Loddon Herald 31 October 2024 by Loddon

A NEW benchmark price has been set for tightlyheld Loddon agricultural land.

The historic 1305-acre Longview property at Fernihurst sold at auction last week for $5.1 million. It was the first time in 152 years the property had been on the market as Rob and Colleen Coutts prepare for retirement.

Successful bidder was neighbour and Concordia Merino Stud owner Bob Rollinson.

Auctioneer Luke Nevins, of FP Nevins and Co, said: “Local buyers knew the land and knew its value.”

More than 80 people were at the auction that saw three of four lots sold.

Mr Rollinson paid $3900 an acre for the main Longview property that includes the historic Coutts family home dating from the 1870s.

The auction opened with a vendor bid of $2200 and quickly reached the selling price. There were two active bidders for the property renowned for sheep and wool production.

An initial vendor bid of $2500

By CHRIS EARL

an acre for the adjoining Russ’s paddock fell just short before the auction resumed and the Knight family of Yando secured the 859.49 acres for $2.16 million, paying $2550 an acre.

Lot three - Lewis’s of 323.05 acres including 70 acres of lasered irrigation land - had an initial vendor bid of $2500 an acre, a market offer of $2600 and a second vendor bid of $2900.

The parcel was passed in and later sold privately.

The fourth lot - George Franks’s of 235.81 acres - was passed in with negotiations continuing, Mr Nevins said.

Mr Nevins said interest in the properties before auction had been from locals.

“They know what this land can do. Property in the area is tightlyheld and it is rare for these farms to be put to auction,” he said.

“These sales set a precedent for future sales in the area whether at auction or privately.

“We were very happy with the interest and the price received for the parcels of prime agricultural land in the Loddon Shire.”

NEIGHBOURLY SWITCH - PAGE 5

BROOKE Street is ready to sparkle and dazzle on Sunday when thousands of people are expected at Inglewood Alive!

The annual street festival will see Brooke Street crammed with stalls, activities and more than 200 old vehicles.

Steve Gartside has been polishing Tony Hunt’s 1931 A

Model Ford for the Inglewood Car and Bike Club’s show and shine. “I’ve had hot rods since 1959 and built this one from the ground up,” Tony said.

He said the club had more than 40 members across the region who were pleased to be part of the town showcase.

An organiser Anne Marie Da-

vis said: “The festival promotes Inglewood, blending street activities with the wonderful antique shops and local cafes. This is the biggest day of the year and the development and tourism committee is ready for the fun.” Events will also include woodchopping and fundraising by local groups.

Steve Gartside prepares for Sunday’s Inglewood Alive! LH PHOTO

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Park packs in prospectors

NOVICE detectorists are driving a new gold rush at Wedderburn Caravan Park.

The park was close to capacity at the weekend for the latest prospecting weekend with Shane and Jackie Walker, of Inglewood’s Gold Nugget Hunter.

“We’ve teamed up with Shane and Jackie for the three-day breaks aimed at learners and

novices,” said the park’s Kristy Hourigan.

“The experience is bringing people to Wedderburn, word is spreading and the weekends are growing. We had only a handful of sites left unbooked at the weekend.”

Park guests are given lessons and advice on equipment by Shane and Jackie before head-

ing into the bush to practise new skills in their quest for gold.

Kristy said the park was also looking to introduce weekend experiences for birdwatchers and bird photographers.

“The area around Wedderburn is renowned for birdlife and we think this maybe another area for visitation growth next autumn,” Kristy said.

IN BRIEF

Shed funds

TARNAGULLA Fire Brigade has received a $40,000 grant to build an additional shed. The grant is through the State Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.

Planned burns

FUEL reduction burns have been scheduled for Tarnagulla and Inglewood over the past week. The weekend’s Tarnagulla burn was of 348 hectares at Robyns & Dowley Track while a 24.55 hectare burn near the Inglewood Caravan Park was scheduled for yesterday.

3G service ends

THE 3G mobile phone network was closed on Monday. Mallee MP Anne Webster said people should check with Telstra and Optus to verify if their device will still work, and for family members to reach out to the older generation to check all their devices are still in working order.

Care list grows

THE STATE Government has announced six new child care sites, including Avoca, that will open in 2027. Loddon’s child care centre at Wedderburn is to open in 2026.

Public holiday

NEXT Tuesday is a public holiday in Loddon Shire communities for Melbourne Cup Day.

Shane Walker introduces Deborah and Steve Minnes to mining techniques. LH PHOTO

Nine in VNI West path

NINE Loddon Shire landowners will see the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project run through their properties.

Transmission Company Victoria yesterday morning announced the 70-metre wide easement Stawell to Kerang promising “rigorous studies and assessments”.

The announcement came just a day after TCV denied briefing Melbourne media on plans.

TCV had earlier vowed to speak with landowners before the route’s public release.

The route map shows the project running just north of Charlton, between Oakvale and Boort and into Kerang.

TCV said landholders would remain a priority. “Conversations with landholder are important to identify how we can minimise the impact to their farm operations, day-to-day movements, and plans for future improvements. We hope to work together

any impacts but allow us to start working together to determine what fair and reasonable compensation may look like for each landholder, considering the unique features of each property and potential impacts to ongoing operations and land-use.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson said: “Transmission Company Victoria is prioritising contact with landholders in communications about the planned route for the new transmission line.”

But TCV still faces battles along the 240km route with only 120 landowners signing agreements to give the Australian Energy Market Operator subsidiary company access to land. There are an estimated 500-plus landowners on the route. “More than 120 land access agreements are in place with landholders to allow important survey work to continue,” the spokesperson said.

“Since August last year, TCV’s dedicated landholder liaisons have worked closely with indi

Challengers lead in early counting

INGLEWOOD and Tarnagulla Wards could have new representatives on Loddon Shire Council if early vote count trends continue.

The postal ballot officially closed last Friday with the Victorian Electoral Commission accepting mailed papers until tomorrow.

According to figures released to candidates on Tuesday night, Miki Wilson was leading incumbent councillor Wendy Murphy on Tuesday. Ms Wilson had polled 300 first preference votes to Cr Murphy’s 278 and former councillor Colleen Condliffe’s 232.

In Tarnagulla Ward, Nick Angelo was 13 votes ahead of Linda Jungworth who is seeking re-election. Mr Angelo had 288 first preference votes, Cr Jungwirth 275 with Carly Noble on 95

Respect buys a neighbour

THE Coutts and Rollinsons have been neighbours at Fernihurst for more than a century.

It was that local knowledge of the Longview property in Coutts family ownership for 152 years that saw Rollinson patriarch Bob become the new owner after last Thursday’s auction.

Bob, son Bruce and daughter Margaret were successful bidders for the property adjoining their Concordia Merino Stud.

“We have been neighbours all my life and always respected the Coutts’ property,” Bob said after the hammer fell.

“It’s a good proposition and I am happy to have bought it.”

The Concordia stud was founded in 1920 by Bob’s father Darb Rollinson on Wanganella ewes and rams.

Bob has been managing and classing Merinos at his stud since the 1950s where the micron yield averages 21.

Son Bruce spent several years working the family’s various properties before taking over Goolgumbla, near Jerilderie, in 1998 when the family purchased the holdings and run a Merino stud and shorthorn cattle.

Bruce said: “We have been driving past Longview since we were little kids. The Coutts have always been good friends and neighbours.”

“Longview fits into our property scheme nicely.”

Rob and Colleen Coutts are preparing for retirement in what will be the end of an era at Longview.

Rob’s great-great-grandfather arrived in the area soon after agricultural land was opened up in 1869.

The property’s weatherboard quarters were built in 1872 and the stately brick additions added a decade later.

Ahead of retirement, the Coutts are sell-

English leads off final VCE exams

VCE STUDENTS at Boort District School, Wedderburn College and East Loddon P12 College have started their final weeks of secondary school life.

They were among almost 90,000 students across the state who sat the English examination on Tuesday.

Examinations in VCE subjects run until November 20.

VCE Vocational Major students are also completing their final end of year assessments for 2024 as they prepare to complete their VCE studies.

Examination results will be released on December 12.

ing down their flock of medium and fine

wool Merinos.

“We’ve never done a lot of cropping but had cattle until a few years ago,” he said.

Rob said buyers at Thursday’s auction knew the value of local land.

“They are all neighbours and knew the potential and bid accordingly,” he said.

“We’re sad to be going. There are many memories and we will always love the place.”

Colleen and Rob Coutts ... we will always love the place

Colleen and Rob Coutts with Bob, Bruce and Margaret Rollinson after the auction. LH PHOTO

Training, care top career

By RUBY HYLAND

ONE of the Loddon’s most recognisable ambulance officers is preparing to take a back seat after almost half a century on the frontline.

David Booth was in Inglewood when the shire’s first ambulance station opened in 1982.

After a stint in Gippsland, he returned to live in Bridgewater while co-ordinating driver training for Ambulance Victoria.

That stellar 47-year career has now been celebrated with a function attended by colleagues and family.

David started as an ambulance officer in Sale and has since seen him all over Victoria as he filled a myriad of roles before his current role in driving standards and training.

In 1982, he had moved to Inglewood to assist in establishing the first ambulance station in the Loddon Shire.

“It was a great opportunity to be involved with the community while building and establishing the station” David said of the experience.

The new station filled gaps between Bendigo and Charlton and Maryborough and Kerang.

After working in Inglewood, David moved to Lakes Entrance where his family lived for 15 years, before returning to Bridgewater in 2010.

David said he had seen a plethora of changes within Ambulance Victoria and among the public over the decades.

The change in the equipment

stored in an ambulance between then and now dramatically different, especially with technological advancements over the past few decades.

“I can’t compare them because what we had back then was state of the art at the time and what we have now is still state of the art but is totally different.” David said.

The technological advancements to assist with manual handling of patients are something that David is glad to see.

Decades of rigorous physical work as a paramedic without the assistance of today’s manual handling support tools, have taken a toll on David’s body. Which is something that he hopes the new graduates will be able to avoid now as having to physically lift a

patient or a stretcher without aid is an uncommon occurrence.

Another area that has improved throughout David’s career is the support provided by Ambulance Victoria for their employees.

“Unfortunately, with this kind of job you see things you will never unsee but there’s plenty of support available to help provided by Ambulance Victoria”, he said.

While he has seen the good, the bad and the ugly in his career, David chooses to focus on the good, such as the 28 babies he delivered while on the job, some of which he was able to see grow up while living in Lakes Entrance, an opportunity that isn’t as common generally.

In recent years David noted that he has been called to far less fatalities on the road compared with when he first started, something that he attributes to changes in laws, such as drink driving as well car safety features.

David said he was glad that now many people were able to walk away from car accidents compared with the past.

Throughout his career David has worked in several specialised roles such as an emergency operator in Wangaratta, at head office in Ballarat and as a clinical educator.

Although he has extensive experience in a multitude of ambulance Victoria roles, education has been his passion.

The adjustment from shift work to his current driving training role was a welcome change after many years of on-call work.

His work now revolves around reducing risk to ambulance drivers and a focus on safety. The low-risk driving program is mandatory for all graduate paramedics to maintain standards across the state as well as ensuring everyone has the same knowledge and skills to operate an ambulance safely.

In addition to keeping the program up to date, David is responsible for training other educators to deliver the courses. Currently he manages a team of 115 people across Victoria, a job he is able to do with the external qualifications he has completed in training and assessment.

All members of the team must have five years of experience as a paramedic before joining.

In 2003 David created the 4WD program to stay ahead of the game, a program still in use and as new challenges arise the programs will continue to be adapted to resolve them.

Five years ago, David was awarded an Ambulance Service Award, to recognise distinguished service with Ambulance Victoria.

David’s work with Ambulance Victoria continues to keep both paramedics and motorists safe during times of emergency with ambulance drivers using their knowledge of low risk driving to travel safely and minimise delays on their journeys.

“Working with Ambulance Victoria for so long, I’ve learnt so much from so many - experienced senior staff and new graduates. We always keep learning.”

Annual report lists shire’s key challenges

BUDGET constraints and maintaining roads are key challenges for Loddon Shire, according to council’s annual report tabled last week.

The 2023-2024 report also listed housing, an ageing population, weather and water security, staff recruitment and retention and technology as issues to be faced by council.

The report’s “future outlook” had priority opportunities as the expanding renewable sector, agribusiness growth and responding to service delivery expectations in a sustainable way.

Mayor Gavan Holt and CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald said the new budget saw council maintain a strong cash position with no new borrowings.

“Council finished the year with a deficit of $6.42 million. This deficit contrasts with the prior year surplus of $6.95 million,” they said.

“... the financial statements indicate that the variance is due to the timing of Loddon’s financial assistance grant allocation. Unlike previous years, council did not have an upfront payment of the next year’s allocation which has skewed the operating result.

“Cash has remained steady, however, even without the early payment.”

More than $20 million was spent on flood restoration.

David Booth

Pressure builds to fix citation ‘error’

DEMANDS are growing for correction of the national award citation presented to the State Emergency Service’s Marong unit for a Wedderburn flood rescue.

A vocal Wedderburn critic of SES hierarchy, Reg Holt, says federal and state ministers should step in after the SES last week acknowledged just one volunteer had been part of the dramatic rescue of Paul Winter from the swollen Nardoo Creek on January 2.

The National Safety and Rescue Council award citation gave all credit to the SES volunteers.

“There is a moral responsibility of the ministers to enquire into the standard set for such awards to be authorised,” Mr Holt said.

“If our politicians are not prepared to maintain a code of honesty and integrity in prestigious national awards, it will be a poor reflection on the standard of MPs we are electing.”

Mr Holt said any attempts by governments to brush off the award embarrassment would be a disgrace.

The awards are administered by the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority and a spokesperson said on Monday: “Nominations are submitted to the NATSAR Council for consideration, and award decisions are based on those nominations.

“As such, the council will not

By CHRIS EARL

be reviewing the citation for this award,” the spokesperson told the Loddon Herald.

An SES spokesperson said: “The Australian Maritime Safety Authority co-ordinate the Awards including the nomination process and citations.”

Federal minister Catherine King, responsibe for the authority, is yet to respond to Loddon Herald questions about the award furore.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said: “Everyone involved in this incident should be commended for their actions which ultimately saved a life. Nomination criteria and acceptance of nominations for the AMSA awards is a matter for them.”

Mr Holt said: “The SES itself has now admitted the citation for its self-nominated award does not accurately tell what happened that night.

“How can a Federal Government authority think it is acceptable to say no review needed?”

The authority’s rejection of a review comes after revelations late last week that at least one complaint about the SES was made during the summer storm floods.

In an email to SES chief operations officer Tim Weibusch seen

by the Loddon Herald, a resident wrote: “I’m a resident of Wedderburn and was at the scene of the water rescue on January 2, it was a great relief that our town was assisted in this rescue as it was a very serious incident the vehicle was actually swept from the road and into the water channel ,everything was quite stressful and there was quite a number of people that had gathered in the area.

“After the man was successfully rescued an SES volunteer from a second unit turned and said that they ‘had to come all the way from Bendigo when Wedderburn should support itself’ and he seemed to be put out, by the whole situation.

“This comment was not called for and was heard by numerous people that had gathered I found it to be very hurtful , unprofessional as well as uncalled for.”

The complaint also alleged the volunteer “laughed and snikered (sic)” after being told the comments were unwarranted.

“It definitely wasn’t appreciated by the many people that heard his remarks,” the complaint said.

The SES has refused to say how many complaints were received about its presence in Wedderburn during the summer storms.

“Any complaint received is dealt with privately and confidentially in the interests of all parties in line with the VICSES regulations,” a spokesperson said.

Spooky shenanigans tonight

SWEET treats are wrapped and ready to be hidden ahead of Inglewood’s Halloween hunt tonight.

Organisers Kathryn Paton and Lani Rose have been inundated with donations for their annual trick-or-treat spree.

“We had more than 90 people registered last year and

we won’t be surprised to have more than 100 eager youngsters this time,” said Kathryn. Spooky and scary costumes will be donned by children and their parents.

“The kids are really excited and have been using their imagination to plan outfits to wear this Halloween,” she said.

Kathryn Paton and helpers prepare for tonight’s Halloween treat hunt in Inglewood. LH PHOTO

Planning homes for the future

The Victorian State Government has recently introduced changes to planning controls to support the development of additional housing.

Small second dwellings can now be constructed on existing residential properties without a planning permit, except where flooding, bushfire or other environmental or special planning controls apply. Previously, these forms of dwellings could only be developed for a person dependent on the residents of the primary dwelling on the property. Under the new controls, anyone can live in these small dwellings.

A small second home is a dwelling that is 60 square metres or less with a kitchen, bathroom and toilet, located on the same lot as an existing home. Recent work by Villawood Properties for Loddon Shire Council highlighted the opportunities for infill residential development in the towns of Boort, Bridgewater, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn due to the large lots in these towns and access to reticulated water and sewer. This project also highlighted the lack of rental housing and the impact of this on businesses ability to employ staff. Council believes that these rule changes to enable small second dwellings provide an opportunity for locals to generate income from their property

and contribute to local housing options. Prefab housing or in-situ builds could be used to deliver this form of housing, and there are a number of builders operating in Loddon Shire that offer a quality product. Although planning approval is not required, building approval is required for small second dwellings. Further information about small second dwellings can be found at www.loddon.vic.gov.au.

Loddon Shire’s planning staff will also be available at the Loddon Living and Housing Showcase,

Friday 22 and Saturday 23 November at the Bridgewater Memorial Hall and can assist with your questions about small second dwellings.

Loddon Shire plans to exceed housing targets

The Victorian State Government has developed draft housing targets to support the delivery of more housing. The draft target for Loddon Shire is 500 additional houses between now and 2051. Loddon Shire Council is confident that this target can

easily be met, and it will aim to exceed it. The towns of Loddon Shire have significant capacity for growth, with the Loddon Shire Settlement Strategy estimating that existing residential zones could accommodate more than 1000 homes.

There has been strong interest in residential development in Loddon Shire in recent years. Council supported the development of a 34 lot residential subdivision in Bridgewater, and has been very excited to see that the first stage has almost sold out. There have been new homes built in towns across the Loddon Shire, including more than twenty new homes in Inglewood and Bridgewater in the last five years. Most of these new homes have been accommodated within the existing urban area, which reduces development costs as infrastructure is already available.

Access to sewer in the larger towns of the Loddon Shire provides a significant opportunity for further subdivision of existing residential lots. Residents in Boort, Bridgewater, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn have unlocked capital in their backyard by subdividing off unused parts of their residential property. The urban residential zone in Loddon Shire (Township zone) does not have a minimum subdivision size, and subject to

the lot being of suitable dimensions to accommodate a dwelling and open space, lots as small as 350m2 have been created. Loddon Shire township land owners are able to support the growth of our community through the provision of new housing lots using these subdivision provisions. Further information about housing and subdivision can be found at www.loddon.vic.gov.au.

Loddon Shire’s planning staff will also be available at the Loddon Living and Housing Showcase, Friday 22 and Saturday 23 November at the Bridgewater Memorial Hall and can assist with your questions about residential development opportunities.

Planning Performance

Loddon’s planning team have a proven track record of processing planning applications in a timely manner, achieving one of the best processing times for planning applications within Victoria. When compared to similar sized Council’s, Loddon Planners performance for time taken to make a decision is well above the median and average days taken to process an application. In addition, the number of application decisions made within 60 days is 100% for Loddon for 2024, compared with average of 63.9% for other small and regional Councils.

November

Water means growth

TWO new concrete tanks at Laanecoorie had a bigger story than their $5 million price tag, Coliban Water managing director Damien Wells said on Friday.

Mr Wells said the tanks meant better water quality and climate resilience for people in Laanecoorie, Tarnagulla, Dunolly and Bealiba.

Officially opened by Water Minister Harriet Shing, the tanks receive and store water from the South West Loddon Pipeline, which is operated by Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.

The project marks the final connection between the Coliban Water system and the pipeline.

“Upgrading essential infrastructure like the Laanecoorie Water Treatment Plant ensures we can deliver higher quality, reliable water supplies for our regional communities now and into the future,” Ms Shing said.

Ms Shing and Mr Wells said the Laanecoorie water supply upgrade was part of Coliban Water’s $500 million investment over five years in the Big Water Builddelivering one of the largest capital investment programs in the water authority’s history.

Mr Wells said the Loddon River had always been a challenge for quality supply to the 800 people in the four towns.

He said river water was of a varying quality at different times in the climate cycle.

Mr Wells said connection to the South West Loddon pipeline was part of Coliban’s climate resilience plan while the Laanecoorie

uprade fitted Loddon Shire’s vision for growth.

“These investment support communities for future growth,” he said.

Coliban’s chief officer assets and operations Danny McLean said the current works plan also included an upgrade to the treatment tanks at Bridgewater that would improve supply reliability

and water quality for Inglewood and Bridgewater.

Mr Wells said: “Fronting up to the key challenges of climate change, population growth and aging assets shaped our pricing submission in 2023, the Laanecoorie water treatment plant is just one of our Big Water Build projects.”

GWM Water managing direc-

Would you like to learn more about the VNI West project?

Come and meet with the Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) team to learn more about the route refinement process and project impact assessments. Specialists will be available to discuss agriculture, compensation and environmental issues.

These sessions will be one of many opportunities to engage with the project as it progresses. We’re here and we’re listening - in the near future, you’ll see our team on a more regular basis at pop ups across the project area. We will provide details of these sessions as they are confirmed through our website and social media.

Glowing praise as councillor ends career

NEIL Beattie received plaudits from Loddon Mayor Gavan Holt when his “223game” council career ended last week.

The 19-year Boort Ward councillor sat at the council table for the final time with saying Cr Holt those 223 meetings had been topped with countless more council and community meetings and briefings.

“There are councillors and there are councillors and Neil Beattie has been a very good councillor,” said Cr Holt, who thanked his colleague with the rare honour of standing to delivery the tribute.

Cr Holt said Cr Beattie had always acted in the best interests of the Loddon Shire.

“He has always been level-headed in deliberations and considered in what he says,” said Cr Holt.

“He’s tough and fair ... it’s been a pleasure for me to work with him. This council will miss him.”

tor Mark Williams said: “We’re pleased to deliver a high-quality, secure supply of water from the Grampians to even more homes and farms across Victoria, enhancing the liveability and prosperity of our region and the communities we serve.”

Water in the South Loddon pipeline comes from Lake Bellfield, near Stawell.

Cr Holt said Cr Beattie had been highly regarded in local government circles and had much expertise and knowledge in water management issues.

“We have all worked together. That’s the beauty of Loddon,” Cr Beattie said in thanking Cr Holt.

VNI West Community Reference Group seeking new members

TCV is looking for residents from the areas of Buloke, Gannawarra, Loddon and Northern Grampians to join the VNI West Community Reference Group (CRG).

TCV is seeking community-minded people who are ready to get involved and share ideas, to help minimise impacts and deliver long-lasting community benefits from the VNI West project. Members of the CRG independently represent the needs and interests of their community, providing essential local knowledge as the VNI West project team plans and seeks approvals for this important infrastructure project.

The CRG has been running since 2023. The group has met five times and will look to meet every two months either in person or online.

Have your say on VNI West

Head to our website to complete our survey and help us understand what could change as a result of the VNI West project, including potential negative impacts and opportunities for the project to support positive change.

This information can help with the design programs, policies and initiatives that minimise negative impacts and maximise positive impacts.

Coliban Water general manager of asset lifecycle Marsha McMonigle, Mark Williams, Damien Wells and Minister Harriet Shing inspect the new Laanecoorie tanks. LH PHOTO

Let’s get vocal, says new choir

A VOCAL group wants to again bring community together through song

Members of the former Goldfields choir have put the call out to local music fans to join the new Inglewood community choir.

Duncan Campbell says the choir revival is supported by the Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House.

“The people who currently

make up the group were previously members of the Goldfields Choir, which enjoyed a great deal of success under the leadership of Mrs Tania Franks, and that choir existed for some 20 years, but stopped performing during the Covid restrictions, and is no longer viable,” Duncan said.

“The new choir will inherit much of the sheet music, which was used by the previous choir,

but will sing whatever the new membership wishes. Any member will be able to put forward a wish list of songs to be sung by the choir, including Christmas

“Carols, pop songs, country music, soul - whatever is put forward.

“No singing experience is required. Most of the current members hadn’t sung since school, which in many cases is long ago.”

Duncan said many members had missed the interaction and singing in a group and have decided to restart the choir in Inglewood, particularly for those living in the Loddon Shire but membership is open to all regardless.

The choir is rehearsing twice a month and members are also looking for a musical leader and tutor of the choir coming together for pleasure.

Made it back and ready to go again

INTREPID Loddon travellers are back in home territory after finishing the spring Shitbox Rally.

Two local teams in cars worth less than $1500 travelled 2400km from Bendigo to Townsville raising funds for the Cancer Council.

Rheola’s Matt Catto is already looking to do the rally again.

“Our car had a few niggles along the way ... lost the tail lights ... but we made it there and back on a great adventure,” he said.

Matt and co-driver Todd Downie raised $6150.

“It could have been more but our real focus before the rally was just getting the car to run. That threw a spanner in the works,” he said.

“We’ve got the car parked and are planning to do the rally again in two years.”

Newbridge’s Trevor Collins and his Fire Rescue Victoria workmate Aaron Ficheroux raised $5450 in the car picked up at auction for $350.

The eight-day rally raised more than $2 million for the Cancer Council.

“The rally is billed as an event for those who want to have an adventure, have fun, who crave something different,” said Matt. Rally founder James Freeman said: “The record breaking amount of funds raised, the positive impact we have on local remote communities and the overall experiences of the rally teams themselves combine to become a hugely rewarding experience.”

Ian and Kaye Penny and Marj May are behind moves to reform a community choir in Inglewood. LH PHOTO

Colours splashed in name of fun

TARNAGULLA colour run had white tees transformed into masterpieces of colour as participants passed volunteers armed with coloured powder as they ran around the park last Friday.

The event, hosted by Matt Allan from Northern District Community Health and Molly Meadows from North Central Local

Learning and Employment Network, was organised to support youth mental health and bring people together.

More than 40 people participated in the colour run. “The event is all about getting people together and having fun”, said Molly and groups finished the run and prepared for an evening of music.

Special moments with some special people

IT WAS smiles galore at Bridgewater Primary School on Monday as students shared a picnic lunch with their grandparents and special people.

Primary school students invited guests to celebrate both grandparents’ day and special person’s day at the school and par-

ticipate in activities with the children. They were able to see the classrooms as well as the work done by the children before heading to the playground for a picnic lunch. The children were all delighted to share their lunchtime with their grandparents, special people and school friends.

RESTORING OUR RIVERS 2024

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - NOW OPEN

REF: ATM_2024_2750

The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to sell water from water rights owners the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas.

Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed below, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department

LIST OF CATCHMENTS:

NEW SOUTH WALES

Murray River

Murrumbidgee

Lower Darling

VICTORIA

Broken Kiewa

Goulburn Mitta Mitta Campaspe Loddon

Ovens & KingVictorian Murray

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australian Murray

The decision to participate is completely voluntary. You must submit an EOI through this process if you want to be considered for any subsequent water purchasing in 2025

To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.

MORE INFORMATION: For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender

ASSISTANCE: For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au

HOW TO REGISTER:

Opened: 30 September 2024

Closing date: 12 noon AEDT, 27 Nov 2024

• Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for Restoring our Rivers

• Download and read the Request for Expression of Interest documents

• Login or Register as a new user

• Complete the expression of interest response form and submit your response.

Maisie Deason enjoys the colour run on Friday. LH PHOTO

Healthy scents for summer

EVERY drop of eucalyptus oil distilled by Richard Jeney tells the story of the seasons, evoking the scents of central Victoria’s famous blue eucy trees.

For almost four years, Richard has been hand-picking leaves from trees on his Kurting farm. Distilling, bottling and labelling oils, atomisers, insect repellent and even adding the good oil to make goat milk soaps.

Shops across the Loddon now stock his Blue Eucy products that are also exported to Europe and the United States.

“We have even featured in a German documentary that looked at our harvesting and distilling processes ... and how eucalyptus oil products not only have the scent of relaxation, but have many benefits for good health,” Richard said.

The custom-built distilling room on the Kurting farm , built by Richard who is also is a qualified builder - is where the good oils of Blue Eucy trees are extracted.

But as he says, ‘Blue Eucy is much more than distilling at Kurting. We’re pretty unique in Victoria, as we’re the only eucalyptus oil producer where everything happens on the one property.

“We’re proud to use only the trees that we grow ourselves in the pro-

duction of Blue Eucy oils. Single origin is what makes Blue Eucy different. It means that every bottle of Blue Eucy eucalyptus oil comes from just one species of trees grown exclusively on our farm.

“We grow, harvest, distil and bottle every drop of Blue Eucy using only the trees on our property. This means we have complete control

over the quality of the oil that we produce on the farm we share with native wildlife including kangaroos, wedgetail eagles and echidnas, It’s the Australian bush at its very best.”

Every leaf is hand-harvested and distilled the same day. Richard says, “When we say we are small batch, we really mean it! In fact,

Hand-picked and ready for distilling ... Richard Jeney at Blue Eucy

each distillation produces only around 15 bottles at a time.”

The average Blue Eucy leaf weighs 0.34g, with each distillation using around 6kg of leaves. “Before any harvest, we look at the density of white dots in the leaves. The more white dots, the greater the density of oil and we make sure to only harvest leaves with high density.

We even select our tree’s to minimise the impact on the soil, which occurs in large plantations. At Blue Eucy we are all about quality. Not quantity. We’re very personalised and that also means hand bottling and labelling.”

Each batch of Blue Eucy contains subtle variations depending on the season, “You can enjoy a different fragrance experience with every purchase, from the fresh and vibrant nose of early spring to the more rounded aromas of late summer and autumn. We always look forward to creating a range of fragrance experiences for you.”

Blue Eucy oils are of the highest quality, as Richard states, “so whether you are using them for natural remedies, aromatherapy or simply to savour the scent of the Australian bush, you will only ever need a few drops, “We’re creating quality oils and products that tell the Blue Eucy story set in our great bushland.”

Blue Eucy has now extended its farm productivity with the introduction of a line of honey ... again produced on the property. Richard will be at the Inglewood Alive festival where you are able to sample and purchase the products and hear the stories of Eucy farm from the man himself.

‘Jack’ hits track to the Shrine Book launch marks town anniversary

KORONG Vale’s original memorial soldier is the centrepiece of a new exhibition that opened at the Shrine of Remembrance last week.

Clayton Tremlett has taken his Immortals Exhibition to Melbourne after earlier runs in Bendigo and Maryborough.

The Korong Vale statue, dubbed “Jack” by Clayton, was erected after World War One but later replaced when it snapped near the soldier’s feet and had to be replaced.

Taken from storage at a stonemason’s yard in Harcourt, “Jack” has been at the centre of each exhibition featuring 66 photographs of the faces on war memorials across Victoria.

Clayton said the photographic studies were taken at sunrise to best capture the images.

“Immortals is a comprehensive survey of Victorian digger memorials as they appear today,” he said.

“We can study the faces of these memorials. While they reflect a broader sense of mourning and symbolism, each figure has individual characteristics.

“Several depict the Digger as courageous, stoic or determined, others present an image of doubt, regret and despair. Some are boys, some are men and some are women. Viewed together, the portraits evoke an overwhelming sense of empathy.”

Members of Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL sub-branch attended the Shrine exhibition opening,

The Shrine says Clayton spent more than six years researching the digger memorials to create a unique opportunity to connect with the faces that have stood as silent sentinels for a century.

“His work results in powerful screen prints that mirror the iconic First World War studio portraits, allowing you to see these memorials in a new light— both literally and figuratively,” the shrine said.

The exhibition runs until April.

WYCHEPROOF’S 150-year anniversary will be commemorated with a book about the town’s history.

Allan ‘Prof’ Milburn’s book Wycheproof and District –The Way it Was highlights a timeline from settlement in 1874, to indigenous stories, through to squatters and selectors, and the inspiring business individuals who shaped the current community will be launched on Sunday.

The 520-page book, edited by Ken Arnold, the Loddon Herald’s local history specialist, “delves into the people who helped shape the early years across Wycheproof, such as James O’Connor, Thomas Boase, the Denney family and many more”, according to the Friends of Mount Wycheproof volunteer Jackie Noonan .

The book contains photographs sourced from the Wycheproof Historical Society’s archives and advertisements for Wycheproof and surrounding areas in addition to “the history that is of immense interest and importance for Wycheproof” says Ken.

Allan said: ““I have always loved history and had a genuine interest in people. I wanted to do this project for my community, to preserve the stories from the past.”

Australia Day Awards 2025 – Nominations Are Closing on Monday

Nominations are closing soon for a range of Australia Day awards recognising outstanding Australians and community groups within the Loddon Shire.

Ward Citizen of the Year (previously Community Service Awards) nominations are open to those living, or operationally based within the Loddon Shire who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community during 2024, or have given noteworthy service to the local community over a number of years. Ward Citizen of the Year nominations are open for each of the ve Loddon Shire wards (Boort, Inglewood, Tarnagulla, Terrick and Wedderburn).

The 2025 Loddon Shire Citizen of the Year will be selected from Ward Citizen of the Year nominations.

Young Citizen of the Year nominations are open to Loddon Shire residents aged up to 26 years at 26 January 2025 who have made a noteworthy contribution to the local community during 2024, or over a number of previous years. Community Group/Event of the Year nominations are open to groups or events operating within the Loddon Shire. This award aims to recognise and encourage signi cant contributions to community life within the Loddon Shire and to promote national pride and community responsibility.

Further information on each Award category is contained within nomination forms available from Council’s website, www.loddon.vic.gov.au, or upon email request to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Note: The closing date for receipt of nominations has been extended. Nominations for all awards will now close at 4pm on Monday 4 November 2024.

Jack on display (top, photo courtesy Shrine of Remembrance) and Wedderburn RSL members at the exhibition opening

Changes at top are BOLD

NEW leadership with the same focus on building community spirit has been elected for Bridgewater on Loddon Development.

Jill Hobbs, who headed the group’s sub-committee that organised last year’s back-to for the memorial hall centenary, is the new president.

She steps into the role filled by Shannon Brown for the last nine years.

“We’re a cohesive group of people and we want to grow that spirit of cohesion and involvement in the community,” Jill said.

“Bridgewater can be a challenging community to achieve that as, like anywhere else, we have people who hop in and do things but we also have others with a holiday home in our town.

“It would be great to have more involvement from them in what we do in the community ... more people strengthening the fabric of the community that attracts people to Bridgewater in the first place.”

Jill said BOLD would continue to lobby for action to manage the district’s corella population.

BOLD members have been agitating for more than a decade for State Government support to reduce corella numbers that residents say can be in plague proportions.

They are concerned that constant stripping of gum trees along the Loddon River threatens the health of trees and amenity of the area.

“They have gone away at the moment but they will be back within months,” Jill said.

Shannon said a high point of her presidency had been saving the town’s post office and its purchase by a community consortium.

“We were able to get together a group of people to buy the post

office, build the business up and make sure our growing town and district could retain a vital local service,” she said.

The post office was sold to Kylie and Chris Hetherton in April.

“And the great thing was that

The Railway Hotel BOORT

ownership has stayed in local hands,” said Shannon.

While Shannon will continue as a member of BOLD, stepping down as president will allow time for another passion, campdrafting.

News industry trends, awards

INTERNATIONAL News Media Association CEO Earl Wilkinson will meet with newspaper owners and publishers at the annual Victorian Country Press Association conference next month.

He will headline speakers discussing newspaper industry trends.

The conference will culminate with the awards dinner where the Loddon Herald is a finalist in six categories - best news story, best sports story, best agricultural news story, best opinion piece-editorial, best digital presence and best agricultural photograph.

VCPA chairman Jared Loughnan said a record 536 entries had been received for the new-look awards that sees all newspapers competing in the same categories. Previously categories were based on circulation.

“This year’s conference has attracted international and nationally renowned speakers including International News Media Association CEO Earl Wilkinson, Age editor Patrick Elligett and Future Media founder and industry commentator Ricky Sutton.

“We also have Deakin University academic Kristy Hess, AAP chief executive and former Sydney Morning Herald editor Lisa Davies, Public Interest Journalism Initiative CEO Anna Draffin and training sessions with Google,” he said.

Changing of the guard ... new BOLD president Jill Hobbs and Shannon Brown. LH PHOTO

Brothers in service given top award

DECADES of devotion have seen the Cain brothers recognised with Country Fire Authority life membership.

Kelvin and twins Graham and Harold were among Woodstock West brigade members honoured with service medals on Sunday.

“The brigade was formed from a shooting club that used to meet many years ago at a hotel in Eastville,” Graham said.

“The brigade took the name of Woodstock West and kept it when we moved into Laanecoorie.”

Kelvin said the brothers had usually been first on the truck heading to fires.

“We lived close and handy to the station.”

The trio said the biggest fire they had tackled was in January 1985 when brigades from across the region tackled a

major blaze that stretched from Avoca to Clunes and to the outskirts of Maryborough before being controlled near Carisbrook.

Sunday’s award luncheon also saw brigade life memberships presented to Shane O’Loughlin and Wayne Stephens.

Presentations ranged from five year certficates to 65-year medals for the Cain brothers and a 60-year award for Geoff Curnow.

Brigade captain Leigh Hercus and CFA Loddon commander Bryan Suckling cut the ribbon of a station extension that now gives Woodstock West members a changeroom and toilets.

Mr Suckling said: “The medals today recognised more than 1500 years of service. That’s a lot of experience in the room.”

Captain Leigh Hercus, brigade life members Wayne Stevens and Shane O’Loughlin with CFA commander Bryan Suckling. LH PHOTOS

Siblings in service ... Kelvin, Graham and Harold Cain receive CFA life memberships and 65-year medals at Sunday’s Woodstock West brigade presentaions.

Brian Baker (55 years) and Geoff Curnow (60 years)

Five-year members of the brigade Alan Brooke, Nick Angelo, Dale Baker, Callum Hercus and Neville West

Adam Gellel, Wayne Stevens, Shane O’Loughlin, Trent Brister, Nathan Cain, Amelia Brister and Cameron Gale

Peter Ward, Leigh Hercus, Leonie Baker and Greg Trimble

Andrew Broom, Paul Perry, Andrew Curnow and Julie Cain

The Australian wool market has recorded a small overall loss last week. The national offering fell by 6,605 bales, to 34,460 bales. Of this offering 92% was sold. Sale results were mixed across microns, wool types and regions. The merino fleece Micron Price Guides (MPGs) movements across the country ranged from plus 6 to minus 38 cents. The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped by 7 cents, closing at 1,131 cents. Over the last 18 selling days, only once has the EMI recorded a double-digit movement, this was on the 9th of October when the EMI rose by 23 cents. If we compare this selling series to the corresponding sale of last season (Week 17), we get a good indication of how little the market has moved over the previous 12 months. The EMI was trading at 1,139 cents this is just 8 cents higher than the current level of the EMI. The MPGs for merino fleece across in the Southern region ranged from a high of 1,809 cents for 16.5 micron, down to 1,260 cents for 22.0 micron. The MPGs today range from a high of 1,775 cents (16.5 micron), a drop of 34 cents compared to last year, down to 1236 cents (22 micron), which is a fall of 24 cents. The only point of the market showing any significant improvement, is the EMI viewed in US dollar (USD) terms. In Week 17 last year the Australian dollar was trading at 63.85 cents, this is 2.91 cents lower than its current position. Due to this currency movement, the EMI has improved in USD terms, the EMI was 727 cents last year, it has added 28 US cents over the previous 12 months, currently sitting at 755 US cents.

This week’s oﬀering is expected to rise. There are currently 41,535 bales rostered for sale in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Source: AWEX

Principally grey loam adjacent to the Serpentine Creek. Bounded by Loddon Park Road on the West, Serpentine Creek on the East and the main Boort Road on the South. Network of internal channels. Majority of land has been watered in the past. Approx 8 paddocks, fencing fair, land in good heart. House block of 8 acres has a solid 4 bed mudbrick homestead substantially remodelled large hay shed 14mx20m, silos, stables and outbuildings, water tanks, 2 machinery sheds 14mx8m and 15mx22m, cattle yards, frontage to the Serpentine Billabong, crown land lease along the extensive river frontage. A conservationists/ family haven. The home block could be excluded from the sale of the land by agreement.

Further information: greg@propertyplusre.com.au

LAMB numbers increased to 25,758 at Bendigo on Monday to be up 6000 head on a week ago.

Quality was mixed with more young lambs starting to come through showing signs of having dried off. The tone of the market was softer however price results did vary around quality and freshness for a quote of firm to $5 to $10/head easier for processing lambs.

The varied outcome meant the carcass price spread widened over the trade and heavy categories, sales from an estimated 760c to 840c in many classes. Store lambs, however, generally held their value, particularly any bigger lines of light weight types. There were orders back operating from Albury, South Gippsland, Ballarat, Echuca, Shepparton and Rainbow.

The heaviest export young lambs up around 32kg cwt sold to a top of $275/ head, however only half a dozen pens sold above $250/head in this sale. Most of the lead runs of young lambs in the 26-30kg cwt range sold from $200 to $245/head.

A lot of the increase in numbers was over the trade and store lamb categories. The main run of 22-24kg cwt trade lambs from $162 to $193 to average $180/head. In the store lambs the bigger framed types in the 18-20kg cwt range sold from $121 to $159 to average $142 back to the paddock. Specialist Ballarat finishers paid to $190 for trade lambs to shear.

A strong point of the store run was lightweight lambs in the 12-18kg cwt range which averaged dearer at $68 to $147/ head. Processors stepped-up the rate for mutton, and there was a good run of heavy sheep in the yarding.

Sheep prices gained $10 to $20/head. Big crossbred ewes mostly $95 to $125, with just odd sales higher to $145. Lead of the

Merinos with weight and skin values $90 to $122. General run of trade and light sheep $55 to $90/head. While extra heavy ewes remained under 300c/kg, good runs of mutton were estimated as costing processors from 320c to 360c/kg cwt - some young Merino wethers into the 400c/kg price range.

Shing stands firm against buybacks

farmers had done significant heavy lifting on water savings, said state Water Minister Harriet Shing.

Ms Shing said in Laanecoorie on Friday that she wanted to ensure there was a balanced approach to returning water to the environment.

She said negotiations with the Federal Government on water buybacks in the Murray Darling Basin should consider the impact on communities.

Ms Shing said every alternative should be used before buybacks proceeded.

“We (Victorian Government) remain opposed to buybacks. That condition has not changed

GRAIN

and we know what the impact of buybacks ... looked like when the first buybacks occurred,” she said.

“It had enormous consequences for the economy, for jobs, for productivity. I will continue to advocate for the tiny communities and to make sure that we can continue to develop and deliver projects in partnership with the Commonwealth which don’t create negative social or economic impact.

“I want to make sure that the high reliability water we have in Victoria is able to be used and conserved in the best possible ways.”

Canberra is currently trying to buyback 20GL from farmers.

Growers given grove insights

BOORT Grain Co-op prices on Tuesday. Wheat - APW $302.25. ASW $290. Maximus/Spartacus $286. Planet $291. Barley - Bar1 $275. Lentils - Nipt1 $800.75. CanolaISSC Non-GM Canola $650.75 min 42 flat.

GrainCorp have received 3750 tonnes in Victoria. The first harvest deliveries in Victoria were recorded last week.

OLIVE growers from across Australia toured groves at Boort at the start of their annual conference in Bendigo. Australian Olive Association members were taken through the Southern Hemisphere’s largest processing plant at the Cobram Estate grove. Business development man-

ager Andrew Burgess and general manager horticulture Ruth Sutherland briefed delegates on the facilities that processed their first full harvest this season. Delegates also toured Salute Oliva grove where Professor Robert Spooner-Hart and Andrew Taylor discussed grove management.

Professor Taylor, a scientific adviser in sustainable pest management at Western Sydney University, part of panel discussions during the threeconference.

Mr Burgess presented delegates with an update on consumer insights for the olive oil industry.

VICTORIAN

Conference delegates visit Salute Oliva last week

Great views of the Hill

IMAGINE having the famous Pyramid Hill on your doorstepone of the region’s most famous mounts in view every day as you enjoy living in a fantastic home on the edge of town complete with small acreage?

That is what awaits the buyer of 15 O’Neil Street, Pyramid Hill.

Agent James Nevins says the home is an absolute beauty.

Last of the small township blocks comes with a farmlet tag and is close to all the Pyramid Hill town centre, secondary school almost opposite and in close walking distance to the Coffee Bank and supermarket.

It offers a large fully refurbished rendered brick veneer home with polished floating flooring throughout.

The modern and spacious kitchen with all electric hotplates and wall oven, plenty of bench and cupboard space, separate dining area.

The sunken main living area with new carpet, has a large freestanding wood heater and impressive bright cathedral ceilings.

There are five bedrooms, the master bedroom is extremely spacious (fit a super King bed) and large walk-in robe, large and open three-piece ensuite with access through to a large rumpus room or parents’ retreat. The

| 15 O’Neil

| Agent James Nevins | Phone 0407 302 900

second large guest bedroom has a built in robe, three other bedrooms are all generous in size with one having built in robes. All bedrooms have ceiling fans.

The main bathroom is light and airy with bath, shower and vanity and separate toilet. Water to the property is from 5000 gallon tank storage along with township supply.

Shedding is a galvanised iron four-bay machinery shed with cement floor and power together with two-stand shearing shed.

James says the spectacular small property has easy access to the northern township.

“There is a a great rural aspect looking into open pastureland and irrigated pasture with excellent views of Pyramid Hill,” he says.

“Worth the Bucks - this is an absolute beauty for an ideal rural home.”

Buying No/ID Required

670 Acres approx. (8 titles)

Cash or E�pos – On site Parking

Account D. Gilmore

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – CLOSE 4pm 28.11.24 SOLD AS A WHOLE WITH 10% DEPOSIT –BALANCE 28.2.25

Hobby farm equipment, large quan�ty of an�que and reproduc�on furniture, kitchen cabinets, sideboards, lots of chairs, pain�ngs, 30 boxes of tools and sundries, quan�ty of spare furniture parts, poly and water hoses.

Child’s 4w motorbike, swing set, 6 Jerry cans, fencing tools, Yamaha touring motorbike, Jac front-end loader, mul�ple bucket a�achments, 5000 L Goldacres water tanker/ﬁreﬁghter trailer, ditchwitch (needs work).

Large quan�ty of Besser bricks, 3 wood piles, compressor FOODVAN – COFFEE ONSITE

Further information: greg@propertyplusre.com.au

Brochure and further information: greg@propertyplusre.com.au

Greg Fathers

Licensed Real Estate Agent

Greg Fathers Licensed Real Estate Agent

000 561 148-152 High Street, Kangaroo Flat

0477 000 561 148-152 High Street, Kangaroo Flat

Great rural aspect to this renovated beauty in Pyramid Hill, says agent James Nevins

1.21

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Show snail mail voting the door

By CHRIS EARL

THE POLLS have closed and there’s a result within hours ... in Queensland.

Residents of the northern state went to bed on Saturday night with the knowledge they had a government, a new government in fact, to rule and govern for the next four years.

Meanwhile, down here in Victoria where local government voting closed a whole 23 hours earlier (remember our northern friends are still one of the bastions resisting daylight saving), there’s at least another week, maybe two, before results are known.

That’s right! Allow up to a fortnight for the counting of about 2500 votes and sharing the result with candidates and voters.

Why? Because council elections in Victoria are postal ballots. No democracy sausages being sold on the fourth Saturday of October every four years. No gathering outside of polling booths by farmers, neighbours and friends chewing the fat about lamb prices, harvest hopes and foretelling fortunes of the football team already unleashing a bevy of recruits for the next season.

Elections are meant to be democracy in action - people engaged and engaging. But postal voting removes those opportunities, instead replaced by an envelope in the mail to be filled in and returned by snail mail for later placement into a candidate’s pile.

There is surely a compelling case to bring back voting on actual election day. Postal voting could be retained for those unable to visit a polling booth, perhaps with completed papers in the mail three days before.

Victorian Electoral Commission staff could then count the votes on the Saturday night. No waiting around for days and possibly weeks for a result.

In an era of immediacy where people want to know news straight away, inflicting a tortuous wait is at odds with current societal expectations.

And ditching wholesale postal voting would surely work out saving councils a few dollars.

That’s not the only area of local government elections in need of reform. Hundreds of property owners were effectively disenfranchised by State Government changes to the enrolment process. For as long as there has been the third tier of local government - right back to the first roads boards and borough councils in the 1850s - if you owned property, you had a vote.

The Government removed that “entitlement” for the 2024 elections. Instead, if you wanted to be on the roll, you had to apply. Loddon Shire Council sent hundreds of letters to non-resident property owners but only a small percentage opted in.

A return to in-person voting

FURORE OVER SES FLOOD RESCUE AWARD

Diane Gordon-Cooke wrote: Although I was not present at this rescue, I’m confident that the dozens and dozens of people there at the time have not collaborated and made up a story of the event! It’s not really possible for the “rescue recollections to vary” is it? Stop insulting the townspeople that were firsthand witnesses. This is disgraceful! The only positive here is that this is not a reflection on the new Wedderburn SES crew members, and we need to acknowledge that difference. I may as well also add, if there had not been so much misaligned and targeted idiocy going on in the background the town would have had a local crew at the time of this event!

By IAN jONES

would surely aid awareness of the important role local government plays in the local communities. Conversations generated, ideas explored and, heaven forbid, potential future candidates unearthed.

There’s already a lack of interest in many council areas across Victoria where there were not elections. Three wards in Loddon Shire did not have an election and in one, the re-elected councillor had expressed intentions to retire. As the closest tier of government to the people, local government deserves at least the same electoral processes as are employed for state and federal elections. Currently, sadly, the imposition of costly postal voting lumbers councils with an inferior electoral model.

Opponents of in-person voting could argue that candidates are then hit with the cost of printing more election material and finding volunteers to hand out cards at a polling booth. That is no deterrent, rather added incentive for future and potential candidates to engage with their constituents.

Postal voting just dumbs down the democratic process, halts the wheels of democracy and action on the ground and serves to disconnect people from council. And delays the announcement of election results for no good reason.

Rylan Anna Adams wrote: Well done Loddon Herald for getting the correct story out there.

VIDEO: BETTY HIGGS TALKS ABOUT HER LIFE

Bernadette Reeves wrote: Oh what a beautiful post to watch. An amazing lady and a very special teacher. Well done Betty. Wilma Holt wrote: Mrs Higgs taught me at Inglewood HES. Such a lovely lady

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Preference is given to letters of 300 words or less. Letters should include name and (for verification purposes) address and phone number. Letters can be sent to loddonherald@gmail.com

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. What breed of dog is Scooby Doo?

2. What colour is the mineral called Malachite?

3. In A.A. Milne’s poem ‘Forgiven’ what sort of creature is Alexander?

4. The terms ‘snatch’ and ‘clean and jerk’ relate to which sport?

5. What is the name of the winged horse in Greek mythology?

6. The dessert pavlova, is named after who?

7. And what occupation did that person have?

8. Kingsford Smith Airport serves which Australian city?

9. “That’ll do, Pig. That’ll do” is the final line from which film?

10. The Atlas Mountains are found on which continent?

11. In the acronym DNA, what does the ‘A’ stand for?

12. Which animal is featured on the Australian 5c coin?

13. The Boeing 787 aircraft is also known by what name?

14. If someone is a vintner, what do they deal in or make?

15. What name is given to the upper jaw?

16. What is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial?

17. Fe is the chemical symbol for which element?

18. What was the name of the first artificial Earth satellite launched into space?

19. What do we call the study of Earth’s atmosphere and weather patterns?

20. The art of folding paper into decorative shapes comes from which country?

ANSWERS

FARM safety is pretty paramount across our part of the world. Imagine the discomfort when one farmer and his quad bike decided to have a falling out the other day. A few harsh words were said before said farmer “hopped back on his bike” and headed down the Calder Highway to a well-known agricultural supplier, original sling ordered by the doctor discarded. Instead, a few metres of baling twine had been turned into a sling. More comfortable and flexible, farmer told the businessman. Patent application in the pipeline?

THE twine sling probably only cost 20 cents. The real McCoys now come with a price tag of $30 and more. We did ask farmer whether his actions were an economic response to current sheep and wool prices. That brought another grimace of discomfort.

THE bowls season is only young but The Oracle has started making Monday morning phone calls. Sounding like an opti-

mistic football coach after a thrashing, his post-match analysis is ending with the punchline: “We’ve got a few more back in next week and the younger ones are doing well.”

M EDALS for thousands of years service to the Country Fire Authority have been issued across local brigades this year. Turned up to the latest on Sunday at Laanecoorie and CFA boss Bryan was quick to get the routine happening for photographs. He was just as quick to say he had not been in the Loddon Herald for a week. BTW, one more medal presentation on the agenda for the year, the CFA boys tell OTF.

DID you know? CFA service medals have the Maltese Cross - a badge of honour.

1. Great Dane 2. Green 3. Beetle 4. Weightlifting 5. Pegasus 6. Anna Pavlova 7. Ballerina 8. Sydney 9. Babe 10. Africa 11. Acid 12.

Echidna 13. Dreamliner 14. Wine 15. Maxilla 16. Tasmanian Devil

17. Iron 18. Sputnik 1 19. Meteorology 20. Japan.

Jacka in new elite

By CHRIS EARL

THE bravery of Loddon’s greatest war heroes Albert Jacka and Albert Borella has been the stuff of stories and legends for more than a century.

Both were awarded the highest medal for bravery - the Victoria Cross, both from neighbouring Loddon towns.

Jacka was the first Australian to receive the medal in World War One for his feats in the bloody battles at Gallipoli.

Stories, those that created the legend of the forestry worker from Wedderburn becoming Australia’s bravest soldier of the Great War who should have picked up the medal instituted by Queen Victoria after the Crimean War half a century earlier not once, but three times.

Almost 110 years on from that VC citation, prolific Australia history author Peter FitzSimons has added his take on Jacka’s life and heroics to sit beside earlier tomes on legends, heroes, heroines, rascals and ratbags. All who have played a part in shaping the Australian psyche and the revered Anzac spirit born at Gallipoli and cherished through later wars and conflicts.

Albert Jacka’s Victoria Cross citation has been recalled at countless services of commemoration.

“For most conspicuous bravery on the night of the 19-20th May, 1915, at Courtney’s Post, Gallipoli Peninsula. Lance Corporal Jacka, while holding a portion of our trench with four men, was heavily attacked. When all except himself were killed or wounded, the trench was rushed and occupied by seven Turks. Lance Corporal Jacka at once most gallantly attacked them single-handed and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two with the bayonet.”

FitzSimons in his book The Legend of Albert Jacka offers an engaging, contemporary take on the Rechabite from Wedderburn., farewelled from the long-gone railway station by the local brass band playing Australia Will Be There.

One of local three teetotallers among the first off the war, FitzSimons writes that Jacka was the one who caught the eye of the local reverend’s daughter. “Sweet Elsie Raff had kissed him on the lips. Yes, the blue-eyed boy from Wedderburn had blushed furiously but all that had been so warm, so sunny, so happy”.

FitzSimons uses that moment to contrast Jacka’s life at war, in conflict not only with the Germans and the Turks but also his own family.

Jacka’s father Nathaniel, was a Labor through and through, writes FitzSimons. At the family home across the road from the school, Nathaniel receives the telegram that Albert, or Bert to family and friends, has been awarded the Victoria Cross.

“Now, though a staunch Labor man, Nathaniel Jacka, for this auspicious occasion, is happy to take time off from hating Conservatives like Fisher and Pearce and is gratified on behalf of his son to receive such messages,”

writes FitzSimons, although it should be noted that Andrew Fisher was a Labor prime minister about to be deposed by Billy Hughes.

Nathaniel was not as accommodating of the conscription push by Hughes, who having seized the prime ministership late in 1915, left Labor and formed the Nationalist Party, would twice attempt to force young Australian men into the army for action on the Western Front.

FitzSimons writes that Nathaniel Jacka was ropable when his son was reported in major newspapers to be backing Hughes’ conscription bid.

Was there a hint of skulduggery? The Legend of Albert Jacka records that Nathaniel dismissed the pro-conscription stance reports at an “anti” meeting in Wedderburn. But “friend” Reg W., Turnbull claimed to have a letter from Albert urging support.

The barney played out in the media of the day. Nathaniel penned a letter to the Austral-

ian Worker newspaper and even claimed no such person as Reg. W. Turnbull lived in Wedderburn.

FitzSimons nicely explores that local drama and intrigue of the conscription fracas while interspersing it with the bigger battles Albert is fighting on the Western Front. Jacka, the soldier from the bush is now an officer with the rank of captain. His leadership a quality recognised and respected.

FitzSimons follows the encounters of Jacka, his men and the changing fortunes of the war on the road the eventual Armistice in November 1918, by which time he had been gassed at VillersBretonneux in the weeks after Brigadier-General Pompey Elliott, from nearby Charlton, had led troops to reclaim the French village and help turn the tide of the war. Jacka would recuperate behind front lines and in Britain before his eventual return to Australia and a hero’s welcome in Wedderburn.

Again, FitzSimons’ research lets the story of Jacka’s war, ex-

for a national hero. As FitzSimons writes, Jacka was just 21 when Britain declared war on Germany in 1914.

His passion to tell Australian stories, “our own stories of great men and women, of stirring events in our history” has chosen a more than worthy subject for the latest book.

There’s the warts and all stories of army life, of personal and family life.

He goes beyond the gratitude of a nation and those recording its history. Great chroniclers like Australia’s official war history Charles Bean who wrote: “Jacka should have come out of the war the most decorated man in the AIF. One does not usually comment on the giving of decorations but this was an instance in which something obviously went wrong. Everyone who knows the facts knows that Jacka earned the Victoria Cross three times.”

Or his commanding officer of the 4th Brigade BrigadierGeneral Charles Brand: “Captain Jacka was a super soldier, a born leader with an instinct to do the right thing in a critical situation. A company under his leadership was as good as an additional battalion.”

Jacka’s sense of service and civic responsibility jumps out in The Legend of Albert Jacka.

ploits and injuries, his return and later life flow.

He evocatively pens about the “burying of the hatchet” between father and son when there is a knock on the door on that October night of 1918.

Among the speeches, came a quote that summed up local pride for their hero: “May I say, to support the toast, that we have gathered to honour the bravest man the world has ever known.”

FitzSimons crafts a poignant story around the tender homecoming, He injects some wry humour when the Reverend Jager proposes the toast “to all returned men and all drink their health heartily (even the teetotallers)”.

The Legend of Albert Jacka is expansive in looking at life after the war - marriage, businesses, bankruptcy and an early death in the suburb of St Kilda where he had been mayor of the local council, although referred to in the book as lord mayor, perhaps the higher designation fitting

On his death in 1932, aged just 39, Victoria Cross recipients comprised the team of six pallbearers.

Among them was the man originally from further up the railway line and fellow Freemason, Albert Chalmers Borella.

The two had had no doubt travelled that same railway travelled in their younger years.

One now said farewell to a leader whose early death had been a major trigger in shaping the Anzac spirit that to this day is honoured in Wedderburn.

Peter FitzSimons has chosen wisely in giving his style of writing to this significant new book on the life and legend of Captain Albert Jacka, Victoria Cross, Military and Bar and his story of service and sacrifice.

The Legend of Albert Jacka by Peter FitzSimons.

Published by Hatchette Australia. Available in hardback, ebook and audiobook.

Peter FitzSimons will be at Wedderburn Library on December 4.

BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER NURSERY

BRIDGEWATER

DINGEE

FOUR

INGLEWOOD

STEVE’S

INGLEWOOD

PYRAMID

VICTORIA

TARNAGULLA

Colin Chamberlain

Daphne, Stewart and Gayle and the extended family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the beautiful owers, cards, phone calls and sentiments. We are truly humbled by the overwhelming love and support from those who knew Colin.

Please accept this notice as our sincere personal thank you and appreciation.

Temporary Street Closure

The following streets in Inglewood will be closed to through tra c from 8am to 5pm on Sunday 3 November 2024 as part of the Inglewood Alive Festival:

 Closure of Verdon Street from Market Street to Grant Street North

 Closure of Storm Lane from Market Place to Verdon Street

 Calder Hwy (Brooke St) from Tarnagulla Road to Houston Street.

Detour signs will be in place.

Wedderburn Patchwork Group Inc. presents The Wedderburn Community Christmas and Arts Festival

Friday 29th & Saturday 30th

November 2024

Wedderburn Mechanics Institute Hall

High St. Wedderburn

Entries close: Thursday 28 th November

Stall Holders Welcome

Contact: Irene (0458 073080) or Hilary (0409 549433)

Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens

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

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

Membership fee is $5-00 annually.

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

Member vacancies - Victorian Class B cemetery trusts

The following Class B cemetery trusts are seeking new members. In these volunteer roles you will gain hands-on experience in managing a public cemetery and valuable governance skills as a member of a public board. Free governance training is provided.

KORONG VALE CEMETERY TRUST

RHEOLA CEMETERY TRUST

Who should apply?

Trusts need people with a range of skills and experiences including administration, committees, and groundskeeping. Women and people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What it means to be a Victorian cemetery trust member

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for terms up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts are responsible for the management of public cemeteries, including planning for future cemetery services for their communities.

How to register your interest

Contact the applicable cemetery trust within two weeks of this advertisement date:

Victorian Class B cemetery trust

Contact details

The Korong Vale Cemetery Trust 03 5494 7444

The Rheola Cemetery Trust 0409 709 197

Interested in further information about cemetery trusts?

Class B cemetery trust member vacancies are advertised and regularly updated on the ‘Join a Public Board’ website <https://www.boards.vic.gov.au/search-board-vacancies/victorian-class-bcemetery-trust-volunteer-positions-vcb> all year round!

Simply go to the website for further information about Class B cemetery trusts, to view a full list of trusts that currently have vacancies and details how to apply!

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the

Board Director Opportunities at Inglewood and Districts Health Service

The Minister for Health, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, is pleased to invite applications for part time board director positions at Inglewood and Districts Health Service. The positions start on 1 July 2025 and appointments are for up to three years.

These positions provide an exciting opportunity for Victorians to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Applicants are selected for their capabilities, including personal and professional experience, knowledge, and skills that contribute to the strategic leadership and oversight of health care for the Victorian community.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards reﬂect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. This includes diverse leadership of the health system that represents the variety of backgrounds and cultures of Victorian communities to enable the vision of achieving the best health, wellbeing and safety for everyone.

To build an empowered and engaged leadership across the health system, our priority areas are people of all ages, First Nations people, people who live with a disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTIAQ+, the promotion of gender equality and upholding human rights. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the capabilities identiﬁed in their applications. Applications close at midnight Sunday 24 November 2024.

Further information about Victorian health service boards and how to apply can be found at www.health.vic.gov.au/board-applications

Trainer/Group Fitness Facilitator

Inglewood & Districts Health Service (IDHS) are seeking a qualiﬁed Strength Trainer/ Gym facilitator to join the community and allied health services team in providing services to the community, with commencement in November.

Salary range per hour: $28.84 to $33.27 + superannuation + generous salary packaging options

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract part time (10 hrs per week plus backﬁll hrs) until end Feb 2025. Potential for ongoing work dependent on gym usage/ demand.

Role description

The Strength Trainer/Group Fitness Facilitator will provide supervised gym and exercise programs for community and staff members, primarily outside of standard ofﬁce hours.

These sessions will be conducted on site in the gym building at IDHS and are usually 3-4-hour long shifts. Whilst the role often requires working independently, it overall works closely with the other IDHS Strength Trainer/ Fitness Instructor/ Allied Health Assistant to facilitate coverage of the gym opening hours and the range of IDHS exercise programs.

The position works in collaboration with the broader Allied Health team to help address community needs and provide a safe and engaging range of health promoting programs.

About you

 A valid nationally recognised ﬁtness certiﬁcation (e.g. Cert III in Fitness and IV in Personal Training)

 Current First Aid Certiﬁcate and working with children check

 A personal approach which is positive, enthusiastic, friendly and helpful

For a copy of the PD and submission of applications, contact Sharon Williams on 5431 7000 or email sharonwilliams@idhs.vic.gov.au

For further information about this position, contact Bronwyn Phillips – Director Community & Allied Health Services on 5431 7000. Applications close 7th November 2024

Novice sets up brilliant fightback

THE slick greens of Eaglehawk were too good for the purple and gold invasion of Serpentine in their Bendigo bowls playing area Division 2 debut on Saturday.

The season opening encounter saw Eaglehawk win all rinks.

Serpentine newcomer Murray Matthews made his debut leading for the Brian Gladman skippered four, who after a slow start fought back from 1-13 down to eventually lose 18-21.

Neville Tonkin’s four lead for much of their match before going down 19-25.

Brother and sister combination Dianne and Russel Gladman’s four went down 19-25.

Ben Long’s team had a tough battle going down 11-32.

Serpentine is at home to Bendigo East this Saturday in another tough match up.

INGLEWOOD

After what felt like an eternity, Weekend Pennant finally got underway Inglewood’s Division 5 side away to South Bendigo and put in a sensational performance

Northern District

Division 2: Pyramid Hill 66-10 d Barham

4 61-2. R. Harris, I. Bartels, T. Dzufer, J. Leed (s) d B. Dunn, R. Scott, K. Lake, W. Waller (s) 28-13. D. Demaine, M. Noelker, N. McGann, L. Mann (s) d J. Orr, B. Blake, D. Carter, K. Smith (s) 31-12. T. Stobaus, K. Wood, J. Mann, R. Price (s) lost to G. Graeme, G. Wishart, S. Wilson, A. Larpent (s) 7-36. Kerang Golf 2 76-12 d Kerang 3 46-0. Cohuna 2 57-2 lost to Cohuna Golf 3 58-10

Ladder – Cohuna Golf 3 34, Kerang Golf 2 24, Cohuna 2 21, Pyramid Hill 12, Barham 4 11, Kerang 3. Division 3: Pyramid Hill 2 57-10 d Leitchville 2 49-2. C. Cauchi, A. Harris, A. Roberts, L. Dingwall (s) d G. Fenton, J. Haynes, C. Goulding, L. Crawford (s) 16-15. R. Boyd, J. Dingfelder, W. Boyd, J. Cauchi (s) lost to D. Nott, G. Hawken, G. Brown (s) 13-20. G. Godward, R. Fidler, A. Fidler, A. Bennett (s) d M. Haynes, B. Drew, G. Wilson, G. Goulding (s) 28-14. Gunny Golf 1 60-10 d Barham 5 58-2. Cohuna 3 55-2 lost to Wakool 2 70-10. Kerang Golf 3 69-10 d Kerang 4 60-2. Ladder- Gunny Golf 1 31, Wakool 2 30, Kerang Golf 3 24, Cohuna 3 22, Kerang 4 14, Pyramid Hill 2 13, Leitchville 2 6, Barham 5 4. Midweek - Division 1: Kerang 89-12 d Pyramid Hill 48-0. C. Fisher, M. Orr, K. Watts, M. Hamon (s) defeated K. Wood, T. Dzufer, S. Bennett, R. Opie (s) 34-15. B. Williams, H. McBain, B. Theobald, T. Pocock (s) defeated C. Cauchi, I. Bartels, M. Noelker, A. Cantwell (s) 32-16. P. Pascoe, J. Hipwell, G. Fagg, D. Orr (s) defeated R. Harris, H. Crichton, J. Leed, M. Scott (s) 23-17. Barham 64-12 d Kerang Golf 40-0. Cohuna 1 49-10 d Cohuna Golf 48-2. Ladder Kerang 30, Barham 28, Cohuna 1 27, Cohuna Golf 8, Pyramid Hill 8, Kerang Golf 7. Division 2 Pyramid Hill 38-1 lost to Cohuna 3 42-7. G. Godward, R. Fidler, L. Dingwall, A. Bennett (s) lost to W. Ainger, T. Kirby, J. Gruar, R. Bannister (s) 19-23. W. Boyd, D. Kaye, A. Fidler, J. Cauchi (s) drew U. Kirby, S. Burgess, S. Barnes-Randell, N. Walkington (s) 19-19. Barham 2 35-2 lost to Kerang Golf 39-6. Leitchville 1 56-6 d Kerang 2 27-2. Cohuna Golf 2 35-1 lost to Barham 4 44-7. Gunbower

1 34-7 defeated Cohuna 2 29-1.

Ladder Kerang Golf 2 18, Gunbower 1 17, Kerang 2 14, Barham 2 14, Cohuna Golf

2 13, Cohuna 2 13, Barham 4 13, Cohuna 3

to come away with a win. It was a good welcome to the Woodies for new members, David and Doug Shay, who both had their first taste of competitive bowls and came away with a team win.

Also, a big thank you to Barry McNaught for filling in as a substitute for the day as Inglewood had some people unavailable.

The best rink on the day was the team of Chris McEwan (skip), Kevin Stewart, Doug Shay and Merilyn Chamberlain with a 31 to 17 shot victory.

Final result: Inglewood 89 shots (16pts) defeated South Bendigo 66 shots (2pts).

Unfortunately, the Division 1 team didn’t get away to the start they had hoped for up against North Bendigo.

Every Inglewood player fought hard on the day, but it wasn’t to happen and we will only improve as the season progresses.

Best result for the day came from the team of Grant Jackson (skip), Vicky Tierney, Jack Palfreyman and Brett Jackson with a 25 to 8 shot win.

Final result: Inglewood 61 shots (2pts) lost to North Bendigo 87 shots (16pts)

This weekend both teams are home together and keep an eye on the noticeboard as sure the club will organise an after-match function.

BRIDGEWATER

Last week Monday pennant team travelled to Harcourt and came back with the first win for the season, it was a great team effort all our bowlers contributing on the day.

Saturday saw the Bendigo pennant season get underway with Division 5 travelling to Cambells Creek on a synthetic surface.

PENNANT BOWLS RESULTS

The winning rink was lead by Curtis Mangan, Lachlan Catto and Club Stalwarts Vern Wilson and. Razor Broadbent.

It was great to see two of the youngest bowlers bowling so well so early into the season, which gives the club a lot of hope for the season ahead.

The Goldfields side travelled to Maldon and received a warm welcome from Maldon.

It was a difficult day of bowls for Bridgewater, losing all three rinks.

Three new players Sue Miller, Juanita Taig and Ray Simons made their debut.

Best bowlers for the day was Tyler Estrada and Don Wilson.

11. Leitchville 1 10, Pyramid Hill 2 5, Barham 3 4. Goldfields

Division 2: Maldon 116-16 d Bridgewater 29-0. T. Smith, J. Brookshaw, E. Cook, W. Honeyman (s) d S. Miller, T. Estrada, D. Wilson (s) 37-9. K. Sturgeon, K. Bean, M. James, A. Gillham (s) d J. Taig, R. Simons, G. Harrison, B. Catto (s) 42-7. E. Howell, T. Smith, P. Sedgwick, G. Cobden (s) d D. Payne, H. Fagan, C. Brooshooft (s) 37-13. Avoca 78-16 d Dunolly Green 47-0. Dunolly Gold 49-2 lost to Maryborough Golf 79-14. Talbot 35-0 lost to Newstead Blue 6916. Newstead White 45-2 lost to Carisbrook 70-14. Ladder: Newstead Blue 62, Maryborough Golf 62, Maldon 46, Carisbrook 46, Maryborough Highland 34, Talbot 34, Avoca 32, Dunolly Gold 25, Dunolly Green 22, Newstead White 19, Bridgewater 2 North Central Division 1 - Donald 81-10 d Charlton 682. R. Collins, R. Gravestocks, W. Hegarty, H. Wingfield (s) d R. Porter, J. Cox, D. Gretgrix, K. North (s) 25-24. I. McEwen, L. Morgan, L. Kelly, N. Hollis (s) d S. Perry, P. Watts, L. Southwell, W. Keenan (s) 31-18. N. Barber, K. Adamson, G. Euvrard, P. Kelly (s) lost to D. Beaty, W. Southwell, D. McCallum, K. Willey (s) 25-26

Boort 70-4 lost to Wedderburn 79-8. K. Birt, D. Gibson, C. Newsome, S. Morris (s) d G. Burnside, B. Hargreaves, N. Holt, D. Mason (s) 25-23. G. Carrall, J. Maxted, T. Moresi, L. Maxted (s) d D. Stephenson, C. Mills, A. Caserta, A. Jackson (s) 24-23. P. Waters, J. Gibson, K. Walton, K. Depiazza (s) lost to A. Roberts, R. Guelfo, B. Montebello, L. Witham (s) 21-33

St Arnaud 91-10 d St Arnaud Country 652. Donald Golf 86-12 d Wycheproof 52-0

Ladder: Donald Golf 32, Wedderburn 28, St Arnaud Country 24, Donald 14, St Arnaud 14, Boort 14, Wycheproof 14, Charlton 4. Division 2 - Donald 74-8 d Charlton 70-4. K. Anderson, P. Wyllie, J. Howley, W. Meyer (s) lost to B. Patton, E. Rosewall, G. Wain (s) 22-23. J. Anderson, J. Subprom, E. Adams, D. Romeo (s) d Z. Irwin, S. Harper, D. Finlay, G. Bateson (s) 36-15. S. Robertson, R. Gravestocks, C. Anderson, T. Farrer (s) lost to B. Chester, W. Laffin, M. O’Brien, C. Brien (s) 16-32. Boort 59-0 lost to Wedderburn 101-12. G. Charles, A. Matley, Y. Cashen, J. Earl (s)

lost to R. Tonkin, A. Benaim, L. Standfield, J. Grant (s) 17-32. I. Allison, A. Gould, K. Ritchie, G. Hudson (s) lost to R. Ashley, M. Guelfo, L. Holt, A. Holt (s) 23-24. L. Carrall, S. Polack, J. Hampson, G. Smith (s) lost to S. Lear, N. White, A. Noordennen, I. Hall (s) 19-45. St Arnaud 57-1 lost to St Arnaud Country 87-11. Donald Golf 81-10 d Wycheproof 58-2. Ladder: St Arnaud Country 31, Wedderburn 22, Donald Golf 20, Wycheproof 17, Charlton 16, St Arnaud 14, Donald 12, Boort 12. Midweek - Donald 52-0 lost to Wedderburn 86-12. D. Knight, M. Hollis, M. Kelly, L. Morgan (s) lost to R. Little, L. Standfield, A. Roberts, L. Witham (s) 18-29. M. Quick, A. McEwen, E. Adams, K. Adamson (s) lost to H. Stephenson, J. Matthews, S. Steel, A. Jackson (s) 20-27. J. Wood, M. McEwen, B. Brennan, B. Milne (s) lost to S. Standfield, J. Murnane, R. Hall, A. Caserta (s) 14-30. St Arnaud Country 70-4 lost to Boort 80-8. N. Robinson, S. Wright, F. Rodger, L. Moulday (s) lost to L. Carrall, P. Baker, D. Gibson, J. Gibson (s) 20-26. D. Fullarton, A. Marland, H. Esmore, R. Pole (s) lost to G. Charles, P. Gould, J. Earl, T. Moresi (s) 25-30. Y. Templar, S. Atkinson, C. Bond, P. Goode (s) d Y. Cashen, T. Noles, J. Maxted, G. Carrall (s) 25-24. Charlton 47-0 lost to Donald Golf 83-12. D. Finlay, E. Rosewall, C. Brien, J. Headon (s) lost to S. Donnellon, L. Borden, B. Dixon, R. Reseigh (s) 10-31. S. Nelson, J. Cox, D. McCallum, W. Keenan (s) lost to C. Stopps, S. Evans, J. Hollis, G. Rigby (s) 15-26. G. Bateson, W. Laffin, K. North, L. Southwell (s) lost to M. Frank, E. Brasier, T. Boyd, P. Hibberd (s) 22-26. Wycheproof 106-12 d St Arnaud 41-0.

Bendigo

Weekend - Division 1: North Bendigo 8716 d Inglewood 61-2. S. Wilkinson, T. Lee, J. Rorke, G. Godsell (s) d S. Laird, T. Birthisel, C. Kelly, L. Kelly (s) 23-16. N. Zimmer, J. Emerson, G. Gilmore, J. Hasty (s) d D. Garrett, D. Wilson, D. Vanston, I. Chamberlain (s) 22-12. J. Goodridge, E. Staff, A. Hall, D. Taig (s) lost to B. Jackson, J. Palfreyman, V. Tierney, G. Jackson (s) 8-25. S. Fulton, D. Franklin, G. Lee, M. Rowley (s) d B. Smyth, A. Harrison, B. McClymont, G. Wilson (s) 34-8. Bendigo East 64-2 lost to Castlemaine 99-16. White Hills 59-2 lost to Strathfieldsaye 82-16. Golden Square 78-14 d Kangaroo Flat 73-4. Division 2: Eaglehawk 101-18 d Serpentine 67-0. D. Bourke, B. Brackley, K. Rowe,

S. Piercy (s) d B. Tuohey, K. Canfield, G. Addlem, B. Long (s) 32-11. J. Rohan, R. Rowe, P. Francis, M. Flynn (s) d M. Mathews, K. Collins, S. Rudkins, B. Gladman (s) 21-18. R. Morgan, K. Hill, L. Morgan, R. McLean (s) d W. Gladman, L. Baber, W. Hasty, N. Tonkin (s) 25-19. R. Simmonds, W. Naughton, M. Taylor, R. Evans (s) d J. Addlem, F. Maher, R. Gladman, D. Walker (s) 23-19. Harcourt 85-16 d Bendigo East 65-2. Strathfieldsaye 62-4 lost to South Bendigo 83-14. Kangaroo Flat 76-14 d Bendigo 75-4 Division 4: Calivil 85-16 d Dingee 57-2. P. Hercus, W. Lourie, J. Pickles, M. Dennis (s) lost to S. Cail, J. Monaghan, B. West, L. Demeo (s) 18-19. K. Richards, A. Dennis, G. Ray, L. Gronow (s) d L. Demeo, P. Plant, R. Thompson, N. Lister (s) 23-15. R. Boyd, R. Lourie, M. Collett, G. Maxted (s) d L. Hocking, T. Kavanagh, M. Grieves, B. Lawry (s) 25-7. G. Lourie, B. Meighan, W. Miles, A. Leech (s) d B. Cail, J. Hocking, K. Pollock, F. Grieves (s) 19-16. Bendigo 81-14 d Kangaroo Flat 77-4. Marong 69-2 lost to White Hills 84-16. Bendigo East 72-4 lost to Harcourt 77-14 Division 5 - South Bendigo 67-4 lost to Inglewood 83-14. R. Challinor, K. Doolan, B. Rosewall, J. McIntosh (s) d E. Patterson, P. Lyndon, I. Bradley (s) 21-18. P. Griffin, S. Howe, D. Campbell, T. Watson (s) lost to B. Scoble, W. Concol, W. Wilson, B. Taig (s) 15-21. P. Doherty, R. Poulter, J. Adams, E. Bullow (s) lost to M. Chamberlain, D. Shay, K. Stewart, C. McEwan (s) 13-30. W. Grogan, J. Freeman, J. Borham, J. Geldart (s) d D. Shay, D. Roberts, J. McClymont, D. Whitehead (s) 18-14. Campbell’s Creek 86-16 d Bridgewater 65-2. K. Brooks, M. Holland, K. Odgers, I. Brooks (s) d G. Mabon, D. Grant, R. Smith, A. Harrison (s) 30-11. R. Harding, L. Dowler, J. Harding, B. Chester (s) d P. Gath, G. Catto, C. Payne, G. Mangan (s) 24-13. D. Stevens, I. Trevena, M. Rhodes, P. McKendry (s) d C. Wattie, P. Short, N. Saunders, J. Fagan (s) 21-14. C. Gallagher, J. Hall, T. Woodman, J. McMennemin (s) lost to L. Catto, V. Wilson, R. Broadbent, C. Mangan (s) 11-27. Golden Square 66-2 lost to Bendigo 8916. Strathfieldsaye 100-17 d Woodbury 57-1. Monday - Division 1: Inglewood 52-2 lost to Bendigo East 68-14. S. Laird, C. McEwan, L. Kelly, L. Witham (s) lost to J. Davey, R. Pearce, B. Perryman, R. Clough (s) 17-23. H. Leech, R. Gallagher, P. Schram, G. Wilson (s) d F. Pekarsky, M. Ridsdale, T. Fuller, P. Huggard (s) 23-12. M. Chamberlain, B. Taig, B. McClymont, I. Chamberlain (s) lost to S. Fuller, H. Clough, B. Griffin, D. Rowley (s) 12-33. White Hills 51-4 lost to Kangaroo Flat 60-12. Eaglehawk 62-14 d Golden Square 53-2. South Bendigo 64-12 d Bendigo 56-4 Ladder: Eaglehawk 44, Kangaroo Flat 39, Bendigo East 33, Golden Square 29, Bendigo 22, South Bendigo 16, Inglewood 5, White Hills 4. Division 4 - Golden Square 73-14 d Dingee 46-2. L. Power, S. Grant, W. Wood, S. Rogers (s) d T. Kavanagh, P. Plant, B. West, S. Cail (s) 35-5. J. Brennan, B. Clements, A. Boyle, J. Easton (s) lost to K. Pollock, J. Hocking, F. Grieves, M. Grieves (s) 11-24. L. Eeles, K. Dullard, B. Banyard, M. McClure (s) d J. Monaghan, S. Lawry, L. Demeo, L. Demeo (s) 27-17. Bendigo 73-16 d Calivil 46-0. L. Hocking, B. Bell, L. Trahair, R. Matthews (s) d L. Dennis, N. Ralphs, L. Gronow, C. Mitchell (s) 2119. L. Thiele, D. Bennet, P. Keil, B. Whiffin (s) d J. Clymo, L. Lister, K. Richards, C. Maxted (s) 29-12. J. Briggs, M. Mitchell, J. Wells, A. Champion (s) d H. Gronow, J. Wiltshire, M. Collett, S. Hope (s) 23-15. Harcourt 66-16 d Bendigo East 54-0. Strathfieldsaye 60-14 d South Bendigo 49-2 Ladder: Strathfieldsaye 42, Harcourt 34, Bendigo 32, South Bendigo 32, Bendigo East 18, Golden Square 16, Dingee 16, Calivil 2 Division 5 - White Hills 23-0 lost to Inglewood 55-14. N. Attrill, W. Sertori, L. Cole, H. Neil (s) lost to E. Patterson, P. McEwan, D. Whitehead, D. Wilson (s) 12-31. J. Austin, C. Sleep, J. Stiles, H. Liddell (s) lost to J. Roberts, P. Lyndon, D. Garrett, A. Harrison (s) 11-24. Marong 39-14 d Campbell’s Creek 32-0. South Bendigo 49-14 d Strathfieldsaye 260. Woodbury 39-14 d Golden Square 31-0 Ladder: Marong 40, Inglewood 28, Campbell’s Creek 27, South Bendigo 26, Strathfieldsaye 21, Woodbury 18, Golden Square 7, White Hills 1

Division 6 - Bridgewater 34-14 d White Hills 27-0. R. O’Toole, H. Fagan, B. Catto, M. Wright (s) d R. Babic, N. Casbolt, L. Lightburn, R. Parmenter (s) 17-12. J. Hosking, G. Harrison, C. Wattie, A. Harrison (s) d R. Hibble, M. Parmenter, R. Dennis, T. Dobeli (s) 17-15. Castlemaine 34-2 lost to South Bendigo 44-12.

Rink skips John Grant (Wedderburn) and Joan Earl (Boort) in the Division 2 clash. LH PHOTO

Boort’s Tony Matley

Vale sneaks home for the points

KORONG Vale has had its first win of the the Inglewood and District Tennis Association season.

The Vale finished two points up on Wedderburn Junction on home courts.

Strong performances in the ladies’ sets by Amber Gibson and Stacey Keller helped set up victory.

INGLEWOOD

Korong Vale d Wedderburn Junction 13-11

Mens: J. Turnbull B. Keller lost to P. Turnbull S. Stephenson 5-8. B. Keller J. Keller lost to S. Stephenson C. Hargreaves 4-8. J. Turnbull J. Keller lost to P. Turnbull C. Hargreaves 4-8. P. Gibson

R. Weston lost to J. Hayes M. Postle

3-8. R. Weston S. Keller lost to M. Postle S. Turnbull 4-8. P. Gibson S. Keller lost to J. Hayes S. Turnbull 6-8

Ladies: J. Turnbull R. Turnbull lost to P. Stephenson K. Weston 4-8. R. Turnbull E. Turnbull lost to K. Weston R. Ellsmore 7-8. J. Turnbull E. Turnbull d P. Stephenson R. Ellsmore 8-5. T. Gibson

A. Gibson d C. Day C. Drinkwater 8-1. A. Gibson S. Keller d C. Drinkwater D. Guillot 8-2. T. Gibson S. Keller d C. Day D. Guillot 8-1

Mixed: J. Turnbull E. Turnbull lost to P. Turnbull P. Stephenson 5-8. B. Keller R. Turnbull d S. Stephenson R. Ellsmore 8-4. J. Keller J. Turnbull lost to C. Hargreaves K. Weston 2-8. T. Gibson R Weston d M. Postle C. Day 8-1. P. Gibson S. Keller d J. Hayes C. Drinkwater 8-7. S. Keller A. Gibson d S. Turnbull D. Guillot 8-3

Powlett d Loddon Eagles 14.5-6.5

Mens: S. Smith R Senior d L. Last B. Leech 8-4. R. Senior H. Lock lost to B. Leech T. Johns 3-8. S. Smith H. Lock lost to L. Last T. Johns 7-8. M. Higgs G. Slepcov lost to A. Lock F. Lock 3-8. M. Burge G. Slepcov lost to F. Lock B. Lock 4-8. M. Higgs M. Burge lost to A. Lock B. Lock 2-8

Ladies: C. Smith A. Higgs lost to A. Leech D. Wayman 4-8. A. Higgs C. Gilmore lost to D. Wayman B. Issacs 4-8. C. Smith C. Gilmore lost to A. Leech B. Issacs 5-8. R. Madden S. Simons d K. Dean K. McGregor 8-5. R. Madden S. Simons d K. Dean K. McGregor 8-6

Mixed: S. Smith C. Smith d B. Issac S. Maher 8-5. R. Senior A. Higgs lost to L. Last T. Alexander 3-8. H. Lock C. Gilmore lost to T. Johns D. Wayman 1-8. M. Higgs S. Simons lost to A. Lock D. Bouwmester 2-8. G. Slevcov R. Madden d F. Lock C. Gilmore 8-5. M. Burge

S. Simons d F. Lock R. Madden 8-0

Ladder: Powlett 37, Fentons Creek 35, Wedderburn Junction 35, Loddon Eagles 18.5, Korong Vale 14.5

LODDON VALLEY

Raywood d Serpentine 94-84

Mens: J. Sinclair M. Collins d M. Johns

C. Tuohey 7-0. J. Sinclair P. Harris d M.

Johns J. Addlem 7-1. M. Collins P. Harris

d C. Tuohey J. Addlem 7-2. R. Haw N.

Marlow d N. Cockerell D. Addlem 7-0. R.

Haw T. Zarle d N. Cockerell J. Ketterer

7-2. N. Marlow T. Zarle lost to D. Addlem J. Ketterer 3-7.

Ladies: C. Haw B. Zudema d H. Addlem P. Cockerell 7-5. C. Haw M. Ludeman

lost to H. Addlem K. Dinoman 1-7. B. Zudema M. Ludeman lost to P. Cockerell

K. Dinoman 3-7. K. Ryan H. Haw d A.

Johns N. Rose 7-6. K. Ryan K. Rodgers lost to A. Johns A. Cockerell 6-7. M. Haw

K. Rodgers lost to N. Rose A. Cockerell 1-7

Mixed: J. Sinclair C. Haw d H. Addlem

M. Johns 7-3. P. Harris B. Zudema lost to K. Dinoman J. Addlem 4-7. M. Collins M. Ludeman lost to P. Cockerell J. Tuohey 6-7. R. Haw M. Haw d N. Rose D. Addlem 7-3. N. Marlow K. Ryan d A. Cockerell J. Ketterer 7-6. T. Zarle K. Rodgers lost to A. Johns N. Cockerell 0-7

Mincha West d Yarrawalla 123-46

Mens: D. Mann B. Wagner d L. Forster

H. Emmerson 7-4. D. Mann P. Gargan d L. Forster P. Thompson 7-4. B. Wagner

P. Gargan d H. Emmerson P. Thompson

7-5. C. Mann T. Wagner d B. Moon T. Stevens 7-2. C. Mann R. Wagner d B.

Moon T. Broad 7-3. T. Wagner R. Wagner d T. Stevens T. Broad 7-0

Ladies: E. Prout J. Wagner d I. Broad C. Challis-Broad 7-2. E. Prout T. Prout d I. Broad K. Broad 7-0. J. Wagner T. Prout d C. Challis-Broad K. Broad 7-1. C. Mann D. Forster d S. Gale M. Schmidt

7-3. C. Mann C. Gould d S. Gale K. Manton 7-1. D. Forster C. Gould d M. Schmidt K. Manton 7-3

Mixed: D. Mann E. Prout d L. Forster C. Challis-Broad 7-3. B. Wagner T. Prout d H. Emmerson I. Broad 7-3. C. Mann J. Wagner d P. Thompson K. Broad 7-1. P. Gargan D. Forster d B. Moon S. Gale 7-1. T. Wagner C. Mann d T. Stevens T. Manton 7-3. R. Wagner C. Gould lost to T. Broad M. Schmidt 4-7 Dingee d Lake Meran 119-48

Mens: A. Hocking M. Harvey lost to C. Chamberlain A. Chamberlain 3-7. A. Hocking N. Condliffe d C. Chamberlain E. Moresi 7-2. M. Harvey N. Condliffe d A. Chamberlain E. Moresi 7-3. B. Duncan D. Condliffe d B. Moresi R. Fawcett 7-4. B. Duncan R. Ellis d B. Moresi K. Czuczman 7-0. D. Condliffe R. Ellis d R. Fawcett K. Czuczman 7-1

Ladies: C. Whitfield B. Baker d C. Downs C. Moresi 7-6. C. Whitfield A. Hay d C. Downs V. Moresi 7-4. B. Baker A. Hay d C. Moresi V. Moresi 7-1. S. Hay

K. Pay d L. Hosking A. Guespin 7-1. S. Hay K. Ellis d L. Hosking M. Poulain 7-1. K. Pay K. Ellis d A. Guespin M. Poulain 7-0

Mixed: A. Hocking C. Whitfield d C. Chamberlain C. Downs 7-4. M. Harvey

B. Baker d A. Chamberlain C. Moresi 7-3. N. Condliffe A. Hay d E. Moresi V. Moresi 7-1. B. Duncan S. Hay d B. Moresi A. Guespin 7-1. D. Condliffe K. Pay lost to R. Fawcett L. Hosking 4-7. R. Ellis K. Ellis d Mason M. Poulain 7-2

Ladder

Mincha West 4.83

Calivil North 3.75

Dingee 3.25

Raywood 3

6-2

Mens: A. Doyle

1 Lake

0.17

MARONG

Wilsons Reef 6-63 lost to Newbridge 12-89

Ladies: E. Molenaar B. McKimmie lost to E. Jenkyn S. Wallace 0-6. E. Molenaar J. Taylor lost to E. Jenkyn A. Jenkyn 0-6. B. McKimmie J. Taylor lost to S. Wallace A. Jenkyn 1-6. C. McKinstry E. Stewart lost to A. Broom D. McCluskey 1-6. C. McKinstry F. Lucas lost to A. Broom K. Graham 1-6. E. Stewart F. Lucas lost to D. McCluskey K. Graham 3-6

Mens: A. Evans S. Taylor lost to A. Atkins D. Graham 4-6. A. Evans B. Taylor lost to S. Atkins A. Broom 5-6. S. Taylor B. Taylor d D. Graham A. Broom. J. Taylor J. Wilkinson d D. Stewart D. Jenkyn 6-3. J. Taylor B. Stewart lost to D. Stewart N. Jenkyn 3-6. J. Wilkinson B. Stewart d D. Jenkyn N. Jenkyn 6-5

Mixed: B. McKimmie A. Evans lost to E. Jenkyn S. Atkins 2-6. E. Molenaar B. Taylor d S. Wallace D. Graham 6-2. J. Taylor S. Taylor lost to A. Jenkyn A. Broom 5-6. C. McKinstry J. Taylor d A. Broom D. Stewart 6-5. F. Lucas J. Wilkinson d D. McCluskey D. Jenkyn 6-1. E. Stewart B. Stewart lost to K. Graham N. Jenkyn 2-6 Lockwood 18-108 d Woodstock 0-26

Ladies: D. Wells A. Wells d F. Curnow N. Earl 6-1. D. Wells T. Miller d F. Curnow K. Punton 6-3. A. Wells T. Miller d N. Earl K. Punton 6-0. R. Coutts C. Shevlin d H. Stone A. Andrews-Stone 6-5. R.

an Partner d H. Turnbull G> Clake 6-3. S. Bickford B. Threthowan lost to S. Thompson G. Clarke 1-6 Mens: L. Tunn H. Eastwood lost to C. Hardingham J. McCraig 1-6.

Yarrawalla

Serpentine

Meran

Serpentine’s Simon Tuohey

Max Higgs and fill-in player Mal Burge after playing for Loddon Eagles. LH PHOTO

Boyd belts boundaries

BOORT YANDO juniors comprehensively defeated Bridgewater Bulls in their one-day match on Saturday.

Batting first, Boort made 3-114, with the side’s first five batsmen retired not out.

Cooper Gooding, who opened the batting, top scored with 30 off 28 balls, including four boundaries, before retiring.

Luke Boyd made 21 off 24, with three fours, as Boort reached 81 without losing a wicket to the Bulls bowlers.

Jenson Birthisel did an admirable job with the ball, taking 2-6 off two overs, as well as a catch to be involved in every Boort wicket.

Grace Kilby took 1-5 from her one over.

The Bulls were never in the chase, although reliable opener Lewis Lonsdale hit 24 runs off 66 balls to become Bridgewater’s only batsman to make double figures, as his side batted out 26 overs to reach 7-51.

Boort Yando 8/114 d Bridgewater 8/51

Bowling: L. Lonsdale 4-0-16-0, N. Harrison

3-1-19-0, X. Power 4-1-9-0, N. Wickham

4-2-8-0, I. Ferguson 2-0-11-0, E. Leahy 1-010-0, H. Kilby 3-0-13-0, J. Birthisel 2-0-6-

Kingower junior captain Ryder Smith and vice-captain Morgan Lonza

Boort Yando’s Harry Malone swings

Sloppy fielding adds to pressure

BOORT Yando always looked likely to reach the target of 91 in the T20 clash with Bridgewater Bulls on Saturday.

Apart from the pesky business of losing wickets far too regularly, that is.

Bridgewater batted first and got off to a decent start, with Tom and Harry McKinley opening.

The heavily grassed outfield made scoring difficult unless batsmen took to the air, which Tom McKinley did with three mighty sixes in his 23 off 20 balls. His innings ended with an excellent caught-and-bowled from Alex Cockerell.

Nic Naughton gave the Bulls a defendable target with 41 off 53 balls, including three boundaries, as his side reached 4-90 off their 20 overs.

Boort didn’t help its cause with some sloppy fielding and dropped catches, and shared the wickets among four bowlers, with whippy right-armer Daniel Lehman looking the most dangerous.

Bridgewater had added some experience after fielding a very youthful side in round one, but still had three juniors doubling up after the early game, while Boort had two.

The Bulls youngsters proved their mettle in the field, with some good catches and determined efforts.

With the exception of Harry Malone, who clubbed three sixes and a four in his 24 off 11, no Boort batsmen really got hold of the Bulls attack, and the innings stuttered along with regular wickets falling.

After seven overs, Boort was going along at a run rate of seven, and were well ahead of the rate needed to win, but a mini collapse put the match back on even keel.

Toby Naughton had copped some stick from Malone, but had him trapped LBW first ball after going around the wicket.

He finished with 4-29, with an excellent run-out as well.

From 2-49, Boort had fallen to

Steve’s star shine

WEDDEDRURN veteran Steve Giorlando has ripped through the Kingower order on his way to a five-wicket haul at Market Reserve on Saturday.

Only Blake Pickles was able to reach a decent score for Kingower but he also succumbed to the brilliance of Giorlando.

Defending a target of 101, Wedderburn had Will Deason back in the sheds mid-way through the fourth over when he nicked a Will Holt delivery into the hands of Giorlando.

That was the start of the Giorlando show that had Kingower all out in 19.6 overs.

Put into bat Wedderburn had an early setback with the loss of opener Isaac Holt.

But Cam Steel and Will Holt put respect back into target.

Holt had four monster sixes and a couple of boundaries before caught by Jayden Leach after hitting 43.

Cam Steel, like fellow opener Isaac Holt, had a boundary with his first ball but was soon restricted to singles as Pickles, Rowe and

BATTING AVERAGES

Simpson had his measure. Steel would find better rhythm later in the innings before bowled by Pickles late in the innings.

Only Giorloando offered resistance for the Wedderburn tail as the Band hit a mediocre 101 off the 20 overs.

Pickles was the most effective of Kingower’s bowlers in his short spell with the ball.

Wedderburn 10/101 d Kingower 9/66

Wedderburn

I. Holt c L. Dejong b M. Rowe

C. Steel b B. Pickles

W. Holt c J. Leach b L. Dejong

A. Brett b B. Pickles

J. Van de Wetering c&b W. Deason

F. Turnbull b B. Pickles

S. Giorlando b K. Simpson

Lockhart c K. Simpson b W. Deason

A. Postle b J. Leach

Bowling: W. Deason 2-0-6-2, J. Leach 4-018-1, B. Pickles 2-0-5-3, M. Rowe 4-1-33-1, K. Simpson 3.2-0-16-3, L. Dejong 4-0-19-1 Kingower

M. Rowe b W. Holt 1 W. Deason c S. Giorlando b W. Holt 3

6-65, but with Joshua Smith (15 not out off 31) playing the anchor role, he and Daniel Lehman got their team to the point where they needed six runs off four overs.

Garry Zanker was then run out by a direct hit during a maiden, and it became six runs off three.

A well-hit boundary from Smith — his only four — put Boort on the cusp of victory, and they sealed the result with two overs to spare.

Boort batted on until the end, with young Bulls bowler Xavier Power clean bowling Austin Malone in his one over, which cost just a single.

The Bulls host Arnold in a oneday match this week, while Boort travels to play Wedderburn Band. Only incomplete scoreboards from this match have been provided. Home clubs are requested to provide copies of scoreboards to the Loddon Herald no later than midday Sundays.

- GARY WALSH

Leach b I. Holt

Simpson b J. Van de Wetering

Pickles b S. Giorlando

Dejong lbw S. Giorlando

Rose lbw S. Giorlando 1 T. Murphy c C. Steel b S. Giorlando 0 M. Lonza not out 3 N. Leach lbw S. Giorlando 0 A. Abate not out 1 Extras 7 Total 9/66

Bowling: S. Giorlando 4-1-8-5, B. Hartnell 1-0-2-0, I. Holt 2-0-8-1, W. Holt 4-0-12-2, F. Turnbull 1-1-0-0, A. Postle 4-0-10-0, J. Van de Wetering 2-0-18-1, L. Holt 2-0-5-0.

JaydenLeach(Kingower) 3 3 85 119 39.67

KyleSimpson(Kingower) 3 3 58 94 47 BlakePickles(Kingower) 2 2 87 87 87

WillDeason(Kingower) 3 3 48 81 27

RyanMetelmann(Ar nold) 2 3 57 67 22.33

CamSteel(Wedderburn) 2 2 38 64 32

DannyBenaim(Wedderburn) 2 2 44 49 49

WillHolt(Wedderburn) 3 2 42 48 24

JamesVandeWetering(Wedderburn)3 3 35 44 22

NicNaughton(Bridgewater) 1 1 41 41 41

Run rate could come into final contention

CONFUSION over how to deal with T20 scores in this season’s Upper Loddon Cricket Association competition has been resolved — sort of.

It was clarified during the week that teams could bat on after passing their opponents’ score provided both captains agreed. However, the issue of run rates remains contentious.

These may come into play in deciding grand finalists if three teams or more end the T20 season - within-a-season with the same number of match points.

Association president John Daldy told the Loddon Herald on Sunday that run rates would be calculated at the end of matches, whether or not both teams had batted until all out or they have reached the end of 20 overs.

With a team’s run rate after passing their opponents’ total unlikely to be exactly the same as if they batted on to complete 20 overs, choosing the grand finalists might become something of a lottery.

In many clashes, captains will

BOWLING AVERAGES

agree to play on, but if one side chooses not to continue the match through to the end of 20 overs, run rates can be skewed.

When this was put to Daldy, he repeated his comments of the previous week that the association was still coming to grips with a new format.

“We’ll put it to a discussion this week and see how it goes from there.”

Daldy played — somewhat reluctantly — for Bridgewater against Boort Yando on Saturday, but taking to the field with his 18-year-old son Hunter a highlight.

Listed to bat at 11, he said he watched the Bulls innings with some trepidation, hoping not too many wickets would fall, but to his relief was not required to pull on the pads.

Daldy did field, however, and apart from a few awkward tumbles, held his own as the young Bridgewater side lost narrowly to Boort.

- GARY WALSH

Father-son combination takes the field for Bridgewater on Saturday ... association president John Daldy and Hunter. LH PHOTO

Steve Giorlando

Loddon HERALD sport

Ray’s back sharing respect and control with martial arts

VETERAN karate teacher Ray McLean has important lessons of life to share with his first class in Inglewood in four years.

McLean says martial arts is about self-respect and self-discipline.

“Martial arts is more than kicking and punching,” said McLean. “There is also the spiritual side, of being able to walk away if someone challenges you.”

“I’m originally from Sydney and as a kid was I bullied so I started learning self-defence.

“I just loved it and learnt a lot of things about myself.”

Teaching for 45 years, McLean this month returned to teaching in Inglewood, the town where he first shared that love of karate when he moved to Victoria in 2017.

McLean said COVID put a temporary end to his classes in Inglewood and the Bendigo suburb of Ironbark.

Lockdowns were spent researching the Korean style of karate that he teaches.

“There are similarities be-

tween karate and tae-kwondo that translates as tae ‘strike with foot’, kwon ‘strike with hand’, and do ‘the art or way’.

“I teach in the style of Korean karate.”

Early tae-kwon-do had similarities with the Korean style called shotokan.

Some of the masters who also trained in Japan came back and

taught under the

McLean already has seven primary and secondary schoolaged children attending his Inglewood classes.

“I’ve been doing karate for 58 years and love passing on the knowledge to a new generation of students,” he said.

EAGLES BOMB OUT

LODDON Eagles have pulled out of Inglewood and District Tennis Association one match into the season.

The Inglewood-based team cobbled together a side for Saturday’s clash with co-tenant Powlett with fill-in players from Fentons Creek.

News of the withdrawal came on Sunday from association scorer Chris Smith.

“Loddon Eagles have had to withdraw from the competition as there are not enough players to field a team each week,” she said.

Eagles had a bye in the opening round of the season and all round two matches were abandoned when rain made the Inglewood courts unplayable.

The withdrawal reduces Inglewood association to four teams - Powlett, Korong Vale and the Wedderburn sides of Fentons Creek and Wedderburn Junction.

Association officials have spent the week revising its season’s draw.

Secretary Suzie Lockhart said: “It’s sad that Eagles have been unable to muster the numbers. We were aware they had challenges but remained hopeful the team would continue and we offered to assist with players by clubs with the bye.”

She said the season’s final series was expected to be reduced to a clash between the top two sides to decide the premiers.

“We are also looking to have a special gather round to finish off the season, bringing all clubs together,” she said.

Suzie said other clubs remained in a good position. “Korong Vale is back with good numbers after a couple of leaner seasons.”

The Eagles are the second club in three years to leave the association.

Serpentine switched to Loddon Valley after the 2021-2022 season in a bid to provide junior pathways.

Inglewood and Loddon Valley associations play on grass while Loddon teams Derby, Woodstock and Newbridge are in the hardcourt Marong association.

Calivil withdrew from the Loddon Valley competition last year after battling player numbers. Team numbers have also halved in recent years in the Boort Lawn Tennis Club competition.

Meanwhile, there has been strong interest for a junior doubles’ tournament being run by the Pyramid Hill club next month.

name tang soo do which in Japanese would be karate.

Harvey Neale is one of Ray’s local students

Ray McLean takes a karate class this week. LH PHOTO