Loddon Herald 31 March 2022

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Vol 2 No 11 THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022 ISSN 2653-1550

STEP UP! CASH CALL ELECTION candidates will be given a clear message from Loddon Shire - fund strategic infrastructure and services for the future of rural communities.

A council wish list ahead of the May federal poll and Victoria’s state vote in November wants candidates to stand up for local towns.

Topping council’s list released this week is a new model for child care in rural communities, a designated swimming pool maintenance and replacement fund and improved telecommunications services and connections.

Increased Federal and State Government cash for local roads and streetscape improvement projects at Inglewood and Bridgewater are also part of council’s vision to achieve population and economic growth in all local towns.

Mayor Dan Straub said” Now is not the time to defer or delay these vital and important needs of our local communities.”

“We have put together a measured but realistic list of what our communities need for the future and we will be seeking commitments and canvassing all MPs and candidates ahead of both the federal and state elections,” Cr Straub said.

“It’s time to invest in the future of rural communities across Loddon Shire and these are key ways we have identified in our communities, areas that can allow our towns to grow in the 21st century.”

Cr Straub said council wanted a new rural funding model for child care that would assist in attracting long day care providers to the area.

“We want a rural rate subsidy put in place and further that startup services are guaranteed funding support for five years,” he said.

“Council has produced a day care business feasibility case with an initial two

By CHRIS EARL

pilot sites indicatively in Inglewood and Boort.

“We need commitments from the Feds to give funds and the State Government for infrastructure upgrades or new builds in some instances.

“The absence of long day care is one of the factors inhibiting our population and economic growth, it limits people available for work and those wanting to grow their own small businesses.”

The absence of child care in Loddon communities and a summer of swimming pool challenges have dominated headlines for almost a year.

“Our rural communities deserve and should have a model for long day car and early learning until children start school” Cr Straub said.

“Council has identified two sites at the moment but there may still be other sites suitable for long day care models.

“We will be advocating to all MPs and candidates investment into a special rural funding model.”

Wedderburn College principal Danny Forrest, heading a community group advocating for local child care services in the Loddon, welcomed top-billing on the council’s wish list.

“We will be backing the advocacy of council wherever we can. Local families need child care services,” he said.

The shire’s No 1 election priority comes as a new study confirmed the Loddon a child care desert and Tuesday’s federal Budget included $19.4 million to establish up to 20 child care services across Australia.

On roads, Cr Straub said government funding had only increased 0.9 per cent in 2020-2021.

NOW SELLING STOCKFEED

CONTINUED PAGE 4

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub LH PHOTO

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31 , 2022

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T’S officially the change of seasons - football, netball and hockey kicking off on Saturday and adjusting your clocks for the end of daylight saving time that marks, according to critics of the altered hours of exposure to sunlight in cooler months, no more fading of curtains and better milking routines for dairy herds.

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ND, like clockwork, Bradley of Boort has updated his Treemendous sign to reflect a sporting theme. He’s gone with, partially anyway, the martial arts. Chose a black belt, guess a subtle promotion of the town’s beloved Magpies in their black and white stripes.

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AYLIGHT saving has been a feature of Australian life since at least 1971 and in the states that have it — all but Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory — people think of it as just a normal part of life.

Under current EU legislation, all 28 EU countries must move their clocks forward one hour on the last Sunday in March and switch back on the final Sunday in October. The European

Commission even conducted polling that showed the majority of its citizens want daylight saving extended to last the entire year, and the EU has been reported to be seriously considering the proposal. Of course, bureaucracy at play, nothing has changed ... not even in Britain after telling Europe to take a flying jump in the channel soon after.

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OR the record, the whole of Australia gave daylight saving a brief run in 1917, and then again in 1942-44. Even in Queensland and Western Australia, they’ve had a couple more trials in the last 50 years that were either sunk in the sand or melted by the heat.

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QUEENSLAND opponent of daylight saving has written: “We have received emails from daylight saving opponents all over the world bemoaning, among other things: the annoying imposition of having to change up to 20,000 time pieces twice a year; the utter uselessness of having to defer summer sunsets to 10pm and beyond; fatigue at having to cope with the twice-a-year disruptions to body clocks; the relief in finding out how many others hate daylight saving too; outrage at all the ‘daylight bias’ in the media (which seems to be near universal); and the tedium of having to endure ridicule, taunts and accusations of antiprogress”.

Plus

RIDES ON THE SIDE John Cecil (left) and Brian Wright often spend Sundays riding up the Calder Highway on their motorcycles with sidecars attached for Bendigo Historic Motorcycle Club rallies to Inglewood. Last Sunday, they were among scores of enthusiasts at the club’s Llanelly headquarters for a swap meet. John said he picked up the parts he was looking for at one of the many stalls crammed around the old Llanelly school building. Stallholders came from across Victoria for the swap meet, the first of the year.

LH PHOTO

Billboard application rejected A BID to erect a double-sided illuminated advertising billboard has been refused by Loddon Shire Council.

Councillors last week adopted a staff recommendation against the billboard on the eastern side of Boort-Charlton Road, Boort.

A nearby landowner and Department of Transport objected

to the sign. Reasons for rejection included that it would compromise the operational efficiency of the road and poses an unacceptable road safety risk.

Cr Gavan Holt said there was a similar sign at Bridgewater but rules differed between highways and the proposed Boort location and he reluctantly backed refusal.

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Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 3

Sims chairs mine group Company chief flies in for first meeting

CATALYST Mining’s community consultative committee has held its first meeting.

The committee has been establish to keep communities connected and informed of the company’s activities across the Loddon.

Catalyst CEO John McKinstry flew in from Brisbane for the meeting last week where the 11 members elected Lockington Landcare member and landowner Wendy Sims as committee chair.

She joins members from across the Loddon Shire drawn from local landowners and members of Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill progress associations and Friends of Terrick Terrick National Park.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub is also on the committee.

Mrs Sims said: “The overall

feeling is that the district is supportive of what Catalyst is doing and that the consultative committee has been formed.”

She said the committee would assist with awareness of landowner perspectives on water and land use associated with drilling and any possible future mining plans.

Catalyst’s stakeholder engagement consultant Adam Place said Bendigo-based Aboriginal cooperative Djaara had also been invited to join the consultative committee.

He said the first meeting provided context and an overview of the company’s activities in the area, including sites at Tandarra, Mitiamo and Lockington.

The committee will meet again in May.

James Sorahan said the program launched last month.

“It’s about raising awarness of jobs that are available in mining in Victoria and Australia ... we want to give opportunities for locals to come into the sector where there are pathways for people interested in trades through to university-based science courses and high-tech roles,” he said.

TWO Loddon schools are preparing for their debutante balls as term one draws to a close. Eleven girls at Wedderburn College will make their debut tomorrow night while 10 girls at East Loddon P12 College will step out at their ball next Friday.

FARM trespassers now face on-the-spot fines of $1272 after new legislation passed State Parliament last week.

However, the Government rejected Nationals’ amendments to Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Bill 2021 to double existing fines.

Big daily jump

Lizzie Fox (right) with Pyramid Hill College students in the core room at Fosterville Mine last week.

“And it’s part of building a local talent pool of people thinking about jobs in mining.”

Pyramid Hill science teacher Lizzie Fox said the mine tour was an ideal fit for students in Years 7 to 10 with their current learning focus on earth and space.

“And the tour has helped broaden the horizons of students by showcasing different job prospects,” she said.

Owner vows to restore dilapidated verandah THE owner of a vacant Inglewood hotel now wants to restore the building’s dangerous verandah.

Steven Prior on Friday said an application for restoration would be lodged with Loddon Shire Council this week for work on the Royal Hotel verandah, His pledge came four days after a Magistrates’ Court hearing made an order for owners to comply within 60 days with a council building notice to make the verandah safe.

Safety fencing has surrounded parts of the dangerous verandah for more than a year, blocking sections of the footpath in Brooke and Verdon Streets.

Last March, council granted a planning permit for removal of the verandah with

Debs in training

Trespass fines

Students explore golden career pathways

LODDON students have been among the first in Victoria exploring vocational opportunities with a new Minerals Council of Australia school program.

Pyamid Hill College students last week visited Fosterville Mine, near Bendigo, and Wedderburn College students will take their tour in May. Minerals Council of Australia’s Victorian executive director

IN BRIEF

retention of the historic grapevine and compilation of historical records. Verandah posts up to two metres high were to be retained as a trellis for the vine.

However, Mr Prior on Friday claimed permit requirements had been “onerous and the permit was difficult to comply with”.

“We are now going to reinstate the balcony and make an application to council for a building permit,” he said.

Mr Prior said that work would start within weeks if the permit was granted.

The Royal Hotel was built in 1863-64 to designs by Bendigo architects William Vahland and Robert Getzschmann.

The hotel has not traded since November 2020.

Lizzie said touring the open cut mine, underground portal and core sheds with samples showing specks of gold had made the visit informative.

“Our school would like to have students experience another visit in future,” she said.

James said: “The tours help students learn about people in the industry who also are proud to be part of a regional industry.”

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NINETEEN new cases of COVID-19 were added to Loddon Shire statistics on Tuesday, one of highest daily jumps of the pandemic. The total number of active cases in local communities was 77, a drop on last week.

Clocks go back A REMINDER, daylight saving time officially ends at 3am Sunday when clocks are put back an hour.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022

RURAL COMMUNITIES WITHOUT ACCESS: NEW REPORT Local towns among 453 missing out LODDON communities are among 453 Australian towns with a population under 3000 that do not have child care within a 20-minute drive.

The Mitchell Institute report found smaller towns were much more likely to have a school than a child care centre.

About 360 towns with a population under 1500 do not have centre-based day care but do have a school.

“Further research may be required to understand the need in these small towns,” the report said.

Care desert creates divide

CO-LOCATION with existing kindergartens and school should be considered to bring rural communities out of the child care desert, according to a study released last week.

Mitchell Institute education policy officer Peter Hurley co-authored the report that has backed up Loddon experiences of families unable to access local child care.

“The current system doesn’t work in rural communities,” Dr Hurley told the Loddon Herald. “It’s really hit and miss.”

Dr Hurley said he did not believe sufficient work had been done by government on suitable child care models for rural

communities. “There’s been disinterest, in fact surprise it’s not working and (there’s) a reluctance to see that,” he said.

Dr Hurley said the current model was implemented in 2017 and there were already major issues.

He said co-location with schools or a community co-operative model could be among solutions to bringing rural areas of out of the care desert.

But he said co-location would require infrastructure and resources from government.

Dr Hurley said lack of access to care for families in rural towns, including Loddon,

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was creating a divide. “You are going to want to know if child care is available,” he said of families considering a move to local towns.

“With schools, you know there will be a place available but child care is hit and miss.

“In the back of the mind will be whether there is child care.”

In his report, Dr Hurley said: “Access to quality child care has enormous impacts on the current and future lives of Australians.

“Yet our research shows that current policy settings mean that where Australians live still plays a significant role in whether they can access this crucial service.

“While there are neighbourhoods that may have enough supply to meet demand, many Australians will have difficulty finding the childcare service that is right for them.

“In many regional areas, there is no access at all. It does not have to be like this.

More than a hundred years ago, Australia built a school system that still operates today. In regional areas, these schools are crucial parts of communities.

“The policy settings for the school and pre-school sectors show that universal access to child care does not have to be an unattainable dream.

“Australians deserve an early childhood education and care system that includes universal access to childcare and supports families in whatever decision they make that they see is best for them.

“Most importantly, children need a system that meets their needs so that they can have the best start in life, regardless of where they live or the income of their parents.”

Dr Hurley said analysis showed that where you live matters. “Families in regional areas are the most at risk of suffering from poor access.”

The Mitchell Institute study backed the Loddon community campaign for child care services, showing there were no places available in local towns.

Communities have been campaigning since May last year for government to address the shortage.

FROM PAGE 1

Poll cash push “Material costs, labour costs are growing much more than that and we can’t close the gap at current funding levels,” he said.

“We were once receiving typical annual increases of between three of four per cent but not now.

“Regional Roads Victoria is not being funded or resourced sufficiently to do its core job.

“There’s no guarantee of funding and funds seems to be shifted to other projects in line with the city-centric mentality.”

Speaking exclusively to the Loddon Herald on the council’s election wish list, Cr Straub said local swimming pool shells and their infrastructure were now up to 60 years old.

“A concrete pool shell has a maximum life of 50 years and it would cost at least $3 million to bring each one up to modern standards,” he said.

“That is well and truly out of the realm of local government.

“Council wants to see the State Government commit to a dedicated rural pool fund to update and modernise facilities built when there was hype around the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

“We want that investment to keep pools open for our communities and for the safety of the community, keeping people out of channels and dams.”

Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 5

Phone dropouts spur council advocacy REGULAR loss of phone connections in Loddon townships risked community safety, Cr Gavan Holt told last week’s shire council meeting.

Cr Holt raised concerns from Wedderburn supermarket owner Leigh Randall after battery back-up at the town’s telephone exchange dropped out mid-way through a planned power outage.

Council’s ramping up of advocacy for better phone service back-ups came as Telstra was beginning replacement of batteries at mobile base stations in Serpentine and Dingee.

Telstra’s Victorian regional general manager Steve Tinkler said: “Recently there have been a number of mains power outages in the region.

“This has impacted the opera-

tion of our mobile base stations in Serpentine and Dingee, taking the stations off air and meaning residents are unable to make and receive mobile calls,” Mr Tinkler said.

“While all of our sites have some level of battery back-up, the type and size of equipment in them mean our mobile base stations are very power hungry, using as much power every hour as 60 family size refrigerators.

“Battery capacity also reduces over time as they become older and to address this, Telstra has a battery replacement program in place for our sites across Australia.

“This month Telstra replaced all the batteries at the Dingee exchange with new ones and a similar battery replacement is

scheduled to take place later this week at our site in Serpentine “Having a consistent mains power supply is essential in helping keep our sites operating.

“However, these new batteries will help extend the operation of our sites in Serpentine and Dingee if any further power outages occur in the future,” Mr Tinkler said.

Cr Holt described the absence of suitable backup for telecommunications in Loddon communities as a serious problem.

Mayor Dan Straub said he supported the need for greater advocacy for better back-up services.

“These disruptions are not in the best interests of our businesses and pose a grave community safety risk,” Cr Straub said.

Cr Holt told councillors: “The

problem has been identified and we are asking for help to fix it.”

CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald said advocacy to telecommunications providers, including NBNCo could be made under existing council policies.

Cr Straub and Cr Wendy Murphy asked for the collation of examples where services had been disrupted in local towns.

During the recent Wedderburn power outage, local telecommunication services dropped out after four hours and were only restored when a back-up generator arrived in town.

Some businesses had closed for the day and those that remained opened, including Mr Randall’s supermarket were without eftpos and ATM service.

Inclusion plan renamed after amendment supported A LODDON Shire policy has been renamed after Cr Linda Jungwirth called for the removal of “disability” from the access and inclusion plan title.

Cr Jungwirth told last week’s council meeting that focus had to be on inclusion for all the community.

She successfully amended the officer recommendation for adoption of the plan and

also called for inclusive photographs to be used in future council publications.

Cr Jungwirth said it was “incredibly important for people to live a happy life and achieve full potential”.

The 2018-21 Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan was extended for 12 months.

Council wellbeing officer Kate Pallister told council the plan had built on the success

Justine calls cafe time but famous pies live on JUSTINE Smith will close the doors of her Tarnagulla Country Cafe for the final time at the weekend.

She said the slow return of visitor numbers to the town since COVID restrictions were eased had contributed to her decision to cease trading.

“There’s just not enough people coming through town,” she said.

“I had hoped numbers would pick up and for a short time, there was a steady number of visitors but then visitors dropped really badly again.”

“For a while I held off making this decision but in the end I had to think what was best for me and the business.

“It’s been a tough decision but it’s the

right one at the moment,” she said after making the announcement last week.

Justine had been operating her cafe at the town’s community centre for three years and last year her pies picked up gold medals in the Great Aussie Pie competition. Justine will continue making the pies that will become available at The Fat Butcher in Inglewood.

Community centre secretary Jeanette Shipston said a new committee would be elected next month and would consider future use of the cafe space.

However, Jeanette said the committee would welcome expressions of interest, whether continuing as a cafe or another use.

of previous reports, which had seen council make considerable steps towards embracing accessibility and inclusion in its organisational values.

“While it has now reached the end of its four-year term, Council did not have capacity to develop a new DAIP prior to the end of this term due to a number of factors, including disruptions and service,” she said.

COUNCIL BRIEFS Precinct nod STAGED work on the Lake Boort foreshore recreation precinct project was approved by Loddon councillors last week.

Councillors gave the nod to Boort Bowls Club synthetic turf project in stage one, design of Lake Boort Foreshore Recreation Precinct Project which will include costing estimates and identification of potential external funding opportunities as stage two and construction of Lake Boort Foreshore Recreation Precinct Project as stage three.

An allocation of $301,970 was also approved for the bowls club green.

Audit chair RODNEY Baker has been reappointed chairman of Loddon Shire Council’s audit and risk committee.

Councillors also reappointed Rod Poxon as an independent member of the committee until April 2026.

Gender plan COUNCIL has approved a gender plan required under the State Government’s Council approves the Gender Equality Action Plan as a legislated requirement of the Gender Equality Act 2020 “to achieve gender equality in the workplace”.

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6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022

Baking up tradition TRADITIONAL hot cross buns are being snapped up as soon as they leave the oven at Pyramid Hill’s Coffee Bank.

Apprentice baker Raidan Forster, under the guidance of mother and Coffee Bank owner Debbie, is baking some of the finest hot cross buns around.

Using the traditional recipe with brandy-infused fruit, Raidan’s delights are daily finding favour with customers.

“We’re selling out every day and certainly keeping Raidan busy preparing the next batch of mixture ready to shape into the Easter buns ready for baking,” said Debbie.

“They smell and look delicious.”

Raidan and Debbie started making their hot cross buns three weeks ago as Easter approaches.

Raidan is nearing the end of of the first year of his apprenticeship and attends Bendigo TAFE every Wednesday for trade classes.

On other days of the week, he’s in the kitchen at Pyramid Hill’s Coffee Bank where delicious homemade food is prepared and served with wonderful cups of tea or coffee.

Raidan has also been baking and icing special occasion cakes and massive muffins that have added to the delicious home-made food available at the Coffee Bank every week from Monday through to Friday.

Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 7

Rural health advocate inspires with address MORE THAN 100 rural women from across Victoria were in Inglewood at the weekend for Women on Farms Gathering.

It was the second time the town had hosted the annual gathering in the event’s 30-plus years.

Among guest speakers were former Young Victorian of the Year and doctor Skye Kinder.

Her Saturday morning address was considered one of the highlights of the formal sessions in a weekend of relaxation and conversation for the women.

Skye, from Bendigo, spoke of her connection to the Loddon her grandmother was born in Inglewood and great-grandparents were born in Bridgewater.

The rural health advocate shared her story to date, “particularly the many times that I have been told by others that I would not succeed because I was from a regional area and attended a public school”.

Skye also spoke on the gendered impacts of COVID-19 and how these will have potentially significant flow on effects for women’s mental health.

“We know that women have been disproportionately represented on the COVID-19 frontline in this country, as the majority of our health and aged care workers, teachers and retail workers are women,” she said.

“And we know that working on the frontline has increased psychological distress.

“We know that women have been disproportionately impacted upon by insecure work, with 26 per cent of young women in

Louise Staley

Filipino dancer Josephine Ceballos entertains at the WOFG opening dinner. LH PHOTO

Worth the wait, says Staley RIPON MP Louise Staley praised organisers of Inglewood’s Women on Farms Gathering when opening the event on Friday night.

“It’s been worth the wait,” she said. “Originally planned for March 2020, it’s been rescheduled five times but the committee has held fast under the leadership of Colleen Condliffe and at last is on,” she said. “Congratulations to all involved.

“As a former farmer I know that events bring us together mean for companionship, mental health, and education.”

Back in region again ... soon Victoria losing their jobs compared to just 11 per cent of young men, according to figures from the Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study.

“We know that women have performed twice as much unpaid domestic work and more than three times as much unpaid caring work than men throughout the pandemic, according to data from the Australia Bureau of Statistics Household Impacts of COVID-19 survey.

“We know that the responsibil-

Renae Fleming and Jess Munzel enjoy the catching up at WOFG. LH PHOTO

ity of helping children with remote learning during the state’s lockdowns fell disproportionately to mothers, according to data from VicHealth.

“And we know that the frequency and severity of family violence including sexual violence increased during the lockdowns, and the latest crime data shows there were significantly higher than expected volumes of family violence incidents recorded

by Victoria Police at these times.”

Women, including a busload

Colleen Condliffe and Jodi Fry admire the WOFG host banner. LH PHOTO

from the La Trobe Valley, participated in activities and tours of the district over the weekend.

A welcome dinner at St Mary’s Primary School heard from Pyramid Hill’s Marilyn Fernandez about her journey to Australia before she was joined by other members of the Filipino community presenting traditional dances. A fashion parade was part of Saturday’s dinner and catering at the weekend was by Inglewood and Wedderburn Lions Clubs and Inglewood Football Netball Club.

Karen McCrann-Peters encourages women to ride the health bike. LH PHOTO

WOMEN on Farms Gathering will return to central Victoria in two years.

Inglewood organising committee president Colleen Condliffe said Maryborough had been named as host for 2024.

Next year’s gathering will be in Yarram, the same town that followed Inglewood when the event was previously held in the Loddon.

Colleen said the weekend had been a wonderful success.

“We had a tremendous committee and a warm, relaxed feel every day. Rural women were glad to be together again,” Col-

Stallholders outside Inglewood Town Hall included Fiona Turnbull. LH PHOTO

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8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022

Listening to communities, police respond to concerns

SIX fines and 20 warnings have been issued to motorists in the past fortnight for not stopping at a railway crossing.

Police said additional patrols had been made at the Inglewood crossing after the community raised concerns for safety in the school precinct.

The crossing patrols were among the first responses by Loddon police to its community issues register being compiled under the neighbourhood policing model they say is part of Chief Commissioner Shane Patton’s back-to-basics approach.

“We’re asking communities across the Loddon to relay their thoughts on problems to us and then we can act,” said Sgt Zac Bull.

Sgt Bull said communities could alert local police of possible issues online, by calling the police assistance service on 141 333 or if urgent, calling 000.

And he said part of the neighbourhood policing model sees police “relaying back to them about action taken”.

Sgt Sean Dickson said local police often received complaints about road safety.

“We don’t get a lot about mobile phone use ... 90 per cent of motorists caught speeding are from out of town,” he said.

“Drink driving is still a problem. There have been no high-

Cheaper fuel from today?

FUEL prices are expected to be 22 cents a litre cheaper across the Loddon from today.

A halving of the 44 cents a litre fuel excise for six months was announced by the Federal Government in Tuesday’s Budget. The cut was to apply from midnight.

Independent Mallee candidate Sophie Baldwin had been part of a growing chorus calling for excise relief after pump prices jumped above $2 a litre.

“Cost of living is out of control. People in the country have huge distances to travel just to get to work and farmers about to sow are facing huge fuel bills,” she said this month.

A one-off $420 cost of living tax offset was announced lowand-middle income earners.

Individuals already receiving the low and middle income tax offset will now receive up to $1500 and couples up to $3000 from July 1.

And pensioners and welfare recipients are to receive a $250 payment.

Energy funding Sgt Sean Dickson and Sgt Zac Bull discuss neighbourhood policing in the Loddon. LH PHOTO level drink driving offences detected this year but more this year than last in the 0.05 to 0.08 range.”

The neighbourhood policing model was first rolled out in selected regions last year ensuring police actively listen to the

community, understand, record and respond to safety concerns build trust, supportive relationships with community work in partnership to address safety concerns and communicate the outcomes and action taken.

With the program now be-

ing established across the Loddon, Sgt Bull said police would focus on being more visible in the community so people could discuss safety priorities and concerns.

Loddon police will also establish a local safety committee un-

COMMUNITY Power Hub Loddon Mallee has unveiled a new community energy revolving fund it says will help renewable energy projects in the Loddon Mallee region happen.

The Power Hub is offering community groups, not-forprofit organisations and businesses access to no interest or low-interest (for business) loans to help fund community energy projects.

Startup Central Victoria In April, Startup Central Victoria will be hosting two free online meetup events: Selling Online and Scaling up your Business Sustainability.

The Selling Online meetup will take place from 12pm to 1pm on Wednesday 6 April 2022.

Elise Brown of Fair Dinkum Dog Coats in Castlemaine and Suzanne Carroll of Cool Clutch in Riddells Creek will share their experiences of setting up an online sales platform. Elise and Suzanne will also answer questions to help set your business up for success in Central Victoria. To register go to www.eventbrite. com.au/e/selling-online-tickets-292979388237 The Scaling up your Business Sustainability meetup will take place from 7pm to 8pm on Thursday 7 April 2022. The meetup will feature owner and director of Kowelec, Adrian Kowal. Kowelec, a boutique electrical contractor, has been in operation over 10 years and has grown to a team of 14 employees.

To register visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/scaling-upyour-business-sustainably-tickets293001002887

Are your community directory listings up to date?

Council’s online community group directory lists more than 300 local organisations in the Shire.

The community directory provides information about local community groups including sporting clubs, welfare organisations, historical societies, cemeteries, service clubs, social groups,

religious organisations, schools and community services.

To update or add your organisation to the directory visit loddon.vic.gov.au/For-residents/ Community-support/Community-Directory

Shire resealing works to start Reseal works are expected to start at the end of March and are anticipated to be completed by the end of April, dependent on weather.

COUNCIL OFFICE T: 5494 1200 F: 5494 3003 Cr Dan Straub Mayor Terrick Ward 0429 236 399

Cr Neil Beattie Boort Ward 0427 552 468

Cr Wendy Murphy Inglewood Ward 0436 457 170

Cr Linda Jungwirth Tarnagulla Ward 0428 259 082

Cr Gavan Holt Wedderburn Ward 0408 943 008

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

CONTACT COUNCIL

41 High Street Wedderburn 3518

Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 9

Here's how you can stay COVIDSafe every day

Wear a mask when required.

Keep windows and doors open.

And get tested if you have any symptoms.

Get your third dose now, to protect yourself and everyone you love.

STAY

COVIDSAFE EVERY DAY CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022

Great Equipment Finance rates Need to buy new vehicles, plant or equipment? We can help you keep your capital and manage your cash ßow. And depending on your circumstances, taxation beneÞts may also be available to you.

Our lending specialists will work with you to tailor equipment Þnance solutions for your business.

Chat with a lending specialist today, phone Matt Gill on 0408 053 272 or search Bendigo Bank Equipment Finance.

Community Bank ¥ Inglewood 5438 3500

MOTOR HEAVEN Hundreds of people, cars and motorcycles surrounded Logan Pub’s Keith Turner on Saturday for the return of the hotel’s car show. Carefully restored vehicles from across the decades were on display as their owners and visitors, many who had camped for the weekend, tucked into a pub meal or a sausage from the Bealiba CFA barbecue.

LH PHOTO Motoring memorabilia stalls also did a brisk trade with car buffs.

Helpers needed to keep town celebration Alive INGLEWOOD Alive festival will miss a third year with the committee looking for more members to work for a 2023 return.

Secretary Suzi Birthisel confirmed at the weekend that the event, first staged in 2012, would not be held after also missing 2020 and 2021 because of COVID restrictions.

She said local organisations had been told of the decision last month after the committee was unable to justify seeking sponsorship funds from local businesses who continued to be impacted by COVID-19.

“Similarly, we have been unable to conduct any fundraising activities in our own right up until now,” she said.

“Rather than jeopardise the reputation

and standing of the festival, we have decided to again defer the festival. We seek your support and understanding of this decision.”

Currently, the committee has seven members and Suzi said a membership drive and small fundraising activities were planned to start soon.

“Since the festival’s inception in 2012, when local members of the business community got together to start this great event, we’ve seen it grow year on year.

We have built up a strong following of festival goers, supported by wonderful sponsors, strong community involvement, crowd-pleasing activities and a diverse range of stallholders,” she said.

The festival costs $27,000 to stage.

HIGHLY REVVED Mark Burns was among

Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. Individual circumstances may vary. You should consult your taxation advisor and read the relevant Terms and Conditions available at bendigobank.com.au before making a decision. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. (1534238-1534236) OUT_2346826, 07/09/2021

scores of vintage motor racing enthusiasts at Eddington on Saturday for the annual historic sprint car event. Mark has been competing at Eddington for 20 years and says his 1924 Alvis has “1500cc of raw power”. Members of local organisations catered for the event throughout the LH PHOTO day.

Optimise the price for your clip — AME Direct is now buying all types and quantities of raw wool.

Sell your wool direct to global export markets.

• Direct to export on farm quotes • Grid pricing on AWTA test – price guaranteed on result • Forward prices • Cash paid for shed clean ups and in store • Full auction service available • Specialists in certified and traceable supply Charlie Barnes 92 Rowena Street, East Bendigo 0491 985 452

Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 11

Managing Wheel Cactus Together – Building Community Capacity Workshop Want to learn more about best practice management for the control of Wheel cactus?

Keen to assist and develop a better understanding with Wheel cactus control in your local area?

Then join our workshop and hear from various stakeholders and community groups as they plan how to manage local infestations.

Heather Watson displays her fashion creation at WOFG. LH PHOTO

From farm to fashion

HEATHER Watson’s recycled fashion creation was a centrepiece of Saturday night’s Women on Farms Gathering dinner.

Growing up on the family farm at Dingee and then living at Serpentine for many years before retiring to Bendigo, Heather’s fashion statement was made from old woolpacks and other recycled materials

and adorned with feathers and other accessories.

Heather was part of the team organising WOFG in Inglewood that attracted more than 100 rural women from across Victoria. The dress has been displayed at Elmore Field Days and Heather said she was pleased to “bring it home” for the weekend.

WHEN: THURSDAY 7 APRIL TIME: 10 AM – 1:30 PM WHERE: BUCKRABUNYULE CFA SHED – WEDDERBURN-BUCKRABANYULE RD, BUCKRABANYULE.

SHEEP MARKET AFTER a promising start with dearer price trends for lambs, the market at Bendigo on Monday eased dramatically mid-way through the auction where there was sales cheaper than a week ago.

The erratic bidding caused varied price results over the 12,950 head yarding, ranging from $5 cheaper through to $5/ head dearer over processing stock.

A more consistent stronger price trend was seen over lighter lambs as they recovered some of the previous Monday’s losses.

Lamb quality was mixed, with genuine trade weights in short supply against heavier stock. More Merino lambs were offered.

A couple of domestic buyers were absent, while many exporters again operated at reduced capacity.

The heaviest export lambs over 30kg cwt sold from $220 to a top of $285 to average around $250/head.

Pens of heavy 26- 30kg cwt lamb suffered some of the biggest discounting when buyer demand dropped away midsale, selling from $190 to $230 to average around $213/head.

Long-woolled first-cross style lambs in the 27-30kg range were the most affected by the erratic bidding.

Well finished tradeweight lambs were in limited supply, and the best of the short skinned types from 22-26kg sold the best at $185 to $212/head to record some of the highest carcass averages of 760c to 780c/ kg cwt.

The supply of lightweight lambs was reduced following the previous week’s much cheaper results, which helped improved prices to between $125 to $165/ head for the better bred and framed types.

More Merino lambs appeared with the heavy trades from $160 to $182, and allowing for skin values for at up to $20/ head, worked out at an estimated 630c to 650c/kg cwt.

Lighter Merino lambs suiting MK processing orders were valued closer to 700c/kg cwt.

Just 3450 sheep were yarded. Competition did lift a times and good mutton was

firm to dearer at an estimated 520c to 620c/kg cwt over most ewes.

Some young Merino wethers sold strongly. Big Merino ewes $180 to $218; middle run of mutton $135 to $175; light sheep mostly $80 to $120/head in a dearer result.

From next Monday, the sheep and lamb sale will start at 9.30pm.

CROSSBRED LAMBS A,L,B & R McIntosh Wanalta (102) $285, WH Bacon Echuca West (23) $273, SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (91) $265, C Graham Family Arnold (47) $250, A & A Canfield Borung (95) $248, DJ & ED Lees Rochester (168) $244, GR & H Nankivell Raywood (58) $244, DL & TM Jensen Diggora West (90) $240, R & B Pascoe Elmore (75) $238, DI & CL Palmer Bamawm (69) $238, CA & MJ Stone Raywood (47) $235, Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (138) $234, AA Jensen & Son Raywood (120) $233, AJ Wilson Boort (46) $228, WL & PJ Johnson Myola (113) $228, GJ & JH Chambers Leichardt (47) $226, DJ & VA Couper Boort (38) $220, DW & RJ Martin Durham Ox (92) $220, Mooraview P/L Myola East (113) $217, MD Connors Moama (49) $217, Fairfields@Mysia Boort (32) $216, FS Cockcroft & Son Myall (44) $215, E & B Cox Rochester (39) $212, Ken Poxon & Son Boort (30) $210, DC & L Lougoon Leichardt (28) $200, DJ Fatt & JA Gallagher Raywood (70) $198, Kobyboyn Family Trust Highlands (111) $198.

MERINO LAMBS SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (20) $233.

MERINO WETHERS SE & LG Carless Moliagul (71) $194, ST & JJ Verley Boort (136) $181, Fairfields@Mysia Boort (49) $177, NG & M Sutherland Kerang (103) $175, Ken Poxon & Son Boort (264) $173.

CROSSBRED EWES A,L,B & R McIntosh Wanalta (13) $210, GR Dobson Echuca (14) $205, E & Z Stone Shelbourne (12) $195.

MERINO EWES B & P Balmer Harcourt (93) $180, RW & NA Chalmers Mysia (30) $175, GJ & VJ Baldwin Gre Gre (63) $168, T Fernandes Winjallok (65) $166.

You will hear from a range of community groups about how they are leading wheel cactus management with local communities.

Lee Mead - Tarrangower Cactus Control Group Inc. Danny Pettingill - Loddon Plains Landcare Network Glen Norris - Bush Heritage Australia Representatives from Agriculture Victoria and Parks Victoria will also be in attendance.

The Loddon Plains Landcare Network & Tarrangower Cactus Control Group will provide a wheel cactus treatment demonstration at Mt Buckrabanyule Attendees will be required to find their own transport to the site at Wilson’s Road Buckrabanyule Lunch Provided from 1pm

REGISTER WITH:

GRAIN

RSVP Jessica Seidel - Agriculture Victoria text: 0419 577 324 or email: jessica.seidel@agriculture.vic.gov.au

BOORT Grain Co-op prices this week:

Please RSVP for catering purposes and dietary requirements.

WHEAT - H1 $407.50 FIS. H2 $400 FIS. APW $385 FIS. ASW $343 FIS. GP1 $338 FIS. BARLEY - PL1 ISCC $353 FIS. SP1 $348 FIS. Bar1 $335 FIS. PULSES - Non-GM canola ISCC $905 FIS +/- AOF. Non ISCC $913,50 FIS +/- AOF. Faba1 $440 FIS. 2022-2023 season DELD site - APW MG $376. Bar1 MG $295 + $20 Malt

*Please

note that when you arrive at the premises, you will be required to show evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status before being allowed entry.

12 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022

FEATURES OPINION | QUIZ

Sign bureaucrats can be made to see rural worth

By CHRIS EARL

1. “Mind the gap” is a phrase commonly associated with which metropolitan train service?

2. Which herb is usually on a traditional Margherita pizza?

3. Thor is the Norse God of what?

4. If you were to ensorcell, what would you be doing?

5. How old was Martin Luther King Jr when he was assassinated?

6. Which book by E.B. White tells the story of a pig named Wilbur?

7. In which town was William Shakespeare born?

8. How many golden stars are on the flag of the European Union?

9. What is the currency of China?

10. 56B Whitehaven Mansions is the address of which fictional detective?

11. Hanoi is the capital city of which nation?

12. Name the fictional woodcarver that made the puppet Pinocchio.

13. What is the name given for angles less than 90 degrees?

14. What does DVD stand for?

15. How many yards are in one mile?

16. A baby beaver is called a what?

17. How many squares are there on a scrabble board?

18. Alcatraz is in which American state?

19. Which type of aeroplane was first flown in 1969?

20. The inventor of the Rubik’s cube Ernö Rubik is of what nationality?

ANSWERS

POLITICIANS only set policy, it’s the public servants who carry out the will - that’s was the take of public administration advanced by Sir Humphrey Appleby in the iconic (and probably ironic) British television comedy Yes, Prime Minister.

Subject to the will of government and whatever party it will be after the anticipated May election, a signpost moment emerged last week when a Federal Parliament inquiry gave immense credibility to the status of rural communities and gives bureaucrats firmer direction.

Specifically, the The Future of Regional Newspapers in a Digital World inquiry recommended that at least 20 per cent of future government advertising be spent on rural and regional newspapers.

Recognition for rural communities, their newspapers and their voice. A quota perhaps, certainly putting the brakes on bureaucrats who have consistently directed policy-making processes in a direction that delivers crumbs in funding of infrastructure and services to rural communities.

The city-centric model of policy and funding has been at play for decades. Rural Australia is worth more than 20 per cent if there was a policy development formula inclusive of not just towns and people but economic contribution through primary and secondary production.

For newspapers, the Loddon Herald included, the inquiry report was a sign that the committee members who heard and read submissions, drawn from both sides of the Parliament, recognise the importance of rural communities and the role of having a local newspaper.

Mallee MP and committee chair Anne Webster wrote in the report: “Australia’s

PERSPECTIVE

regional newspapers are about regional stories and are a shared community experience. Regional newspapers put into the public area the stories of people who have excelled in sport, school or their business enterprise, as well as coverage of valuable community-based issues such as council decisions, court matters, public health issues and local weather events.

“Regional newspapers have been challenged for more than a decade by loss of revenue, loss of talent and rising costs that have forced many to permanently close their doors. As newspapers close, readers are pushed towards social media for their news, which increases Australians’ exposure to misinformation and creates a disconnect in communities.”

She said ‘news deserts’ had also been emerging—meaning that some communities were not covered by a newspaper.

“However, those in regional Australia – and their newspapers – continually demonstrate their resilience and ability to innovate. As part of the inquiry, the committee heard of several new and emerging models to adapt revenue structures and address printing costs, to continue to provide news services to their communities,” she wrote.

The committee also recommended the Government considers the viability of a tax rebate for regional businesses that support their local newspaper through a minimum advertising spend.

When the government takes action on these and other recommendations in the report - probably after the election - they will have a raft of opportunities to put a genuine and sincere focus on the future

of rural communities. Our front page article this week reports how Loddon Shire Council has clearly identified what it considers priority areas for the population and economic growth of our local towns.

Council will no doubt be articulate and persistent in pushing the case with MPs and political candidates both during and after election campaigns for the federal and Victorian Parliaments this year.

An agenda has been set for what is needed locally, an agenda driven by the community. From the ground up, not dictated from above on high by bureaucrats.

Irrespective of political party, an unblinkered view of the future presents for all to see that the Loddon Shire, like so many other country areas, has real potential and opportunity for growth.

Our local communities are on the ball.

But the challenge wlll be for MPs and aspirant candidates to be well awake and grasp the moment by investing and truly supporting real needs of today and tomorrow in country towns.

Good government, at federal or state level requires minimum commitments - a bit like the newspaper inquiry on at least 20 per cent government advertising - and more, great funds for roads and telecommunications, ending government cost-shifting that puts unfair and inhibiting economic stress of rural councils and communities.

There will be many words uttered in coming weeks as the campaign unfolds.

The firmness and action from those words will determine maturity beyond quotas in giving the bush a hand up

for all their hard work in putting on this hugely successful event.

I’d also like to thank all the local volunteers who helped in the lead up to the event and working on-ground on the day itself, especially with such a big crowd in attendance.

I’d also like to give a shout out to Frank and Sue Coughlan for providing their property for the Serpentine Air Race to be held.

The day not only featured the air race itself (congratulations to Graham Bunn and co-pilot Murray Gerraty, who took out the honours in the race), but also in-

cluded the RAAF Roulettes and the Paul Bennet Airshow, which were spectacular.

The organisers even managed to get the original air race cup for display on the day.

It was also an honour to welcome the Victorian Shadow Minister for Aviation Gordon Rich-Phillips who was also present to see this amazing event.

Congratulations again to all the organisers and volunteers on such a remarkable and hugely successful day.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Big congratulations on air race Sir, The Serpentine Air Race has been held and what a fantastic day it was.

The day, which celebrated the centenary of Australia’s first official air race, saw perfect weather and an amazing crowd, estimated in excess of 5000 people.

I’d like to take this opportunity to send out a huge thank you to all the members of the East Loddon Historical Society and the air race organising committee (including Robert Hooke and the McGauchie family)

Cr Dan Straub Mayor Loddon Shire

1. The Tube (London) 2. Basil 3. Thunder, sky, and agriculture 4. Enchant 5. 39 6.

Charlotte’s Web 7. Stratford Upon Avon 8. 12 9. Renminbi 10. Hercule Poirot 11.

Vietnam 12. Geppetto 13. Acute 14. Digital Video Disc 15. 1760 16. Kit 17. 255 18.

California 19. Concorde 20. Hungarian

‘

Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 13

FEATURES

‘John’s team made history Our juniors winning the state championship ... that’s still the biggest thrill

THERE’S no hesitation when Country Fire Authority veteran volunteer John Carroll is asked for the greatest moment as a local fireman.

He had started Pyramid Hill brigade’s junior competition team in 1980.

Within four years, that team was Victorian champions.

“No doubt my fondest memory is the juniors winning the state title at Mooroopna,” he said.

“It’s still the biggest thrill ... there in the record book is Pyramid Hill’s name.

“Until then we were just a brigade like any other. After that, we were part of history, we beat 66 other brigade teams.”

The former brigade captain and secretary will tomorrow night be honoured for his 70 years in the CFA. John reflected on that time between watching Pyramid Hill footballers take to Mitchell Park last Saturday for a final practice run before the Loddon Valley season starts this weekend.

From the elevated function room, John had a clear view of play, sitting in front of an honour board listing him as a club life member and a photograph of the 1950 premiership side.

“I’m the last surviving member of the team. I didn’t get on the ground,” said John who was named as 20th man in the flagwinning side.

His fitness and connection with the football club helped when becoming coach of the brigade’s running team in 1960, a position he would hold for 40 years. “We had keen, strong members who could run” he said.

“We had never won an event at a state demonstration (championship) but in 1966 we won the sixes at Warrnambool.

“We used to train in Kelly Street but Dominic (John’s brother and 25-year captain of the brigade) and Jack Kelly decided we needed a training track in the early 1960s.

“That’s when our running team started to take off. We were a good group, picked up footballers, blokes who could run and enjoyed the demonstrations.”

John’s record as a running team coach, until stepping down from the junior role in 2003, stretched beyond state championships. He recalls that compet-

70 years of service ... John Carroll reflects on his time coaching the town’s senior and junior fire brigade running teams. LH PHOTO

ing at the Australia Day events in Boort, his Pyramid Hill charges winning 10 out of 11 grand aggregates.

It’s the record of success for Pyramid Hill juniors that more than put John into the history books.

Four of his young charges became permanent firefighters Mac Kent, Anthony Hoban, Trent McKinnon and eldest son Shane who now works in Darwin.

He proudly points to successful careers carved out by other junior brigade members including Tim Oban, now a police inspector, and East Loddon P12 College principal Steve Leed.

Their introduction to the local brigade saw them have more equipment than when John fol-

lowed Dominic into the brigade as a 16-year-old. “When I first started, I was given a beater to put out fires, graduated to knapsack and eventually on the back of the tanker with a hose,” John recalled.

“When I started, we had virtually nothing compared with the equipment today like breathing apparatus.”

Within months of joining the brigade, John was tackling a major fire at the town’s butter factory - the refrigeration plant’s ammonia tube exploded.

“We had no breathing apparatus in those days, firemen trying to fight the fire were going down like nine pins.

“The doctor said the only thing to help them was beer but

in those days it was six o’clock closing. The local policeman demanded the publican open up for the firemen!”

The butter factory was where John had worked after school and on Saturdays, earning a farthing for every butter box waxed.

He started work there fulltime after leaving school and qualified as a tester, grader, butter maker and boiler attendant, in charge of the factory when it closed in 1973.

He later spent 17 years working at the butter factory of Cohuna.

John said the fire that destroyed Pyramid Hill’s bakery and post office building in 2001 had been the most challenging.

“It was in the middle of the morning and at one stage it looked like it would spread into the supermarket,” he said.

John said the Pyramid Hill community had always been supportive of the fire brigade.

“We’ve been part of the community with Santa at Christmas and people have always supported our raffles,” he said.

When John joined 70 years ago, he didn’t expect to even receive the first service award for CFA volunteers - a 12-year badge. Now he was multiple bars to that badge, a National Medal and other CFA honours.

The veteran firie is still the brigade’s portable appliance officer. And his advice to future volunteers: “Join your brigade.”

The post office fire (left) and John in the running team and as coach.

14 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022

Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS Deadline - Tuesdays 4pm - Phone 0419 549 743 email loddonherald@gmail.com

DEATH NOTICE Waldron.W.K (Bill) 22-3-22

It is with regret that we record the passing of Bill Waldron.

He was a well-known member of the Boort district, particularly for cutting and supplying fire wood to many households in the area.

Rest in Peace Bill Robert & Colleen

MEETING

TARNAGULLA COMMUNITY CENTRE Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING to be held at Tarnagulla Community Centre on Wednesday April 27th 2022 commencing at 7:30pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Tarnagulla Community Centre for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on 20th May 2022. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Current government regulations also require mention that although a person not vaccinated for COVID19 may form part of the committee, they will not be allowed to enter the Centre without an exemption or for an approved activity. On-site volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID19.

Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning office or at the meeting. These forms are also available from the Secretary of the committee.

For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Jeanette Shipston on 0408191738.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

FREE GOLF CLINICS The Inglewood Golf Club is offering Free Junior and Adult Coaching in 2022.

Bendigo Golf Club professional Harley Williams will run two Coaching Clinics for interested Junior and Adult golfers.

Clinics will be held at the Inglewood Golf Course on 12th and 19th April, 2022. Times will be allocated depending on numbers.

To register your interest please phone David Vanston 0402231288 or Helen Ward 0407334943.

Golf clubs and balls will be supplied.

EMPLOYMENT

Celtic Connections

Sunday 24th April 2022 Bridgewater on Loddon Railway Station community house (Erskine St) 10.00am-4.00pm  Enjoy Celtic music- Irish and Scots pipe, band brass band  Byo seat & rug  Stalls  Food

Admission $5 adult pensioners gold coin children under 16 free

A vacancy has occurred in the Loddon Shire Council Elderly Persons Units located in Serpentine.

The unit comprises:  open plan kitchen and living area  two bedrooms, both with built in robes  large storage cupboard  separate laundry and bathroom  reverse cycle heating/cooling, ceiling fan  floor and window coverings throughout Rental: $192.00 per fortnight Applications close: Friday 8 April 2022 Application forms: Please contact Council on (03) 5494 1201 or via email loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au to request an application form or download one from Council’s website: www.loddon.vic.gov.au For further information or to arrange an inspection, please contact Council’s Community Care Coordinator, Margaret Keogh on (03) 5494 1201.

Ongoing full-time position available – 80 hours per fortnight Boort District Health is recruiting Enrolled Nurses with experience in aged care and sub-acute settings for a part time position. Applicants must have current registration with AHPRA. We are seeking flexible, dynamic and energetic nurses who can work as part of a multidisciplinary team, provide high standards of person centred care and have excellent communication and documentation skills.

Hours and shifts will vary depending on roster requirements. You may be asked to work any day from Monday to Sunday (including Public Holidays) across day, afternoon or night shifts.

Please indicate your availability in your application.

Benefits of working with BDH BDH employees benefit from: o A relaxed close supportive team environment o Professional Development and Study Leave o Generous Salary Packaging available o Active Social Club

The Clinics are sponsored by IGA Community Chest

TO LET

ENROLLED NURSE

Ph Jenny Hosking 54 373198 for information/stallholders

Enquiries to: Laura Palmer: Acting Nurse Unit Manager on (03) 5451 5200 or Boort District Health at employment@bdh.vic.gov.au

MUST BE VACCINATED,COVID RULES APPLY(IF NEEDED)

Position descriptions: can be obtained from www.bdh.vic.gov.au Closing date: 5pm Friday 1 April 2022

EMPLOYMENT

Applications for the above position must include a covering letter, statement addressing each of the selection criteria and a current resume with three professional referees: Address to: Private & Confidential, Position Vacant, Corporate Services Manager, Boort District Health PO Box 2, BOORT VIC 3537

REGISTERED NURSE

BDH is an equal opportunity employer.

Ongoing full-time position available – 80 hours per fortnight

All appointments are subject to a satisfactory Police and Working With Children Check.

Boort District Health is recruiting Registered Nurses with experience in aged care and sub-acute settings for a part time position. Applicants must have current registration with AHPRA. We are seeking flexible, dynamic and energetic nurses who can work as part of a multidisciplinary team, provide high standards of person centred care and have excellent communication and documentation skills.

Hours and shifts will vary depending on roster requirements. You may be asked to work any day from Monday to Sunday (including Public Holidays) across day, afternoon or night shifts.

Please indicate your availability in your application.

Benefits of working with BDH BDH employees benefit from: o A relaxed close supportive team environment o Professional Development and Study Leave o Generous Salary Packaging available o Active Social Club Enquiries to: Laura Palmer: Acting Nurse Unit Manager on (03) 5451 5200 or Boort District Health at employment@bdh.vic.gov.au Position descriptions: can be obtained from www.bdh.vic.gov.au Closing date: 5pm Friday 1 April 2022 Applications for the above position must include a covering letter, statement addressing each of the selection criteria and a current resume with three professional referees: Address to: Private & Confidential, Position Vacant, Corporate Services Manager, Boort District Health PO Box 2, BOORT VIC 3537 BDH is an equal opportunity employer.

All appointments are subject to a satisfactory Police and Working With Children Check.

LODDON HERALD CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT

CAREERS AT LODDON Loddon is now seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a difference and help shape our future.

Townscape and Waste Services Coordinator – ref.no J/147   

Permanent full-time position Wedderburn depot, with scope to work from home Band 6 - $42.67 per hour

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 11 April 2022 at 5pm.

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

Casual and part-time positions Band 3 - $28.64 per hour ($35.80 for casuals inclusive of loading)

Early Childhood Educator – ref.no J/123  

Casual positions at all kindergartens ECEC1.1 - $29.75 (inclusive of casual loading)

Early Childhood Teacher – ref.no J/124  

Casual positions at all kindergartens ECTC1.1 - $40.05 (inclusive of casual loading)

Early Years (Child Care) Project Officer – ref.no J/116  

Full-time, fixed-term (12 months) Band 7 - $47.53 per hour

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

For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5494 1202.

Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 15

Loddon HERALD CLASSIFIEDS Deadline - Tuesdays 4pm - Phone 0419 549 743 email loddonherald@gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE INGLEWOOD CEMETERY TRUST

Truck Drivers (2)

2 x Casual Driver’s positions (HC & MC) Tipper /Blower experience preferred.

Majority of work is afternoons and weekends.

Mass Management and Basic Fatigue experience preferred.

Rate: HC - $39.72, MC - $41.47.

Area: Bridgewater on Loddon Call Peter for more information Ph: 0419 821 928 Please email resume Email: pwardell@southernstockfeeds.com.au

Inglewood Cemetery Trust is urgently seeking the services of a new secretary-treasurer.

Our current long-serving secretary-treasurer is retiring from the position.

2002 Nissan Patrol 3 ltr diesel, 7 seat wagon, 178,000kms in as new condition never been off road, Reg and RWC. One owner.

RYL 765 $25,000.00. ono 0407095279

Please contact President Brian Rodwell 0419 554 103

BOORT NEWSAGENCY

NEWBRIDGE HOTEL

BRIDGEWATER BAKEHOUSE

PYRAMID HILL POST OFFICE

BRIDGEWATER & BENDIGO

PYRAMID HILL BAKERY

BRIDGEWATER CARAVAN PARK CAFE

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16 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31 2022

SPORT

SUMMER SPORTING TEAMS

Loddon Valley Tennis Association runners-up Mincha West. LH PHOTO

Upper Loddon Cricket Association runners-up Boort. LH PHOTO

Inglewood Tennis Association runners-up Fentons Creek. LH PHOTO

Upper Loddon Cricket Association junior runners-up Boort. LH PHOTO

Inglewood Tennis Association finalists Loddon Eagles. LH PHOTO

Upper Loddon Cricket Association junior finalists Bridgewater. LH PHOTO

Upper Loddon Cricket Association finalists Wedderburn. LH PHOTO

Upper Loddon Cricket Association junior finalists Kingower.

Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 17

SPORT

Enthusiastic Owen earns Manallack club award

Sophia Herrington returns serve in the grand final. LH PHOTO

OWEN BYRNE has been named Boort Lawn Tennis Club’s inaugural Wally Manallack junior clubperson of the year award.

Owen received the trophy at Saturday’s end of season function following the grand final. The award recognised Owen’s sportsmanship, enthusiasm and willingness to help out when asked.

Wally loved his junior sport and on his passing last year, kindly left a generous donation to the tennis club.

Earlier, perfect weather awaited the combatants in the grand final The tennis

was tense, enthusiastic and spirited and when the dust of battle settled, Leaghur had completed a dominant year of teams competition by overcoming the best that Mysia could throw at them.

The final scores were: Leaghur 14-98 d Mysia 6-64.

With the regular tennis season now complete, club members are preparing for for the annual Easter tournament.

NEXT WEEK: PICTORIAL SPECIAL OF COMPETITION CHAMPIONS

Ryan’s pair of half-head victories

Tom steps up with Snake Oil TOM BROWN has returned a winner from his first campdraft competition since moving up from juvenile ranks.

Tom, 18, of Bridgewater, won the encouragement draft at Cobram Campdraft last weekend in the hotly contested event for riders aged over 17 that haven’t previously won an open age event.

He won on Snake Oil, a stockhorse gelding bred by his parents at Bridgewater.

Tom had one of his best runs to date scoring 87 points out of a possible 100 to take out the event against 30 adult competitors, many of them more than twice his age.

He has been competing in the sport since he turned eight. His parents have been competing for more than 20 years and his younger sister Jamieson competes too.

The win means Tom progresses to the next level of the competition, now competing in the same class as his parents.

Tom says the best thing about the sport is the mateship between all the competitors and having his horse run well on cattle. He can’t wait for the next event and hopes his luck will continue.

Campdrafting is one of three nationally recognised sports invented in Australia (the others are AFL and polocross).

A campdrafter selects a steer or heifer from a small mob in a yard, known as the camp, then manoeuvres it around a course.

The best combination of speed, accuracy and horsemanship scores the highest number of points.

Members of the Wedderburn team.

First invitational event played in three years BOORT bowls ladies, after a three-year break due to COVID, finally held their annual invitation day last week.

They had visitors from Wedderburn, Donald Golf, Korong Vale, Cohuna, Cohuna Golf, Calivil, Kerang Golf, Kerang, Wycheproof, Donald, St. Arnaud, St. Arnaud Country Club, Charlton, Inglewood, Birchip and Pyramid Hill clubs.

Winners were Norm Hollis, Lindy Morgan, Jack Collins, Beth Hollis (Donald) with runnersup being Laurie Witham, Sandra Standfield, Sandra Steel, Lance Standfield (Wedderburn).

Fan The Cards results: Lead R. Little (Wedderburn), second N. Brown (Cohuna Golf), third M. Mooney (Cohuna) and skip R. Marchment (St Arnaud Country Club).

Owen Bryne receives his trophy from committee member Craig Scott.

Bridgewater’s Tom Brown after his success on Snake Oil.

CHARLTON reinsman Ryan Sanderson chalked up successive half-head Ouyen Cup meeting victories on Sunday.

The Ouyen Pacing Cup over 2423 metres gave Sydney based millionaire Emilio Rosati and wife Mary another cup victory this season – the victor being 5Y0 Art Major-Heavenly Cullen gelding Equity Stride racing under the banner of E & M Stride.

Trained by Ryan’s father Shane, Equity Stride immediately pounced on the lead from gate two, defying all challengers to defeat Naracoorte visitor and recent Gawler Cup victor Stratofortress (Kerryn Manning) which moved from four back in the moving line mid-race to park outside the winner, rallying late to just fail in an exciting finish which tricked many.

Honest 8Y0 gelding Pocket Thedeal after trailing the winner from the pole used the sprint lane to finish third 1.7 metres away.

The Sanderson’s won last year’s feature with Blaster Ranger in identical fashion.

Ryan, 18, also drove Sir Jujon to victory in the 1654 metre pace.

18 | Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31 2022

SPORT | LODDON VALLEY

Training starts back on local grounds LODDON Valley football clubs have returned to local grounds for training in recent weeks ahead of Saturday’s season opener.

After initial training in Bendigo, all local clubs are on home turf and have committed to fielding senior and reserve grade teams along with Maiden Gully and Marong.

While clubs have been busy recruiting across Victoria over the summer, there had still been the call out for players at Mitiamo a fortnight ago.

Minor premiers, Mitiamo is one of several clubs with new coaches in season 2022.

Assistant coach since 2018, Marcus McKern has the senior

reins of an experienced outfit that will again include a contingent from Queensland. The Superoos take on Bears Lagoon Serpentine where Justin Laird is the new coach.

Last season, Serp pushed top sides and Saturday’s first up clash may prove no different.

The clash of the round may, however, turn out to be Bridgewater against Pyramid Hill.

Rick Ladson has charge of the Mean Machine this year while Pyramid Hill, too, has a new coach with Nathan Fitzpatrick moving into senior ranks after a successful run at junior level.

Inglewood has recruited well in the off-season and may chal-

lenge Calivil. Meanwhile, in Loddon Valley netball, Bears Lagoon Serpentine returns to the A Grade scene picking up players from the area including Inglewood that will not have an top grade side this season.

Newbridge, with the bye in the opening round, is only fielding an under 17 side in the junior sections this season. Inglewood and Pyramid Hill has all but under 17 sides in their junior offering,

THIS WEEK Mitiamo v BL Serpentine Calivil United v Inglewood Bridgewater v Pyramid Hill MGYCW v Marong Newbridge - BYE

Club picks name: Rams they will be LODDON Valley league’s newest club East Loddon will be known as the Rams.

Coach Jade Clymo said players with the under 18 team had chosen the nickname and a club song, reflecting that players come from a major sheep producing region.

Clymo said player number had increased each week since the first training run last month.

“We’ve numbers but more would also be good, as it is for any junior club,” he said.

Clymo said the majority of players were students at East Loddon P12 College for some, recent years had been spent with Bendigo-based junior teams including Maiden Gully.

East Loddon has drawn play-

Jade Clymo ers from the Serpentine, Mitiamo and Calivil districts, Maiden Gully has dropped its under 18 side this season.

Clymo said players were over a number of age groups but none in their final year of junior football.

The Rams play Bridgewater in the season opener on Satursay.

COMMUNITY FOOTBALL-NETBALL DAY

Teams are hungry to play again MITCHELL Park Pyramid Hill was the venue for the second community football and netball day, and supporters of both codes, hungry for the resumption of weekend sport, were treated to non-stop action.

Players and fans from 10 clubs, incorporating six surrounding leagues were able to again witness their players fine tune their game plan for the season-proper which kicks off this weekend.

Among the clubs was Boort with host club Pyramid Hill playing the final of game of the day.

Again, entry to witness the action was courtesy of a gold coin, with proceeds going to the local fire brigade, and again umpires from the Loddon Valley and the Golden Rivers Football Netball Leagues were in charge on the ground.Loddon Valley umpires swapped their traditional olive shirts to a bright red on the day.

With summer conditions lingering for one last week, football players were fully extended in the three 25-minute playing terms.

On the netball court coaches elected for a

variety of game time, but players also were fully extended. From a coaching perspective those in charge of football and netball were happy to have the chance for one last “finetune”, while for fans and spectators it was the chance to find a voice that had been put on hold for six months.

The large crowd kept volunteers in the canteen busy throughout the day and the oval was ringed with cars signalling that the return of country football and netball had arrived.

- GEOFF HICKMOTT

Electronic scoreboard stuns in debut workout

Tom Brennan marks for Pyramid Hill on Saturday. LH PHOTO

A NEW $80,000 electronic scoreboard was unveiled at Mitchell Park on Saturday.

Club volunteers and contractors has spent recent weeks erecting the new scoreboard and preparing graphics for display during the community day matches.

Pyramid Hill president Bruce Moon said the club had received great assistance and support from members and contractors, including the donation of some services in bringing the scoreboard to life.

Moon also thanked Leigh Forster who headed the sub-committee charged with seeing the scoreboard project through to completion.

“With the support of the Mitchell Park Committee of Management, Loddon Shire and TAC we have worked hard to fundraise for an electronic scoreboard. The scoreboard will support our PHFNC members and volunteers and local emergency services

Club officials Jan and Geoff Hickmott, Bruce Moon and Leigh Forster at Saturday’s community day. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD Thursday March 31, 2022 | 19

NORTH CENTRAL | SPORT

Sam’s set to go solo

WEDDERBURN’ coach Sam Barnes says the Redbacks’ will have more depth in the 2022 North Central football season.

After a year co-coaching with Danny Benaim, Barnes is fired for his solo run in charge at Donaldson Park.

“We’ve picked up a few handy players in positions we were hoping to fill,” Barnes said.

“I’m confident we will have depth and consistency this season.”

Among the signings is Jaran McKay who returns to the club where he won the 2019 best and fairest.

Barnes plans to use McKay in the midfield, rotating into the backline along with another returning recruit Jayden Jones.

Jones was runner-up in the club best and fairest in 2018 and 2019 and is back after playing with Sandhurst in the Bendigo league.

Also making the switch from the Bendigo league is Tyson Webster.

“Our midfield stock has been bolstered,” Barnes said.

The Redbacks are also keen to have Ben DeAraugo again in front of sticks.

DeAraugo played four comeback games for 16 goals in the interrupted 2021 season and will more than capably fill the spot left by Will Holt who this year is with Natte Bealiba in the Maryborough Castlemaine league.

“Ben’s sure to be a good focal point up foward for us,” Barnes said.

The Redbacks last year dropped just two games, both against league powerhouse Sea Lake Nandaly and played an early season draw against Donald.

Barnes said he had put “a few more structured roles into the team compared to last year”.

“We only lost six or seven quarters of footy last year.”

Throughout the 2021 season, Barnes shared coach responsi-

GOING SOLO: Wedderburn coach Sam Barnes prepares the Redbacks for Saturday’s North Central league opening round clash against Charlton. LH PHOTO bilities with club veteran Benaim who had onfield leadership of the Redbacks. Benaim will again line up for the team.

“It was a bit of a transition year, a handover year and we’ll keep building in 2022,” he said.

“We’ll build on what we started last year.”

The Redbacks open the season on Saturday against Charlton.

The Navies only appointed Andy Nisbet as coach earlier this month, A rookie to senior coaching, Nisbet will still have last season’s co-coaches Anthony Judd and Aaron Walklate in on-field roles.

Also joining Nisbet at Charlton will be Bailey Kemp from the Warrnambool region and fullback Matt Winsall returns to the club.

Charlton had a 4-7 record before last season was called off under community sport COVID restrictions.

Fitter with chances for youth: Hawker THE signing of Bears Lagoon Serpentine bigman Nathan Twigg is reported to be one of the big coups for Boort in the North Central league.

Twigg is crossing from Loddon Valley league where he was runner-up in last season’s best and fairest and took out the junior award in 2015.

Boort’s other big signing is Sam Grant from Calivil.

The Magpies will again have Andy Hawker as coach after a year in which the club had a 3-7 record and was far more competitive.

Hawker was appointed back at the end of 2019 but had to wait until last year to put his charges into action.

Beaten in rounds one and two of the 2021 campaign, Boort hit back to win its next two matches and by the end of round six had a three-three record and was fourth on the ladder.

Hawker said he was looking for further progress from the Magpies this season and to have a talented group of local youngsters pushing for regular selection.

“We’re a bit fitter this season and will be pretty competitive,” Hawker said.

“There can be growth from our juniors, we want to keep bringing the local kids through. We’re well positioned to blood them this year.”

THIS WEEK Wycheproof Narraport v St Arnaud Charlton v Wedderburn Birchip Watchem v Sea Lake Nandaly Donald v Boort

League changes junior ages for new season NORTH Central Football League junior competitions will this season be for under 17 and under 14.

League president Tim Lockhart said clubs had voted to increase the age by a year in each section.

Lockhart said St Arnaud was among clubs that had faced loss of players with adjoining leagues offering junior competiton in the higher age group.

Making a return to the top age group this season will be Wycheproof Narraport while Wedderburn Redbacks will not be fielding an under 17 team.

All eight clubs will field sides in the under 13 competition.

Lockhart said all clubs appeared to have reasonable player numbers and it was

pleasing to see a good cohort of players aged between 16 and 20.

The league draw was brought forward to Saturday’s start to accommodate an extra bye that will allow hockey players to compete in carnivals.

The league has now programmed three byes in the first half of the season - Easter, May 14 and Queen’s Birthday weekend in June. The school holiday bye falls between rounds 10 and 11.

Lockhart said scheduling meant that players could continue to participate in multiple codes during the season, with some hockey players also involved in football and netball.

Wedderburn and Boort play their first home games in round two.

Magpies confirm clash under lights BOORT has locked in its night fixture for the 2022 North Central season.

The Magpies will host Wycheproof Narraport under lights in round three on April 30.

Club president Kane Arnold said the senior match would be played from 6pm with reserves and junior games in the af-

ternoon. Arnold said the club was looking forward to the season and particularly hosting home matches.

Last season’s interruptions during COVID lockdowns and restrictions mostly fell when the Magpies were to have played at home.

Isaac Holt tackles Redbacks’ captain Corey Lowry during Wedderburn’s training run on Monday evening. LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD

sport

Thursday March 31, 2022

BELGIUM BOUND

Shelby selected in Australian team

SHELBY Giorlando has been selected to play for Australia in the national under 16 academy’s European tour.

The Wedderburn College student will tour Belgium in June and July.

It will be the first overseas competition for the multiple Victorian and national junior team representative.

Shelby’s touring selection is the latest achievement in a hockey career that began with the town’s minkey hockey program as a primary school student.

She now plays for Melbourne Uni in Hockey Victoria’s premier league.

Shelby says gaining national selection had been down to years and years of hard work.

Older sister Nikki started the family on a journey in hockey.

“It was not a sport that the family had been greatly acquainted with, however after Nikki’s joining, both parents - Kim and Steve Giorlando – also became deeply involved the game,” she said, “By the time I was born the whole family was playing hockey, including both parents and all four of my older siblings.”

Shelby said at age four, she was introduced to the junior levels of hockey playing Minkey (mini-hockey).

From here Shelby began rising through levels of the local Wedderburn team, moving from

By JAKE MURPHY

Minkey to under 13s by the age of nine.

At the age of 10, Shelby began playing for the mixed age group team in Bendigo Senjuns.

She continued playing in the Wedderburn under 13s team.

At 12, Shelby stepped up into the under 16s team at Wedderburn and was also drafted for her first state team, unfortunately this team lost, but it was a pebble on the longer road for Shelby.

While still aged 12, Shelby kept rising in Wedderburn and joined the women’s team, however in Shelby’s tenure there were no achievements in the Finals.

Shelby was also selected for the Victorian team to play at the nationals under 13s championships and in following years has been selected for the Victorian under 15 team to play in the Nationals.

Shelby’s involvement in hockey was well on its way, and in the next few years she would be listed in the Vic 1’s Hockey team, and the Women’s Reserves (Premier League).

Travelling on weekends and weeknights for training, practice matches and games themselves is the norm for young Loddon sportspeople.

Asked if it was worth it, Shelby responded: “Every second of every day, of every month is worth it. It’s hard and some days I feel it more than others, but I

NATIONAL CALL UP: Shelby Giorlando has been selected in the Australian junior team. LH PHOTO love it. It’s what I do, what I live for.”

“Every cent of it is worth it ... I know it’s Mum and Dad’s cents, but I’ll take it anyway.”

Shelby’s Mother and Father – Kim and Steve Giorlando – have been a large part of her hockey life; both having played hockey with and around Shelby from a young age. Going above the normal encouragement and step-

ping up to coach and propel Shelby’s hockey game and passion.

With motivation and encouragement from her family, Shelby was selected to play on Phil Boris’s team at Melbourne Uni, and it is here in the last few months that Shelby has been playing for the reserves.

To get in Shelby had to keep playing with Melbourne Uni, while organisers for the interna-

tional trip and team watched the girls play, and from the games Shelby stood out and was selected.

“I hope to one day play for Australia in the Olympics or try out for the professional Australian team.”

Shelby Giorlando is certainly going for gold for Wedderburn as she prepares for her overseas tour.

YOUNG RAMS READY TO MAKE THEIR LODDON VALLEY LEAGUE DEBUT - PAGE 18

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