Loddon Herald 5 June 2025

T emporary reprieve fails to quell tax anger

NOT OVER YET

VOLUNTEER firefighters, farmers and community leaders have steeled themselves for a 12-month battle to have the State Government’s emergency services tax ditched.

The Government on Friday gave farmers a temporary reprieve from the 150 per cent tax hike, pegging their hit for a year to the old fire services levy.

But homeowners and businesses will still be slapped with a doubling of the tax from July 1 with the Government forcing local councils to be collection agents.

The reprieve has been linked to the Government extending drought relief packages across Victoria that now make Loddon farmers eligible for infrastructure grants.

Local farmers, however, say the greatest need during the current big dry is finding and paying for stock feed.

Loddon Shire last week called on the state’s 78 other municipalities to refuse collection of the tax that will rake in more than $600 million in its first year.

Fentons Creek Fire Brigade captain and farmer Brett Collins said the fight was not over.

Mr Collins and brigade members were

among thousands of protesters on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne last month calling for the tax to be axed.

Victoria Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said the reprieve was a start in dismantling the emergency services tax that disproportionately impacted primary producers. “I don’t think the Government will want this issue still hanging around in 12 months’ time and an election only a few months away.”

Ripon MP Martha Haylett, who voted in State Parliament for the new tax, said she would continue to take farmer concerns to Premier Jacinta Allan and

Treasurer Jaclyn Symes. She claimed on Monday that the temporary reprieve had been achieved by the Government listening its rural MPs.

Ms Haylett said said the tax “has a disproportionate impact on farmers ... it is not fair”.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said councillors would continue to oppose a “land tax by stealth” on residents. “The Government must come to its senses and stop using country Victoria as a milking cow.”

MORE REPORTS - PAGES 8, 15

Fentons Creek Fire Brigade members remain offline in protest against the Government’s tax. LH PHOTO

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WEEKEND FORECAST

On the trail of brushed, beautiful

EVERYTHING stitched and patched, knitted and woven, dyed, trimmed, brushed and beautiful.

That’s the tag line for LoddonValley Arts Trail’s latest pop-up exhibition in the countdown releasing the official program for October’s showcase.

The Crafty Arts, an exhibition and makers market, will be at Bridgewater Memorial Hall and is being curated after conversations by trail organisers with Jenny Hosking, of Bridgewater Berets, Crafty Arts is inviting exhibitors to be part of this busy, friendly, creative event.

“Jenny Hosking is a big help, as she has so many contacts in handcrafts groups, and does all kinds of events and markets herself,” organiser Rosemary Sorensen said.

“We now are confident that there will be a terrific lineup of artisans, so we’re putting out a final call to people who might be interested in taking part.

“We’d like to thank the Bridgewater Memorial Hall committee for being so open to and supportive of this new Arts Trail initiative, and we certainly hope that this is the first of many Crafty Arts events in Bridgewater.

“It’s the perfect venue for a gathering of handcrafts people.”

There is a boom in interest in handmade crafts, with many people keen to learn new skills and make something to give or keep.

One of the main exhibitors

Jenny Hosking at Bridgewater Memorial Hall where creative works will pop up for the Loddon Valley Arts Trail

will be the Bendigo Branch of the Embroiderers Guild, whose work will be on show and for sale. There will also be weaving, ceramics, knits and mosaics. Yarn dyers and suppliers will also be there, so people can get started on a project themselves.

“The Wedderburn quilters are heading to Bridgewater, and we’ve even got a woman who braids corn dollies,” she said.

“There’ll be demonstrations and workshops, so we’re keen to hear from any makers in our re-

gion who’d like to be part of this new Loddon event.”

The Crafty Arts show will be complemented by an exhibition of children’s book illustrations to take place in the old Railway Station building nearby, which is currently undergoing landscaping and restoration works.

Loddon Valley Arts Trail on the first weekend of October would also pop up at the Bridgewater Nursery with an exhibition that promises to be “blooming good”, Ms Sorensen said.

IN BRIEF

Challenge starts

WHILE Wedderburn College prepared for the start of their push-up challenge this week, supporters had already put plenty of work in. The challenge, organised by Loddon’s young citizen of the year Tyson Blair, had a target of $500 to raise, two days before the challenge started the donations had almost tripled the original goal with a total of $1270 raised. The money raised will go to headspace Bendigo to push for better mental health outcomes in Australia. The team has 15 participants who will need to complete a total of 3214 push-ups before June 26.

Winter fire risk

AN above average bushfire risk is predicted for much of south-west Gippsland and extending into other parts of the state including northwest Victoria this winter. The warning came last week in the seasonal outlook developed by the Australian and New Zealand Fire and Emergency Services Council.

Weed walk

THE Inglewood Landcare Group is organising a walk discussing weeds at the Morning Star Dam site next month. The July 6 activity will have experts joining volunteers to discuss vegetation in the area.

T oddler’s two-year wait

A WEDDERBURN family has been left concerned and frustrated after being told their toddler faces a two-year wait for surgery to remove a cyst on his eyelid.

Buka Colbert, 2, was born with the cyst and has had referrals to specialists at Bendigo Health and the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“The paediatrician told his mother and I that he needed surgery and that he would be listed as a category two patient due to the location of the cyst,” said grandfather Stephen.

VICTORIA HOTEL

“The paediatrician said we might need to wait a couple of months but Bendigo hospital was well equipped to do the surgery.

“Just wait a few weeks and you will be notified, they said.

“We waited about four months and then recontacted the hospital only to be told that the paediatric surgeon had left their service and we should go back to the GP for a referral to the Royal Children’s Hospital, the one we donate too every Good Friday, which we diligently did and with assistance from our hard working GP we were referred to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“After a couple of weeks the RCH contacted us to say we should go back to the GP and get a referral back to Bendigo hospital because they couldn’t find a spot to conduct his surgery for at least two years. So we find ourselves shuffling back and forth between Bendigo hospital and RCH with zero resolution to a child’s healthcare needs.”

Buka’s mother Ebony said GPs had been helpful and the No-

vember 2024 listing as a priority two patient had lifted hopes for surgery. Stephen said he was concerned for the development of Buka’s peripheral vision and Ebony still hopes the surgery can be done before her son starts kindergarten next year.

HILL

VICTORIA HOTEL

played with toys in the front yard of their Wedderburn home.

PYRAMID HILL

“I am raising our concerns about the wait time on behalf of all youngsters as they are our tomorrow,” Stephen said as Buka

VICTORIA HOTEL

EST. 1874

A Bendigo Health spokesman said the average wait time for category two paediatric patients at Bendigo Health is 238 days with 32 people currently on the list.

“In late 2024, Bendigo Health paused paediatric surgery due to unavailability of specialised staff. Prior to this, to ensure the

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needs of our community were met, all urgent paediatric surgical referrals were sent to Royal Children’s Hospital. Over the past 12 months, Bendigo Health has worked to create a sustainable solution for paediatric surgery. We recently signed a service level agreement with the RCH, for a visiting surgeon to run an operating list at Bendigo Health. The first list is scheduled for June 6.”

IN BRIEF

Quilt exhibition

THE historic Charlton Courthouse Gallery will be draped in colour and fabric over the King’s Birthday weekend for its latest exhibition, Pieced Together, a collaborative exhibition by Charlton and district quilters. On display will be a diverse collection of quilts and other patchwork items that highlight both traditional techniques and modern creativity. Exhibitors include members of local patchwork groups as well as individuals. Hosted in the restored Courthouse Gallery, its high walls will provide the perfect backdrop for the striking designs and stitchwork on display. Exhibition co-ordinator Jodie Quinn says: “This exhibition really shows the strength and spirit of our quilting community. Each piece tells a story, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for people to show off a favourite quilt — even if it’s been tucked away for a while.”

Digital tourists

A NEW digital display will be installed at Wedderburn visitor information centre providing an opportunity to showcase the experiences the Loddon Valley has to offer, making it easier than ever to explore and connect with the region. Kayla Valentine has joined the centre team as a visitor experience officer.

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Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm  Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Doris, Buka, Ebony and Stephen Colbert face a long wait for surgery to remove a cyst on Buka’s eyelid. LH PHOTO

Sand mine offers $1500 to use land

FALCON Metals is offering Mysia landowners an estimated $1500 compensation for exploratory mineral sands drilling.

The 1700-hectare proposed drilling site covers part of the water catchment for Woolshed Swamp and the Western Waranga Channel.

Local farmer Matt Chalmers said landowners needed information and detail “beyond what Falcon has been announcing to the ASX”.

“Originally we were told they were looking for gold but over the last year or so that has become mineral sands,” he said. “We’ve told Falcon we want to learn what this exploration really entails to gain an understanding of impacts on our farming operations.”

Matt said contact from Falcon to discuss land access had come at inconvenient times.

“The first letter in December was in the middle of harvest, a second in April was when we were sowing,” said the fifth generation Mysia farmer.

Falcon has offered landowners a $500 one-off sign-on fee for land access, $25 for each aircore hole completed on their property and $25 each time the company is on the land. An estimated 150 drill holes have been proposed.

The company has failed to gain the signatures of Mysia landown-

ers on land access agreements and brought in Victoria’s mining warden to mediate.

“In late April, Falcon Metals made a submission to the Office of the Mining Warden, who has specialist expertise in land access matters. The submission was made with a view to facilitating a discussion with landowners,” said managing director Tim Markwell.

“Falcon Metals is waiting on further communication from the Mining Warden. As the matter is currently in mediation, Falcon Metals does not intend to make

Jim, Carolyn and Matt Chalmers: “They want to use our land and we’re not sure about that.”

Cod reeling in holiday campers

LARGE Murray Cod catches on the Loddon River are luring campers to Bridgewater Caravan Park.

Fish up to 110cm long have been reeled to the river banks in recent weeks and park owner Kristy Hourigan said anglers were among hundreds of campers booked in for the King’s Birthday weekend.

“The big catches have come as bookings at Bridgewater in May were up more than 50 per cent,” she said.

“We’re booked out for this weekend ... have been for some months.”

further comments at this time.

“Falcon does not currently have access agreements at the Farrelly prospect.

“However, Falcon Metals has approximately 67 land access agreements in place across Victoria.”

Office of the Mining Warden did not respond to questions on when mediation would start but has attempted to contact Mysia landowners over the past fortnight.

Falcon has told farmers that if they refused to negotiate a settlement on compensation, they

could be referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Matt Chalmers said: “We are all concerned about what that means to our community. If it went to VCAT, that would only be on compensation, not land access. If there was to be mineral sands mining, we may well see 30-metre deep holes on prime and irrigated farmland,” he said.

Matt and father Jim say they will meet Falcon “but only to ask questions ... they want to use our land and we’re not sure about that.”

Capacity at the park will be increased from September when 10 new cabins being constructed in Bridgewater by CDLS are transported to their new Loddon River home. “The cabins will expand the available visitor experiences in Bridgewater and further grow bookings at the park,” Kristy said.

At Wedderburn Caravan Park, a gold detecting weekend is being planned for the end of June.

“The park is a popular destination for detectorists exploring the area,” said Kristy.

“We had a really successful detecting weekend last year and the demand from campers for a repeat has ensured we keep this in the park’s annual calendar.”

Priority mobile tower push

TWENTY councils are expected to be part of an initiative that will improve mobile phone connectivity.

Loddon Shire councillors last week voted to support the digital connectivity project that has Newbridge listed as a priority.

Council will also contribute $1000 to the Telstra push across the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation and Murray River Group of Councils areas.

Lampaloza lights up at gallery

UPENDED plates, bowls and trays are supporting the latest illuminating exhibition at Wedderburn’s Coach House Gallery and Museum.

St Arnaud artist Peter Tanczos has a collection of lampshades made from recycled and repurposed materials on display.

A lamp he calls Gloria was 10 years in the making “waiting for the right parts to come along”.

Peter’s lamps combine vintage and comtemporary elements of design.

The gallery’s Margaret Bentley said the Lampaloza exhibition had created considerable interest since it opened a fortnight ago. “We have had a few sales. With the high interest, we are hoping for good attendance numbers on the King’s Birthday weekend,” she said.

“Telstra’s project working group has the ambitious goal to source and provide significant funding for the project from local government and private partnerships,” said council CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald.

Securing $10 million from target groups will give Telstra the capacity to seek funding and support from both the New South Wales and Victorian State Government, as well as the Fed-

eral Government. Newbridge has been identified as a priority site under both the ‘New Coverage’ and ‘Depth of coverage’ categories.

“Under ‘New Coverage the current area is recognised as having poor or no outdoor handheld device coverage. Newbridge falls under the ‘Depth of coverage’ category, where there is likely limited handheld outdoor coverage, but indoor coverage may not

be consistent and would require use of additional equipment such as an off-air repeater system to improve indoor service.”

“The proposed mobile tower installation in Newbridge is expected to significantly improve digital connectivity for residents, businesses, visitors and emergency services.”

The project aims to contruct 29 towers in poor service areas, tourist and farm regions.

Shire books into new library plan

THE library services agreement for Loddon’s five agencies will be extended by two years while the region prepares a new governance andmanagement model.

Loddon Shire councillors last week approved the extension.

State Government changes have forced Goldfields Library Service to adopt a new model before 2031.

“All four member Councils have agreed to continue a collective approach to library service delivery utilising the legal structure of a not-forprofit company limited by guarantee,” council CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald said.

“This model has now been implemented by several Regional Library Corporations and is successfully working for a range of Councils in delivering a collective approach to public library services.”

He said the two-year agreement allowed ample time for the current corporation to be wound up and a change over to a new entity to be approved by member councils.

“This proposed approach allows flexibility for council members undertaking any review of a new, proposed constitution and new library agreement and allows time to wind up the existing regional library corporation.”

Mr Fitzgerald said a new draft agreement was almost complete.

Voters better state average

LODDON Shire Council elections last October had a large percentager voting than the state average.

The Victorian Electoral Commission’s report on the election was tabled at last week’s council meeting.

The VEC is paid by council to run the election that saw 86.97 per cent of enrolled voters return their ballot papers in the contested Inglewood and Tarnagulla wards.

Across Victoria the average was 83.79

per cent and Loddon’s participation was up on the 2020 election with 86.54 per cent voted.

“The election manager set aside 68 returned ballot paper envelopes that were not admitted to the extraction and counting process due to the voter not having signed the declaration envelope or, in the case of unenrolled declaration votes, an entitlement was not found for the person, or the declaration envelope was not returned with the vote,” the report said.

Highway stop gets a coffee service

A MOBILE coffee van has been given the Loddon Shire tick to trade from the popular Loddon Highway stop at Serpentine’s Judkins Park.

Approval allows Linda and Leigh Canfield’s Bella and Co van to trade between 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday and from

9am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays.

“A fee was paid for the application, which is standard procedure. No other fees are applicable under Local Laws fees and charges,” according to a council spokesperson.

Margaret Matthews admires Peter’s lampshade creation Gloria. LH PHOTO

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Young farmers fear tax will keep rising

THE emergency services tax will never come down, only go up: that’s the fear of young Loddon farmers after being given a temporary reprieve last week.

Oscar Holt joined other volunteer firefighters at the Fentons Creek brigade shed on Sunday morning.

They had been among protesters in Melbourne calling for the controversial tax to be scrapped.

“We have to keep this tax on people’s mind and not roll over,” said Oscar.

His brigade captain Brett Collins said: “The election is just over 12 months away and people will not forget.”

Joe Lockhart said it was easy for the Government to tax country people “when they are not going to get any votes from us”.

They said while the 12-month reprieve was a start, the tax remained an unfair hit on country communities and the rural councils forced to collect the fee for the Government.

The message to the Government from young farmers Isaac Holt and Ingrid Gould was direct.

“Stop splashing cash,” said Isaac.

“Free train travel ... it’s only buying votes and they made it

cheaper last year anyway,” said Ingrid.

More than a dozen members of the Fentons Creek and Berrimal brigades were in unison in continuing to oppose the emergency services tax.

They said the challenge was to convince Melbourne people that they would also pay more through the new tax.

“We’re young farmers trying to make a go, trying to do the figures on crops and then they want to tax us more, taxing volunteers fighting fires,” said Oscar.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said that 12 month pause to the controversial tax was welcomed and allowed more time to talk with the government.

“Pausing the ESL increases for 12 months is the right call, but it doesn’t change the underlying problem: this levy is an unfair cost shift onto farmers.”

“We’ll use this extra time to continue making the case that it needs to be scrapped altogether, not simply paused,” Mr Hosking said.

Serpentine one of two new stations left from 2022 list

SERPENTINE’S promised new station could be the last of six listed for construction on the Country Fire Authority’s 20222023 procurement plan.

An official sod turning marked the start of the Metcalfe station project on Sunday,

The State Government on Tuesday told the Loddon Herald there would be a mid-year start at Serpentine.

New stations earmarked on the CFA’s procurement list three years ago have been finished at Beaufort, Wydham Vale and Pyalong.

Only the Riddells Creek station remains in limbo after Macedon Ranges Shire refused a planning permit for the new location.

Riddells Creek has been waiting for what was originally a $3 million new building since first promised in 2019 for a 2021 completion.

The procurement list shows Serpentine was to have gone to tender in the first quarter of 2023, almost two years after funds were included in the State Government.

Earlier this year, the CFA said the work would start on the Serpentine station costing $3.,2 million in February with construction to finish next year.

Northern Victoria Region MP Wendy Lovell last week raised concern about continued delays in State Parliament.

“The constant delays are deeply frustrating for the Serpentine CFA brigade, who had lobbied for a new station for over a decade prior to the 2021 funding commitment, and desperately need modernised facilities to deliver the best firefighting capability,” she said.

A Government spokesperson said: “The Community Safety Building Authority continues to work closely with Country Fire Authority in the design and delivery of the new Serpentine fire station.”

“A competitive market tender process has been completed, and a head contractor has been selected to build the new facility.”

According to the Government, the Serpentine build is expected to start in the middle of this year.

“The project is fully funded to deliver this contemporary fire station to meet the community’s needs,” it said. “The latest operational requirements have been updated and included throughout the design process to assure this new station will have the most up-to-date capability when opened.”

Enquiries to the CFA on delays to a start at Serpentine have been referred to Department of Justice and Community Safety.

No explanation has been given for latest delays on a start at Serpentine.

- CHRIS EARL

Brett Collins

Webster gets promotion in reconciliation

ANNE Webster has been promoted in the Coalition reshuffle last week after the Liberals and Nationals patched up their “quickie divorce” in the wake of the federal election drubbing.

Dr Webster has been elevated from an assistant shadow minister in the last Parliament to shadow minister for regional development, regional communications, local government and the territories.

She will sit in the outer minister front

bench of new Liberal leader Sussan Ley and re-elected Nationals’ leader David Littleproud.

“Driving across the 83,412 square kilometres of Mallee, I know like the back of my hand where many black spots are. Despite the former Coalition Government’s significant effort leading up to 2022 filling 43 Mallee mobile black spots, since 2022 Labor have not filled one in their first three years in office,” Dr Webster said.

“I will be taking up the fight to the Albanese Government not only for Mallee but all regional Australians on regional mobile and internet connectivity to overcome the tyranny of distance, enable remote work and working from home, and adopt best practice technology in agriculture and small business.

“The Nationals fought hard at the last election, and since in negotiation with the Liberal Party, to ensure there is a universal service obligation on telcos so we have reliable coverage in regional Australia. I am excited to lead the charge taking this policy forward towards the next election.”

Dr Webster said she was excited to be advocating for regional development and other ministerial responsibilities, emphasising that her fight to ensure Mallee gets its fair share from Labor governments would not only continue locally, but shape how she takes up the fight for all regional Australians.

“In my maiden speech I also said ‘Roads, rail and bridges are essential for productivity and community life. Locals and

tourists alike, need safe passage to travel throughout this vast electorate. Our farmers and industry need efficient transport mechanisms and systems to access domestic and export markets’.”

Dr Webster welcomed re-forming of the Coalition with the Liberal Party. “The Nationals have fought for and secured important reform for regional Australia. I am a strong advocate for principle, and the principle in the wake of the election is that The Nationals made promises to regional Australians we expected the Coalition to keep.

“We stood firm for regional mobile coverage, a Regional Australia Future Fund, a big stick of divestiture powers to hold the supermarket duopoly accountable and keeping nuclear energy as a future option in our energy mix. After some debate, we have secured those major wins for regional Australians, and history will hardly notice what – in the end – was arguably not a formal break in the Coalition, or at worst a few days in limbo during negotiations.”

MP wants electoral office back in Mallee

FRESH calls have been made for the Australian Electoral Commission to have its Mallee office in the electorate.

The formal declaration of the poll following last month’s federal election was made in Bendigo last Friday.

But candidates were hard to find at the official end to the campaign and Anne Webster, who was elected for a third time, did not travel from her Mildura home to

the adjoining Bendigo electorate where the AEC has its office. “The formal declaration of the polls took place — unfortunately in Bendigo, 400 km from Mildura, our largest population centre. I call on the Australian Electoral Commission to bring the declaration center back to Mildura, where it rightfully belongs.”

Mallee is one of two electorates without an AEC office within its boundaries.

The

Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039

Anne Webster

THE PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE BIT OUT THERE

Head for the hills and discover Victoria’s regional events. Try your hands (and feet) at various things you’ve never done before. You could find yourself cider quaffing, tulip sniffing, star gazing, maybe even grape stomping.

Olive crush given green light

A NEWBRIDGE farm shed can be used for olive processing and worker accommodation after planning approval last week by Loddon Shire Council.

Officers recommended the planning permit that had one objection after adjoining landowners were told of the application by Christopher Young.

Mr Young bought the Loddon River property in 2000 and has since planted 2700 olive trees.

His Yalla-y-poora Grove online page say it is an Australian olive grove that specializes in the production of premium demeter certified bio-dynamic extra virgin olive oil.

The Newbridge grove promotes its olive harvest

pallets and transported to the distributor in Croydon. Alternatively when in bulk the oil will be transferred into 1000L IBC containers for direct shipment to the client. It is not expected to exceed 10 deliveries a year.

“There may also be a small volume of web sales which will be transported to Bendigo for distribution.

“The olive processing facility is in operation from mid-April until early July each year with the operation proposed to be commencing at 8am and finishing by 8pm each day.”

New minister confirms child care pledge

THE Federal Government’s election eve commitment for a child care centre in the Loddon Shire has been confirmed by the new minister.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jess Walsh said: “The Albanese Labor Government promised up to $5 million towards a new child care service in Loddon and that’s what we will deliver.

Officers told last week’s council meeting: “Currently the lot contains a large machinery shed, two water tanks, small storage shed and approximately 11.5 hectares of olive plantation consisting of 2700 trees. The western end of the large machinery shed has been converted into an olive processing facility with existing equipment already installed. The middle section of the shed will be used for storage and the eastern end to be used as a workshop area and dwelling.”

annual production estimated at 12,000 litres.

They said an eight bay shed would be modified to house olive oil processing equipment with

“{The property will not be open to the general public with no farm gate sales proposed. It is proposed to package the olive oil a number of ways including in 500ml bottles or 1L & 10L BIB packs which are then loaded onto

A neighbour objected to the planning application, saying the shed was 10 metres from a boundary fence and 190 metres from their home.

The objector also said the processing plant had been in use for at least 10 years and raised concerns about pollution.

Mr Young was contacted for comment.

Data backs up fast service planning permits

LATEST data places Loddon Shire Council above expectations of rural councils for building and planning services it offers to residents.

The Statutory Planning Permit Activity Report shows that in the first three months of 2025 every planning permit application was processed within the 60-day time frame required by the Planning and Environment Act. Loddon Shire is ranked above the rural average of 58 days with an average of 40.8 days.

Mayor Dan Straub praised the efforts of Council staff in ensuring local applicants knew the result of their applications in a

timely manner. “It’s a credit to the team to process such a high level of applications and they always set a high benchmark,” he said.

Council’s building services activity report shows that 133 building permits were issued in the year to March 31 with a combined value of more than $27 million.

A total of 120 certificates of final inspection and 41 occupancy permits were also granted during the period.

The strategic planning quarterly activity report shows work is progressing on several fronts, including amendments to the Loddon Planning Scheme, the Flood Planning

Scheme Amendment, the Wedderburn Flood Study and Structure Plans for the five priority growth towns of Boort, Bridgewater, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn.

“Strategic Planning is the grunt work behind every development that comes to fruition,” Cr Straub said.

“We are in the early stages of many of these plans but it’s important we get them right to ensure Loddon Shire prospers well into the future. All of these projects will also involve extensive community consultation so everyone will have their chance to have their say on the way forward.”

“As promised, the government will work with the Loddon community to identify an appropriate location for the new service,” she said.

Labor’s candidate at last month’s election, Greg Olsen, made the promise late on the day before polling day.

However, Senator Walsh has not given any timetable for delivery of the child care funding pledge.

Loddon Shire will remain without child care until the new early learning centre opens at Wedderburn College next year as part of a State Government program.

The federal commitment is also for co-location of child care in Loddon.

Inglewood and District Community Bank is pushing ahead with its advocacy of a centre to service Inglewood and Bridgewater. Applications close next week for consultants to prepare a feasibility study.

‘Equal footing’ aim of Djaara treaty move

DJA Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Corporation wants to be put on an equal footing to provide a better future under its proposed local treaty.

However, the Bendigo-based corporation is yet to say what its aspirations and priorities will be for the region that encompasses Loddon Shire communities.

Last Wednesday’s announcement that the corporation would be the first in Victoria to seek a local treaty will trigger negotiations with its community.

Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Cartner said communities thrived when local people can call the shots about local decisions and when there’s a sense of connection and understanding.

Mr Carter said Dja Dja Wurrung had kept the “local country healthy for thousands of years, with the lands providing for his people – until they were forced off it.

“In addition to the practical decision-making powers at a local

level, we know our community also wants to build understanding and pride in our Culture and language more widely.” said Mr Carter.

“Everyone should be able share in the benefits of Country. For millennia, Djaara cared for country and country provided for us.

“But, since the 1830s, nonAboriginal People have used Country’s resources to generate incredible wealth, establishing intergenerational advantage and privilege, while Djaara have been excluded.

“Our homelands have been turned upside down, and we’ve been prevented from practising our culture.

“The playing field has been nowhere near level. Treaty will provide opportunities for us to get back on equal footing, to create a better future for our kids.”

Djaara is still to confirm when its consultations on the local treaty will start and whether other groups will be involved.

State talks focus on bridging gap

THE local treaty bid is separate to negotiations for a state treaty.

Those Negotiations have focused on how to close the gap in outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, including a new independent accountability mechanism.

Plastering over court cracks

GREATER use of Bridgewater Recreation Reserve facilities will be possible when tennis and netball courts are resurfaced.

Reserve committee members on Monday took Ripon MP Martha Haylett on an inspection of the area following a State Government grant of $47,564 to resurface the multi-purpose courts.

They told Ms Haylett the reserve was used allyear round by the community.

Laura Naughton was among committee members who explained the reserve’s use extended beyond sporting clubs. She said walkers were regularly exercising in the reserve throughout the day.

She said large cracks in the courts had prevented their use and the grant was important for returning them to a safe condition to benefit the community.

Loddon Shire Council is seeking feedback on the draft Loddon Inclusive Communities Plan 2025–2029, on public display from Thursday 8 May to Friday 6 June 2025.

The draft plan outlines strategies to enhance inclusivity across the Loddon Shire, ensuring all residents have equitable access to services, opportunities, and feel welcome to participate in all aspects of community life. It re ects Council’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.

The draft plan will be available for review on Council’s community engagement platform: connect.loddon.vic.gov.au/loddon-inclusivecommunities-plan

Feedback must be received by 5pm on Friday 6 June 2025 and can be submitted by email to loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au, by post to PO Box 21, Wedderburn VIC 3518 or delivered in person to Council’s Wedderburn o ce (41 High Street).

Scan the QR code to complete a short survey and share your feedback.

Cr Dan Straub - Mayor

Martha Haylett inspects the cracked court surface with reserve committee president Bryan Ryan and Laura Naughton on Monday. LH PHOTO

Sheep theft alert across region

DISTRICT farmers have been urged to report suspected sheep thefts to police.

Wedderburn’s Sgt Ben Huisman said that if thefts went unreported, police were limited in their information and in investigating incidents.

“Every piece on information is important and should be reported,” he said.

His request comes as online farm theft watch groups claim there have been incidents in the Inglewood district over the past fortnight and Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for assistance after $12,000 worth of merino sheep were stolen from a property

in Strathlea, near Newstead. Polices have been told four men were seen herding the sheep into a light-blue coloured enclosed trailer at Browns Track about 8.30am on May 21.

The trailer was being towed by an Iveco dual rear wheel white van and the men were perceived to be of middle eastern appearance.

Police last Friday released digitally generated images of three of the men, based on witness’ descriptions.

Images of a van and trailer, believed to be similar to those used in the offence have also been released in the hope someone may be able to provide information to assist investigators with their enquiries.

KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS 2026

Expressions of Interest for 2026 kindergarten enrolments across Loddon Shire are now open.

Loddon Shire Council provide central enrolment for all sessional kindergarten services within the Shire.

An online form is available for families to register their interest in enrolling and re-enrolling their child in 3-year-old or 4-year-old kindergarten.

Parents and carers who would like to submit an expression of interest to enrol their child or children in a 2026 three or four-year-old kindergarten program can visit children in a 2026 three or four-year-old kindergarten program can visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/OurServices/Services-for-our-younger-residents/Kindergartens

Alternatively, families can use the QR code provided below

Expressions of Interest will close on July 28.

With the arrival of Early Learning Victoria in 2026 at Wedderburn P-12 school site families who wish to enrol their children in kindergarten in Wedderburn will have the option of enrolling their child in a sessional kindergarten program or an integrated kindergarten program. While we are confirming the timeframes for the new centre, interim sessional kindergarten will be offered at Wedderburn.

Police said stock theft was a serious offence in regional Victoria, causing significant grief and costing thousands of dollars to hard-working farmers.

Detectives are investigating the possibility that stock is being transported to Melbourne or outer suburbs once stolen. They say they are confident someone in the community will be able to provide the information required to hold these offenders to account.

Anyone who recognises the men pictured, vehicles used or has information concerning the stolen sheep is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Cup’s second coming

THE Melbourne Cup will be in the Loddon Shire for a second time in three years.

Excited Bridgewater on Loddon Development president Jill Hobbs gave the news to the Loddon Herald late Thursday, ending a month of being swon to secrecy that the 2025 cup tour will include a Bridgewater stop in September.

Mrs Hobbs and former president Shannon Brown were in Melbourne for the Victoria Racing Club announcement. The stop follows a visit to Boort in 2023.

Bridgewater will be in the cup tour sweep and BOLD has nominated Inglewood and Districts Health Service as its charity should its drawn horse win the Melbourne Cup in November.

The VRC said: “(The) tour is a key initiative of the VRC, and since its launch in 2003, the iconic three-handled Cup has journeyed across Australia and the world. Covering over one million kilometres, it has visited more than 680 destinations, connected with tens of thousands of people, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local fundraising efforts.

For more information or queries regarding the kindergarten expressions of interest, please call the Early Years Team at Loddon Shire Council on (03) 5494 1200.

“This unique tour offers fans and communities around the globe an exclusive chance to experience the magic of Australia’s most iconic race, up close and personal. “

The 2025 tour will visit 36 towns with Donald and Bendigo also on the itinerary.

Reading Blues together

NATIONAL Simultaneous Reading Day last Wednesday saw East Loddon College students from Prep to Year 4 join in reading together this year’s selecterd book Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker.

Images released by police of suspects in reported sheep thefts in central Victoria and a van similar to one used in the rural crimes

Shannon Brown and Jill Hobbs get their hands on the Melbourne Cup

Drought declaration ‘first step to help’

EXTENSION of the State Government’s drought zone declaration to all of Victoria was just the first step, according to farmers.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said it represented a step in the right direction as Victoria endures crippling drought conditions across the state.

Last Friday’s announcement by Premier Jacinta Allan meant Loddon Shire becomes part of the drought area without a decision by government using weather data taken in Bendigo.

Mayor Dan Straub and councillors had been in talks with government agencies on the worsening dry conditions across the shire.

Over the past two weeks, a majority of the state received just 20 per cent or less of the average

typical rainfall expected in May. The latest reporting from the Bureau of Meteorology also indicates these conditions are likely to continue into June.

The Government said these conditions had left paddocks and dams dry, with fodder prices doubled.

Farmers across the state are able to access grants of up to $5000 to support on-farm drought management improvements, in addition to financial counselling and mental health support.

Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical and decision-making support has also been made available state-wide, supporting farmers to manage the impacts of these increasingly drier condition.

Mr Hosking said: “Farmers are

doing it tough and some are facing the worst drought conditions in living memory.

“This announcement offers a glimmer of hope and is recognition that the pressure we’ve applied is being heard,” he said.

“It’s a step in the right direction, but plenty more remains to be done.”

The Government said further drought assistance announcements would be made.

Nationals’ senator Bridget McKenzie has called on the Federal Government to bring back interest-free loans for Victorian farmers through the Regional Investment Corporation.

“The difficulty accessing fodder means Victorian farmers need this more generous loan product made available now,” Senator McKenzie said.

Walsh, Hosking on Premier’s new taskforce

A DROUGHT taskforce announced by Premier Jacinta Allan was expected to have had its first meeting yesterday.

Former Nationals leader and Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh and Mr Hosking are on the 14-member taskforce.

Money needed to bring hay into dry areas

GOVERNMENT aid was needed for hay to be delivered to Victorian farms hit by drought.

Graham Cockerell, the Lions club member behind Need for Feed doing runs into disaster-hit areas, says financial contributions were needed to help Victorian farmers.

Mr Cockerell said runs into South Australia had seen that state’s government pay transport costs.

“The instant infrastructure grants and counselling alone are not the answer. We would love to be in your area but at the moment it’s not possible,” he told the Loddon Herald.

According to Mr Cockerell, there would need to be “a hell of a lot of fundraising to do all of Victoria”.

He says there is also a tragic darker side to the drought, with farmers and country advocates sounding warning bells over a steep decline in mental health spreading as the drought worsens.

Mr Hosking said he wanted to see full rate relief for farmers on the agenda for the Government’s new taskforce chaired by Ms Allan

Mr Walsh said the season break on which farming relied so heavily had failed to materialise at this point, with May’s rainfall now classified as “worst case scenario” and no immediate signs of any improvement.

State Budget 25-26 wins

The national rural aid charity expects to start making deliveries to south-west Victoria next month.

“Things are tough in so much of Victoria but we’re getting no government help,” said Mr Cockerell who had previously co-ordinated deliveries in Loddon districts.

“We know that two-thirds of Victoria is dry. We can’t be everywhere at once and hay is also scarce,” he said.

Mr Cockerell said a 10th hay run was planned for South Australia where areas were in a third year of drought.

“Lions clubs and the public have been generous with donating funds ... help from the Victorian Government would be good.”

A Ruralaid hay delivery to Loddon last September. LH PHOTO

WOOL REPORT

The Australian wool experienced a selling week where very little changed. The national offering was within a thousand bales of the previous week, there was 26,278 bales on offer. The Australian dollar compared to the US dollar (USD) went down by 0.05 cents, hardly a currency movement to influence the market. The benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose by the barest of margins, adding one cent for the series after an unchanged opening day, followed by a one cent rise on the second. When viewed in USD terms the EMI was unchanged. The movements in the individual AWEX Micron Price Guides (MPGs) were more varied. Across all centres and all microns, both merino and crossbred the MPG movements ranged between positive 19 cents (18 micron in the North) to negative 24 cents (16.5 micron in the South). On the first day the EMI rose by 4 US cents, this was the fourth selling day in a row where the EMI roes in USD terms. As the season draws to a close there are plenty of positives in the market. The EMI opened the season at 1,129 cents and is currently trading 75 cents higher at 1,204 cents, an increase of 6.6%. In USD terms, the EMI opened at 750 cents, the season to date 26 cent rise equates to an increase of 3.5%. Another positive was the increase in the amount of merino fleece wool carrying less than 1.0% vegetable matter (vm), a highly sought after type. After a steady decline last week just 31.7% of the offering was less than 1.0% vm. The week’s figure increased by 7.7% to 39.4%. This rise can be partly attributed to older wool, grown when seasonal conditions were more favourable.

This week Fremantle will not be in operation. With only Sydney and Melbourne on the program there is expected to be 23,655 bales on offer.

Source: AWEX

BENDIGO

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

Workshop will offer insights, strategies

FARMERS are always looking to get ahead of the game and looking for practical strategies to future proof their farm.

Emissions reporting is one area that can present opportunities to local landholders.

A workshop at Boort this month is aimed at helping the region’s farmers take advantage of the opportunities in this space and benefit their businesses at the same time.

The Know Your Number, Control Your Future workshop will feature practical insights and locally relevant strategies, delivered by people who have practical experience in agriculture.

“While primary producers are not expected to eliminate their emissions, they do need to understand the basics of onfarm emissions,” North Central Catchment Management Authority carbon farming outreach project manager Katrina Rast said.

“This includes not just on-farm emissions such as fuel use and livestock methane, but also indirect emissions from electricity and, crucially, those that occur up and down the supply chain such as fertilisers and transport,” she said.

Instead of being something to be feared, Ms Rast said there were opportunities for local farmers to make small changes in their whole-farm plans, improve productivity, and gain access to emerging and changing markets.

“Reducing on-farm emissions doesn’t mean radical changes to the way you farm. In our region, it’s the opposite,” she said.

“For local dryland farmers, simple things such as planting perennial pastures and

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Both sheep and lambs were rewarded for top-end quality.

Monday, June 2nd, 2025 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 12,500 | Sheep - 1,100

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

drought-resilient species across your farm is a great first step.

“Improving soil health through no-till farming can reduce on-farm emissions and there are advantages and disadvantages in agroforestry in the region for dryland farmers. For irrigators, creating efficiencies such as using a drip or centre pivot can quickly reduce on-farm emissions, as can increasing soil carbon and reducing nitrous oxide.”

Ms Rast said the free workshop would feature these and more locally relevant strategies, delivered by people who have practical experience in agriculture.

“As a farmer, with these changes, you are in control. You won’t be left behind and you’ll be ready to make the most of the opportunities,” she said.

“We want to support farmers to help them make the most of the opportunities.

“Join us to learn how understanding your farm’s number can help you improve efficiency, boost soil health, and gain access to emerging markets, while providing practical insights to help future-proof your business and maintain profitability.”

GRAIN

Alex Pollock - 0409 145 832

Henry Bugge - 0403 671 917

Mitch A’Vard - 0429 966 572

SHEEP AND LAMBS

NUMBERS lifted at Bendigo on Monday ahead of next week’s public holiday with nearly 16,000 lambs and 11,300 sheep yarded.

There was more weight in the lead of the crossbred and Dorper lamb run before quality declined into another mixed offering which included some clean-up winter type lots. It was a very erratic lamb market with signs buyers were trying to pull-back heavy lambs from the high carcass price rates of a week ago.

Heavy lambs averaged $10 to $25/head cheaper but at times there was sales which were $50/ head below last Monday.

Trade weight lambs showed more consistency to ease by $6 to $12/head. In carcass price estimates there was quality fed lambs which still hit 1000c/kg cwt while others slipped below 900c/kg, reflecting how much the market fluctuated over the course of the auction.

The average cost of heavy lambs declined to an estimated 920c to 960c/kg cwt across most weights and grades.

There was also mixed price results for light lambs, although decent lines of Merinos offering some skin rebate sold well on the day to show a stronger tend on most categories.

The best export lambs showing hard-finish from $285 to a top of $365/head, while some pens over 30kg cwt with less finish dropped back to $250/head. Heavy Dorpers to $270/head and fed Meri-

nos to $274/head. The main run of heavy crossbred lambss, 26-30kg cwt, varied from $231 to $298/ head and showed a wide carcass price spread by still managed to maintain an average over 900c/ kg cwt. Best heavy trade lambs $204 to $255/head. General run of light and medium trade lambs $175 to $220/head. Quality was mixed in lambs under 20kg cwt, the best types $140 to $173/head. Smaller lambs generally $90 to $130/head, with some secondary lots still below $30/head at times.

Heavy mutton was dearer to comfortably track over 600c/ kg cwt and with select lines over 700c/kg cwt. Lighter mutton sold at similar levels to a week ago. Some very big crossbred ewes topped at $270/head with most of the better conditioned pens from $212 to $250/head. Merino ewes sold to $244/head.

There was still a lot of ewes priced from $90 to $160/head in the general run, with very light conditioned Merino ewes and wethers from $60 to $90/head for most.

EXOTIC LAMBS

J Stammers Tatura (4) $228. HR & MJ Miles Tongala (15) $196. AJ & CV Ohlin Girgarre (39) $189. Sundown Estate Wedderburn (10) $148.

HOGGETS

J Stammers Tatura (2) $196. Oakbank Pastoral Calivil (2) $192. AJ & AC Canfield Borung (5) $185. CROSSBRED LAMBS

CA & MK Arnel Strathallan (22) $310. AJ & KM Twigg Pyramid Hill (64) $298. PG & DM Sexton Terrappee (23) $295. RJ & DM Johnston Boort (105) $288. C & C Mann Pyramid Hill (45) $285. Robert Niven Elmore (13) $279. SN & DA Collins Bridgewater (5) $276. DI & CL Palmer Bamawm (48) $274. Stevenson Family Trust Lake Charm (41) $270. WF & SG Thomas Mititamo (25) $267. NL & SM Hall Eddington (48) $264. RK Payne King Island (36) $260. AB & L Mann Pyramid Hill (24) $257. B Smith Boort (27) $255. Daniel P Tuohey Gunbower (50) $255. R Shawcross Pine Grove (30) $254. JT Neale Hunter (24) $250. D Scott Bunnaloo (32) $250. H & P Bennett Spring Plains (29) $250. D & F Graham Moama (66) $249. AJ & C Gibbins Powlett Plains (98) $246. G & M Heather Murphys Creek (56) $190. A & E Patterson Inglewood (55) $184. MERINO LAMBS

ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (25) $274. Scott J Wright St Arnaud East (50) $202. JT Driscoll St Arnaud (50) $200. B Smith Boort (33) $199. Whisper Pastoral Koriella (38) $195. Burkes Flat Darlaston Grange Trust Burkes Flat (19) $180. D & D Pellegrino Dumosa (152) $170. WETHERS

C McGillivray Mangalore (7) $200. JP Donaldson Buckrabanyule (17) $184. MERINO WETHERS

AL & GJ Lloyd Stuart Mill (98) $210. CROSSBRED EWES

DL & TM Jensen Diggora West (33) $255. DX & AL Patton Cope Cope (27) $255. GT & DL Trimble Laanecoorie (26) $255. Kellalac Pastoral Newbridge (107) $250. Foley’s Hill Charlton (142) $230. M & R Bennett Mia Mia (50) $218. Theaden Pastoral Pastoria (22) $215. Oakbank Pastoral Calivil (16) $200. TW Harrington Fosterville (3) $200. MERINO EWES

SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (15) $234. Donnan Family Farming Trust Willangie (53) $224. Everdry Pty Ltd Moama (69) $214. Meadow Valley Farms Mia Mia (134) $200. M Warr Arnold West (90) $200. Wattleton P/L Traynors Lagoon (23) $191. H & M Kelly Myrtle Creek (76) $186. Bungle Boori Seymour (15) $186. JE & RM Roberts Axedale (172) $180. H & M Kelly Myrtle Creek (212) $175. Glen Falloch Farm BaddaginOrder of sales June 16 – Nutrien, Nuttall,

VicGrid has released the draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan.

It sets out proposed renewable energy zones and transmission projects our state will need to keep Victorians connected to safe, reliable and affordable power.

Want to learn more and have your say?

Visit our community hub in Kerang 36 Victoria St, Kerang

Every Tuesday, 20 May to 17 June 2025, 10 am to 3 pm

To find out more or request an appointment, visit: engage.vic.gov.au/vicgrid

Or call us on 1800 418 341

T wo new faces on board

BIRCHIP Cropping Group has appointed of two new board members - Dr Marisa Collins and Giles Cunningham,.

The group says the pair bring deep scientific, educational, and on- ground production expertise to help shape the future direction of the organisation.

Dr Collins is associate professor in agronomy at La Trobe University with more than over two decades of experience in agricultural research, education, and industry collaboration.

She has worked across Australia’s leading agricultural research institutions including the University of Melbourne, CSIRO, University of Queensland, and La Trobe University.

Her research, funded by GRDC, AgriFutures and the Department of Agriculture, has focused on improving crop productivity through better water-use efficiency, understanding crop responses to heat and drought, and enhancing nitrogen fixation in

legumes. “As a long-time admirer of BCG’s role in supporting farmers with practical, farmer-led research, I’m excited to contribute more deeply,” Dr Collins said.

“BCG’s ability to attract and develop top-tier talent, while staying deeply connected to growers’ needs, is something I’m proud to support.”

Mr Cunningham, a corporate farm manager with more than 15 years experience across dryland and irrigated systems, brings a commercial and operational lens to the board.

With a background in strategic farm planning, agronomy, machinery investment, irrigation design, and financial governance, Giles offers critical insight into the practical and business realities of running high-performing farms.

“I’ve always believed the best innovation comes from applied research developed in close partnership with growers,” Giles said last week.

Find out more. Call 5438 3500 or search

Dr Marisa Collins Giles Cunningham

Ahh but ... tax hike spectre remains

Premier buys time to temper rural backlash, writes Chris Earl

THE fire is not yet under control.

That’s the message from rural Victoria to Premier Jacinta Allan after her “masterstroke” Friday announcement that farmers would be spared the 150 per cent hike under the new emergency services tax.

Pay the same as you did this year through the soon-to-be defunct fire services levy, Ms Allan said. But wait, there’s a catch or two: the pause for farmers is only 12 months, for householders and businesses wherever they be across Victoria - country or citythe big jumps will still come from July 1.

The Premier, a veteran of a quarter of a century in State Parliament, has deftly created time to walk away from a tax without published economic modelling or scrutiny and appraisal before implementation.

Her penultimate Budget before the 2026 state election has been effectively blown out of the water. Ms Allan has 11 months to create an “exit with grace” from

the emergency services tax debacle that triggered massive protests from volunteer firefighters and farmers.

Her deferral of its application to farms has failed to quell the fury and anger of these rural people who plan life not within the political cycle but the timeframes of agriculture that are over many seasons - in metro language, that’s years.

They have memories, long enough to know when weather hits productivity and when governments get in the way of them being able to eke a living from the land.

Ms Allan will not want the spectre of her disastrous emergency services tax ligering for too long. By the time Christmas season barbecues start in November, the issue must be dead and buried or that fortunes of her government, currently languishing in opinion polls, will be difficult to revive in country areas. Even the premier’s own seat of Bendigo East, including several Loddon com-

yOuR ONLINE WORDS

DROuGHT PACKAGE PAuSES

EMERGENCy TAX HIKE FOR FARMERS

Diane Gordon-Cooke wrote: I hope they make the grants easy to obtain and quick for the farmers … not the usual long winded process! Fantastic to see the “Levy/tax” being held for farmers as it should be. And hopefully over the next 12 months the battle will be won by the property owners. Are we to assume that residential and business properties rates will still have the previously outlined increase? Obviously still an unfair increase that we need to fight. we need our shire to stand firm!

James McCloskey wrote: Jacinta Allan now called back flip. Blame Dictator Andrews for the financial mess Victoria currently has, Jacinta Allan has no idea on how to fix the financial woes of Victoria, pretty certain Humphrey B Bear is her adviser.

Melissa Morris wrote: They (Government) estimated they would make billions from this. If they just managed their household properly we wouldn’t be in such debt.

20 yEARS OF WEDDERbuRN CERT AMbuLANCE TEAM

Tamara Boyd wrote: Congratulations to Wedderburn CERT! Fantastic achievement for the original team and for all those who have also joined to be volunteers at Wedderburn since.

Bernadette Reeves wrote: What a wonderful achievement and commitment to Wedderburn town and area.

My families and so many others have been so fortunate to have you all serve the community. Massive time and commitment 20 years has been.

So many of you have gone on to have careers in health care that would never have happened, this gave people

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.

munities, would be targeted by opponents. Her electorate office has already been the backdrop to protests before en mass, rural anger descended on Spring Street.

Farmers I have spoken with over the past week are on alert for the Premier’s next move. They are CFA volunteers who know that containing a fire is one thing, working to control and extinguish takes time and then being ready for the blaze to flare again. They say the first battle has been won against the emergency services tax.

Yet, there’re not convinced that the Government has finished, in their words, “punishing country people and farmers”.

Premier Allan and her government must devise ways to fund its agenda without a punitive land tax disguised as an emergency service tax on agricultural land owners.

There’s a limit to how long you can milk the cow ... perhaps the Government needs to live within its means as our farmers do daily.

belief in their own capabilities as well as saving peoples lives. Thank you all CERT members whether it has been for a short time or a long time.

Jackie Roberts wrote: A huge congratulations to our CERT team for reaching an incredible milestone – 20 years of service to our community! Your unwavering commitment, compassion, and teamwork have been a lifeline for so many in times of need. It’s not just the uniform you wear or the badges on your sleeves, it’s the heart, courage, and care you bring every day.

Thank you for being the calm in the storm, the helping hand, and the friendly face when it matters most. Your dedication and kindness have made Wedderburn a safer, stronger, and more connected community.

FROM THE LODDON HERALD FACEbOOK PAGE

1. What were the first words that Mickey Mouse spoke?

2. Which colour is the inside arch of a rainbow?

3. Fax is short for what?

4. The Mona Lisa is housed in which famous art gallery?

5. And in which city is that art gallery?

6. Who was the captain of the Titanic?

7. ‘A flamboyance’ is the collective noun for which group of animals?

8. How tall is Melbourne’s Eureka Tower to the nearest metre?

9. Which colour starts first in a game of chess?

10. What is the hardest natural mineral?

11. Mars is commonly known as the red what?

12. How many timezones are there in the world?

13. What is the lowest pitched in-

CRUNCHING on frost and wading through fog has been Bradley of Boort, all rugged up and head covered in a beanie, this week to erect his latest Treemendous Sign telling us it’s cold out there these mornings.

WHILE we’re talking about chilly tales, OTF must record the cooling workplace tactics of Xavier that are deployed like clockwork. Switching from taking piping hot pies and pasties from the oven at Bridgewater, he heads straight to the drink fridge at the same time every Thursday ... where’ll you’ll find him kneeling and counting and lapping up the fresh manufactured air coming out of open doors.

buSHy TALES BY IAN JONES

strument in the brass family of instruments?

14. Name the capital city of Greece.

15. What shape is each individual cell of a honeycomb?

16. How many points is the bullseye worth in darts?

17. If someone can use both left and right hands equally, what are the called?

18. Highland dancing is a type of dance from which country?

19. Vichyssoise is what type of food?

20. Roentgen rays are more commonly called what?

KEEPING warm in more ways than one is a group of women who congregate late Thursday mornings at the Tarnagulla post office for a cuppa and a chat. There’re a happy crew, smiling and with a friendly hello even warmer than the coffee being served. So a special shout out to them this week!

M UST be something about Thursdays! A bit of online searching shows that Thursday is considered to be an auspicious day for weddings in some cultures. Thursday is often associated with Jupiter, the Roman god of thunder and lightning. Thursday is sometimes referred to as “little Friday” because it marks the end of the traditional work week in many countries.

L EONARDO Da Vinci was born on a Thursday.

FROM TRACTOR TO TREATMENT ROWAN’S JOURNEY THROUGH CANCER

By CHRIS EARL

RESTING moments are perhaps not in the DNA of Durham Ox farmer Rowan Broad.

There’s still been crops to sow, hay to harvest and daughter to watch on the netball court. Or machinery to collect from being serviced in Echuca.

“I was on the tractor until 5am one morning ... then off to Bendigo for treatment,” said the grinning 52-yearold sitting at the kitchen table last Friday.

He and wife Chelsea were talking about Rowan’s journey over the past 18 months after a Christmas 2023 phone call from the doctor told him there would be a visit to an oncologist.

“I’d been crook during the football and netball finals, had aches and pains. And there was this lump in the groin that had grown from 30mm to 70mm,” Rowan said.

That lump was the last part of Rowan’s health to have the full check-up. “We got the biopsy results back in midFebruary - mantle cell lymphoma,” said Chelsea.

If the timing of that Christmas week phone call was difficult - during harvest - things were no different two months later with 430 maiden young ewes in the paddocks and a new tractor and header purchased.

Suddenly, there were the trips to Bendigo and Melbourne for chemotherapy - six hours of treatment over 12 hours.

“Before every session, and there were six, I had to do a physical - my balance, my writing and walking a straight line were tested,” said Rowan. “And all the blood tests ... and then came the stem cell treatment with tubes in my arms and chest.”

Earlier last week, Rowan shared his journey with members of the Loddon Vale Fire Brigade at the awards dinner.

The brigade lieutenant told how he had struggled to keep down food, and water too, during treatment. He later admitted there was relief with a cocaine mouthwash “giving instant relief and chewing ice”.

Chelsea says: “He was hoping to see the kids play in the grand final last year but every time his temperature hit 38 degrees it was straight off to the hospital emergency department. That weekend he was 39.5 and sweating profusely .”

Hospital stays did provide some lighter moments throughout 2024 for Rowan. His arm had to be dressed regularly by nurses and they had a different technique to local district nurse and fellow fire brigade member Rosie Bear.

“One weekend we did a video for Rosie to see how it was done!” Rowan said.

Working from home for much of last year, Chelsea said it was not unusual to find Rowan out and about instead of resting.

But that was perhaps unsurprising for the farmer who had been netball operations manager for the Pyramid Hill club and a regular with other locals Bruce Moon and Barry Dingwall to play in the AFL Masters competition in Bali.

Rowan said it was Bruce who quickly organised neighbours to keep the farm ticking over when cancer treatment meant trips and stays in Bendigo and Melbourne.

The support of the district flowed fast. “Our freezer was chockers,” said

Chelsea. “I would be at hockey training in Boort, return to the car there was all this food. People were wonderful.”

The Pyramid Hill and Boort football, netball and hockey clubs raised thousands of dollars to support Rowan, Chelsea and children Jordan, Imogen, Kaitlin who was in Year 12 last year, Tristan and Lily.

Imogen helped organise a headshave night. One of the first to have locks lopped was Bruce Moon.

Rowan admits that life was a bit emotional when cancer treatment started.

“I was home on my own one day after the first chemo, rubbed my head and there was a handful of hair,” he said.

Doctors have told Rowan that detection of mantle cell lymphoma in his early 50s was better than later in life.

“If I had been 10 years older, things would not be really good. They say in Bendigo there are only one or two people a year diagnosed with this.”

Rowan said family and mates have been his inspiration in the journey. Chelsea adds: “We having been bringing everyone along on the ride, I think.”

It takes Rowan a few minutes longer to get in and out of the tractor cab and thoughts of kicking a football in Bali are off the radar.

He still played tennis though in Robinvale at Easter. “Pulled up pretty good.”

“A bit when like when I was having high doses of chemo - I felt like Superman,” Rowan said.

“I’m still off to Bendigo every three months for maintenance.

“And we’ll get the farm in order over the next few years, debt down, stock numbers right.”

When I was having high doses of chemo - I felt

Rowan and Chelsea Broad at their Durham Ox farm. LH PHOTO

Sporting clubs show support for Rowan

Rowan, Bruce and Barry at the Bali Masters

DEATH NOTICES

GIERISCH - MORRIE

Passed away 26/5/2025

Respected friend and fellow musician of the Wedderburn Old Timers’ Band

HEATHER - David Alexander

Passed away peacefully in Bendigo on 28/05/25.

Aged 92 years.

Devoted and much-loved Husband of Shirley.

Cherished Dad of Lois and Keith, Paul (dec.), Ruth and John.

Adored Gramps of Daniel, Lauren, Amy (dec.) and Timothy; Melinda, Brett and their families.

A Thanksgiving Service to celebrate David’s life will be held in the St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, 67 Sullivan Street, Inglewood on TUESDAY (June 10th) at 11am

Following the service the cortege will leave for the Tarnagulla Cemetery.

HEATHER - David Alexander

Loved brother and brother-in-law of John (dec.) and Rhonda

Respected Uncle of Narelle and Chris; Glenn and Michelle; Dean and Melissa; and their families

In God’s Care

Horsley, Susan Ruth

31/12/1952 – 27/05/2004

Sue Horsley, loving wife of George Wyatt, mother of Will and Chris Horsley-Wyatt and friend to all passed peacefully on Wednesday the 28th of May.

A service will be held at the Newbridge Recreation Reserve on Friday the 6th of June. Coffee and tea from 1:30pm, the memorial service from 2-3pm with refreshments offered afterwards. The family would like to extend an open invite to people who knew Sue throughout her life, be that her tireless community work, past students and teaching colleagues, friends from throughout her life, and those who have simply heard of her high levels of general awesomeness.

As Sue habitually wore colourful, often floral, clothes we would love it if people in attendance could dress with this in mind.

Sue Horsley

Deepest sympathy to George, Will and Chris on her passing.

A much loved member of Newbridge and a true pioneer.



Newbridge Social Club

LEED - RAYMOND JOHN

4.1.1930 - 2.6.2025

Dearly loved husband of Mabel. Loving father of Christine, John, Douglas and Dianne, and their families.

Eldest son of Jack and Ivy Leed, brother of Don (all dec)

Psalm 23.

See www.adamsfunerals.com.au for funeral details.

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

HARGREAVES

Shirley May (nee COATES)

e families of Je (Stawell) Bruce (Wedderburn), Michael (Queensland), Ian (Rheola) and Lee (Melbourne) would like to thank family, friends and the community for their kind words, and thoughtful support during the loss of our dear Mum, Nan, Old Nan and friend.

e family would like to thank all the IDHS sta ; nursing, carers, hospitality, leisure and lifestyle for their care and interactions with Shirley for the past 11½ years. We are truly grateful.

Gone from our sight but not our hearts. Now with her loving husband Ted. Together forever.

PETER NORMAN

Ruth, Janine, Lynley, Peter, Tim and families would like to thank all our family and friends for their wonderful words of comfort to us all on the passing of Peter.

All the food and flowers were greatly appreciated.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Temporary Road Closure

 The following road will be closed to through tra c from May 19 to August 19 2025 for the duration of culvert replacement works for Pyramid Channel Crossing on Mitiamo – Kerang Road. Detour routes will be in place.

 Pyramid Channel Crossing on Mitiamo –Kerang Road, Pyramid Hill will be closed between Findlays Lane & Glad eld Road.

Quilt Exhibition

Pieced Together: A Collaboration of Charlton & District Quilters

Sat 7 June–Mon 9 June, 10am–4pm Charlton Courthouse Gallery Entry by donation.

John Corry

Get well soon John

Newbridge Social Club hope to see you back on your bike soon

UNDER 18

East Loddon

SENIORS

Pyramid Hill 8.5 12.10 22.13 27.16 (178)

Calivil 0.1 1.2 2.3 3.3 (21)

GOALS – Pyramid Hill: B. Bisset 10, R. Semmel 4, Z. Alford, B. Knight 3, K. Daniels, S. Gunther 2, M. Cheesman, B. George, S. Mann. Calivil: H. McCarthy 2, L. Stephens.

BEST – Pyramid Hill: K. Daniels, B. Bisset, B. George, B. Knight, M. Langan, S. Gunther. Calivil H. McCarthy, R. Walsh, L. Stephens, S. Maher, R. Lourie, C. Thompson.

Inglewood 2.2 7.4 11.8 15.10 (100)

Maiden Gully 2.3 7.5 12.7 12.9 (81)

GOALS – Inglewood: S. Erharter 5, K. Cavallaro 2, W. Allen, T. Kennedy, L. Marciano, D. Polack, B. Cotchett, T. Guerra, T. Hywood, J. Hood. Maiden Gully: T. James 3, M. Hill 2, T. Jackson, K. Franzini, D. Russell, E. Crisp, B. Franzini, N. Murley, T. Delahey.

BEST – Inglewood: L. Marciano, H. Veitch, D. Polack, K. Cavallaro, B. Cotchett, L. Ford. Maiden Gully: M. Hill, D. Russell, B. Franzini, L. Pigdon, N. Murley, E. Crisp.

Mitiamo 2.0 3.1 5.3 5.3 (33) Marong 3.1 8.3 17.5 25.7 (157)

GOALS – Mitiamo: B. Baines, W. Draper, S. Wright, A. Huismann, K. Galvin. Marong: S. Knott 4, L. Lee, R. Taylor, D. Johnstone 3, J. McCaig, M. Bradbury 2, M. Lowery, Z. Justice, R. Gretgrix, B. Gregg, T. Davies, N. Devanny, R. Tibbett, J. Gretgrix.

BEST – Mitiamo: Z. Morrison, M. Gilmour, T. Rasmussen, J. Falls, L. Lougoon, A. Huismann. Marong: L. Lee, R. Tibbett, D. Johnstone, M. Willox, R. Taylor, J. Gadsden.

Newbridge 2.3 5.5 7.5 9.5 (59)

BL Serpentine 9.1 14.3 23.6 30.10 (190)

GOALS – Newbridge: B. Schilling 4, J. Hufer, O. Perez, T. Constable, J. Zimmer, L. Nihill. BL Serpentine: J. Mellington 16, J. Laird 5, J. Bailey, A. Brohm 2, H. Gadsden, J. Starr, Z. Stone, R. Turner, J. Wilkinson.

BEST – Newbridge: T. Hobson, A. Padbury, R. Cathie, J. Zimmer, T. Constable, K. Friswell. BL Serpentine: J. Mellington, C. Draper, H. Gadsden, J. Laird, A. Brohm, N. Twigg.

Marong 7 7 0 0 1 212.14 28

Pyramid Hill 7 6 1 0 1 190.87 24

Bridgewater 7 5 2 0 1 131.90 20

BL Serpentine 7 4 3 0 1 132.67 16

Inglewood 8 4 4 0 0 131.79 16

Maiden Gully

Newbridge

Mitiamo

Ellis, I. Durie, M. Elliott 3, J. Bath, H. Pitchford, B. Weir, J. Cox, L. Martin. Donald: R. Leeder 2, J. Tellefson.

7 2 4 1 1 76.06 10

7 2 5 0 1 55.27 8

7 1 6 0 1 46.63 4

Calivil 7 0 6 1 1 38.19 2

RESERVES

Pyramid Hill 7.1 13.5 17.7 22.12 (144)

Calivil 1.0 1.1 2.2 2.2 (14)

GOALS – Pyramid Hill: R. Pollock, J. Simpson 4, G. Quinn 3, M. Dingwall, P. Monaghan, N. Moon, R. Mitchell 2, T. Mcintosh, L. Sutton, B. Reaper. Calivil: P. Hansford, D. Ryan. BEST – Pyramid Hill: G. Quinn, R. Mitchell, B. Ladson, P. Monaghan, J. Cheesman, D. Lovell. Calivil: R. Senior, P. Hansford, N. Cartwright, D. Ryan, J. Lea, J. Manderson.

Newbridge 1.2 2.2 4.2 4.2 (26) BL Serpentine 6.2 10.6 10.6 13.9 (87) GOALS – Newbridge: O. Friswell 2, T. Fox, B. Passalaqua. BL Serpentine: D. Niemann 4, S. Gladman, D. Poulter 2, Z. Hollis, J. Wingrave, C. Davies, J. Gladman, I. Johnstone-McCloud. BEST – Newbridge: O. Friswell, K. Bertuch, J. Dawkins, A. Moore, N. Davis, T. Wilson. BL Serpentine: C. Tuohey, D. Tineo, J. Wingrave, D. Poulter, C. Davies, D. Davies. Mitiamo 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0) Marong 9.4 17.7 22.12 31.14 (200) GOALS – Marong: D. Blume 10, W. Gadsden 6, D. Highgate 3, A. Collins, P. Gretgrix, K. Harris, T. Grant, L. Hale 2, K. Thomson, H. Baker. BEST – Mitiamo: E. Hocking, D. Mitchell, K. Pentreath, C. Milne, A. Kirchhofer, J. Cassells. Marong: L. Hale, P. Gretgrix, D. Highgate, H. Gray, K. Harris, A. Collins.

Inglewood 4.0 8.1 10.1 14.4 (88)

Maiden Gully 2.1 4.4 6.4 7.4 (46)

GOALS – Inglewood: J. Stokes 4, C. March 3, A. Lister 2, J. Leach, J. Nevins, J. Barnett, D. Gorrie, R. Tresize. Maiden Gully: H. Devanny, J. Thompson 2, J. Doolan, J. Covington, E. Hewett. BEST – Inglewood: J. Essex, J. Nevins, J. Leach, C. March, J. Bennett, J. Stokes. Maiden Gully: J. Thompson, H. Devanny, K. Nicholls, J. Spiller, E. Hewett, K. Kerrison.

Marong 7 7 0 0 1 409.95 28

Inglewood 8 7 1 0 0 226.60 28

Bridgewater 7 5 2 0 1 159.20 20

Pyramid Hill 7 4 3 0 1 142.59 16

BL Serpentine 7 3 4 0 1 117.25 12

Newbridge 7 3 4 0

(37) Bridgewater

BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: Z. Wemyss, J. Clohesy, B. Weir, I. Durie, J. Summerhayes, J. Bath. Donald: R. Leeder, D. Hawkes, B. Harrison, B. Hollis, M. Burke, G. Pearse.

(33)

BEST – East Loddon: Z. Ralphs, T. Rasmussen, J. Ketterer, J. Bellenger, T. Ralphs. Bridgewater: L. Lonsdale, L. Bartlett, A. Lawson, D. Cullen, T. Woodhatch, H. Daldy.

Inglewood

Maiden Gully

(44)

GOALS – Inglewood: E. McCoy 3, M. Pickering 2, T. Murphy. Maiden Gully: L. Hancock, S. Neervoort 5, R. Grinham-Reid, N. Hadden 2.

BEST – Inglewood: H. Noble, E. McCoy, R. Murphy, B. Coffey, T. Lovett, C. Hancock. Maiden Gully: H. Carter, S. Neervoort, R. Grinham-Reid, L. Budge, J. Douglas, D. Vallance.

Pyramid Hill 3.0

Marong 3.2

(52)

(89)

GOALS – Pyramid Hill: D. Martin 4, H. Goodes 3, X. Emmerson. Marong: R. McNamara, J. Gribble 4, C. Murphy 3, J. Taylor, R. Doorty.

BEST – Pyramid Hill: D. Martin, H. Goodes, E. Ray, B. Gibson, X. Emmerson, S. Battiscombe. Marong: B. Hale, R. Hayden, C. Murphy, L. Henson, M. O’Donnell, J. Gribble.

NORTH CENTRAL

SENIORS

Sea Lake Nandaly

Donald

GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, L. McClelland 10, T. Cox 9, T. Mckenzie, C. Tait, T. Donnan 3, B. Delmenico, W. Donnan 2, C. O’Sullivan, J. Wright. Donald: R. Bath. BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: L. McClelland, T. Cox, M. Cahoon, W. Donnan, T. Donnan, R. O’Sullivan. Donald: D. Pearce, R. Walker, B. Arho, T. Reekie, K. Green, N. Atkins.

Wedderburn

Boort 7.0

(94)

(99)

GOALS – Wedderburn: J. Mortlock 4, M. Jensen 3, O. Holt 2, A. Chalkley, M. McEwen, H. Lockhart, D. Jackson, N. Furlong. Boort: J. Keeble, J. Baddeley-Kelly 3, J. Fitzpatrick, K. Rutley 2, P. Barbopoulos, J. Dick, B. Arnold, N. Whyte, L. Hall, E. Coleman. BEST – Wedderburn: H. Lockhart, J. Mortlock, S. Lockhart, J. McEwen, I. Holt, M. McEwen. Boort: C. Egan, M. Austin, J. Keeble, J. Baddeley-Kelly, J. Fitzpatrick, K. Rutley.

Birchip Watchem 9.1 15.5

St Arnaud 3.2

(124)

(14)

GOALS – Calder United: G. Forrester, H. Senior 5, J. Turner, S. Hogan 2, R. Botheras, K. Kennedy, S. Kelly, A. Forrester, J. Bish. Charlton: E. Soulsby, T. Salmon.

BEST – Calder United: H. Senior, S. Hogan, J. Turner, J. Bish, T. Trewin, G. Forrester. Charlton: T. Walsh, M. Campbell, L. Holmes-Brown, N. McCallum, D. Whykes, F. Bourke.

(36)

(84)

GOALS – Wedderburn: M. Tansley 2, L. Sims, A. Smith, M. Lockhart. Boort: C. Ross 3, J. Mulquiny, M. Beattie 2, C. O’Rourke, S. Toose, A. Cockerell, P. O’Rourke.

BEST – Wedderburn: L. Sims, J. Hall, A. Younghusband, R. Tonkin, A. Smith, M. Lockhart. Boort: C. Hatcher, C. Ross, S. Toose, A. Cockerell, M. Coleman, M. Beattie.

– Calder United: A. Cowell, T. Vearing, R. Hogan, M. Coatsworth, B. Chapman, T. Perry. Charlton: E. Soulsby, S. Olive, C. Zagame, S. Zagame, J. Wright, T. Bourke.

Birchip Watchem 0.0

Arnaud

(2)

(135)

– Birchip Watchem: O. Cook, N. Dean, W. Ryan, J. Goss. St Arnaud: S. Bridgeman, A. Wickham, C. Zander, C. Hendy, R. Leach, H. Tannock.

Nandaly

(14) BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: R. Newick, N. McClelland, R. Allan, C. Mitchell, H. Cox, A. Alday. Donald: C. Campbell, J. Geddes, B. Cumming, J. Lydom.

– Wedderburn: J. Read, J. Dingfelder, M. Polglase, N. Winslett, W. Cunningham. Boort: C. Gooding, C. Gould, O. Byrne, D. Perryman, B. McPherson, J. Gould.

(183)

(24)

GOALS – Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 14, R. Conboy 4, A. Dean 3, N. Rippon, L. Foott 2, M. Buchanan, M. Rippon, D. Hinkley. St Arnaud: L. Bridger 2, M. Hungerford.

BEST – Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards, M. Buchanan, H. Hosking, R. Conboy, A. Dean, B. Lakin. St Arnaud: Z. Phillips, O. Lowe, L. Jackson, B. Durward, M. Hungerford.

Calder United

Charlton 1.1

(160)

(20)

GOALS – Calder United: J. Exell 9, S. Kennedy, Z. Keighran, D. Munro 3, D. Watts 2, M. Fawcett, M. Wade, G. Turner. Charlton: R. Thompson 2, A. Johnstone.

BEST – Calder United: J. Exell, M. Farmer, M. Trzeciak, Z. Keighran, R. Smith, G. Turner. Charlton: B. Hooper-Dixon, K. Clifford, A. Patterson, E. Fitzpatrick, R. Thompson, M. Heenan.

Birchip

RESERVES

Birchip Watchem

GOALS – Birchip Watchem: M. Berry, J. Lee, A. Hay 3, O. Cook, R. Hogan 2, A. Lewis, S. Nottle, B. Baxter, C. Boyle, T. Gibson. St Arnaud: J. Hicks 3, H. McNally, G. Gorrie, S. Elliott, A. Craddock, J. Kell.

BEST – Birchip Watchem: J. Lee, R. Hogan, J. Woods, T. Gibson, T. Colbert. St Arnaud: Z. Notting, S. Elliott, J. Kell, C. Zander, H. Darby, L. Ezard.

Sea Lake Nandaly

GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: Z. Wemyss, J. Summerhayes 8, E.

– Calder United: S. Morrison, H. Humphreys, M. Beattie, H. Kilby, G. Vearing. Charlton: D. Olive, O. McPhee, I. Roberts, H. Mcgrath, C. Mcgrath, F. Zagame.

BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Landry, H. Cox, A. Smith, R. Allan, T. McClelland, L. Landry. Donald: E. Geddes, N. Michael, M. Reilly, M. Wardlaw, A. Beavis, L.

BEST – Wedderburn: M. Polglase, M. Rose, J. Read, B. Cramp, R. Gault, A. Clarke. Boort: S. Muller, J. Perryman, T. Stringer, B. Kane, C. Gleeson.

Birchip Watchem

Arnaud

(13)

(83)

BEST – Birchip Watchem: S. Gardiner-Paikea, L. Spezza, J. Hinds, L. Cullen. St Arnaud: L. Lowe, S. Kay, X. Batters, R. Wilson-cook, S. Greenaway.

24

24

LODDON VALLEY

Position vacant

Part Time Administration Officer

We are seeking a Part time Administration Officer to join our friendly team. This position is a minimum of 10 hours per week, plus additional hours to cover holiday and sick leave. Previous experience in office administration will be an advantage; along with computer competency good communication, time management, privacy and confidentiality abilities; current First Aid Level 2 and Working with Children Check, or willing to obtain.

Please send application letter and resume to the details below. Or contact us for further information. Applications close at 4.30pm on Friday 6 th June 2025.

Kaye Leech

Office Manager

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

21 King Street DINGEE 3571

Phone: 5436 8309

Email: admin@dbnc.com.au

WOOL BUYER

Michael Cornish 0438 395 146

on behalf of Gary Mountjoy

WANTED TO BUY

Old bottles with town or company names.

SPORT

Harry’s Lightning weekend task

HARRY Malone has played hockey for as long as he can remember. By his own admission, he loves talking about it as much as he loves playing it.

Harry lives on on his family’s cropping and sheep farm at Gredgwin, just outside of Boort.

When he’s not completing his Year 12 studies, you can find him on the chaser bin during harvest or in the woolshed, working as a roustabout.

Outside of that, you can find him playing hockey.

“I just love it, I always have, my teachers will say all they hear me talk about is hockey.

“One of the best things is the social aspect. There is a real sense of family in hockey clubs, it’s very welcoming.”

Harry is the captain of Boort’s senior team and will play for North West Lightning in this year’s Water Partners Senior Country Championships. The Lightning will use the SCC to test themselves against experienced opposition as part of their preparation for the Junior State Championships later this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to develop as a team against some very good teams.”

The Water Partners Senior Country Championships will be played at the Bendigo Hockey Centre over the King’s Birthday weekend.

Water Partners, a not-for-profit company, provides valuable resources to the agricultural sector, including free education on water trading, expert advice on integrating water trading into business operations, and 24/7 access to water trading platforms displaying current market prices.

“As a not-for-profit built by farmers, we understand the vital role sport plays in ru-

HOCKEY

Men: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Donald 3. Calder United 10 d Charlton 1. Wedderburn 1 lost to Boort 2. St Arnaud Bye.

Ladder: Calder United 15, Donald 15, St Arnaud 13, Boort 9, Wedderburn 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, Charlton 0.

Women: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Donald 3. Calder United 2 lost to Charlton 3. Wedderburn 1 lost to Boort 2. St Arnaud Bye.

Ladder: Calder United 15, Charlton 15, St Arnaud 15, Boort 9, Wedderburn 4, Donald 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 0.

ral and regional communities,” said Donna Mulcahy, CEO of Water Partners.

“The Senior Country Championships offer a fantastic opportunity for players of all ages to represent their communities and compete.

“We’re proud to support everyone involved. Irrigated agriculture is the lifeblood of these communities, and Water Partners is committed to supporting the individuals who drive quality produce, create employment, and contribute to strong, healthy regions.”

Underage: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Donald 6. Calder United 1 lost to Charlton 2. Birchip Watchem 0 lost to St Arnaud 7. Boort Bye.

Ladder: Charlton 18, St Arnaud 15, Boort 9, Donald 9, Calder United 4, Birchip Watchem 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 3. Under 12: Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Donald 4. Calder United 1 drew Charlton 1. Birchip Watchem 7 d St Arnaud 1. Wedderburn 4 d Boort 0.

Ladder: Charlton 19, Birchip Watchem 18, Calder United 16, St Arnaud 12, Wedderburn 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 4, Boort 3, Donald 3.

FOR the third week running, 11 competitors battled it out in the Boort Golf Club weekend event, and just as he did a fortnight ago, Kevin Linehan finished top of the table with another 40 stableford points.

Runner-up this time went to Graeme Ball on 39 points, with Karen Allison and Stuart Tweddle collecting the remaining prizes in the ball pool.

In the nearest the pins, Kevin claimed two, while Stuart, Andrew Kane and Lorraine Linehan all managed one each.

This week sees a stableford event kicking off the club championships where the best three scores over the four weekends in June will determine the major trophy winners for the year.

Wedderburn

Wedderburn’s golf social club event last weekend saw K. Bird as the reigning champion after coming first in the golf overall and winning the social club highest score as well with G Bird for a combined score of 72. C McHugh came in second while O Baliey received best 2 on 2.

Harry Malone

Boort’s Ella Lanyon battles for control with Carlie Turnbull. LH PHOTO

Hubbard’s ripper double deal

WEDDERBURN has gone two games clear on top of the North Central A Grade ladder after a spirited nine-goal win over Boort.

The Redbacks took a few minutes to settle in the bustling first quarter that saw the Carly Isaaccoached Magpies have a slight edge out of the centre and converting quick goals.

Led by goalkeeper Alice Hubbard - straight from playing in the Redbacks’ B Grade line-up - the momentum swung and Wedderburn nosed ahead by five goals at the first change.

The margin was maintained in the second quarter as the two leading association teams engaged in fast-paced play.

Grace Hosking was to the fore at goal defence for Boort while at the opposite end of the court Georgia Weaver made her presence felt.

Isaac, putting herself on the wing for a second

week, was up against Paige Ryan who was among the Redback’s best players for the day.

Boort was just two goals down at the last change but reigning premiers Wedderburn was able to skip away to remain undefeated nearing the half-way point of the season.

Hubbard was named Wedderburn’s best in both A and B Grades. The second grade had been a battle of the undefeated teams going into Saturday’s clash at Donaldson Park.

The Redbacks had a slender three-goal lead at quarter time before powering on 16 goals in the second, only to see Boort reverse fortunes in the third term. Wedderburn took honours by 13 goals.

Emma Darker at wing defence and goalshooter Amy Dridan were best for Boort in B Grade. Wedderburn claimed C Grade honours while Boort finished on top in C Reserve.

Mean Machine stands in way of perfect half

BRIDGEWATER stands in the road of Mitiamo and a perfect first half of the Loddon Valley A Grade netball season.

The reigning premier Superoos go into Saturday’s round nine clash at Bridgewater with a 7-0 record after they saw off Marong last Saturday.

Mitiamo didn’t get everything its own way against the plucky Panthers, winning 61-51.

While the Superoos are 7-0, three of those seven wins have come by margins of 10 or less, which is some sort of encouragement for their rivals as they make the run towards September.

Fourth-placed Bridgewater heads into the clash with Mitiamo fresh from the bye.

Newbridge continues to turn heads in its quest for a top-three finish. For the second-straight game the Maroons showed nerves of steel in a tight contest to gain the four points.

After edging out Bridgewater by three goals in round seven, the Maroons held off Bears Lagoon Serpentine by four goals, 41-37, last Saturday to move ahead of the Mean Machine into third place on the ladder.

Newbridge’s grip on third place will be tested this Saturday when the Maroons travel to Malone

Park to play fifth-placed Marong.

The Panthers’ best netball is good enough to challenge every team in the competition, so Newbridge could be on track for a third-straight thriller.

After last week’s narrow loss to Newbridge, Bears Lagoon Serpentine must get the four points against Calivil United this Saturday to stay in touch with the top five at the half-way mark. With one win from seven games, including a 91-41 loss to Pyramid Hill last Saturday, the young Calivil United squad faces

an enormous task to upset the Bears.

Pyramid Hill should consolidate second place on the ladder by defeating Maiden Gully at Marist College.

The Bulldogs are riding a fourgame winning streak and will have too much class and depth for the rebuilding Maiden Gully.

The Eagles gave their confidence a timely boost when they outplayed bottom side Inglewood 53-21 last Saturday.

- ADAM BOURKE

A Grade

Inglewood 7, 15, 17, 21, (21) lost to Maiden Gully 10, 21, 36, 53, (53). Newbridge 13, 19, 32, 41, (41) d BL Serpentine 6, 21, 30, 37, (37).

Mitiamo 16, 30, 47, 61, (61) d Marong 15, 28, 37, 51, (51). Pyramid Hill 17, 47, 71, 91, (91) d Calivil 9, 17, 28, 41, (41).

Mitiamo 28 Pyramid Hill 24 Newbridge 20

LODDON VALLEY NORTH CENTRAL

16

16 BL Serpentine 12

Gully 8

4 Inglewood 0

A Reserve

Inglewood 5, 15, 20, 30, (30) lost to Maiden Gully 16, 25, 41, 57, (57). Newbridge 16, 24, 41, 59, (59) d BL Serpentine 6, 12, 18, 24, (24). Mitiamo 6, 14, 25, 38, (38) d Marong 10, 21, 31, 36, (36). Pyramid Hill 11, 18, 26, 39, (39) d Calivil 9, 18, 24, 34, (34).

Bridgewater 24 Pyramid Hill 22 Marong 20

Maiden Gully 20 Mitiamo 18

Newbridge 14 Calivil 6

BL Serpentine 4

Inglewood 0

B Grade

Inglewood 4, 11, 17, 25, (25) lost to Maiden Gully 8, 18, 23, 28, (28). Mitiamo 5, 15, 21, 27, (27) lost to Marong 10, 23, 37, 46, (46). Newbridge 9, 19, 26, 36, (36) d BL Serpentine 10, 20, 25, 34, (34). Pyramid Hill 15, 28, 34, 46, (46) d Calivil 7, 14, 23, 31, (31).

Bridgewater 28

24

24

Hill 16

Gully 16

8

4

4

4

B Reserve

Inglewood 9, 18, 28, 35, (35) lost to Maiden Gully 8, 20, 12, 42, (42). Pyramid Hill 19, 36, 53, 66, (66) d Calivil 7, 18, 29, 37, (37). Mitiamo 5, 15, 18, 23, (23) lost to Marong 14, 27, 39, 54, (54). Newbridge 14, 26, 37, 45, (45) d BL Serpentine 8, 16, 22, 29, (29).

Bridgewater 28

Hill 24

Gully 24

16

12

12

8 BL Serpentine 4 Mitiamo 0

Under 17

Inglewood 4, 8, 12, 21, (21) lost to Maiden Gully 11, 20, 33, 38, (38). Newbridge 12, 19, 30, 36, (36) lost to BL Serpentine 8, 17, 29, 39, (39). Mitiamo 11, 19, 25, 31, (31) lost to Marong 17, 29, 48, 61, (61). Pyramid Hill 5, 5, 14, 21, (21) lost to Calivil 13, 24, 43, 62, (62).

Bridgewater 24

Calivil 24

Marong 20

Maiden Gully 20

BL Serpentine 16

Pyramid Hill 12

Mitiamo 8

Inglewood 4

Newbridge 0

Under 15

Inglewood 7, 14, 19, 32, (32) lost to Maiden Gully 7, 17, 26, 39, (39). Pyramid Hill 7, 11, 15, 16, (16) lost to Calivil 21, 38, 49, 71, (71). Newbridge 3, 8, 10, 14, (14) lost to BL Serpentine 11, 26, 42, 52, (52). Mitiamo 6, 9, 13, 16, (16) lost to Marong 11, 34, 53, 80, (80).

Calivil 28

Marong 24

BL Serpentine 24

Bridgewater 16

Maiden Gully 12

Inglewood 12

Pyramid Hill 8 Mitiamo 4

Newbridge 0

Under 13

Inglewood 7, 15, 23, 28, (28) d Maiden Gully 6, 9, 14, 20, (20). Pyramid Hill 2, 5, 7, 12, (12) lost to Calivil 13, 21, 36, 46, (46). Mitiamo 3, 5, 7, 8, (8) lost to Marong 8, 24, 32, 37, (37). Newbridge 13, 25, 36, 49, (49) d BL Serpentine 2, 4, 4, 4, (4).

Newbridge 28

Marong 24

Maiden Gully 20

Pyramid Hill 16

Calivil 12 Inglewood 12 BL Serpentine 8 Bridgewater 4 Mitiamo 4

A Grade

Calder United 19, 33, 48, 57, (57) d Charlton 7, 17, 27, 41, (41). Sea Lake Nandaly 13, 21, 31, 40, (40) d Donald 6, 19, 29, 38, (38). Wedderburn 13, 27, 39, 53, (53) d Boort 8, 20, 33, 44, (44). Birchip Watchem 16, 32, 43, 63, (63) d St Arnaud 5, 14, 26, 38, (38). Wedderburn 28

Sea Lake Nandaly 20 Boort 20 Calder United 16 Birchip Watchem 16

8 Charlton 4 St Arnaud 0

B Grade

Calder United 17, 35, 49, 61, (61) d Charlton 10, 14, 23, 31, (31). Sea Lake Nandaly 15, 26, 36, 45, (45) drew Donald 12, 24, 32, 45, (45). Wedderburn 15, 32, 41, 55, (55) d Boort 12, 18, 33, 42, (42). Birchip Watchem 16, 26, 42, 57, (57) d St Arnaud 11, 23, 34, 40, (40). Wedderburn 28 Boort 24

Calder United 20 Birchip Watchem 16 St Arnaud 12

Donald 6

Sea Lake Nandaly 6

Charlton 0

C Grade

Calder United 18, 39, 60, 79, (79) d Charlton 6, 11, 17, 22, (22). Wedderburn 11, 26, 39, 53, (53) d Boort 15, 26, 39, 48, (48). Birchip Watchem 13, 21, 32, 49, (49) d St Arnaud 7, 14, 23, 32, (32). Sea Lake Nandaly (57) d Donald (26).

Calder United 24

Sea Lake Nandaly 24

Wedderburn 20

Birchip Watchem 16 Boort 16 St Arnaud 8

Charlton 0

Donald 0 C Reserve

Wedderburn 10, 13, 17, 22, (22) lost to Boort 20, 37, 51, 68, (68). Birchip Watchem 12, 19, 27, 45, (45) d St Arnaud 4, 11, 17, 24, (24).

Sea Lake Nandaly 20

Boort 16

Calder United 12

Birchip Watchem 8

Wedderburn 4 St Arnaud 0 17 & Under

Sea Lake Nandaly 13, 31, 40, 55, (55) d Donald 10, 16, 22, 30, (30). Wedderburn 8, 13, 19, 26, (26) lost to Boort 12, 31, 46, 62, (62). Calder United 13, 31, 44, 59, (59) d Charlton 9, 15, 20, 21, (21). Birchip Watchem 13, 20, 31, 43, (43) d St Arnaud 6, 13, 23, 29, (29).

Calder United 28

Birchip Watchem 20

Boort 20

St Arnaud 16

Sea Lake Nandaly 16

Charlton 4

Wedderburn 4 Donald 0 14 & Under A

Calder United 13, 20, 33, 33, (33) d Charlton 1, 2, 3, 3, (3). Birchip Watchem 4, 13, 21, 29, (29) d St Arnaud 4, 8, 11, 13, (13). Wedderburn (1) lost to Boort (31). Sea Lake Nandaly 0, 0, 0, 0, (0) lost to Donald 12, 20, 30, 30, (30). Boort 28

Birchip Watchem 24

Donald 20

Calder United 16

Georgia Weaver battles Wedderburn’s Maddi Postle in Saturday’s epic encounter. LH PHOTO

Maiden Gully’s Ebony Johansen and Inglewood’s Brooklyn Reid

GOALKICKING

43 - (0) - Lachie Sharp - Bridgewater

43 - (16) - Josh Mellington - BL Serpentine

33 -

42 - (5) - Seb Erharter - Inglewood

Firey and frenetic finish

THREE goals in four minutes from star Wedderburn forward Jye Mortlock triggered a revival at Donaldson Park on Saturday that came close to denying Boort its first win over the Redbacks in a decade.

The Redbacks were 30 points down when the final quarter started. Mitch Jensen gave a glimpse of what was to come over the next half hour with a goal within eight seconds.

Jensen bookended the Mortlock goals with another of his own, following deft work Jensen opponents in the goal square put the home side down just a point.

Free kicks from umpiring veteran Dean Goodridge led to firey encounters across the midfield in that frenetic last 15 minutes of the match.

Oscar Holt, who had been solid all day, found extra strength as he burst through packs and landed the ball with Noah Furling who who put Wedderburn in front for the first time since mid-way through the opening term.

Boort pushed deep into its forward 50, a free to Boort’s Jarrod Fitzpatrick had the Pies back in front that was followed by a major off the boot of Kane Rutley.

A dubious boundary call and a poor throw looked to have snuffed Wedderburn’s chances only to see Holt, Hamish Lockhart, Jackson McEwen and Isaac Holt refusing to surrender.

Wedderburn had chances but was offline. Oscar Holt had three bounces on the outer wing only to miss but redeemed within second with a goal on the 28-minute mark.

With less than two minutes on the clock, Carlos Egan, Matt Austin, Keeble, Rutley and Keiren Wilson were cutting off Wedderburn passes.

The Redbacks’ final lunge forward was stopped across the halfback line by Alex Chamberlain who had the ball heading into the Pies’ forward zone as the siren sounded five seconds short of a 30-minute final term.

Boort’s stunning victory was set up with a domination across the midfield in the second and third terms.

They were able to find space and set up forward pushes while Wedderburn relied on too few.

Hamish Lockhart was the Wedderburn standout for three quarters.

Boort had better avenues to goal although not always getting the results. Wedderburn’s

Josh and

v Pyramid Hill

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Calivil Marong v Newbridge Bridgewater v Mitiamo Inglewood bye NORTH CENTRAL

KIng’s Birthday weekend bye

teams

defence pretty much contained Jye Baddeley-Kelly most of the day, the Pies’ assistant coach held to three goals and also spending some time earlier in the game in defence.

The real damage was done by Boort in the third quarter when Wilson and Will Perryman were super solid in defence and Boort appeared to have an extra stride on Redback opponents.

Peter Barbopoulos had the edge in the ruck for much of the day against Redbacks’ rugby convert Mark Robinson. Barbopoulos used his body to gain advantage and flick the ball to team mates, Wedderburn was without 300-

Ben

TWO of the Loddon Valley Football Netball League’s premier forwards flexed their muscles with commanding performances in round eight action.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine fullforward Josh Mellington bagged 16 goals in his side’s 30.10 (190) to 9.5 (59) thumping of Newbridge, while Pyramid Hill recruit Ben Bisset kicked 10 goals in the Bulldogs’ empahtic 27.16 (178) to 3.3 (21) win over Calivil United.

Mellington’s day out was his second-straight double-figure tally this season and the former Fremantle Dockers forward now has 31 goals in the two games he’s played against Newbridge in 2024 and 2025.

game veteran and regular ruckman Adam Postle with a niggling leg wound, Boort’s aerial supremo James Wilson had a wedding.

Compounding team selection for the Redbacks with the withdrawal rover Zac Pallpratt who pulled a hamstring in the pregame warm-up.

Andrew Chalkley a star back in the Redbacks’ glory run who returned with a ripping reserves

game two weeks ago to earn immediate senior promotion, lasted just 10 minutes, injuring an ankle. Coach Tom Metherell did a hamstring late in the game. Boort earned the vital points on Saturday to end a two-game losing streak against fellow top four contenders Calder United and Birchip Watchem and stay in the hunt for a top two finish.

... the weekend’s goalkicking men

Mellington joined Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp on 43 goals at the top of the LVFNL goalkicking race. Inglewood’s Seb Erharter is just one goal behind the star duo.

“Josh gave away a couple of goals well, he had a really good day out,’’ Bears’ coach Jake Wilkinson said of Mellington.

“We’ve been working on our ball movement to make sure we get more opportunities inside that 30-metre arc. By putting it to the hot spot, Josh can do his work and at least create a contest where our crumbers can get front and centre. It paid dividends at the weekend.”

After impressing with Mt

Pleasant in the Heathcote league in 2024, Bisset has made a strong impact in his first with the Bulldogs, kicking 33 goals in seven games.

After spending most of his playing time across half-forward in the first seven rounds, Bisset played closer to goal against the Demons and gave the defence plenty of headaches.

“Ben got some good looks inside forward 50 and we were really good at centre bounces which gave him some good one-on-one opportunities,’’ Pyramid Hill coach Nathan Fitzpatrick said.

“His ability to take contested marks is very good. I think he only had one or two goals until

half-time, so his second half was phenomenal.

“The most pleasing part (of the win) was our score against. Offensively, we’ve been pretty good this year, but defensively we needed to tidy up a bit… so it was good to keep Calivil to three goals.”

While a couple of individual forwards commanded centre stage in Serpentine’s and Pyramid Hill’s victories, reigning premiers Marong got the job done via committee. The Panthers had 14 individual goalkickers in their 25.7 (157) to 5.3 (33) win over Mitiamo. Lachlan Lee, Richard Tibbett and David Johnstone were in great form for Marong.

- CHRIS EARL

Boort’s Brodie

Oscar Holt and Carlos Egan do battle at Donaldson Park. Both were in their team’s best players. LH PHOTO

Blues make their mark in dying minutes of key clash

By ADAM BOURKE

INGLEWOOD players, coaching staff and supporters breathed a collective sigh of relief after the Blues fended off a gallant Maiden Gully in round eight of the Loddon Valley Football Netball League.

The Blues won 15.10 (100) to 12.9 (81), but it took until the dying minutes for the home side to put paid to an improving young Maiden Gully side.

The home side had trailed by five points at the last change before kicking 4.2 to 0.2 in the final quarter to secure a crucial four points in the context of its season. “Before the game we wanted to put together four quarters of footy, but it was pretty obvious watching the game that we didn’t do that,’’ Inglewood coach Fergus Payne said.

“When we play well, we put together good patches of footy, both attacking and defensively, but when we break down, we’re poor both ways.

“The pleasing thing was we stuck to our process in the last quarter and I thought our last 15 minutes was really strong.”

With the game on the line in the final quarter the Blues needed someone to stand up in the big moments and Liam Marciano did just that.

The former Eaglehawk livewire kicked the opening goal of the final quarter, controlled the game through the middle of the ground and, arguably most importantly, denied Maiden Gully scoring opportunities by taking two crucial intercept marks across half-back – something the midfielder is not renowned for doing.

Lachlan Ford did a power of work for the Blues around the

stoppages, Harry Veitch and Daniel Polack were consistent performers and Kai Cavallaro was dangerous across half-forward. The most intriguing battle of the game was deep in Inglewood’s attack where the Blues’ in-form forward Seb Erharter had 16-year-old Maiden Gully defender Lewis Pigdon for company after quarter-time. Erharter finished the day with five goals, including one after the final siren, to take his season tally to 42 goals, but Pigdon impressed with his closing speed, defensive nous and penetrating left-foot kick.

Pigdon, who is a member of the Bendigo Pioneers under-16 squad, clearly has a bright future.

Maiden Gully coach Shawn Filo was frustrated the Eagles didn’t get over the line, but couldn’t fault his side’s efforts.

“We knew we had to put a lot of pressure on around the footy because Inglewood gets a lot of uncontested footy,’’ Filo said.

“I thought if we could keep that pressure up, we’d be right in the game. It came down to which team made the most of their opportunities when the game was in the balance.”

Saturday’s game marked the Maiden Gully debut of former Huntly and Lockington-Bamawm United playing coach Stacy Fiske.

Having played more than 200 games in the Heathcote district league, Fiske’s experience will be invaluable for the Eagles.

“His voice on the track on Tuesday and Thursday and during the game today… his communication skills are second-to-none,’’ Filo said of Fiske. “With where our group is at in terms of average age, Stacy’s knowledge and organisational skills on the ground are really going to help us out.”

Payne satisified more improvement to come

CONTENT, but far from satisfied. That’s the attitude of Inglewood senior coach Fergus Payne as his side marks its half-way mark of the Loddon Valley season.

After only winning four games in 2024, the Blues have already matched that total for 2025 after scoring a hard-fought 19-point win over Maiden Gully.

Through eight games the Blues have a 4-4 record and sit six points clear in fifth place.

“Where we are now compared to where we were last year is awesome,’’ Payne said. “I think the Loddon Valley has gone up a massive leap this year, so for us to be in fifth. position is great.

“To get within 10 points of three of the top sides (Marong, BL-Serpentine and Bridgewater) was really pleasing. Pyramid Hill beat us by 50 points, which is still an improvement for us because they beat us by 100-plus last year.

“To be competitive in those games is great for the players, the coaches and the supporters.

“We’ve made improvement, but we know we’ve got a lot to work on and there’s more improvement to come.”

One player who will help the Blues improve in the second half of the season is Jackson Hood, who made his Inglewood senior debut in the win over Maiden Gully.

The former Castlemaine key position player spent most of the day across half-back, but much to the delight of his team-mates he did kick his first goal for the club late in the second quarter.

“He gives us flexibility with our talls,’’ Payne said of Hood.

“We don’t want to be too tall, but we have some hybrid types in the backline that can use their pace and ability a bit more, while Jackson can play as a swingman.

“I was the oldest at 27, so to add him in as a 32-year-old will be invaluable for the younger guys.”

Payne missed last Saturday’s win over Maiden Gully because of a slight hamstring strain.

He has his sights set on a return to the playing field against Marong on June 14.

Payne and exciting youngster Gabe Nevins will add some quality to the Inglewood midfield mix when they return.

“Gabe will probably be at least another six weeks away,’’ Payne confirmed.

“We haven’t had our best team available yet this year, but to be fair we probably don’t know our best team yet.

“(While we’ve had injuries) players have stepped up and played a role for us. Our depth has been good.”

Round nine action this weekend will complete the first half of

the season. It shapes as a lopsided round, with the four top teams playing the four bottom clubs.

The closest contest could be at Marist College where sixthplaced Maiden Gully hosts Pyramid Hill.

The Eagles did plenty right in a close loss to Inglewood and a repeat of that effort will at least keep the home side in the game for a half.

The main interest in the Bears Lagoon Serpentine versus Calivil clash will centre around how many goals Josh Mellington kicks.

After kicking 26 goals in his past two games, Mellington looks set for another big day in front of the sticks.

In the remaining two games, Bridgewater will outclass Mitiamo, while Marong should have few troubles in disposing of Newbridge.

THEY’RE forecasting rain for the King’s Birthday Weekend. That’s about the only good news Newbridge can expect with a torrid encounter against the purring Panthers on Saturday.

I’ve seen both these clubs in recent weeks and have to say, Marong looks the goods for at least a grand final finish while Newbridge, despite the perpetual smiles of the Holland boys when charging admission at the gate, have been cursed by injuries yet again.

So at Panther Pit, it will be a dismal day for Newbridge, Saturday will be the battle for the Pompapiel Cup when Bears Lagoon takes on Calivil. Gaddo’s dream team will get up by a 10 goals and unless Demons’ Lewis Fisher can do the tight checking, Mellington will be good for another 14 goals.

Mitiamo has the long drive down to Bridgewater where the Mean Machine will have heroes of the 1985 flag side in attendance. Miti was on the cusp of a good era back in the 1980s when Bridgewater was a dominant force (yep, The Oracle was around Bridgey in those years) but I don’t think the Superoos of 2025 will give Lachie Sharp’s boys too much trouble. For the record, Sharp to kick 15 goals.

The final match of Loddon Valley’s Royal Round is at the Camel Hump when Maiden Gully hosts Pyramid Hill.

Have no doubt, Maiden Gully is up a couple of cogs on 2024 and showing an endeavour not seen from the Eagles for a few years.

They won’t be beaten by 100 points this Saturday. But Nathan Fitzpatrick’s Bulldogs will show why the boys from Pyramid Hill continued to be rated as in the league’s top two sides. The final margin. The Oracle’s sticking the neck out and say 50 points.

- GLENN CATTO

PREDICTIONS

GARY WALSH

Maiden Gully v Pyramid Hill

BL Serpentine v Calivil

Marong v Newbridge

Bridgewater v Mitiamo

Progressive: 26.5

GLENN CATTO

Maiden Gully v Pyramid Hill

BL Serpentine v Calivil

Marong v Newbridge

Bridgewater v Mitiamo

Progressive: 20.5

CHRIS EARL

Maiden Gully v Pyramid Hill

BL Serpentine v Calivil

Marong v Newbridge

Bridgewater v Mitiamo

Progressive: 25.5

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday JUNE 5, 2025

MAGPIES TAKE DERBY POINTS FOR JUST FOURTH TIME IN A DECADE

LOCK THAT IN!

By CHRIS EARL

FINALS football is close to a certainty for Boort for the first time in almost a decade after Saturday’s dramatic North Central win over Wedderburn.

The Pies had not won at the Redbacks’ Donaldson Park home since 2017 and risked buckling in the final quarter of the league’s match of the day.

Wedderburn had turned around a 30-point deficit at the last break to hit the lead with 10 minutes left on the clock in shades of a classic Loddon Derby between the rivals in 2023 when Wedderburn won by two points.

A strong mark across half-back by Boort’s Alex Chamberlain steadied the Magpies when they reclaimed the lead for a fivepoint win that has potentially snuffed chances of the Redbacks playing finals in 2025.

Preliminary finalists last year, Wedderburn has a tougher endof-season assignment with a third meeting against Sea Lake Nandaly in North Central’s uneven draw this season.

Boort is likely to win the repeat matches against St Arnaud and Charlton and easily strengthen its grip on fourth sport.

North Central retains the final four format but this year, five clubs have shown they are streets ahead of Donald, St Arnaud and Charlton. League officials this week said there were no plans to change the final four this season.

Peter Barbopoulos (Boort) and Mark Robinson (Wedderburn) were thrust in ruck duties for Saturday’s Loddon Derby at Donaldson Park after both sides without their lead taps for the crucial

However, Standfield said the unevenness of the draw could be reviewed at end of season debrief later in the year.

Boort’s dramatic win at Donaldson Park continued the tradi-

“The league and clubs approved the draw before the season started - all clubs playing each other twice and then the opening two rounds also becoming the final rounds of the home and away season,” said North Central’s rules and events manager Lance Standfield.

tion of some close finishes between the two clubs, no matter their ladder position.

The Pies were playing to effectively lock in fourth spot and keep alive chances the Dale Cameron-coached outfit could still push for a top two finish,

The win was Boort’s first

against Wedderburn since winning both home and away clashes in 2017, the last time the Magpies played finals.

Their first victory that year was by 19 points at Donaldson Park and then by 42 points at Boort Park three months later.

The Magpies have found it hard to find success against Wedderburn. There was a 17 point win in 2016 that ended a five-year drought when winning by six points early in the season before the Redbacks went on to win the first of four consecutive flags

MATCH REPORT - PAGE 26

match.