Loddon Herald 30 January 2025

AUSTRALIA DAY

IN OUR

COMMUNITIES - PICTURES, STORIES PAGES 9-11

WATER CURB THREAT

IRRIGATORS across Loddon communities will be hit with water rationing within weeks.

Goulburn Murray Water is blaming “one of the busiest” irrigation seasons in its 30-year history for the decision.

But former GMW board member and Fernihurst irrigator Ken Pattison warns rationing is an ominous sign for the future as the Federal Government persists with water buybacks across the region.

GMW has called pop-up briefings in Boort next week. Water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said it was “likely some irrigation systems within northern Victoria would enter a rationing cycle in early 2025”.

“We have delivered a significant amount of water to irrigators throughout the 2024-2025 irrigation season so far, and with conditions remaining dry, this is likely to continue,” he said.

“Water orders tend to peak in

By CHRIS EARL

autumn, and we expect that in some parts of our system, orders may exceed what our channel network is capable of delivering.”

Mr Pattison slammed GMW for failing to consult with irrigators before raising the spectre of rationing.

“It’s a disaster. There’s no details but the fear is we will get just 10 per cent of the water we have already paid for,” he said.

“The threat of rationing shows GMW is totally removed from its customer base and is being driven by the 450GL buybacks.

“These disasters facing gravity irrigators in northern Victoria will be to the serious detriment of food and fibre production.

“We have already had the irrigation entitlement for the Boort and Pyramid Hill district halved in the past decade and now GMW can’t meet current demand ... before there are more buybacks.”

CONTINUED PAGE 3

Hay! It’s true Aussie spirit

MORE than 2000 hay bales rolled out of Bridgewater on Saturday morning bound for South Australian farms gripped by drought.

Trucks loaded with the round bales had come from across central Victoria to the staging point at the town’s recreation reserve on Friday.

Aussie Hay Runners co-ordinator Pete Wuthrich said the bales had been bound for Peterborough, three hours north of Adelaide, for the Australia Day weekend delivery.

“Bridgewater was a central staging area before we set off on the 10-hour plus drive to Peterborough.

“We’ve had trucks and hay come in from 100km around Bridgewater.”

Mr Wuthrich said more than 100 farmers in South Australia would receive hay deliveries to help them feed stock impacted by the prolonged drought.

“The paddocks over there ... there’s nothing on the ground,” he said.

Mr Wuthrich said the past

two years had seen Aussie Hay Runners transporting donated wheat and oaten hay to New South Wales farmers hit by floods and fires.

“Now the deliveries are being made into South Australia - Peterborough Ceduna. We made a run before Christmas and we’re now heading back.,” he said.

Truck drivers in the convoy were given a cooked breakfast by Bridgewater Football Netball Club before setting off soon after 7am on Saturday. Local businesses donated the food.

Thumbs up to Australia Day weekend hay run ... Adam Ford, Glenn Grima, Aaron Grima and Hayden Underwood prepare to leave Bridgewater on Saturday morning. LH PHGOTOI

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UMBRELLA packages were a sellout at Sunday’s Wedderburn Pacing Cup where among the crowd enjoying ample shade were (above) Paula Atherton, Leanne Thomson. Jess Benaim, Julie Benaim, Emily Benaim Abby Bird and Heidi Fisicarto and (left) Renee Colls, Reece Carroll, Owen Lockhart and Amber King.

Heritage farm gates do unbolter

HERITAGE farm gates worth hundreds of dollars on the antique market have been unhinged from posts in the Bridgewater district over the past week.

Senior Constable Mick Balazs is investigating the theft of Sunshine gates from Bridgewater North and Derby. He wants people to be alert to

attempts to sell the gates on online market sites and to report suspicious activity to police.

Senior Constable Balazs said it was the second time in less than a decade that farm gates, up to 100 years old, had been targeted by thieves in the district.

“About seven or eight years ago, there were up to 14 sets of these

gates taken in the area,” Senior Constable Balazs said.

Many popped up for sale at online sites. A man was later charged by police with a series of thefts from rural properties across Victoria.

Anyone with information can contact Bridgewater police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

IN BRIEF

Hall festival

INGLEWOOD is on the tour itinerary for the 2025 Festival of Small Halls. The March folk music performance will feature Hat Fitz and Cara and Lucy Farrell. Local act The Ruminators! will open the concert. Pyramid Hill was a stop in the festival’s 2024 tour.

Lock your cars

POLICE have urged Loddon residents to keep their cars locked after five thefts from vehicles in Bridgewater last week. Senior Constable Mick Balazs said some items reported stolen had been from unlocked cars. Police are investigating the incidents.

Rabbit bait

NORTH Central Catchment Management Authority’s buy-one-get-one-free rabbit bait program is back. February is Rabbit Buster Month across Victoria, and the North Central CMA says it is helping landholders around key northern wetlands control the pests. Landholders next to Kerang Ramsar-listed wetlands can buy subsidised products.

In the 40s

MONDAY’S sweltering weather saw the temperature in Loddon communities crack the 40-degree mark for the second time in a week. Temperatures are again expected and peak next Monday and Tuesday.

SCHOOL YEAR STARTS ACROSS OUR REGION

Student to principal

STUDENTS have started the 2025 year across the Loddon.

Classes got underway yesterday with prep students beginning their school years having a staggered start into next week.

And at Inglewood Primary School the year has started with a familiar face in a new role.

Former grade 4-6 teacher, Rebecca Luckman, has stepped into the role of principal after Lex Johnstone’s retirement at the end of last year.

“I’m a little nervous about the role because Lex left big shoes to fill but the amount of support and well wishes I’ve received from the Inglewood community has been amazing,” said Rebecca.

When Rebecca started her teaching course after her children were born, becoming principal wasn’t in her future plans, she thought she may eventually move to a role as a literacy specialist.

However, it was Mr Johnstone who suggested she should consider the role.

After completing the Victorian Aspiring Principal Assessment and an unlocking potential course ,she put her name in for the position.

Rebecca says: “I am absolutely blown away by the support I’ve received from the community. It’s an absolute privilege to be in this role and I’m so grateful for the huge amount of support I’ve received.”

Rebecca’s first introduction to Inglewood Primary came long before her teaching position at the school. After moving from Melbourne to Inglewood she completed grade six at the school before attending Wed-

derburn College for her secondary schooling. Her two children also attended Inglewood Primary School. “The support from the staff and students as well has been fantastic,” Rebecca said.

“The staff have all celebrated my success alongside me and the students are excited for me as well.

One student told me if I couldn’t be their teacher they were glad that I could still be their prin-

Vikki’s

cipal.” Having worked with Mr Johnstone during her nine years at the school, Rebecca feels confident to lead the school continuing to focus on the priorities the school community values such as wellbeing and support.

“There will be some changes, but they’ll flow on from changes made already rather than sudden unexpected changes.”

“For me the role isn’t a stepping

stone before moving to a bigger school. I love working in small schools and I love being able to work in the community I live in.”

“I’m looking forward to this year, our interior building works are almost complete, and our new signs have gone up out the front.

“A new brick path with families’ names is being put in out the front, it’s a really exciting time,” she said.

new learning adventure

IT was like the first day of school all over again on Tuesday for Vikki Moresi.

More than three decades after starting her career as a kindergarten teacher, Vikki has embarked on a slight career change in 2025.

Vikki is in a new role at Boort District School where she will see the growth of students from a different perspective.

month. “I had completed my diploma of teaching in early childhood in Melbourne and took my first job at the kindergarten in Wentworth in 1991,” she said.

“I moved back to Boort when I married Brett and had a short stint in retail in Kerang before returning to the early childhood setting.

when they headed off to their next adventures at school.

“And you get to know the families a lot, too, when living locally.”

Vikki said one of the biggest changes in early childhood teaching had been regulatory requirements and paperwork.

Steve Phillips

Director resigns

LODDON Shire’s operations director Steve Phillips has resigned. Mr Phillips has held the position since 2017 and been on council’s staff since 2009 when he started as assistant manager works. He previously worked in the forestry and fire management sector. Mr Phillips’ resignation was announced to staff last week and he will finish in the role in March. Meanwhile, council’s tourism and economic development manager David Stretch is acting as community wellbeing director while Wendy Gladman is on leave.

Issue at plant

COLIBAN Water on Tuesday was carting supplies to its Boort treatment plans “as a proactive measure ... while we investigate a communications fault at the plant”. Coliban said water remained safe to drink.

FROM PAGE 1

Water rationing flagged by GMW

A GMW spokesman said: “Irrigation demand is high this irrigation season due to several reasons, including drier than usual conditions and high water availability.

“So far this season, we have delivered over 780,000 ML to irrigators. Over the past 10 irrigation seasons, the average amount of water delivered to irrigators at this part of the season is 448,000 ML.

For the past 24 years, Vikki had been the pre-school teacher at Boort before stepping down last

“One of the great memories working in pre-school at Boort has been seeing the children grow, especially the three-year-olds from the day they start to

She said the “first day of school” was the start of new and interesting chapter in her career.

Vikki’s role will be multi-faceted, assisting around the school and in classrooms “still seeing our young people grow”.

“There isn’t a set trigger for when rationing is implemented. Broadly speaking, it is implemented when irrigation demand exceeds channel capacity for an extended period of time. It’s difficult to predict when rationing is most likely to occur but it is unlikely to happen before March.”

New Inglewood Primary School principal Rebecca Luckman. LH PHOTO

Vikki Moresi

Fire land culls ‘will help with recovery’

KANGAROO culling needed to be increased after fires to boost recovery of parks and farm, a veteran professional shooter said this week.

Newbridge’s Glenn Cole said calls to stop kangaroo culling in the Grampians after fire destroyed more than 70,000 hectares before Christmas were misguided.

“We actually need to cull more kangaroos, so when the burnt area of the National park and farm land starts to regrow, the plants will have a chance to re-establish without having Kangaroos and other animals eating the plants before they can get some size on them,” Mr Cole said.

“In farming practices, you would exclude stock from pastures So it can re-establish itself before stock are allowed to graze it.

“The kangaroos and feral animals that have survived the fire are now putting extra pressure on existing feed in non-burnt national park and farming land, thus causing over grazing, this impacts the farmers especially causing more pressure on them to feed their own livestock in a very dry year.”

Mr Cole claimed discussions with public land managers in the past five years had seen agreement that kangaroo numbers were too great for the forest and parks to handle, “forcing kangaroos onto private land”. “The workers and managers are saying plants that should be 1.5 metres high are only 0.75- to one-metre-high owing to over grazing. This is one reason Parks Victoria do annual culls in the north-west parks of up to 4000 kangaroos,” he said.

“There are also many government departments that do annual culls of kangaroos on land they manage.

“As for people saying that there is small numbers of kangaroos in Victoria. Just go and ask any landowner/farmer for their observations.”

Mr Cole said he had lived near the Loddon River for 65 years.

“Where I spent my first 28 years, there were never any kangaroos on the east side of the Loddon River, and very few on the west side of the river (forest side). Now on the east side of the river there is in excess of 100 kangaroos around the small town I grew up in.

“Talking to the previous generation, they would talk of when the were little when a kangaroo was seen, it was very rare and special, the whole district would come to see it,” he said.

“My interest is to control the number of kangaroos and other wildlife that are out of control/over populated.

“Farmers spend hundreds of dollars per hectare to grow crops and feed for livestock only to have large numbers of kangaroos and other wildlife come in and destroy large parcels of crop and pastures.

“Farmers in my local area grow summer crops to feed their livestock over summer and autumn, only to have kangaroos coming in and eat the feed before they can feed it to their livestock - (normal farming practice is to destock a summer crop paddock to let the feed grow and bulk up then let livestock in to graze.

Mr Cole said culling and harvesting of kangaroos would give land time to recover for natural disasters. “Don’t give in to the latest calls that want to have a ban on culling. That will only place unnecessary stress on recovering land,” he said.

Organisers step up planning pace

PLANNING for the 152nd Rheola Charity Carnival has accelerated with the start of the new year.

President Matt Catto said volunteers had already had their first meeting and would be together again this Sunday putting together the day’s activities.

“The formula works well ... thousands of people coming to Rheola on Easter Monday to experience traditional country entertainment and activities,” he said.

“Our meetings since last Easter had reviewed how we are doing things to make sure the unique heritage of the carnival is honoured and maintained and the event,

the oldest and biggest in the Loddon Shire, continues as a big drawcard for locals and visitors.”

He said the committee hoped major orienteering events in the shire over Easter would drive a surge in carnival crowd numbers. “With more visitors in the district, we’re working to stage a carnival that allows people from across Australia and even overseas to really immerse themselves in our traditions and culture.”

Mr Catto said the carnival would again need an army of volunteers. “People new to the area are welcome to join the great team ... we’ve plenty jobs to be done.”

Tributes for Boo Boo

Christopher Philippe Nevins 1960-2025

BORN and bred from good local stock was how third generation businessman Chris Nevins was remembered when more than 800 people celebrated his life at a Requiem Mass last week.

His brother John delivered the eulogy and readings were given by cousins and fellow directors of FP Nevins and Co, Luke and James.

John said: “Chris went to the Inglewood Catholic Primary School, St Mary’s ... and in that time served as an altar Boy in this church.

“After primary school Chris went to Marist Brothers College in Bendigo and together with many other locals would catch the bus to and from Inglewood every school day.

“While a bright and capable student, Chris attended school because that was what you did, but school was not a priority for him. It was what you did before you entered the workforce. That was his objective.

“When Chris completed Year 12 and stepped out into life where he was free to chose where he went and what he did he didn’t need to think about it. He didn’t want to leave Inglewood and working in the family business ... was what he wanted to do. He was 18.

“F P Nevins & Co was not just a

job to Chris; it was a passion. He was committed and dedicated to his clients who he viewed as old friends and the people he worked with weren’t fellow workers they were part of his extended family. Being a stock and station agent is not a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job. It involves long hours and early starts, which on some market days could mean 2am in the sale yards and often weekend work yarding and drafting stock.

“Chris said he would work in the business until it was 100 years old. That milestone was achieved in April 2023, but Chris did not retire.”

He played tennis when younger with St Augustine’s Tennis Club golf at Inglewood and was

a strong supporter of the Inglewood and Kingower Cricket Clubs as the official scorer where he has a reputation as a meticulous observer and scorer.

“It was Inglewood Football and Netball Club where Chris was awarded life membership in 2007, that he had the longest and most committed personal focus. He played football for the Club as a junior and as a young man. He then went onto being a long term club volunteer but it was in his role as volunteer Gateman at the Inglewood Football Ground that Chris was probably best known in the community. For in the order of 38 years Chris was a permanent fixture on the Gate with a welcoming smile for Club sup-

porters and competitors to Inglewood home games,” John said.

“It was during his time playing football for Inglewood that he picked up his nick name; Boo Boo. Exactly how, has been lost in the mists of time, but his nickname is based on the cartoon character Yogi Bear’s side kick. A little, short, pot bellied bear called; you guessed it Boo Boo,” John said.

Chris, 65, was Bendigo Stock Agents Association president when he died suddenly earlier this month.

FP Nevins and Co staff and Inglewood Football Netball Club members formed a guard of honour for Chris as the cortege left St Mary’s church for the burial at Inglewood cemetery.

Givoni’s Rita dies, aged 91

RESPECTED manager of the former Givoni factory in Wedderburn, Rita Nasi, has died just weeks after attending a reunion of ex-staff.

Ms Nasi was aged 91 and had lived in Bendigo since the factory closed after 25 years in 1989.

One of the reunion organisers, Robyn Vella, said last November’s reunion had been a wonderful opportunity for former staff to again catch up with Rita.

“Even though Rita had been living in Bendigo, she always kept up contact with the Wedderburn community and many of the former staff members,” Robyn said.

“Rita was more than the manager. She was a wonderful mentor to so many who worked at the Givoni factory making dressing gowns and other apparel. She was a friend.”

Rita’s funeral will be held in Wedderburn next week.

Customer Experience Strategy 2025-29

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Loddon Shire’s new Customer Experience Strategy and Charter for 2025-2029 by completing the survey using the QR code.

Staff from FP Nevins and Co and Inglewood Football Netball Club form a guard of honour for Chris Nevins (inset). LH PHOTOS

The late Rita Nasi

Lions lose roar: second club will call time

A SECOND Loddon service club will disappear within months.

Low membership will force the 42-year-old East Loddon Lions into recess. But president Alan Guthrie says he struggles to see the club re-emerging in 2026.

“The COVID years really hit volunteering and we’re now down to just five members and some are no longer able to fully participate in our activities,” he said.

The club called on community volunteers to help with the barbecue at Sunday’s Australia Day celebration in Dingee.

Lions members have organised annual national day events in the old East Loddon Shire, rotating between Serpentine, Jarklin, Dingee, Mitiamo and Calivil.

Mr Guthrie said the 12-month recess was a requirement of Lions International before a club could be officially closed.

Pyramid Hill Lions finished their community service with the club being closed last month, leaving the shire with three service clubs - Lions in Inglewood and Wedderburn and Boort Amity. Local Apex and Rotary clubs have long disappeared from the community volunteer landscape.

Mr Guthrie said East Loddon Lions would wrap up with its driver reviver on the Loddon Valley Highway at Bears Lagoon

at Easter and a final year of the junior public speaking competition at East Loddon P12 College.

Inglewood club president Eddie Sydor said two new members had joined in the past year.

“We do a lot of catering for events and are lucky to have a loyal group but numbers could be much higher. Being in a service club is a rewarding way to connect and contribute to a local community,” Mr Sydor said.

Wedderburn secretary Jon Chandler said: “We have 27 members ... we’d love to recruit young people to lower the average age.”

The average age of Lions club members across the region was currently 68, Mr Chandler said.

Great food ... great fit

THE community loves it ... that was the response as Flavours of Loddon food and wine producers wrapped up their second showcase in Boort on Saturday night.

An estimated 800 people flocked to Nolen’s Park for four hours of local cuisine, drinks and live music from Elias Lanyon.

“Flavours of Loddon has again proven a great fit with the Boort community and visitors on the Australia Day long weekend,” said Flavours’ coordinator Anne Maree Davis.

“It was a great night as people relaxed, talked and dined.”

Flavours of Loddon will head to Bridgewater on the March long weekend, setting up on the banks of the Loddon River near the caravan park.

Alan Guthrie ... COVID years took toll on volunteering. LH PHOTO

Gemma and Isabelle Smyth ... time for paella. LH PHOTOS

Sue Gould, Merrin Rees, Noemi Dussin, Carlene Darker and Tom Bleicher relax in Nolen’s Park Boort Tourism Development members

Cassandra, Colby an Leanne Bartels

Fashionista statements

FASCINATORS, straw hats, bucket hats and borrowed hats topped off racing fashion at Sunday’s Wedderburn Harness Racing Club’s cup meeting.

Local fashionistra were joined by entrants from the harness racing and racing fashions on the field circuit as they walked the stage at Donaldson Park.

Paula Atherton and Abby Bird were judges of the sections, the first conducted

at Wedderburn in three years as harness racing returned to the town after being held in Maryborough while the new park complex was built.

Club committee

greaves co-ordinated entries and said participation was strong in all age groups.

“For some it was their first time at Wedderburn while others are regulars at the cup meeting,” she said.

member Michelle Har-

Ryleigh Amos and Wedderburn’s Dakota Martin were winners of the 19 and under section. LH PHOTOS

Tawny Bell and Arlo Brown after being sashed the eight and under winners

Hat of the day winners Kylie Henley and Katherine Wiliams

Twins Isla and Mitchell Sullivan, of Benalla, won the 12 and under section

Tiny tot winner Kai Cook with mum DonnaTiny tot winner Violet Hannah and dad Kurt

AUSTRALIA DAY 2025 ... IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Just aim to make a difference

CONTRIBUTING to the community to make a difference is what has driven Geoff Thomas’ involvement in Loddon organisations for decades.

The Dingee Bush Nursing Centre president was among the first of seven shire residents to receive awards at community celebrations on Sunday.

He was presented with the shire’s Terrick Ward citizen of the year award by Mayor Dan Straub.

Hundreds of people attended local celebrations from breakfasts in the morning to a pool party that evening in Pyramid Hill where shire Citizen of the Year Ian Bartels was presented with his award certificate and badge.

At Dingee, the East Loddon Lions Club and other volunteers had eggs and bacon cooking on the barbecue by 8am and Australian flags were flying in the town Progress Park.

Cr Straub told the crowd that Geoff embodied community spirit, serving Dingee and Mitiamo through volunteer roles with the CFA, sporting clubs and local organisations.

“His efforts have included maintaining the Dingee Bush

Nursing Centre and Uniting Church, lobbying for the Mitiamo pipeline and supporting numerous community projects.

“Geoff volunteers countless hours maintaining the bush nursing centre and its grounds, coordinating external service providers and organising any required repairs or maintenance for the centre.

“This award recognises Geoff for his exceptional contributions, which have positively impacted many lives and made a remarkable difference in his community.”

Mr Thomas said he had been honoured by the award but also felt a little awkward.

“You don’t do things to be seen. You just see them and do it, hoping you can make a difference. And if you do make a difference, then all the better,” he said.

“That’s been my appropach - if there is something that needs doing you hop in.”

And Mr Thomas shared the story as a seven-year-old having his tonsils removed at the old Pyramid Hill hospital. “They were fixing the generator outside my room. One of the men allowed me to come out and have a look. That man was Ian Bartels.”

A team with ‘time and energy’

WHEN Cr Nick Angelo asked to have a chat with Veronica Palmer, she assumed he had some questions about a recent annual general meeting in Eddington. Instead he revealed she would be receiving the Loddon Shire’s 2025 Tarnagulla Ward Citizen of the Year.

“It was a total shock to me. It’s so exciting and I’m so honoured to receive this award.” Veronica said.

Veronica’s volunteering includes leadership roles with local committees, coaching tennis, organising local events and founding the Eddington Community Garden. She also organises grants, events and maintenance

that sustain the town. While she is honoured to receive the award, she also thanked the community and says she couldn’t have done it without them, “it’s not just me, there’s a whole team of people who put their time and energy into organising these events.”

“I’m lucky to be a part of this town, it’s a small community but it has a big heart. When someone needs help there is always someone willing to step up and provide their assistance.” Veronica said about the Eddington community during Sunday’s Australia Day celebrations.

In addition to her volunteering, Veronica has worked as a kindergarten teacher for the past

20 years. “My passion is working with children, it’s such a rewarding experience,” she said. She has also worked in aged care, maintaining the strong theme of generosity and commitment to helping others throughout her life which led to her being nominated for Ward Citizen. Her award citation said: “Veronica has been an important member of the Eddington community for decades ... known for her behind the scenes dedication, Veronica organises grants, events and maintenance that sustain the town.”

Sunday’s celebrations included a barbecue at the community hall.

-CHRIS EARL

Mayor Dan Straub congratulates Terrick Ward citizen of the year Geoff Thomas. LH PHOTO

Dianna Linton and Helen O’Donoghue cook up at Dingee

Sharon and Emily Lister

Leanne and Jon Lowther

Tarnagulla Ward councillor Nick Angelo presents Veronica Palmer with her ward citizen of the year award

Carmel extends helping hand

CARMEL Allison had an early start to Australia Day in Boort.

The ward’s citizen of the year had to first prepare St Patrick’s Church for Sunday morning’s worship before heading to the town’s national day ceremony organised by the Amity Club.

At the ceremony, she received her award from ward councillor David Weaver.

“Carmel has dedicated her entire life to supporting the Boort community, with her caring and generous nature bringing support and joy to many residents,” he said.

“Carmel has been involved with the local church for more than 50 years, including in executive roles, as a minister for the eucharist, and willing supporter and coordinator of functions.”

Cr Weaver said Carmel had volunteered at Boort District Health since 2015 and is involved in Meals on Wheels and “the highlight of many people’s days as she always finds time to chat and say a kind word when volunteering.

In recent years, Carmel has also engaged with different migrant groups in the area, immersing herself in their cultures, including those from Thailand, India and the Philippines.

“These connections have led to many meaningful friendships. Carmel’s kindness and generosity are integral to Boort’s health and happy community.”

Carmel said the best part about being involved in the Boort community was being able to help people.

“It makes you part of the community, gives a sense of belonging,” she said.

Cr Weaver said Carmel had been a wonderful member of the community for decades.

Paul Haw presented a welcome to country and there were performances by the Boort Babblers.

Mollie’s anthem poise saves the day

WHEN Sunday’s Australia Day event in Inglewood faced technical difficulties with the music for Advance Australia Fair, Inglewood primary School student Mollie Norman stepped up to help.

Without hesitation Mollie volunteered to lead attendees in the National Anthem, despite having no time to prepare.

With Lions club organiser Robert Condliffe, Mollie gave a spirited rendition of Advance Australia Fair that encouraged the crowd to be in full voice. Following the anthem, Inglewood resident Brian Hodge, the guest speaker, spoke about his charity work in Uganda.

Brian spoke about his family’s journey assisting in providing education to orphaned and abandoned children living in Uganda.

Recently Brian has joined the local Lions club and said he was enthused to work with the local community.

After Inglewood Ward councillor Miki Wilson presented awards for the Australia Day com

petition to the children who participated, the Lions club provided a barbeque lunch, and the swimming carnival began as the temperature rose. The warm day saw hundreds take up free admission offers at Loddon pools.

Elias in tune with dreams

LODDON singing sensation Elias Lanyon had a message for Australian dreamers in his Australia Day address at Boort.

“If a young farmer can step on stage and belt out a few tunes in front of cameras, then anything is possible,” he said.

Elias spoke of his journey last year as a contestant on television show The Voice Australia and hinted at tours and new songs.

“Whether I’m on the farm, on stage or in front of a microphone, my music will always be part of me,” he said.

“I’ll continue to make those who’ve supported me proud.”

Elias told more than 100 people at ceremony in Boort Scout Hall that growing up on the family farm had shaped who he was today.

“While at times it’s a tough lifestyle, I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he said.

“The daily lessons I’ve learned ... are experiences not many people get to have.”

STUDENT awards and a barbecue cooked by Tarnagulla Fire Brigade members were highlights of the town’s Australia Day celebrations in Soldiers’ Memorial Park Sunday. Local school students Miranda Watters and Lilith Angelo (top left) received certificates for their entries in the Loddon Shire art competions. More than 50 people heard local viticulturalist Helen Waite (top right) present the Australia Day address, among them were Kevin and Katrina Alexander (below).

Boort Ward’s citizen of the year Carmel Allison with Cr David Weaver at Sunday’s celebrations where students received certificates for the entries in the shire’s Australia Day art competitions (below). LH PHOTOS

Guest speaker Elias Lanyon and his mother Ros

Robert Condliffe holds the microphone for Mollie Norman during her rendition of Advance Australia Fair

AUSTRALIA DAY 2025 ... IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Jon’s story: came for a year and decided to stay

LONG-TIME Wedderburn Lions Club leader Jon Chandler has received the Loddon Shire’s ward citizen of the the year award.

Cr Gavan Holt made the presentation as almost 100 people gathered in Soldiers’ Memorial Park on Sunday.

He praised Jon’s community service that also includes secretary of the Donaldson Park committee of management.

“Jon has made a mark on Wedderburn through his volunteerism and leadership and is a key figure in the Wedderburn Lions Club, local committees and sporting clubs,” Cr Holt said.

“Jon’s contributions include organising events, maintaining community facilities.

“Jon dedicates his time to helping the community and is always willing to assist those in need. Known for his reliability and inclusivity, Jon’s years of service have strengthened and enriched the Wedderburn community.

Jon said he came to Wedder-

burn in 1997 to work for Loddon Shire for a year and stayed.

“My first community involvement was with our local theatre group, Warts n All where somehow, I found myself directing productions of Dimboola and Love Rides the Rails which were performed in various halls around the district – just like my Mum and Dad did at The Basin in the early 50s,” he said.

“I would like to thank all my fellow Lions members here today for their friendship, fellowship and the privilege of serving our community since the Club’s inception in 1978.

“I believe that you only get out of life what you put in and I have been extremely lucky to live in this remarkable community for the past 28 years.”

Guest speaker, local sportsman Louis Holt shared his experiences of competing as a motor mechanic representing Australia at international events in Japan and plans to return for a third time this October.

The shire’s Young Citizen of the Year Tyson Blair was presented with his award during the Wedderburn celebrations where Lions club members prepared healthy fruit platters.

The customary club barbecue was already cooking up sausages for sale at nearby Donaldson Park where the harness racing cup meeting started after lunch.

Nation built on hard work, says Mayor

AUSTRALIA was a nation built on hard work, Loddon Mayor Dan Straub told Pyramid Hill’s Australia Day celebrations.

“Whether it’s the pioneers who shaped the landscape, the farmers who bring food to our tables, the teachers who inspire the next generation, or the healthcare workers who care for us all, Australians are people who roll up their sleeves, put in the effort, and give their best,” he said.

“It’s this commitment to work, to perseverance, and to community that makes Australia a place of opportunity for us all.

“But we’re more than just hardworking. We are a nation that celebrates “ its diversity and welcomes people from all corners of the globe. We come from many backgrounds, yet

we share a common bond, our Australian identity.

“It’s this unity in diversity that makes us stronger, and it’s why, despite our differences, we continue to stand together as one nation.”

Cr Straub said that at the heart of being Australian was a deep sense of belonging, of togetherness, and of a “collective effort to build something greater than ourselves”.

“Australia, and towns like Pyramid Hill are not just a place on the map it’s a community, a family, and a promise.

“It’s a promise to continue working together, to build a brighter future, to respect our past, and to honour the many cultures and histories that make us who we are,” he said before presenting prize certificates to students.

Captain’s ‘unexpected award’

BRIDGEWATER’S Australia Day event was a family affair for Inglewood Ward Citizen of the Year, Tim Ferguson.

Tim’s wife Libby and their three sons, Flynn, Miller and Darcy attended the event with Wendy, Tim’s mother who were all excited to see Tim celebrated for his commitment to the community.

“I was surprised to find out I was receiving the award,” Tim said, “I did not expect it at all.”

Tim has been Captain of the Bridgewater Country Fire Association and Group Officer of the South Loddon Group for the last 12 years. He was instrumental in clean-up ef-

forts following the 2011 and 2022 floods, has assisted with response to numerous fires, and responded to many motor vehicles accidents during his time with the CFA. Tim also received the outstanding service medal in November 2024, the highest service award from the CFA.

“It’s not about the awards or medals or anything like that. I do what I do because I like it, otherwise I wouldn’t do it.” Tim said.

On Christmas Eve each year, Tim drives the CFA truck so Santa can hand out lollies and icy poles to local children. Outside the CFA he is also actively involved with the wide Bridgewater community.

Louis Holt

Cr Gavan Holt, ward citizen of the year Jon Chandler and Lions’ Barry Finch. LH PHOTO

Tim Ferguson receives the Ingleward Ward citizen of the year from Cr Miki Wilson (left) while organisers of the Back-to Bridgewater celebrate being named the shire’s community event of the year. LH PHOTO

Among Pyramid Hill students to receive awards in the Loddon Shire’s Australia Day art competitions were Pippa, Lucy and Olivia Scott and Edie Gould (above) and Cecily Farrar ,William Kunde,Thomas Hercott, Cooper Gould, Fletcher Cain and Sophie Twigg (below)

The Australian wool market has continued its gradual decline, recording another overall decrease for the fourth consecutive series, although positive signs were shown late in the selling pattern. The sale did increase in size from the previous week, but not by the forecast amount. After 8.1% of the offering was withdrawn prior to sale there was a total of 38,811 bales available to the trade, 5,912 more than last week. Buyer demand was still strong but in a similar pattern to the previous series, the prices on offer were again below those available in the previous series. Wool possessing favour able additional measurement results, particularly those with low CVH readings (a measurement of how even in length the wool is) held up best in the softer market. The movements in individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece across the country ranged between +1 and -34 cents. The skirtings tracked the fleece, while the Crossbred and Oddment sectors again defied the overall trend recording small increases. The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) lost 8 cents, closing the week at 1,163 cents. The EMI has now not recorded a positive movement in eleven consecutive selling days. This run further surpasses the eight sales that the EMI dropped in May 2023, although the losses sustained this time around have not been as severe. Over the previous eleven selling days the EMI has lost a total of 57 cents. Over the eight consecutive negative selling days in 2023 the EMI dropped by 103 cents. The last time the EMI has had a longer run without a positive result was back between August and October 2022, when the EMI fell for twelve consecutive selling days. This week the quantity is expected to rise. There are currently 43,624 bales rostered for sale nationally, Melbourne requiring three selling days to accommodate the offering.

Source: AWEX

BENDIGO

109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM

Phone 03 5455

Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064

Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333

Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior

Agronomist | 0408 188 351

Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044

Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322

Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540

Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459

Swiss honours come this way

TANDARRA Brown Swiss cattle breeder

Ben Govett and Matt Dennis have taken out the grand champion prize at International Dairy Week in Tatura.

Their Tandara Dynamite Sarajevo 150 (Dynamite) was named senior champion at the premier show and capped off a successful week for the local pair by being awarded the show’s top prize.

Tandara Paray Lola 74 (Paray), owned by the stud and Sarah Chant received an honourable mention in the championship decision.

The Govett’s Tandara stud was also named junior premier and breeder at International Dairy Week.

Other successes included winning the breeders’ group, dam’s progeny or two daughters from the same dam.

Judge of the Brown Swiss events was Brad Gavenlock, of Cherrylock Cattle Co, Tallygaroopna. Brad has judged throughout Australia and New Zealand. He has owned or managed 25 Sydney Royal Champions, 28 IDW Champions and has also shown at World Dairy Expo. In the auction as part of International Week, Ben sold Tandara Spark Lunda 6 VG87 (1st lact) for $8000, above the sale average of $7310. Top price under the hammer was $20,000.

International Dairy Week is the sector’s largest show in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 800 cattle were on show for the 35th year of the event.

For the first time, a Red and White Holstein has taken out Senior Interbreed and Supreme Champion Cow.

Matt Dennis and Ben Govett in the prizes at International Dairy Week

Judges’ deep dive in oil

JUDGES took a deep dive into Cobram Estate Olive’s Boort operations last Friday as they wrapped up the first week of on-site inspections of eight businesses in the running for a major national award.

Kate Lorimer-Ward and Simon Marnie have a tight judging criteria for the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales’ President’s Medal.

Simon, a veteran judge in the award’s 18-year history, said it

was common for just 1.5 points to separate top contenders.

“We’ve tried some times to have two winners and the president always says no,” said Simon.

Kate said the awards were relevant and meaningful to the industry that this year sees Cobram Estate vying for honours against oyster farmers, brewers, pork and poultry farmers who qualified after success at last year’s Royal Sydney Show.

She said the award criteria ex-

plored what happened inside agriculture and put context around production of products.

Simon said: “Cobram Estate is showing a passion to educating consumers and that it has great olive oil.”

Judges are spending four hours with each finalist and were shown through the new Boort processing plant by grove manager Dale Smythe. Cobram Estate has previously won the medal and Kate said it was interesting

Branches plan ‘boss forum’

NEW Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking will bring his vision for the future of the state’s peak agricultural organisation to a community forum next month.

St Arnaud branch has organised the forum with assistance from Wedderburn branch president Graham Nesbit.

President of the St Arnaud branch, Colin Coates, said the forum would be addressed by Mr Hosking who was elected state leader last month on the platform of “getting back on track”.

“This meeting is not just for members, current or past. We want to engage the wider communities in our agricultural region,” Mr Coates said.

Mr Hosking, who farms between Boort

and Quambatook, has already flagged talks with the National Farmers’ Federation.

Former president Emma Germano last year said the VFF would withdraw from the national group and other peak commodity bodies.

“The peak bodies had a significant role in biosecurity and oversight of the research development corporations,” Mr Hosking has said.

“Negotiations with the Federal Government on things like trade policy are done by the peak bodies, so VFF needs to have a voice to advocate for our members properly.

Talks with national bodies on the future of VFF participation or membership would be in good faith, Mr Hosking said.

“to come back and see what has changed. But we don’t use prior knowledge (to judge) ... the criteria doesn’t let you.”

The President’s Medal is a oneof-a-kind award in Australia that looks beyond product taste and explores a business’ environmental, economic, and social impact.

Cobram Estate picked up Champion Awards at last year’s Sydney Royal Fine Food Show –Single Varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Blended Extra Virgin Oil.

UPCOMING CLEARING SALES

14th February 2025 at 10am - Marnoo A/C J & D NEWALL

Auction will be Onsite & Simulcast

No buyer premium onsite, only applicable to online bidding. Full list available on - https://driscolldouglaseast.com.au/property/up-coming-clearing-sale-14-february-2025-10am-marnoo/

28th February 2025 at 10am Avoca Forest, Logan

Excess farming clearing sale

Auction will be Onsite & Simulcast

No buyer premium onsite, only applicable to online bidding. List available on - https://driscolldouglaseast.com.au/property/clearing-sale-avoca-forest-logan/ More items coming to the list- stay tuned for updates.

Auction enquiries contact: Brett Douglas - 0447 162 455brett@driscollag.com.au

Dale Smythe (right) leads Kate Lorimer-Ward and Simon Marnie on their inspection at Cobram Estate’s Boort processing plant on Friday. LH PHOTO

AUCTION - MEERING WEST DISTRICT

Exceptional Mallee Cropping Country 815.3ha/2014.6ac

Auction via the AuctionsPlus online platform on Wednesday February 19, 2025 commencing at 11.00am.

‘Moresi’ 325 Meering West Road Meering West Vic 3579.

Lot 1 - C.A. 70 Parish of Leaghur. 274.8ha/679ac.

 Improvements: BV residence, sheds, 2 silos, fuel tank, 2 pressure pumps, 4 water tanks and all troughs. GMW pipeline water.

 Barley stubble.

Lot 2 – C.A.’s 62 and 63 Parish of Leaghur. 259ha/640ac

 Barley stubble. Option of GWM pipeline connection.

Lot 3 - C.A. 64 Parish of Leaghur. 129.5ha/320ac.

 Barley stubble. Option of GWM pipeline connection.

Lots 1 to 3 - ‘22 lentils, ’23 wheat and ’24 barley.

‘Livingston’ 496 Meran Road Meering West Vic 3579.

Lot 4 - C.A. 24 Parish of Meering West. 152ha/375.6ac.

 GWM pipeline water. ’22 lentils, ’23 canola and ‘24 wheat.

Lots 1 to 4 have potential passive income streams from the proposed Meering West Wind Farm project. 5kms between ‘Moresis’ and ‘Livingston’ Terms for Auctioned Lots: 10% deposit and working access on signing of Contract of Sale. Settlement 60 days.

eldersrealestate.com.au/300P175692

Elders Barham 03 54 533377

Jason Telford 0447 533313

Peter Robertson 0417 636 348

FOR SALE

BY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST “MEIGHANS” - MITIAMO – CALIVIL

118.575 Hectares – 293 Acres in One Title

Established irrigation allotment – 95% arable 1.99 delivery shares

Laid out in 8 paddocks with good fencing quality established pasture along with 2 paddocks of previous crop (2024)

Strong Mologa and Fernihurst loam soil in tremendous hear, under sown to Lucerne and Rye. Water from one dam and tank to trough Bounded by 3 Roads

Expression of Interest

Commences 9th January 2025

Closes 14th February 2025 @ 4pm sharp

Further Particulars/Inspections: Contact Selling Agents Inspection by appointment

James Nevins 0407 302 900

Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166

Chris Nevins: 0408 510 626 Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au

CLEARING SALE

Farming + Horse Equipment

Saturday 15 th February 2025 @ 9:00am sharp

A/C EST R.T. Chandler (Property sold)

ITEMS Case 4210 Tractor – front wheel assist with forks & bucket, Chamberlain 4080 Tractor – P.T.O and 3 PL, Leyland 270 – with forks, bucket & grader blade, Fordson Major Tractor R.O.P.S, Sitrex 6 wheel hay rake, Hardi 600 Lt spray unit 6 metre boom, Howard 500 super spreader P.T.O, Connor Shea disc seeder, New Holland hay loader, New Holland 275 square baler, Honda G400 generator, John Shearer scarifier, Kuhn 6 disc mower, David Brown 24 offset disc, M.F. Cultivator 7 tyne, 14 DISC Linkage offset disc, Lysaght field bin no wheels – approx. 280 bag, JAS Smith grain crusher P.T.O, Horse Brake 48” wheels 9’ shaft, 1915 Wagon approx (Shedded) with 2 shafts - A frame pull, 2 or 4 horse Lorry Pole, Silo, 28’ x 5” Auger, 16 Plate offset disc, Furphy grader, Holden Cruze, Cliff & Bunting chaff cutter 10 ¼” mouth, Bale Teaser + Elevator, 6” Paddle Pump, 3 x 4 wheel hay trailor’s, 8 tyne Curly Culti 3 P.L, 5 Tyne chisel plough, 2 x steel rollers, 2 disc plough, Horse drawn road plough, Ford rear scoop, 3 P.L. Terrace Blade, Delver channel maker, Saw bench, 2 furrow plough, Sunshine 6’ Binder with canvas’s, Sunshine 8’ binder with canvas, 3 PL single Ripper, Horse Cart with vintage wooden spoke wheels (1 shaft broken), Rubber tyre jinker (homemade), disc harrows, harrows & bar, Numerous swing bars including Furphy, Db furrow plough, Large qnty numerous horse gear, Large qnty steel wheels, Large qnty tools, Shearer Scarif 20 Tyne, Large qnty numerous sundries, Lister db end grinder with plates, Shearing plant. Unregistered 1993 Holden Rodeo.

TERMS Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS on day of sale. Light refreshments available. Number system operating, ID required, No GST

DIRECTIONS From Echuca take Kyabram Road, go approx. 12kms, Turn Right Simmie Road, Follow Agent Signs (1398 Simmie Road)

PHOTOS www.fpnevins.com.au

FUTHER PARTICULARS

Machinery Enquiries: Stuart 0409 939 413

Horse Gear: Cath 0427 592 313

Other: Luke 0418 510 166 – Alex 0419 178 813

To be offered as a whole:

 Sub- divided 3 Paddocks, 3 Dams

 GWM Pipeline out front, not connected

 85% Arable, gently undulating Mallee loams to clay base, some stone/ shale on rises

 Excellent fencing

 Suitable for all forms of agribusiness

Improvements:

 1880’s Circa 3 B/Rm Miners Cottage

 Machinery Shed 15m X 11m power connected

 Shearing Shed with power (needs repair)

 Sundry Shedding

Terms: 10% Deposit on signing, Balance 30/60 Days

Immediate working condition (T’s &; C’s Apply)

Further Particulars / Inspections: Contact Selling Agents

Inspection by appointment

Luke Nevins 0418 510 166

Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au www.fpnevins.com.au

“Perry’s

paddocks, is excellently presented. Circa 1930s, the Weatherboard cottage in excellent condition, 3 LRG BDRMs with BIR, Dining or 2nd Living with REV Cycle SS & open fireplace. Main Living adjoins front Dining area with enclosed fireplace. Country style Kitchen/Dining

Fixers or breakers? The choice is easy

Put metro ‘educated’ in country town for a year, writes editor Chris Earl

THEY’VE been dubbed the loony, leftist, activist or downright ignorant and disrespectful.

People with no sense of history and context of Australia’s social and economic development since European settlement.

The ones who think it is acceptable to engage in law-breaking activities to bring tumbling down monuments to the progress of this nation.

Last weekend, the Australia Day long weekend, there were reports of more incidents in the capital of this state of Victoria - the toppling and bisecting of a monument to the founder of modern Melbourne John Batman and daubing a war memorial in red paint and activist slogans.

How can this happen in 2025 Victoria, indeed Australia, after years of government’s lecturing about tolerance and acceptance?

For the metro ‘educated’ the message has, quite obviously, been left swirling around in the atmosphere and unable to land in their brain.

How lucky we are that country people have far greater respect for history and their community

than an element, small and feral as it maybe, that resides in the capital city. If these weekend miscreants are brought before the courts, one would hope that the magistrate’s gavel has the weight of a sledge hammer and not a lettuce leaf. Perhaps the Government could introduce new laws that empower the courts to not only consider jail, a fine or some lesser “slap on the wrist” option when dishing out penalties? Why not require those who have disrespected public property to complete their community service orders in a real country community where their education could be more rounded and complete. Spend a year in the bush.

Time in the country to learn how things can be achieved in rural areas without the “convenience” of public transport available at their beck and call, or every other free service. Where challenges are overcome with a bit of self-help. Where neighbours not only know neighbours, but talk to each other and help the other.

For the majority of people in Melbourne, they now have no

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hospitality above and beyond

Sir, At the end of October last year my sister, father and myself were holidaying in Inglewood and Bendigo.

We stayed at the Inglewood Motel with our hosts Pauline and Jerry.

My dad unfortunately got sick while we were staying there with gastro and as he was 92 we had to call an ambulance for him, he was so sick and ended up in hospital for five days.

We were only booked into the motel for two nights but ended up staying the five nights with these lovely people, as you might expect both my sister and I also contracted the gastro and unfortunately we also shared with Jerry.

These lovely people looked after us amazingly well. They of-

Loddon

fered to go into town for us to get us anything we needed, they cleaned up the mess my dad left when he was sick, no complaints for them about what they had to do, because our holiday was ruined they only charged us a token amount to stay the whole time with them.

Just generally the beds were wonderfully comfortable including the pillows. The rooms are lovely and clean.

We cannot thank these lovely people enough..

I feel that anyone coming to Inglewood or indeed anywhere in this region could do no better than staying at the inglewood motel.

Debra Peake Modbury, SA

Why talk up

hunter numbers?

Sir, I’m not a local but I visited

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

OPINION PIECES

The

connection or understanding of country people and country life. After all, it’s more than a century and many generations since the big smoke became Victoria’s dominant population centre.

Time in the country would afford a reality check for those who think it’s okay to break the law with acts of destruction and disrespect. The acquired level of enlightenment may even see those that some have compassionately tagged as misguided opt for a change of attitude and lifestyle.

And time in the country would bring them into contact with inspirational people. The like of Ian Bartels, Tim Ferguson, Geoff Thomas, Carmel Alison, John Chandler who were honoured by Loddon Shire in the Australia Day awards. Or young Tyson Blair whose journey is a beacon for young people in the shire.

Whether the Government, or any political party, would have the courage to give courts the power to enforce a “country spell” is doubtful. Heritage vandals may have a hint of “you can’t tell me what to do”. But it would be worth a try for a better future.

Boort last year and spent tourist dollars there, buying gifts at the newsagent and enjoying refreshments at the cafe. In a former life, I was a maths teacher.

Mr Simon Toop from the Game Management Authority (GMA) is wrong to suggest there were “more active hunters” during the 2024 duck season (Region in top 5 duck spots, Loddon Herald January 23).

The GMA has been publishing the number of active hunters every year since 2017.

Last year there were only 12,937, the lowest to date (apart from Covid years).

And why talk up the surge in duck numbers pre-season, when the UNSW survey across the eastern states shows duck numbers had crashed by October 2024? Strange that GMA is keeping mum about that.

Joan Reilly Surrey Hills

buSHy TaLES BY IAN

1. Diamonds are made of what element?

2. Rowan Atkinson is the actor behind which comedic character?

3. A person who eats seafood but not any other type of meat is called a what?

4. An ossuary is a room in which what is stored?

5. Toy Story was the first movie for which film production company?

6. What does BFG stand for in the Roald Dahl novel?

7. Richard Branson founded which airline?

8. If a person is myopic, what do they need?

9. Which of the deadly sins is also known as jealousy?

10. Which capital city begins with Q?

11. And of which nation is the city the capital?

12. Which ancient kingdom worshiped gods including Osiris, Amun,

I F YOU’VE made it this far, sure bet no further directions are needed. AN eagle-eyed Inglewood walker has spotted the recent erection of a sign pointing to the town’s ambulance auxiliary op-shop at its new location in the old Royal Hotel. The sign ... just three metres from the shop door. OTF has been told the request had been for the sign to be back at the Brooke Street-Verdon Street corner.

SPEAKING of spotting things, we hear from Wedderburn that it’s not rabbits making their home in the ground at one location. It’s a hare of another kind - or should that be hair? Found buried in a gully behind a house was a toupee. Put it through the wash and list on ebay?

AUSTRALIAN athleticism at its pinnacle was on display at Bridge-

and Isis?

13. Which English legend lived in Sherwood Forest?

14. What is made in a human’s lacrimal ducts?

15. In chess, what is said when a game is won?

16. “Livin’ on a Prayer” is a song by which band?

17. Mosquitos spread which disease?

18. What is the longest side of a right-angled triangle called?

19. Professor Moriarty is the nemesis of which fictional detective?

20. On a calculator, what does TAN stand for?

water last Saturday after the local bowlers had a big win, one they claim has the team in contention to play finals. Club prez, The Oracle, honoured his pre-match vow that a win would see a cartwheel performed on the hallowed rink. Videos were soon circulating far and wide. And no truth in the little rumour that a truck load of replacement soil was ordered from ASQ to fill the diivot.

ACCORDING to words generated by artificial intelligence (AI), There isn’t much info about the most difficult Australian word, but here are some Australian slang terms that might be considered difficult to learn - Yakka: A slang term that means “hard work” or “strenuous labor”. It comes from the Yagara language, which is spoken in the area around Brisbane. Hoon: A slang term that means “hooligan” or “a very bad driver”. Iffy: A slang term that means “bit risky” or “unreasonable”.

Pescatarian

Human

JONES

Where legend was forged

An appeal has been launched by WedderburnKorong Vale RSL to fund an annual scholarship to send two local students every year to experience the Kokoka Track where in World War Two Australian soldiers enhanced the Anzac legend. In this special article, the sub-branch writes on the importance in history and to the Australian spirit of the Kokoda Track

IN THE dense jungles of Papua New Guinea, the Kokoda Track etched its name in history as a battleground of valour and endurance during World War Two.

Spanning rugged mountainous terrain of approximately 96 kilometers from Ower’s Corner to the remote village of Wairopi, this path became the stage for fierce clashes between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942.

Following a seaborne assault on Port Moresby being prevented due to the Battle of the Coral Sea, Japanese troops sought to seize the Kokoda Trail as an overland route to their strategic target. Initial landings on the northern coast at Gona on July 21 marked the beginning of a determined offensive. By July 23, the first confrontation ignited between the South Seas Detachment and Australian forces, namely the 39th Infantry Battalion and the Papuan Infantry Battalion, at Awala.

Unprepared for the harsh jungle warfare and burdened by an arduous supply line, the Australian troops staged valiant delaying actions, even as they strategically withdrew, combat occurring at various points along the trail. It wasn’t until September 17 that the Australians made their stand at Imita Ridge, a mere 8 kilometers from Port Moresby’s road connection. Meanwhile, Japanese forces held Ioribaiwa Ridge just 6 kilometers away.

The strategic tide soon turned.

Enhanced supply logistics allowed Australian artillery at Ower’s Corner to target Japanese positions. At the same time, Japanese supply lines stretched distances that made them vulnerable. Compounded by dev-

astating losses in Guadalcanal, the Japanese commenced a reluctant retreat, prompting fresh assaults from Australian forces. Each retreat saw strong Japanese resistance, culminating in fierce clashes as the 16th and 25th Brigades advanced to Wairopi by mid-November, pressing towards strongly contested beachheads at Gona, Buna, and Sanananda.

The Kokoda Track embodies the grit and determination of Australian soldiers, epitomising one of World War Two’s most gruelling campaigns. Though

Port Moresby’s capture was unlikely a precursor to an Australian invasion, its defense ensured northern Australia remained secure for future Allied operations against Japan. Notably, the cost was high—625 Australians lost their lives, about 1600 were wounded, and sickness claimed over 4000 casualties.

This track and its history in no way celebrate war and conflict. Moreso, this track remains a relevant reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who traversed it in one

of the Pacific’s significant World War Two encounters.

The Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby stands as a solemn tribute to the sacrifices made during the war in the south-west Pacific. This cemetery, the final resting place for thousands of Commonwealth soldiers, reflects the brutal fighting that took place across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

The Japanese campaign in this region was fierce. After their naval assault on Port Moresby was defeated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Japanese attempted an overland attack via Buna and Gona in September 1942. Earlier that year, the Japanese had also secured Bougainville in the Solomon Islands, establishing a key base there. The fighting for these strategic locations was exceptionally challenging, with Allied forces eventually pushing back the Japanese forces over the next several years. The struggles in these areas resulted in heavy losses on both sides.

The graves in the Port Moresby cemetery represent these sacri-

fices, brought in by the Australian Army Graves Service from scattered burial grounds where hard-fought battles took place. Many of these were from Papua and Bougainville. The cemetery includes not only Australian soldiers, but also personnel from local forces and others who served in the region.

Notably, some of the graves are those of soldiers of the Royal Artillery. Captured by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore, these men tragically died in captivity. It is believed they were transferred to Bougainville to work in labour camps. Their remains were initially buried on Bailale Island in the Solomons, then later moved to a temporary cemetery on Bougainville, before finally being laid to rest in Bomana..

The Bomana War Cemetery contains 3824 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, with 699 of them unidentified.

The cemetery was carefully designed by Mr. A.G. Robertson and officially unveiled by the Governor-General of Australia, Field Marshal Slim, in October 1953.

It’s not just a place of rest; it is a site of remembrance and reflection.

Behind the cemetery, the Port Moresby Memorial commemorates almost 750 Australian Army (including Papua and New Guinea local forces), Australian Merchant Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in Papua New Guinea, but whose graves are unknown. The memorial provides a place for those who have no known graves and for those who died at sea to be remembered. It serves as a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made in the region. Bougainville casualties who have no known graves are commemorated on a memorial at Suva, Fiji.

The Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby and Memorial stand as a permanent reminder of the cost of war and a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom in the Pacific.

„ Donations for the sub-branch’s scholarship fund can be made by contacting secretary Ric Raftis.

The graves of Australian soldiers in Bomana War Cemetery and diggers on the Kokoda Track in World War Two

deat H not IC e S

NASI - Margherita “Rita”

A Service to Celebrate the life of Mrs. Margherita “Rita” Nasi will be held at the Wedderburn Mechanics Institute Hall, 92 High St., Wedderburn on TUESDAY (February 4) at 2 pm.

A Private Cremation will follow

not IC e S

Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens

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

The Club has activities planned from 1pm on the second Friday of each month in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. On the fourth Friday of each month, a light meal will be available costing $10 -00. Again in the supper room at the Memorial Hall. You are welcome to pop in even if you would prefer just a cup of tea/coffee and a chat. There is no pressure to participate in the available activities. Membership fee is $5-00 annually.

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

meet I n G S

Getting Back on Track REGION MEETING

Members of community welcome

Guest speaker - New VFF

president Brett Hosking Forum - What worked in 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025

Panel - Farmers and agronomists

Marketing - Business

ST ARNAUD SPORTING CLUB

Wednesday 12 February

5.30pm for 6pm start

RSVP for meal 4 February

Barry Batters 0418 567 674

Colin Coates 0427 693 329

Graham Nesbit 0409 207 383

Inglewood

Tuesday 11th March 2025

9am - 12.30pm

Inglewood Town Hall Hub & Neighbourhood House Verdon St Inglewood

A half-day alertness workshop that prepares anyone to become a suicide alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die but are struggling with the pain in their lives.

Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. safeTALK-trained helpers can recognise these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST.

Newbridge, Arnold and Llanelly Community Planning Group Inc

Invite all members from our community to our Annual General Meeting.

Monday 10th February

7pm - Newbridge Hall

For further details, please contact Secretary, Michele Mizzi on 0431 384 392

Kelpie Working Dog Puppies

All vaccinated and microchipped

Parents both good workers

Wanting new homes asap.

$400 or nearest offer.

Breeder Registration MB195957 Ph. 0447652751

CLEARING SALE

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Halcyon days are long gone but Gary Walsh looks at former clubs whose names are

Etched in cricket history

SCANNING a list of premier teams in the Upper Loddon Cricket Association is like reading the headstones in a cemetery.

The names of long-gone clubs – at least from the Upper Loddon competition – such as Woodstock, Moliagul, Newbridge, Korong Vale, Serpentine, Inglewood, Marong, Wedderburn Gold and Tarnagulla leap out from the page.

A thriving league that comprised 13 teams as recently as 2001, including Bridgewater Red and Bridgewater White, is now down to five.

Last season Bridgewater, with 24 premierships since 1954-55 easily the best-performed club in Upper Loddon history, could not field a single team and the competition was reduced to four sides.

This led to the bizarre outcome of Arnold collecting the wooden spoon for finishing last in the 2023-24 home and away season and then taking out the premiership with two shock finals wins.

In the current season, the Bulls have returned with senior and junior sides, but have struggled for numbers, with many juniors pulling on the whites for the senior team in the afternoon after a match in the morning.

That is true of most clubs, with teams fielding up to half a dozen juniors in a boys (and girls) against men scenario.

Twice, senior games have not gone ahead because of a lack of players.

Wedderburn Band forfeited its match against Arnold on January 18, and last Saturday Boort Yando and Bridgewater agreed to turn their two-day contest into a oneday game to avoid the need for a forfeit by the Bulls.

At the junior level it has sometimes been all hands on deck to ensure matches go ahead.

Kingower junior Abby Wilson even batted one week for Boort Yando to help make up the numbers.

The raw figures are stark.

Five teams are contesting the 2024-25 season in the seniors, and just four in the junior division, with Arnold unable to field a youth side. This means talented Redback juniors such as Georgia Hancock, who has filled in with the seniors this season, are forced to look elsewhere to play their age-appropriate cricket.

Among the defunct teams, Woodstock was a standout, with 12 premierships between 195859 and 1993-94.

Yet within a few years of its last triumph, the club was gone.

Marong – now playing in the

Bendigo league – won three Upper Loddon premierships, the last of which was in 1980-81.

Inglewood won eight, the most recent in 2007-08, but its involvement in the competition now is a loose arrangement with Bridgewater to encourage locals to join the Bulls, a plan which has met with limited success.

Wedderburn Gold, Bridgewater Red and Bridgewater White all won premierships in the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting the strength of cricket in those towns at that time.

Moliagul was runner up three times in the 1960s and early 1970s, while Korong Vale finished second in 1967-68 and 1968-69.

Tarnagulla was not successful on the field, but its historic cricket ground, which boasts the oldest wooden grandstand in Victoria, hosted a grand final between Wedderburn Band and Kingower as recently as 2012.

And the 2019-20 grand final was played at Newbridge.

There are many reasons why towns can no longer field a team.

Population loss is one: smaller places such as Woodstock, Tarnagulla and Moliagul simply don’t have enough potential players to

draw on. The dominance of Australian football is another, with talented young players required to train earlier than ever for the winter season, often making them unavailable for cricket.

At the higher levels, young footballers are actively discouraged from playing cricket by football clubs for fear of injury.

Playing other summer sports such as tennis can also mean choosing between one sport and another.

In the Loddon region, the harvest period always plays a significant role in player availability, especially in more rural areas of the shire such as Boort.

Harvest, an unpredictable beast at the best of times, usually means pre-Christmas teams are harder to put together than postChristmas.

And then there are summer holidays, with some clubs struggling to fill teams while the school break continues.

Association president John Daldy said he would “love to see a lot of those old clubs back, but as lot of them have already joined up with other clubs.

“I’d love to see Newbridge back, and Inglewood, and with

it went

The glory days of the 1950s when Upper Loddon was a regular at country week and (left) special teams assembled to play for the opening of Tarnagulla’s historic cricket pavilion after its restoration

the number of juniors starting to come through there might be an opportunity in the future.”

One universally praised innovation this season is the debut of T20 cricket in the Upper Loddon.

Four rounds led to the final, in which Kingower beat Wedderburn Band to claim the Loddon Herald Cup.

The shorter format, with matches sometimes completed within a couple of hours, means players do not have to commit so much time to their sport.

The general view is that more players would make themselves available for cricket if the time spent on Saturdays is reduced.

The Association is committed to scheduling T20 matches in the future but also wants to see traditional two-day matches take their place on the calendar.

Daldy said the success of T20 this season showed the way forward: “What I have seen this year is that the format has sparked interest and brought back some older players as well as juniors.”

Talented Boort youngster Cooper Gooding is an interesting test case on the football versus cricket issue.

At 15, he is taking all before

him with unbeaten Boort Yando in the junior competition and has also made several senior appearances.

This is without being able to practice for cricket due to football training commitments with the elite Bendigo Pioneers under-15 representative squad.

His mother Kristen, who is also Boort Yando club secretary, said Cooper had not yet been forced to decide between football and cricket, but the Pioneers had made it clear he needed to prioritise one sport – and he had chosen football.

“Number one is football – he loves football more and it will always come first,” Kristen said. In a nutshell, that is cricket’s dilemma.

Upper Loddon cricket’s halcyon days were when locals simply played footy in winter and cricket in summer.

Cricket was training for football – you were keeping fit during the football off-season – and there was never a clash or an overlap with training.

Now, young players are being asked to make a call between sporting loves – and increasingly early in their emerging careers.

The now-dormant Inglewood club when

pink for the McGrath Foundation

Bruce, Tom join club’s elite group

WEDDERBURN Harness Racing Club

leader Bruce Hargreaves and Tom Nisbet have had their service recognised with life membership.

The surprise presentation was made during Sunday’s cup meeting at Donaldson Park by former president and life member Gavan Holt.

Hargreaves has been president for 15

Sonador’s hot cup

WESTERN Sonador stormed home on Sunday to win the first pacing cup run at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park.

More than 1000 people attended the Australia Day race meeting, including Harness Racing Victoria board members.

As the temperature hovered in the high 30s, the crowd had more shade under the new $5 million Donaldson Park complex verandah and in the umbrella area on park lawns.

But while there was cool in the shade, action was hot on the track.

Kialla part-owner/trainer Stephen O’Donoghue deserves plenty of accolades after resurrecting 8Y0 Western Terror-Refresh Me gelding Western Sonador to land the Pacers Cup.

Driven by Shepparton’s Bec Bartley who has had a strong relationship with the horse since he first stepped foot on the track, Western Sonador (gate two second line) making only his 65th appearance at the races (11 wins and 15 placings) settled three back in the moving line as Red Cliffs roughie Go Away Again led from gate two.

Once balanced, Raging Whitebait was immediately set alight to go forward and park outside the pacemaker in the back straight on the first occasion and while all this was going on, Western Sona-

dor travelled beautifully. When Raging Whitebait took care of the leader prior to the bell and raced clear, Western Sonador now one/ one was off and running to effortlessly join the favourite for the final circuit.

Turning for home in front Raging Whitebait was a spent force shortly after as Western Sonador surged clear, with both Shadow Celt one/one and Lincoln River three wide from last running on.

Refusing to give in, Western Sonador gave plenty to prevail by a half neck from Shadow Celt and Lincoln River a nose away who flew late for third in a thrilling finish. The mile rate 1-58.6 (last half 57.9 – quarter 29.7.

The Trotters Cup saw Ardmona trainer/driver Donna Castles victorious with strong staying ever reliable 8Y0 Crazed-Meridith Castle mare Berriesandcherries. Despite a slow beginning from a solo 20 metre backmark, Berriesandcherries was sent forward three wide to join the leader Yankee Lover with two laps to travel.

Taking over in the last lap, Berriesandcherries showed a great will to win, reaching the wire 2.6 metres clear of Tripod (four pegs) which extricated wide on the final bend, with in-form gelding Robbinmemates (one/two – three wide last lap) third 4.7 metres back. The mile rate 2-05.6 (last half 60.5 – quarter 30.2).

years and a member of the club since the late 1970s.

He follows in the footsteps of grandfather Hugh and father Ted in being awarded life membership.

Hargreaves, who has also been involved in the industry as an owner and driver, said the club had faced many challenges in the last two decades in

reference to a government decision that saw Wedderburn stripped of race meetings by the then-State Government before a campaign saw their reinstatement.

Nisbet has been secretary for most of the last two decades.

Wedderburn club is almost 140 years old and has had just 35 life members.

It was a terrific day for the Donna Castles/Doc Wilson duo who won three and one placing for the afternoon

The Central Victorian Pacing Championship went the way of Leichardt trainer Ben Pell’s honest 9Y0 Mach Three-Western Spirit 9Y0 gelding Valiente in a mile rate of 1-57.1. Driven by James Herbertson, Valiente (gate five) enjoyed a sweet trip three back in the moving line as Sunraysia hope Terror The Christian

showed great speed to lead from gate three.

Commencing a three wide forward move to join the leader at the bell, Valiente raced clear on turning to gain the day by 1.8 metres from St Arnaud’s Pesci from the tail. Terror The Christian held third 2.2 metres away. The mile rate 1-57.1.

The Central Victorian Trotters was easy for the Brent Lilley (Bolinda) trained ex-Kiwi 7Y0 Simon Roydon-Johns Ann gelding

Johns Boy with Tristan Larsen in the sulky giving him another provincial feature. Racing exposed from barrier five made no difference to the result as Johns Boy raced to the front on the final bend to win easily by 12.2 metres from Donna Castles’ Dances which jumped in front from barrier two. Aldebaran Demi (four pegs) was third 2.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-04.6.

- LEN BAKER

Harness Racing Victoria board member Catherine Catherine Ainsworth, Trotters’ Cup sponsor Brendan Reeves and Geoff Barnes with the Geoff Daniels. LH PHOTO

Bruce Hargreaves, Tom Nisbet and Gavan Holt. LH PHOTO

Wrapped and rugged ... the Loddon Shire prize for Western Sonador’s connections after winning the 2025 pacing cup. LH PHOTO

Berriesandcherries (centre) wins the trotters’ cup. LH PHOTO

Double joy as Woodies reign

A THRILLING win on the last end by Inglewood’s Division 1 team highlighted a spectacular day of bowls for the Woodies.

As well as the three-shot win by the Division 1 players, Inglewood’s Division 5 team had a strong win over Woodbury.

With one rink left to finish in the top division, Inglewood was three shots behind.

The last end started well with Blake Smyth putting his two bowls virtually on the kitty.

The rest of the team built on his start, and opponents Golden Square failed to convert with their last bowl, giving Inglewood six shots for an overall win by three shots.

Best rink on the day was the team of Smyth, David Whitehead, Lindsay Kelly and Craig Kelly (skip) with a 19-shot win.

Inglewood is fifth on the ladder, just outside a finals spot with four rounds left.

The Division 5 side won three rinks and drew another in the 91 shots (17 points) to 64 shots (one point) victory, its second for the season.

Best rink on the day was Edna Patterson, Bev Taig, Patsy Lyn-

Bendigo

Division 1 Inglewood 77-14 d Golden Square 74-4. B. Smyth, D. Whitehead, L. Kelly, C. Kelly (s) d D. Bird, L. Moloney, G. Ebenwaldner, J. Frost (s) 29-10. B. Hopcott, B. Jackson, V. Tierney, G. Jackson (s) lost to W. Lyons, M. Petersen, S. Egan, K. Connaughton (s) 1425. D. Wilson, R. Stranger, B. McClymont, G. Wilson (s) d R. Collins, G. Fordham, S. Drummond, D. Berry (s) 20-14. S. Laird, D. Vanston, D. Garrett, A. Harrison (s) lost to R. Williams, J. Wilcox, J. Read, P. Gooch (s) 14-25. Castlemaine 88-14 d North Bendigo 81-4. Strathfieldsaye 80-16 d Kangaroo Flat 642. Bendigo East 102-18 d White Hills 64-0. Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 140, Castlemaine 105, Bendigo East 98, North Bendigo 93, Inglewood 89, Kangaroo Flat 82, Golden Square 66, White Hills 47. Division 2 Serpentine 64-2 lost to Harcourt 70-16. J. Collinson, B. Tuohey, J. Stuart, B. Long (s) lost to M. Swain, J. Ewing, N. Jamieson, R. Harris (s) 12-21. M. Mathews, G. Addlem, S. Rudkins, R. Gladman (s) lost to D. Normington, R. Watson, S. Douglas, G. Maddern (s) 15-20. L. James, L. Baber, K. Collins, W. Hasty (s) d M. Doyle, G. Kays, B. Marsh, W. Chaplin (s) 21-9. A. James, F. Maher, K. Canfield, D. Walker (s) lost to C. Roberts, H. Braid, B. Leech, B. Jenkinson (s) 16-20. Kangaroo Flat 76-2 lost to Strathfieldsaye 91-16. South Bendigo 70-12 d Bendigo East 68-6. Bendigo 81-16 d Eaglehawk 71-2. Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 129, Harcourt 123, South Bendigo 119, Bendigo 116, Eaglehawk 96, Bendigo East 56, Kangaroo Flat 56, Serpentine 25. Division 4 Dingee 57-0 lost to Bendigo 10518. T. Kavanagh, A. Lawry, K. Pollock, R. Thompson (s) lost to R. Painter, D. Bennet, B. Murray, C. Runnalls (s) 9-30. B. Cail, K. Kavanagh, L. Hocking, L. Demeo (s) lost to B. Morley, V. Greenwood, J. Moore, D. Harvey (s) 16-23. A. Hay, J. Monaghan, B. West, B. Lawry (s) lost to H. Rasmussen, B. Benbow, M. Bennet, R. Matthews (s) 14-29. W. Wilson, N. Hocking, S. Cail, N. Lister (s) lost to M. Kelly, M. McQualter, B. Greenwood, R. Angove (s) 18-23. Harcourt 92-14 d Calivil 77-4. R. Maltby, R. Douglas, K. Harding, L. Harding (s) d A. Dennis, P. Hercus, J. Pickles, M. Dennis (s) 33-17. C. Maddern, L. Harris, T. Robinson, W. Walsh (s) lost to W. Lourie, R. Lourie, M. Collett, G. Maxted (s) 18-19. A. Manallack, W. Walsh, I. McMillan, D. Cunningham (s) lost to K. Richards, C. Maxted, G. Ray, L. Gronow (s) 24-25. F. Corstorphan, D. Marsh, K. Tribe,

Craig Newsome claims the shot for Boort on Saturday

don and Helen Leach (skip), winning by 12 shots.

The Division 5 midweek pennant side had a draw on the road with Campbells Creek, with the team of Brendan Hopcott, Dionne Roberts, Wendy Wilson and Daniel Garrett (skip) the best performed with a two-shot win.

Division 1 midweek came up against a strong South Bendigo team and fought on to only lose by eight shots.

Best rink was the team of Vicky Tierney, Andrew Caserta, Lindsay Kelly, Laurie Witham (skip) with an eight-shot win.

WEDDERBURN

Top side St Arnaud proved too strong for Wedderburn in their Division 1 clash in the North

Central competition, winning 96 shots (12 points) to 42 shots (0 points).

Despite the loss, Wedderburn is third on the ladder.

However, Wedderburn’s Division 2 team won 70 shots (10 points) to 60 shots (2 points).

The top rink was Sandra Steel, Tony Benaim, Colin Mills and Lance Standfield (skip), who thumped their opposition by 21 shots.

The team sits second on the ladder behind Wycheproof.

BRIDGEWATER

The Division 5 side played Strathfieldsaye at home and came away with a seven-shot win.

The rink of Glenn Mangan, Tyler Estrada, Glenn Catto and Pater Gath ended the day with a 11shot win.

The Goldfields team travelled to take on top side Newstead Blue, and it was going to be always a very tough assignment.

The team lost 102 shots (16 points) to 27 shots (0 points).

The midweek side played Castlemaine at home last Monday and had a good win to consolidate its position in the top four.

PENNANT BOWLS RESULTS

J. Grant (s) d G. Lourie, B. Meighan, W. Miles,

A. Leech (s) 17-16. Bendigo East 77-4 lost to Marong 87-14. White Hills 80-2 lost to Kangaroo Flat 8516. Ladder: Bendigo 141, Calivil 114, White Hills 113, Harcourt 98, Marong 76, Dingee 68, Kangaroo Flar 60, Bendigo East 50. Division 5 Inglewood 91-17 d Woodbury 641. G. Lourie, B. Meighan, W. Miles, A. Leech (s) d E. Mein, B. Cozens, R. Rossiter, L. Basile (s) 27-15. D. Shay, B. McNaught, D. Smyth, I. Bradley (s) d M. Derham, N. Upton, I. Ross, C. Edwards (s) 26-16. B. Scoble, D. Roberts, J. Palfreyman, W. Wilson (s) d M. Weeks, D. Tarr, J. Bath, B. Shay (s) 23-18. W. Concol, D. Shay, K. McNaught, P. Kelly (s) drew J. Wee Hee, J. Davidson, S. Treloar, I. Harrington (s) 15-15. Bridgewater 78-14 d Strathfieldsaye 71-4. P. Steenhuis, B. Catto, C. Payne, A. Harrison (s) lost to K. Rogister, R. Rogister, N. Dewhurst, T. Phelan (s) 12-21. N. Saunders, P. Short, R. Smith, J. Fagan (s) d J. Dole, K. Toomey, J. Cummins, S. Curnow (s) 22-16. P. Gath, G.

Catto, T. Estrada, G. Mangan (s) d R. Thomas, D. Curnow, G. Walker, U. Oper (s) 23-12. C. Wattie, V. Wilson, R. Broadbent, C. Mangan (s) lost to M. McCarthy, M. Filan, G. Sargeant, P. Schultz (s) 21-22. Bendigo 88-18 d Campbell’s Creek 57-0. Golden Square 89-15 d South Bendigo 77-3. Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 132, Campbell’s Creek 130, Bendigo 128, Golden Square 97, South Bendigo 77, Inglewood 74, Bridgewater 61, Woodbury 21.

Northern District

Division 2 Cohuna Golf 3 85-12 d Pyramid Hill 1 39-0. S. Brown, L. McManus, L. Sutherland, I. Morrison (s) d R. Harris, A. Dzufer, I. Bartels, T. Dzufer (s) 36-11. R. Ladson, N. Brown, C. Baker, G. Mathers (s) d T. Stobaus, J. Cauchi, K. Wood, N. McGann (s) 24-16. B. McLoughlan, M. Rodwell, J. Sutherland, M. Appleby (s) d D. Demaine, C. Cauchi, R. Price, S. Bennett (s) 25-12. Barham 4 51-0 lost to Kerang Golf 2 87-12. Cohuna 2 97-12 d Kerang 3 45-0. Ladder: Cohuna Golf 3 100, Kerang Golf 2 99, Cohuna 2 95, Pyramid Hill 1 63, Barham 4 41, Kerang 3 34. Division 3 Wakool 2 111-12 d Pyramid Hill 2 23-0. S. Mills, W. Bourke, R. Grant, K. Lolicato (s) d R. Eckardt, R. Boyd, A. Harris, A. Bennett (s) 38-6. J. Hamilton, J. Lolicato, S. McNaul, S. Chalmers (s) d G. Godward, substitute, M. Mahoney, W. Boyd (s) 25-12. L. Hamilton, A. Shannon, G. Rowland, C. Mills (s) d substitute, A. Roberts, L. Dingwall (s) 48-5. Kerang 4 62-10 d Gunny Golf 1 55-2. Kerang Golf 3 75-12 d Cohuna 3 36-0. Leitchville 2 81-11 d Barham 5 50-1. Ladder: Wakool 2 125, Kerang Golf 3 91, Kerang 4 85, Cohuna 3 78, Barham 5 63, Gunny Golf 1 61, Leitchville 2 48, Pyramid Hill 2 25. Midweek - Division 1 Cohuna 1 77-12 d Pyramid Hill 1 46-0. A. Ainger, P. Van der Zande, T. Dehne, F. Tonn (s) d R. Harris, C. Cauchi, A. Cantwell, M. Scott (s) 28-18. V. Dehne, V. Meredith, F. Parr, W. Brooks (s) d H. Crichton, W. Boyd, S. Bennett, R. Opie (s) 19-13. R. Storey, M. Reade, J. Reade, M. Hofman (s) d I. Bartels, J. Cauchi, K. Wood, M. Noelker (s) 30-15. Barham 1 56-0 lost to Kerang 1 72-12. Cohuna Gold 1 63-3 lost to Kerang Golf 1 67-9. Ladder: Cohuna 1 104, Kerang 1 93, Barham 1 76, Kerang Golf 1 64, Cohuna Golf 1 41, Pyramid Hill 1 18. Division 2 Leitchville 1 66-8 d Pyramid Hill 2 29-0. R. Griffiths, P. Nott, G. Wilson, R. Cornwill (s) d M. Mahoney, R. Boyd, R.

Fidler, L. Dingwall (s) 25-17. D. Griffiths, J. Haynes, D. Hipwell, P. Griffiths (s) d A. Harris, D. Kaye, T. Stobaus, A. Bennett (s) 41-12. Barham 3 39-6 d Cohuna Golf 2 34-2. Kerang Golf 2 41-2 lost to Gunbower 1 42-6. Kerang 2 39-6 d Barham 4 35-2. Cohuna 3 35-2 lost to Cohuna 2 46-6. Barham 2 Bye. Ladder: Kerang Golf 2 62, Barham 2 60, Gunbower 1 57, Leitchville 1 56, Cohuna 2 53, Barham 3 50, Barham 4 47, Cohuna 3 45, Cohuna Golf 2 39, Kerang 2 36, Pyramid Hill 2 19.

North Central

Division 1 Wedderburn 42-0 lost to St Arnaud 96-12. R. Tonkin, A. Roberts, B. Montebello, L. Witham (s) lost to D. Shepherd, C. Marchment, P. McRae, A. Dyke (s) 12-39. L. Holt, M. Guelfo, A. Caserta, D. Mason (s) lost to T. Amos, G. McNally, G. Hancock, S. Zsigmond (s) 12-30. R. Guelfo, A. Holt, N. Holt, A. Jackson (s) lost to T. Marland, M. Wood, A. Welsh, T. McSwain (s) 18-27. Boort 96-12 d Donald 48-0. K. Birt, D. Gibson, C. Newsome, S. Morris (s) d W. Meyer, B. Milne, R. Gravestocks, P. Kelly (s) 45-5. K. Walton, G. Hudson, W. Keenan, K. Depiazza (s) d T. Farrer, R. Collins, L. Kelly, H. Wingfield (s) 25-23. S. Nelson, J. Gibson, T. Moresi, L. Maxted (s) d M. Quick, E. Adams, L. Morgan, N. Hollis (s) 26-20. Charlton 63-0 lost to Donald Golf 81-12. L. Southwell, P. Watts, J. Headon, S. Perry (s) lost to W. Livingston, G. Geddes, A. Humphrey, D. Pettifer (s) 22-23. R. Porter, M. O’Brien, J. Cox, K. North (s) lost to M. Frank, S. O’Shea, R. Adams, R. Reseigh (s) 23-30. M. Hamley, W. Southwell, D. McCallum, K. Willey (s) lost to G. Stopps, B. Dixon, S. Hollis, P. Hibberd (s) 18-28. Wycheproof 102-12 d St Arnaud Country 38-0. Ladder: St Arnaud 104, Donald Golf 104, Wedderburn 100, Wycheproof 82, St Arnaud Country 59, Donald 55, Boort 48, Charlton 12. Division 2 Wedderburn 77-10 d St Arnaud 60-2. S. Lear, N. White, A. Noordennen, I. Hall (s) d J. Barron, G. McIntyre, A. Tyler, L. Goddard (s) 27-21. S. Steel, A. Benaim, C. Mills, L. Standfield (s) d G. Smith, P. Micallef, C. Coates, L. Goodwin (s) 35-14. R. Ashley, R. Hall, J. Matthews, J. Grant (s) lost to J. Parsons, P. Duncan, J. Prendegast, W. Rourke (s) 12-25. Boort 107-12 d Donald 36-0. I. Allison, A. Gould, J. Hampson, G. Smith (s) d substitute, B. Brennan, substitute, Marian Hollis (s) 29-20. L. Carrall, G. Charles, S. Rollinson, A. Matley (s) d substitute, S. Robertson, sub-

stitute, K. Wyllie (s) 27-11. L. Newsome, S. Polack, P. Waters, J. Earl (s) d substitute, C. Perry, M. McEwen, D. Romeo (s) 51-5. Charlton 66-2 lost to Donald Golf 73-10. R. Gahan, E. Rosewall, J. Ong, D. Finlay (s) d E. Brasier, G. Bowles, J. Slater, J. Hollis (s) 2317. D. Beaty, Z. Irwin, S. Harper, D. Gretgrix (s) lost to S. Evans, M. Raynes, P. Raynes, G. Wood (s) 24-27. B. Chester, B. Patton, W. Roberts, G. Bateson (s) lost to C. Stopps, B. Brasier, A. Dionisopoulos, L. Borden (s) 1929. Wycheproof 56-0 lost to St Arnaud Country 70-12. Ladder: Wycheproof 104, Wedderburn 97, Donald Golf 86, St Arnaud Country 81, St Arnaud 80, Donald 47, Boort 40, Charlton 29. Midweek - Charlton 61-8 d Boort 58-4. J. Cox, B. Laffin, D. McCallum, K. North (s) lost to L. Carrall, T. Noles, D. Gibson, W. Keenan (s) 15-19. M. Hamley, E. Rosewall, J. Headon, K. Willey (s) lost to G. Tweddle, P. Baker, C. Newsome, L. Maxted (s) 20-21. R. Porter, W. Laffin, D. Gretgrix, L. Southwell (s) d S. Polack, P. Gould, J. Earl, T. Moresi (s) 26-18. Wedderburn 73-4 lost to Donald Golf 748. R. Little, S. Standfield, A. Roberts, L. Witham (s) lost to C. Raynes, G. Wood, J. Hollis, G. Rigby (s) 22-30. R. Ashley, J. Murnane, R. Hall, A. Caserta (s) d C. Stopps, S. Evans, R. Reseigh, S. O’Shea (s) 29-26. L. Standfield, J. Matthews, S. Steel, A. Jackson (s) d W. Livingston, B. Jones, B. Dixon, P. Hibberd (s) 22-18. Wycheproof 55-2 lost to Donald 81-10. Ladder: Wycheproof 123, Donald Golf 108, Wedderburn 92, Boort 74, Charlton 61, Donald 48. Goldfields

Division 2 Newstead Blue 102-16 d Bridgewater 27-0. P. Bennett, J. Phillips, A. Theckston, B. Burnett (s) d T. Ryan, G. Harrison, D. Wilson, G. Mabon (s) 35-10. M. Leckey, P. McNabb, B. Gervasoni, D. Cobden (s) d S. Miller, D. Grant, G. Papworth, I. Clutton (s) 41-5. M. Lovett, S. Gibson, R. Hamilton, B. Daly (s) d J. Hosking, R. Simons, D. Payne, R. Brown (s) 26-12. Dunolly Gold 62-12 d Maldon 50-4. Maryborough Highland 72-16

Boort’s Laurie Maxted

Ken Burt in action for Boort against Donald. LH PHOTOS

Leach snares another seven

ANOTHER seven-wicket haul from Jayden Leach has given Kingower the edge over Wedderburn Band in their critical twoday match.

The winner is almost certain to finish on top of the ladder, and it’s Kingower’s all-round strength that has it best placed to seal top spot.

It was a day of fits and starts at Wedderburn, begun – as is almost traditional – with a firstover wicket from Gower captain Leach.

Bradley Holt was clean bowled by the third ball of the match, and the score quickly became 2-13 when James Van De Wettering was caught behind off Kyle Simpson’s bowling.

Finn Turnbull and Isaac Holt dug in and took the score to 32 off 12 overs before both fell in consecutive overs.

Band captain Will Holt and Andrew Brett then came together and clawed their way to 69 before Holt fell to Leach for 21 off 38 balls – the first of six consecutive wickets for the bowling sensation.

Brett was the mainstay, with his singular technique of either blocking dourly or swinging lustily something to behold.

He scored only one single off the 121 runs he faced, whacking

By GARY WALSH

four sixes and six fours, along with three twos, on his way to 57 not out.

It’s fair to say he’s not that keen on running.

Wickets fell in clumps, with Danny Benaim (0) departing on 69 along with his captain.

It took Steve Giorlando, batting at number eight, to give Brett the support he needed.

Giorlando batted for an impressive 57 balls in making 21, putting on a 48-run partnership with Brett and taking the side to 7-117.

But then the wheels fell off again, with the last four wickets adding just 20 runs as Leach took 4-0 off his last three overs.

His 7-26 matched his haul in round one against Arnold and came after his 7-15 a week earlier against Boort Yando.

Leach now has 29 wickets for the season at the astonishing average of 7.34.

Defending a disappointing 137, Wedderburn needed early wickets against the imposing Kingower batting lineup.

Reliable openers Matt Rowe and Will Deason batted circumspectly, but both fell cheaply –Rowe for 13 off 33 balls and Deason for 12 off 38 deliveries after he shouldered arms one time too

often and was bowled by Isaac Holt.

With Kingower 2-30, Wedderburn’s tails were up, but the visitors shut up shop, ending the day at 2-54 off 24 overs.

Leach was unusually patient, scoring off only five of the 39 balls he faced, to finish not out on 11.

He had a willing partner in Ben Rose, promoted from number eight the week before, who made his way to nine after facing 35 deliveries.

Will Holt’s decision to switch to leg-spin after beginning with his usual medium pace proved to be a poor one, with his last ball for the day a full toss that flew over the keeper’s head to the boundary. Quick wickets are the order for Wedderburn when the match resumes next Saturday.

„ The match between Boort Yando and Bridgewater will now be played as a one-day clash next week after the teams agreed to abandon the first day due to a lack of player availability.

Kingower v Wedderburn

Wedderburn

Young Pies keep pumping out the

THE ALL-CONQUERING Boort

Yando juniors have completed a sensational outright win over Wedderburn Band, skittling their opponents for 25 in their second innings.

The Magpies knocked over the Band for just 21 in their first hit and belted 252 in response.

It was more of the same for the outclassed Wedderburn youngsters, with six players making ducks – three of them golden.

The Band’s 10 wickets fell for 10 runs after a 15-run opening partnership from Blake Hartnell (8) and Edwin Sellick (3), including five wickets for one run after the opening stand.

Jake O’Flaherty, who took a

hat-trick in the seniors against Kingower last week, grabbed another 2-7.

Jacob Malone collected 3-1, Deklan King took 2-0 and Owen Byrne took 2-5 as Boort won outright by 202 runs.

Kingower’s imposing 2-253 proved too much for Bridgwater Bulls, who managed 7-132 in response, which included a remarkable 45 extras.

Opener Lewis Lonsdale made 24 to top score for the Bulls, with Xavier Power (retired not out 22) and Nate Harrison (17 not out) providing good support.

Six bowlers took wickets for Kingower, with Flynn Lonza capturing 2-21.

dominant form

One two-day round remains before finals, with Boort Yando hosting Bridgewater and Wedderburn Band at home to Kingower.

Wedderburn 10/21 & 10/25 lost to Boort Yando 10/252 Wedderburn resumed B. Hartnell b J. O’Flaherty 8 E. Sellick c D. Perryman b J. Malone 3 B. Cramp b J. Malone 0 K. Cramp b O. Byrne 0 A. Clarke b J. O’Flaherty 0 C. Gault b J. Malone ..................................5 Z. Polkinghorne b D. King 0 J. Cramp c J. O’Flaherty b O. Byrne 0 W. Huismann c J. Malone b D. King 1 B. Turnbull c C. Gooding b D. Perryman 0 N. Turnbull not out 1 Extras 7 Total 10/25

Bowling: F. Arnold 3-1-2-0, B. McPherson 3-1-3-0, J. O’Flaherty 2-1-7-2, J. Malone

2-1-1-3, O. Byrne 3-1-5-2, L. King 3-3-0-0, D. King 2-2-0-2, C. Hird 1-1-0-0, D. Perryman 1.2-0-1-1. Kingower 2/253 d Bridgewater 7/132

Bridgewater resumed L. Lonsdale b X. Wilson 24 C. Alexander b R. Smith 3 N. Harrison not out 17 X. Power retired not out ...........................22

N. Wickham c X. Wilson b F. Lonza 0 J. Birthisel c R. Murphy b F. Lonza 14 O. Bird c R. Leach H. Leach 0 M. c M. Lonza b A. Wilson 0 V. Harrison retired not out 7

J. Harrison b M. Rose 0 N. Power not out 0

Extras 45

Total 7/132

Bowling: R. Smith 8-3-12-1, T. Murphy 3-14-0, R. Murphy 6-3-9-0, R. Leach 3-2-7-0, M. Lonza 4-0-13-0, X. Wilson 4-1-8-1, J. Penrose 3-0-18-0, F. Lonza 3-0-21-2, H. Leach 4-1-61, M. Rose 3-1-6-1, A. Wilson 3-0-9-1.

COOPER Gooding is the young man they (virtually) can’t dismiss. The Boort Yando junior star has compiled 415 runs this season at an average of 207.5.

Until two weeks ago, in round seven, Gooding had not been out. By that time, he had made 239 runs, with a lowest score of 30 retired not out. In the two matches since, he has been dismissed – but not before making 89 and 86 respectively against Kingower and Wedderburn Band.

It begs the question: how many runs would Gooding have made if not being retired week after week?

This is how his season has progressed – 64 not out, 31 retired not out, 30 retired not out, 31 retired not out, 33 retired not out, and 51 retired not out, before the two 80s.

Gooding, remarkably, has made more than a third of his team’s runs for the season.

For good measure, he leads the junior fielding table with eight dismissals, seven as wicketkeeper. Add three wickets at 7.33, and you have a season of staggering feats.

However, to bring Gooding back to earth somewhat, his senior batting total of 33 runs has come at a average of just 8.25.

Matt Lockhart cops a bouncer from Jayden Leach at Market Square on Saturday. ;H PHOTO

RIVER’S COUP

AUSTRALASIA’S top young water skiers have marked Bridgewater in their diaries for March when the Loddon River hosts a major international event.

Bridgewater Water Ski Club has been given the nod to stage the 2025 Aussie Kiwi Challenge.

Teams of 26 skiers representing each country will compete on the river in what club member Lee Martin said was a coup for the club and recognition of the Loddon River’s skiing reputation

“There have been a lot of people who

have skied here and gone on to represent Australia at international events,” Martin said. “And there will be another crop of skiers using the river at Bridgewater for training before being part of the Moomba Masters on the March long weekend.

“Some of those young skiers will then be back in Bridgewater the next weekend competition in the Oz-Kiwi challenge.”

Martin said the sport’s ruling bodies in Australia and New Zealand had approved the club’s bid to host the three-day tournament in 2025.

The event alternates between the countries with the top under 21 skiers last year taking to Whanganui’s Lake Wiritoa.

Bridgewater club members spent the Australia Day weekend fine tuning the Loddon River’s front and back courses when they hosted the annual Australian Masters tournament.

The overall men’s winner was Lochie Butlin with women’s honours going to Layne Moroney. Competition was in sections from under 10 to veterans.

The club last month ran the second round of the Malibu series celebrating skiers of all abilities in slalom, trick and jump events.

Next month’s Australasian ski challenge will be one of two major sporting events being hosted in the Loddon Shire this year.

Australian National Three-Day Orienteering Carnival will be staged around Inglewood at Easter and followed by further competitions the next weekend.

New leader tipped to emerge after meeting

LODDON Valley Football Netball league will have a new leader. next week.

The league board will meet for the first time on Monday.

Vice-chair Richard Hicks is tipped to step up and take on the key role.

The meeting will see the new board members elected last November at the meeting.

Former chair Simon Tuohey stepped down from the board after completing the maximum three three-year terms on the board.

The new board members are Inglewood netball player and administrator Shasta Maher, former Bridgewater junior coach Wayne Naughton, and umpire and former junior interleague coach Glenn Catto.

All three have signalled that the development of junior football in the region is a top priority, while the likely broad restructuring of country football and netball leagues in Victoria will be another key issue to be considered in the next three years.

Kingower skipper Jayden Leach takes another sevenwicket haul and puts his team in a strong position against Wedderburn - PAGE 23

- GARY WALSH

- CHRIS EARL

Caitlin Dennis (left) and Caitlin McDonald compete in the weekend’s Masters. LH PHOTOS