind direction?
20.Brass is an alloy of copper and what other element?
ANSWERS
AS QUICK as lightning, Bradley of Boort had his new sign up on the Treemendous Tree this week. The storm had clouds had barely blow off into the wide (not quite) blue yonder when Bradley had his flash of inspiration.
THOSE Sunday clouds certainly dropped a couple of big buckets on the football match being played in Pyramid Hill. The speed with which players scooted from the ground was certainly a tribute to the recently completed Olympics.
T ALKING of water, teams in the footy finals require a bevy of carriers to keep players hydrated. At one stage on Saturday, the young boundary umpire
officiating in the match featuring Wedderburn had was bookended - three water carriers each side, plus two club runners.
T HERE’S always plenty happening across our towns. There’s one very involved person that OTF keeps bumping into ... protest rallies, football, school function and to cap it all in the last week, even in the fish and chip shop. Fair to say there have been a few smart Alex comments.
THE rule book was out for some scallywags at the weekend. Out in the centre dressed in olive was The Oracle. Did he umpire enough games in the home away season to qualify for a finals gig? They say he did in a season travelling in search of donuts.
1. Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil 2.
Conductor 3. Cooking 4. Mars 5.
Shells (molluscs especially) 6. E.B. White 7. Spleen 8. Bay tree 9. Clouds 10. 64 11. China 12. Papua New Guinea 13. Sapphire 14. Mary Poppins 15.
GRANDMA is passing on good genetics for Norm Weir at his Dunluce stud.
Two generations on from grandma winning Grand Champion strong wool ewe at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Norm’s knack of consistently breeding quality ewes saw him win the Champion Victoria Bred Ewe broad ribbon.
“It all started with the grandmother and is coming down through the generations,” said Norm.
“Drew Chapman from Hinesville Merino Stud at Delegate, New South Wales, liked the ewe when he saw her at Bendigo in 2018.
“We came to an agreement that included Kerrilyn receiving some of the progeny. He gave us a handy horned ram from the joining.”
And the genetic strengths were being passed on to the 2023 top ewe that was also Reserve Champion medium Merino ewe in 2022 as a two-tooth.
“The genetics have followed through from the grandmother. The ewes and their fleeces have been in the ribbons for four years,” he said.
“We won champion and reserve champion ribbons and five most valuable fleece awards including the grandmother’s fleece in 2019 and was awarded reserve Champion medium wool fleece and most valuable medium fleece. In 2019 the grandmother’s fleece also won champion and heaviest fleece at the Natte Bealiba Football Netball Club fleece show. In 2018 Kerrilyn was the most successful stud fleece exhibitor at Bendigo.
“There’s no doubt 2018 was one of our most successful years when we won the reserve champion with the same weaner that had starred on the mat the previous year. There were champions at Hamilton Sheepvention and then went on to become champions at Bendigo.”
Norm said the top Victorian champion ewe’s father was an ET ram sired by Hinesville Dinkum over the grandmother.
“She was always the standout in the paddocks from a weaner with a long and attractive body,” he said.
At Bendigo last year, Kerrilyn also won medium wool champion Merino ewe and then went on to win grand champion Medium wool ewe and champion fine medium poll Merino ewe.
“The Victorian Ewe of the Year has since been joined and has had a ram lamb and is in lamb again. She is definitely a fertile ewe,” he said.
“The pedigree running down the line from the grandmother will hopefully continue through our breeding program.”
He’s also quick to add that the grandmother’s sister was Supreme Champion at the National Merino Show in Dubbo after being selected as Reserve Champion
strong wool ewe in Bendigo in 2019. At Bendigo last year she also won Champion strong wool Merino ewe with a sister.
Norm said that it had mostly been Kerrilyn’s ewes that had caught the eye of judges.
“They seem to outperform our rams on the mat although we did have a champion ram at Bendigo in 2014 and a poll ram in 2019 that was Reserve Champion allpurpose ram and the ram in our Reserve Champion March-shorn pairs at Bendigo and Reserve Champion hogget ram at Marnoo.”
The stud was founded on Belbourie and Wonga bloodlines and the poll Merino stud established in 2011 with the purchase of 50 ewes and a ram at the Lewisdale dispersal sale in Western Australia.
“The stud name used my wife Kerri’s name. We liked the sound of it and it was a way of recognising that my wife, the school teacher, had helped keep the farm going in tough times.”
Kerrilyn made its debut on the show circuit in the final years of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show being held in Melbourne.
“Kerri and I had established the stud in 1994 and in those days, there was a re-
stricted section for newer breeders. We won the strong wool Reserve Champion,” Norm said.
For 30 years Norm has been a staunch supporter of shows and industry events where he says there is enjoyment and the chance to look at sheep on display from other studs.
“You get to see how you compare … I am not against figures for measuring and assessing sheep but you need to be at the shows to see the best,” he said.
“The sheep I like have lots of wool and I do admit to still having a liking for the horned although most years we put out show teams that are about 50:50 poll and horned.
“We get to benchmark our quality by showing at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Hamilton Sheepvention, Hay Sheep Show, Ballarat Sheep Show, Natte-Bealiba Football Netball Club Wool Show, the Loddon Valley Field Day and Marnoo Victorian State Merino Field Day.”
He says the past three decades has seen lambs mature earlier and produce bigger wool clips. Norm has also been doing some of his own research and believes twinreared lambs have become more fertile.
“The lambing percentages have certainly increased over time.”
“We have been pedigreeing our stud sheep for 20 plus years and have used a number of rams, either through AI or rams purchased, who are Australian Champion Rams or closely related, both poll and horned.
“It’s no surprise these genetics appear in our best progeny both measured and visual traits as these sires must be large, structurally correct sheep with quality wool to be given these awards. Both our top 2023 show ewes now have the next generation up and going.”
The Dunluce stud is predominately a Medium wool Stud with an under 20 average micron most years.
Kerrilyn has a history of breeding heavy cutting productive sheep and just as its
ewes have been consistently in the prize, so too have the stud’s fleeces.
“We’ve been fortunate to win many fleece awards at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show over the years,” he said.
Norm and Kerri also have an eye for the future of agriculture and the Merino industry. Concerned that Victoria was the only state not part of Australian Wool Innovation’s school wether challenge initiative, Victorian Stud Merino Breeders’ Association president Alan Harris this year enlisted Norm’s support to kick off the state’s first event.
The AWI initiative gives students handson experience covering a broad range of sheep and wool production skills. It provides a unique and practical experience for the students, much different from classroom learning.
Norm provided the 66 wethers now at the 11 schools. Each school team will show their wethers during a competition final in Clunes where stock will be judged on meat and wool quality.
“The challenge is also a way of opening the eyes of young people to the wide range of careers that exist in the agricultural sector,” Norm said.
That eye to the future also includes keeping the family interested in farming. “Son Ryan was a junior champion sheep judge now cropping north of St Arnaud, son Brennan owns Sportspower and Toyworld shops across country Victoria and daughter Jade has three boys ... they love the farm.
“Jade takes most of the photos we use in our stud promotions and is the marketing manager at Conquest Engineering.
“We’ve seven grandsons and one keeps telling me he wants to help on the farm. I hope I will last long enough to hand on the farm and keep the genetics of the family being passed down through the generations,” said Norm.
Major show success ... Kerrilyn’s Norm Weir
BOORT
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER
DINGEE
FOUR
INGLEWOOD
INGLEWOOD
STEVE’S
INGLEWOOD
KANGAROO
VICTORIA
EM pl OYMENT
Australia Day Awards 2025
Loddon Shire Council is now receiving nominations for a range of Australia Day awards recognising outstanding Australians and community groups within the Loddon Shire.
Community Service Award (previously Ward Citizen of the Year) nominations are open to those living, or operationally based within the Loddon Shire who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community during 2024, or have given noteworthy service to the local community over a number of years. Community Service Award nominations are open for each of the ve Loddon Shire wards (Boort, Inglewood, Tarnagulla, Terrick and Wedderburn).
The 2025 Loddon Shire Citizen of the Year will be selected from Community Service Award nominations.
Young Citizen of the Year nominations are open to Loddon Shire residents aged up to 26 years at 26 January 2025 who have made a noteworthy contribution to the local community during 2024, or over a number of previous years.
Community Group/Event of the Year nominations are open to groups or events operating within the Loddon Shire. This award aims to recognise and encourage signi cant contributions to community life within the Loddon Shire and to promote national pride and community responsibility.
Further information on each Award category is contained within nomination forms available from Council’s website, www.loddon.vic.gov.au, or upon email request to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.
Nominations for all awards close at 4pm on Friday 25 October 2024.
LODDON AUSTRALIA DAY COMMITTEE – TERRICK WARD REPRESENTATIVE
Expressions of interest are invited from members of the Loddon Shire Terrick Ward to ll a vacant position on the Loddon Australia Day Committee.
The Loddon Australia Day Committee comprises a volunteer community representative from each Loddon Shire Ward, and a Loddon Shire Councillor as non-voting Committee Chairperson.
The Committee meets in-person, at a central location, generally 2-3 times each year to ful l its role in assessing nominations and selecting Loddon Australia Day Award recipients, and assessing entries and selecting winners of Australia Day competitions.
To be considered for this role, you must be a resident of the Terrick Ward, be able to demonstrate a keen community interest in your Ward and the Loddon Shire, and be available to attend meetings in November and December.
Expressions of interest will be accepted until 9.00 am on Monday, 16 September 2024, by post to the Loddon Australia Day Committee, PO Box 21, Wedderburn, 3518, or email to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.
For further information please contact Council on 5494 1200.
Australia Day Competitions 2025
Loddon Shire Council is conducting the following competitions as part of Australia Day 2025 celebrations, based on the theme ‘Australian Products and Produce’:
Colouring Competition for Prep to Year 2 students
Photographic Competition - 3 sections:
o Junior (Prep/Foundation to Year 6)
o Senior (Year 7 to Year 12)
o Open
Literature Competition for school aged children.
Any person residing, working, or attending a school within the Loddon Shire is eligible to enter.
The colouring competition picture and entry forms are available from schools within the Loddon Shire, by downloading from Council’s website (www.loddon. vic.gov.au) or by email request to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.
Entries must be received by 4pm on Friday 25 October 2024.
CAREERS AT LODDON SHIRE
Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.
J/288- Early Childhood Educator
Permanent, part-time position
Salary in line with the Early Childhood Employees Agreement 2020
Based at our Dingee service Applications for the position above will close on Monday 9 September 2024 at 5pm.
J/283- Emergency Management Coordinator
Permanent, part-time position
Working 4 days per week
Band 7 salary- $97,998.75 pro-rata per annum plus employer superannuation. Applications for the position above will close on Monday 2 September 2024 at 5pm.
J/284- Maternal and Child Health Nurse
Casual position
Attractive pay rate of $71.75 per hour
Based at our Wedderburn O ce
J/124- Casual Early Childhood Teacher
Casual position with exibility to choose your own days
Early Childhood Teacher 1.1- $42.10 per hour (inclusive of casual loading)
· Positions available at all of our services
J/266- Casual Ranger
Casual position
Band 1 salary- $34.54 per hour plus applicable allowances
Based at our Wedderburn o ce
WANTED
Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received.
For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.
Support Workers wanted to service Boort and surrounds. Must have Cert 3 in Aged Care. Please send resume to admin@trinityhomeservices.com.au
Firm instructions from Woosang’s Mal Burge who had charge of the Boort-Birchip Watchem reserves semi-final at Birchip. LH PHOTOS
Boort’s Jack Dowling takes the mark
Wedderburn’s Louis Holt
Wedderburn charts its path to victory
Furious action in the Inglewood-Bears Lagoon Serpentine reserves clash
Wedderburn’s Jake Hayes goes the spoil
Harry McKinley was among Bridgewater’s best
Tyler Estrada heads for his second goal
Time for pacesetters to meet
THE North Central netball league clash everyone has been waiting for is on this Saturday when Wedderburn takes on Boort for a place in the A Grade grand final.
The two teams have been the competition benchmarks this season, with the Redbacks having lost only once and the Magpies three times.
Boort will have to turn around the results of the two clashes this season between them, with Wedderburn winning by nine goals and 12 goals in 2024.
Redbacks coach Emma Lockhart said she would “back our girls”, while noting that Boort star goaler Amy Dridan did not play in the teams’ most recent clash but
will be there on Saturday. “That creates a bit of uncertainty about their game style,” Lockhart said. “But we have great depth, and I expect a very strong game.
“Everyone is going to have to play at their best – there’s no room for tomorrow, really, so everyone has to play their roles one-on-one.”
Boort coach Georgia Haw saw Driden’s availability as a major plus for her side: “It will make a big difference to us.”
“We haven’t played with a full line up against Wedderburn – and it’s the same with Charlton,” she said.
Boort centre Carly Isaac, who finished second by just one vote in the league bestand-fairest count during the week, shapes
as a key threat for the Redbacks. Isaac might be the unluckiest netballer in the league, as Boort played one fewer game than other A Grade teams when Wycheproof Narraport’s courts were declared unsuitable for play in round 14, and the Magpies were awarded a default win.
Her cousin, Redbacks’ goal defence Maddison Postle, finished equal third in the league award, one vote behind Isaac, after winning her team’s best-and-fairest for the fourth time.
In the association B Grade, Wedderburn’s Olivia Lockhart won the best and fairest with fellow Redback Paige Stephenson runner-up at Sunday’s vote count in Charlton.
Sanderson’s title
PETER Sanderson has won Tarnagulla Golf Club’s championship for 2024, ahead of Shaun Maver.
More than 20 golfers took part in the championship on a course looking and playing at its best, with the women’s event taken out by Helen Mortlock. Jenny Honeyman was runner up.
The social event was won by Ron Sanderson in the men’s group, while Robyn Ravenhall won the women’s section. The Junior Achievement Award went to Jeremy Cassar, a school student who now plays off a handicap of 18. The next event is a Three Club Monty next month. Players have to choose which three clubs they will use over nine holes.
A Grade – Charlton V Nullawil
The main game of the day started fast paced and energetic as would be expected of A grade. It was Charlton that were able to settle early and take a small lead by the end of the first quarter. From the second quarter Charlton began to stamp their authority on the game extending their lead out to ten goals, 20 – 10.
During the third and fourth quarters Nullawil made many attempts to thwart Charlton’s attack, making positional changes to try and reduce their lead. Charlton stayed composed and made no changes to their line up from start to finish and were able to finish the game with a very strong and dominant win.
Better Players: Charlton – Kate Burton, Kirsty McKenzie. Nullawil – Meg Fawcett, Meg Hogan.
14 & Under B – Donald V Wedderburn
After a nervous start from both teams, eventually Wedderburn were able to score the first goal of the day. Donald replied not long after and were able to add a few more goals to have a 7 – 2 goal lead by quarter time.
Both sides played an even second quarter with Donald adding two goals to their tally and Wedderburn one.
The third and fourth quarters were dominated by the young Donald team, their defenders were able to keep Wedderburn goalless, with their centre court players assisting their goalers to add 14 goals to their final tally.
Better Players: Donald – River Stirling, Patience Beavis. Wedderburn – Meika Collins, Destiny King.
In the C Grade clash between Birchip Watchem and Sea Lake Nandaly, Sea Lake Nandaly jumped out of the blocks early.
A GRADE
Challengers show grit
MITIAMO has been favourite for the Loddon Valley A Grade netball title all season, with Pyramid Hill seen as the Superoos’ main rival.
And for Bridgewater coach Caz Wood, the prospect of facing the two powerhouses can be daunting.
“You are either with them or you’re not. And if you’re not, you’re going to go down by 20 goals,” she said after the Mean Machine’s narrow win over Bears Lagoon Serpentine in Sunday’s elimination final, 36-32.
However, a bullish Wood is not conceding anything.
She told this week’s episode of The Editor and The Oracle Podcast: “They’re not unbeatable. We lost by two goals to Mitiamo two weeks ago, and if we’d had another five minutes, we would have nailed it.”
The weekend’s results certainly reinforced the view that Miti is no certainty, and that the finals series will be a thriller.
Bridgewater led all day over the Bears, who have been eliminated from the finals.
The Mean Machine take on Newbridge in the first semi-final, and the club is on a high with five teams appearing in the finals this coming weekend.
At half-time in the qualifying final at Maiden Gully last Saturday, Newbridge coach Selina Holland had a clear message for her players.
By GArY WALSH
The Maroons trailed highly fancied Pyramid Hill by nine goals, but Holland’s plan was simple: We win the next quarter by five goals, then the last quarter by five goals.
Simple, yes, but hard to put into practice against a team that finished three games ahead of Newbridge on the ladder.
The Bulldogs started the third quarter in spectacular fashion, and looked home, but the Maroons fought back superbly.
An eight-goal deficit at the last change ended in a three-goal defeat, with Newbridge making a late charge that suggested the premiership race is wide open.
Mitiamo versus Pyramid Hill in the second semi-final on Saturday promises to be a classic, with the winner progressing to the grand final.
The Bulldogs inflicted the Superoos’ only defeat for the season in round five, and while Mitiamo won the return clash, it was a close-run thing.
Expect a repeat.
Mitiamo players are expected to poll well when votes are counted for the Helen Ward best and fairest next Monday.
Among them will be Amelia Ludeman who has finished high on the leader board in recent years and has had another super season directing play from the centre.
The Railway Hotel
A GrAde
LOddON VALLeY reSULTS
Bridgewater’s Caz Wood in action last Sunday. LH PHOTO
Sting’s stronger in second clash
By CHRIS EARL
THE Redbacks struck fast and early to inflict a repeat dose of superiority on Donald in Saturday’s North Central league first semi-final.
It was the second week that a strong season finishing Wedderburn struck fast and early, had to mettle to withstand Donald’s menacing comebacks and have the fitness edge.
Wedderburn’s performance, benchmarked on the previous week, was better.
Ruckman Jordan Hargreaves more than took honours over the Royals’ big man Andrew Browne who would have little influence on the game apart from a few second half flurries.
Hargreaves won the first tap and within a minute Tommy Campbell had his first of two goals for the day.
Junior Miller bobbed up later in the first quarter with an accurate snap. He capped off the turnover through coach Tom Metherell, Darcy Jackson and Hargreaves.
Scoring was a challenge for both sides in the opening termDonald using the corridor better, Wedderburn in free-flowing control on the flanks.
The Redbacks hinted at an explosive second term when Louis Holt goaled within the first minute.
Dale Kerr gave the Royals’ en-
gine some sport in the centre and Ross Young kicked the first of two Donald goals that would see the half-time margin just four points in favour of Wedderburn.
Donald could have hit the lead had it not been for two posters.
Hargreaves, Metherell, Isaac Holt and Noah Furlong led the battle against Donald’s fightback.
And then there were Jackson McEwen, Danny Benaim, Jacob DeAraugo and Corey Lowry more than putting in.
Lowry’s first half effort would prove to be nothing more than a warm-up for a commanding second 60 minutes of play.
He teamed with Metherell to stifle countless Donald lunges in the third quarter, running deep across the centre to give Wedderburn the best chance of convert-
SENIORS
ing in front of goal. Donald hit the lead early in the third quarter for the first time when Ryan Hards snapped truly.
Minutes later Furlong had Wedderburn back in front and goal squares were congested at both ends as the tempo heated.
Wedderburn’s tackling showed there would be no capitulation.
Joe Lockhart’s grunt left opponents bamboozled and caught in the term.
The Redbacks led by seven points at the final change.
Donald came menacingly close to snatching the lead but could not break the will of Redbacks’ defenders.
Hargreaves was at his dominant best in the term, flickers of influence from Browne snuffed although Young continued the battle until the final siren.
By the 20-minute mark, there was an air of success enveloping Wedderburn.
The confidence was reaching new heights. Goals to Oscar Holt and then Louis Holt just before time-on secured a victory that will put Wedderburn into the preliminary final.
It was the first finals win by the Redbacks since its premiership year of 2014.
Can they go as far in 2024? On Saturday’s form, this year’s incarnation has the fitness edge on opponents. It was how they left Donald behind in crucial contests
in successive weeks - tackling, recovering, converting.
The run of injuries that cost “should have been wins” are pretty much a memory.
Only Adam Postle was missing on Saturday after a leg injury the previous week saw him on an-
Defence trio propel Pies to preliminary final
BOORT powered to a 50-point victory in Saturday’s North Central reserves first semfinal with a performance that left Birchip Watchem stunned in the final quarter.
The Pies’ emphatic victory was set up in defence where Dowling, Sheahan and O’Donoghue constantly scupper forward 50 entries.
Their ability to create the quick turnoever was rarely challenged. Only in the third term did the Bulls have any glimmer of hope against a Boort combination that would have finished top two on the ladder bar some early season losses.
But again the pressure from the Magpie defence was too great, forcing goal front er-
UNDER 17
Wedderburn 2.2 3.7 5.11 7.13 (55)
Donald 1.0 3.3 5.4 6.7 (43)
GOALS - Wedderburn: L. Holt 2, O. Holt, T. Campbell, J. Miller, N. Furlong, H. Lockhart. Donald: N. Berry 2, R. Young, R. Hards, B. Grant, R. Bath.
BEST - Wedderburn: J. McEwen, J. Hargreaves, D. Benaim, J. DeAraugo, D. Jackson, C. Lowry. Donald: R. Young, R. Barrack, B. Grant, L. Geddes, J. Wallin, D. Kerr.
RESERvES
Boort 3.2 6.4 7.5
(79)
Birchip Watchem 1.1 2.1 4.5 4.5 (29)
GOALS - Boort: C. O’Rourke, A. Cockerell 3, M. Buchanan 2, F. Holland, M. O’Donoghue, H. Weaver. Birchip Watchem: R. Doran, N. Ryan, C. Boyle, C. Goode.
BEST - Boort: J. Dowling, J. Sheahan, M. O’Donoghue, A. Cockerell, H. Weaver, F. Holland. Birchip Watchem Reserves: C. Wilson, M. Rickard, N. Ryan, J. Ryan, B. Colbert, A. Noonan.
Sea Lake Nandaly
Birchip Watchem
rors and limiting the Bulls to an erroneous 2.4 and scoreboard honours for the quarter.
Boort went to the last break just 18 points up. From resumption of play, Boort was emphatic in direction and delivery.
An early goal to Mitch Buchanan was the first of five majors for the Pies. League leading goalkicker Chris O’Rourke bobbed up soon after as did Alex Cockerell taking a one-handed mark in the score and quickly converting.
Jack Ryan and the Bulls’ talls put up some resistance but could not counter Boort in defence, Cockerell, Weaver and Holland who had stints on the ball. Birchip was held scoreless for the term as Boort took flight.
(58)
GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: C. O’Sullivan, A. Alday, A. Renney 2, B. Allan, T. Borlase, J. Newick. Birchip Watchem: J. Knights 2, K. Hamilton, A. Dean, H. Cook, J. Daniel.
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: C. OSullivan, J. Durie, H. Warne, J. Newick, S. Barbary, T. Borlase. Birchip Watchem Under 17’s: R. Hogan, A. Dean, O. Cook, H. Cook, J. Knights, K. Hamilton
UNDER 14
Donald
St Arnaud
GOALS - Donald: N. Michael 4, J. Reilly,
Brennan
J. Italia. St Arnaud: D. Kay 3, F. Wilson 1.
BEST - Donald: N. Michael, J. Reilly, O. Brennan, J. Burke, S. Mortlock, E. Geddes. St Arnaud: N. Saludes, F. Evans, A. Reyne, D. Kay, F. Green, L. Lowe.
tibiotics as part of recovery. He will be fit for preliminary final selection.
Wedderburn has shown all season it can rattle and race other top sides. There could be a few more chances yet for the Redbacks in season 2024.
Winning and losing
NORTH Central venues have been rejigged on the back of Wedderburn’s success at the weekend.
After the Redbacks’ first semi-final victory over Donald, THE League has confirmed the grand finals will now be played at ... Donald. Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park had been pencilled as the season finale venue.
Club officials had started planning and ordered additional ground fertiliser to have the oval in peak condition. But with the Redbacks a real chance of making the grand final, the league on Sunday said last Saturday’s vanquished would have two finals.
This Saturday’s second semi-final between Birchip Watchem and Sea Lake Nandaly is at Donald with the preliminary final at Charlton. It also means the netball grand final will be played on indoor courts.
Record gate
Saturday’s first semi-final at Birchip has set a league record gate. Events manager Lance Standfield report the gate for the day was $17, 038.
Alex Cockerell
Boort’s MItch O’Donoghue
Metherell dashes out of defence
Jordan Hargreaves gets the better of Andrew Brown. LH PHOTO
Blink of an eye and game blown open
By GARY WALSH
ALMOST 10 minutes into the first quarter of the Loddon Valley qualifying final it was looking like a scoreless draw.
A string of turnovers saw the ball pinging from one end of the Maiden Gully oval to the other as Pyramid Hill and Bears Lagoon Serpentine battled for a breakthrough.
This was finals pressure at its highest, between two teams hard to separate during the home and away season.
And then, in the blink of an eye, the Bulldogs began to snarl. Five goals to Pyramid Hill, with Damon Hemphill running wild in midfield and the Bears giving away free kicks in front of goal, saw them with a 30-point lead at the first change.
Pyramid Hill hit the post in the first minute of the second term, and then more excellent work from nuggety wingman Ben Knight and Hemphill led to another quick goal.
Serp had to respond, and fullforward James Rippingdale led the charge with two quick goals from free kicks before the Bulldogs returned fire with two majors of their own.
Rippingdale’s third for the quarter, again from a free, closed the margin before his teammate Justin Laird scored an outstanding running goal, and the Bears were within 26 points and with real momentum.
A late blow came in the form of a brilliant team goal just before half-time from Bulldog Bailey George, but it seemed that Serp had dragged itself into the game.
Given the closeness of the sides’ two matches this season –both won by the Bears – another tight finish was likely.
However, from then on it was a romp for Pyramid Hill, with 10
goals to one in the second half and a totally unexpected 88-point win. A yellow card for Bears star Doolin Nihill in the third quarter didn’t help.
Co-coach Zach Alford was outstanding in the forward line for the Bulldogs with five goals –he should have had closer to 10 – while Hemphill continued his fine running form all day.
Knight ran hard, belying his bulk, and constantly pumped the ball inside 50. A terrific checkside snap for a goal in the last quarter topped off his day. Brodie Carroll, one of the Bulldogs’ Darwin players, used his pace and skill to great effect, kicking two goals –11 Pyramid players hit the goals column on the day they sent a clear signal about flag hopes.
Good players were hard to find for Serp, who were outclassed. They would have been in even
Surge-hint Maroons struck down by lightning delays
greater strife without Rippingdale’s three goals, while Bailey Harrison battled hard along with Louis Mott and Tyler Miles.
Pyramid Hill, the only team to conquer Marong in three seasons, face the Panthers next week for a place in the grand final, while the Bears have to lick their wounds and rebound against Bridgewater on Sunday.
BRIDGEWATER has literally stormed into the Loddon Valley league semi-finals with a 63-point victory of the season’s big improvers Newbridge.
The Mean Machine struck first on Sunday, leaving Newbridge flat footed in the opening term and ahead of the scoreboard before the first of two lightning storm delays.
Jack Neylon was leading the pack for Bridgewater and would be a danger to multiple opponents across the midfield all day.
Lachlan Sharp, while kicking two goals in the first term (one from a free kick) and finishing the day with five, had little influence on the match and merely capped off the work of Neylon, Lee Coughlan and Harry McKinley.
Brad Holt opened the Mean Machine’s goal account early.
Josh Martyn up in defence
was part of a solid wall that limited Newbridge to a single behind in the opening term.
Newbridge began first in the second quarter and outscore the Mean Machine. Forward Chris Dixon delighted supporters with one of his four goals for the day.
Tyler Constable, Sanders and Thomas Hobson helped Newbridge negotiate the strong wind and gain momentum, only to be halted by a delay in play.
With play resumed, and the second half finally started under lights, Newbridge kept up the pressure and forced errors in Bridgewater’s forward zone.
Coghlan and Neylon and Mayes started to sniff out Newbridge’s hopes and the Maroons could only kick one goal for the term.
The last quarter was vintage Bridgewater. A couple of goals to Estrada icing on the cake.
Blue colts hold off plucky Dogs
INGLEWOOD
withstood a spirited Pyramid Hill to win the under 18 elimination final.
The tenacious Bulldogs signalled a terrific end to the match when a goal late in the third quarter put them two points up on Inglewood at the break.
It was not until mid-way through the final term with Tyler Murphy constantly streaming down through the midfield that Inglewood gained the edge.
A true snap from Ryder Smith proved the sealer for Inglewood.
Both Smith and Murphy finished the day with two goals along with Harrison Noble while Jackson Luckman kicked three.
Xavier Emmerson, Blake Gibson and Harrison Goodes were among the best for Pyramid Hill in a stirring finish for the Bulldogs’ junior season.
In the qualifying final it was the East Loddon Rams who proved too good for Bridgewater.
Brodie Wagner kicked things off with the first goal before Lachie James continued the great start by converting a fine inter-
cept mark into an even better goal. The midfield was firing, and the inclusion of Liam Stephens brought great aerial presence.
Mitch Hancock capitalised on his new role at full-forward by kick-
ing a nice goal. Wagner then finished the quarter as he started it, by kicking another. Stephens hit the scoreboard with a smap before Hancock added his second, but goals were hard to come by, and the Rams took a 40-point lead into half-time, with the Mean Machine held to 0.3. Bridgewater fought back in the third quarter with three goals to East Loddon’s two, but the margin was still 34 points.
Rams’ coach Jade Clymo demanded a return to the football his side had played in the first quarter, and his players responded with 4.3 to nil in the final term for a 12.12. 84 to 3.5. 23 win.
Best afield for the Rams was Stephens, who was great all day in the air and on the ground. Next best was Ed Cunningham, who played a new role at centre half-back.
Mason Hocking was also prominent while Tyler Rasmussen’s return from a knee injury has reminded everyone of his great attack on the ball and his even better execution.
Inglewood’s Tyler Murphy
Action with the boundary line crowd on Saturday. LH PHOTO
Inglewood’s Callum McKinnon clears play in the reserves final. LH PHOTO
Newbridge’s Tyler McLeon beats a Bo Alexander tackle. LH PHOTO
Gary Walsh previews this weekend’s Loddon Valley football semi-finals
Swings of momentum
FOR MANY, Saturday’s Loddon Valley second semi-final between Marong and Pyramid Hill is a likely preview of the grand final.
The two teams have fought out a series of classics in the past two seasons.
The Panthers won the flag in 2023 by 16 points over the Bulldogs. Marong won the first clash this season by eight points, and Pyramid Hill turned the tables by five points in round 12, handing the Panthers their first defeat for three seasons.
A major question this weekend is how ready to play Marong will be. One match in three weeks is not ideal preparation for a tough, highly competitive finals series.
Pyramid Hill co-coach Nathan Fitzpatrick was reluctant to read anything negative into Marong’s extended rest: “I think to be honest at this time of the year having fresh bodies as opposed to banged-up bodies is ideal.”
He said it had been hard to gauge his team’s form coming into the finals, but last week’s big finals win over Bears Lagoon Serpentine had shown how well the players could perform against quality opposition.
points over Maiden Gully, and then last Saturday’s 88-point thumping of Serp in the qualifying final.
It’s rare form to be in at this time of the year.
Marong, of course, has only dropped one game since round four of 2022, so the Panthers have the score on the board, and are gunning for their third successive flag.
THANK the heavens for opening up above the Kennel on Sunday.
The torrential downpour stopped momentum of Newbridge in the do-or-die elimination final clash with Bridgewater.
The Panthers will be fit and well rested, certainly, but may potentially be a little slow out of the blocks given their lack of competitive footy in recent weeks.
Medal count
MONDAY night’s Loddon Valley best-and-fairest count shapes as one of the most hotly contested in recent seasons.
Marong, Pyramid Hill, Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Bridgewater have been on a different level to the rest of the competition, but these teams have a spread of good players taking votes off each other.
Last season’s win by Bulldogs midfielder Dylan Collis, with 19 votes from just seven matches, proved that surprises are possible.
Will Serp’s Josh Mellington’s 93 goals from nine games be enough to win?
Or Bridgewater’s Lachlan Sharp, with 125 goals.
Bears midfielders Justin Laird and Doolin Nihill are chances, along with Pyramid Hill defender Tim McGregor, Bridgewater’s Jack Neylon and Bo Alexander.
They had a bye in round 17, thrashed Inglewood a week later by almost 20 goals, and then sat out last week as the qualifying and elimination finals were fought.
“We believe if we bring what we brought on the weekend to the table, we have the ability to beat anybody on any given day,” Fitzpatrick said.
The Dogs have had a string of huge wins since their round 15 bye – 115 points over Newbridge, 135 points over Inglewood, 114
Both teams have potent forward lines and quick, skillful midfields. Dogs’ co-coach Zach Alford now has 60 goals for the season, while Marong has three players in the top six of the league goalkicking. And Bailey George is always good for a few for the Dogs.
Everything points to a tight and bruising match at Bridgewater.
Mellington hits training track but selection looks unlikely
BEARS Lagoon Serpentine will be looking to avoid a straight sets exit from the finals against Bridgewater on Sunday after a big loss to Pyramid Hill in the qualifying final.
The Bears finished two games clear of the Mean Machine in third spot on the ladder but will be reeling from the 88-point defeat against the Bulldogs.
Bridgewater accounted comfortably for Newbridge in the elimination final but will face nightmares of its own after big losses in consecutive weeks to Pyramid Hill, Serp and Marong in rounds 13-15.
The string of defeats came a week after gun Bridgewater fullforward Lachlan Sharp brought up his century of goals for the season – and copped a bad corkie in the process that saw him kick just six goals in the subsequent losses.
SENIORS
Bridgewater
(50)
GOALS - Bridgewater: L. Sharp 5, J. Neylon 3, B. Derrick, T. Estrada 2, B. Holt, L. Coghlan, O. Watt, N. Naughton. Newbridge: C. Dixon 4, C. Sanders, T. Constable, W. Daly. BEST - Bridgewater: J. Neylon, J. Mayes, L. Coghlan, D. Wood, B. Derrick, H. McKinley. BEST: Newbridge: B. Dimech, W. Copland, B. Etherington, T. Hobson, T. McLeod, C. Dixon.
Pyramid Hill 5.1
14.6 19.9 (123)
BL Serpentine 0.1 4.2 4.3 5.5 (35)
GOALS - Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 5, B. Carroll, B. George, D. Hemphill, J. Burns 2, B. Scott, B. Knight, D. Collis, B. Ladson, S. Gunther, T. Brennan. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Rippingale 3, J. Laird, R. Turner. BEST - Pyramid Hill: D. Hemphill, B. George, B. Carroll, S. Gunther, J. Timmins, T. Brennan. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: B. Harrison, L. Mott, T. Miles, J. Rippingale, C. Gadsden, J. Laird.
However, the league’s best forward has returned to form with a vengeance, kicking 14, eight and five goals in the past three weeks.
As ever, limiting Sharp’s output is the key to opposition success.
Serp coach Jake Wilkinson said while Sharp was “a terrific footballer” there were other Bridgewater figures who were critical, including Joey Mayes, Jack Neylon and Andy Collins, if he played.
Bears full-forward Josh Mel-
RESERVES
Inglewood
BL Serpentine
lington, who kicked 93 goals in nine games before tearing his hamstring tendon and requiring surgery, is back in training with a regime of light jogging and walking, but Wilkinson said while a return for the spearhead was not entirely ruled out, it was very unlikely he could play again this season.
He admitted Serp had become “a little Josh-centred” when Mellington was playing, “because he’s such a quality player”, but finding alternative avenues to goal since his injury had helped keep the forward line threatening.
Wilkinson said last week’s defeat was easily explained: “They’re a quality team and they played very well, and we played very poorly.
“We’re looking forward to a really good game against Bridgewater, and hopefully a really tight battle.”
uNdER 18
The time spent sheltering in the sheds probably meant I salvaged something from my first week of tips in the final series.
Luckily the Pyramid Hill crew was still talking to me at Mitchell Park on Saturday.
Even though I have them as the team to win the flag, stupid me thought Bears Lagoon Serpentine would sneak home in the previous day’s qualifying final.
The Bears really didn’t even bring their D game to the ground and the master of Loddon Valley coaches, Nathan Fitzpatrick, directed a stunning victory for his Bulldogs.
I won’t be as cavalier in semi-final predictions.
Marong comes back to real combat after a few weeks to comtemplate the remaining weeks of pursuing a third straight flag. Pyramid Hill is the only team to have forced the Panthers into lowering their colours in three season and the trend could very well continue over the next fortnight.
Pyramid Hill straight through to the big dance I say.
As for the first semi-final, Bears Lagoon Serpentine can surely not put in another shocker.
All season I have questioned the bottom six players at Bridgewater. Serp’s equivalent cohort is stronger and better.
And for that reason, the Bears can progress to having another crack at booking a grand final berth. It’ll be tight for a half but Twigg and Laird will unleash a torrent better than we had at Pyramid Hill last Sunday.
- GLENN CATTO
GOALS - Inglewood: J. Rouse, S. Erharter 2, A. Lister, S. Dundas. Beas Lagoons Serpentine: M. Frecker 3, H. Gadsden, Z. Hollis, O. Amy, C. O’Shannessy, S. Gladman. BEST - Inglewood: D. Gorrie, K. Wicks, D. Hogan, S. Erharter, C. Martin, J. Rouse. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: D. McKay, M. Frecker, K. Paxton, H. Gadsden, M. Addlem, L. Murley.
GOALS - Bridgewater: M. Brooks, N. Hall 2, A. Woodman. Pyramid Hill: N. Moon, M. Dingwall 2, E. Caburnay, T. Walker, G. Quinn, D. Lovell.
BEST - Bridgewater: J. Green, A. Woodman, A. Gauci, P. Wardell, J. Bowen, J. McKenzie. Pyramid Hill: T. Walker, M. Moon, G. Quinn, M. Gunther, B. Driscoll, M. Dingwall.
GOALS - East Loddon: L. James, M. Hancock, B. Wagner 2, J. Smith, L. Stephens, K. Maxted, M. Hocking, J. Ketterer, F. Clymo. Bridgewater: T. Pidoto, J. Friswell, O. Clapp. BEST - East Loddon: L. Stephens, P. Cunningham, M. Hocking, T. Rasmussen, J. Ketterer, K. Maxted. Bridgewater: O. Clapp, S. McMahon, J. Larson, Z. Morton, T. Pidoto, A. Frankling.
Inglewood
(67)
(55) GOALS - Inglewood: J. Luckman 3, T. Murphy, R. Smith, H. Noble 2, D. Gilbee. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes 3, O. Emmerson, B. Gibson, X. Emmerson, C. McCoy, J. Peter. BEST - Inglewood: T. Murphy, K. McClellan, C. Hackett, D. Gilbee, W. Schepers, T. Lovett. Pyramid Hill: X. Emmerson, B. Gibson, H. Goodes, J. Clough-Fidler, C. McCoy.
Glenn Catto
Pyramid Hill
Chris Earl Pyramid Hill
Gary Walsh
Bailey George
Josh Mellington
SACK THE BOARD
BOORT Trotting Club is confident its traditional March cup meeting will be allowed to offer top prizemoney in 2025.
The wait comes as Victorian clubs call for new leadership of Harness Racing Victoria.
Boort officials have been in talks with the embattled Harness Racing Victoria since a handful of country clubs, including Wedderburn, lost half their meetings in a HRV shakeup.
Those talks have finally seen
Clubs seethe at financial management revelations
the club keep its tradition first Sunday of March date for the cup.
“And we are expecting confirmation this week that there will be no change to the prizemoney we can offer,” said life member and vice-president John Campbell.
“The pacing and trotter’s cups each have been run with stakes
of $12,000 and other races on the card have until now had prizemoney of between $6000 and $8000. Keeping stakemoney at the same level is important for the number of horses entered, the number of races and the number of people from the local community and the industry who attend.”
Campbell said the club had been relieved when told it could keep the March cup date.
Boort’s wait on HRV’s stakemoney call comes as more than 450 members of clubs met in Bendigo on Sunday to discuss the financial turmoil faced by HRV.
“We learnt more things on Sunday and learning things we don’t like,” Campbell said.
Key concerns include:
Since 2016, the number of full-time employees at HRV has increased by 51 per cent.
Employment costs at HRV
have surged by 72 per cent in five years.
Administration and operating expenses (excluding stakemoney) have risen by $9.2 million in the past two years.
HRV has 103 full-time staff, compared to 50 at Harness Racing New South Wales.
“HRV is now projecting severe stakemoney cuts of anywhere between $10 million (22 per cent) and $18 million (40 per cent) over the next three years,” said the Victorian Harness Racing Club after Sunday’s meeting.
Players scamper with lightning speed
BRIDGEWATER won through to the Loddon Valley football semi-finals in an afternoon of high drama on Sunday.
Play was twice halted when storms pelted Pyramid Hill’s Mitchell Park with torrential rain, hail and lightning strikes.
League officials had warned clubs of potential disruptions to football and netball when the Bureau of Meteorology issued storm alerts on Saturday night.
A Grade netballers had three interruptions to their game.
The downpour stunted hints of mo-
mentum for Newbridge in their football clash with Bridgewater when play was halted with two minutes left on the clock before half time.
Players rushed to their changerooms before re-emerging 20 minutes later to finish the quarter and have a shortened mid-match break only to see the third term called to halt just minutes later.
League officials said they wanted to have the elimination final completed and not decided under a weather rule.
“In fairness to both clubs, it was appro-
priate to resume play after the storm had passed,” one told the Loddon Herald. The “lightning rule” says that if a match is abandoned, the higher ladder placed team is awarded a win before half-time and the leading side after half-time.
Heathcote league abandoned its semifinal in the third quarter when Leitchville Gunbower was two points up on Heathcote. Play had earlier been delayed by storms and league official said the ground was unsafe for players after another downpour.
Bidgewater’s best Jack Neylon recovers from a knock after play resumed. LH PHOTOS
