Loddon Herald 29 September 2022

Old pub hub of family, town life

MARK Gilmore remembers the Old Bridge Hotel as the family home and the centre of Kingower after it became the town’s post office and telephone exchange a century ago.

And he has memories of grandfather Percy sitting on a wooden stool out front, deep in conversation with locals collecting their mail.

Now the 120-year-old building is about to find new owners complete with Percy’s stool when it goes to auction next month.

LODDON Mayor Dan Straub has blown the whis tle on poor consultation in the State Government roll out of riverfront camping sites in the shire.

Cr Straub said council was concerned about the ”lack of consultation with licence hold ers, adjacent landowners, local government and our community

about the introduction of these camp grounds, management practices, appropriate parking and access ways”.

His statement released Monday evening follows angst after the Government declared 20 Loddon

River sites now open for camping amid fears for farm biosecurity and potential economic impact on local accommodation busi nesses.

Cr Straub said: “I have spoken with several impacted landhold

ers and representatives, local community groups and organisa tions, as well as mayors from oth er surrounding municipalities, all of who are concerned about the impacts that the opening of river and creek frontages will impose on landholders and the commu nity.

“These areas are subject to li censed ground that farming busi nesses incorporate and manage. There are also reported issues of

campers accessing these camp sites by crossing private property without consent,” he said.

Cr Straub said a major con cern was the heightened risk of biosecurity implications that he claimed contradicted on-farm biosecurity measures, including “current regulations and guide lines to ensure Victoria’s agricul ture industry remains protected”.

W ATER, water everywhere and even the jacket adorning Bradley of Boort’s Treemendous sign tree might have to be put into the spin dryer. Recent rains have seen levels beside the road rise and inspire Bradley to ponder a dip in coming warmer months ... his latest saying indicates the trunks have been packed ready.

S EEMS it was a pretty tame affair on grand final day - but the “spirit-ual” home of Geelong footballing legend Carji Greeves had some colour. Cargi, winner of the first Brownlow Medal, was looking down on patrons at Inglewood’s Empire State Hotel as his modern day Cats bolted to an 81-point victory over the old South Melbourne and the red and white crepe paper adorning verandah posts barely moved in the spring breeze. And just for the record, the last two grand finals played at the MCG have had the same winning margin (no one can forget the glorious Richmond victory of 2019 over that other side from the Harbor City).

T HE wedding of Alister McDougal and Denise Leed must have been a good

omen for the Cats. Just a week after the big day, Alister was granted a leave pass to make his way to the MCG, adorned in feline colours. We’re told his Cheshire cat grin after the siren (well, probably the quarter time one) was almost as wide as when the knot was tied.

G OOD to again hear from the Doc and the Vet. One of our questions in the quiz last week had them blowing the dust off their uni lecture notes from some years ago to validate a protest. They said: “Was that new canine quiz master featured in OTF (September 22) responsible for this week’s quiz? If so, she has made a complete dog’s breakfast of question four. The only monotremes - egg-laying mammals - are the echidna and the platypus. The anteater (order Pilosa) is not a monotreme and the echidna (Monotremata) is not an anteater. They do both eat ants (the echidna is also partial to other insects and worms), but the vet’s (primate) fondness for lamb chops does not make him a lion (carnivora) and my (another primate) partiality to rare steak does not mean that I am a magpie (passeri formes).” What next? Koala (Diprotodontia) Bears (Carnivora). Betta getta smarter dog.” We’re glad the medical pair are good on emails ... might have been challenged decy phering those words if scribbled in pencil on a script!

Record of verandah hits

A LOG is being kept of damage to Inglewood’s historic Brooke Street verandahs as efforts ramp up to have designated parking ar eas for large trucks and caravans.

The town’s development and tourism committee secretary Pauline Wellman said the log would be used in future requests to Regional Roads Victoria to ad dress local concerns.

Mrs Wellman said there was an incident last week where a large vehicle damaged a verandah.

She said the latest damage had been seen the owner of the large vehicle agree to pay for repairs.

Brooke Street traders have raised concerns for their veran dahs and called for large vehicles to park in bays in sections of the street without verandahs.

IDTC last month gave its back ing to those calls and Mrs Well man said the log of incidents would be “of future reference when we come to asking for help from Regional Roads Victoria”.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP Wedderburn Historical Records Museum members surprised secretary and local historian Alan Mulraney on Monday with presentation of life membership. Alan continues to carefully record the town’s history with books and on the museum’s database, using a software program he developed to extract names and records from newspapers, including the Loddon Herald

Invisible and golden

AN EXPOLORATION tunnel at Catalyst Metals’ Four Eagles pro ject would be invisible but im portant, said the company’s CEO John McKinistry.

Catalyst is edging closer to making a decision to move ex ploration underground and Mr McKinstry said it would be “al most pushing the limits of explo ration”.

“But it’s what we are planning to do. We don’t want to spoil it for anyone else and we will do it well,” Mr McKinstry said on a visit to the district this month.

“In many ways, the tunnel would be invisible to the public.”

In the latest report to the Aus tralian Stock Exchange, Catalyst said it expected to make a final decision on the Mitiamo tunnel proposal next year.

Technical director Bruce Kay said: “These latest results pro vide more strong evidence of the excellent potential at the Four Eagles Gold Project and there fore support our plan to estab lish an exploration tunnel.

“The tunnel would enable us to drill from underground, pro viding a far more efficient and effective means of exploring for the extension of the rich Bendigo Goldfield,” he said.

“We are continuing to drill with the aim of building a clear picture of this potential ahead of

a final decision on the explora tion tunnel in the middle of next year”.

He said the latest drilling fo cussed on targets close to the extensive Boyd’s Dam minerali sation and below the emerging Hayanmi prospect

“In a new area, Boyd East,

which sits approximately 300 metres east of the existing Boyd’s Dam mineralisation dia mond drilling has intersected a large quartz fault. This struc ture is similar to that observed at Boyd’s Dam and indicates the potential for a parallel target zone in close proximity to Boyd’s

Dam. Drilling is currently under way to further test the structure at depth and along strike. Results from this drilling are expected in the coming months.

“Further drilling at Boyd North has verified mineralised struc tures which too, may become a key mining position,” he said.

Lift game on roadside weeds

LODDON Shire Council wants Regional Roads Victoria to lift its removal of roadside vegetation on C class roads in the shire. Councillors on Tuesday backed Cr Neil Beat tie who raised the dangerous state of roads as urgent busi ness at their meeting. Cr Be attie said RRV was being ir responsible over the state of roads and creating dangers. He said council once had the roadside contract to reduce weeks twice a year but now RRV contractors only did work annually.

Two-car crash

POLICE are investigating a two-car crash near Pyramid Hill on Saturday morning. Four people were injured in the crash at the corner of Mincha West and Pyramid Hill-Mincha Roads about 10.20am. Two air ambulanc es landed at the scene with three people taken to hos pital in Melbourne. Pyramid Hill and Loddon Vale Fire Bri gades and Cohuna rescue unit assisted at the scene.

Entries close soon

Consultation lacking: Mayor Tractors roaring to go trekking around shire

FROM PAGE 1

Cr Straub said: “According to the State Government, ag riculture is worth $17.8 billion to the Victorian economy and almost one third of Australia’s total agricultural value.

“Providing free-for-all camping on these allocated river frontage sites and the biosecurity implications these campgrounds present poses a severe risk to the agricultural industry and its significant contribution to the economy.

“Additionally, there are con cerns for the safety of camp ers with no register to identify where campers may be at any one time.

“This includes safety issues regarding their location in the case of an emergency, for ex ample fire or flood.

“Other implications exist in the economic return on exist

ing local accommodation pro viders due to the reduction in overnight stays by visitors.

“Based on these concerns, Loddon Shire Council will be advocating to the Victorian Government seeking a better outcome for our community.”

Cr Straub said: “There is a growing concern among Lod don Shire landholders and the wider community impacted by the State Government opening vast areas of Crown land river and creek frontage to the pub lic for camping purposes.”

Opposition to the explosion of Loddon River campsites has seen Dingee branch of Coun try Women’s Association re ceive backing to take a motion to CWA state conference call ing for a halt until better biosecurity measures were estab lished and improved records of people camping at the sites.

HUNDREDS of tractor enthusi asts will descend on Wedderburn from today for the 8th National Tractor Trek.

They are coming from more than 40 clubs across Australia for the event Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society has been waiting three years to host.

Earlier plans were scuttled by COVID restrictions but trek ad ministrator Barry Bolwell said enthusiasm had not waned dur ing the extended waiting period.

The vintage tractors from across the eras of agriculture will hit the roads on Saturday and Sunday for touring routes to the north and south of Wedderburn.

Non-driver tractor drivers will also be part of activities with vis its to the district’s tourist attrac

FOUR-PAGE SPECIAL IN YOUR LODDON HERALD THIS WEEK

tions and trips to lunch stops on the trek routes.

Dinners and live music are also part of the weekend activities while a country market will be held on Sunday at the society’s engine park. The trek is present ed by the National Historical Ma chinery Association.

z Also back next week from a COVID break is Elmore Field Days starting on Monday

“With plenty of exhibitors you are sure to discover all the latest advances in agricultural machin ery and technology ... everything from tools and hardware through to pools and tractors, machin ery, plants, arts and crafts, steel yards, fashion, cattle crushes and anything in between,” said field days operations manager Lauren Nesbit.

PYRAMID Hill Progress Asso ciation will close entries next Friday for its Major’s Vision art competition and show. The association is offering more than $4000 in prize money for the show that in cludes sections for paintings of the town’s famous hill. The exhibition will run during the inaugural Loddon Arts Trail weekend.

STATE Emergency Service volunteers yesterday morn ing winched a car from re ceding water on Korong Creek.

Five people in the car trav elling in Scott’s Lane, Wed derburn, called for assis tance when water touched the distributor and the vehi cle stalled.

Wedderburn SES, po lice and Korong Vale Fire Brigade were called about 9.48am. An SES volunteer said the water was flowing at a “meandering pace and 300mm deep”.

The Loddon’s only agricultural show is back bringing communities together

Catalyst CEO John McKinistry in Dingee this month. LH PHOTO

LATE

Grants get overhaul after auditor report

THREE Loddon Shire officers will review community grant application assessments in a shake-up of funding approvals.

Councillors on Tuesday approved the new process recommended by acting manager community support Paul Scullie.

Community wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said that under the changes, organisations would no longer have to wait up to 12 months to make a grant application.

Councillors would be provided with a report after grants had been approved.

Mr Scullie’s report comes after the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office recommended changes in a review released in June.

VAGO recommendations included improved management of the conflict of interest process, review of the assessment and approvals process, review of the eligibility criteria to assess validity and rigour and streamlining of the acquittal process.

Mr Scullie told councillors: “Crucially, anecdotal feedback has been provided by the community on the community grants program, specifically around the application process and the structure of the program guidelines.

“A common theme from community groups was that the timing of the program was limited and as such not always conducive to organisations. The current application period of March 1 to May 1 did not provide adequate opportunities for organisations to submit an application that best suited the needs and timing of their groups.

“The current timing of the program creates a significant lag time between application submission and the allocation of funds, which can be up to 6

months. This can create potential cost inflations on projects, which can be detrimental to community organisations. “

Mr Scullie said council had previously received requests for access to community grants funding outside the application and assessment period.

He said requests indicated more access periods would provide a better outcome for community groups.

“The existing guidelines articulate who can apply, the projects that can be considered for funding, what will not be funded, how much the applicant can apply for and general conditions,” Mr Scullie said.

Under what Mr Scullie called modifications to the guidelines:

z Council approved the community grant guidelines, with the assessment and approval of applications applied by officers administratively;

z A minimum of three council officers will review all assessments;

z Applications to the community grants program can be received at any time, with assessment and approval rounds conducted on a minimum quarterly basis;

z Available funds are divided

equally across four program periods;

z Where the program is oversubscribed in the relevant quarter, applications will be prioritised against the eligibility criteria. Eligible, but lowerranked prioritised, applications will be carried forward to the next quarter.

z Unsuccessful applications will be carried forward three times, before ineligible and a new application required.

z Unspent funds are carried forward into the subsequent quarter. Council officers will have the ability to include additional assessment and approval rounds if funds allow. Any underspend from the program as of 30 June will be returned to surplus.

z Council will be provided with reports retrospectively detailing the grants provided to community organisations.

Loddon Shire started its community grants program in 2000 to assist sporting, recreation and service organisations to deliver projects that improve the quality of life for residents. Mr Scullie said about $ 2.8 million had been allocated for 700 communitybased projects worth $5.5 million.

Water discharge plan approved by council

LODDON Shire has granted a planning permit to construct a new water discharge point at a Calivil dairy.

Councillors on Tuesday accepted the recommendation from statutory planning co-ordinator Louise Johnston to approve the application by Jade and Belinda Clymo.

Ms Johnston said one adjoining property owner had objected to the application.

“The new discharge point is required to allow excess water to discharge from the property, particularly in a significant rain event,” she said.

“The drainage structure is proposed to be located within the north eastern corner of the land abutting Curnows and Hercus Roads.”

The permit will require a farm monitoring program as part of an effluent system design and management plan.

Work will include raising the height of an existing levee bank.

Class of ‘72 back

FORMER students of East Loddon College from the class of 1972 will hold a reunion next month. Students from that year and those who joined the cohort in later years will meet at the school on October 22.

Wendy Gladman

Weekend labour of love

TRISH Arendse-Rollins fell in love with the former Bridgewater Methodist church the moment she saw the red brick Main Street building.

The pursuit by Trish and husband Brian to buy an old country church was testedtheir first two offers for the 1875 building and adjoining timber Sunday school were knocked back.

Persistence for the Narre Warren couple paid off with the third offer and the idea that started over a breakfast conversation in 2018 has opened the door to weekends of toil as the couple prepare for their move to the Loddon River town.

“I loved it from the moment we had a look ... the building’s appeal, the river,” Trish said. “Brian said ‘you do realise how much work there will be to do’ and I said ‘probably not’.

“That was pre-COVID and then with COVID, that just convinced us that we wanted to get out of Melbourne.”

Trish and carpenter Brian are spending every spare moment restoring the church buildings and yard.

They had originally planned to start with the Sunday school building. But when the Helping Hands op-show closed, the primary focus shifted to the church.

Brian and Trish have spent hours trawl ing online selling site Ebay for old church furniture, windows and doors for their restoration project.

They have nearly finished preparations for external gardens and Brian hopes to replicate a gate that once stood at the en trance steps rising from Main Street.

“We’re recycling as much material and furniture as we can,” said Brian.

“We know now that we have a big job ahead with the two buildings.”

Trish also hopes that photographs of their buildings will emerge to assist in the bringing their restoration dream to life.

“We’ll re-tuck the bricks on front wall of the church as they were when originally built,” Brian said.

“And getting the building back to looking like new,” added Trish.

Brian said the church floorboards, the originals, were in very good condition and when polished would look impressive.

They have already built a new shed on the large church block ahead of spending their time in Bridgewater. Brian and Trish say the restoration of historic buildings could take five years but are relishing eve ry moment. “Then we can start to discover more of the area,” she said.

Big on products.

LH PHOTOs

Fears weeds fuel fire risk

UNMANAGED roadside vegetation was increasing fire risk across the Loddon, said Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh.

Mr Walsh said the State Government al location to rural councils to combat road side weeds was miniscule.

The Government has given Loddon Shire $75,000 this year, the same as the last 10 years. Council operations direc tor Steven Phillips said the allocation was enough for the shire to “do some work”.

“If they had even the slightest clue they would not once again have treated regional and rural Victorians with such disdain, providing a miniscule amount of

money to councils to help control road side weeds and pests, claiming it will help reduce the spread of fires,” Mr Walsh said.

“Put simply, Labor has again failed to recognise how its own mismanagement has contributed to increased roadside fire risks.

“Even worse, this government contin ues to actively subvert the management of roadside fire risks by not completing slashing and mowing programs on time, and through introducing unnecessary layers of bureaucracy that make it diffi cult for the CFA to complete fuel reduc tion burns.”

Community Bank Inglewood

Brian and Trish with canine companion Fergus. LH PHOTO

Carpenter Brian has sourced old church windows and furniture for the Bridgewater restoration while (left) Trish says bringing life back to two buildings is a big project.

Park hoons rip through flora home

VEHICLES have ripped deep tracks at Melville Caves, risking native flora of Kooyoora State Park.

Friends of Kooyoora convenor Rob Scholes said there had been more incidents at the park in re cent weeks.

“It would appear most often by 4WD drivers who think that they both can and have the right to drive anywhere, yet have lit tle understanding of the country and the environment that they are abusing,” he said.

“This lack of understand ing, awareness and considera tion means that damage is being caused to the environments that contain some of the park’s rarest and most endangered plant spe

cies. The mindless disregard and arrogance of a few individuals is also one of the contributing facts that we are seeing ever increas ing rules and regulations being introduced to restrict/control the use and access of our parks and public lands, which effect us all.”

Rob said recent incidents had occurred off Back Road, Moun tain View Road and the main en trance road to Melville Caves.

Parks Victoria’s Inglewood park ranger Lachlan Callum said: ““Parks Victoria is investigating damage found in the Kooyara State Park which appears to have been caused by off-road driving over the long weekend. This has caused considerable harm to sig nificant biodiversity areas.”

Stop and look at rail crossings

A CAMPAIGN calling for drivers to obey signs at rail crossings in country Victoria was launched by the Government on Tuesday.

The new Obey the Stop Signs safety campaign will target drivers in regional Victoria who fail to stop and look for trains at

crossings with ‘stop’ signs, There are almost 1700 public road lev el crossings on passenger and freight lines.

Motorists face fines up to $3698 as well as the loss of three demerit points for ignoring rail crossing signs.

HONOURED COLLEEN Condliffe has been in vested with the Medal of the Order of Australia by Victorian Governor Linda Dessau during a ceremony at Government House.

The former Loddon Shire councillor was awarded the medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June for her decades of service to the community.

Colleen joined other Victorian honour recipients this month and was accompanied by husband Robert, daughter Leanne and grandchildren Meg and Harry to the investiture.

“The ceremony was a humbling occasion. The award will always be a recognition for the many volunteers who contribute across all our Loddon communities,” Colleen said.

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM

The Kinder Tick recognises kinder programs that are led by a qualified teacher.

It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start school.

It also identifies services that are approved for Victorian Government funding.

LED BY A QUALIFIED TEACHER

FUNDED AND APPROVED BY THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT

MONDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

TUESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

PARMA NIGHT

EXTENDED PARMA MENU

WEDNESDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

FULL MENU AVAILABLE

THURSDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY - OPEN MIDDAY

LUNCH FROM 12.00

LUNCHTIME SENIORS DAY

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE

FULL MENU AVAILABLE

SATURDAY - OPEN 4.00PM

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY - OPEN 4.00PM NO DINNER

Environmental flow first

‘will boost lake ecology’

THE FIRST environmental water has started flowing into Lake Boort.

An estimated one gigalitre has flowed into the lake from a Goulburn Murray Water channel. The lake’s level is rising 12mm a day with a further two gigalitres expected to flow.

Boort’s Paul Haw said: “This is the first time that Lake Boort has received envi ronmental water that is needed for eco logical outcomes while maintaining a lev el of flood mitigation in Lake Boort.

“The recent flow has drowned all of the weeds especially mustard weed, before it went to seed, this cuts the fire hazard down considerably,” he said.

“Native plants have started to establish in the bed of the lake and will burst into life once the water recedes. Thousands of aquatic birds are already calling Lake Boort home, a visit to the wetland in the evening will be very rewarding especially listening to the six different species of frog as well.

“Red gums that were planted out on the bed of the lake in 2018 are performing well and now are much more visible be cause of the surrounding water. More red gum plantings have been planned as the water recedes.”

Some farmers are concerned there will be flooding of private land below Lake Lyndger while the lake is holding envi ronmental water but Paul said: “Previous studies have pointed out that if the lake is holding three gigalitres of environmental water when a flood arrives, the amount in the lake is nothing compared to the 10 gigalitres a day coming from the Wed

Singing up song funds hall works

TRIBUTE band BABBA will stir fundraising for the next stage of redevelopment and extensions at Inglewood Town Hall.

Community hub president Enzo Sca fati said the committee aimed to kickstart the $100,000 fundraising effort with the BABBA concert.

He said the performance would also brighten life for Loddon residents after the COVID years.

“Inglewood needs this, we all need this,” Enzo said.

The community hub project has been a 10-year journey for Inglewood with stage one completed in 2016 with funding from the Federal and State Governments, Lod don Shire Council and the community to talling more than $2 million.

Enzo said the BABBA performance would bring people to the historic town hall for a night of great musical entertainment.

“BABBA is the No 1 ABBA tribute band in Australia and the committee, particularly secretary Pauline Wellman, are working hard to make it a success for the town and to kickstart our next round of local fund raising,” he said.

Tragic and true tale of Ticonderoga

derburn catchment, the three gigalitres in the lake is only equivalent to eight hours of flood water.

“Lake Boort holds 6.5 gigalitres and then flows into Lake Lyndger which holds almost the same amount before flow ing into the defined floodway to Leaghur State Park,” he said.

Paul said there was also complacency from the lack of floods in recent years that may have seen some obstructions to the natural flood path.

“It is an unwritten law through the re gion not to crop the bed of floodways, unfortunately, most of the floodway from Lake Boort to the Leaghur State Park is under crop at the moment,” he said.

Paul said no floodwater has entered Lake Boort but the catchment was primed

for a large flood if the predicted wet pe riod continues.

“The lake was virtually kept full until 1995 mainly due to irrigation outfall and Kinypanial Creek from the Loddon River. In the past the swamp probably flooded one in four years naturally, it has now been estimated to flood only once in 15 years, therefore Environmental Flows are necessary.

“I am very pleased with this environ mental flow as it will have good outcomes with a reduced fire hazard, many more trees and natural revegetation. I do not have a problem with the Yung Balug Clan looking after the environmental flows and Lake Boort in general as no one has done much in the past to preserve and im prove Lake Boort,” he said.

A

&

cold

ACCLAIMED Australian actor Michael Veitch will perform on the stage of Pyra mid Hill Memorial Hall next month.

great

&

9650

shop.

Veitch’s one-man show Hell Ship is based on the true story of the Ticond eroga’s voyage from Britain to Australia in 1852 and the ship’s surgeon, Veitch’s great-grandfather.

The voyage turned to a nightmare when typhus spread through the nearly 800 mainly Scots passengers onboard.

The Pyramid Hill show is one of three scheduled in central Victoria.

Environmental water fills Lake Boort.

SEARCH FOR VOLUNTEERS

CWA has brigade’s back

ONE backbone of rural communi ties is backing efforts to rejuve nate another country institution.

Wedderburn’s Country Wom en’s Association wants local peo ple to step up and boost volun teer numbers in the town’s fire brigade.

Branch president Julie Benaim said: “The brigade is important to Wedderburn and surrounding districts ... always has been and always will be.”

But she said CWA members were concerned dwindling CFA volunteer numbers risked safety of people and properties.

“We need local people to step up and join the brigade. It’s one very important way people can contribute to the community,” she said.

“There’s been an influx of new residents over the past couple of years and the CWA wants to en courage those people, as well as long-time residents, to be part of the brigade.”

The CWA’s Main Street display window has now been filled with fire brigade uniforms and equip ment to raise awareness of the brigade’s membership plight.

“Our CWA members see reju venating fire brigade volunteer numbers as a major challenge as we head into another summer fire season,” Julie said.

“We need a strong brigade into the future ... the CWA wants you to step up for the CFA.”

Nominations open for Australa Day awards

On Australia Day, 26 January, award ceremonies will be held across Loddon Shire to recognise what it means to be Australian, to acknowledge our rich history and celebrate the sel ess contributions of our volunteers.

We re ect on the resilience of our communities and their spirit of helping and giving that de nes the Australian way, epitomised in the Australia Day awardees to be honoured in Loddon Shire.

We respect the stories, histories and contributions of all Australians, particularly those among us who contribute so much towards making Loddon such a great place to live, work and visit.

We celebrate our nation’s place in the world – a proud, ancient, multicultural nation built on shared values that allow us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that other nations aspire to.

Re ect, respect, celebrate – we’re all part of Australia’s story.

The Citizen of the Year Award and Young Citizen of the Year Award are presented to individuals who reside or operate within our community and who inspire us through their achievements.

The main selection criteria are a noteworthy contribution to the local community during 2022 and/ or given outstanding service to the

local community over a number of years.

To be eligible for Citizen of the Year, the person must be aged 27 years or over as at the subsequent Australia Day. To be eligible for Young Citizen of the Year Award is open to all persons aged up to 26 years as at the subsequent Australia Day.

Nominations for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of Year, Community event/group of the Year and community service awards close at 4pm on Friday 21 October 2022.

More information https://www. loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/ Ceremonies/Australia-Day/ Australia-Day-awards

Headquarters keeping up connection

COUNTRY Fire Authority is ana lysing demographic data to grow volunteer numbers on the books at Wedderburn Fire Brigade.

District 20’s Loddon catch ment commander Bryan Suck ling said the CFA’s volunteer sustainability team was looking at volunteer recruitment initia tives.

And he welcomed the support from Wedderburn CWA in rais ing awareness of the brigade’s need to boost numbers.

“The CFA is community driven in every facet,” Mr Suckling said.

Wedderburn brigade has just a handful of active volunteers.

Captain Anne Hassell was re lieved of active duty in June after being diagnosed with type one diabetes. She is currently going through an appeal against the CFA’s decision.

Mr Suckling said some district office staff based at Kerang were working from the Wedderburn station two days a week to con tinue positive community con nection. “For many years we have been working with the community to lift numbers and will continue to do so,” he said.

Mr Suckling said: “We have also been upskilling neighbour ing brigades in the district.”

The CFA is about to launch a state-wide volunteer recruit ment program.

Property valuation reviews

Ratepayers have the right to object to a capital improved or a site valuation as shown on the annual rates notice.

The objection can be made in relation to the value of the property or on other grounds speci ed in the Valuation of Land Act 1960. An objection must be made within two months of the date on the initial rate notice.

The closing date for objections to be received is therefore 4 October 2022. Any objections received after this time cannot be accepted.

For more information regarding valuations and the objection process, you can visit www.loddon. vic.gov.au/For-residents/Your-home/ Your-property-valuation-and-rates/ Property-valuations or phone Council’s rates department on (03) 5494 1200.

Registrations for the Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2022 Suicide Prevention Forum are open with FREE registration for Loddon Shire community members and volunteers. If you are a community member or volunteer, please call Vicki Andrew during business hours on 5494 1230 to register for your free ticket before they are all gone.

The forum will be held on 20 October 2022 at Inglewood Community Hub. For further information head to the Loddon Healthy Mind Network website www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au/suicide-prevention-forum

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Paula Atherton and Julie Benaim put finishing touches to the CFA recruitment window.

LH PHOTO

A slice of the best

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

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

“The flavouring and consist

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

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

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

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

Bakehouse and well paired with a freshly-brewed coffee.

Why not then wander down to the banks of the pictur esque Loddon River, a delight ful setting to relax and enjoy a relaxing day.

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

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

Fencing health future

OLD fences on a crop block that had funded health initiatives in Wedderburn have been re placed.

Korong Hospital Investment Group members Ray Tonkin and Darryl Arnott have spent recent months on the fencing project.

“The fencing was 60 years old and in some places there was nothing,” said Ray.

The Calder Highway block north of Wedderburn was left to the Korong Bush Nursing Hospi tal committee by Dick Donald son.

The Donaldson estate had been administered through Sandhurst Trustees but three years ago, the committee was handed control of the “hospital block”.

The 40-hectare property is leased out for cropping with in come used for health and medi cal services in the district.

“The property is never to be sold and over the years (the in come) has made a difference for health services in the town,” said Ray.

Korong Bush Nursing Hospi tal closed after 50 years in 1990 and a major project was funding the town’s new clinic opened in 2013 after more than $500,000 was raised.

Darryl said the property, cur rently with a barley crop, could become more lucrative for the committee.

He believes its location would be ideal for installation of solar panels feeding into the electric

ity network with lines running through the property.

“We have a site here and I’ve written to the Government but they don’t get back to us,” he said.

Darryl and Ray’s fencing pro

ject also saw the clearing of scrub to improve access and productivity of the block.

And 700 metres on the north side boundary received addi tional attention with a kanga roo-proof fence.

“Since that fence was in stalled, I haven’t seen any kan garoos roaming through the crop,” Darryl said.

“That can only assist with pro ductivity and future use of the land that raises money.”

Water spills will raise river level

WATER levels along the Loddon River will rise this week after Goulburn Murray Water released flows from Cairn Curran reser voir at the weekend.

GMW said the release from Cairn Curran was to make room for inflows.

Water has been spilling from Tullaroop reservoir, near Mary borough for more than a week and there continues to be spills at Laanecoorie reservoir.

“While these releases are be low minor flood levels, they will result in higher flows down stream,” a spokesman said.

“Consequently, the releases from Cairn Curran will add to the spill flows from Laanecoorie reservoir which is already full and spilling.”

Bureau of Meteorology said river level rises were possible from with forecast rain. The Loddon River downstream of Laanecoorie was at 1.42 metres on Tuesday.

Firefighters form guard of honour

RHEOLA Fire Brigade members paid tribute to their former cap tain Geoff Catto yesterday.

Mr Catto died last week aged 86 and his service to the com munity was remembered at the funeral service in the Rheola Hall.

An obituary for Mr Catto will appear in a future edition of the Loddon Herald.,

JOB COMPLETE: Ray Tonkin and Darryl Arnott at Calder Highway block.

LH PHOTO

VICTORIA - HOTEL -

Come and join us at the Victoria Hotel in Pyramid Hill

We offer classic pub meals, ice cold drinks, clean accommodation and a stocked bottle shop.

Our winter trading hours are as follows

MONDAY • OPEN 3.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

SOCIAL DARTS NIGHT

TUESDAY • OPEN 2.00PM

DINNER FROM 6.00PM

WEDNESDAY • OPEN MIDDAY LUNCH FROM 12.00

POT’N’PARMA NIGHT DINNER FROM 6.00PM

THURSDAY • OPEN 11.00AM DINNER FROM 5.30PM

STEAK’N’POT NIGHT

FRIDAY • OPEN MIDDAY LUNCH FROM 12.00

HAPPY HOUR 5.00-6.30

DINNER FROM 5.30PM

JOKER POKER 5.00-8.00

MEAT TRAY RAFFLE

SATURDAY • OPEN MIDDAY LUNCH FROM 12.00 DINNER FROM 5.30PM

SUNDAY • OPEN MIDDAY ALL DAY PIZZA MENU

Up the Creek and back positive

A GROUP of East Loddon P12 College stu dents has returned after being literally up the creek.

The Year 9 and 10 students participated in Up the Creek Positive Start camp of fered by the boat-based social enterprise in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

“Up the Creek focuses on contributing to a healthy vibrant future by connecting

History month at museum

VICTORIAN History Month will be cele brated by Inglewood and District Histori cal Society in October.

President Wendy Murphy said the so ciety had hosted different events during Victorian History Week/Month since 2017.

As the newly-elected president that year, the Inglewood celebrations were her com munity project as a Loddon Murray Com munity Leadership Program participant.

This year, the society will open the old court house doors each Sunday to allow visitors the opportunity to see some of the collection including documents, photos and items dating back to the 1860s.

“The society wants the display to be in teractive. Many of our photos do not have names or locations and we really want to fill in as many missing details as possible. The collection includes photos from all around the Inglewood district including Bridgewater, Newbridge, Kingower, Powl ett and Kurting,” Wendy said.

Gaye’s second spot

GAYE Sim has finished runner-up in the crochet state final at the Royal Melbourne Show.

The Boort craft whiz earned her place in the final after winning the Boort Show and Northern group events to defend her title won last year.

First place was awarded to Michaela Clampit who had won the Shepparton Show and Goulburn Valley Riverina group sashes.

2023 council dates set

LODDON Shire councillors on Tuesday set January 24 as the date of its first meet ing next year. Councillors also accepted an officer recommendation that the shire offices in Wedderburn will close for the Christmas break from midday December 24 to January 3.

people with themselves, others and the environment with the intent of collabo rating with nature and gaining skills that will useful in everyday life,” said senior sub-school leader Sarah Krahe.

Students rode the 40km WarburtonLilydale rail trail and went rafting along the rapids of Birrarung during the fourday Melbourne camp.

Meanwhile, former students Taylor Diss, Issy Botheras, Jack Demeo and Bridget Baker, Zoe Lister and Zekie Johns have shared their wisdom, advice, per spective and hot tips with current Year 12 students ahead of VCE exams.

The former students also spoke of life since completing Year 12 and offered pathway tips.

INSERTED BY THE LODDON HERALD AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICE

Ava Maxted, Molly Bolwell and Ebony Twigg enjoy the positive experience at Up the Creek camp.

FARM, FUN AND FAMILY

WAIT IS OVER AND THE CROWDS WILL BE BACK

FUN with family and friends tops the list of attractions when the Loddon Shire’s only agricultural show - the Boort Show - makes a spectacular comeback on Saturday October 8.

Community will be together again celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of the district and reconnecting family and friends after the show’s enforced two-year COVID hiatus.

For more than 130 years, the agricultural and pastoral society has showcased the Loddon’s rural and agricultural lifestyle where sense of community is central.

Society president Madeleine Scott says the town and residents have missed the show, a social highlight of the year. “We’re so excited to be bringing the show back in 2022

- the horse and pavilion events, shearing, dog trials and the family fun attractions that make our show a day for all the family and people of all ages,” she said.

Displays of farm and garden produce will vie for the nod from judges as will art, craft and handiwork in the pavilion, fantastic photographs snapped around the shire plus the cakes and slices lovingly prepared in the kitchens of local residents hoping to go on and represent Boort at regional and state agricultural show finals.

Youngsters and the young-atheart can experience the thrills of carnival rides, some secured from the recent Royal Adelaide Show. Earlybird purchases of ride tickets bring the bonus of two free rides when bought before next Thursday.

The show also features the Miss Boort Showgirl award for young people from across the district. Back for a second time will be the

Boort Truck Show, a real hit when the show was last held in 2019.

Big rigs and old trucks, lots of chrome and polished with care, hundreds will be on display at Boort Park adding to the colour and atmosphere of the show.

And the celebrations will continue into the evening with live music and the massive fireworks display.

The agricultural and pastoral society volunteers have put together an amazing program to welcome back the crowds in 2022. Show facilities have been upgraded at Boort Park over the past two years to assist in presenting events.

“It’s been three years since our last show and all of our volunteers have been determined that we’ll put on both a great show and a celebration that brings our communities together for fun and celebration of agriculture and people in the Loddon,” Madeleine said.

BATTLE OF CRAFTY COOKS

PAVILION SECTIONS PRODUCE

LOTS OF INTEREST

COMPETITION will be keen in cooking and craft sections at the 2022 Boort Show.

It’s always been that way, as agricultural and pastoral society veteran Marj Potter knows only too well.

Marj has been part of the show for more than 50 years and is this year again co-ordinating entries for the pavilion events.

Knitting, photography, flowers, produce and the district’s best fruit cakes, slices and other home-made sweet treats will be part of what Marj is determined will be a full pavilion.

She will set up “office” next to Audrey’s in Godfrey Street on Monday and Tuesday to receive entries.

“We’ve limited the size of the pavilion this year ... only 67 sections including sections that will see the winners go on to the Northern District Agricultural Society for Victorian Agricultural Society finals. This includes junior and senior photography, fruitcakes and Anzacs.”

Marj says from those entries could come the next star of the pavilion.

“I can remember Roma Kane being prolific with cooking entries and winning prizes as was Sandra Poyner and the late Wes James who would beat the women - although he didn’t start entering until after his wife died,” she said.

Marj first became involved with the agricultural and pastoral society more than 50 years ago.

“(Husband) Ian’s family was involved but there weren’t too many young ones until a few younger women became involved,” she said.

“In those days we had the women’s auxiliary and the men’s show

council. The auxiliary no longer exists and the show council now is mainly women which is a shame as sometimes we don’t get all the points of view in discussions.”

Marj and the late Mary Wilson were the first women to join the show council and Marj went on to serve 18 years as secretary, the first three jointly with Ian.

She was also chaperone for girls and their partners when the society oganised Boort’s annual debutante ball.

Marj says the show is an important annual event for the community, her commitment and passion as strong today as it was five decades ago.

“At one stage entries for the pavilion

sections were getting quite low. We introduced a collections section, unjudged, where people brought along an interesting collection from home and this proved so popular that it became a judged section. I remember one year a child entered his collection of old nuts and bolts collected around the farm ... the judge gave first place to another entry but for me, the young lad was a winner,” she said.

Marj also continues to encourage younger people in the district to volunteer for the show.

“We have the ambassador title nowadays and I say to that person that they should join the show council,” she said.

“A couple have and that’s been good

to have more people part of the show.”

Marj is renowned around Boort for supporting the community and its organisations. If there’s a fundraiser, Marj is there. “They call me the Raffle Lady,” she said about selling raffle tickets in Godfrey Street. “It’s a very social way of being part of the community and helping organisations,” she said.

For the next week though, raffle tickets are to the side as Marj devotes her energies to a successful return of the Boort Show. “Come show day, I’ll will be making sure all the entries are properly displayed in the pavilion, judged and then the doors thrown open to the people to see and enjoy.”

RACE TO BE TOP DOG

TRIALS WILL FIND VERY BEST

BREEDERS will have their best in action for the working dog trials at Boort Show.

Coming from the north to the south of Victoria, dogs will be put through their paces rounding up sheep and bringing the mobs back together after passing through the drenching race.

Trial co-ordinator Greg Boyd said the dogs had 10 minutes to complete the course with points also available for how they handled the sheep under Victorian Yard Utility Farm Dog Association rules.

“We’ve got new yards this year after $10,000 grant from the Victorian Government Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants program a couple of years ago. With the COVID cancellations, this is the first time they will be used,” he said.

Greg said: “Good working dogs are worth a lot of money at auctions. Breeders do these trials and if the dogs perform well, that boosts the interest in their bloodline when they come up for sale.”

Success at Boort also counts towards the association’s annual awards based on a working dog’s performance at other agricultural shows and events across Victoria.

SHED SKILLS PART OF SHEARING EVENT

PRIZE POOL HAS BEST IN BOORT

WITH $10,000 in prizemoney, the Boort Show shearing competition will be keenly contested.

Shearers will put their skills from the shed to the test tackling Merino crossbreds from Murray Haw’s Durham Ox farm.

Competition co-ordinator Al Wilson expects another good lineup of shearers in the open, intermediate, novice and local sections.

“Murray’s sheep will be good

even shearing ewes, probably around 21 microns,” Al said.

“I’ll pick slightly plainer types for easier shearing. Anything that looks a bit tough will be kicked out.”

Al says the competition has attracted shearers from across Australia and even Britain and New Zealand over the years

“The whole idea is to attract really good shearers,” he said.

“Back in 2018, we had one bloke do three sheep in five minutes and 40 seconds ... that was a pretty good time.

“We also get a good number of shearers from the district in the local section and

there’s always 70 or more people watching the competition.”

The shearing competition evolved out of a separate wool day organised by the agricultural and horticultural society until the 1990s.

Al has been part of the Boort Show for more than 40 years, joining the society council as a 19-year-old and serving as president for 11 years.

“The show is important to the town and it’s the only show now in the Loddon Shire,” Al said.

“I guess for me after 40-plus years, being involved is a part of life.”

Shearers from across Victoria will vie for their share of $10,000 prizemoney in the shearing competition

Show stalwart Marj Potter is setting up shop to receive entries for the pavilion sections.

BIG RIGS IN A BIG SHOW

VINTAGE AND NEW, THESE TRUCKS ARE THE PRIDE AND JOY

TRUCKS embellished with chrome and adorned with personal and colourful art are revving up for a big return to the Boort Show.

These stars of country roads and highways made a stunning debut at the 2019 show, idling for almost three years to give a repeat performance.

And truck show organiser Heath Saunders says the enthusiasm of rig owners is at high octane levels with a constant run of inquiries and expectations that more than 100 trucks will line up at Boort Park.

“We have everything from vintage trucks to the latest rigs ... people take a lot of pride (in their trucks) and like to get out and have them on show,” said Heath.

“For the drivers, the show is also a great time to catch up with other drivers who they might only ever see on the road.

“And the beauty of the truck show is that it’s inclusive - the average work truck, the farm truck or the truck pulled out of your grandfather’s shed.

“There’s standard trucks and trucks that have been individualised with signage and customised with stainless chrome bling. Some are worth more than half a million dollars.”

Heath said the trucks would again add atmosphere and colour to the Boort Show.

“The sheer size of some of these trucks really does create interest,” he said. “The whole idea has been to spark interest in the show ... the kids also loved it in 2019 and are sure to enjoy the sight of more than 100 trucks this year.”

The display of big rigs will be augmented with trade displays from some of the big names in the trucking industry. Kenworth, Mack,

Freightliner, Cummins and Bulk Transport Equipment are joining the Boort Show celebrations to connect and engage with truckies taking a weekend off the road to show their pride and joys.

Heath said sponsorship from a range of businesses including major sponsor The Truck Specialists Swan Hill was adding to the stature of the truck show in Boort. Cool custom-made metal models will be on display and for sale throughout the day.

And the truck owners will also be out to impress judges for the best rig at the show.

“With lots of prizes on offer from our valued sponsors over various categories there will be something for everyone.” Heath said.

COLOUR AND CHROME ... Rigs will be big at the Boort Show

Satisfaction ... the Cornfoot crew after picking their prize at the first Boort Truck Show.

Your show day

7:30am Yard Dog Trials

8:30am Ponies & Saddle Horses

9:15am All exhibits in the Pavilion to be in place

9:30am Judging begins in ALL PAVILION SECTIONS

10:00am A & P Society Shearing Competition Vintage Machinery on Show Boort Teenager Registration

10:30pm Boort Truck Display

Lunch (12 noon – 1:30pm)

12:00pm Pavilion to open or when judging

Show Girl Registration at Show Office

1:00pm Carnival Rides & Games begin

1:30pm Show Girl Competition Judging

3:00pm Freestyle Ride Begins

4:00pm Dog Jumping

5:00pm

Our communities come together and celebrate

BOORT Agricultural and Pastoral Society has spent three years in planning the 134th Boort Show.

An amazing band of committed, passionate and loyal volunteers has ensured the Loddon Shire’’s only celebration of our treasured rural lifestyle and agribusiness that connects our communities returns after the COVID hiatus.

Through their dedication, and the wonderful support of our sponsors returning and new, the society committee had put together a program that will showcase agricultural produce and pursuits, crafts and creativity of our residents in Boort and across the Loddon Shire.

Most importantly, the show brings people together to enjoy each other’s company whether as exhibitors in the pavilion events, participants in shearing, dog trials, horse events or simply being with family and friends soaking up the atmosphere of our

community event that both honours the history and heritage of our communities and celebrates the social fabric that holds our communities strong today and for the future.

The Boort Show epitmosises the spirit of the country and the warmth of friendships that brings us toghether.

Enjoy the Boort Show - it’s your show full of fun and activities.

Madeleine Scott President

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Healthcare workers are some of the most respected and appreciated people in our community.

So the Andrews Labor Government is making it free to study nursing and midwifery from 2023.

That means 17,000 more nurses and midwives. Existing nursing students can apply for undergrad roles and get paid while they learn in our health system.

Scholarships are available for existing nurses to up-skill in specialist areas of high demand like intensive care and emergency care.

For more information, visit health.vic.gov.au/news/studying-nursing-and-midwifery-free-from-2023

BEANIES BY THE DOZENS Kooyoora Women’s Network members have donated dozens of beanies to help homeless people in the region. MinisTree Bendigo cocreator and co-ordinator Fiona Preston (centre) received the beanies from Linda Isaac and Trudy Colvin when speaking at the network’s latest dinner. MinisTree provides care and a listening respectful presence on the streets of Bendigo, offering free chaplaincy to small businesses and to people on the margins of society.

LH PHOTO

RIBBON OF OPPORTUNITY Loddon Mayor Dan Straub officially opened the new Wedderburn Community House op-shop on Monday. Volunteers have devoted many hours to moving stock and refreshing the historic Main Street building that now houses Peppercorn Op Shop. A large crowd gathered under the verandah for the opening and also enjoyed a barbecue to celebrate the occasion.

Champion pen tops auction

RAMS that won this year’s Lod don Valley Merino Field Day pen of three fetched the top prices at last week’s Kamarooka Park Stud sale.

Two rams sold for the equal top price of $5500 to Sam and Veena Burbury, of Inglewood Merinos, Tasmania, and Phil Toland, of Violet Town.

The Burburys bought a total of four rams

An undisclosed South Austral ian bought the third pen star for $5000.

Kamarooka Park’s Erroll Hay said the three were all by a ram he purchased four years ago and the on-property auction attract ed interest from buyers and other breeders “who came to look at the progeny”.

Erroll said buyers this year were selective with the first 40 rams selling well before “running out of buyers” across the final 20 lots of this year’s increased offer ing.

Among buyers, including seven new clients for Kamarooka Park, were Pyramid Hill’s Jeff Hamp son who bought four rams and Brad Peters, buyer of last year’s top price ram, picking up three more for his holding.

Buyers came from across Vic toria, Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales.

Veena and

Erroll said private sales had continued since the auction.

He said buyers looked at the wool cut of Kamarooka Park rams and their ability to quickly adapt to a new paddock.

“We’re one of the few studs with rams running in a natural environment. They just run in a grass paddock and people look to buy our rams because of that,” he said.

The sale average was $2048, about $300 back on the 2021 fig ure “but on the plus side we had seven new buyers,” Erroll said.

GRAIN

BOORT Grain Co-op prices as at Tuesday.

Wheat - H1 $408 FIS. H2 $405 FIS. APW $358 FIS. ASW $346 FIS. GP1 $293 FIS. Barley - PL1 ISCC $314 FIOS. SP1 ISCC $314 FIS. Bar1 $294 FIS. Pulses - Faba 1 $308 FIS. Faba 2 $308 FIS.

Season 22-23 deld site - APW MG $387. ASW $346. Non-GM can $673 +/- AOF. GM can $625 +/AOF. Faba 1 $308.

THERE was a lift in lamb num bers to 21,700 at Bendigo on Monday with more than half be ing new season crossbreds.

Coming off a short week and with more rain, all major proces sors were represented although some exporters remained quiet.

Demand was strongest for heavy lambs over 26kg cwt. Competition fluctuated over the medium and lighter trade lambs particularly late in the auction. It meant there was a $30 to $40 price spread for 22- 24kg lambs which sold from $164 to $202/ head depending on breed quality and type. Some were passed in.

The overall price trend was firm to $5 easier on heavy lambs, while trade weights were $10 to up to $20/head back on the plain er types compared to last weeks strong market.

Heavy young lambs 30kg plus sold from $230 to $257; 24-26kg $190 to $214; 22-24kg $164 to $202; 20-22kg $156 to $173. The carcass spread was 730c to 830c with the lead young lambs mostly in a range of 770c-800c/kg cwt.

The sheep yarding had a lot of heavy unsworn crossbred ewes at $150 to $174/head.

Heavy merino ewes sold to $160/head. General run of trade mutton selling from $105 to $145/head with light sheep sell ing from $60 to $100/head.

SUCKERS

GJ & GM Bremner P/L Quambatook (40) $255, ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (53) $250, MF Ryan Wanalta (79) $250, Laws Family Trust Shepparton (72) $244, Fred Shea Campbells Forest (23) $244, LJ & PJ Cooper Strathfieldsaye (47) $242, P & K Howard Goornong (118) $240,

A & K Ogden Wanalta (91) $240, B & M Barlow Wanalta (58) $240, SJ & AK Perry Rushworth (43) $240, AL & GJ Lloyd Stuart Mill (32) $240, Colvin Family Trust Eppalock (119) $238, A & C Branson Colbinabbin (55) $236, Adrian Rinaldi, Carisbrook (79) $236, Cain Bros Laanecoorie (66) $236, RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (43) $235, P & B Meighan Mitiamo (76) $235, SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (77) $233, C Gra ham Arnold (70) $232, S Dorrington Marong (24) $230, Fairfields@Mysia (77) $229, R & N Comer P/L Drummartin (120) $222, Heath Cowell Tullarook (30) $222, RJ & DM Johnson Boort (42) $218, GD & DG Freemantle Edding ton (70) $215, G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (51) $214, S,J,E & C McLean Rushworth (15) $212, RE & MA Hobbs Charlton (58) $212,M Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (76) $208, O’Sullivan Farms P/L Goornong (62) $208, R,R & K Martin Emu (52) $201, B & E Kerlin Corop (65) $200, Mirnee Partnership Hunter (87) $197, MJ Williams Drummartin (22) $197, WW & RG Farming Ma corna (48) $196, F & S Gunther Pyramid Hill (42) $196, AA Jensen & Son Raywood (170) $195, F & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (32) $194, Cresswell Trading Beazleys Bridge (43) $191, CM & HJ Tin gay Avenel (30) $190, Bernard Mulquiny Woo roonook (43) $190, MJ Byrne, Axedale (55) $188.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

RW & AL Baker Dingee (159) $270, AL & GJ Lloyd Stuart Mill (23) $243, Mirnee Partnership Hunter (19) $233, Mrs L Dingwall Pyramid Hill (43) $224, B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (69) $223,AJ Isaac Wedderburn (8) $220, AD Weston Wed derburn (48) $214, GJ & DA Turnbull Wyche proof (35) $210, JL McCarthy P/L Lancefield (39) $209, DA & LM Broad Pyramid Hill (22) $193, A & R Hiscock Pyalong (24) $180, W & K Dawn Shepparton (21) $177.

HOGGETS

B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (80) $205.

CROSSBRED TWO TOOTH DA & LM Broad Pyramid Hill (49) $180.

MERINO WETHERS

B & K Holland Warracknabeal (243) $155, A & R Hiscock Pyalong (18) $140, B & K Holland Warracknabeal (138) $136.

CROSSBRED EWES

B & M Barlow Wanalta (31) $170, AK Tudden ham Dingee (35) $167, Ross Fisicares Finley (59) $166, A Rinaldi Carisbrook (61) $165, MJ Wil liams Drummartin (6) $160, P Flanagan Shep parton (17) $160, S Strbling & M Phelan Locksley (22) $160, Glenore Carisbrook (27) $160, JA & SJ Trewick Rochester (19) $156, F & M Schmidt Pyramid Hill (52) $155, M Borger Wanalta (73) $155, WF & SG Thomas Mitiamo (17) $144.

MERINO EWES

B Mulquiny Wooroonook (33) $162, Free mantle & Bell Woodstock (43) $160, MJ Byrne Axedale (43) $159.

Burbury, agent Will Holt and Erroll Hay with the top selling ram.

Ribbon run primes poll

Dorset sale

PAUL Brown has capped off a strong show season with ribbons for most successful poll Dorset exhibitor at the Royal Melbourne Show.

The Marong-based stud was also awarded most successful poll Dorset ram exhibitor and picked up prizes for junior champion and reserve junior champion rams and champion ewe.

The stud’s Paul Brown said the ewe had been reserve champion at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in July.

Success follows a four-monthold Derby Downs ewe lamb tak ing out the supreme poll Dorset prize at Hamilton’s Sheepven tion and the April drop ewe lamb featured in the winning group of three at that show.

Paul said after that success: “Occasionally the ewes do beat the rams but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a ewe lamb beating a ram.”

Derby Downs also picked up

most successful exhibitor at Sheepvention.

“We’ve had a successful year ... after three years without shows I had almost forgotten what hap pens,” Paul said after returning from Melbourne at the weekend.

He said show success was a good entry to the stud’s annual ram sale next week when up to 100 animals will be put under the hammer.

Buyers are again expected to come from across the Loddon and other parts of Victoria for the stud that this year celebrates its 60th birthday.

Among lots on offer will be rams that have impressed judges at shows around Victoria this year.

Paul is also looking ahead to selecting sheep for the show cir cuit in 2023. “The eye will be cast over lambs very early on and straight after Christmas will look at the ones that will get some special treatment,” he said.

Royal Melbourne Shows judge Scott Mitchell and Georgia Brown with the champion ewe

1. What colour is Amaranth.

2. Where might you be surrounded by amniotic fluid?

3. Which crop failure caused a famine in Ireland between 1846 and 1851?

4. Grass Staggers in Cattle and Sheep is caused by a deficiency of which mineral?

5. In the harbour of which city was the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior sunk in 1985?

6. Which country was split into two zones by the Yalta agreement?

7. Who commanded the Confederate Armies during The American Civil War?

8. In 1962, for what reason did Britain and France sign an agreement to build together?

9. During which King’s reign did the Great Fire Of London occur?

10. Where in England was William Shake speare born?

11. In what country did the “Sepoy Mu tiny” occur?”

12. Which King was overthrown as a re sult of the French Revolution?

13. In which year was the Boeing 747 put into regular service?

14. Who banned Christmas in Britain in 1647?

15. The term “battery” to describe an electrical storage device was coined by?

16. Which company designed the “Beta max” video cassette format?

17. When was the DVD invented?

18. When did the CD begin to appear on the consumer market

19. When was the iPhone released?

20. What is the name of Tarnagulla’s ho tel?

Ritual embodiment of respect for the Queen

By ANNE WEBSTER

I REMEMBER as a child standing in the old quadrangle of my primary school every Monday morning—rain, hail or shine— and singing God Save the Queen as the Australian flag was hoisted up the flag pole.

We stood in class lines and affirmed our allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Australia. As I reflect on those memories, I think the ritual embedded a sense of respect for authority more broad ly. That was back in the 1960s.

I reflect on the stability that the Queen has provided to Australia and, indeed, the world over seven decades. As the Leader of the Opposition stated yesterday, if ‘grief is the price we pay for love’—quoting the Queen—then the outpouring of global grief in these past two weeks speaks to just how much she was loved.

I remember countless televised Christ mas messages from the Queen, where she addressed the Commonwealth of Nations, not just Britain, with a message of hope. No matter how harrowing events may have been throughout the year and across the globe—due to war, natural disaster, recession or pandemic even—somehow she brought us all together to face a new year with optimism.

The late Queen reigned over 16 Aus tralian prime ministers, from (Sir Robert) Menzies to the current Prime Minister, and over 16 governors-general, and she

FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE

visited Australia 16 times. In my elector ate of Mallee, she visited Maryborough, Mildura, Irymple and Red Cliffs in 1954 and then Swan Hill in 1970.

When she was just 21 years old, Princess Elizabeth said: ”My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.”

And she kept her word for 70 years. Queen Elizabeth came to timelessly rep resent the virtues of service, sacrifice, duty, humility and hard work. She walked the talk. To my way of thinking, there has been no greater role model to women in leadership than Queen Elizabeth II. Fol lowing her coronation in 1953, the Queen said:

I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.

She not only earned our trust; she also won our hearts. Queen Elizabeth II was, and will continue to be, held in respect and deep affection by our nation, the peo ple of the Commonwealth and around the world.

She leaves a legacy of service, faith, stability, sacrifice and strength, through dark days and times of triumph.

Though the world changed constantly, she remained steadfast in her devotion to

God, her family, her country and the Com monwealth of Nations.

There is no greater honour than a child being named after you. I know, because one of my grandchildren is named after me. Indeed, royal names have been popu lar choices for many newborns.

When Princess Elizabeth became Queen, baby girls across the world were named Elizabeth for years, and I am one. My hus band was named Philip, after her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh—yes, with one ‘l’.

I was deeply honoured to represent my electorate of Mallee at the national me morial service for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Canberra yesterday.

As we have now proclaimed our new sovereign, King Charles III, we look with anticipation to the service he will bring to Australia and to the Commonwealth.

He has inherited a matchless legacy. On behalf of the people of Mallee, I thank Her Majesty the late Queen for her life of ser vice and look to His Majesty King Charles III for his solemn devotion to continue for our nation.

God save the King.

* Dr WebsteristhememberforMallee. Thiswasherspeech recordedinHansard duringtheCondolencemotioninFederal ParliamentlastFridayfollowingthepassingofQueenElizabeth

ONLINE WORDS

Sir, The Wedderburn tip is not very user friendly.

The waste disposal containers are often too full to add to and you can’t easily tip your recyclables into the right spot with out heavy lifting.

Every time the Loddon Shire thinks of new measures to be implemented at the tip they always appear to aim to make it even harder for customers with stricter rules, higher prices and more complicated systems.

It is enough to make one grumpy on a Sunday morning. However, I felt very guilty for being grumpy there the other

day when I heard of the level of abuse the tip staff have to endure regularly from un happy visitors.

Verbal abuse, spitting and threats are not uncommon apparently. This is totally unacceptable.

Our shire staff at the tip don’t deserve to be treated like that. I was shocked when I heard what happens there.

To think that people are actually spit ting at the tip staff at the tail end of the COVID pandemic makes my skin crawl.

JeroenvanVeen Wedderburn

Suzanne Colwell wrote: Fantastic ef fort.

Suzzette Du-Mmett wrote: Congratu

Inglewood bowler Geoff Wilson wins gold at Australian arm bowling championships

FEATURES

Next month’s auction of the Old Bridge Hotel in Kingower will end a century of ownership of the historic building for the Gilmore family. Mark Gilmore talks with the Loddon Herald’s CHRIS EARL about the family stories and how happenings at the old pub shaped lives and events in the district

Percy put his stamp on every local yarn

THE Bridge Hotel kept serving Kingower district residents and travelling salesmen for five years as the State Government licensing board first tried to have the town’s only public house closed.

Ellen Halbert had been running the ho tel for 35 years in 1914 when the temper ance movement influenced the Govern ment to reduce the number of hotels.

Mrs Halbert was living in the third ho tel building, by then owned by Bendigo brewers Cohn Brothers, and running the Kingower store from an attached wooden shop. The red brick public house had only been built in 1901 after previous timber edifices had burned down, the first little more than a year after being constructed in 1862.

Within a few years of the last beer in 1920, the Gilmore family had bought the old pub, shop and post office operating in former public bar where there is still the window that opened to serve ladies in their separate room.

Percy and Em Gilmore would be King ower postmaster and postmistress for the next 45 years. Grandson Mark said it was Em who was really running the post office, shop and the town telephone ex change that was set up on a wall of the hotel’s grandly named assembly room be hind the bar.

“I can remember a pubic phone on the wall too and with the switchboard con necting people on party lines until the automatic exchange came to Rheola in 1969-1970,” Mark said,

“A few years earlier ... there were fires around Rheola and Tarnagulla. We (par ents and sibling) were living in the school house and were evacuated all of 100 me tres to the hotel.

“My mother (Mary) was operating the switchboard - there were no radios on fire trucks in those days - taking reports from people around the district and I can remember my mother passing out and be ing carried down the passage.

“The (1965) fire burnt our family farm and all the sheep. That day in the old hotel I think shaped my future joining the fire brigade and then a career in fire services and also my father who went on to work

for the (then) Forests Commission,” Mark says sitting in what has been his mother’s lounge room.

Mark said the old Bridge Hotel had been the family home for just short of a centu ry. He says it has been an “awesome place to visit and always full of family staying over Christmas and full of food”.

“About 50 years ago, mum and dad add ed a verandah down the side in the same style as the front verandah, matching the building,” he said.

He speaks of learning about the assem bly room, what today would be called a dining room, able to seat 60 people.

“There’s a wall partition that is removed and becomes trestle tables for functions ... quite ingenious.

“And those partitions are still here, stored in the cellar eight feet high below the bar.”

The hotel also had its own piano that would be carried to the old Kingower Hall where grandfather Percy would either tickle the ivories or put out dance tunes on violin.

And there’s the family story of local lads rolling almonds under Percy’s tap ping feet as he played, cracking the nuts open.

The yard of the Old Bridge Hotel still has almond trees planted by generations of Gilmores.

And then there’s Percy’s stool that has been under the hotel verandah for as long as Mark can remember.

It’s where his grandfather would hold court with district residents after collect ing their mail or buying supplies from the long-demolished shop.

The stool is still used - newspaper deliv eries for the village now left on the tim ber seating that also acts as a waiting area for school bus pick ups.

“And yes, whoever buys the building will also get the stool,” Mark said.

Ellen Halbert only spent four years of ficially running the Bridge Hotel after her husband died in in 1910. Soon after that first licence board hearing, she sold to Jacob Hendrickson who lost out in the 1919 hearing when the board tossed up between delicensing Kingower’s Bridge

Hotel or the Charles Napier in Inglewood. Mr. Hendrickson kept on with the store and in 1922 he gained the post office be fore selling to Percy Gilmore in 1924.

The pub did serve beer again, with a special licence for the back-to Kingower in 1975. Celebrations also included a rob bery re-enactment and demonstrations by a blacksmith who crafted a Kingower 75 sign that sits prominently at the prop erty’s front gate. And the town’s defibril lator is at the hotel.

The hub of the town for more than 150 years and the Gilmore family for almost a century, there’s still one last hurrah before the property goes to auction next month following Mark’s mother Mary moving into Inglewood.

“It started from a casual comment but we’re going to have one more get together in the assembly room for locals,” he said.

“There are some who haven’t been in the bar - a heavy timber original featureso we’ll give them that opportunity.”

The October 15 auction includes a clear ing sale. Mark said some of the items are unique, possibly having come from a branch of the family with German origins.

“The Old Bridge is a symbol, the centre of the town,” he said.

“It has been our family home and it would be good for another family to cre ate their new memories and stories.”

A new chapter beckons for the old Bridge Hotel and stories to be shared sit ting on Percy’s stool.

z FP Nevins and Co Inglewood will con duct the auction and clearing sale from 9am on October 15. An open for inspection will be held this Saturday between midday and 1pm. Inquiries to James Nevins 0407 302 900.

Mark Gilmore at the Old Bridge Hotel bar that last pulled a beer during the 1975 back-to and collectables ready to go under the auctioneer’s hammer.

LH PHOTOS

Percy Gilmore

Percy and Em Gilmore

CATTO, Geoffrey

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

COLLINS (Martin) Winifred Anne 08/05/1932 - 26/09/2022

of Fentons Creek passed away peacefully at Bendigo Health on Monday 26th September aged 90 years.

Dearly loved wife of Harold (dec.). Loving mother of Bruce (dec.), Geoffrey, Craig and Lyle (dec.).

Respected mother-in-law of Sonya and Wendy. Nana of John, David, Jodie, Trudy, Lee and Brett. Great gran of 14.

“In God’s Loving Care”

PICKLES

A Funeral Service for Mr Kenneth William Pickles will be held at the Tyndale Uniting Church

Pyramid Hill on Friday October 7th at 10.30 AM. Followed by Burial at the Pyramid Hill Cemetery.

To View a live Stream go to www.adamsfunerals.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

PICKLES - Kenneth William 30/07/1929 – 09/09/2022

Peacefully at Royal Freemasons Flora Hill, Late of Pyramid Hill.

Third Son of Frederick and Janet (Both Dec).

Loved Brother and Brother in Law of Ernie, Alf and Margaret and Gwen (All Dec), Ron and Lorna (Dec). Adored Uncle of Sally and Martin, Kathryn and Lisa; Jeanette and Ken, Heather, Sharon and Wayne. Loved Great Uncle of Laura, Claire and Isabel.

A True Gentleman

Rest Peacefully

FUNERAL NOTICE

COLLINS

The funeral for Mrs. Winifred Collins will be held at the Anglican Church Old Cathedral St Arnaud on MONDAY (Oct. 3rd ) at 1.30pm.

The cortege will then leave for the St. Arnaud Lawn Cemetery.

KELL FUNERALS ST ARNAUD 54951043

PUBLIC NOTICES

BEEKEEPING FIELD DAY

Sunday 9 October 2022

Harcourt Leisure Centre 63 Bingham’s Rd. Numerous Trade Stalls, Open Hive & Beginners Demonstrations All Day Catering All Welcome.

Entry $15 Adults, $10 Conc. U16. Free. Ph: Carol 5446 7911

PUBLIC NOTICE

Expression of Interest Land purchase for biosolids drying facility

We invite expressions of interest from local landowners, ideally within a 50km radius of Bendigo, interested in selling a parcel of land of approximately 40 hectares for use as a drying and storage facility for biosolids.

Biolsolids are the by-product of the wastewater treatment process and once dried in accordance with EPA Victoria guidelines can be reused as an excellent nutrient rich fertiliser that can increase yields, reduce water use and boost carbon levels in the soil.

The opportunity for landowners to use the biosolids on adjacent land is an option, but not a requirement of the process.

Further details, including an Information Pack can be found at www.connect. com.au/biosolids-airdrying-facility or by contacting us on 1300 363 200. Alternatively, if you plan to visit the Elmore Field Days, visit our Coliban Water stall and speak with one of our team.

Expressions of interest close 5pm Friday 4 November.

Monday 10 October

Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall

All tickets

shows will commence at 8pm Book now at gotix.com.au

MEETING

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 18th October 7pm - Inglewood Sports Pavilion

Contact: David Rose - Secretary E:secretary.ifc@hotmail.com

CAREERS AT LODDON

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.

Project Development Coordinator – ref.J/179

Full-time, xed-term position for two years

Based in Wedderburn o ce with exible work locations available

Band 7 - $48.24 per hour plus employer superannuation

Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99

Permanent, full-time position

Salary package negotiable

Community Care Workers – ref.J/102 and J/105

Casual and part-time positions

Band 3 - $28.64 per hour ($35.80 for casuals inclusive of loading)

Early Childhood Educator – ref.no J/123

Casual positions at all kindergartens

ECEC1.1 - $29.75 (inclusive of casual loading)

Early Childhood Teacher – ref.no J/124

Casual positions at all kindergartens

ECTC1.1 - $40.05 (inclusive of casual loading)

Applications for the positions above will be assessed 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 Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

Spring is here ... summer is around the corner ... and we’re looking for Waiting and Kitchen staff to join our teams providing friendly service and quality meals to our loyal clientele and visitors to our region

For further information and to discuss becoming a vital team member at Boort and Pyramid Hill, please phone 0417 111 297

THE LODDON’S FINAL SERIES TEAMS

Loddon Valley under 18 runners up Bridgewater

Loddon Valley under 18 season debutantes East Loddon

Loddon Valley 15 and under runners-up Pyramid Hill

Loddon Valley 17 and under runners-up Calivil

North Central 14 and under finalists Boort

North Central 17 and under finalists Boort

Bridgewater’s Daisy Stringer on grand final day

Karen Twigg give instructions to her victorious 13 and under Pyramid Hill team

PHOTOS: Chris Earl, Andrew Perryman

PHOTOS:

Chris Earl, Andrew Perryman

North Central C Grade finalists Wedderburn

Loddon Valley B Grade runners-up Bridgewaterr

Loddon Valley C Grade runners-up Bridgewater

Loddon Valley premiers Marong

Loddon Valley reserves premiers Marong

Maddi Postle (far left) put in a best on court performance for Wedderburn in claiming the A Grade premiership. Among key players in the Redbacks’ champion team of 2022 was Emma Lockhart (left).

Wedderburn went through the season undefeated.

Top fields back charities

LARGE fields contested play in charity golf events at Inglewood and Wedderburn on AFL Grand Final Eve.

Inglewood and District Health Services day was back after a COVID hiatus and organisers are currently totalling up receipts and donations.

The event was well support ed by the community with 20 teams taking to the course.

The winning team was “ The Murphy’s” who took away first prize which included a round of golf at the Bendigo Golf club.

Second place went to the Huntly Hooters and third was Happy Hackers, led by team cap tain Jill Hobbs.

IDHS community, consumer and volunteer engagement of ficer Cindy Gould thanked Ingle wood Golf Club and community partners for their contributions through sponsorship, prize do nations and support on the day.

At Wedderburn, more than $5100 was raised for Friedreich Ataxia Research Association to take the total money raised by the club over the the past decade to more than $80,000.

Thirty-one pairs contested the day’s event with A Grade hon ours going to Byron Bird and Jim Tonkin on 39 points from Rob bie Sutton and Keith Bird 38 on a countback from Chris Johns and Ron Hart.

Jon Chandler and David Fry took the prizes in B Grade with 43 points from Owen Bailey and

Ian Hargreaves 41. The ladies event was won by Di Walker ands Debbie Bish 37.

The succesful team in the mixed was Vicki and Andrew Bainbridge 36.

The best second was Scott Wright and nearest the pins Tony Holt, Norm Shea, Josh Mil lie and Chris Johns.

Defender A Grade best, fairest

CALIVIL defender Jasmine Con dliffe has won the Demons’ A Grade best and fairest.

Condliffe was also named among the Demons’ best in finals at last week’s presentation night, sharing honours with Mia Mc Crann-Peters and Michelle Balic.

Runner-up in the best and fair est was Tia Steen and the coach’s award went to Amy Ryan.

Oustanding service to the club by Kellie Anset was recognised with life membership at the pres entation evening.

13 and under: - Most disci plined: Ruby Cullen. Coach’s Award: Georgia Pascoe. 15 and under best and fairest: Ava Max ted from Layla Pearce. Most dis ciplined: Macey Vinnicombe. Coach’s award: Jorja Lawry. 17 and under best and fairest: Georgia Mangan from Stephanie Demeo. Most disciplined: Gemma Maxted. Coach’s Award: Libby Clymo. Best in finals: Keira Lawry C Reserve best and fairest Molly Maher from Hannah Ilsley.

Coach’s award: Molly Maher. C Grade best and fairest: Maddison Villiva from Tash Gill-Symons. Coach’s award: Zoe Hicks. B Grade best and airest: Nicole Rog ers from Bridget Baker and Mila Grant. Coach’s award: Kyndalin Smith.

Netball milestone for the sea son - 100 games: Kyndalin Smith, Tegan Christian 150 games: Tia Steen, Hollie Alford.

In football, the reserves best and fairest was won by Cody Anderson from Jheuban Medina. Coach’s award: Ned Cartwright. Most consistent: Jayden Mander son.

The top senior award was won by Phil Ryan from Jake Lawry. Coach’s award: Mikey Maxey. Most consistent: Mitch Deering. Milestones were - 150 games: Brady Coates. 200 games: Jordan Lea. 200 games: Evan Ritchie. Best clubperson was Karen Pascoe and the James Cartwright Memorial Award went to Gemma Maxted.

‘Jacko’ leads opening day winners

OPENING day at Dingee Bowls Club on Sunday welcomed worth while weather.

From individual entries the host club selected teams for three games of eight ends, playing twobowl triples.

Only one team won their three matches, "Jacko" Jackman skip pering Ron Thompson and Pam Kelly. Following the same open ing day formula, this Sunday is at Serpentine and the following

Sunday at Calivil. Bridgewater has a meeting this week to com plete team selection for the mid week competition.

IGA Inglewood will again spon sor the Bridgewater best fours vouchers for the pennant compe tition.

Bridgewater has a two bowls triples tournament on November 23 sponsored by the Johns Fam ily in memory of their parents, Graeme and Dawn.

Northern delights for Sandersons

CHARLTON brother and sister Ryan and Abby Sanderson en joyed a great end to the week.

Ryan was successful aboard 5Y0 Rocknroll Dance-Ideal Tact mare Tic Tact in the Back HRV’S PCFA Ambassadors – Donate To day Pace at Horsham on Friday and both Cutty Sark and Holzhau er at Mildura.

Abby steered stablemates Ma jor Watson and Two Sock Creek to victory at Mildura.

Tic Tact part-owned and trained by Stawell’s Chris Blake, led throughout to register a neck margin in a rate of 1-58.5 over Areuohkay along the sprint lane from three pegs, with Sweet sazzymylazzy (one/two) third 3.7 metres away.

Four-year-old Somebeach somewhere-Lombo Cloud Nine

gelding Cutty Sark a former member of the Sanderson team raced by the Birchip boys now with Scott Garraway at Mildura, circled the field from the extreme draw to race outside poleline sta blemate Agent Cullen. Cutty Sark then raced clear on turning to score by 3.9 metres from Dougs Cino which trailed and Waiting For You which followed the pair. The mile rate 2-00.3.

At Mildura, three year old Holzhauer trained by Lachlan Prothero at Birdwoodton scored in the APG – The Industry’s Not For Profit Sales C0 Pace over 2190 metres.

A colt by Falcon Seelster from Meilita Bromac Holzhauer began speedily from gate four to mo mentarily lead, with Alex Ash wood (Roberts Delight) (gate two) immediately easing off his back to assume control. Hard driven in the back straight on the final oc casion to stay in touch, Holzhau er eased away from the inside on turning and did best in a slugging finish to prevail by a neck on the wire. Polemarker Billy Jack (three pegs) a stablemate of the winner was third 6.2 metres back after never leaving the inside running. The mile rate 1-59.9. Six-year-old

Art Major-Watties Sweetheart gelding Major Watson raced by Bendigo’s Rob Martin chalked up his thirteenth success when vic torious in the APG – Serving The Industry For 32 Years Pace over 1790 metres.

Driven by Abby Sanderson for Strathfieldsaye trainer Jul ie Douglas, Major Watson led throughout from gate three and was never going to lose, reaching the judge 4.3 metres clear of Den nis (three pegs from inside the second line) which gained inside runs, with polemarker Starvin Marvin 1.1 metres back third af ter trailing the winner and easing away from the inside on turning. The rate 1-58.1.

Prolific owners Eric and Heath er Anderson’s Kiwi bred 4Y0 Live Or Die-Roman Goddess gelding

Two Sock Creek racing under the banner of E & H Nominees Pty Ltd landed the Join The VHRC Pace over 2190 metres giving Abby Sanderson the double. Starting from gate three on the second line, Abby wasted no time with Two Sock Creek was off and run ning three wide shortly after the start to cross the leader Our Amazing Grace (gate three) in the front straight on the first occa sion. Given an easy time.

Two Sock Creek just lasted by a head to account for Our Amaz ing Grace which flashed late after extricating off the winners back halfway up the running.

Orama came from near last in the moving line to be third 5.3 metres away after switching down to the inside on turning.

- LEN BAKER

Calivil’s newest life member Kellie Anset (right) with daughter Imogen at the presentation evening.

IDHS CEO Dallas Coghill shows his form at Friday’s charity day. LH PHOTO

Ollie Clapp, Darby Brown, Leni Brown and Harry Clapp at Wedderburn’s FARA day. LH PHOTO

Junior country plans afoot

UPPER Loddon Cricket Associa tion is eyeing a return to country week competitions.

On the eve of the new season, association president Wendy Murphy said expressions of in terest would soon be sought from juniors.

She said availability and age of players would determine what side the association would enter.

But no final call has been made on senior Bendigo Country Week with the association still to re

ceive confirmation of a new for mat.

Bendigo Country Week has proposed options that would see association teams meeting at multiple venues on successive weekends for up to a month.

The proposed format would replace the traditional one-week structure when all matches have been played in Bendigo.

Murphy said the association expected to see Upper Loddon junior teams again provide play

ers for opportunities at senior level.

Senior competition will be one-day matches from this Sat urday. Juniors start on October 8 and secretary Michael Rose is putting finishing touches to the draw of one and two-day en counters.

THIS WEEK

Boort Yando v Kingower Arnold v Bridgewater Wedderburn bye

Consistency aim of Magpies who build momentum

BOORT became the glamour side of Upper Loddon cricket from soon after the Christmas 2021, lifting itself from the bottom of the ladder in the five-team com petition to a berth in the grand final.

While the Magpies claimed Arnold’s scalp in the home and away season, momentum stopped with a thud in the de cider.

Captain Jarod Hordoras is aiming for greater consistency of team availability and perfor mance this season. He hopes to see brother Matt and Cam Grif fith in the side more often and an increased role for Fergus Bear and Alex Cockerell.

give them some solid stints,” Ho doras said.

“We saw what Fergus could do last season with bat and ball. Alex was crucial at No 5 and could step further up the order this season.

“We need more consistent bat ting and that was shown in the grand final.

“We know we can restrict our opponents when bowling but we have been prone to getting bowled out cheaply.

“We are looking to play much more consistently like we did in that patch after Christmas.”

Redbacks looking to youngsters

REIGNING premiers Arnold aims to elevate young players for the club’s equally success ful junior side of 2021-2022.

Missing from the Redbacks this season will be Matt Geri.

He topped the association’s batting averages, hitting 575 in 10 matches with Arnold finishing the home and away season with eight wins, a draw and three defeats.

Captain Cam Dale also said No 3 bat Dan Mason was an other player not lining up with the Redbacks this sea son.

games and starred in the grand final. His best fig ures were 3-26 off six overs against Wedderburn with three maidens.

Dale also identified Seth Hewett and Campbell Han cock as likely youngsters to make their senior debut.

“There’re players we are hoping will come on this sea son,” he said. “But at the mo ment, there are no confirmed big ins for us.”

Jarod Hodoras

“We’re hoping to get some of the players more regularly and

Hodoras said the Pies had al ready had several sessions in the nets with new faces likely to be available for selection in open ing rounds.

Vital boost secured to bowling stocks Tom back in association keeping wickets

CAMERON Last will make a return to Kingower this season in what captain Braydon Welsh expects will give the club’s bowling stocks a significant boost.

Welsh, who missed half of the 2021-2022 season with a knee injury, is also looking to put in a full year for KIngower with the aim of giving a grand final berth a decent crack.

“Cameron came through our juniors and pre-COVID returned the amazing figures of 8-15 against New bridge. He will certainly add to our bowling stocks,” Welsh said.

“And we haven’t been in a grand final for a few years ... always there abouts ... but not in the final game of the season.

“We will need big efforts in the bowling department to make that next step.”

Welsh said good statistics with bat and bowl during the season were tarnished with the collapses in the semi-final.

He said fielding was again expected to be a strength for Kingower “and we can all step up in that depart ment too.”

However, missing from the field will be Nick Leach who continues recovery and rehabilitation after being seriously injured in a road accident earlier this year.

“Nick’s been a good all-rounder and his absence will be a bit of a blow,” Welsh said. “The club is right behind Nick as he continues his rehabilitation and we know he will always be around encouraging us on.”

Dale said: “We are hoping to have a few of the younger ones step up more this sea son.”

They will include Jaspa Wendels who played four

Also missing from the Red backs this season will be top junior Gabe Nevins who is trying his hand in Bendigo.

Dale, Ryan Metelmann and club veteran Phil Scholes will be key to the Redbacks’ for tunes - the trio figuring as as soiciation best last season.

Band beating time as new opener arrives

BRIDGEWATER has strengthened its top batting order with the arrival of Tom Staniforth.

The former Newbridge player has been donning the whites for Emu Valley association club California Gul ly but will return to Upper Loddon in the role of bats man and wicket keeper.

Bridgewater captain Harry McKinley said recruiting Staniforth would provide support at the crease and as sist with developing depth down the order.

“My brother Tom was the standout bat last season but then the order would drop away,” McKinley said.

“Tom Staniforth will really add to the depth of our bats and hopefully we will not lose wickets in the easy way they dropped last season.

“We didn’t make the finals and that was disappoint ing. Our first goal is certainly to be in the action after the home and away season.”

There has been speculation in Upper Loddon circles that local football hero Andrew Collins will be in the Bridgewater team but McKinley said there were no confirmed inclusions in the lineup.

However, missing from Bridgewater will be Riley Taylor who has headed north trying his luck on the football grounds of Darwin this summer.

Bridgewater is also continuing its junior develop ment program with Cricket Blast initiative starting next Thursday. McKinley said the program had been a success last season and expects more local youngsters to take part over coming weeks.

OPENING bat and off-spin bowler Tom Kirk will be playing the Wedderburn Band tune this season after being in Darwin for the last two years.

Band captain Luke Holt said the inclusion of Kirk and Matt Lockhart, who had committed to a full sea son, would bolster his side’s performances in 20222023.

“It’s always tough getting players so the commit ment of Tom and Matt will give us a better shot at consistency this season,” Holt said.

He said the club’s enthusiastic junior side would also continue development this summer.

Among the junior products making a mark with Wedderburn Band is James Vander-Wetering who fin ished last season with 11 wickets, including a hat-trick against Kingower last December. That day he con ceded just 15 runs in three overs but still Kingower claimed the honours.

At the opposite end of the age spectrum, club veter ans Steve Giorlando and Adam Postle have confirmed they will be taking the field. Opening bowler Postle was an early leader in the association bowling last sea son while Giorlando played crucial innings with both bat and ball. Holt said: “Steve and Poss easily have an other good 10 years in them.”

Wedderburn will have a delayed start to action, drawing the bye in Saturday’s opening round before hosting Bridgewater on the turf wicket for its round two match.

Arnold skipper Cam Dale

Loddon HERALD sport

Glenda awarded top honour on club’s special day

GLENDA Bird’s half-century of taking to the fairways was recognised with life member ship of Wedderburn Golf Club on Friday.

The former club champion, president and captain who plays off a handicap of 12 re ceived the honour at the club’s FARA charity day, raising money for the Friedreich Ataxia Research Association.

The association’s research work for treat ment and a cure has special meaning for Glenda and husband Keith with four of their children having the degenerative muscle dis

ease. Glenda said she was honoured “but shocked at the time” when the life member ship was announced at the end of play.

“We have been married almost 50 years so I started playing in 1973,” Glenda said.

She has been a member of the match com mittee and is a regular at tournaments across the region.

“I enjoy it (golf) and these days we are all doing our best to keep the club going,” Glen da said.

CHARITY DAYS - PAGE 26

DEMON DENNIS RETURN

PREMIERSHIP coach An thony Dennis is heading home to Calivil for sea son 2023.

Dennis, who has spent the past four years with Murray league club Tongala, was announced as coach of the Loddon Valley league side at the Demon’s best and fairest night last week.

The home-grown coach told the Loddon Herald he wanted to see out his playing days with the Demons.

Dennis played his junior foot ball with Calivil and returned as a player in 2012 after stints with Sandhurst and Eaglehawk in the Bendigo league.

A three-year coaching run at Calivil netted a senior flag in 2017.

However, post-COVID the De mons have struggled to repeat that form and finished with the wooden spoon this season after losing six games by less than 10 points.

Dennis said he expected to retain 80 per cent of the 2022 playing list and would work on development of younger players at the club.

He also expected to gain play ers to aid a Demons’ resurgence.

“I hope we can bring in some experienced players, recruit

well, and take the club to the next standard,” Dennis said.

“We can only gain and I’m pretty confident we will be up and about next year.

“And I’m looking for more de velopment of our younger play ers. (As a player) I’ll slot in wherever.”

Dennis said he was excited to be returning with his family to the area and club where he grew up.

Calivil has also announced the re-appointment of Tom Wake field as reserves coach for 2023.

“Tom has coached the Reserves for the past two years and has done a power of work to build the team,” the club said.

Anthony Dennis