DEMOLITION ORDER
By CHRIS EARL
RUINS and the rear room of Inglewood’s historic Jennings Store will be knocked down and cleared within weeks.
Owner David Oakley on Monday agreed to demolition of the 1866 building damaged by fire last August.
While tests had not found asbestos in the rear section of the 1866 triple-brick building, Mr Oakley had faced a formal demolition order if the Brooke Street site was not cleared.
Demolition crews knocked down the front section of the store after fire brigade volunteers had extinguished the August 29 blaze that closed Brooke Street for more than eight hours.
Mr Oakley had continued to use the rear section for storage and running his long-time business selling chickens.
“It’s triple brick and on bluestone foundations. I don’t think it would have fallen down,” Mr Oakley said after confirming demolition would start in a fortnight.
“It’s sad that the rest of the building is going to be knocked down but nobody was hurt in the fire and no chickens were hurt.”
He was rescued from the 1860s building by several nearby shop staff as the roof burst into flames about 3pm.
Mr Oakley said he had ordered a shed to be erected on the site once the demolition has been finished.
“That will be a couple of months away. There’s planning permit to be obtained too,”
he said. The long-time Brooke Street trader - he has been in business since the 1970s - said he may try to salvage some items from the store, including heritage timber doors.
Mr Oakley has started moving stock and equipment into storage vans.
A day after watching his store go up in flames, Mr Oakley was again selling chickens as loyal customers offered support.
It’s sad that the rest of the building is going to be knocked down but nobody was hurt in the fire - David Oakley
David Oakley has agreed to demolition of the rear section of the fire-damaged after the facade (inset) was was damaged by fire and knocked down. LH PHOTOS
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Boort
Stop press! Alister’s early news days end
Graffiti action
PYRAMID Hill is one of the iconic landmarks of Loddon Shire, so it was disappointing to see some of the rocks being defaced by graffiti recently –not a great sight for the extra visitors to the hill for the increasingly-popular parkrun being held there each week, attracting visitors not just from out of town (including Melbourne) but even interstate. Council staff have been up to the challenge of removing the graffiti, but it’d be nice for all participants and visitors to the hill to be able to enjoy a pristine setting.
First edition
THE first edition of the Loddon Herald’s sister newspaper, the NCN Herald, was published yesterday. NCN Herald is a rebranding of the North Central News, incorporating The St Arnaud Mercury and Charlton Tribune.
‘Truth’ report
13, Sunday 13 Inglewood
ALISTER McDougal has been farewelled by staff and customers as he heads to retirement after eight years managing Boort Newsagency.
13, Sunday 13
15, Sunday 14
13, Sunday 13
12, Sunday 13
He had been approached to take on the role when Neil and Dot Beattie purchased the business in 2017.
“I’ve usually been at the shop around 6am or 6.30am ready to
open for the first customers coming in to buy their newspapers the moment doors open at 7am,” he said.
“These customers come in not just for their papers but a chat about the weather, the footy or whatever is happening around town.”
Alister said customers were also hoping they bought the win-
ning Tatts ticket each week. “I haven’t sold a division winner but there was a $37,000 prize before Christmas a few years ago.”
“The days have been long but always enjoyable and the contact with custromers a joy,” he said.
While now retired, Alister continues his involvement in the town with tennis and croquet clubs a big focus.
THE State Government has tabled the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s final reports it says is a historic moment on the path to truth-telling and treaty. The reports conclude the work of the Commission, established by the Labor Government in partnership with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria to investigate injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria since colonisation, including the impact of past and current government policies and actions.
Neil Beattie, Sue Hellsten, Alister McDougal, Robyn Kennedy, Amanda Whykes, Dot Beattie and Leonie Gudgeon farewell Alister after eight years managing the business.
Work will take longer
THE controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project finish date has been extended by two years.
Transmission Company Victoria on Monday said the updated timeline reflected revised planning, design and construction assumptions “for one of Victoria’s most significant energy infrastructure projects”.
“The new construction completion target allows more time for detailed environmental, geotechnical and cultural assessments, along with more meaningful landholder engagement on access and easement arrangements,” said TCV spokesperson Claire
‘Good faith for nothing’
A TCV-requested meeting with Buloke Shire to share a major announcement had been for nothing, council said.
The shire has taken a swipe at TCV claiming lack of transparency and absence of any substantive information or a detailed agenda for the planned meeting in Wycheproof that saw dozens of protesters outside.
The in-person meeting was replaced with online talks after TCV said there were safety concerns.
“The request to meet was initiated from TCV and was communicated to Council via email indicating a public announcement was to be made, regarding the VNI West transmission project,” council said in a statement on Friday.
“Council accepted the invitation in good faith, based on TCV’s indication that an important update on the project would be shared.
“However, during the meeting, council was advised that no announcement would, in fact, be made. Instead, the meeting was reframed by TCV as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with council and improve consultation processes.
“Council expressed its disappointment at the lack of transparency and the absence of any substantive information or a detailed agenda for the meeting, particularly given the expectations that had been set.”
Buloke councillors last month voted to oppose VNI West “in its current form”.
Cass.” “We know this updated timeline may be frustrating, but we’re committed to working with landholders respectfully and providing the support they need to consider what is best for them, their properties, and farming or business operations.”
The new finish date revelation came as TCV said landholder liaisons officers had started contacting landholders in the project easement between Stawell and Kerang to “arrange inperson discussions and to personally deliver the package. Support will be tailored to meet each landholder’s needs — whether that’s help reviewing the package in detail,
or advice on accessing independent professional advice”
Landowners along the route have vowed to continue refusing access to TCV despite the State Government planning new legislation that would see fines of more than $12,000 if farmers lock their gates in the battle between rural communities and the Government.
TCV says it is developing a program to recognise neighbours — those living near, but not directly hosting, infrastructure — who are affected by the project.
“The program will align with VicGrid’s draft Renewable Energy Zone Community Benefits Plan
and ensure these impacts are appropriately acknowledged,” TCV said. “A social value strategy is also being developed to guide broader community benefits, funded directly by the project and separate to the Victorian Government’s community and traditional owner benefits programs.
“The draft strategy is being codeveloped with a reference group of local representatives and shaped through ongoing community and stakeholder input. It will be released publicly for feedback in the coming months.”
.The Government has faced fierce VNI West opposition for two years.
Main street murals a salute to history
MARILYN Cumming’s latest murals are sharing the story of Inglewood’s history of early settlers, the gold rush and the eucalyptus distilling industry.
She unveiled the murals on the facade of Inglewood IGA with Carol Canfield, a descendant of the Coutts who settled at nearby Brenanah in the 1850s.
Marilyn has previously featured Inglewood identities and locals who served in World Wars One and Two.
Her new salute tells the story of gold discovery in the district and the new rush to Inglewood that saw more than 16,000 people living in tents while searching for gold.
The Taig family’s role in eucalyptus distilling over more than 100 years also features on the new murals.
“There’s so much history and it’s good to use the murals to tell these rich stories,” she said.
LODDON Shire residents are doing a pretty good job sorting out their recycling, but there’s always room for improvement.
That’s the conclusion to be drawn from an independent audit of bin contents carried out on behalf of Council’s waste contractor earlier this year.
The audit covered 202 general waste and recycling bins in Inglewood and Wedderburn, or about 1,117 kg of material.
Recycling was from bins in Wedderburn, with waste from Inglewood – these were then sorted into recycling, organics and waste.
The contents for each audit were mixed together during transport so particular households were not identified.
The 102 recycling bins collected in Wedderburn showed a contamination rate of 17.3 per cent of the contents, with ceramics, glass fines, soft plastic (bags and film) and metal the main culprits.
Over in the waste bins, 28.25 per cent of the material could have been recycled instead, including paper, newsprint, cardboard and magazines/advertising materials.
Loddon Shire Council Township and Waste Services Coordinator David Price said the results of the audit were promising. “Given that the most recent major statewide audit showed about 23 per cent of the contents of recycling bins were contaminated.”
Carol Canfield and Marilyn Cumming after the unveiling of new murals. LH PHOTO
It was there night to dance
SERPENTINE Memorial Hall was at capacity last Friday night when 11 debutantes stepped out.
The debutantes had organised their own night of nights after a decision by East Loddon P12 College to end its tradition of organising a ball.
Emma Hay and Lyss Mulder started planning the night late
last year, suppoprted by families and friends of other district girls wanting to make their debut.
The group organised a hall booking, catering, official photographer and training.
Lauren Hicks trained the girls and their partners over several months in presentation dances for the ball.
From time to time, wandering dogs unfortunately attack livestock.
The student initiative was hailed a success by Lauren and the girls’ families.
The debutantes and partners were:
Jayde Chappel (partnered by Ryder Smith), Lyss Mulder (Logan Wilson), Allira James (Hudson Heath), Millie Blampied (Darcy Condliffe), Georgia Pas-
These situations can escalate, but there is a process you can follow that can resolve the matter with Council's help:
• If you see a dog on your property please call Local Laws staff on 5494 1200 to advise them of the situation.
coe (Andrew Chappel), Emma Hay (Angus Addlem), Kiara Hayman (Zane Tyzack), Emily Diss (Harrison Condliffe), Abbey Vine (Jake Smith), Kiera Tuohey (Aiden Roulston), Paige JohnstoneMcLeod (Billy Ralphs).
Flower girls and page boys: Isla Hocking, Sunny Bennet, Harper Lawry, Riley Penny.
• If it is a known dog, try and speak to the owners yourself to try let them know of the issue of it coming onto your land near your stock. They may not be aware of the problem.
• If it persists or there is an attack on your livestock please call Local Laws to let them know.
• Staff will attend as soon as practicable. In order to help staff identify the attacking dog, please take photos or video of the animal and of what has happened. This is not always possible, however after an attack staff can conduct a door knock of the area to collect information. Being unable to identify the attacking animal makes it harder for staff to then follow up.
What Council can do if the attacking dog is found:
• We can visit its home property and assess the dog's behaviour and likelihood of reoffending.
• We can serve a fencing order to add/repair fencing to the property to ensure it stays confined.
• We can seize the dog if the property is not appropriate to hold the animal until the investigation is completed.
• We can have the dog surrendered to Council and rehomed if possible. This is done with rehoming organisations that can assess the dog's behaviour and determine an appropriate new home.
• We can list the dog as Menacing which can have certain restrictions placed on the dog.
• We can list the dog as Dangerous placing strict restrictions of the housing of the dog, limitations on where it can go as well as signage at the property to alert the public.
It's important that if you have had an incident occur on your property where livestock have been injured or killed by a dog to call Local Laws in the first instance to report the matter.
If you have any questions about this, or for more information, please call our Local Laws staff on 5494 1200.
Feedback is back after online hiatus
PEOPLE wanting to leave feedback on Loddon Shire Council’s draft designs for the Brooke Street Inglewood streetscape project were locked out of an official survey for almost four days.
The online site was inaccessible until late Tuesday afternoon after council said: “We’re investigating the issue and will let you know when it is fixed.”
Debate continues in Inglewood about the plans by Bendigo-based Djaara corporation’s DJANDAK last month. Drawings propose the Mallee fowl on major street entrance signs and multiple Indigenous art murals.
A Loddon Herald poll has shown more than 85 per cent of people want to retain Inglewood’s blue eucy branding,
Plans are currently available online or at the council offices in Wedderburn.
A spokesperson said last week that arrangements were being made to display plans in Inglewood. “The significant streetscape project will enhance the safety, accessibility and character of Inglewood’s town centre and will support local business, celebrate cultural heritage and improve liveability for residents, as well as appeal to visitors,” council says.
Cr Dan Straub - Mayor
Cr Nick Angelo
Cr Gavan Holt
Debutantes and their partners at the Sepentine ball. PHOTO COURTESY ANNA OSBORNE PHOTOGRAPHY
Lights on, slow down
CHANGES to road rules has Bridgewater motor mechanic and tow truck owner Tim Ferguson relieved for roadside assists.
The new rule, which was announced earlier this year, from this week requires motorists to slow to 40kmh when passing incident response vehicles that display flashing lights of any colour.
Tim offers emergency roadside assistance and towing as part of his business, Ferguson Motors in Bridgewater.
Of his experience as roadside assistance he said, “We’ve had trucks flying past us doing 100 when we’re trying to tow vehicles, it feels like the moment your foot touches the white line you’re going to get run over.”
The change applies to road rule 79A which came into effect in 2017, which had already required Victorian motorists to slow down to
By RUBY HYLAND
40kmh when passing stationary emergency services vehicles - police, ambulance, fire brigades - displaying red or blue flashing lights.
This has now been expanded to include accident towing vehicles, breakdown towing services, roadside assistance operators, Peninsula Link Incident Response vehicles and EastLink and Transurban Incident Response vehicles.
The change has been welcomed by RACV and its roadside assistance team, following a two-year campaign to review and expand the road rule.
RACV general manager automotive services Makarla Cole urged motorists to be aware of the rule change so that they could create
Shire road signs vandalised
LODDON Shire Council is seeking public help after road signs were recently damaged in what appears to be an act of vandalism.
Signs on Boort-Kurting and Fiery Flat Rds were recently knocked over and then driven on.
The incidents have been reported to Victoria Police.
Loddon Shire Council operations director Steve Van Orsouw said the damage was disappointing.
“Council staff work hard to ensure our
roads and infrastructure are in top condition,” Mr Van Orsouw said.
“It’s work that takes time but while we are dealing with senseless vandalism like this, it means we can’t be doing the things that really make a difference.
“I’d encourage anyone with any information on these incidents to contact Victoria Police.”
The damage has also come at a financial cost to ratepayers, with replacement and repair expected to cost the council more than $600.
the safest environment possible for roadside and incident response workers.
“We’re grateful that the Victorian State Government has made this change to improve the safety outcomes and working conditions of roadside and incident response workers,”
Ms Cole said.
“Now that we have had an important and much-needed update to 79A, it’s up to Victorians to do their part and ensure these vital workers can do their jobs without fear of harm and get home to their families safely,” Ms Cole said.
Non-compliance with the updated 79A rule may result in a maximum fine of $961. No demerit points are imposed.
The TAC says the 40kmh limit when passing emergency vehicles helps with incident management.
Fashion hitting the runway
OP-SHOP fashion will be strutting the runway in Inglewood next month.
The ambulance auxiliary op-shop and community neighbourhood house are combining for their Four Seasons Fashion Parade.
They say bold seasonal outfits will be on parade and later on sale to raise funds for the ambulance auxiliary.
The op-shop has been an Inglewood institution for decades and now operates out of part of the former Royal Hotel, renamed last month the King Charles III with plans for a re-opening.
Tim Ferguson welcomes the road rule change. LH PHOTO
Wind farm talks are planned this month
ECOLOGICAL studies to avoid or minimise environmental harm
have been made by a Dutchbased company planning a wind farm near Pyramid Hill.
European Energy’s country manager Australia, Catriona McLeod, said the company was investigating the feasibility of a wind farm at Mincha.
And there will be early community engagement with neighbours and the Loddon Shire Council, will start within weeks.
ber of agreements that have been signed with individuals, as the feasibility of this project has been assessed”.
“These agreements are important in safeguarding the interests of all parties, including the protection of access and security rights for property owners,” Ms McLeod said.
VICTORIA HOTEL
Ms McLeod said there had been consultation with landowners that might have potential for turbines and wished to diversify their farming income.
“At this stage the number of turbines is currently being refined. As we refine the design further through the development process we’ll share information with the community through regular updates,” she said.
“A number of landowners have been contacted to see if they are interested in diversifying their income through hosting wind turbines, with several interested.
“The next step is to refine the opportunity in the area with further environmental and technical studies, and begin engagement with neighbours and the community. Early engagement with neighbours, council, key stakeholders and the community will commence within the next two months.”
Ms McLeod said there “a num-
“Planning works are at an early stage for this project. Neighbour, community and stakeholder engagement will commence within the next two months.
“EE Australia will use the valuable feedback from this early engagement to inform its strategy for the project moving forward, and understand how a project such as this could best contribute to the local region in a positive and meaningful way.”
Ms McLeod said that with the project in its feasibility and development stage, which for a wind project typically takes \ up to four years before entering construction.
Nations benefits, and consider social impact assessments.
“They are designed to minimise environmental impacts and maximise local benefits, including prioritising employment and procurement opportunities within the region.”
Protest signs against wind farm proposals have been erected in Pyramid Hill in the last month.
European Energy says in its prospectus: “We engage early and regularly to support our goal of partnering with the community to mitigate impacts and create meaningful benefits for the communities who host our projects.
“We value the opportunity that community engagement presents for sharing local knowledge and values, communicating community interests and requirements, and improving project outcomes.
PYRAMID HILL
“We look forward to working with you to best understand your locality and how we can help create positive outcomes for your community.
VICTORIA HOTEL
“European Energy is a global renewables company with extensive expertise in renewable energy development, construction, financing, and operations,”
she said.
EST. 1874
PYRAMID HILL
“We develop, build and operate our wind and solar farms in Australia, and are committed to building a strong relationship with our host communities.
“Each of European Energy’s projects is accompanied by a community benefits fund which the community can direct to their own priorities, such as environmental or social causes.”
VICTORIA
“Projects are accompanied by neighbour, community and First
HOTEL
EST. 1874
Catalyst Metals, exploring gold deposits near Mitiamo and with plans for an underground tunnel still waiting on State Government approval, has previously supported community events and projects in the district.
Love
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Love our local!
Trading hours
Monday – Open 3.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
New face brings back beer and food at famous hotel
MEALS are being served and the beer’s back on tap at historic Scully’s Korong Vale Hotel. New owner Dave Longmuir has completed a major kitchen renovation at the hotel that has been a social hub for the district since 1891.
He’s bringing his decades of experience working in hotels and liquor shops to re- juvenating the pub made famous by Annie Scully.
Dave is no stranger to Loddon communities. In a career that has taken him across several states in the liquor industry, he spent several years working at Boort’s Railway and Commercial Hotel.
“Always enjoyed being in this part of Victoria and when the opportunity came up to take on the Korong Vale Hotel, well, I knew it was meant to be,” Dave said.
Trading hours
Lunch from 12.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Pot’n’Parma Night
Dinner from 6.00pm
Thursday – Open Midday
Social Darts Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Dinner from 6.00pm
Friday – Open Midday
Trivia Night
Lunch from 12.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
With Hot Bar Snacks,
Pot’n’Parma Night
Meat Raffle
Thursday – Open Midday
Saturday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Friday – Open Midday
Sunday – Open Midday All Day Pizza Menu
Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm
Close 11.00pm
An opening, celebration and a proud history
TUESDAY marked the day 160 years earlier when the first official school opened in Wedderburn.
Joseph Lockhart was the first headmaster, today two of his descendants are on the staff at Wedderburn College including assistant principal Dean Lockhart.
And the Lockhart name will be perpetually honoured with the name of upgraded buildings at the college now taking on the
names of key school community members over 160 years.
Among them too, is former student Jo White, now the director of Canberra’s Questacon.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett officially opened the $12.8 million upgrade of buildings and later did a formal sod turning as work continued on the new child care centre being built at the college.
Full report and more photos in next week’s Loddon Herald
Principal Danny Forrest and Jo White. LH PHOTOS
Students show uniform changes over the years to Dean Lockhart
Tammi Martin and Cassandra Marr at Tuesday’s celebrations
Fay Lockhart and Martha Haylett
Emma Milne and Lucas George Ian, Ingrid and Julie Gould with college council president Carolyn Stephenson
Making your home a special place
PASSION and expertise ooze from Richard Jeney when he starts talking home renovations and makeovers.
“There more than a home, they’re a very special place to enjoy places of comfort and relations,” says the Inglewood owner of Clever Dick.
“We help people create beautiful environments - kitchens, bathrooms, every room of the home - taking our clients every step of the way in transforming their home.”
Richard and his team love renovations.
“We enjoy giving heritage homes and buildings new life, honouring the history of these great buildings and adding the touches for contemporary living.
“Walk around our Loddon towns, or even in nearby Bendigo, and there are living examples of our sympathetic work that marries the past with today and tomorrow.
“And it’s not just heritage homes. We have seen a real demand in the last year or two from clients updating homes built in the 21st century.
“Kitchens needing a makeover to accommodate the new, larger size fridges or ovens and cooktops.
“Or bathrooms and en suites being brought up to date with the latest design basins.”
Richard said Clever Dick provided complete project management of home renovations.
“Our team is supported up by highly experienced and qualified tradespeople. What we don’t do ourselves, our team of contractors joins us to make your journey in renovation stress-free,” he said.
“Electricians, plumbers, plasterers - all
among the best in our local region - are making the Clever Dick team the go-to people for home renovations.”
Richard said Clever Dick offered clients tremendous value. “We value our relationship with clients and tailor renovations that take the pain out of renovating.”
“At Clever Dick we have the experience and can help you get the job done. We offer
a full range of renovation and handyman services to communities in our base in the Loddon to adjoining areas, from minor repairs and general building maintenance to large scale renovations.
“It’s a clever investment in your home to have a Clever Dick renovation,” Richard said. Seth, Jacob and Richard form the passionate team at Clever Dick helping clients create special places with their home renovations
Richard says that connection with a growing list of local clients is as special as the pleasure he sees from people when a job is completed.
“The proof of our work, whether heritage buildings or newer homes, is that clients keep coming back to us ... no sooner do we finish one room in their home and so often the conversation starts about the next.”
Heroes put in 600 hours
AMITY president Maree Stringer has reflected on the Boort service club’s community contributions and fundraising efforts over the past year.
She told last week’s annual dinner that club donated to many causes including the Good Friday Appeal for Royal Children’s Hospital and the Boort District School.
This year causes were Limp4lymphoma and Bowel Cancer Australia.
Over the past year members have been busy assisting with the gate for the trotting club, helping the RSL with Anzac and Australia Day ceremonies.
As well, the club run the Christmas light competition, coolroom and portaloo hire, an Amity auction, meals on wheels deliveries and the town noticeboard.
Maree said, “Everyone’s contributions and positive attitudes are very much appreciated.”
“I am very proud to be a part of such a great club & would like to say a big congratulations to all the Boort Amity members on another successful year.”
The club has maintained numbers over the last year and looks forward to new members joining over the next, “Amity is as much about inclusion and the social aspect as it is about being able to support and assist our local community and beyond,” said Maree.
Members contributed more than 600 hours to community activities for the year.
The club’s handover dinner had the theme Celebrating our Sheroes - Someone who we admire
or modern heroes, Super Heroes.
During the year, the club celebrated its 1000th meeting and dinner.
Office bearers - President: Maree Stringer. Vice President: Sue
Soltan. Secretary: Kathy Lowrie. Assistant Secretary: Sandra Poyner. Treasurer: Kellie Hare. Assistant Treasurer: Lynette Clark.
Portfolios for the new year
Night checks on roads, signs
ANNUAL night inspection program of sealed and unsealed rural roads and town streets have started across the Loddon Shire..
These are done to make sure road signs are in place, clearly visible with full reflectivity and not obscured by vegetation.
Council director operations Steve Van Orsouw said the inspections would cover about 770km of Council’s roads and would take four to six weeks to complete.
The inspections were done in winter due to shorter daylight hours with inspections starting at 5.30pm and finishing at 2.30am.
“It’s an important part of our road management plan to ensure all signage in place meets Australian safety standards,” Mr Van Orsouw said.
“These aren’t the only inspections we do either – we also periodically inspect rail-
way crossings both during the day and at night, local bridges and of course maintenance and hazard inspections.
“Our roads and infrastructure are a key focus for our community and we continue to leave no stone unturned to ensure they are in the best possible condition.”
Data from Loddon Shire Council’s quarterly Road Management Plan Defect Rectification Compliance Report shows that 98.6 per cent of defects identified on shire roads between January 1 and March 31 –whether from inspections, the public or works crews – were fixed before their due date.
Meanwhile, council is almost half way through works on the Newbridge Road. So far 1km of road has been built, with a further 1.8km to be done. And asphalting on a 2,2km section the Echuca-Serpentine Road is expected to be finish this week,
are - Service: Sue Soltan. Dinner co-ordinator: Leona Nixon. Amenities officer: Kathy Lowrie. Newsletter: Carol Smith. Social: Julia Dorsch. Public relations: Kim Griffiths.
Council congress backs regional action calls
NATIONAL General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association supported by delegates have backed the Murray River Group of Council’s call for action on kew issues.
Group chair Cr Dan Straub, said the result from last week’s congress reflected the strength of regional collaboration and the common sense approach to the solutions put forward to the challenges facing northern Victorian communities.
The motions, developed by group member councils and presented by Loddon Shire on their behalf, tackled critical issues including housing shortages, road and infrastructure repair and resilience, local government financial sustainability, energy transition impacts, swimming pool upgrades, and water reform in the Murray Darling Basin.
He said the success of all seven motions showed the clear alignment between the group’s regional priorities and national concerns. The group also advocated directly to the Federal Minister for Local Government, Regional Development and Emergency Management Kristy McBain while in Canberra for the assembly.
Amity members come dressed at heroes to the annual dinner
CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF ERGO & MANE: A BEACON OF BEAUTY, COMMUNITY AND LEGACY
One year ago, I opened the doors of Ergo & Mane in the heart of Bridgewater with a simple but powerful intention: to create something meaningful — a salon that would not only deliver exceptional service and forward-thinking hairdressing, but also become a pillar of connection, care, and contribution in our regional community.
Twelve months on, I reflect with profound gratitude and pride at what we’ve achieved together. Ergo & Mane isn’t just a luxury low-tox salon — it’s a symbol of what’s possible when passionate people pour their hearts into their community.
From the beginning, we knew we wanted to do things differently. Our salon is built on strong values: sustainability, innovation, and deep care for every person who walks through our doors. We use only certified organic, ammonia-free colour — because we believe in prioritising the health of our clients, our team, and our environment. Our ingredients are transparent, safe, and effective — with 89% of our colour formulation made from water, certified by ECOCERT, and scientifically designed for strength and shine without the compromise.
At Ergo & Mane, clean beauty isn’t a trend — it’s our foundation.
We are a true low-tox space. The air you breathe here is free from open-molecule ammonia gas, and our salon is a sanctuary for your hair and your whole wellbeing.
When you step into Ergo & Mane, you step into serenity: a calm, welcoming environment where every consultation is bespoke, every service is curated with care, and every guest is seen, heard, and valued. We are proud to offer full beauty therapy services, too — from heavenly facials to deluxe pedicures in our reclining massage spa chair. This is your time to exhale.
But Ergo & Mane is more than the sum of our services — it’s a living, breathing part of our community. We proudly employ six team members, including two apprentices, because we believe in the power of investing in young people. Their passion, ideas and energy are vital to the future of our industry and our region. As an educator myself, I travel around Australia delivering education and industry training for the colour company we use insalon. I advocate fiercely for sustainable development in hairdressing, and work to future-proof our industry for the next generation of stylists.
We are incredibly proud of the excellence within our team. This May, Chanara and I were selected as top 10 finalists in the Natulique Global Colour Innovation Awards held in London — a monumental achievement not just for us, but for our whole town. Chanara took home second place! And our biggest thank you all who donated to make this dream come true, Who would’ve thought — an international awardwinning hairdresser, right here in the Loddon Shire! We’re humbled to be putting our beautiful town on the global map. Our connection to community runs deep. We are proud gold sponsors of the Bridgewater Football Netball Club, and we also support the Marong Women’s Football Club, the Calder Lions Netball Club, and the Charlton Netball Club and the Bridgewater bowls club. Sporting clubs are the lifeblood of regional Australia — they teach us teamwork, resilience, and loyalty — and we’ll always be behind them, cheering loudly.
As a local mum with two children attending Bridgewater Primary School, I feel the responsibility and privilege of helping to shape a strong future here. Supporting local small business is one of the most powerful things we can do. Many of our clients travel from far and wide to visit us in Bridgewater — and they love exploring all the wonderful local gems we have, from the beautiful Coffee on Loddon, to the Bridgewater Bakery, our beloved nursery, and of course, the iconic pub. We don’t just provide services — we help fuel the local economy. That’s the power of choosing local.
At Ergo & Mane, we are specialists in curl care, colour, and bespoke styling. We don’t rush. We listen. We educate. Our clients trust us to create healthy, luminous hair that grows stronger with every appointment, and to help them maintain their results at home with our curated selection of clean, high-performance products.
To the women, men, and families who continue to choose Ergo & Mane — thank you. Your support means the world to us. Every booking, every referral, every kind word helps us grow and give back. We are so excited for the future: building stronger community relationships, offering even more expert services, and continuing to raise the bar in the hairdressing industry.
WOOL REPORT
The Australian wool market held the final sale of the 2024/25 Wool Selling Season, the market finished much the way it has behaved all season, recording very little change, in this case, an unchanged benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI). Another common thread has been the large impact of currency fluctuations, minimal movement in the Australian dollar (AUD) meant little influence of the market, the EMI gained 1 US cents for the series. Fremantle returned to the program, pushing the offering up to 29,848 bales. Now the season has concluded we can accurately compare quantities. This season there was 1,565,809 bales offered, this was 261,100 fewer bales or 14.3% less than the previous season. The EMI opened the season (July 2024) on 1,142 cents. The EMI has since gained 65 cents, closing at 1,207 cents. A seasonal increase of 5.7%. In USD terms the EMI opened at 773 cents and is now 784 cents, an increase of 11 cents, a rise of just 1.4%. To view the performance of micron pockets we can analyse the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) in the South. The strongest performer for the season (in percentage terms) was the 28.0 MPG, rising by 71 cents, or 18.1%. The best of the merinos was the 21.0 MPG which added 108 cents, an increase of 8.3%. The reduction in the national offering had a diret impact on the total dollar amount sold for the season. The market value of the wool put through the auction system for the season was $1,940 million, this was $298 million lower than the previous season, a fall of 13.3%. This fall corresponds with the fall in the total bales offered. This week the season starts afresh. The first sale of the season falls into the new financial year, sellers waiting for this opportunity, help to bolster the national offering to 30,351 bales.
Source: AWEX
109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM
Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 8648 5816
Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064
Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333
Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior Agronomist | 0408 188 351
Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044
Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
SHEEP AND LAMBS
PRESSURE mounted on meat buyers again at Bendigo on Monday as numbers and quality dropped away.
Just 7870 lambs were yarded in a very wintery offering, with quality lines of hard fed crossbred lambs off grain harder to find.
In dollars per head terms this sale was in a similar realm to what has been seen recently at $300 to $393/head for export lambs. But taking into account less weight and finish the estimated carcass cost was dearer at 1050c to over 1100c/kg. The best trade lambs also recorded dearer carcass price results.
There was also a price rally on Merino lambs as they offered some of the bigger runs, with light weight pens gaining $10 to $20/head despite little fat cover at times. The dearer rates for most lamb categories were achieved despite a couple of exporters not operating and some topend domestic orders being unable to get a start due to supply and quality constraints. Heavy export lambs $340 to $393/head.
The heavy 26-30kg cwt crossbred lambs $280 to $335 and there was some much dearer carcass price results in this run for neat pens either side of 28kg cwt. Best trade lambs $240 to $290/head, with plainer and lighter types $190 to $230/head. Best processing lambs 1050c to 1150c/kg cwt, second tier 980c to 1050c/kg cwt.
Competition intensified for Merino lambs, the lead trades $220 to $280/head to push higher into the 900c/kg cwt price range and over 1000c/kg at times. Light weight Merino lambs under 20kg cwt were noticeably dearer at $150 to $204/ head for the better presented types, with lighter MK bag lamb Merino pens at $94 to $155/head. Demand for light lambs of all grades was stronger in this market, even for lines showing little fat cover. Just shy of 6000 sheep were yarded, and they
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
Lambs and sheep sold to slightly dearer trends.
Monday, June 30th, 2025 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 10,500 | Sheep - 6,000
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.
Alex Collins - 0408 314 768
Will Lowe - 0498 381 584
Will Holt - 0417 686 814
Zeb Broadbent - 0447 002 844
Drew Stratton - 0414 576 371 Lachie McAllister - 0459 310 797
Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832
Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917
Mitch A’Vard - 0429 966 572
were mostly trade and lighter types in score 1 and 2 condition. Heavy sheep were unchanged with a major norther exporter still out for maintenance, while lighter mutton was dearer by $10 to $20/head. Heavy Dorper ewes to $248/head, crossbreds to $246/head, Merino ewes to $240/ head and Merino wethers to $195/head. Most heavier mutton $170 to $220/head, with a lot of light and trade sheep at $100 to $150/head; the most secondary ewes down to $68/head. The estimated rate for mutton was 650c to 750c/kg cwt.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
BENDIGO
Innovation spotlight
FARMERS, researchers, advisors, and agribusinesses will come together this month for Birchip Cropping Group Ag Tech Expo, a full-day event showcasing cutting-edge digital tools and technologies designed to support the future of farming.
Held at Charlton Park, the expo will spotlight automation, precision agriculture, sensor technologies, and weed control innovations through a practical, grower-focused lens.
“With tighter margins and more data than ever, it’s critical for BCG to help farmers translate technology into decisions.
This event is a step toward building the digital confidence and capability that the future demands.
“Growers are often told they should be using more data or digital tools, but this expo will help them understand exactly how to use what they’ve got, and where to go next,” said event organiser, BCG’s Jess Bidstrup.
“The event is designed to take some of the guesswork out of ag tech. We will cover what’s practical and profitable on-farm right now, but also what’s possible and perhaps not so far away.”
The Expo will feature speakers, with representatives from organisations such as Pairtree Intelligence, Society of Precision Agriculture Australia CSIRO, Charles Sturt University, Single
Agriculture, and INCYT, presenting alongside farmers.
“We know that the most powerful learning often happens between growers,” Jess said.
“When farmers can share experiences and ask practical questions, it accelerates understanding and adoption.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation Grain Automate program, led by the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA) will feature throughout the day with facilitator Edward Scott, delivering workshops about variable rate
technology, farm mapping, and getting your farm ready for autonomy through data collection.
The sessions will provide handson demonstrations in VRT, data mapping, and system integration. A highlight of the day will be a panel discussion addressing ‘The future of weed control technologies’ featuring Charles Sturt University’s Professor Michael Walsh, Ben Single (Single Agriculture), Bailey Kilpatrick (SwarmFarm Robotics) and Warakirri Cropping’s Baingarra site manager, Jono Robinson.
Irrigators will start season with 31 per
THE first 2025-2026 seasonal irrigation water determinations, together with updated determination outlooks and the initial risk of spill assessment for the Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe systems.
The Murray system starts with a seasonal determination of 39 per cent of high-reliability water shares (HRWS). The Goulburn and Loddon systems begin with 31 per cent HRWS.
The Campaspe system starts with 100 per cent HRWS. The Broken and Bullarook systems both start the year with 0 per cent HRWS.
Resource manager Mark Bailey said the opening seasonal determinations were lower than recent years, except in the Campaspe system.
“Drier conditions through 2024-2025 meant we had fewer reserves for the opening seasonal determinations compared to the last few years,” Dr Bailey said.
“The Campaspe system was the exception and secured enough reserves for a 100 per cent seasonal determination,” he said.
“More water is needed in the Broken and Bullarook systems before seasonal determinations can increase.
“Recent rainfall in the catchment areas is welcome, but continued rainfall is needed over the coming months to increase storages levels and seasonal determi-
cent share
nations across all systems.
“With below-average storage flows during May and June, the risks of spill have decreased since the last update was released in May 2025.
“The spill risk in both the Murray and the Campaspe systems is 40 per cent. In the Goulburn system, the risk of spill from Lake Eildon is about 25 per cent.:
Dr Bailey said the risk of spill assessment did not describe the chances of flooding this season.
“The risk of spill is a water accounting assessment. It does not refer to flood risks downstream of the storages.”
On trading opportunities, allocation trade from New South Wales to Victoria is limited to the lesser of a net annual volume of 200 GL or a volume that keeps the risk of spill in Victoria’s share of both Hume and Dartmouth reservoirs below 50 per cent. The current risk of spill from Victoria’s share of Hume and Dartmouth allows 200 GL of allocation trade from New South Wales to Victoria.
GRAIN
Wheat – APW1 $324. ASW1 $324. SFW1 $324. Barley – PL1 $322. MA1 $322. SP1 $322. COM1 $322. BAR1 $322. BAR2 $317. BAR3 $307. Faba Beans – FABA1 $602. FABA2 $602. FABA3 $602. Oats – OAT1 $455. OAT2 $455.
Big cities told of harsh realities
Rural voices hear in national capital, writes Anne Webster
I HAVE been encouraged by the first batch of surveys sent back to my office as part of Mallee’s Biggest Survey 2025, which should have landed in your letterbox in the last week or so.
You can share your views on over 35 questions about issues that matter to you. I value your voice, and I want to hear from you.
I was recently in Canberra with some of your local mayors and councillors for the Australian Local Government Association conference.
As the new Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories I spoke at the 1300 ALGA national general assembly about some of the struggles you and your shires are facing, because I unashamedly support regional councils.
While city councils had to hear some uncomfortable truths on how tough regional councils are doing it, a strong contingent of city mayors and councillors –together with a delegation from Loddon Shire including Mayor Dan Straub - came to an event I held at Parliament House with Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Senator Bridget McKenzie.
Many mayors and councillors supported the issues I raised in my speech.
There is an immense amount of work in the local government portfolio alone, as I also sink my teeth into the other shadow ministry responsibilities of regional communications, regional development and the territories.
I am confident my new role will benefit you in Bridgewater, Inglewood, Boort, Dunolly, Wedderburn, the Loddon Shire and other communities because I remain 100 per cent focused on your needs.
To that end, I must comment on the hottest topic in the Loddon region of late, the VNI-West transmission line and the proposed fines of up to $12,000 if landowners refuse access to Transmission Company Victoria.
I congratulate everyone for continuing to fight for their farming communities affected
by energy cowboys’ proposals for the region.
While the Albanese Labor Government in Canberra is a major driver of the energy rollout with their political yet unrealistic national energy targets, the Allan Victorian Labor Government and their local representative the member for Ripon must be held accountable for Transmission Company Victoria and VicGrid’s conduct in the region.
Both TCV and VicGrid are state entities responsible for the railroading of regional communities to fast-track Labor’s aggressive energy roll-out.
The fines of up to $12,000 for landowners who refuse access to TCV are proposed under a State Bill and your state MPs in both Houses need to know your thoughts on this very important issue.
Remember there are two Houses and Labor do not have the numbers in the Legislative Council to pass laws, so seek your Legislative Councillors’ advice on who else you might need to write to or contact.
The Allan Labor Government
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
OPINION PIECES
The Loddon Herald welcomes receiving opinion pieces for consideration of publication. These pieces should be no more than 800 words and should be discussed with the editor before submission.
1. Which painter infamously cut off his own ear?
2. What was David Bowie’s stage name?
3. Bile is produced in which organ of the body?
4. Which former car manufacturer made the ‘Caprice’?
5. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of which Australian state?
6. How many stripes are on the flag of Malaysia?
7. A ‘high-hat’ is what type of musical instrument?
8. Which amphibious mammal lives in a holt?
9. The ‘Toreador song’ from Bizet’s opera ‘Carmen’ is the tune for which AFL club’s theme song?
10. Mel Gibson was born in which country?
11. What is a persimmon?
12. Scar is the villain in which animated movie?
13. The poppy is worn on Remembrance Day, what flora is worn on ANZAC Day?
14. Who is second in command in
E
wants 95 per cent ‘renewables’ by 2035 – an impossible task! – and their ‘net zero’ target is by 2045.
The Albanese Labor Government wants 43 per cent renewables nationwide by 2030 and for Australia to reach ‘net zero’ by 2050 – all to bolster Labor’s bid to strut at a 2026 COP31 global climate conference they hope to host in Australia.
Mallee’s Biggest Survey asks you about Labor’s federal energy targets and my conversations with Loddon locals suggests there will be slim support for both. Again, make your voice heard by sending your Survey in or filling it out online. I note the Survey includes questions about how mining or energy projects on farmland should be handled – should farmers have a right to veto projects going ahead on their land, should the community get a vote, should there be significant local financial benefit?
I look forward to your response and feedback on these critical issues affecting you and your community.
Anne Webster is the federal member for Mallee
STIMATING crowds is a fine art. There’s one Loddon bloke the locals reckon picks a number and doubles it ... always. So imagine the gigantic fun he would have with some of the big events around the world. Last week, thousands of music lovers from across the U.K. and beyond will flock to a farm in the south-west of England for the legendary Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts. But just how many? Well, they say,. the official capacity is 21,000 people.
I MAGINE the queues if some of our Loddon purveyors of food and drink rocked up there. Di and Paul have been popping up everywhere in these winter months dispensing warm drinks at all types of events. While coffee may be their specialty, gotta say the hot chocolate goes down well on a chilling day ... complete with marshallow or two.
Why did the hot chocolate break up with coffee? It couldn’t espresso its feelings. What’s a snowman’s favorite way to drink hot chocolate? In a mug! “Why don’t hot chocolates ever get into arguments? They like to stay
BUSHY TALES BY IAN JONES
Robin Hood’s band of merry men?
15. “Take care” was a previous slogan for which cosmetics brand?
16. What is the chemical symbol for potassium?
17. Which two former newspapers merged to form the ‘Herald Sun’?
18. Nitrous oxide is the scientific name for what gas?
19. What is the final book of the Bible?
20. Who currently holds the AFL/ VFL record for the most goals kicked with 1360?
cocoa-lated. What did the hot chocolate say to the marshmallow? You make me melt! Hot chocolate is like a hug in a mug, except it won’t ask you how your day was.
T O warm up when cold, focus on increasing body heat through movement, layers of clothing, and ... warm beverages or food.
BEEN a few weeks since The Oracle appeared in OTF. Don’t worry, the fodder is being gathered. Particularly from his Saturday evening trips home from the football. He’s making the mistake of having phone on speaker mode and his driver is diligently taking note of conversations .. so said driver is promising OTF.
1. Vincent van Gogh 2. Ziggy Stardust 3. Liver 4. Holden 5. Queensland 6. Fourteen 7. Cymbal 8. Otter 9. Geelong Cats 10. USA 11. A fruit 12. Lion King 13. Rosemary 14. Little John 15. Garnier 16. K 17. The Herald, and The Sun News-Pictorial 18. Laughing gas 19. Revelation 20. Tony Lockett
Our special series marking 50 years since the first performance of The Wedderburn Oldtimers’ Orchestra, this week looks at their
top-billing gigs
Home-spun humour and acting the fool
From ‘home-spun bush band’ to TV stars, the Wedderburn Oldtimers went from a one-time benefit ball in 1975 to performing on The Penthouse Club and being invited to perform Australia wide.
Their country roots never left them even during their TV appearances, when Graham ‘Grummy’ Ross annouced “I’ve run short of a pedal, you got anything like that?” following it up with “if I’ve got no pedal, I’m buggered!” which led to daytime TV show host Mike Walsh explaining to the crowded what “buggered” meant.
While they knew they’d be playing “three beautiful smart numbers”, the names of the numbers had escaped Grummy’s mind when he was asked but he did promise that they would all start and finish at the same time something he assured the crowd they’d done plenty of times.
The group was known for entertaining
the audience with more than just music during their concerts setting themselves apart from other bands and videos of their television appearances are still a hit online, half a century after their first gig.
Past member Peter Ellis described their performances when he said: “They put on a real floor show at times and entertained as they played.
“There had to be animation, and you had to smile, chat while performing, swing your squeezebox overhead, pretend to go to sleep while playing - it was all part of the act.”
Founder of the band, Lindsay Holt says in the video online: “We claim we’re the only genuine old-time acoustic band in Australia. It’s real toe tapping music.”
He reminisced that “back in our day if you picked a girl up on the dance floor you held her pretty close and it was very sort
of romantic, today what are they doing? They’re miles apart and you don’t really know who your partner is.”
Adding that dancing with a partner to their music was a great way to get to know someone.
Daisy Sutton was almost 70 when Lindsay called her up to play the recently donated violin from Ted Noonan after his death.
The violin hadn’t been played in 34 years, but the strings were still in good condition.
Lindsay had invited other local musicians to join in, and the night was enjoyed so much that they decided to run a genuine old-time bush ball at the Wedderburn Mechanics Institute Hall on July 11, 1975.
The ball was originally intended to be a one-off event, but it was so successful the band received requests to play at other
district balls and dances throughout the north central region of Victoria.
For Daisy this was a huge change to her life, having lived in Wedderburn her whole life and only travelling to Bendigo twice.
She said: “Lindsay threw me into it headfirst, I didn’t know what was going to happen when my music teacher’s violin turned up.” When the band performed on the Penthouse Club, Daisy was a week away from her 72nd birthday.
When asked who the oldest in the group was, Grummy responded with “she’s the eldest, that young sheila in the front, she’s good for 72 next week.”
Check out the video for a glimpse into the music and the characters who were The Wedderburn Oldtimers.
- RUBY HYLAND
Two happenings that once again put old gold town on the map
STEPHEN Poole believes Wedderburn saw the dawning of a new gold era in the 1970s.
He says the town’s annual gold dig and The Oldtimers’ Orchestra came along at the right time.
Stephen can remember his father Jim being part of the team that put together the float for Melbourne’s Moomba parade.
“I reckon it was about the third year - 1973, the year I started sec-
ondary school. The theme was Little Bo Peep,” he said.
“Along with the musicians I was on the float and Little Bo Peep was Cathy Postle.”
Stephen said there was great effort put into designing the float each year.
“And we would take that float around to other festivals, Maryborough, Eaglehawk, Ballarat,” he said.
“The float, the gold dig and The Oldtimers really put Wedderburn on the map back in those days.
“Looking back now, they were significant developments for the town.”
Stephen said the memories of the musicians who went on to form The Oldtimers had listed with him and others in his generation. “They became the new golden stars.”
David Lockhart, Peter Holt, John Noonan, Eddie Beecham and Jim Poole
WEBB - Trevor
Much loved husband of Dorothy, father of Donna, Anthony (Jack) and Jamie (dec.). Grandfather of 7 and great grandfather of 1. Loving third child of the late Dave and Dorrie Webb. Brother of Tom (dec.), Graeme and families.
Rest in peace
WEBB - Trevor
Devoted husband to Dorothy for 59 years, with good times and bad I will miss you, Dorothy
WEBB - Trevor
Man of few words with a heart of gold.
A great father and grandfather. Love today and always, Donna, Chris (dec.), Tamara, Josh and Ashlee.
WEBB - Trevor
Loved father of Jack, father-in-law of Ann-marie, Grandfather of Jay and Johanna. We will miss you “Hope Collingwood wins the flag”
WEBB - Trevor
A Service to Celebrate the life of Mr. Trevor Webb will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 16 Wilson St., Wedderburn on WEDNESDAY (July 9) at 1 pm, followed by a burial at the Wedderburn Lawn Cemetery.
GOULLET - Thelma Isabelle
The Goullet family would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes, love, support and attendance at Thelma Goullet’s service held on Wednesday June 25, 2025.
Notice of intention to apply for a Licence to Construct Works (Bore) for a Licensable Purpose
GMW Reference No: BGW0199-25
We Peter, Dianne & Brent Rothacker of Sebastian Road BRIDGEWATER VIC 3516
Refer to Vic Roads Map 43 H3
Intend to make application to Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) for a Licence to Construct Works (Bore), and if successful:
- This is our notice to amend our existing Licence to Take and Use Groundwater to include the bore and extract existing licensed volume of 960.0ML/Year
The application is for 1 Bore to be constructed to a proposed depth of 100 metres
The water will be used for the purpose of: Irrigation
To be constructed and used on lands described as:
Volume Folio Lot No Plan No Plan Type Crown Allotment Parish 4616 063 13A, 13B, 14B Bridgewater 1231 113 16 Bridgewater 9516 133 14A
Bridgewater 9268 187 15 Bridgewater 9335 931 2 127582 LP
Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the issue of this Licence including any intended groundwater use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.
To make a submission please read the information available to download from Make a submission about a licence application - Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) refer to the Groundwater section or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.
and around the North Central Region
• A safe, professional and family run business. For more information or to apply: email admin@reevesearthmoving.com.au or by post to PO Box 36, Wedderburn Victoria 3518. VR4823596
UNDER 18
Gully
SENIORS
Mitiamo 1.1 3.1 3.2 3.5 (23)
Pyramid Hill 7.6 12.10 15.13 25.20 (170)
GOALS – Mitiamo: S. Wright 2, B. Baines. Pyramid Hill: B. Bisset 10, M. Cheesman, B. Knight 3, B. Gibson, B. George, X. Emmerson, L. Sidebottom, J. Cheesman, H. Goodes, B. Ladson, K. Daniels, A. Hildebrandt.
BEST – Mitiamo: M. Gilmour, Z. Myers, C. Tuohey, D. Marshman, L. Lougoon, T. Rasmussen. Pyramid Hill: L. Sidebottom, B. Bisset, B. Knight, H. Goodes, G. James, B. George.
Marong 4.2 9.5 17.10 20.12 (132)
Calivil 1.4 1.4 1.5 2.6 (18)
GOALS – Marong: R. Taylor 7, M. Bradbury 4, N. McCaig, J. Gadsden, C. Gregg 2, M. Lowery, Z. Turnbull, L. Lee. Calivil: S. Green, J. Lawry.
BEST – Marong: J. Gadsden, M. Willox, R. Taylor, B. Gregg, L. Lee, B. Stewart. Calivil: M. Stephens, J. Lawry, R. Walsh, R. Sheehan, H. McCarthy, J. Maher.
Bridgewater 6.3 10.3 15.8 18.13 (121) Inglewood 0.3 2.6 3.10 4.13 (37)
GOALS – Bridgewater: L. Sharp 7, O. McKinley 4, O. Watt 2, J. Ellings, N. Naughton, H. McKinley, T. Estrada, J. Neylon. Inglewood: B. Cotchett, S. Erharter, L. Marciano, N. Angelino. BEST – Bridgewater: N. Naughton, L. Sharp, H. McKinley, O. McKinley, D. Ferguson, J. Martyn. Inglewood: L. Marciano, B. Cotchett, C. Stobaus, H. Veitch, D. Polack, L. Ford.
Newbridge 3.2 8.4 10.5 14.6 (90)
Maiden Gully 3.0 7.2 9.8 14.10 (94)
GOALS – Newbridge: B. Schilling 4, B. Dimech, J. Zimmer 3, T. Hobson, C. Sanders, W. Copland, O. Perez. Maiden Gully: T. Delahey 4, A. Monfries 3, T. James, M. Hill 2, M. Whitham, B. Franzini, T. Webster.
(33)
GOALS – Marong: M. O’Donnell 3, R. Doorty, W. Thomson, C. Murphy, J. Frankel, C. Dudderidge, C. Bray. Maiden Gully: L. Hancock 2, O. Bowman, D. Downing, L. Budge. BEST – Marong: H. Wilson, W. Thomson, C. Quinlan, J. Frankel, W. Baird, L. Thomas. Maiden Gully: L. Budge, T. Brook, J. Wittingslow, R. Grinham-Reid, D. Downing, D. Bown.
East Loddon
Pyramid Hill
(92)
(31)
GOALS – East Loddon: A. Addlem, K. Maxted, T. Smith 2, R. Demeo, F. Clymo, L. James, W. Ralphs, J. Ketterer, T. Rasmussen, A. Roulston. Pyramid Hill: J. Peter, O. Emmerson, S. Battiscombe, J. Mitchell, T. Cain.
BEST – East Loddon: J. Ketterer, R. Demeo, M. Gray, F. Clymo, T. Smith, T. Tweed. Pyramid Hill: T. Caine, J. Mitchell, S. Battiscombe, M. Caspani, T. Pritchard, E. Ray.
Bridgewater
Inglewood
(49)
GOALS – Bridgewater: J. Friswell 2, T. Harrison, J. Webb, L. Lonsdale, W. Salau, R. Hobbs, A. Frankling. Inglewood: T. Murphy, R. Murphy, T. Lovett, R. Smith, M. Pickering 2, E. McCoy, T. Thompson.
BEST – Bridgewater: L. Lonsdale, J. Webb, T. Harrison, J. Friswell, R. Hobbs, W. Salau. Inglewood: E. McCoy, R. Murphy, J. Penrose, T. Lovett, B. Coffey, K. McClellan.
NORTH CENTRAL
Watchem
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: R. Doran 3, J. Ryan, M. Berry 2, T. Colbert, R. Hogan Jr, C. Boyle. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Summerhayes 3, E. Ellis, W. Landry, T. Considine.
BEST – Birchip Watchem: R. Hogan Jr, B. Hogan, G. Addis, T. Colbert, J. Lindeback, A. Hay. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Stadon, J. Stacey, E. Ellis, B. Baskin, T. Considine, H. Pitchford. Wedderburn
(12)
(97)
– Wedderburn: M. Lockhart. Calder United: D. Murray 4, A. Hogan 2, K. Kennedy, J. Morrison, R. Botheras, G. Forrester, S. Kelly, L. Cooper, R. Jones, H. Connolly.
BEST – Wedderburn: A. Younghusband, M. Barry, R. Holt, L. Sims, R. Tonkin, N. Winslett. Calder United: J. Bish, L. Cooper, B. Forrester, B. Hogan, J. Turner, M. Fawcett.
(178)
(6)
GOALS – Boort: A. Cockerell 6, N. Scott 5, C. Ross 3, C. Hatcher, F. Millar, P. O’Rourke 2, J. Dowling, W. Toose, D. Hatcher, S. Toose, J. Sheahan, C. O’Rourke, M. Coleman. Donald: C. Campbell.
BEST – Boort: W. Toose, S. Toose, N. Scott, A. Cockerell, J. Hall, B. Hewlett. Donald: G. Morgan, S. Pearse, N. Donnellon, B. Harrison, D. Hollis, D. Tatarskyj.
BEST – Newbridge: B. McKinley, A. Padbury, J. Zimmer, W. Copland, B. Schilling, J. Teasdale. Maiden Gully: D. Russell, M. Hill, J. Worsley, T. Delahey, E. Crisp, M. Lines. Marong
SENIORS
44
RESERVES
Mitiamo 2.0 2.2 3.2 3.2 (20)
Pyramid Hill 5.3 12.5 16.9 21.11 (137)
GOALS – Mitiamo: C. Milne, K. Pentreath, O. McMinn. Pyramid Hill: R. Pollock 8, J. McGrath 7, K. Castleton 3, T. McIntosh, D. Lovell, J. Simpson.
BEST – Mitiamo: J. Cassells, C. Milne, D. Saliba, E. Hocking, D. Mitchell, O. McMinn. Pyramid Hill: P. Monaghan, D. Lovell, J. McGrath, K. Castleton, G. Quinn, R. James.
Marong 10.2 18.5 26.6 30.10 (190) Calivil 1.0 2.0 2.3 3.4 (22)
GOALS – Marong: S. De Napoli 10, D. Blume 8, C. Hale 4, W. Thomson, L. Hale, K. Harris 2, B. Matthews, G. Reade. Calivil: M. Hore, D. Ryan, D. Masson.
BEST – Marong: G. Reade, B. Matthews, C. Murphy, S. Bell, D. Blume, S. De Napoli. Calivil: J. Scott, J. Lea, E. Ritchie, F. Clymo, J. Coad, C. Henson.
Newbridge 2.0 4.1 4.2 4.2 (26) Maiden Gully 3.3 8.5 9.6 9.6 (60)
GOALS – Newbridge: C. Van Aken, C. Dixon 2. Maiden Gully: J. Spiller, J. Berry 2, J. Leech, J. Thompson, M. James, R. Crothers, D. Lloyd.
BEST – Newbridge: M. Adams, C. Hoye, C. Van Aken, T. Fox, C. Dixon, E. Spark. Maiden Gully: K. Nicholls, K. Griffin, T. Baker, W. Anderson, M. James, J. Berry.
Bridgewater 2.9 6.13 9.13 14.17 (101)
Inglewood 0.2 2.2 3.3 3.6 (24)
GOALS – Bridgewater: J. Roberts, J. Campbell 3, B. Holt, T. Naughton 2, C. Clapp, J. McKinley, X. Walsh, K. Henery. Inglewood: J. Bennett, M. Pickering, T. Kilcullen.
BEST – Bridgewater: X. Walsh, H. Terry, J. McKinley, J. Bowen, J. Naughton, J. Higgins. Inglewood: J. Barnett, K. Simpson, J. Bennett, J. Gamble, A. Lister, J. Leach. Marong 11 11 0 0 1 486.59 44
Bridgewater 11 9 2 0 1 210.67 36
Inglewood 11 8 3 0 1 164.64 32
Pyramid Hill 11 7 4 0 1 137.2 28
BL Serpentine 10 4 6 0 2 111.92 16
Maiden Gully 11 3 8 0 1 70.7
St Arnaud
GOALS – St Arnaud: K. Torney 2, M. Hungerford, O. Lowe, L. Bridger, Z. Phillips, S. Holroyd. Charlton: L. Collins, B. Lanyon 2, B. Sexton, B. Kemp, A. Schofield, M. Collins.
BEST – St Arnaud: T. Bertalli, O. Lowe, K. Torney, Z. Phillips, S. Driscoll, L. Jackson. Charlton: B. Lanyon, R. Thompson, M. Collins, E. Fitzpatrick, P. Soulsby, J. Thompson.
Boort
Donald 2.0
(182)
(21)
GOALS – Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly 9, K. Rutley 6, W. Perryman 4, J. Mulquiny, J. Smith, J. Dick 2, L. Hall, C. Egan, M. Austin. Donald: S. Arho 2, J. Talty.
BEST – Boort: L. Hall, J. Dick, J. Baddeley-Kelly, K. Rutley, C. Egan, M. Austin. Donald: J. Talty, D. Bell-Warren, D. Pearce, L. Rice, T. Reekie, C. Campbell.
Wedderburn
Calder United
– St Arnaud: N. Saludes, W. Thomas, A. Lowe, S. Bridgeman, F. Donald, C. Zander. Charlton: J. Monaghan, J. Wright, T. Bourke, I. Bourke, E. Soulsby, M. Olive.
– Birchip Watchem: B. Kemp, K. Hamilton, J. Knights, J. Goss. Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Warne, N. McClelland, C. Kelly, C. Mott, A. Smith, B. Allan.
– Wedderburn: B. Cunningham, D. Tansley, T. Blair, B. Cramp, N. Winslett. Calder United: M. Fawcett, R. Hogan, J. Harrison, T. Perry, M. Coatsworth.
–
R. Wagner, D.
J. Malone, J. Gould. Donald: L. Rice, B. Donnellon, S. Mortlock, M. Burke.
(58)
(91)
GOALS – Wedderburn: J. Mortlock, M. Jensen 2, M. Woods, H. Lockhart, O. Holt. Calder United: J. Humphreys 5, D. Pearce 3, M. Farmer 2, D. Watts, R. Smith, G. Turner. BEST – Wedderburn: J. Mortlock, N. Furlong, C. Lowry, I. Holt, O. Holt, D. Jackson. Calder United: G. Turner, D. Watts, T. Trewin, Z. Keighran, J. Humphreys, D. Munro.
Birchip Watchem
Sea Lake Nandaly
(100)
(60)
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: M. Buchanan 4, J. Reid, T. Gibson 3, B. Edwards 2, L. Ryan, L. Foott, J. Christie. Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon 4, B. Delmenico 2, W. Donnan, B. Weir. BEST – Birchip Watchem: M. Buchanan, R. Conboy, H. Hosking, D. Bell, T. Gibson. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. McInnes, M. Cahoon, T. Donnan, W. Donnan, B. Poulton, T. McKenzie. Birchip Watchem
– Wedderburn: W. Huismann, C. Jones-Moore, J. McDonnell, B. Cramp, A. Polkinghorne. Calder United: N. Lowry, L. Poyner, Z. Harrison, Z. Cavalier, S. Morrison, R. Harrison.
– Birchip Watchem: O. Sharp, D. Coffey, E. Dean, L. Cullen. Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Cox, H. Landry, T. McClelland, M. Bailey, G. Durie, R. Allan.
Arnaud
(94)
(12)
– St Arnaud: C. Hendy, F. Wilson, Z. Green, M. Stewart, C. Wickham, R. Wilson-Cook. Charlton: L. Monaghan, D. Olive, C. Dixon, T. McGurk, C. Riley, T. McGurk.
BEST – Boort: L. King, N. Howe, M. Soumelidis, T. Trinchi, C. Nuttall. Donald: S. Mortlock, L. Stopps, E. Geddes, L. Holland, M. Wardlaw, D. Burke.
GOALS – St Arnaud: J. Hicks 7, J. Hicks 5, S. Elliott, L. Ezard 2, G. Gorrie, B. Knight, B. Greenaway, H. Torney. Charlton: S. Zagame 2. BEST – St Arnaud: B. Greenaway, J. Hicks, B. Knight, S. Elliott, J. Hicks, J. Kell. Charlton: F. Bourke, C. Boyle, M. Campbell, N. McCallum, E. Needs, J. Leathan.
LODDON VALLEY
Record Farmers’ field
Golf Club’s annual Farmer’s Four-ball event took place on Friday with a record-breaking crowd of 73 in attendance.
Locals dominated the A Grade, with Di Johnston and Doug Couper tying with Damien Lanyon and Mark Perryman on 45 points, with the latter winning the countback with a sizzling 25 points around the back nine.
In the B Grade, young locals Pat and Flynn O’Rourke lost their countback for runners-up to Gary Haywood and Peter Delbridge from Keilor with 45 points apiece.
But by far the best score of the day was turned in by the winners, Rob McNaughton from Barham, who teamed up with Andrew Rutley from Essendon at the last minute, to come in with an incredible 50 points.
Nearest the pin winners were Grant Humbert from Lockington, Geoff Hibbert and Doug McKnight from Barham, and club president, Damien Lanyon.
A great field of 13 players enjoyed the sublime conditions for the last round of the club championships on Saturday, with our newest member, Natham Wright shooting his best score of 99 off the stick and nett 66 to finish well clear of the rest of the pack.
Runner up was Simon Eicher, up visiting his parents, with dad Peter, Stuart Tweddle, Andrew Kane and Graeme Ball rounding out the rest of the ball pool.
In the nearest the pins, Natham, Stuart, Simon, Shayne and Doug
all took home a prize each. The final championship results saw Andrew win A Grade, followed by Stuart and Damien.
Peter topped the B Grade list, followed by Graeme Ball and Natham Wright. In the Weaver Cup, Damien Lanyon was the clear winner, 6 clear of Stuart. To complete the awards, this month’s Lanyon Fencing voucher went to Peter Eicher with a record 15.5 points.
Wedderburn
The winner of the Wedderburn club championship was Byron bird with a nett 75 while Owen Bailey was runner up with only 1 shot behind at 76. K Lewis was nearest the pin and G Nesbit received best 2 on 2.
Mitiamo
The second round of Championships at Mitiamo’s golf club had another strong turnout with great weather. The A Grade winner was Jamie (Herb) Lister on countback with Dale Anderson in second place.
In B Grade, Nathan Dennis was first, followed by Harry Condliffe. The “Count the Putts” contest saw Brad (Chunkie) Duncan winning with just 23 putts. Nearest the Pin Winners were Graham Maxted, Kyan Maxted and Jamie (Herb) Lister.
Mitiamo’s tournament begins today with the ladies’ Jean Hellsten Memorial stableford round. Events are running from Thursday to Sunday with prizes on offer for winners.
NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY
Men: Boort 2 drew with Donald 2. St Arnaud 12 d Charlton 0. Wedderburn 1 drew Calder United 1. Sea Lake Nandaly Bye.
Ladder: Donald 19, St Arnaud 20, Calder United 19, Boort 14, Wedderburn 11, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, Charlton 0. Women: Boort 2 d Donald 0. St Arnaud 2 d Charlton 0, Wedderburn 2 d Calder United 1. Sea Lake Nandaly Bye. Ladder: St Arnaud 24, Calder United 21, Charlton 18, Boort 12, Wedderburn 10, Donald 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Underage: Birchip Watchem 5 d Sea Lake
Nandaly 0. Boort 1 lost to Donald 2. St Arnaud 1 lost to Charlton 3. Calder United Bye. Ladder: Charlton 27, St Arnaud 18, Donald 15, Boort 9, Calder United 7, Birchip Watchem 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 6. Under 12: Birchip Watchem 3 d Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Boort 1 lost to Donald 7. St Arnaud 0 lost to Charlton 3. Wedderburn 0 lost to Calder United 1. Ladder: Birchip Watchem 27, Calder United 25, Charlton 25, St Arnaud 16, Wedderburn 10, Donald 6, Boort 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 4.
Chelsea Giorlando was part of the Redbacks’ thrilling draw against Caldcer United. LH PHOTO
BOORT
Emergency services were given pride of place at last Saturday’s North Central and Loddon Valley league fixtures.
Holly Winslett and Kaitlyn Ward (above) were at Donaldson Park for the Wedderburn-Calder United clash where ambulance community officer Reece Carroll had the honour of tossing the coin before the senior match.
LH PHOTO
Bridgewater’s Sidney Niemann
Could not be much closer
IF LAST Saturday was the entrée, Loddon Valley netball fans are in for a spectacular main course in the finals.
Mitiamo edged out Pyramid Hill 59-57 in a thrilling top-ofthe-table A-grade netball clash, with the result all but securing the Superoos the minor premiership.
They basically hold a two-game advantage over second-placed Pyramid Hill and look set to advance straight to the second semi-final.
“We were very happy to get the four points, it was a tough game,’’ a relieved Mitiamo coach Abbey Battersby said.
“Pyramid Hill made a great start and we were down by four at quarter-time. We had a good second quarter to cut it (the margin) back to one at half-time.
“We managed to get the lead in the third quarter and we held on to win by two. The scores were level with a couple of minutes to
go, but we managed to get a couple of key turnovers.
“Everyone was up and about after the game, but at the same time they were exhausted. It was really nice to come away with a win in such a tight game like that.”
The Superoos were led superbly by goal attack Laura Hicks, while Carly Scholes was efficient at goal shooter.
In her first season as coach of the Superoos, Battersby is yet to taste defeat.
The Superoos’ mentor was quick to deflect the attention away from her coaching.
“The girls are so easy to coach and we’ve had the same girls the last few years, so that’s made it a lot easier to coach,’’ she said.
“The club is so supportive. I don’t do much at all, the girls know what they’re doing and I’m just the person with the official (title).”
With that defeat, Pyramid Hill
has Bridgewater and Newbridge closing in on second place.
Brigewater consolidated third spot on the back of a 75-31 win over bottom side Inglewood, while fourth-placed Newbridge produced a defensive masterclass in its 53-19 demolition of MGYCW.
Bridgewater and Newbridge are both on 28 points – eight points behind Pyramid Hill.
Marong rounds out the top five on 24 points. The Panthers outclassed Calivil United 83-51 last round.
The Panthers will get a better indication of where they sit in the pecking order when they host Bridgewater in the match of the round this Saturday.
While the Panthers have been competitive in games against fellow top-five teams this season, they’re yet to defeat one of the big guns of the competition.
- ADAM BOURKE
LODDON VALLEY NORTH CENTRAL
A Grade
Bridgewater 22, 41, 57, 75, (75) d Inglewood
6, 16, 24, 31, (31). Marong 21, 43, 60, 83, (83) d Calivil 16, 29, 40, 51, (51). Mitiamo 13, 30, 45, 59, (59) d Pyramid Hill 17, 31, 43, 57, (57).
Newbridge 53, 53, 53, 53, (53) d Maiden Gully 19, 19, 19, 19, (19).
Bridgewater 15, 27, 40, 61, (61) d Inglewood 6, 9, 19, 23, (23). Mitiamo 11, 16, 24, 30, (30) lost to Pyramid Hill 12, 23, 37, 52, (52).
Newbridge 12, 17, 28, 35, (35) lost to Maiden Gully 9, 19, 27, 38, (38). Marong 12, 26, 38, 53, (53) d Calivil 11, 17, 26, 34, (34).
A Grade St Arnaud 12, 20, 31, 42, (42) drew Charlton 15, 24, 34, 42, (42). Boort 17, 32, 47, 57, (57) d Donald 9, 18, 28, 30, (30). Wedderburn 13, 25, 39, 48, (48) d Calder United 8, 15, 20, 28, (28). Birchip Watchem 10, 20, 29, 39, (39) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 18, 31, 51, 66, (66).
40 Boort 32
Sea Lake Nandaly 28
Birchip Watchem 24
Calder United 20 Donald 8 Charlton 6 St Arnaud 2
B Grade
St Arnaud 8, 20, 29, 43, (43) d Charlton 3, 9, 17, 27, (27). Boort 16, 30, 38, 51, (51) d Donald 11, 18, 30, 41, (41). Wedderburn 18, 28, 44, 60, (60) d Calder United 13, 21, 32, 42, (42). Birchip Watchem 13, 23, 36, 43, (43) d Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 18, 25, 36, (36)
Bridgewater 8, 22, 35, 48, (48) d Inglewood 6, 13, 21, 28, (28). Mitiamo 8, 17, 24, 34, (34) lost to Pyramid Hill 12, 27, 41, 51, (51). Newbridge 8, 18, 22, 33, (33) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 22, 26, 36, (36). Marong 18, 36, 55, 74, (74) d Calivil 7, 13, 17, 22, (22).
Bridgewater 16, 27, 44, 60, (60) d Inglewood 4, 14, 21, 31, (31). Mitiamo 8, 18, 27, 34, (34) lost to Pyramid Hill 17, 26, 41, 51, (51). Marong 14, 29, 46, 58, (58) d Calivil 6, 19, 26, 31, (31). Newbridge 12, 21, 27, 35, (35) lost to Maiden Gully 15, 25, 40, 52, (52).
Arnaud 24, 39, 57, 61, (61) d Charlton 14, 23, 31, 32, (32). Boort 12, 24, 31, 43, (43) d Donald 6, 10, 16, 27, (27). Wedderburn 8, 17, 30, 40, (40) lost to Calder United 16, 35, 52, 69, (69). Birchip Watchem 11, 22, 34, 45, (45) d Sea Lake Nandaly 14, 23, 31, 40, (40).
Bridgewater 19, 27, 45, 61, (61) d Inglewood 6, 19, 21, 22, (22). Mitiamo 13, 25, 37, 48, (48) d Pyramid Hill 6, 18, 24, 40, (40). Newbridge 6, 10, 14, 17, (17) lost to Maiden Gully 15, 30, 44, 61, (61). Marong 12, 27, 36, 49, (49) lost to Calivil 15, 23, 42, 56, (56).
40
Hill 16
Mitiamo 12
Inglewood 4
Newbridge 0
Under 15
Bridgewater 14, 25, 42, 53, (53) d Inglewood
1, 5, 12, 18, (18). Newbridge 7, 10, 19, 28, (28) lost to Maiden Gully 17, 28, 42, 56, (56). Mitiamo 5, 6, 7, 10, (10) lost to Pyramid Hill 16, 38, 55, 75, (75). Marong 10, 22, 32, 38, (38) lost to Calivil 17, 31, 44, 55, (55). Calivil 44 Marong 36
Serpentine 32
28
Hill 18
Gully 18
12
4 Newbridge 0
Under 13
Bridgewater 8, 16, 23, 27, (27) d Inglewood
3, 4, 10, 17, (17). Mitiamo 0, 2, 7, 14, (14) lost to Pyramid Hill 5, 15, 26, 37, (37). Marong 3, 11, 14, 18, (18) lost to Calivil 5, 11, 14, 26, (26). Newbridge 12, 22, 30, 37, (37) d Maiden Gully 3, 4, 5, 9, (9).
Wedderburn 7, 17, 25, 39, (39) lost to Calder United 13, 23, 36, 48, (48). Birchip Watchem 8, 17, 20, 21, (21) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 17, 35, 54, 64, (64).
Sea Lake Nandaly 32
Boort 20
Calder United 16
Birchip Watchem 8
Wedderburn 8 St Arnaud 0 17 & Under
Boort 16, 35, 54, 80, (80) d Donald 12, 22, 25, 29, (29). St Arnaud 20, 28, 43, 32, (32) d Charlton 4, 9, 20, 31, (31). Wedderburn 1, 3, 3, 4, (4) lost to Calder United 18, 32, 49, 73, (73). Birchip Watchem 14, 24, 41, 48, (48) d Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 16, 26, 42, (42).
Calder United 40
Birchip Watchem 32 Boort 30
St Arnaud 26
Sea Lake Nandaly 20
Charlton 4
Wedderburn 4
Donald 0 14 & Under A
Birchip Watchem 12, 25, 34, 34, (34) d Sea Lake Nandaly 0, 1, 1, 1, (1). St Arnaud (40) d Charlton (10). Wedderburn (1) lost to Calder United (31). Boort
Wedderburn’s Holly Lockhart shoots for goal as the A Grade Redbacks continue the season undefeated. LH PHOTO
LODDON VALLEY
Lions have big roar
WEDDERBURN surrendered a slender half-time lead when Calder United came roaring home in the final quarter at Donaldson Park on Saturday.
The new North Central league combine had too much strength, grit and speed as they powered on the goals and left Wedderburn frustrated as tempers flared.
Wedderburn was unable to score despite solid from Mortlock, Cory Lowry, Oscar and Isaac Holt.
Jensen, who been in super form around goals and roaming up the ground had a diminished impact over the last 25 minutes, not through lack of endeavour but sheer strength of a surging Calder United.
- Inglewood
39 - (2) - Lincoln Hancock - Maiden Gully
30 - (1) - Riley Doorty - Marong
19 - (1) - Wilhelm Thomson - Marong
19 - (2) - Tyler Murphy - Inglewood
16 - (1) - Fynn Clymo
Cockerell - Boort
27 - (2) - Matthew Berry - Birchip Watchem
23 - (0) - Zachary Wemyss - Sea Lake Nandaly
23 - (3) - John Summerhayes - Sea Lake Nandaly
21 - (1) - George Forrester
Jordan Humphreys would finish the game with five goals for Calder United and been named among the best in a side that is stringing together consistent performances.
However, United was clearly tested by Wedderburn in the first half.
The Redbacks had their trademark arc dominance ticking over better.
That was luring Calder into errors and while leading at the first break, only inaccurcy denied Wedderburn the scoreboard lead.
The second quarter was probably Wedderburn’s best of the day and that was backed up by goals that mattered.
A firey third term was the turning point as Calder lifted with a more physical game, free kicks were awarded a plenty and the Lions staked another claim for flag contention.
Woosang clash and a real moment of truth for one club
THE Woosang Shield is up for grabs at Charlton Park on Saturday when Wedderburn looks the favourite to chalk up a win and edge close to permanently holding the perpetual shield.
Charlton impressed at times against St Arnaud last Saturday but will lack the pace and skill to counter Wedderburn who are clearly one of the better North Central teams despite sitting outside the four.
Boort travels to Sea Lake to take on the reigning premiers. The Tigers have been the only big scalp by Boort so far this season, winning by eight points earlier in the season.
A repeat will keep the Pies in serious contention.
EIGHT Boort youngsters were in the North Central under 15 side that had a convincing interleague win on Sunday.
North Central defeated Maryborough Castlemaine league at St St Arnaud after being part of the NCFL Under 15s Academy program for eight weeks.
Boort players were Darby Perryman, Brodie McPherson , Finlay Arnold, Seth Muller, Cooper Gould, Jacob Malone, Chaise Hird, Noah Howe.
They have been training in Wycheproof and Charlton each Wednesday night and were coached by Zane Bigmore and Jarrod Tyler.
Cooper Gooding also participated in the thrilling under 18 match which ended in a draw.
Mean and polished
WHILE all the focus in recent weeks has been on Loddon Valley powers Marong and Pyramid Hill, Bridgewater has quietly strung together a patch of form that has the Mean Machine regarded as a genuine premiership threat.
Last Saturday’s 84-point thumping of fifth-placed Inglewood was the most impressive of a run of six lopsided wins by 86, 101, 78, 56 and 77 points.
The Mean Machine sit comfortably in third spot on the ladder ahead of their two biggest tests of the season so far in consecutive weeks – Marong (away) this Saturday and Pyramid Hill (home) on July 12.
Saturday’s 18.13 (121) to 4.13 (37) win over Inglewood was set up by a dominant first-half.
Inglewood had its fair share of the ball, but Bridgewater’s better execution by foot, multiple options forward of centre and stingy defence took the game away from the Blues.
Inglewood coach Fergus Payne probably described it best when he used the word “polish” postgame. Bridgewater had it, Inglewood didn’t.
“We played some decent footy in patches, but we came up against a good side that’s welldrilled,’’ Payne said.
“We worked the ball well from back to forward, but we lacked that polish going inside 50 and their ability to curve that was very good all day.
“I thought we were pretty good in the back half and I thought we were pretty good in the middle third. We talk about a launch pad zone and, when we got to that zone to go inside 50, we mucked it up too frequently.”
Bridgewater’s defence, led by Joe Mayes, Harry Conway, Josh Martyn and new recruit Jack
By ADAM BOURKE
Merrin, was outstanding. At the other end of the ground, Bridgewater’s two key forwards - Lachlan Sharp and Oscar McKinley – took advantage of their side’s better ball movement.
McKinley set the tone with a couple of early goals and finished the day with four, while Sharp bagged seven goals, including a couple of trademark classy finishes.
Sharp now has 70 goals for the season and leads the league goalkicking race by 15 goals from Pyramid Hill’s Ben Bisset.
Nic Naughton was lively across half-forward for Bridgewater, while Harry McKinley was their best midfielder.
Midfielder Liam Marciano, who spent some time on the wing on Saturday, was Inglewood’s most damaging player, while inside midfielder Bregon Cotchett did some great work around the stoppages.
Bridgewater forward Bo Alexander and Inglewood defender Josh Whittle were reported for striking each other in the third quarter.
If found quilty, a suspension will cost Alexander, who has been in terrific form, his spot in the team to play against Marong this week.
Payne said Inglewood was missing “15 of its top 44 players” across the seniors and reserves against Bridgewater.
The coach expected to regain “two or three” senior players for this Saturday’s home clash with Newbridge and Payne will be one of them.
It will be his first game since he injured his hamstring in round seven.
Eagles edge into contention for finals action
MAIDEN Gully moved inside the Loddon Valley top five after defeating Newbridge in a four-point thriller in round 12.
The 14.10 (94) to 14.6 (90) victory lifted the fifth-placed Eagles to 18 points – two points more than sixth-placed Inglewood.
While Maiden has a tougher run home than Inglewood over the final six rounds, fifth place could well come down to the round 17 clash between the Eagles and Blues.
The Eagles trailed the Maroons at every break in a hard-fought contest, but they added 5.2 to 4.1 in the final term to pinch a crucial victory.
Daniel Russell, Mitch Hill and Josh Worsley were best for the Eagles, while co-coach Angus Monfries kicked three goals in his first game for more than a month.
The Maroons, who have lost five games on the trot, named Ben McKinley, Andrew Padbury and Jed Zimmer as their best players.
Pyramid Hill bounced back to form with a commanding 147-point win over Mitiamo.
After being outplayed in all facets of the game by Marong the previous week, the Bulldogs responded with a ruthless performance against the Superoos.
A bag of 10 goals from key forward Ben Bisset was the highlight of the 25.20 (170) to 3.5 (23) win.
The Dogs kicked seven goals to one in the first quarter and closed the game out with a blistering 10goal final term.
Bisset now has 55 goals for the season and closed to within 15 goals of league-leader Lachlan Sharp in the LVFNL goalkicking
title.Ruckman Lachlan Sidebottom missed the second-half of the loss to Marong because of a back complaint, but he recovered in time to control the air against the Superoos.
Midfielder/forward Ben Knight continued his great form, adding another three goals to his name. Knight has kicked 13 goals in Pyramid Hill’s past five games.
Matt Gilmour, Zak Myers and Cody Tuohey were best for the Superoos, while Seth Wright, who kicked the match-winning goal against Calivil United the previous week, booted two of Mitiamo’s three goals against Pyramid Hill.
Flag favourite Marong improved its record to 11-0 on the back of a 114-point thumping of bottom side Calivil United.
The Panthers controlled the
BRIDGEWATER is starting to play some very good football.
Marong surely must be getting closer to a loss after more than three seasons of Loddon Valley dominance.
Will it be this weekend at Panther Park when they are at home to Bridgewater? Possible it is, even probable but I think still an unlikely prospect.
Bridgewater is clearly the onform and consistent side at the moment. They will push the Panthers but I’m tipping they will fall three goals short.
Maiden Gully, the surprise packet of 2024, can bank another four points on Saturday when the Superoos hop into the Camel Hump.
Expect Mitiamo to challenge for a quarter, or even two, before the Eagles fly away with the game.
As much as Inglewood should win against Newbridge on Saturday, putting it in simple terms, they have to win.
Injuries have been the enemy of the Blues after an impressive opening few rounds.
But with Maiden Gully now making a serious tilt for fifth spot - they are there at the moment and a slip from Inglewood in the should-must games will make it harder to dislodge the Eagles.
The other match this weekend is just as crucial - Pyramid Hill versus Bears Lagoon Serpentine up there at Mitchell Park.
Every time I pick the Bears, they put in a Barry Crocker.
But even if they play really well, their best possible brand of footy at that, I cannot see them causing a mini-upset.
The closest they will get to Pyramid Hill is probably three or four goals. If the Dogs are off the leash, the margin could be even greater.
That would make Nathan Fitzpatrick smile.
- GLENN CATTO
game from start to finish and won comfortably, 20.12 (132) to 2.6 (18).
Livewire midfielder Jimmy Gadsden was at his brilliant best for the Panthers and big man Matt Willox gave the Marong onballers first use.
Ryley Taylor (seven goals) and Michael Bradbury (four goals) had a day out inside forward 50.
Mitchell Stephens, Jake Lawry and Riley Walsh were best for an undermanned Calivil United outfit.
Marong’s home clash with Bridgewater is the highlight of round 13 action this weekend.
In other games, Mitiamo travels to Marist College to tackle Maiden Gully, Pyramid Hill hosts Bears-Lagoon Serpentine and Inglewood is at home to Newbridge. - ADAM BOURKE
PREDICTIONS
GARY WALSH Marong v Bridgewater Maiden Gully v Mitiamo Inglewood v Newbridge
v BL Serpentine
GLENN CATTO Marong v Bridgewater Maiden Gully v Mitiamo
Hill v BL Serpentine
CHRIS EARL
Marong v Bridgewater Maiden Gully v Mitiamo Inglewood v Newbridge Pyramid Hill v BL Serpentine
Harry Symons in front and taking the mark for Bridgewater.
Loddon HERALD sport
Thursday JULY 3, 2025
Local lad real Bears achiever
FOR much of the 2025 Loddon Valley season, the spotlight at BearsLagoon Serpentine has centered around the form and availability of key forward Josh Mellington.
That’s understandable considering the presence the former Fremantle Dockers’ forward has when he’s on the park.
While everyone wants to talk about Mellington, one of his young team-mates has flown under the radar and put together an impressive season.
Home-grown product Jason Addlem has been arguably the Bears’ most consistent player in 2025.
Injected into the Bears’ midfield, the 19-year-old has been in his side’s best players in six of their 10 games.
Bears’ coach Jake Wilkinson has shown his faith in Addlem by giving him runwith roles against some of the Loddon Valley’s premier on-ballers.
As well as having a strong defensive mindset, Addlem also adds a key ingredient to the Bears’ midfield mix – leg speed.
“He’s developing every week,’’ Wilkinson said of Addlem.
“The more time we can get him in there (the midfield) the more it’s going to help us in terms of our quickness.
“We’re not an overly quick side, so he definitely helps us in that area.
“He adds another dimension to our midfield group and he’s been super consistent.
“He’s having a really good season for us.”
Addlem made his senior debut with the
By ADAM BOURKE
Bears in 2022, while he was still playing under-18 football with East Loddon. After three senior games in 2022, he made eight senior appearances in 2023.
Addlem played all 18 senior games last year, including both of the Bears’ finals matches.
The expectation is Addlem will add more finals matches to his career tally this year.
Leading into round 13 this Saturday, the Bears have a 6-4 record and sit in fourth place on the ladder.
Fresh from the bye, the Bears tackle second-placed Pyramid Hill (9-2) at Mitchell Park.
“The bye has come at a really good time for us,’’ Wilkinson said.
“We have two tough games in a row to come against Pyramid Hill and Marong and then, hopefully, we can get through the next four games to build up for the finals.”
Mellington (hamstring) is unlikely to be part of the Bears’ line-up to take on the Bulldogs.
Addlem will have the chance to add another scalp to his name should Wilkinson decide to give the teenager another tagging role.
On the back of another superb performance against Mitiamo, Ben Knight is the most likely Pyramid Hill midfielder to have Addlem as his minder for the day.