Loddon Herald 31 August 2023

END THE SECRECY

AUSTRALIAN Energy Market Operator is under renewed pressure to disclose details of its controversial VNI West project.

Loddon communities are still waiting for detail of the transmission line path that will run between Stawell and Kerang.

AEMO has also refused to reveal the membership of its community reference group or confirm where scheduled October consultation sessions will be held.

Wedderburn’s Alex Holt: “Nothing has changed by AEMO in its method or style of consultation

AEMO Information, detail still in short supply: critic

and information. Local communities in the VNI West path are being treated the same as those in Western Renewables Link over the past few years - they are telling us nothing.”

Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said he had fielded requests from residents looking for information after AEMO last week started contacting landholders on its refined path. “These people are telling me they are concerned that

AEMO is not giving the detail that allows for informed discussion and proper consultation in our communities,” he said.

“They are entitled to be asking questions and I would trust that answers are forthcoming in a more timely fashion. They want to know who are the members of the community reference group, the people who have put up their hands and have been appointed as a voice for local communities.”

AEMO says “initial calls are progressing well” but not how many landowners had been contacted.

The reference group was to have had its first meeting early this month but AEMO now says it will be in mid-September.

A spokesperson said AEMO’s VNI West entity Transmission Company Victoria said it was in “the process of contacting the individuals who put their names forward to participate in the group Once we finalise the group and receive permission to share personal information publicly, we will share details of the membership. The first items on the agenda for discussion by the

group will be to discuss details of how the group will run and the terms of reference.”

AEMO says applications for membership remain open. No detail has been given on how many applications have been received.

The spokesperson said details on October’s consultations “will be provided closer to the date”.

Cr Straub said there was concern that AEMO would release new details of the route and future consultation during harvest. “We don’t want key details being dropped in November or December and distract farmers,” Cr Straub said.

Paula Yorston, Debbie Youngson and director of clinical and community services April McKenzie led Inglewood and Districts Health Service staff in celebrating news last week that the hospital has been given quality care accreditation for another three years by the Australian Commis-

sion on Safety and Quality in Health Care. CEO Dallas Coghill said extension of accreditation, first granted in 2016, reflected on the professionalism of all staff and would continue to give confidence for patients and clients of the service.

EVERYTHING is new tomorrow - spring will officially spring into life. Our national floral emblem the golden wattle has been out in prolific colour for many weeks spreading its sweet smell of spring, the days teasingly offering brief tastes of balmy weather that hint that the start of outdoor barbecues is close. Bradly of Boort is rejoicing in the moment with his latest Treemendous sign.

TALKING about new ... wonder how many adventurous taste buds have been tempted by the new cinnamon flavour of Twisties. While we grew up with good old cheese and chicken varieties, marketers have tried to entice us with newer versions in recent years. The company behind Twisties has even teamed up with one of those big name donut vendors for a new cinnamon Twistie version. The new Twisties, apparently have a rich cinnamon spice flavour and feature the “deliciously sweet undertone” of a Donut King donut.

TWISTIES were originally available only in cheese flavour when the Melbourne creation first hit shelves in 1950, soon to be joined by chicken and a couple of years ago Wicked Cheddar Zig-Zag and

even raspberry. You can find them overseas with varities including toffee, tomato, salmon teriyaki and peri peri.

WE CANNOT let pass the ongoing energy quest by the hilarious bunch of local umpires. We have already reported on some devouring cinnamon donuts at the football and rejection of sugar-free snakes. Saw a few bulging pockets at the weekend as some tried to inject non-approved sugar fixes into the official container that, we’ll introduce him as Pistol Pete, has been carting out to the olive men huddles in the finals.

PETE had better be careful. Another sign spring is near comes in the form of swooping magpies and plovers. It’s their breeding season and with lots of hard work planned, they may also need a sugar fix. According to Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) spokesperson said: “Every spring, some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and young for a short time while their young are most vulnerable.”

AND spring means lizards, skinks, geckos and dragons are beginning to wake up from their winter sleep. As we get more sun, you’ll see them basking on flat rocks, concrete and sand. Snakes will also begin to wake soon, a prospect that many people do not relish. Keeping your yard clear of rubbish and overgrown grass is a good way to discourage them, as is controlling rats and mice, which are their favourite food ... not sugar-free snakes.

Good news comes from shed

PYRAMID Hill Men’s Shed will have good news to report when members hold their annual meeting tonight.

They will hear that among projects over the last year has been erection of a Loddon Herald sign at the town’s post office and newsagency.

President Trevor McIntosh and other members took on the project to make a frame and place the Loddon Herald signage with national and state newspapers on the newsagency verandah.

Members last week complet-

ed the project with Matty Down scaling a ladder onto the verandah while other members assisted from the street with directions and advice on placement.

Trevor said the men’s shed had engaged local residents since it re-established last year. “Our members were delighted to assist our local Loddon Herald in erecting the sign at out popular post office and newsagency.”

Members will celebrate a year of activities at the Victoria Hotel tonight.

Farmers want wild dog action plan renewed

THE State Government has been asked to renew its decade-old wild dog management plan.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation said there had been enormous drop in wild dog attacks on live-

stock since 2012. “Livestock farmers have come to rely on this plan to protect their livestock from the harrowing impacts of wild dogs and renewing it is a complete no-brainer.”

that not

Matty Down, Terry Wood, Trevor McIntosh, Fred Belli and Michael O’Rourke after erecting the Loddon Herald sign. LH PHOTO

Charcuterie cheers

AWARD-WINNING Loddon butchers Jye and Kristy Arnold have taken gold at the Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards.

The Boort couple collected top prizes for their boneless ham and hickory and peppercorn bacon at the weekend’s awards dinner.

Their Arnold Family Butchers was also named silver award recipients for beef kabana, chicken, cheese and chilli kabana, cheese kransky and full rasher bacon.

And to top off success against some of Australia’s biggest smallgoods manufacturers, Kristy and Jye were also awarded bronze for their short cut bacon and mettwurst.

It was the first time the Arnolds had entered the Australian Meat Industry Council charcuterie awards.

“We were probably the smallest fish in the biggest sea, some companies having 1400 square metre warehouses for their smallgoods,” said Kristy.

Earlier this year, Arnold Family Butchers won Australia’s best short-cut bacon and continental sausages at the national Sausage King awards after successes at regional and state competitions in 2022.

Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards entries over the next threes years that have been awarded a gold medal are eligible to enter and compete in the IFFA world regional competition.

The Australian awards were judged by a panel of award-winning and celebrity chefs, artisan smallgoods makers, and meat industry legends.

Plated lamb travels paddock circle

THE FLAVOURS of Loddon-bred Merino sheep travelled full circle at Bears Lagoon on Friday.

Regular buyers at Willera Merino’s on-property stud ram sale for the Murphys Creek farmers, Deb and Darryl Hancock, also provided meat from their Inglewood butchers that filled party pies enjoyed by the crowd.

“The Merino lamb flavour is so sweet,” said Deb.

“Our sheep have been bred from Willera rams ... the meat has come full circle back to the paddock.”

Darryl said he had been buying rams from Willera for more than 30 years.

“They give us a heavy-cutting wool that’s white and lush and are ideal for shearing every six months,” he said.

The Hancocks purchased six rams at Friday’s auction, the third in the Loddon on-property sale season.

They were among many local buyers also with farmers from across Victoria at the auction while several rams also sold online during the afternoon.

REPORT - PAGE 11

Wait on start to 95MW solar power project

A START on construction of a solar farm at Derby announced last year is still to be confirmed.

The 95 MW farm was one of six projects announced after the State Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target second round auctions.

A Government spokesperson said last week: “The energy generated by the projects supported under VRET2 will contribute towards our goal of 100 per cent renewable electricity for Victorian government operations by

2025. This will also help us achieve our targets of 95 percent renewable energy generation by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.”

Sungrow Renewable Energy won the Derby site auction and its website says construction will start in 2023 with power generation from next year.

“(The farm will be) largely pre-fabricated facility, with on-site construction limited to assembly and connection of components,” the company’s site says. “Installation of the panel mounts will involve relatively shallow

earthworks, which would be limited to site scrape of the proposed compound to remove weeds on the solar farm site, while the rest of the land will remain untouched during this period.

“A weed management plan has been prepared to ensure appropriate weed control during construction and operation of the project.” The company was contacted for comment on the project and an update on timelines for construction.

Chance to chat

RESIDENTS will have the chance to chat and connect at an R U OK? community barbecue next month. Loddon shire acting director community wellbeing Paul Scullie said the day would also include the chance to chat with local services. “As well as catching up with old and new friends, the free barbecue will provide a great opportunity to engage with our local community services,” he said. “This includes a chat and check in with representatives from Inglewood and Districts Health Service as well as Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House, and discuss local support available.”

Visitors limited

BOORT District Health has limited visitors to its aged hostel after a flu outbreak last Friday. “The health and safety of our patients and residents are our top priority, and we are taking immediate measures to address this situation,” BDH said.

Veterans to gather

A COMMEMORATIVE service for Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day will be held at Inglewood’s war memorial today at 6pm. The date coincides with Merdeka Day (Freedom Day), marking the Federation of Malaya’s independence from Britain in 1957. Australian soldiers served in Borneo and Malaya between 1947 and 1966.

Kristy and Jye Arnold collect gold at the national awards.

Powercor was last Friday working on transmission lines near Kurting. Calder Highway was reduced to one lane while works were completed.

Bringing home the lamb ... Darryl and Deb Hancock. LH PHOTO

Open all hours

PYRAMID Hill Bakery Cafe is a popular spot with locals and visitors for coffee, cake and much more.

Mick and Dee Sim welcome customers from breakfast time through to dinner and offer dining indoor and outdoor options at their Kelly Street bakery and cafe

A range of cakes and slices are always available to enjoy with coffee.

Mick and Dee say their custard tarts are great to try ... washed down with a Cappuccino or Latte.

Or perhaps there’s an apple slice served warm or cold, teamed with whipped cream or thick custard (or for the real sweet tooths, both!)

And you can’t go past the wonderful Jelly Slice. Mick and Dee say the slice is an ideal

way to cool the palate and have you ready to get on with the day!

For those looking for more, Mick’s famous pies and past ies are always a favourite with customers too.

Mick and Dee also offer a regular Friday night Asian cuisine offering.

Plus there’s fish and chips and pizzas at the bakery cafe.

The day also included fire fighting skill demonstrations, emergency rescue operations and activities for children.

Among those enoying the day was Kai Cook (below) who took the wheel of her very own fire engine while local youngsters (right) checked out the Korong Vale tanker.

$1m flows for repairs

LODDON Shire has been given $1 million towards repair of flood damage to roads, bridges and footpaths.

Council says the cash injection will also be used to rebuild assets to a more resilient standard.

“Building key council assets to be more resilient is a significant step in the preparation for future emergencies. Having assets such as culverts and roads able to better withstand natural disasters such as flooding, is absolutely vital for our communities and emergency services,” council said.

The Council Priority Betterment Program is jointly-funded through the CommonwealthState Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

There were more than 1300 damaged sections of the shire’s 4800km road network in last October’s flood emergency. ..

Referendum case arrives in mail

THE official Yes and No cases for the Voice referendum have started to arrive in the letterboxes of Loddon residents.

The Australian Electoral Commission booklet explains the referendum on proposed changes to the constitution.

A date for the vote is expected to be announced by Prime Minister Albanese this week with October 14 tipped as the day.

CAPTAIN Koala made a special visit to Korong Vale on Sunday when the town’s fire brigade held an open day promoting fire safety and awareness.

AP PHOTOS

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETINAUGUST 31 2023

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SUPPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translation and Interpreter Services

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

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

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Health/Hospitals

Boort District Health

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

Inglewood and District Health Services

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

Northern District Community Health

P: (03) 5451 0200

Boort Medical Centre

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

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

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

Marong Medical Practice

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

Wedderburn Health Clinic

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

Legal Services

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909

Neighbourhood Houses

Boort Resource and Information Centre

(BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort

P: (03) 5455 2716

Inglewood Community

Neighbourhood House

Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood

P: (03)5455 2716

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House

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

Wedderburn Community House

24 Wilson St, Wedderburn

P: (03) 5494 3489

Top doctor to give Loddon community tips

As we approach the one year anniversary of the October 2022 oods, Loddon Shire Council is bringing clinical psychologist Dr Rob Gordon to Dingee to help address concerns about mental health in recovery.

Dr Gordon will speak at a free community dinner on Wednesday 13 September in the Dingee Hotel.

Dr Gordon has been working in the eld of disaster recovery since Ash Wednesday in 1983. He has worked with people and communities after the Port Arthur shooting, the Bali Bombing, Black Saturday, the Christchurch Earthquake as well as numerous oods, res, cyclones and other events throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Dr Gordon said he realised there was a need to work in this space after he rst went to the Macedon area with a children’s hospital team following the Ash Wednesday res.

“It became evident that nobody really knew what we should be doing with people after disasters – they don’t t into the categories of people with mental illness or mental health problems, they’re normal people who’ve been hurt,” he said.

“They only really just introduced the idea of post-traumatic stress disorder as a possible health problem, but I also saw that it’s much wider than just trauma, it’s about the whole community disruption and the stresses that go throughout the recovery system.”

Dr Gordon saw an opportunity to be involved in pioneering work in this eld and set out to train and gain more experience and nd out more about the lasting e ects of trauma.

WHAT’S ON

14 September -

Inglewood Community R U OK Day BBQ

Come and enjoy a free BBQ lunch in the Town Hall Gardens from 12 noon. Join the friendly faces of our local services including Inglewood and Districts Health Service, the Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House and local ward councillor Wendy Murphy representing the Loddon Healthy Minds Network.

3-5 October - Elmore Field Days

The Elmore Field Days is an annual three day premier agricultural event. With more than 700 exhibitors you will have everything from tools and hardware through to pools and tractors, kids’ activities, machinery, plants, arts and crafts, steel yards, fashion, cattle crushes and anything in between. Head to Agriculture Victoria’s tent to catch up with Council’s ood recovery support team.

6-14 Oct - Whole Loddon Love

Whole Loddon Love is a series of contemporary music gigs taking place in areas severely a ected by ooding in 2022. Tickets free for locals & kids, and only $15 for others! Money raised will go to local community groups and ood recovery.

Fri 6 Oct Victoria Hotel, Pyramid Hill (evening)

Sat 7 Oct Railway Hotel, Boort (evening)

Sun 8 Oct Newbridge Hotel, Newbridge (afternoon)

Sat 14 Oct Bridgewater Hotel, Bridgewater (evening) Book at www.wholeloddonlove.com

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS

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

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

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

He built a body of knowledge in this eld and developed a personcentred, trauma informed approach which has shaped the way organisations such as the Australian Red Cross, government agencies and other groups work with traumatised communities after disaster and loss.

To register for the dinner contact Josie McKinnon at Loddon Shire Council on mobile 0474 911 783 or via email j.mckinnon@loddon.vic. gov.au

Sat 14 October – The Melbourne Cup comes to Boort

The 2023 Melbourne Cup (valued at $600,000) will be at the Boort Agricultural Show on Saturday 14 October. Come along and get your photo taken with the Cup.

7-8 October - Loddon Valley Arts Trail

The Loddon Valley Arts Trail will showcase the creative talents of our region, while also creating opportunities for artists to promote their work and connect with art lovers and adventurers from all around.

Stay up-to-date at www.facebook.com/LoddonValleyArtsTrail/

12 November - George the Farmer in Serpentine

George the Farmer inspires kids to learn creatively about agriculture and where their food and bre comes from. Join George the Farmer for a live performance in the Serpentine Memorial Hall. The quintessentially Australian storylines delight and amuse the under 10 age group and adults alike. Save the date and watch for more information.

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Rob Gordon ... coming to Dingee on 13 September

Mayor, Cr Dan Straub, pictured with the 2023 Melbourne Cup

POLICE AND COMMUNITY PARTNER AT FORUM POLICE and community representatives from across the Goldfields police area met in Maryborough last Wednesday for the CommSafe forum discussing local and state-wide community issues. Among police at the forum were Wedderburn’s Sgt Ben Huismann, Goldfields Acting Inspector Wendy Lambert, Superintendent Brad Dixon and Assistant Commissioner Western Region Michael Grainger. The police panel spoke on current policing issues and trends and how to tackle common problems faced by police and the community with “a view to determining a shared responsibility for solving them”.

$45m year for building permits

NEW building permits for works valued at more than $45 million were issued by Loddon Shire in 2022-2023.

Manager development and compliance

Glenn Harvey told councillors last week the final quarter had seen 40 permits issued for the quarter valued at $15,006,840.

He said a total of 133 permits had been issued for the financial year.

Mr Harvey said there had been two new compliance actions for the quarter for building works without a permit.

“Whilst new issues requiring enforcement are identified regularly, it is also noted there are some long-standing enforcement activities that are ongoing,” he said.

“The time spent on individual items can be significant particularly when it requires escalation to court. Council officers work to try to resolve matters without legal intervention.”

Statutory planning co-ordinator Louise Johnston reported to councillors that all planning permit applications last quarter were assessed and issued within the statutory timeframes.

“In addition, the average processing days for council to make a determination on applications is 34 days, well below the rural average of 114 days, a great result for the

I’m

applicants, council and its planning team,” she said.

Council received 22 planning permit applications for the quarter.

Among applications approved were for a storage shed at Boort’s Yung, Balug Keeping Place museum, for use of the land to excavate and detect gold under the code of practice for low impact mining at Woolshed Flat, for Coliban Water’s pipeline and tanks works at Mitiamo Basin and to Parks Victoria to removal native vegetation as part of plans to replace the stock water supply to the Mitiamo pipeline scheme within Terrick Terrick National Park.

Health compliance

LODDON Shire will continue to set mosquito traps at Bridgewater, Serpentine, Pyramid Hill, Boort and Wedderburn under the Health Department’s mosquito surveillance and treatment program.

Senior public health officer Teresa Arnup reported to councillors last week that the program ran from November to April and Loddon’s first year as a participant “consumed considerable time.”

There had been detections of Murray valley Encephalitis, Baramah Forest and

West nile/Kunjin virus in traps located at Boort and Ross River was detected in traps in Serpentine and Wedderburn.

The trap in Pyramid Hill returned one positive test for Murray valley Encephalitis.

“Along with the weekly trapping program, council undertook treatment of public locations in townships on behalf of the State Government.

“The treatment methods being undertaken include barrier treatments, adulticiding and larviciding.

“With the positive traps much of the work towards the end of the season focused on Boort and Pyramid Hill.

“Throughout the whole season 255 treatments of public areas were undertaken, across the entire shire.

“Multiple visits were required to treat locations, generally visits were undertaken every six weeks in line with the retreatment requirements of the products being used.

“While this activity has been funded by the State Government, Council co-contributed to this program to ensure successful delivery and protection of public health. This activity and workload is managed with minimal additional resources,” she said.

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Social Darts Night

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Pot’n’Parma Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Saturday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm

Sunday – Open Midday

All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm

COUNCILS were only receiving enough government funding to maintain 65 per cent of their road networks, according to the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh this week used the statistic in a renewed call for better funding of local councils.

“Local governments have a lot of services and responsibilities, and they don’t get a large enough share of money,” Mr Walsh said. They don’t get enough share of Australia’s total tax revenue.”

A State Parliament inquiry has been established into Local Government funding and service delivery with recommendations to be made by next June.

“We believe there is a vertical imbalance of where the money raised and where the money is fed to deliver local services,” Mr Walsh said.

Maintenance money only covers 65%: MAV

Downsize to a better life ... at Bendigo Lifestyle Village

Enjoying life to the fullest never gets old. And, at Bendigo Lifestyle Village, those ready to shape their next life chapter have plenty to get excited about.

The new Bendigo Lifestyle Village was designed exclusively with over 55s in mind. It’s a refuge from the faster-paced world with no compromise to facilities or convenience. Peace of mind, community, privacy, liveability, and affordability are all key to the village experience.

“Our location’s all about creating a relaxed, country lifestyle within easy reach of everything you’d ever need,” explained Managing Director, Justin Morris.

“Central Bendigo is just 15 minutes away, yet the village has an idyllic rural feel to it.”

“Our residents get to enjoy not just the community of like-minded folk living in the village itself. They can also keep active and feel welcomed in the friendly neighbourhood community we’re nestled in.”

The Marong Golf Club, bowls and tennis clubs, and recreation reserve are an easy walk away, as are the local hotel, general store and the award-winning Elmore bakery.

And it’s all in the heart of the stunning Central Goldfields with its famous winegrowing region and rich history ready to explore and enjoy.

Bendigo Lifestyle Village is proof that downsizing doesn’t have to equate to downgrading. The village offers beautifully designed and constructed low-maintenance homes.

“Low-maintenance living frees up time for residents to pursue their passions and focus on their wellbeing,” Justin said.

“It’s the confidence of owning your own home without the usual hassles of upkeep.

“It’s the freedom to come and go, even take off on that dream holiday, without a care in the world, knowing our village management team will look after everything here.”

When residents are home, they’ll be able to enjoy first-class on-site facilities. Construction will very soon begin on a planned community centre and pool, which will deliver a function space, BBQ zone, pool room, craft room, and spa. It will be a place to gather, chat and laugh, try new things and enjoy great company. Residents are already enjoying the lifestyle offered at Bendigo Lifestyle Village.

“My husband and I moved into the village in December. We are very happy with the home we have built. It’s been so relaxing and the village friends we have made since moving in have been amazing. We are looking forward to the new facilities that will complement our lifestyle which are coming very soon,” said Julie.

“We welcome anyone thinking about their next move, to get in touch, come do a site tour and get to now more about the great lifestyle on offer.”

And right now, they have finished homes that are for sale and move-in ready!

For further information: bendigolifestylevillage.com.au

Students

ready to rock you with music

WEEKS of rehearsals will culminate tomorrow for students from Wedderburn and Inglewood schools.

They will hit the stage for We Will Rock You and on Sunday held a dress rehearsal under the direction of teachers Morgan Ferguson and Carol Woodman. Students from foundation to Year 10 will be part of the performance featuring iconic rock group Queen songs Crazy Little Thing Called Love, I Want it All and the classic anthem, We Will Rock You.

Senior students from Wedderburn College will be part of the backstage and front of house crew.

“The hard-working group have been meeting with great enthusiasm, bringing together their skills in singing and acting to showcase US rock band Queen’s very own musical,” said Morgan.

PETER

VOICE IN

YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT

Broad wants vow on local stations

THE State Government must take urgent action to ensure that single officer stations across Northern Victoria are not robbed of staff, Upper House MP Gaelle Broad has told Parliament.

She raised concern with a police command plan to change enterprise bargaining agreements to have would allow single officer station staff used to fill vacant shifts in bigger stations.

“If the mobility clause is passed, one-member stations could end up backfilling vacancies to meet the staffing requirements of 24-hour police stations and eventually be forced to close,” Ms Broad told Parliament.

“As well as deterring and responding to crime, people feel much safer knowing there is a police presence in the town.

“Steps to fill rosters should not be to the detriment of one member police stations in regional communities,” Ms Broad told Parliament this week.

Dust off old covers

BOOKS stored away in boxes could have new homes and raise funds for Tarnagulla Primary School.

The school’s parents and friends have put the call out for donations of old books for its stall at Tarnagulla’s Strictly Vintage Fair next month.

The stall will raise funds for student’s activities and excursions.

Donations of second hand books in good condition will stock the fair stall.

The Railway Hotel BOORT

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help

— but most of all we are a community. We are in this together, and together we will get through.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

about

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on We are in this together, and together we will get through.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus. Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

you.

Lillian Stephenson (above) at Sunday’s final dress rehearsal and Violet Stephenson, Lily Finch and Chelsie Tansley (left) go through their movements ahead of show night.

AP PHOTOS

Profit, planting jump boost company line

THE greenfield planting of 407 hectares at Cobram Estate Boort has increased the company’s Australian grove area by 6.2 per cent.

Investors were told last week that the new planting, together with the maturing of Australian groves will provide the company with an organically increasing supply of Australian extra virgin olive oil as the trees mature.

The release of the company’s annual report plans for a 3.3 cent dividend to shareholders in December 2023.

Joint chief executive officer Sam Beaton said the expanded grove at Boort would deliver incremental profit and cashflow due to production costs being relatively fixed as trees matured.

was used for the latest planting.”

Planting of varieties, finished in March and April, included picual, coratina, and hojiblanca and takes the Boort grove size to 3508 hectares.

The company now has more than 2.6 million olive trees on more than 7000 hectares at Boundary Bend, Boort, and Wemen

unique structure, being full vertically integrated.

“Ninety per cent of our oil comes from our own groves and we have our own brand as well,” he said. “This puts us in a unique position.

“Cobram Estate is Australia’s largest vertically integrated olive farmer and marketer of premium quality extra virgin olive oil.

Cobram Estate is Australia’s largest vertically integrated olive farmer and marketer of premium quality extra virgin olive oil

Currently, only 61 per cent of the Cobram Estate’s groves have matured.

“That mean’s 30 per cent of our trees are not yet mature. They will hit maturation in year eight after planting and that gives a lot of growth as they get older,” Mr Beaton said.

“We have a lot of young trees at Boort. We had planted more trees about six years ago and then purchased adjacent ground that

Mr Beaton said grove expansion and the new Boort processing mill were significant for the town and also on a global scale for the olive industry.

Cobram Estate’s combined milling capacity in Australia is now 112 tonnes of olives an hour and 6.8 million litres of olive oil storage.

Mr Beaton told the Loddon Herald that Cobram Estate had a

“Whilst achieving sales growth is a key objective of the business, we are also focused on increasing the return per litre (and hence our margin) on each litre of olive oil we sell.

“To this end, the business is focused on growing our higher margin packaged goods sales, particularly branded product sales, and on delivering incremental growth through the launch of higher value items across grocery and online sales channels.”

Cobram Estate reported a 21 per cent jump in sales revenue for the year to $169 million and a $7.7 million profit after tax, compared with a $700,000 loss the previous financial year.

Shares in the company were trading up at $1.33 on Tuesday.

Outstanding pair adds Dubbo ribbons to year’s accolades

WEEKS after taking out the national champion March-shorn pairs at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show for a second year, Terrick West Merino Stud has claimed the same title at the breed’s national show in Dubbo.

The Prairie West stud repeated its Bendigo performance by winning both the champion and reserve champion ribbons in the premier event.

And double success was also achieved when Terrick West was

August Council meeting outcomes

At its August meeting last week, Council adopted the 2022/23 Financial and Performance Statements Principle Report, 2022/23 End of Financial Year Variation Analysis and Governance Rules version 3.

Council also noted quarterly activity reports for Local Laws and Planning compliance, Public Health, Building Services, Statutory Planning permit activity, and Road Management Plan defect recti cation compliance. Additional agenda items addressed included:

 Pyramid Hill Kindergarten Assessment and Rating outcome

 Expressions of Interest for Stage 2 and 3 of the Pyramid Hill Community Centre through the Growing Regions Program.

 Formal recognition of Rheola Community Planning Inc.

 Planning Application Bridgewater Maldon Road, Bridgewater

For more detailed information on these topics and others discussed during the August meeting, scan the QR code

named champion and reserve champion March-shorn ewe of the show. Other ribbons gained at Dubbo included champion and reserve champion fine-medium March-shorn poll ewes, champion medium March-shorn poll ewe, champion strong Marchshorn poll ewe.

Terrick West was first in the 2-tooth medium March-shorn poll ram and third in pen of three rams. The stud will have rams in the Adelaide sale next week.

Residents are to consider the local law provisions for res in the open air. In the case of land that is 2000m2 (1/2 acre) or less, a re may only be lit on any Wednesday or Sunday without a written permit from Council. A camp re or re used for cooking does not require a permit on any day.

Also, all res must be noti ed to the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) on 1800 668511 before lighting the re or emailing a burn-o noti cation form to burno s@esta.vic.gov.au at least 2 hours before lighting the re.

Further information about the Community Local Law can be found at https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/ Community-Local-Law-2022

Terrick West’s Claire and Ross McGauchie with award-winning sheep in Dubbo last week.

New buyers alert for top prices

TOP-PRICED rams at last Friday’s Willera Merino’s on-property sale will be put to work on the Beaufort property of Australia’s largest importer of wool into China Qingnan Wen.

Lal Lal Mawallock Farm managers Andrew and Ann Welsh bid $5000 for two rams on their way to being the biggest volume buyer at the sale.

Sixteen of the 177 rams offered were bought for Lal Lal Mawallock. The clearance was 155 rams selling for an average of $2420.

Strong demand for the increased offering by Willera was evident from the opening lot.

Great Western’s J. and M. Kilpatrick paid $5000 for the 17.3 micron wool ram.

It was the first time Lal Lal Mawallock had purchased rams at the Willera sale.

“We would have been here last year for the sale but we were snoozing,” said Mr Welsh. “We made sure that didn’t happen this year.”

He said the breeding goals of

Lal Lal Mawallock and Willera were similar and had attracted him to the bloodline.

Running a non-museling farm as is Willera, “we are looking for a micron between the mid-17 and 18, bold wool type as well as greasy fleece weight,” he said.

“And it’s the ability of the sheep to handle cold snaps and heat that is important.”

The top-price rams had 17.7 and 17.8 micron fleeces.

Among local buyers was Pompapiel’s Darryl Chappel who was a successful bidder on four rams.

“I’ve been buying here for a long time. I like the free-growing wool style and length that are ideal for six-monthly shearing ... and Willera is local,” he said.

Willera manager Simon Coutts was pleased with the high clearance at the auction.

“We had been on the crest of a wave the last couple of years and we knew the price would be back this year,” he said.

“Today’s prices were realistic and pleasing. Last year the feed-

back was for more rams to be offered so we increased the number by 40 and have had a very good clearance. It’s meant people have been able to get their order.”

Simon said the previous week’s inspection day had helped generate interest in the on-property auction.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Lamb prices slightly declined with a better quality yarding whilst mutton had slightly more demand.

Monday, August 29th 2023 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 12,500 Sheep - 3,500

“We had new clients come to the inspection day to get a feel for our rams,” he said.

“It can be daunting for new buyers attending a stud’s auction for the first time.

“We had the demand and the prices were about where we thought they would end.”

LH PHTO

Other significant buyers at Friday’s auction included Tottington St Arnaud with 13 rams and Gippsland-based Langley Farms who bought 10 rams.

The Loddon ram sale season continues tomorrow at Norm Weir’s Kerrilyn Stud, Dunluce, when 50 rams will be offered.

SHEEP

THERE was a bigger yarding at Bendigo on Monday as more new season lambs start to appear, and there was a decent crowd of agents and farmers watching the sale to gain insights ahead of the impending spring flush.

An additional domestic order joined the buying ranks.

The tempo of the sale was mixed as were price results.

New season lambs remained in a similar price band to last week and reached $149.

The heaviest old season lambs improved $10/head and sold to $156 as they clawed back the losses of a week ago.

The general run of old lambs in the trade and lightweight categories sold a few dollars either side of last Monday’s outcomes.

Any old woolly lambs with burr and seed continue to be discounted.

Industry medal awarded

DONALD McGauchie has been awarded the Australian Wool Industry medal recognising more than 20 years as chairman of the Australian Wool Testing Authority.

The Terrick West Poll Merinos partner was one of four recipients of the medal that has been awarded annually since 2017 recognising exceptional and sustained contribution, Mr McGauchie said he had been

delighted to be recognised by peers and friends.

AWTA is an industry-owned company for growers, processors and exporters with two independent directors. Mr McGauchie is one of those directors. It had originally been formed by CSIRO in the 1970s.

Mr McGauchie said wool marketed in Australia was tested by the authority, giving buyers and sellers confidence in its quality.

The heaviest young lambs sold to $149, with heavy trades not far behind.

There was only a $6 per head difference between young lambs in the 26-30kg range at $141 compared to $135 for the 2426kg.

Most young lambs 510c to 560c/kg, with isolated sales to 580c for the neatest trades.

There was more light young lambs under 18kg cwt including Merinos which made from $45 to $74/head.

Export grade old season lambs $138 to $156 at a ballpark cost of 440c/kg cwt. The heavy 26-

CLEARING SALE - INGLEWOOD

& 1 x 12’, 2 x 14’ Single Axle Farm Trailers

MACHINERY: 6630 JD tractor with FEL (3600 hours), 2188 Case Header with 30’ front (4303 Engine hours & 3468 Rotor hours), Case DX 131 Mower Conditioner, Feraboli Round Baler (16500 rolls), Tonutti V12 hay rake, Hardi 80’ Boom Spray 3400L, 12’ Gason Slasher, 511 Inter Combine 28 row with Johns undercarriage SSB, 37’ Alfarm Bar with FT Harrows, 51’ Harrow bar, 28’ Harrow Bar, 20’ rubber Tyre Roller, 2 x 12’ Spike Rollers/ Tandem Hitch, 4’ 6” 3PL Slasher, 1,000 L Water Trailer with Honda Pump, 1,000 L Mobile Fuel Tank with 12V pump, 4500L Fuel Tank, 2 Linkage Rippers, Mobile Deutz Compressor

GRAIN HANDLING: 14 ‘ Grain bin with Grainline Auger & Motor, 2 x Nelson 540 Bag Silos, 36T Ahrens Field Bin with Auger (Hyd lift), 4 x 36T Jaeschke Field Bins, 30T Jaeschke Field Bin, 2 x 29T Jaeschke Field Bins, 27T Jaeschke Field Bin, 2 x 28T Sherwell Field Bins, 28T Sherwell Field Bin with Auger, 46’ x 8” Wheatheart Auger with Honda Motor, 36’ x 9” Vennings Auger with Vanguard Motor, 30’ Sherwell Auger with Honda Motor, 12’ pencil Auger, SUNDRY ITEMS: Boyd Oat feeder, Ruddweigh sheep scales, 2 x sheep feeders, Pallet Forks, 4 x sweep through water troughs, 3 x 450 L water troughs, 15 x irrigation channel pipes, 240v Bore pump, old Gason scoop, Gantries, Sunshine gates, Mesh fencing & other sundries too numerous to list.

TERMS: Numbers system operating- I.D required. Cash, Cheque payment accepted & EFTPOS available. GST applicable, Light luncheon available

REMARKS: all vehicles are Registered with no RWC, genuine sale as Vendors have retired from farming

DIRECTIONS: From Bridgewater, take Calder Highway towards Inglewood. Turn right, Inglewood Serpentine Road, go 2 kms, sale on Right hand side. Follow signs

FULL DETAILS & PHOTOS www.fpnevins.com.au

Agent: James Nevins 0407 302 900 Vendor: Peter Harris: 0429 383 006

30kg lambs varied from $121 to $137. Most trade and heavy trades $90 to $128/head.

Once again there was a wide spread in carcass price terms for old lambs, with the better processing types generally 420c to 480/kg cwt. Light lambs $26 to $75/head.

Sheep numbers declined and the market was stronger than a week ago, most sheep pushing back over 200c/kg cwt again.

Heaviest ewes $60 to $83, and medium and light mutton $28 to $55/head.

SUCKERS

A,L,B & R McIntosh Wanalta (107) $149. A & C Branson Colbinabbin (56) $143. DJ & ED Lees Rochester (56) $141. SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (31) $140. DL & TM Jensen

Diggora Nth (60) $140. RE & SL Pedersen

Kamarooka (74) $139. MJ Williams Drummartin (37) $138. Brassy Downs Pyramid Hill (13) $136. Gredgwin Ridge Boort (49)

$136. G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (75)

$135. WJ Whatley Goornong (38) $132. J & B Flanagan Womboota (18) $127. LJ Hocking Dingee (21) $126. M & S Moore Kyabram (10) $126.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

Barr Downs Past Co Kerang (79) $156. B & S Griffiths Malmsbury (22) $155. Kevin Cain Moama (42) $153. A & E Moon Pyramid Hill (78) $147. SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (13) $144. DJ Sizer Ghin Ghin (20) $142. LT Lowndes Emu Creek (32) $136. Montmore P/L Lanacoorie (58) $128. Colin Osborne Boort (68) $128. RK Payne King Island (88) $124.

MERINO LAMBS

son Colbinabbin (25) $66. Woomboota Past Woomboota (14) $60. D & H McKinley Leichardt (35) $60.

MERINO EWES

Wooraglen P/L Bungaluke (81) $80. A & E Moon Pyramid Hill (15) $78. Woodthorpe Past Metcalfe (18) $74. C & H Glenn Mathoura (70) $74. T Fernandes Winjallok (56) $74. RW & NA Chalmers Mysia (93) $66. D & H McKinley Leichardt (49) $65.

Order of sale next week: Nutrien, Nevins, Elders, McKean McGregor, Nuttall.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED

STOCK AGENTS

Tree grants open

NORTHERN Victorian landowners can now access funding and the services of trusted treegrowing experts to help turn their tree planting ideas into an emissions-reducing reality. The Victorian Carbon Farming Program is open to landholders in the North Central Catchment Management Authority region. Through this pilot program, landholders will partner with a service provider to plant and manage trees to store carbon and provide a range of on-farm benefits.

Positives for landholders include improving shade and shelter for stock, enhancing

Wednesday 13 September 2023

Donald McGauchie receives the prestigeous medal from Wool Industry Australia chairman David Michell.

Good wool cut and crimp in flock replacement rams

KAMAROOKA Park Poll Merinos

has a focus on wool cut, bold crimp and length of staple.

“Our major focus is breeding rams that will lift and improve wool cuts while acknowledging the need to have sheep that are easy to shear given the pressures of declining shearer numbers,” says stud principal Erroll Hay.

He started breeding poll Merinos sheep in 1989 and is was passionate about conformation and breeding long-stapled, bold crimp sheep. And after more than 30 years, Erroll is transitioning Kamarooka Park to a non-mulesed stud by next year.

“That’s the expectation of the market today. When I attended a field day in New South Wales, I had my mind changed, seeing sheep that were extremely plain in the breech - they were non-mulesed and they cut their tails off at the right length. But we must retain wool cut.”

“Our major focus is breeding rams that will lift and improve wool cuts

Inspection: On day of auction

Auction: 1PM

Offering: 50 rams

162 CAILS ROAD, KAMAROOKA

whilst acknowledging the need to have sheep that are easy to shear given the pressures of declining shearer numbers.”

He purchased a ram one year ago and is more than half-way to meeting his non-mulesed flock goal. Erroll said he looked for goodstanding rams with a good rear end and face and stood up long in their neck. “One of the rams I used is exactly what we want in the nonmulesing, very plain in the breech and I’m extremely happy with that drop of rams,” he said.

Mr Hay said he saw a growing trend

in the wool market and consumer interest and believed non-mulesed would be the way forward for his operation.

Erroll said outstanding success with a Banavie sire, had led Kamarooka Park to join a large number of ewes and potentially provide stud sires and outstanding flock rams and top ewe replacements.

“Additionally, we see the introduction of Ridgway Advance bloodlines as an exciting step. A large draft of ewes have been joined to RA semen sires along with ewes joined to the RA ram we bought at the Classings sale for $17,000,” he said.

“Another draft of ewes have been joined to Brookdale 14012, a Western Australian ram we believe will enhance our breeding program.” Kamarooka Park has also had success in recent Loddon Valley Field Day ram and ewe competitions and at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

Erroll and his family celebrate winning the champion grand champion unhoused ewe at this year’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

FEATURES

Be strong and call out female sport abuse at first

By Cr WENDY MURPHY

HOW fantastic is it that the Matilda’s, a women’s sports team, have inspired a Nation? A whole nation jumped on board to support the team.

The Prime Minister was going to give us a public holiday if they won the Soccer World Cup. His Government has committed $200 million to a new Play Our Way program to improve sporting facilities and equipment specifically for women and girls.

But is it going to do much? Only a few years ago, $150 million was announced by the Morrison Government for the Female Facilities and Water Safety Stream program.

The principal objective of that program was to ensure that there were changing facilities and other facilities to support more girls and women’s participation in sport all around the country.

This program may have been caught up in the ‘Sports Rorts’ saga so it’s hard to know where all of that funding ended up (other than in colour coded spreadsheets).

Is the excitement of the Matildas just short lived hype? Aussies love jumping on a bandwagon, but can jump off just as quickly when the next thing comes along.

Remember the 2020 ICC Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup final played at the MCG where 86,174 people were in the crowd?

All the hype around how that would inspire girls to take up cricket. Ash Barty and the ‘Barty Party’ winning the title at Wimbledon in 2021 then the Australian Open in 2022 inspiring young girls to take up tennis.

The 2019 AFLW Grand Final in Adelaide before a crowd of 54,034 would, we were told, inspire girls to take up AFL football. Is $200 million going to do anything in the long run?

The Aussie Women’s cricket team won the Ashes in England in June and July of this year. The Aussie

netballers won the World Cup less than a month ago. Flash in the pan success and on to the next story.

Things are a long way from change. The biggest change really needs to be attitudes and behaviours.

Two weeks ago at a local footy game, three men yelled abuse at an 11-year-old female boundary umpire because they didn’t agree with her call.

Even when pointed out to them they were abusing an 11 year old girl, they replied with ‘She’s getting paid for it’.

They thought it was okay to abuse a young girl because she was getting paid to contribute to a sport she loves.

While watching the Matildas play a comment was heard from some men that “Sam Kerr is good, but she runs like a girl”.

Of course she does. She is a girl. AFLW player Tayla Harris was captured in the iconic photo snapped by Michael Wilson kicking for goal. Instead of appreciating her skill, the image was manipulated and vial misogynistic comments made.

How does this make girls want to take up sport?

We are only just starting to come to the realisation that it might not be the facilities alone that encourage females to participate in sport.

Things like uniforms play a part. Not everyone is comfortable wearing a tight dress playing netball.

Puberty can add to the self-consciousness. Social media makes it easy to share unflattering or even embarrassing photos. It takes everyone to make sporting places a safe place for females to want to be at and feel safe to participate.

Above all it takes strong people to create that environment by calling out the abuse at the first sign.

*WendyMurphyistheLoddonShire’sInglewood Wardcouncillor

Harvester Set-Up Workshops

1. In which year was the first human heart transplant performed?

2. The name of a well-known Italian delicacy translates to “little orange”. What is the Italian name?

3. How many seats are there in the Australian House of Representatives?

4. What kind of food is Monterey Jack?

5. The Battle of Culloden took place in which country?

6. Saturn’s rings are predominantly what material?

7. Australian composer Percy Grainger was born in which city?

8. Jørn Utzon was the designer for which famous Australian landmark?

9. And that landmark will celebrate which anniversary in October this year?

10. Potamology is the study of what?

11. The world’s largest spider, the Goliath Birdeater, is native to which continent?

12. In a Grand Prix race, what

does the yellow flag signify?

13. A beef wellington uses which type of pastry?

14. Which musical instrument is associated with the term ‘diapason’?

15. A famous story from the Bible is David and who?

16. In which state or territory would you find Robinvale?

17. What is the minimum ageing period for a champagne to be classified as vintage?

18. How many AFL clubs are yet to win their maiden premiership?

19. Name them.

20. What is the chemical symbol for Iron?

Words to inspire

BOOK WEEK GROWS CHARACTER IN LOCAL STUDENTS

ONCE upon a time, as all good stories start, children’s books rarely rolled off the printing presses.

Even the fairytales of the Brothers Grimm - Jacob and Wilhelm - were more a collection of folk yarns that just happened to feature children as their writings became popular from the late 18th century.

Of course, there had been a picture book pitched for children 150 years earlier with John Amos Comenius’ illustrated Orbis Pictus, for those under six learning to read.

Then there was Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland that some critics say set the scene from 1865 for children’s literature and is often hailed as the first “real” book for children.

Tales of young Alice falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world have ever since inspired generations of young readers.

Alice more than 150 years later is an inspiration for Book Week parades in Australia.

Last week, Loddon school students dressed as their favourite book characters and yes, there were a few Alices.

At Bridgewater, the parade took students from the school to the river and back, stopping on a busy Calder Highway corner and receiving toots of approval from motorists.

Book Week has been part of Australian life since 1945 - a different theme every year, new children’s books honoured.

In some schools, Book Week extends much longer.

Boort District School has spent August celebrating books and reading.

The school’s literacy learning specialist Sharon Pickering says: ”There have been reading and colouring competitions, a Where’s Wally hunt, workshops and the annual book fair.

“This celebration culminated in a jampacked assembly on Friday featuring the competition winners and the annual costume parade.”

She says students were awarded prizes for their efforts in the reading and colouring competitions across the Foundation to to Year 6 year classes.

“Students from Years 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 wrote, illustrated and bound books for entry in the annual book competition run by the Little Blue Bookshop.

“Two Boort students placed in the Year 6 picture book category. Jason Wright took out first place with his book Cookie and the Big Monster and Archer Lee was second with his book The Gooling Brothers,” said Sharon

And Book Week celebrations extended to poetry workshops with Bendigo’s Lorraine Marwood.

“She shared some of her poetry with students and staff, and walked the students through several poetry writing strategies,” Sharon said.

“Students had the opportunity to produce their own poems using the strategies. Foundation-Year 6 students also enjoyed a virtual workshop with author and illustrator Matt Cosgrove and produced very creative llama pictures inspired by Matt’s book Dharma the Llama.”

Whether being creative with pictures or inspiring words, Loddon school children have been embracing their literary creations with flair and style in assuming the character, and costumes, of their favourite book heroes.

Book Week parades have again helped share the love of reading.

IN CHARACTER: Bridgewater Primary School students (above) and Boort District School’s Book Week winners competition winners Jason Wright and Archer Lee.

The League is also looking for interested personnel who would like to be part of a Junior working party.

LAST, Richard

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

ANNUAL RALLY

9th & 10th September, 2023

Engine Park, Racecourse Rd, Wedderburn

Adults $5, exhibitors & school children free (cash only)

Gates open @ 9.00am

Featuring 100 years of Farmall International Tractors & Howard tractors and Machinery Engines, tractors, cars, machinery, shearing, patchwork, full catering and much much more.

Supported by

MEETING

Enquires to:

T Bailey 0427 583 341

L Goddard 0438 915 278

Boort Lawn Tennis Club

Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 11th September 6pm at Boort Lawn Tennis Club General Meeting to follow. Please forward any agenda items, ideas & queries to Anna Beamish boorttennis@yahoo.com

ANGLICAN PARISH OF INGLEWOOD presents AusChem(Vic), AgVet,

FARM CHEMICAL USERS’ COURSE NEWBRIDGE HALL

Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th September, 2023 8.30am to 4.00pm

Morning tea, Lunch and Afternoon tea provided by the Inglewood Anglican Ladies’ Guild at $15 per day

This course covers the necessary training required to obtain an Agricultural Chemical User Permit

*Cost $50.00 (to cover cost of AusChem manual)

Enrolments limited to 18 places

This course is subsidised under Victorian ‘Free TAFE’ funding of Agricultural Chemicals ‘skills sets’, for approved applicants.

Enrolments close on Friday 1st Steptember, 2023.

Karl Liffman. Mob: 0428 507 610 karlliffman@gmail.com

The Kooyoora Women's Network Dinner

When- Wednesday 13th September 6:00 pm - 6:15 pm arrival Kimberly will be speaking at 6:30 pm

Where- The Bridgewater Hotel

Our guest speaker is Kimberly Van Bergen from Ambulance Victoria delivering ‘Call,

SALE

Careers at Loddon

Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.

Human Resources Coordinator- ref.J/236

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce with exible work location options available  Band 6 ($87,987.51-$95,316.86) – Band 7 ($97,998.75-$108,878.11) per annum plus employer superannuation

Flood Project Engineer- ref.J/237

 Full-time, xed term position (until 30 June 2025)

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce with exible work location options available

 Band 6 - $87,987.51-$95,316.86 per annum plus employer superannuation Applications for the positions above will close on Monday 11 September 2023 at 5pm

Manager Community Services - ref. J/233

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at the Wedderburn O ce with exible work location options available

SATURDAY 2ND & SUNDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER

57 KINGOWER–OLD INGLEWOOD ROAD

3KM NORTH OF INGLEWOOD OFF THE CALDER HIGHWAY

WANTED

 Band 8 - $112,907 - $125,730 per annum plus employer superannuation.

Manager Community Partnerships - ref. J/234

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at the Wedderburn O ce with exible work location options available

 Band 8 - $112,907 - $125,730 per annum plus employer superannuation.

Community Recovery Support O cerref.J/226

 Part-time, xed term position (until March 2024)

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce with exible work location options available  Band 4 - $64,566.32 - $69,060.16 per annum pro rata plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 4 September 2023 at 5pm.

Maternal Child Health Nurse - Universal/ Enhanced – ref.J/220

 Part-time, xed term position (until June 2024)

 Based from our Serpentine O ce

 Maternal Child Health Nurse Level B Year

1 $110,065.28 per annum pro rata plus employer superannuation

Municipal Building Surveyor – ref.J/99

 Permanent, full-time position

 Salary package negotiable

Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received.

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

Ponies and patrons lap up pizzas

INGLEWOOD Riding Club held a ponies, poles and pizza open day on Sunday.

Among participants was Vhonda Pettit on Blaze (pictured right).

Event organiser Jackie Grant was thrilled with the turnout.

“We had locals, passers-by and even visitors from Boort and Bagshot attend.

“It was great to see people smiling, enjoying the horses, facilities, and chats in the sunshine,” Jackie said.

Couper

chips to success in final stroke round of season

UNDER excellent conditions, seven members took to the very lush, green fairways in the last round stroke round of the golf season at Boort on Saturday.

Leading the way with another solid round was a resurgent Doug Couper on nett 69, four clear of Peter Eicher, with Kevin Linehan a further shot back.

The nearest the pins were spread around this week between Kevin, Hamish Lanyon, Craig Allison and Stuart Tweddle.

The final of the four-ball knockout was also contested, with Kevin and Doug prevailing against the formidable Peter and Hamish.

Doug Couper 85 16 69, Peter Eicher 99 26 73, Kevin Linehan 88 14 74, Hamish Lanyon 92 18 74, Alister McDougal 90 15 75, Craig Allison 81 5 76, Stuart Tweddle 81 5 76.

This week sees the last round of stableford for the year, with the closing day scheduled for the following Saturday.

Three-goal opening half sets up Bulls’ victory

BIRCHIP Watchem set up its win over Boort in Saturday’s North Central hockey under 15 first semi-final with a threegoal first half.

With backs to the wall, Boort started aggressively in the second half but were unable to get the ball into the D.

Jake O’Flaherty had a great pass, picked up by Luke Boyd and were awarded a short corner. Jake pushed the ball out and Luke Boyd ran into a player to get another corner.

Boort continued to attack, not letting the ball past the 23 and goalie Tori Atkinson kicked the ball out creating a short

corner. Charles Barber was fast out from the backline and his great tackle stopped Boort from having a shot on goal.

The quick turnover saw Birchip Watchem back in their own circle to be stopped by fullback Abby Potter, clearing the ball well. Boort started using shorter passes and created a stronger chance for a score. Another shot and the pass from Jake to Luke Boyd was quick but the shot narrowly missed to the left.

Boort had several other opportunities to score but was unable to reduce the deficit.

In the men’s first semi-final, Boort had

the first opportunity to score within a minute of the game starting with a short corner, followed by another corner but there was no reward.

Neither team were using the short passing game and were all over the field chasing the ball like a Minkey game. Donald worked the ball into their D and after some scrambling in front of goal, putting the goalie out of position Brent Barber pushed the ball into the goal from the left post. Minutes later Donald’s goalie, Sam Hirst Pearse was found in a similar position and Luke Slatter’s poke at the ball saw Boort equalise.

Within the first minute of the second half a body obstruction from Donald created a penalty corner for Boort.

A second corner allowed Ella Lanyon to score from her position on the post.

Boort had further chances to score through subsequent penalty corners but were unable to convert.

15 Birchip Watchem d

3-0. Goals -

MEN

Pies primed to take direct route into junior competition decider

BOORT under 17s have been undefeated since round eight in the North Central football season and on Saturday can book a direct ticket into the grand final.

The young Pies will face off against St Arnaud in the second semi-final - the Saints the only team to defeat Boort this year.

Boort went down that day by 10 points but the return meeting, on Saints’ home turf, saw the visitors get up by 19 points.

The only other non-win for Boort’s home and away season was a draw against Birchip Watchem in the opening round.

The loser of Saturday’s final will meet the Bulls in the preliminary final.

Boort will go into the semifinal with some favouritism.

Lachie Hall, who this month won the club’s junior best and fairest, was Boort’s best player in that mid-season victory over

the Saints. He has since made his senior debut, one of several young players called up for top tier action.

In last Saturday’s senior grade first semi-final, league debutante Nullawil put Donald out of the race.

Last season’s runner-up, Donald made a great start to the semi-final to lead 32-27 at quarter-time before Nullawil hit back to win the second term, 2-4 to 1.3.

A two-point buffer for the Maroons at the start of the second half grew to 18 as they scored 4.4 to 2.0 in the crucial third quarter.

Defensive play of the Brett Barker-coached Nullawil was a highlight in the final hour as the Maroons held Donald to a tally of 3.3. At the final siren, Nullawil led 13.12 (90) to 9.8 (62).

Nullawil’s attack was led by

Adam Thomson, three goals; Mitch Farmer, captain Jordan Humphreys, and Dean Putt on two.

Donald star Sam Dunstan kicked a match-high four goals as Blake Grant added two.

In the reserves, Boort was defeated by a bolstered Birchip Watchem.

The Bulls broke away after a tight opening that saw neither side score.

Tom and Daniel Batarilo clearly made their presence felt for Birchip.

This Saturday, undefeated Sea Lake Nandaly meets Birchip Watchem in the senior second semi-final.

The Bulls dropped four games during the home and away season as they jostled for the double chance with Donald and Nullawil. On form, the Tigers will be too strong on Saturday.

UNDER

Boort

Birchip Watchem Jack Knights, Beau Haslam, Zali Angel. Best - Birchip Watchem: Zali Angel, Beau Haslam, Charlie Barbar. Boort: Maddy Lanyon, Luke Boyd, Abby Potter.

Donald d Boort 3-2. Goals - Donald:: Brent Barbar 2, Angus Coats. Boort: Luke Slatter, Ella Lanyon. Best - Donald: Toby Smith, Alexander Bourchier, Aidan Goode. Boort: Jake Boyd, Blake Slatter, Ella Lanyon.

Boort under 17 best and fairest Lachie Hall. AP PHOTO

Boort junior hockey most consistent playe Jake O’Flaherty and most improve Matthew Caspani at the club’s presentation day. AP PHOTO

Winners of Boort Hockey Club’s best and fairest for 2023 Luke Boyd and Madeleine Lanyon. AP PHOTO

Extra, extra! Two games in overtime

REIGNING Loddon Valley league A Grade netball premiers Maiden Gully is through to another grand final after coming from behind to defeat competition benchmark Mitiamo.

Scores were locked at 51-51 when the final siren sounded, the Eagles having bridged the slender lead earned by Mitiamo after virtually going goal for goal all day.

The biggest margin was seven goals in favour of the Superoos at the main break before Maiden Gully came back in the second half of the second semi-final at Serpentine.

However, extra time saw the Eagles finish with a three-goal win - 62-59.

Extra time was also needed in the thrilling C Grade first semi-final between Pyramid Hill and Newbridge.

Scores had been tied up at the last two changes before Pyramid Hill prevailed in extra time by three goals.

Lowry stars in Redbacks’ heroic bid to continue title defence

CHAMPION Wedderburn netballer

Meg Lowry picked up the umpires’ award in Saturday’s North Central B Grade netball first semi-final.

The former A Grade coach had been back on court in recent weeks after taking a break for family duties.

However, her presence was not quite enough for the reigning B Grade premiers to have another tilt at the flag with Donald edging home by nine goals.

ThE game had started fast with dominance of the Donald goalers who made great use of the ball and found the confidence to shoot early.

Lowry soon had Wedderburn responding, coverting scoring opportunities to keep the score tight.

Donald took back control of the game in the third and fourth quar-

ters. Both teams were consistent and worked hard all game, taking some impressive intercepts and rebounds throughout the game. Donald proved too strong for Wedderburn at the final siren.

Meanwhile, Wedderburn will be looking to progress straight into the A Grade grand final when the Redbacks meet Loddon rival Boort in the second semi-final this Saturday. Wedderburn went through 2022 to become premiers and champions.

The early part of season 2023 has seen the team in rebuilding mode to cover retirements and availability.

The recruitment of Courtney Gleeson has quickly helped return strength and dominance to the Redbacks.

Boort had been undefeated until a

month ago, dropping key games including the crucial return meeting against Wedderburn.

The Pies’ only recent win was in the penultimate home and away season round against St Arnaud.

Boort is also in action in the B and C Grade second semi-finals where the C Grade team remains undefeated this season.

The Pies finished top of the ladder in A, B and C Grades

Meanwhile, North Central association announced its best and fairest awards at the weekend with Boort’s Emmerson Doyle runner-up in the 17 and under count.

Boort under 17s are also in action this weekend when meeting Birchip Watchem in the second semi-final clashes.

THIS WEEKEND’S NETBALL FINALS

Patterson goes one better a season later

A BEST-ON-COURT performance by Maiden Gully’s Patterson in the final round gave her a threevote win over four-time winner and Mitiamo star Laura Hicks in Monday’s Helen Ward count for the Loddon Valley best and fairest.

Patterson, runner-up last year to team captain Tia Webb, finished with 28 followed by Hicks on 25 and fellow Superoo Amelia Ludeman tieing for third with Marong’s Bianca Garton 19.

The B Grade count was won by Marong’s Erin Stewart on 20 votes Bridgewater’s Mia Burge 18.

Maiden Gully’s Olivia Hall polled 18 votes to win C Grade from fellow Eagle Shallon Webb 16 and C Reserve saw honours go to Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Julia Tobin with 32 votes.

Serpentine’s Marley Addlem clinched the 17 and

under award on 20 votes from Maiden Gully’s Olivia Mannes on 19. The 15 and under award went to Lexie Austen from Calivil on 26 votes. with Bridgewater’s Rachael Flood runner-up on 24.

Helen Ward medal top votes: 28 Meg Patterson, 25 Laura Hicks, Bianca Garton, Amelia Ludeman, 17 Arriagh Keogh (Maiden Gully), 15 Danielle O’Toole (Marong), 15 Jess Holdstock (Pyramid Hill), 14 Tia Webb (Maiden Gully), 14 Abbey Dingwall (Pyramid Hill), 12 Tia Reaper (Maiden Gully), 12 Abbey Battersby (Mitiamo), 12 Kym Childs (Newbridge).

Pyramid Hill A Grade goalkeeper Imogen Broad was named this season’s Loddon Valley rising star award winner during the livestream broadcast on Monday night.

LODDON VALLEY PRELIMINARY FINALS

NORTH CENTRAL SECOND SEMI-FINALS

Marley Addlem (left) was best on court in June’s flood recovery round and has now won the league 17 and under best and fairest.

COLLIS NEW TOP DOG

FLEET-FOOTED forward Dylan Collis has won the 2023 Frank Harding Medal for Loddon Valley football ‘s best and fairest.

The Darwin-based player lined up in seven home and away season games to poll six best-ongrounds for Pyramid Hill in Monday night’s count.

Collis finished with 19 votesthe single vote coming in Pyramid Hill’s heavy loss to Marong in round 14 - one ahead of the Panthers’ Jimmy Gadsden.

His Harding Medal win is the second successive year the league’s best and fairest has made its way to Mitchell Park. Fellow livewire Bulldog Billy Micevski was last year’s winner.

“It’s not something I was expecting ... it’s great ... I’ll take it,” Collis said on Tuesday morning ahead of an early morning flight on Saturday to be part of the Bulldogs lineup in the preliminary final against Bears Lagoon

Nevins’ stellar season

INGLEWOOD young gun Gabe Nevins has won his second Stephen Dowling Medal.

Nevins became the first back-toback winner since YCW’s Jake Concol when votes were counted for the under 18 best and fairest on Monday night.

The dominant player of this year’s junior competition finished with 24 votes from 13 games.

His standout season in the Central Victorian under 18 competition - formed with five Loddon Valley league clubs this season - was doubled up on Saturday afternoons in Inglewood’s senior side.

In the seniors, Nevins played 15 games mostly in defence but was also used up forward at times and regularly featured in the Blues’ senior best players.

Nevins is currently completing Year 12 at Marist College.

He made his debut with Inglewood last year in seniors and juniors after playing early junior years in Bendigo. Inglewood juniors, who face East Loddon Rams in this Saturday’s preliminary final, also produced the competition’s leading goalkicker this year.

Lachie Hall finished the home and away season with 52 goals.

Blues make switch to Payne

INGLEWOOD had moved quickly to appoint its 2024 coach with former Strathfieldsaye premiership player Fergus Payne given the nod.

The Blues made the call just a week after being beaten in their first Loddon Valley final in two decades.

While Darrell Billett had said he wanted one more year at helm, the club used social media on Sunday to say the former club premiership player and life member “will not be continuing as senior coach in 2024. Darrell’s passion and commitment to the on-field success of the senior side has been apparent through the last 4 years of his coaching tenure, culminating in a return to seniors finals for the first time in 20 years,”

Just 24 hours later the club announced Payne as its new onfield leader. Payne was recruited

by Inglewood this season and was regularly in its best players in his 17 games.

On Tuesday, the club said: “The club wishes to inform members that both Shaun Morgan and Shay Hare have made the decision to step away from reserves coaching.”

Serpentine. I hope we’ve got another couple of weeks to go in the season and have another crack at Marong.”

Collis was recruited to Mitchell Park last season after a phone call from coach Nathan Fitzpatrick, continuing the strong bonds between the Bulldogs and Darwin’s Waratahs where fellow Mitchell Park star Brodie Carroll is captain.

“I wasn’t going to play last year but then Fitzy gave me a call. It’s fun playing at Pyramid Hill and the club is always welcoming,” he said.

The former Casey Demons player has based himself in Darwin for the past three years.

He says there’s little sleep on a Friday night when travelling to play with the Bulldogs.

“We fly out of Darwin at 2am, get into Melbourne around 6.30, head up to Bendigo and onto the game and then back to fly out

NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS

Donald 5.2 6.5 8.5 9.8 (62)

Nullawil 4.3 6.7 10.11 13.12 (90)

GOALS - Donald: S. Dunstan 4, B. Grant 2, J. Wallin, S. Dinnell, R. Young. Nullawil: A. Thomson 3, J. Humphreys, D. Putt, M. Farmer 2, Z. Caccaviello, D. Watts, A. Oberdorfer.

BEST - Donald: H. Geddes, R. Young, J. Wall, S. Dunstan, R. Barrack, J. Wallin. Nullawil: P. Kelly, D. Putt, A. Thomson, M. Quigley, D. Isbister, D. Smith.

RESERVES

Boort 0.0

Birchip Watchem 0.0

GOALS - Boort: M. Rice 3, T. Rhook. Birchip Watchem: D. Batarilo 3, J. Boyle 2, T. Wiantara, J. Goldsmith, C. Goode, B. Baxter.

BEST - Boort: M. Buchanan, J. Kerr, J. Sheahan, J. Coleman, C. Ross, M. Rice. Birchip Watchem: T. Batarilo, T. Colbert, D. Batarilo, J. Noonan, A. Noonan, M. Finster.

of Melbourne at 9.30,” the new league best said. “They’re long Saturdays - not the ideal preparation and recovery.”

Collis said he felt his contribution to Pyramid Hill’s game had improved each match after returning from a mid-season overseas trip. “And a step up on last year when I was still finding my feet at a new club.”

Collis’ form continued in Saturday’s second semi-final against Marong. “It had been hard coming off the match (defeat) earlier and we had to just forget that. And we were a very different side,” he said.

“Marong’s never easy to beat but I hope we can have another crack this season.”

Mitiamo’s Aaron McKean won the reserves’ best with 21 votes Thach Tucker (Marong) 13 and Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Mattew Quinn who was third with 11 votes.

SENIOR VOTING

19 - Dylan Collis (PH)

18 - Jimmy Gadsden (Mar)

15 - Damian Wust (MG)

14 - Brandyn Grenfell (Mar)

13 - Justin Laird (BLS)

12 - Sam Dorevitch (I)

12 - Tom Kennedy ()

11 - Darcy Poulter (BLS)

11 - Bregon Cotchett (I)

10 - Anthony Dennis (C)

10 - Michael Bradbury (Mar)

10 Zach Alford (PH)

UNDER 17

Birchip Watchem

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: C. Boyle 5, C. Lee 4, C. Frank 3, K. Hamilton, J. Daniel. Sea Lake Nandaly: F. Warne 3, C. OSullivan, J. Newick.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: C. Frank, R. Hogan, A. Dean, C. Barber. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Stacey, C. Mott, B. McClelland, F. Warne, B. Allan, H. Warne.

UNDER 14

(36)

(15)

GOALS - Boort: B. McPherson 1, details incomplete. Charlton: M. Fitzpatrick, J. Nisbet.

BEST - Boort: B. McPherson, J. O’Flaherty, C. Gooding, J. Malone, T. Broad. Charlton: S. Zagame, E. Soulsby, S. Olive, M. Fitzpatrick, M. Boyle, C. Zagame.

SEMI-FINALS SATURDAY - Seniors: Sea Lake Nandaly v Birchip Watchem. Reserves: Sea Lake Nabdaly v Nullawil. Under 17: St Arnaud v Boort

Fergus Payne

Gabe Nevins ... back-to-back Dowling Medals. LH PHOTO

2023 best and fairest Dylan Collis. LH PHOTO

Bounce back Bears end repeat hopes

DEFENDER KYAL Zass put in a relentless performance for Bears

Lagoon Serpentine to be named best in Saturday’s first semi-final against Bridgewater.

The Mean Machine went into immediate bustle mode from the opening bounce.

But their first foray forward was turned back by Zass for what would prove to be only the first time in the game.

Zass galvanised Serpentine’s defensive zone early, almost as quickly ending any hopes the Mean Machine had of replicating last season’s journey from underdog to grand finalist.

He was not on his own. Coach Justin Laird led the bounce back after a disappointing team performance against Pyramid Hill in the qualifying final.

Bridgewater did have the first score on the board when Harry McKinley and Emile Pavlich fed to ball forward to Brayden Stepien who kicked from a tight angle four minutes in. That was the ig-

nition button for Serpentine who went straight down to James Rippendale for the first of what would be a handy five for the day.

What Zass was setting up in defensive turnovers, Rippendale would cap off up forward.

Bridgewater’s experienced finals players were fading after a dominant display against Inglewood the previous week. Donegan left the ground with suspected concussion.

It was left to the younger brigade - Nicholas Naughton and Harry McKinley in particular - to show grit and dash.

Some good old finals argey bargey did put some spark into Bridgewater late in the opening term.

A dash out of defence by Jean-Miguel Podosky, however, summed up fortunes in that opening 29 minutes, that was mostly controlled by Serpentine.

The Bears’ six-goal second term had Rippendale goaling within a minute of the centre bounce.

Callum Draper and Podosky were creating options and Nash Kemp added his name to the list of goalkickers that by final siren would include half the team.

Rippendale was electric around goal for the quarter, Bridgewater’s Ben Irvine in defence and McKinley unable to see their work in defence and across the midfield capped off.

There was Deja vu in the third term when Rippendale again bobbed up with an early goal followed by Draper running into an open square for equal success.

Naughton, Darcy Wood and McKinley battled hard in the quarter but the physical pressure from a week ago seemed to be catching up with the Mean Machine who lacked speed against what was proving to be an all-team contribution from Serpentine.

Kalem Paxton’s snap for goal mid-way in the quarter showed Serpentine had the confidence, and luck, to be big winners.

Another bit of argey bargey did not distract Serpentine this time, the Bears keeping play going, Laird dodging multiple weary Mean Machiners to goal.

Late goals to skipper Joshua Martyn and Charles Hindle merely putting some respect next to Bridgewater’s score.

The Mean Machine went on to outscore Serpentine in the final quarter four goals to two with one last roll of the season. Serpentine played safe, the game in the bag, another big match to come in the preliminary final against Pyramid Hill.

Soaring and floating ... Eagles exerting their dominance

QUICK-SUCCESSION third quarter goals to Will Anderson and Toby Hudson saw Maiden Gully snuff out Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s hopes in the reserves first semi-final.

The Bears still had the game within reach, going to the main break just two goals down.

Their slow start on the scoreboard was snapped early in the second with skipper Jayden Gladman bringing up a behind when Serpentine headed deep from the second quarter opening bounce.

Serpentine worked hard to keep play in the forward zone and Gladman soon after booted accurately from 40 metres out.

Mitchell Dean was vital in de-

Ultimate act of being good sports

DOWN 16 goals at the final break and without a bare minimum of players, Pyramid Hill’s return season to under 18 football ranks ended on a high at Mitchell Park on Sunday.

Inglewood had lent the Bulldogs a couple of players each quarter in the first semi-final.

Come the final term, the Blues demonstrated the ultimate in sportsmanship by sending co-captain and double league best and fairest over to the Pyramid Hill huddle.

No 31, who had kicked two goals for the Blues and would be again named among their best, became No 5 for the last 20 minutes. Nevins wove his Inglewood magic in the temporary colours of Bryden Morison’s Pups.

He kicked two goals and set up others as Pyramid Hill finished its season with hope and promise.

The Pups added 6.2 to the scoreboard

while Inglewood scored just one major. And a special goal that was too - Morgan Lonza had control of the ball in the goal square but unselfishly handballed to Daniel Kennedy to bring up his third big one of the season.

Kennedy, a Bendigo Special Development School student, has been a regular with Inglewood for two seasons and now has five career goals to his name.

The Blues had a seven-goal opening quarter in Sunday’s match with Luckman, McClellan, Nevins and Wendels all dominated around the ground.

The win gives another chance to advance to the grand final when taking on East Loddon Rams in the preliminary final.

But playing the game is proving to be more important to winning in local junior football. That was Sunday’s lesson for all teams.

- CHRIS EARL

Big crowds bask in balmy ‘hint of spring’ weather

THE opening weekends of Loddon Valley 2023 finals have attracted large crowds and boosted the coffers of host clubs.

Balmy early spring weather last Saturday and Sunday saw an estimated 1500 spectators and players at each of the semi-finals.

The drawing power of local Loddon clubs was clear at Serpentine and Pyra-

mid Hill where large crowds gathered during football club huddles and lined the netball courts, often in contrast to small groups barracking for football dominator Marong and the Panthers and Maiden Gully in netball.

Second weekend crowds also built on the success of opening weekend finals at Newbridge and Bridgewater.

Host clubs have stepped up their catering orders for the finals and recruited additional volunteers on barbecues, in the canteen and the bar.

All clubs have reported record or nearrecord takings at their host finals.

An even larger crowd is predicted for this Saturday’s preliminary finals at Calivil

BL

fence for Maiden Gully and saw Hudson and Crisp capping off work down the ground.

Another goal to Serpentine’s Mitchell Hancock, kept the Bears in touch and Hamish Catto was working overtime on the wing. But as the third term went on, the greater depth and experience of Maiden Gully gave the Eagles momentum and control.

An early accurate snap from 50 metres out by Sungalis set the scene for the final term when Serpentine could register just one behind.

Goals to Nicholas Johnston and Strauch had the Eagles progressing to the preliminary final against Pyramid Hill.

SENIORS

- CHRIS EARL

(111)

(62)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine Seniors: J. Rippingale 5, J. Bailey 3, C. Draper 2, N. Kemp, C. Gadsden, A. Gladman, J. Taig, J. Laird, H. Gadsden, K. Paxton. Bridgewater: N. Naughton, J. Martyn 2, C. Hindle, H. Terry, B. Stepien, T. Estrada, H. McKinley. BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: K. Zass, J. Rippingale, L. Mott, C. Draper, B. Roy-Clements, A. Lewin. Bridgewater: N. Naughton, L. Cohen, J. Green, T. Estrada, E. Pavlich, H. McKinley.

RESERVES

BL

(21)

(60)

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: M. Hancock, J. Gladman, A. Edwards. Maiden Gully: C. Sungalis, A. Cazar 2, J. Doolan, R. Strauch, J. Baum, J. Carmichael, T. Hudson.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Z. Stone, M. Hancock, H. Catto, Z. Hollis, M. Addlem, A. Addlem. Maiden Gully: W. Anderson, G. Brown, J. Crisp, S. Turner, T. Hudson, M. Dean.

UNDER 18

Inglewood 7.6 10.12 15.14 16.17 (113)

Pyramid Hill 0.0 0.0 1.2 6.4 (40)

GOALS - Inglewood: L. Harris 5, M. Jeffrey 3, J. Luckman 3, G. Nevins 2, K. McClellan, D. Kennedy, R. Smith. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes 3, C. McCoy, J. Mitchell, B. Gibson.

BEST - Inglewood: J. Luckman, K. McClellan, G. Nevins, J. Wendels, L. Harris, L. Hackett. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, B. Gibson, R. Hutton, T. Fernandez, J. Mitchell, K. Manton.

Trading places ... Gabe Nevins. LH PHOTO

Kalem Paxton marks on his way to kicking a goal for the Bears. LH PHOTO

Strong tackling from Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the reserves first semi-final.

LH PHOTO

Achille’s heel exposed

By CHRIS EARL

THE prowler colossus that has been Marong for almost two seasons of Loddon Valley football is fallable.

The Panthers liable to fall apart when real pressure is applied by opponents.

Spectators saw that early in the season Inglewood put a torch on what is Marong’s Achille’s heel.

And on Saturday, Pyramid Hill at near full strength showed Marong’s name on the premiership for 2023 is far from a foregone conclusion.

As they did against Inglewood, Saturday’s second semi-final at Serpentine saw the Panthers respond with fiery antics when Pyramid Hill increased the blowtorch intensity during a blistering second term.

The blowout 100-plus margins accumulated by Marong in the second half of the season would not be repeated.

Whether from not having played for a fortnight or off-field dramas for Marong during the week with Heathcote league effectively blocking its move or the furore over the club starring in promotional videos for an international online gambling giant, Pyramid Hill was playing the harder and better football.

Brodie Carroll was leading a style of play that saw every Bulldogs sticking to a game plan.

Zac Dingwell was valiant in the ruck, covering the absence of Sidebottom who had been a leading player in the qualifying victory a week earlier. The dual between Sidebottom and Marong’s talls waiting for another day.

Panther Tibbett was dominant and proved the difference around the ground. Robins and youngster Jonty Davis also starred for four quarters.

Leading goalkicker Grenfell was held to four goals and a few more behinds, Pyramid’s Dylan Morison constantly spoiling Grenfell and Gavin James starring in the defender support role.

While Carroll. and Jesse Sheahan were among the goal kickers for Pyramid Hill in the opening term, Matthew Riordan was

equally as dangerous at the other end for Marong as the lead changed hands several times. A goal to Riordan seconds before the final only created a false impression when it came to scoreboard closeness.

Scott Mann had Pyramid Hill with early momentum in the second, scoring a goal. Offline attempts by Sheahan and Micevski proved temporary setbacks for the Bulldogs.

Undisciplined play from Marong’s Matthew Devanny saw him firstly lose the kick and then have a 50-metre penalty paid against them that allowed Bryden Morison to kick what would be Pyramid Hill’s second goal of the quarter. Marong was not liking the Bulldogs’ tackling pressure.

It took a Michael Bradbury snap at goal for the Panthers to settle their ship five minutes later. Grenfell then moved up the field and roosted a goal from 40 metres out, Tackles and smothers were abundant in the back half of the term from both sides.

Carroll, Collis and Micevski had worked to

keep the Bulldogs within striking distance and the trio picked up the theme in the third quarter. A Carroll snap would cut Marong’s lead to just five points and then temporarily hit the lead when a Collis punt wobbled through.

Marong went to the final break with a Grenfell kick, first signalled a touched behind, becoming a goal just before the siren.

The Panthers were initially rattled as the last quarter started - players telling the coach’s box they were unsure where they were to be.

Again it was Brodie Carroll, this time the recipient of two 50-metre penalties after taking the mark, who opened the scoring.

But Marong rose, particularly across the midfield, Tibbett was back in charge as the Panthers put on five goals for the term.

Winning by just 24 points shows the Panthers may not be the flag shoe-in everyone predicted throughout the two months of utter domination.

Premiership quarter does damage

SCORING shots were equal when Marong and Pyramid Hill went to the main break in Saturday’s reserves second semi-final.

Accuracy plagued Pyramid Hill as did tight angles and fumbles in the goal square. Only Ashton Dye was able to slot a major in the opening quarter.

It would not be until the final term that Pyramid Hill was able to have scoreboard success when the combatants went goal for goal, the Bulldogs’ Rowan Pollack kicking three.

THIS WEEKEND’S TIPS

Spirit abounds for Rams in tough day

MARONG is through to the under 18 grand final after an 80-point win over East Loddon.

The Panthers booked their berth with another show of competition dominance in Saturday’s second semi-final.

Both sides had equal scoring shots in the first term before Marong posted two early goals in the second.

Lachlan James and Jaxon Addlem kept the Rams in touch in the second, if not for inaccuracy by other Rams, scores would have been closer.

Marong powered into the second half, holding East Loddon to just one behind in the third term while Mitchell Hancock was able to score a goal in the fourth.

Jaxon Addlem, Joshua Diss, Cade Tuohey and Jye Rasmussen were constantly working to stem the Marong tide.

East Loddon now takes on Inglewood in the preliminary final.

SENIORS

Bradley and Matthew Moon were stoic in defence as multiple Panthers headed deep into their scoring zone throughout the game, Tommy Nunn played the midfield role well, Darcy Hetherington on the back flank repelled many Panther attacks.

However, Marong was able to find and create space in the turnovers and players used their body better, being in front and backing up, to continue an undefeated run.

CHRIS EARL

Loddon Herald

PRELIMINARY FINALS

SENIORS

Pyramid Hill v Bears Lagoon Serpentine

RESERVES

Pyramid Hill v Maiden Gully

GLENN CATTO

The Oracle

PRELIMINARY FINALS

SENIORS

Pyramid Hill v Bears Lagoon Serpentine

RESERVES

Pyramid Hill v Maiden Gully

Richard Hicks

PRELIMINARY FINALS

SENIORS

Pyramid Hill v Bears Lagoon Serpentine

RESERVES

Pyramid Hill v Maiden Gully

GOALS - Marong: B. Grenfell 4, M. Bradbury 3, K. Robins, M. Riordan, N. Devanny 2, T. Thach, J. McCaig, R. Taylor, P. Gretgrix. Pyramid Hill: B. Carroll 4, Z. Alford, J. Sheahan 2, D. Collis, B. Morison, S. Mann, W. Perryman.

BEST - Marong: R. Tibbett, B. Gregg, K. Robins, N. Devanny, B. Grenfell, J. Davis. Pyramid Hill: B. Carroll, B. Morison, D. Morison, D. Collis, B. Micevski, G. James.

RESERVES

(80)

(31)

GOALS - Marong: B. Matthews, G. Dowler 3, W. Beagley, N. McCaig 2, C. Thiesz, C. Stacey, Z. Turnbull. Pyramid Hill: R. Pollock 3, A. Dye.

BEST - Marong: N. McCaig, G. Dowler, B. Stewart, J. Gretgrix, B. Matthews, C. Ling. Pyramid Hill: T. Nunn, M. Moon, D. Hetherington, B. Moon, D. Lovell, B. Culross.

UNDER 18

(105)

(25)

GOALS - Marong: Z. Conroy 6, L. Hale 3, D. Packer, S. Taylor, D. Tannock, K. Harris, K. McCaig, L. Rielley, J. Hall. East Loddon: L. James, M. Hancock, J. Addlem.

BEST - Marong: R. Kerr, K. Terrill, H. Bourke, H. Mannix, K. Thomson, Z. Conroy. East Loddon: J. Addlem, J. Diss, C. Tuohey, J. Rasmussen, J. Thomas, B. Dowton.

LVFNL vice-chair

Mason Hocking wins rhe centre bounce for East Loddon. LH PHOTO

Darcy Hetherington lands a tackle for Pyramid Hill in the reserves final. LH PHOTO

Pyramid Hill’s Dylan Collis taps the ball forward during the intense second semi-final. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday August 31, 2023

THE showcase month of local football is degenerating into an off-field shambles as disgruntled Loddon Valley clubs keep jockeying to switch leagues.

Marong and Maiden Gully have not given up on heading north to Heathcote league despite rejection last week.

The clubs are coy on their responses to being placed in limbo land by Heathcote clubs.

At least one has asked for a review of the decision. Another is looking at options that could see it with teams lining up in several competitions in 2024.

“It’s become a circus out there,” one local club president said yesterday.

Marong and Maiden Gully saw their league switch pitches effectively scuttled after the Heathcote league last week tried to handball any decision on the Loddon Valley pair to AFL Central Victoria.

The AFL commission quickly turned over play saying it did not have the power, or authority, to move clubs between leagues.

Heathcote’s decision came days after the commission dropped plans for a new “pathways’ league in 2024, followed days later by Bendigo league club Kyneton launching a bid to move into the Riddell league from next season.

Adding to off-field intrigue has been Maiden Gully calling for an under 18 coach in 2024. The Eagles have stood out of top junior football for two seasons - 2022 in

By CHRIS EARL

Loddon Valley and then this year’s AFL Central Victoria under 18 leagues - but cited improved junior pathways as a reason for wanting to jump over to Heathcote league.

There was a recent meeting of junior club parents. The word out of Marist Oval is there will be an under 18 side next season but don’t bank on it being in a rejuvenated Loddon Valley competition if AFL Central Victoria walks away from the five-team competition it had big plans for last December, only to see the regional league concept quickly stumble.

While Marong had enjoyed almost two full seasons of utter Loddon Valley domination, the Loddon Herald has been told the Panthers rejected full exploration of heading to Bendigo league after identifying challenges around volunteer base and finances needed to sustain a major league club based in the next population growth area of greater Bendigo.

Heathcote league president Peter Cole said after quashing Maiden Gully and Marong’s hopes: “The outcome was the majority of clubs voting that the Heathcote league remain the same in season 2024.

“This will now put the final decision in the hands of the AFL Central Victoria commission and Heathcote league will accept any decision the AFL commission makes in relation to the three

clubs who have made submissions to enter the league, as was the case in 2022.

“Several clubs cited their decision was based on club members wanting to stay together and continue building their clubs and junior pathways.

“We voted to accept Maiden Gully last year and that decision was overturned. Yes, the majority vote was for our League to stay the same in 2024, but ultimately the commission will make the final call.”

The voice of Heathcote clubs wanting to remain a nine-team competition is consistent with views expressed when AFL Central Victoria hastily called Bendigo, Heathcote and Loddon Valley league to a summit last month. They like nine-team competitions - play everyone once, have a couple of byes.

It was after that summit that the “pathways” league proposal was put on the table, only to be pulled a week later.

Kyneton has officially made its move to switch leagues, fellow Bendigo league struggling clubs Maryborough and Gisborne have committed to stay and fight.

Peter Cole yesterday morning confirmed Marong had asked for the Heathcote decision to be reviewed, a request he said would not be considered until after finals. The burning question remains: What happens next for football across central Victoria?