Loddon Herald 5 October 2023

DARK CORRIDOR

VNI West late route release rude: farmer

LANDOWNERS will have just days to digest the VNI West transmission project route before community engagement starts on Tuesday.

Transmission Company Victoria, already missing its two earlier deadlines to release the refined 1km wide route, is expected to release details by the weekend.

One Loddon farmer said on Tuesday: “It’s rude to give so little time before the community meetings start.”

The farmer said late release of the corridor would hinder accuracy of any environmental effects study and its impact on local crops.

“The season is virtually over in northern areas. It’s not much use studying impacts after crops have reached maturity,” they said.

Sources have told the Loddon Herald they expect the controversial project’s corridor will be on the northern edges of Option 5A ‘land of interest’ announced in May by TCV’s parent company Australian Energy Market Operator.

Landowners near Bunguluke and Glenloth East have been contacted by TCV staff in recent weeks. Farmers around Barraport, Barraport West and Merring West have also been on the calling list.

The renewable energy trans-

By CHRIS EARL

mission line is also expected to run parallel to Boort-Kerang Road before heading towards Kerang.

TCV will hold the first of five community information sessions from Tuesday starting in Charlton. Boort’s session is next Thursday.

The sessions have been billed for communities to “hear more about the project, including the draft corridor and ask questions of the project team”.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub last month said there was concern the VNI West corridor report would be released with little time for consideration by communities.

Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh had earlier pushed Energy Minister Lily d’Ambrosio to have VicGrid assess the alternative proposal from the Victorian Energy Policy Centre that advocates abandoning VNI West and using existing transmission lines and easement to meet renewable energy transfer targets.

Ms d’Ambrosio in Parliament said: “These matters are under consideration by the market operator.”

The Loddon Herald understands the centre’s Professor Bruce Mountain and alternative report co-author Richard Bartlett have pressed VicGrid for terms of reference for an analysis.

The Old

LODDON roadsides are dotted with the bright and colourful work of Wedderburn artist Ross Currie.

Under the watchful eye of his ‘manager’ and canine companion Basil, Ross has been turning stumps and fallen branches into eye-catching art for the last four years. His beacons of contemporary bushland beauty will help guide people to more than 20 galleries, studios and community spaces this weekend for the first Loddon Valley Arts Trail.

Office Block

Langley Lane McIntyre

STORY - PAGE 9

LH PHOTO

THERE sure was some zapping going around over the weekend. Whether it was caused by the start of daylight saving or the classic and epic AFL grand final, energy boosts from microwaves a sure boost to the exhausted, lethargic and those simply stonkered. Bradley of Boort certainly found a (brain)wave for his latest Treemendous Sign.

NOW let’s start at the weekend’s exhausted. One famous knitter and Collingwood tragic had her day capped off when the Pies scraped home by four points. The knitting needles were going faster than players in the half-time sprint and we hear she finished the afternoon with more than a dozen completed berets. Unsure, however, the colour of wool used.

ANOTHER of the exhausted was on the phone to OTF very late on Sunday afternoon. Apologies were aplenty - bit like the free kicks to Brisbane Lions we think - for taking so long to get back to us. “It’s been a big weekend ... and we won,” she said.

THE Good Doc and his Good Wife went behind enemy lines at the weekend Ventured to

western Queenland to watch the grand final. “We were about the only two people even watching the grand final and certainly the only two Pies supporters,” he reported in, adding that for his beloved Collingwood, it was a September win. Lap it up Doc!

ANOTHER OTF regular - in the Westminster traditions of democracy, we shall not reveal his name as voting is always secret - was also quick with the text message after the final siren. “Best week I’ve had for years. Collingwood premierhsip and Dan Andrews resigned. There is a God.”

OTF was out and about over the long weekend. Spotted heaps of Magpie decorations from Bridgewater to Inglewood and even out near Pompaiel. Noticed the Inglewood fence decorations were depleted by Saturday afternoon. Every black balloon had popped. As for the Lions, there was just one brave household spotted in Wedderburn.

STARTING daylight savings on the same weekend as AFL grand final is also a bit cruel. As Bradley points out the internal body clocks need readjustment. Only problem, not only was an hour lost on the official sun dial, it’s highly likely, indeed probable and possible, that some Collingwood fans have lost more than a hour in their memory of life thanks to the Pies actually winning in September and taking honours in a real close game, you know, the ones the Victoria Park outfit always used to lose come the final match of the football season. Guess the Colliwobbles are in hibernation.

Bushland tour soaks up nature

AWARENESS of threatened species in Loddon bushland reserves was raised during weekend tours.

Wedderburn Conservation Management Network organised tours of Wychitella Conservation Reserve on Saturday, exploring Mt Egbert and the mallefowl mounds. More than 25 people went on the tour led by

James Nelsson with many camping at the reserve that night.

The network took 35 people on a tour to Kooyoora State Park on Sunday where they visited the spring soaks.

“We hope we’ve raised awareness of threatened species and our wonderful area we live in and help manage,” said Trudy Nelsson.

Council asset disposal policy expanded

LODDON Shire Council has added computers and other technology to its asset disposal policy.

Councillors last week adopted the recommendation from corporate director Amanda Wilson to have additional categories to dispose of major and minor equipment, including small in-

formation technology items where some income can be achieved

“Effective application of this policy will ensure that any disposal of Council’s assets is carried out in a transparent, fair, independent and open manner,” she said.

James Nelsson guides nature enthusiasts through local bushland. LH PHOTO

Monster weekend

LODDON communities are set for their biggest weekend since COVID stopped events in their tracks almost three years ago.

The inaugural Loddon Valley Arts Trail will finally launch after aborted attempts in 2021 and 2022 when COVID and then floods scuppered plans to showcase local creatives.

More than 40 artists will have works on display across the region on Saturday and Sunday.

Whole Loddon Love music tour also kicks off this weekend with the first flood recovery concerts in Pyramid Hill, Boort and Newbridge.

The tour, a State Government-

Highway crash man found

POLICE have found a person missing after the horrific twocar Loddon Highway crash at Serpentine.

They had been looking for the man, 20, saying he may have been injured and needing medical assistance.

Two cars crashed at the northern end of Serpentine on September 23 about 2.20pm after police saw a blue Holden Commodore allegedly travelling at excessive speed.

Four people were arrested after the crash within hours of the crash, allegedly fleeing into a canola crop that sparked a search that involved the dog squad and police from across the Loddon.

“Shortly after the Holden was seen crossing onto the wrong side of the road, overtook a vehicle and colliding with a silver Hyundai,” police said last week.

One, a 41-year-old Kangaroo Flat woman was taken to Bendigo hospital where she had been under police guard. The other three had been assisting police with enquires.

The driver of the Hyundai was treated at the scene by witnesses and paramedics.

Police on Tuesday said no charges had been made.

Anyone with any information or with CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com. au

IN BRIEF

Housing report

Art, music and gold top activities

funded initiative, will culminate locally in Bridgewater on October 14, the first anniversary of major floods hitting local communities for a second time in 11 years.

Producer Fionna Allan said: “I encourage folks to jump online and register for their free tickets - so we have an idea of how many people are coming, and we don’t run out of food or drinks!”

Funds raised at the local concerts will be donated to community organisations.

Outdoor major events are also on the weekend calendar

with Boort’s Saturday morning parkrun that attracts participants from many areas each week notching up its first anniversary.

And at Laanecoorie, gold detecting enthusiasts will be out in their hundreds for the town’s annual gold bash.

The gold bash is a fundraiser for the Peter McCallum Cancer Foundation in honour of one of the event’s founders, Jim Stewart, who passed away from cancer in 2013.

Organiser Di Hodgson said the bash had raised more than

$180,000 for the foundation and would add to the total this year.

Bash officials are expecting more than 500 people will be part of treasure hunts with the first competitors already in the district for the weekend’s event.

The blockbuster weekend has also seen strong bookings for accommodation in Loddon communities with Whole Loddon Love expected to attract music fans from Melbourne and other regional areas.

The start of October also heralds other major events this month including the Boort Show and Back to Bridgewater with Inglewood Alive in November.

AVAILABILITY of land was a major obstacle to building new homes in country areas, according to a report released by Rural Councils Victoria on Tuesday. The group’s research found other challenges were an ability to find qualified tradespeople and planners and state policy and regulation. RCV surveyed mayors, CEOs, councillors, and council staff. Chair Cr Mary-Ann Brown said: “The Rural Housing Survey paints a stark picture of what is happening in the rural housing crisis and points to possible solutions. Several councils are already working on their own solutions, but they need help from government to deliver the homes rural communities need.”

Snake prepared

TARNAGULLA Primary School has told students returning for term four this week that some areas will be out of bounds to avoid encountering snakes. “Due to the possibility of snakes, we also have some restricted spaces around the school during the summer months – especially those areas that are adjacent to bush. Students are well aware of these out-of-bounds areas and have been provided with a clear plan of response in the event of seeing a snake. Fortunately, this has rarely happened, but we always need to be prepared,” said principal Leigh Mellberg.

Court contract

CENTRAL Goldfields Shire last week awarded the contract to redevelop netball courts at Dunolly’s Delideo Reserve to Quantum Civil Pty Ltd. The contract was awarded following a public tender process and has been jointly funded with $727,707 from the Victorian Government and $242,569 from council.

Centenary bash

DINGEE Bush Nursing Centre will hold its official centenary year celebration next month. The centre formally ticked over a century of service earlier this year. The event will also launch a second edition of Dingee’s best recipes book.

CIRCUS games and fun was the best birthday present when Lila Gleeson turned nine and popped along to Boort Memorial Hall where the touring theatrical company Sparkle Society was performing its latest production Cab Suave. Lila was among many youngsters who took part in the circus workshop before Sunday’s show. LH PHOTO

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Demolition right move, says Haylett

DEMOLITION of the old Inglewood ambulance station has been defended by Ripon MP Martha Haylett.

Ms Haylett has been criticised for not working with the community to stave off demolition while talks were held with local campaigners wanting to retain the 1980s brick building.

Demolition crews moved onto the Hospital Street site last week and by Thursday morning the last of their equipment was being removed.

Ms Haylett this week refused to answer questions on whether it had been acceptable for the Government to claim asbestos was in the building as a reason for demolition, only to admit hours after crews arrived that the cancer-causing material was not present.

Broad snubbed in bid to have ally

UPPER House MP Gaelle Broad was snubbed by Martha Haylett as she tried to gain support for delaying demolition of the old Inglewood ambulance station.

Ms Broad, who tabled community petitions in State Parliament to save the building, said she had spoken with Ms Haylett.

“I find it incredible that the government just charged ahead and knocked this building down after the community raised the funds to pay for it,” Ms Broad said.

The Northern Victoria Region MP said she had exhausted every avenue to get the Government to change its mind.

“I have raised this matter in Parliament,” she said.

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Instead, Ms Haylett repeated statements from the State Government over recent months when community agitation to keep the building increased.

“The State Labor Government is boosting ambulance resources in Loddon to ensure paramedics have the facilities and support they deserve to quickly respond to local emergencies,” she said.

“The brand-new station features a threebay garage for ambulances, two rest and recline areas for hard-working paramedics to recuperate, a fully equipped kitchen and improved security and car parking to make sure paramedics stay safe.

“The project involved knocking down the no longer fit-for-purpose buildings on site to provide local paramedics with critical vehicle access – giving them the mod-

YOUR

ern home base they need to do what they do best – save lives.

“I am eager to meet locals and council to discuss community facility needs in Inglewood in the near future,” Ms Haylett said.

Howard Rochester, who led protesters in a last-ditch bid to save the building, said as demolition started: : “We lost but (Ripon MP) Martha Haylett might lose too.

“This is community money that’s being ripped down by the Government,” Mr Rochester said.

“Money raised over 50 years by the ambulance auxiliary and the community ... all gone.”

Mr Rochester and others in the protest group had wanted the building retained for community use, housing or made available to Inglewood and Districts Health Service.

VOICE IN PARLIAMENT

“I directly contacted the minister’s office, asking her to step in to set up a meeting between Ambulance Victoria and the Inglewood and Districts Health Service to see if a solution could be found.

“I tabled two petitions with signatures from hundreds of local residents. I also rang the lower house member Martha Haylett directly, seeking her support to delay the demolition.

“It’s clear that this Government does not care what people in regional Victoria think and feel.”

Ms Broad said the sheer wastage that had come with the demolition was mindboggling.

“I’m told there was furniture still inside when demolition started this morning. Ironically, this could have been sold in the op-shop,” she said.

“There was little consultation with locals who wanted to see it used as a community base or as extra office space for Inglewood and Districts Health Service.

“I find it amazing that this Government is knocking down buildings at a time when building contractors and materials are in such short supply.

“This shows the shocking disregard that this government has for rural and regional Victorians,” Ms Broad said.

If you

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

— but most of all we are a community. coping

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are in this together, and together we will get through.

peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on

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

of We are in this together, and together we will get through.

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

A crew removes the last of demolition equipment from the old ambulance station site last Thursday. LH PHOTO

University friends brew cafe switch

LOVE for people and food have seen Emma Dotollo and Abi Umali quickly settle in as new owners of Pyramid Hill Bakery and Cafe.

The two first met when studying veterinary medicine at Manilla’s De La Salle University before coming to Australia.

Emma has worked on Loddon dairy farms and at a Borung olive grove and with Loddon Mallee Women’s Health.

Abi, the first to make her home in Australia in 2015, had been working at a local piggery and in women’s health promotion.

They said the opportunity to buy the bakery from long-time owners Dee and Mick Simm gave them a great opportunity to share their love of food and people.

“We did a barista course before taking over the bakery two weeks ago and people have been so supportive and understanding as we find our way,” they said.

“We’re keeping Dee and Mick’s

famous recipe for pies and sausage rolls. Customers love them.”

Dee said: “We had been in the cafe for 10 wonderful years and enjoyed it immensely.

“We would like to thank all of our staff both young and old for helping us over the years and becoming like family,” she said.

“We would also like to thank our customers for their never ending support

“We have run the cafe through just about every story in the Bible without shutting our doors once - floods, drought, COVID and provided food for just about everything from weddings. birthdays, funerals and christenings to emergency services.

“Mick and I are going on a holiday in the new year sometime and I will look for maybe three days a week work somewhere after that.

“Until then I will keep Mick busy with a long list of chores and then go fishing,” Dee said last week.

New Premier rings in changes

JACINTA Allan unveiled her new-look cabinet on Monday, less than a week after becoming Victoria’s 49th premier.

The member for Bendigo East, that includes Serpentine and Dingee, was elected unopposed as Labor Party leader on Wednesday after a last-minute factional brawl on positions was averted.

Ben Carroll was elected Ms Allan’s deputy and was named the state’s new education minister.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said council hoped to meet with the new premier shortly. “We are keen to discuss roads, VNI West, the Murray Darling and future government investment in population and economic growth of our towns within easy distance of Bendigo,” he said.

The agriculture portfolio has been given to outer suburban MP Ros Spence with

former minister Gayle Tierney becoming Minister for Skills and TAFE and Minister for Regional Development. Ms Tierney is the member for Western Victoria Region that includes, Wedderburn, Inglewood and Bridgewater.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Emma Germano said: “We look forward to working with Minister Spence and the Victorian Government to deliver for farmers and regional Victorians.

“With a new Premier hailing from regional Victoria and a new Agriculture Minister, we look forward to a renewed focus on the regions,” she said.

“I would like to thank outgoing Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney for her work and I look forward to continuing working with her in her role as Minister for Regional Development.”

Patrons toasted countdown to retirement

ONE Loddon hotel offered a happy hour last Wednesday in the countdown to the official 5pm retirement from state politics of outgoing premier Daniel Andrews.

Four Posts Hotel, Jarklin, had the clock ticking down to the formal handover to Jacinta Allan whose electorate border is just kilometres from the Loddon Valley Highway watering hole.

Publican Heide Polkinghorne said: “It was to celebrate surviving under Dan’s

Are you aged 70 years or older? You must still vote in the 2023 Referendum

The referendum will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023. Voting is compulsory even if you are 70 years of age or older.

If you can’t make it to a polling place on voting day, you may be eligible to vote early.

For more information go to www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26

Appropriate COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at all polling places.

Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and older. If you don’t vote, you may be prosecuted. Voting more than once is a criminal offence.

leadership. For a premier supposedly so popular, he was never been past Melbourne, unless it was staged,” she said.

“We even had a person who said he was the (former) premier’s cousin at the bar and taking part.”

Patrons said the retirement of Daniel Andrews came after weathering unnecessary COVID lockdowns and poor treatment of rural areas where roads were crumbling.

2023 Referendum, Saturday 14 October

aec.gov.au | 13 23 26

Authorised by the Australian Electoral Officer for Victoria, 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria

New Pyramid Hill Bakery and Cafe owners Emma Dotollo and Abi Umali. LH PHOTO

VNI West – October Information Sessions

The VNI West project is a major infrastructure project to build a vital new transmission line between Victoria and New South Wales.

Come along to one of our events to hear more about the project, including the draft corridor and ask questions of the project team. Each event will include a town hall presentation and panel Q&A from 5:00pm – 6:30pm followed by a drop-in information session from 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Tuesday 10 October Charlton Park Complex, Charlton

Wednesday 11 October Stewart and McDonald Hall, St Arnaud

Thursday 12 October Boort Memorial Hall, Boort

Monday 16 October Stawell Entertainment Centre, Stawell

Tuesday 17 October Kerang Memorial Hall, Kerang

Thursday 19 October Online information session and Q&A (4:00pm-5:30pm)

Please register via the QR code or TCV website

Where can I find more information?

W: www.transmissionvictoria.com.au

P: 1800 824 221

E: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Footy fever has numbers leaping at caravan parks

CARAVAN parks and camping grounds across the Loddon were at capacity for the AFL grand final eve long weekend.

Scores of vans lined the Loddon River at Newbridge and Laanecoorie while at Boort the park was full of buzz,

And at Bridgewater and Wedderburn, where Loddon Shire Council earlier this year ticked off on long-term leases for the caravan parks, hundreds crammed in for three days of relaxation and football viewing.

An estimated 500 people booked into the Bridgewater where leaseholder Kristy Hourigan said occupancy had jumped 200 per cent at the riverside park in the last three months.

They were treated to live music and served pop-up Spanish dishes by Ann-Maree and Gary Davis, of Campbells Forest, with their Little Sangria van on Friday.

“There’s been a real buzz all weekend around the park that captures the spirit of camping in vans and tents at this very popular location,” Kristy said.

“We’ve seen amazing growth already in visitors coming to Bridgewater and exploring the area.

“The start of spring has certainly been a good omen for the summer season ahead.”

The Hourigans, who also have the longterm lease of the Wedderburn park, opted for a more traditional fare to treat park visitors on grand final day.

Hundreds of sausages were cooked up on the camp barbecue before the first bounce of the ball watched eagerly on television sets around the park.

“Our occupancy figures at Wedderburn have also increased since taking over the parks in July,” Kristy said.

“With the three new cabins now in place, we are aiming to have Wedderburn match the growth being seen at Bridgewater.”

Shire’s ward boundary review start date set for early 2024

NEW ward boundaries for Loddon Shire Council may not be known until six months before next year’s local government elections.

Victorian Electoral Commission on Monday told the Loddon Herald a boundary review would start in January.

A spokesperson said the process would be finished before next October’s elections and “it is expected that any adjustments to ward boundaries that result from the reviews will be in place for the October elections”.

“Details for these reviews have not yet been finalised. We will share details of the process when they are finalised, along with a review timeline, closer to the re-

view start date,” the spokesperson said. An internal ward boundary review is triggered when the number of voters in any ward is 10 per cent greater or less than the ward average.

Loddon Shire has five wards - Boort, Inglewood, Tarnagulla, Terrick and Wedderburn - and latest Census data indicates growth in the Boort and Inglewood Wards that may exceed the threshold.

The 2020 election had an official voting date of October 24 with nominations closing mid-September.

All candidates for council elections must complete the local government candidate training before they are able to nominate, according to the VEC.

Sherwell prepares for school retirement

BOORT District School principal LeeAnne Sherwell will retire early next year.

Ms Sherwell, who is currently on long service leave, has told the school community that she expects to position will be advertised shortly.

Tom Bleicher is acting as principal for

the start of term four until Ms Sherwell’s return.

Meanwhile, the Smile Squad team from Dental Health Services Victoria will continue its visits to Loddon schools with Boort on the itinerary this month giving free dental check-ups.

Brett Fifield entertains campers at Bridgewater over the long weekend. LH PHOTO

Ann-Maree and Gary Davis ready to serve Spanish food. LH PHOTO

Lake level rising to top

LITTLE Lake Boort is expected to be full by next week ahead of the popular summer visitor season.

Last week’s annual meeting of the lake committee was told water is flowing into the lake at through the channel system, the lake is expected quickly reach capacity and be kept full all summer.

The committee has developed a works program for the next 12 months that includes more beaching along the tennis courts and further extending the retaining-built wall recently built at the caravan park

During next winter, the lake will be lowered to help with ongoing maintenance.

Cr Neil Beattie was re-elected president of the Little Lake Boort committee.

He said: “That the amenity of Little Lake Boort was first class with numerous visitors and locals having a fabulous summer with very few weeds in the lake to deal with.

“The weed boat has just been serviced and is on stand-by in case the aquatic plants dominate the water this summer,” Cr Beattie said.

Committee members were pleased with the Loddon Shire garden program, recently installing an automated watering system, new lawns and trees planted at Myrnong Beach.

They said the works would prove another great asset for this summer.

The shire was also praised for

carrying out maintenance on Little Lake Boort Walking Track with most of the surface upgraded.

Wendy James from the Boort Lakes Holiday Park said: “This summer, bookings are extremely high and we are looking forward to a wonderful summer for locals and visitors”.

Rod Stringer from the Boort Angling Club said people were already catching fish, especially redfin, silver perch and the odd

carp. “We expect good fishing all summer including the surrounding wetlands,” Mr Stringer said.

A suggestion was presented to the committee that supported the idea of a bird hide being constructed at Myrnong Beach overlooking the reed area.

The committee is looking into installing more shade and shelter to compliment the shire’s works in this area as it is receiving more visitors.

It is expected that the town’s

The Railway Hotel BOORT

Catalyst names new chairman

DAVID Jones has been appointed the new chairman of goldmining company Catalyst Metals.

The company said his appointment concluded the first phase of Catalyst’s evolution since the consolidation of Western Australia’s Plutonic Gold Belt earlier in the year.

Mr Jones has been a board member of private and public businesses and has been a member of the investment committee of EMR Capital, a resources private equity firm, since 2012.

Catalyst is waiting on State Government approval of a works plan for its proposed $20 million exploration tunnel near Mitiamo, part of the Four Eagles project in a joint venture with Hancock Prospecting.

The company also operates the Henty gold mine in Tasmania.

population will double over summer, but there will still be room for people if they want to come and have a picnic on the well manicured lawns while enjoying the lake.

Little Lake Boort is one of the most important assets for the community and possibly the Loddon Shire.

“It is estimated to boost Boort’s economy by $3million a year, according to committee member Paul Haw.

Weather delays burn

WARM and windy weather earlier this week forced Forest Fire Management to abandon plans for a traditional burn at Kooyoora State Park.

The burn of 106 hectares around Kneebone Track had been scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

Little Lake Boort management committee members Neil Beattie, Doug Aldrich, Wendy James, Kevin Sutton, Ray Stomann, Rod Stringer and Guy Contarino after their annual meeting.

Goals kicked at new town hall space

INGLEWOOD’S new outdoor activity area spung to life on Grand Final Eve when hundreds came dressed in their favourite football colours.

The space was developed next to the town hall by Loddon Shire Council after receiving a COVID recovery grant from the State Government.

Ward councillor Wendy Murphy and town hall hub committee president Enzo Scafati made brief speeches before rejoining football fans for the first official event.

Youngsters marvelled at vintage cars and experienced squirting the fire brigade hose while family groups enjoyed jazz music and munched on hot chips, slices and ice creams during the afternoon.

Trees down as winds whip up

EMERGENCY services were called to clear roads of fallen trees early this week.

Warm weather and winds saw tree falls at Newbridge and Berrimul.

The winds were followed on Tuesday by the region’s first rain in almost a month.

Up to 75mm was recorded in some Loddon areas, exceeding total rainfalls recorded for September. The highest reported was at Calivil. More falls were predicted yesterday before clearing for the weekend.

Inglewood’s only day of rain for the month was September 6 when 6mm fell. The town’s average is 33.7mm.

Wedderburn’s largest fall was 7mm on September 8 with 0.6 tipped from the gauge on September 21. The total for the month was 9mm compared with an average of 40.2mm.

Dunolly received a similar rainfall with readings on three days for a total of 9.2mm against an average of 42.3mm.

The monthly rainfall at Mincha was 9.2mm, with the main fall of 5mm on September 8. The average for the district is 29mm.

Charlton also recorded 9.2mm against an average of 34.4mm.

Local rainfall has been well below average since May.

Vintage cars outside Inglewood Town Hall on Grand Final Eve were a hit with youngsters. LH PHOTOS

Gracie and Skyla Noonan

Oscar, Jacoby and Isaac Nind

Mia Schodde and Tilda Rose

Colours evolve under Basil’s watchful eye

ARTIST Ross Currie has dotted Loddon roadsides with colourful bush art over the last decade.

An old culvert metres from his Wedderburn home had just been added to creations that pop up in unusual places.

Power poles, garbage bins and more conventional murals are part of the rural portfolio crafted by Ross who says he sees opportunities and turns fallen branches, trees and stumps into new works of art.

The roadside beacons will help steer arts enthusiasts to his Wedderburn gallery this weekend for the inaugural Loddon Valley Arts Trail.

“I’m looking forward to the weekend and sharing art with

Students hit slopes of Buller

EAST LODDON P12 College students

Tyler Murphy, Riley Wagner, Tyler Rasmussen, Fynn Clymo and Max Gray were among the Year 9 and 10 cohort to experience the recent outdoor education camp.

Students travelled to Mansfield where they camped two nights and travelled to Mt Buller for a day of skiing or snow boarding. While it was cold students, soon adapted and gave it a real crack speeding with direction on the slopes.

Ross Currie

visitors,” he said. “And there’s the studio manager on deck too.

(Dog) Basil oversees everything I do and is always popular with visitors to the studio.”

Ross started his artistic jour-

ney as a woodburner, still displaying large works on the studio wall.

But it is the roadside art, bins and poles that are now his focus.

“The colours are evolving. I prefer to use a spray can these days in creating the art,” he said. Many are applied with what has become his signature bushland silhouette that strikingly stands out from rustic backgrounds.

“I once saw a stump ... it was either going to be Ned Kelly or the Black Knight from Monty Python. In the end it was Ned.

“If you see something, you just create it. But I’m definitely no Claude Monet!”

- CHRIS EARL

Barry’s brigade life membership

BARRY Schramm has been awarded Mitiamo Fire Brigade life membership.

Secretary Ted Kaye made the presentation at a function in Shepparton where CFA Loddon catchment commander Bryan Suckling also presented Ted with his 45-year service medal.

Barry joined the Nar Nar Goon CFA when he was 18 and has been a dedicated CFA member since, fulfilling firefighter roles and essential support roles at Merrigum, Echuca Village and since 1977, Mitiamo.

Ted said: “Ably assisted by his wife Lois, he has done an outstanding job ensuring essential communication of fire dispatches and co-ordination of firefighter response.

“Providing this crucial service has been a task of epic proportions, using phone and radio, always being on call, and remembering that the fire maxim is soonest there, soonest out, soonest home.

“Barry has been a staunch supporter of our brigade, attending meetings as local delegate and being a vocal advocate at times when he saw the need.”

The brigade also presented Louis with an award of appreciation.

“As the coming fire season approaches, our members will be supported by Lois in Barry’s stead, fulfilling this essential service to our local community,” said Ted after members had joined Barry for the presentation.

Glass recycling bins have arrived at the land ll and transfer stations

Due to Victorian Government state-wide kerbside reforms, there are major changes coming to the way we recycle glass. There are now glass disposal points across all of Council’s waste facilities for residents to drop o their used glass bottles and jars for free.

Glass manufacturers will be able to recycle twice as much glass.

Separating glass from other materials:

 Reduces contamination (broken glass won’t spoil paper, cardboard and plastic recycling)

 Allows recovery of more resources that get recycled in Victoria

What’s on this month

Wedderburn Spring Dance

Wedderburn Mechanics Hall, 92 High Street, Friday 20 October | 7.30pm to 11.00pm

Cost: $20 Adults, $10 Children

Put on your best 1950’s frock for an evening of Rock n Roll, Ballroom and line dancing to a live band. Lucky door prizes. Catered supper, BYO drinks. Contact: Phone 5494 3489.

COUNCIL

41

T: 5494 1200

F: 5494 3003

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

Monday

When glass is sorted into the right bin it can be recycled again and again. Small fragments (that can’t be remade into bottles or jars) can be used in the construction sector in road base. Glass that can be taken to drop o points include sauce and condiment jars, wine bottles, beer bottles and glass soft drink bottles. All glass bottles must be rinsed and have corks and lids removed.

Glass that cannot be taken to drop o points includes drinking glasses, broken crockery, storage and baking ware, perfume bottles and window glass.

For more information, including locations and operating times visit Council’s website

Thor Rally - Logan Hotel

Saturday, 21 October-Sunday, 22 October 12.00pm–Sunday 4.00pm

Presented by the Ararat Motorcycle Club. Food and co ee vans, live bands on Saturday afternoon/evening.

FOR MORE EVENTS www.loddon.vic.gov.au/ Events-directory

Brian Phillips, Allan Wiltshire, Lois Schramm, Neil Allen, Paul Curran, Barry Schramm, Donald Cunneen, Geoff Thomas, Bruce Rackham, Ted Kaye and Wayne Thomas, at the presentation.

Proud of ‘our shop’

FROM street stalls and fashion parades to sorting clothes at the Boort District Health op-shop every week, Isobel Loader has continually repaid the care her elderly relatives received more than 30 years ago.

Isobel joined the hospital auxiliary in 1986 after seeing first-hand the care two aunts and uncles received in the nursing home. She soon became auxiliary secretary and after 20 years in the role, served five terms as president before stepping down last month.

But there’s no hint of retirement from community service with Isobel still on duty every week sorting clothes do-

nated to the op-shop that the auxiliary has operated for 20 years and is its main revenue raiser to support BDH.

“The community is wonderful with donations and we would be lost without them,” she said. “And I would be lost without the auxiliary.

“Joining the auxiliary has been my way of repaying the hospital for their care of my aunts and uncles.”

The auxiliary was formed more than 40 years ago and recent donations have included $35,000 for seven new acute beds, $18,000 for mobile storage units, $18,000 for electric remote control wheel chairs and a two-seater gopher

and $7400 for shade structures. “Many people don’t realise just how much we donate,” Isobel said. “We’re very proud of our op-shop.”

She said auxiliary membership remained strong, averaging between 16 and 20 members.

“We have a good crew at our meetings ... when I started we did street stalls and fashion parades. They have gone by the wayside and now it’s the op-shop that does brilliant work,” Isobel said.

Auxiliary members gathered last month to congratulate Isobel on her service and welcome new president Judy Perryman.

Community health comes out in support of Voice change

NORTHERN District Community Health has become the first local group to give its public support to the Voice referendum. The Kerang-based group that provides services in Pyramid Hill and Boort said the Voice aligned with its vision to “build healthy, inclusive and connected rural communities”.

CEO Mandy Hutchinson said: “We recognise that, as in any democratic society, some members of the community may hold different views.”

“NDCH believes a Voice to Parliament will make a real difference in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and will contribute as an important step to closing the gap on health inequality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“This belief has been based on the partnership approach NDCH have been actively involved with over the last 10 years with Kerang elders and emerging leaders.”

Ms Hutchinson said NDCH hoped the Voice would provide a platform to speak directly to the Australian Government and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create better health and wellbeing.

“The recognition and representation that the Voice will afford Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples holds the potential to positively address entrenched health inequities.

“A Voice to Parliament would provide Aboriginal people with a permanent body to make representations to Parliament and the executive government on matters that are of particular significance to their peoples.

“While we recognise that members of the community may hold different views, NDCH respectfully affirms our support for the Voice. We encourage our community to make an informed and independent decision about this important issue,” she said.

Booths open to take early referendum votes

PRE-POLL booths have opened for the Voice referendum.

The first votes were cast on Monday with Mallee electorate pre-poll centres in Maryborough, Swan Hill, Mildura and Horsham. There are also pre-poll centres in Bendigo.

Meanwhile, the AEC has confirmed local booths on voting day - October 14 - will be at Boort, Pyramid Hill, Calivil, Dingee, Serpentine, Wedderburn, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Newbridge, Tarnagulla, Dunolly and Bealiba.

Get expert help and grants to plant trees

NOW OPEN - Landholders in North Central Victoria can partner with a Registered Project Advisor and apply for funding to plant trees.

Carbon farming projects generate a range of on-farm benefits including:

• improving shade and shelter for stock

• generating wood or timber products

• enhancing biodiversity along streams and shelterbelts

Connect with a Registered Project Advisor and apply for funding today: agriculture.vic.gov.au/ victorian-carbon-farming-program

Isobel Loader

Plenty of fun at great family day

BOORT’S annual show proudly carries the mantle of the Loddon Shire’s longest-running community event where family fun and rural celebration take centre stage.

The popular annual show has evolved through the generations, always presenting a contemporary outlook on rural life in local Loddon communities.

The day when young and old gather with family and friends, offering congratulations for their amazing entries in pavilion events and joining in the myriad of activities that make for a hectic schedule of fun on show.

President of Boort’s agricultural and pastoral society Madeleine Scott has grown up with the show and has an enthusiasm always in the ascent for the Loddon Shire’s only agricultural show.

“This is the one day of the year when

our communities come together, smiling in any weather and proudly exhibiting their own enthusiasm for community togetherness,” she said.

“The show connects the generations and connects all communities across the district. It’s been that way for more than a century.

“And every year there is something new on the program that keeps the connection alive and strong.”

The 135th Boort Show will have a first when thousands flock to Boort Park on October 14 - making a special appearance at the venue normally associated with harness racing and trotters will be the world’s greatest horse racing trophy, the Melbourne Cup.

“We’re thrilled to have been chosen as one of the marque events on the cup’s international tour this year,” Madeleine said. “The cup will be a

unique drawcard for our show that attracts people from right across central and northern Victoria and even interstate.”

Madeleine says the 2023 Boort Show will give visitors thousands of reasons to smile with entertainment and activities running over more than 12 hours at Boort Park from soon after dawn to after dusk when fireworks will light up the night sky.

“The Boort Show brings our community together ... volunteers raising funds for local groups, the army of volunteers beavering away in the background and families coming along for a great day out,” she said.

“The show is a community treasure that brings enjoyment and fun to our lives. It’s now show time again, celebrating what makes our rural area great.”

So much to see and do ... the Boort Show is a great family day out

Office ready to take your pavilion entries

FROM handcrafts to cookery, photography, art and farm and garden produce, the pavilion at Boort Park will be packed with exhibits on show day. Entries have already started coming online and from Tuesday, the show office will be open in the former Boort Veterinary Services building in Godfrey Street to receive entries.

Entries, in the running for some of the best prizemoney at agricultural shows in central and northern Victoria, can be taken to the showgrounds on Friday October 13 or on the morning before judging is scheduled to commence.

Online entries and enquiries to boortshow@gmail.com

Sheep and shears, horses and dogs

ANIMALS OF THE LAND TAKE CENTRE STAGE

HORSES will be back in the ring at the 2023 Boort Show and shearers will be strutting the boards as they vie for success in one of the richest competitions in the land. Equestrian events return after missing last year when the competition surface was hit by heavy rains in weeks before the show. Return of riders astride their steads will add to the show’s spectacle. There’s even a special horse fashion on the fields included in the Boort Show program for the first time.

With $8000 in prizemoney, the Boort Show shearing competition will be keenly contested. Shearers will put their skills from the shed to the test tackling Merino crossbreds where competition co-ordinator Al Wilson expects another good lineup of shearers in the open, intermediate, novice and local sections. Al says the competition has attracted shearers from across Australia and even Britain and New Zealand over the years

“The whole idea is to attract really good shearers,” he said. “Back in 2018, we had one bloke do three sheep in five minutes and 40 seconds ... that was a pretty good time,” he still recalls it as if it was yesterday,

The shearing shed is one of the most popular stopping points as families and groups wander the show attractions.

The shearing competition evolved out of a separate wool day organised by the agricultural and horticultural society until the 1990s and today sees competitors in open, intermediate, novice and local classes put their skills to the test on sheep selected from district properties.

And supporting the showcase of shearers are three Loddon studs - Terrick West, Oakbank and Concordia.

And the farmer’s trusted sidekick, the yard dogs, will be put through their paces in competitions run under official rules. The dogs will be up at the crack of dawn ready to face the tests in open, novice and local sections sponsored by Greg and Tamara Boyd at Elders and Boort Veterinary Services.

Shearers hit to the boards at Boort Show

Big and shiny

RIGS SWAP ROAD FOR SHOW

BIG rigs will ring Boort Park - those trucks normally transporting freight and materials up and down the highways and roads of Australia looking their immaculate best as owners vie for the Boort Truck Show top prize.

Owners will have them looking spick and span, every piece of chrome buffed and brilliant and their artwork ready to shine with reflections in the afternoon sun.

Heath Saunders, organiser of the truck show, has again put together the attraction that will captivate everyone who wanders the displays and activities of the Boort Show.

He knows a thing or two about great looking trucks. A traditional signwriter specialising in the transport industry, Heath has handpainted signage for fleet and custom vehicles for more than 25 years. His eye for detail and partnership with Boort Agricultural and Pastoral Society has forged a new generation of show fans who flock to admire the big rigs.

Many of the truck owners will be in Boort the night before, camping with their rigs and putting a final spit and polish before judging after gates open at 10am on show day Saturday.

Trophies will be awarded in many categories with owners hoping to take out the top prize and Boort bragging rights as they hit the roads over the next 12 months.

Students grab chance to support rural mental health

YEAR 9 students at Boort District School have jumped at the chance to support rural mental health after attending an eight-week leadership program earlier this year.

They will be raising funds at the Boort Show with the yabby racing competition.

Yabbies have been part of bush cuisine for centuries, a popular summer pasttime across the

Loddon is heading out to catch the Aussie delicacy, cooking them in the big pot, peeling and infusing with vinegar, dusted with a more than liberal dose of salt.

Students have been putting skills learned and developed on their leadership retreat into action in planning the races that will have the crowds cheering both yabbies and students for their good work!

Children have all the fun ... and it’s free admission too Fitting fireworks finale

DODGEM cars, high flying amusement rides and bungee jumping are part of the thrills and actions for young people attending the 2023 Boort Show.

There’s also Wicked Wildlife with their entertaining and educational wildlife presentations and Real Dinosaurs, the highly interactive energetic dinosaur adventure for the whole family.

Youngsters can also enter the Tiny Tots, Midi

Volunteers and sponsors show spirit of our community

THE amazing team of Boort Agricultural and Pastoral Society has put together a wonderful program of activities for our 135th annual show.

New volunteers have stepped forward, sharing the spirit of community and the work that goes into presenting a major event of the magnitude of the Loddon Shire’s only agricultural show.

Their enthusiasm has immediately melded with the many long-serving society members who continue to make an invaluable contribution year in and year out.

Adding momentum to the show’s organisation is the support we receive from businesses in

Boort and across the Loddon Shire.

Their contributions make possible all the activities, the increase in prizemoney this year for pavilion sections and help guarantee the future of our much-loved local show.

To all sponsors and volunteers, thank you for your kind support. To our show patrons, enjoy the day (and evening) and share the smiles with family and friends.

Madeleine Scott, President

and Fashions on the Field events that will be judged during the afternoon.

And helping make the Boort Show a real family-friendly day, all children aged under 18 are admitted free.

There’ll also be showbags with Boort District School parents’ association selling a range of show treats and raising funds for important school projects.

THE fun of the show goes into the evening at Boort Park with live music and the stunningly spectacular fireworks display. Popular group The Side Hustle will be pumping out the tunes during the evening with the fireworks timed to light up the sky soon after dusk.

A great way to relax after a hectic day of fun.

New dog plan just start

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation has welcomed a one-year extension to the wild dog management Plan after calling for its renewal in recent weeks.

Livestock group vice-president Peter Star said the move was one of common sense.

“It just made sense to extend the highly successful wild dog management plan,” said Mr Star after last week’s announcement by the State Government

“The wild dog management plan is a nation leading initiative that protects both farmers and our native wildlife.

“The VFF is looking forward

to continuing engaging with the Government on the many benefits that the Wild Dog management program delivers and will advocate for programs strengthening and extension over the next year.”

The Plan has been a successful wildlife management program since launching in 2012.

The VFF says it has helped deliver both conservation and pest management objectives, including a 75 per cent reduction in livestock loss and attacks on properties that neighbour public lands in the east and south-west Victoria since 2012.

Wild dog control in the 3km livestock protection buffer will continue for the next year to deliver positive outcomes for producers over the next calendar year.

However, the long-term future of the program remains in doubt.

Mr Star added that attention would now turn to ensuring the program is extended past 2024.

“Although it’s disappointing that the program has only been extended for a year, we welcome the opportunity to engage with the Government to ensure the program is extended,” Mr Star said.

“Claims that the program threatens Victoria’s dingo population are baseless and are built on a lack of rigorous scientific evidence. What we do know is wild dogs pose a significant threat to Victoria’s farming communities and there’s no lack of evidence of that.”

The VFF will continue to strongly advocate for the continuation of the program in order to protect livestock producers from the effects of wild dogs and dingo-dog hybrids while also ensuring that native wildlife is protected from the ravages of wild dogs and dingo hybrids

Lamb group workshop on stock management

AN INTERACTIVE workshop on stock management in containment is planned for Canary Island on Monday.

Boort Best Wool Best Lamb group is hosting Dynamic Ag’s Steve Cotton for the workshop at Greg and Jo Bear’s property.

Mr Cotton has been involved in private and public research trials, product evaluation trials and new product trials for the livestock and agronomic industries.

He will discuss joining in sheep containment. health of sheep in containment, using pulses and legumes to flush ewes, managing ewes for pregnancy and beyond, feeding for single/twin bearing ewes after joining and implementing biosecurity practices, a crucial

tool to identify and manage biosecurity risks at the workshop.

The groups latest activity follows the 2022 completion of three-year on-farm trial investigating the usefulness of drones to monitor lambing ewes and for other farming operations.

The on-farm demonstration was set up in early 2019, with funding from Meat and Livestock Australia and Agriculture Victoria.

The group investigated the practicality and usefulness of a drone to monitor sheep welfare at lambing and at other critical times in the year to see if the technology reduced time and labour costs normally associated with these tasks.

Seven producers from the Boort group were directly involved in the trial with lambing occurring from autumn through to spring.

This allowed the drones to be moved from one property to the next according to the lambing schedule.

To enable the sheep to become accustomed to the drone, the plan was to present it to the flock before lambing, however that was not always achievable given time-critical farm activities.

The farmers immediately removed the drone from a lambing paddock if they thought that it was negatively impacting ewe and lamb behaviour.

IN BRIEF

Greys in ribbons

FERNIHURST Murray Grey cattle producers Korella Farms has finished in the ribbons at the Royal Melbourne Show. Ken and Michelle Holland were awarded second in the section for bulls 15 to 15 months and third in sire’s progeny best three head any age. Ganado Murray Greys from Marong won the supreme Murray Grey exhibit with a 14-month-old junior bull.

$17,0O0 top price

A TOP price of $17,000 was paid at Monday’s Charinga Merino Stud, Berrimul, onproperty auction. The ram was bought by Capree Poll Merino stud, Newbridge, New South Wales. The sale was a first for Charinga with with all rams offered being non-mulesed. The Charinga and Banavie sale offered 200 rams.

Date set

LODDON Valley Stud Merino Breeders Association has set the date of its 2024 field day for March 1. Member studs will have on-property displays and a central exhibition space for studs and traders at Serpentine showcasing the region’s highly productive Merinos.

SHEEP & LAMBS

THERE was a modest decline in lambs supply down to 19,495 head at Bendigo on Monday.

However sheep numbers were almost halved. New season lambs are now dominating with only a few thousand old season in the draw.

On the demand side, two key southern processors were absent. In the lamb run competition favoured heavier stock.

New season lambs over 26kg cwt were$3 to $8 dearer, while the general pool of domestic trades were just similar to $5 easier.

The heavier young lambs were trending around 500c/kg to be at a dearer price point to the trades.

The stronger demand for heavier lambs also rolled into the old season run with prices considerably dearer despite plain quality at times.

A few pens of export weight young lambs 30kg cwt plus from $152 to a top of $160. Most of the lead young lambs were in the 26-30kg cwt range and sold from $124 to $154 to average $140.

The bulk of the numbers were in the tradeweight categories. The main run of 22-24kg cwt young lambs $101 to $122 to average $110 at an estimated 470c/kg cwt.

It should be noted, however, that there was a price spread of around 400c to 500c over domestic weighted lambs. Lighter processing young lambs mostly $60 to $90/head.

Better lines of small store lambs were dearer at $31 to $61/head averaging $54 to the paddock. Ballarat restockers paid to $112 for trade sized lambs to shear.

The sheep market recorded a big turnaround, prices nearly doubling off their low base of a week ago as they gained up to $25/head. Heavy crossbred ewes $42 to a top of $70, with most mutton from $30

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Today’s market saw an increase in the prices of heavy and trade lambs, with heavy sheep also experiencing improved pricing.

to $50 as rates improved to track between 120c to 200c/kg cwt.

The bulk of the sheep were estimated as costing processors from 140c to 180c/kg cwt.

SUCKERS

AL & GJ Lloyd Stuart Mill (44) $160. G & K Pink Boort (35) $158. ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (69) $155. DJ & ED Lees Rochester (110) $155. GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (43) $154. DG & EJ Rathjen Colbinabbin (39) $154. Lislea Lodge Picola (61) $153. A & A Holt Wedderburn (53) $153. RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (72) $153. T Myers Stuart Mills (39) $150. D & S Ludeman Raywood (68) $144. LJ & PM Cooper Strathfieldsaye (41) $142. AB & KB Broom Neereman (151) $140. Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (98) $136. Mirnee P/Ship Hunter (93) $136. SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (52) $135. DL & TM Jensen Diggora (86) $134. PD Reynolds Pyramid Hill (54) $125. B & J Tuohey Serpentine (31) $123. MN Isaac Powlett Plains (105) $123. DG & EJ Rathjen Colbinabbin (102) $123. J & M McDonald Woodstock (84) $115. HBR Farming Woomboota (80) $114. C Graham Family Arnold (71) $113. Sandy Ridge Farming Kerang (54) $113.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

Cazna Park Rochester (6) $150. I & J McAgue Stanhope (24) $150. FRM Engineering Longlea (32) $133. J & R Free Speewa (115) $133. Bungle Boori Seymour (19) $130. E & B Cox Rochester (39) $125. Nutbyrne P/L Knowsley (29) $121.

CROSSBRED EWES

G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (81) $70. Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (141) $70. DM & LM Broad Appin (18) $60. SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (24) $60. K & S Canfield Powlett Plains (69) $57. WF Chisholm Lancefield (38) $56. Minto Past Mansfield (93) $55. RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (10) $55. Bungle Boori Seymour (63) $45. A Rinaldi Carisbrook (66) $44.

MERINO EWES

W Gould & Sons Richmond Plains (72) $58. M Hall Family Wychitella (55) $56. P & T Colvin Powlett Plains (103) $55. Colvin Family Trust Eppalock (62) $53. Gredgwin Ridge Boort (41) $50. J & A Weir Carisbrook (69) $48. Glen Ewan Past Balranald (13) $48. AP Wall Farm Raywood (34) $46. Wooraglen P/L Bungaluke(32) $44. GE,KM & NE Harrop Knowsley (47) $40. z Order of sales next week: Nutrien, Nevins, Elders, McKean McGregor, Nuttall.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.

Authority head given contract extension

NORTH Central Catchment Management

Authority chief executive officer Brad Drust has had his contract extended for three years.

Mr Drust was appointed CEO in 2015 and reappointed in 2018.

North Central CMA Chair Julie Miller Markoff said the board had confidence in Mr Drust as an outstanding executive and regional leader.

“Brad leads a collaborative, constructive and outcome focused culture; he is passionate about our work, and focused on shared goals,” she said.

“He lives our values of care, courage, and connection, has a deep knowledge of community needs and aspirations, and develops partnerships locally and across the region and state.

“Brad gets things done; the things people value and that genuinely improve environmental outcomes for our communities.”

Ms Miller Markoff said Mr Drust was respected throughout the industry and his results spoke for themselves.

“Mr Drust has been pivotal in leading the most recent achievements of the CMA,” she said.

“Our regional catchment strategy and

CLEARING SALE - INGLEWOOD

14th October 2023 – 9am Sharp!

MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, SUNDRIES & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

A/C F &J CARBONE

Onsite: 32 Scholes Road, Inglewood VIC 3517 (property sold)

TRACTORS: “John Brown” tractor with Grader attachment, McCorm Deeline tractor with Grader attached, small disc plough, assorted antique farm implements, carry all, “Husqvarna” ride on mower, mower trailer &rake, 6’ x 4’ tipping trailer, “Catamaran” trailer, Elec grain mixer, platform scales, “Cigweld” 170 inv port welder, G65 8 hp Honda motor, 8 hp “B&S” generator, large air compressor, “Tomahawk” rotary Hoe, assorted chainsaws, assorted car parts.

SUNDRY ITEMS: Assorted collectable tools, Drills, Grinders, Wire Spinner, Wire, complete pipe threader, assort A & B belts, Strainers, pipes, poly pipe, Besa bricks, shed trusses, Jerry fuel cans, guttering, corrugated iron, water tank, toolboxes, HD car ramps, Gold detector

Household: “Bosh” FL wash Mach, Fridges, Microwaves, Freezer, “Everhot” wood stoves / hotplates, grape/olive squeezer, quantity shelving/ lockers, small steam cleaner, fire screen, 22’ TV, dress maters model, HGPP Sew Machine, assorted crockery, ornaments, cookware, glassware, linen, table & 4 chairs & Host sundries too numerous to particularise

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

REMARKS: Genuine sale as the property is sold.

Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan highlight Brad’s commitment to partnerships and actions that have wide-ranging benefits.

“And he has steered important projects forward such as the native fish recovery plan, which has benefits for the environment, tourism, and the regional economy.

“Brad’s leadership of the organisation during the 2022 floods resulted in firstclass preparation and response, and highquality management of recovery programs.”

LAND AUCTION

GOWAR EAST - ST ARNAUD - “WILLIAMS”

169.07 HECTARES or 417.78 ACRES

A/c: KR and EL POLE

AUCTION: THURSDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2023, 11AM AT COONOOER BRIDGE HALL

DIRECTIONS: From Inglewood, turn into Tarnagulla Road from Calder Hwy, Left into Weeah Street and follow the road over the Railway line. Property is on the right in Scholes Lane. Signs will be a guide

FULL DETAILS & PHOTOS www.fpnevins.com.au

Agent: James Nevins 0407 302 900 Vendor: Frank Carbone 0417 577 741

Superb cropping country

 Good cropping country with creek flats

 Only grazed, not cropped for 20 years

 Good rising arable soil with a black ridge

 Spring-fed dam, four dams in total Five paddocks in two titles

Terms: 10% deposit on signing, balance in 60-90 days or earlier by agreement

For further particulars and inspection

Nutrien Ag Solutions

13-19 Napier Steet ST ARNAUD VIC 3478

Office: 03 5495 1722

Damian Drum: 0428 952 284

‘Moresis’ 325 Meering West Road

 663.3ha/1639ac in four titles. Sown to wheat in two paddocks.

 Comfortable 4BR BV residence, Brick double garage, sheds, 2 silos. Asking price $3,200/acre.

‘Livingstons’ Meran Road

 152ha/375.6ac. Sown to canola in one paddock. Asking Price $3,500/acre

Both Holdings:

 5kms* between blocks. Growing crops not included.

 Pipeline water to tanks and troughs

 Part of Meering West Wind Farm Project. Prospect of attractive returns.

Jason Telford 0447 533313

Peter Robertson 0417 636348

Elders Barham

eldersrealestate.com.au/300P129629

Brad Drust

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Andrews gone ... time for state’s big reset

By PETER WALSH

WHILE all Victoria breathes a sigh of relief to see the back of Daniel Andrews, the change we need now, which the new Premier must deliver, is an urgent reset to represent “all Victorians” as our state teeters on the edge of a massive financial black hole.

The Daniel Andrews legacy is the biggest debt in Victorian history – with more still to come (and any hike in interest rates anywhere in the next 50 years will make it even worse).

Sadly, the track record of our new Premier, Jacinta Allan, shows Victorians should brace themselves for more of the same.

I am deeply concerned it will be business as usual. More money wasted. More debt. More mismanagement. More secrecy. More poor governance.

Victorians talk about Daniel Andrews handing Jacinta Allan a poisoned chalice. The truth is her fingerprints were already all over it.

If Victorians take an honest look at the career of Jacinta Allan, and the portfolios she’s held, they should be as deeply concerned as me.

The Premier-elect has been the decision-maker for all the major projects across Victoria. There’s been $30 billion of cost overruns on those projects in Victoria. That is part of the $200 billion of debt which Victorians now have.

It is impossible to forget the lead up to the last election and the grandstanding announcement of the Commonwealth Games.

And that they would be regional Games, putting regional Victoria in a global spotlight and bringing state-of-the-art facilities to regional hubs across our great state.

As a regional Member of Parliament herself, and the Minister responsible for the Games, Jacinta Allan should have ensured they showcased our regional towns, businesses and communities.

Instead of fighting for our regions, Jacinta Allan did nothing.

Victoria’s international reputation has been trashed.

The promise of legacy projects will not happen.

The entire Commonwealth Games fiasco will cost Victorians about $600 million to bail her and the Labor Party out of another broken promise.

Victoria is in the worst position I can recall, and Jacinta Allan has been an integral part of the government which has overseen Victoria’s demise. Our roads must be fixed, you must be able to get a hospital bed, you must be able to get a police and ambulance response when you need one and, most importantly, we need a sensible transition to renewables – one that is not going to drive people broke with the skyrocketing cost of energy.

There needs to be a major reset. It’s time for a government that governs for all people, and Jacinta Allan has done little to prove she is up to the task.

Daniel Andrews, in partnership with factional ally Jacinta Allan, promised to govern for all Victorians, but regional people know that has not been the case, in fact it has never even come close to being the case.

Our crumbling roads must be repaired – you fix country roads, and you save country lives, and this year’s alarming road toll in regional areas reflects the negligence from which our roads are suffering. Or trains to regional hubs which don’t even have proper toilet facilities for the handicapped and offer services so minimal and slow they are avoided by many people who would otherwise be on board immediately.

And don’t even start me on education, future generations of Victorians need a much better deal than they are getting right now and there is no sign of any significant improvements and if that continues much longer, in the end we will all pay a price for that.

A solution for the housing crisis affecting so many across the state must also be implemented – now.

Victorians accept a transition to renewable energy is under way, but towering power lines cutting the heart out of irreplaceable, high-production farm land is not the way to do it.Our Country Fire Authority, as we once knew it, has been destroyed. Labor must not cave into the unions, and the CFA must be revived with a potentially dangerous bushfire season looming countdown to a new government in 2026, a Liberals Nationals government, and a new era with fiscal responsibility and government for everyone.

It will be like a breath of fresh air.

*PeterWalshisthememberforMurrayPlains andleaderoftheNationals

1. In the British TV show ‘Fawlty Towers’, what is the name of the waiter?

2. How would you play a Mandolin?

3. Australia will next host the Olympic games in 2032, but which city will be the host city?

4. What do we call it when a full moon is closer to the earth making it appear much larger?

5. What is Nduja?

6. Tasmania used to be known by what name?

7. In ‘Mary Poppins’, what is the address of the Banks family?

8. The Moskva River flows through which city?

9. What name is given to a bicycle made for two people to ride?

10. Glaucoma affects which part of the body?

11. What does a Cooper make?

12. How many sides does a Heptagon have?

13. Who invented the centigrade thermometer in 1742?

14. What does DVD stand for?

15. Which NASA space shuttle suffered a failure leading to its explosion shortly after takeoff?

16. The withers are found where on a horse?

17. What is the currency of Spain?

18. Arctic King, Iceberg, and Saladin are all types of what vegetable?

19. What is a baby oyster called?

20. Which artist cut off one of his ears?

ANSWERS

Community is right to be angered

THERE is no glory when a government hides behind a smokescreen to justify its wrecking actions in contempt of a local, rural, community that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over more than half a century.

Local funds topping up the State Government to ensure residents across a wide district have access to a ambulance service.

That, sadly, was what played out in Inglewood over recent months when it became clear the Government was going to knock down the old ambulance station built in the 1980s by honest toil of local communities raising money for the project.

There’s asbestos, said the Government. No there’s not, said at least one tradesman who helped build the station. The Loddon Herald even put in a Freedom of Information request to get the answer, that after being asked to refine our request, we were told on

YOUR ONLINE WORDS FROM THE LODDON HERALD FACEBOOK PAGE

DEMOLITION OF OLD INGLEWOOD AMBULANCE STATION ANGERS READERS

Adam Veitch wrote: Dan’s last demolition. very sad.

Debbie Roberts wrote: Disgusting. I’m sure the people of Inglewood that raised the money for this building and the house that has already been pulled down are absolutely devastated.

Peter Williams wrote: Once the shiny pants at headquarters get an “idea”, it is near

EDITORIAL

Wednesday that a decision on whether to release building assessment reports would be in our hands by October 13.

All a bit late. The Government sent in wrecking equipment on Monday last week, four hours later admitting there was no asbestos. Only ever suspected, the Government said in a change of words from even two months ago when it was adamant the cancer-causing material was in the building.

By its own admission, the State Government has failed to be honest with the communities of Loddon. Any wonder there were disparaging chants through safety fences when the community asset was being crushed.

Too often in this community campaign to save the building, the Government has offered beguiling plati-

impossible to stop it. What a waste.

Steve Colbert wrote: How many homeless folk could have been accommodated there? What about a child care facility?

Community indoor sport facility? What sheer bloody-mindedness and, in fact, stupidity but when they’re wasting other people’s money, all common sense seems to go missing.

Louise Bewley wrote: Agree 100 per cent, such a waste.

Lee Ilsley: Absolutely disgusting. What a waste.

tudes and hoped residents would lose interest, go away and the old station brought to the ground without opposition and resistance.

Local elected representatives have become the brunt of disappointment, disenchantment and anger - silence and not standing with the community has been noticed if comments made at the building site last week were any indication.

No government can think it just and proper to treat a community with such disdain and disrespect.

At the very least, the State Government has some serious explaining to do in Loddon communities for misleading them on the reason for demolition.

Or will it simply be another kick in the guts for small towns?

Paul West wrote: Good old Dan listening to the community.

Peter Bell wrote: At a time when these places are needed more than ever, why demolish such a building. Has this world gone completely crazy? To the townships citizens, fight like hell for justice and answers.

Karen Chuter wrote: No matter what we do or say government never listens.

PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS RESIGNS AFTER NINE YEARS IN TOP JOB

Bruce McCahon wrote: Any

new Premier is doomed. What a mess. Andrews has completed his mission. Victoria is destitute. Almost beyond retrieval. I certainly won’t see it rebuild. Gayelene Lesley wrote: Couldn’t be happier.

LAWN BOWLERS GEOFF WILSON AND BRUCE McCLYMONT NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Helen Leech wrote: Great job boys. Doing Inglewood proud. Bev Taig wrote: Good on you guys Well done.

1. Manuel 2. Pluck it

Brisbane

Supermoon 5. Spicy, spreadable -Ital

pork sausage

Van Diemen’s Land

Number

Cherry Tree Lane

Moscow

Tandem

Eyes

Casks and Barrells

Seven

-An

the

Spat 20. Vincent van Gogh

BUSH POWER Country pollies who make it at the top

By CHRIS EARL

IN AN age where 75 per cent of Victoria’s population have little or no connection with country Victoria, the chances of a bush pollie rising to the state’s top political job are slim.

Last week was one of those rare exceptions when Jacinta Allan, a 24-year veteran of State Parliament, got the nod to sit in the premier’s chair after Daniel Andrews called time on his political career.

The one-time after-school checkout chick and brass band tenor horn player from Bendigo has spent most of her life as an MP and the majority of that time as a minister.

She’s not the first country pollie in recent years to occupy the Premier’s suite in Treasury Place. The south-west Victorian vet and Liberal MP Denis Napthine emerged as successor to Ted Baillieu when the Coalition briefly held the state’s purse string earlier this century.

But for the first time in almost 80 years, for some Loddon communities at least, their local member is also the premier.

Jacinta Allan’s Bendigo East electorate includes local districts around Serpentine and Dingee. Until a redistribution a decade ago, Bridgewater was also on her patch.

Whether having the premier as your local MP makes any difference - Serpentine is still waiting for its new fire station promised a few years ago - time will tell.

She was certainly out and about in the immediate days after last October’s flood emergency with visits to Newbridge and Bridgewater and an under-the-radar stop in Serpentine.

Jacinta Allan has a few historical precendents to smash if she is to come close to emulating the last local premier in the Loddon.

Albert Dunstan served in the top job for more than eight years either side of World War Two - he is one of the four longserving former premiers honoured with a statue in Treasury Place (Daniel Andrews has also qualified to be cast in bronze) - and was variously the member for Eaglehawk and then the member for Eaglehawk and Korong Vale, taking in Loddon communities throughout his 30 years representing rural areas in Spring Street.

Born at Donald and later farming at Kamarooka, Dunstant was a Country Party man who did deals with the United Australia Party (a forerunner of the Liberals) and Labor to decide the fate of governments and eventually take his own party into government. He had earlier helped bring down the conservative government

of Sir Harry Lawson, the son of a Dunolly parson who practised law in Castlemaine and had six years as Victorian premier, his greatest legacy said to be construction of the Great Ocean Road that gave sustenance to the unemployed after World War One.

For Dunstan, the Australian Dictionary of Biography gives him credit for moving the Royal Melbourne Hospital to a new site in Parkville and the sale of Crown land at Fishermen’s Bend to General MotorsHolden that would become a major hub in Australia’s post-war car manufacturing.

When Dunstan died in 1950, his seat was by then known as Korong, it was Wedderburn farmer Keith Turnbull who took local concerns to Spring Street as a Liberal Party MP.

Keith Turnbull had returned from serving in the army during World War Two and after winning the seat of Kara Kara in 1955 (Korong had been abolished), he was part of the new government of country Victoria’s most famous political product Sir Henry Bolte who made Turnbull the Minister of Lands and Soldier Settlement. Turnbull later picked up the conservation portfolio in 1961.

Keith Turnbull was defeated when the Country Party benefited from Labor pref-

erences in 1964, losing to Maryborough industrialist Bill Phelan.

Sir Henry Bolte would stay in the premier’s suite for almost another decade, the farmer from Meredith first installed as a stop-gap leader of the Liberals defying predictions and odds with his unique personality and style of leadership.

He was the last country premier until Denis Napthine who led the Liberals to defeat after just a single term in office and gave rise to the dominance of Daniel Andrews for almost a decade.

It is more than 50 years since any party in power in Victoria has won the next election after changing leaders mid-term.

That was when Sir Rupert Hamer took over the leadership mantle from Sir Henry Bolte.

Jacinta Allan has history against her after last week’s leadership switch by Labor. But only the foolhardy would be game to predict her, and her party’s early demise.

Her party, too, has had a couple of “country background” premiers this century - Steve Bracks cut his teeth in central Victoria and John Brumby held the seat of Bendigo in the Federal Parliament for a while although both were Melbourne pollies by the time they scaled the steps to the premier’s office.

Loddon communities will be watching with more than casual interest in how Jacinta Allan adjusts the policy directions of her government.

Mayor Dan Straub has already signalled he would like to meet with Jacinta Allan sooner rather than later. Plenty of big issues on the agenda that he, and other community leaders, will be hoping to have more than a sympathetic ear.

Roads quite naturally are right there at the top as is backing for investment in population and economic growth of Loddon towns.

With the housing crisis enveloping metropolitan Melbourne and regional capitals - and yes, Loddon could also do with more houses - it might make sense for Victoria’s 49th premier to look laterally and see the benefits of investing in smaller towns within reasonable distance of Bendigo.

The economic and social benefits that would come from investment in Loddon communities would be immense.

Time will tell whether Jacinta’s government is in tune with rural aspirations and whether she will a premier from the bush like Napthine or matching the longevity of Bolte or Dunstan.

At least 25 per cent of Victoria’s population will watch and wait with interest.

80 YEARS APART - new Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and another local MP to hold the Victoria’s premier position Sir Albert Dunstan

LH PHOTO

WEDDING

PUBLIC NOTICES

Dean - Wall

Jennifer and Mathew

Congratulations for your Wedding Day

Wishing you a life time of happiness

Love

Julie, Steve(dec) and Alison

BUILDING CONTRACTOR REQUIRED

For Medium Sized

Two-Stage House Project

Contact: 155 Dunolly-Bridgewater Rd, Dunolly

Careers at Loddon

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

Kindergarten Activity Group Leader (Roving Position) - ref.J/240

 Part-time, xed-term position until 28 June 2024

 AGL46/52 - $27.28 per hour plus employer superannuation

 Work across all kindergartens in our beautiful Shire

Temporary Street Closure

The following street in Newbridge will be closed to through tra c from 10am to 9pm on Sunday 8 October 2023 as part of the Whole Loddon Love Music Festival.

 Burke Street between Lyons Street and Gi ard Street Newbridge

MITIAMO PROGRESS ASSOCIATION Inc

Annual General Meeting on the 8th November 2023 at 7.30pm at the Mitiamo Tavern. Nominations for all positions will be accepted. Everyone is welcome.

Any questions please to call Trina Freeman 0428 368 371 or Tracey Cox 0433 281 531.

Hay Press Operators Bridgewater on Loddon

Contract/Temp $30-$35 p.h.

ABOUT THE ROLE AWX are currently seeking motivated individuals to join our client’s Hay Processing Team in Bridgewater, VIC, as Hay Press Operators. Our client is a hay export company with four sites across Western Australia, SA and Victoria. They process and export quality fodder to Japan, Taiwan, Korea and the Middle East. Our client prides itself on supplying high quality products to its customers around the world and maintaining relationships with growers locally in Australia. The company aims to process and export 160,000t annually to overseas markets.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE To be considered for this role you will need to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

 Forklift License and High-Risk License. If not held, the successful applicant will receive the required training and tickets.

 Mechanically minded and the ability to problem solve.

 Previous experience operating a hay press, or a PLC controlled xed plant

 Self-Motivated and willingness to learn

 Physically t – need to pass paid medical.

 Able to work in a fast-paced environment.

 Able to work 12 hours shifts – rotating 2 weeks day and 2 weeks night

 Able to work weekends as required

 Pro-active work ethic.

 Good time management skills.

 Telehandler experience and CN High Risk License (Preferred but not essential)

 Drivers Licence.

ABOUT US We are a large Australian recruitment company who are proud of our company culture and truly believe our people are our biggest assets. AWX are well regarded across many industries and constantly have new and exciting roles available for the right people to grow within our business. Whether you are looking for short-term roles or to work on long term projects then joining the AWX Team is the right move for you.

Send

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 16 October 2023 at 5pm.

Customer Service O cer - ref.J/239

 Part-time, xed-term position until 1 March 2024

 Based at our Wedderburn o ce

 Band 4 salary - $66,374.18 per annum pro rata plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 9 October 2023 at 5pm.

Administration Traineeships1x Corporate Services and 1x Works Department  Full-time, xed term opportunity (one year)

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce and Wedderburn Depot

 Gain a certi cate III quali cation

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

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

LINEWORKER APPRENTICESHIP

BASED OUT OF OUR CHARLTON DEPOT

Central Power P/L is a family-owned business (approx. 40 employees) managing the powerlines in regional Victoria for the last 24 years. Our main office is based in Maryborough but we have depots in Ararat and Charlton.

We are looking to put on an apprentice for 2024 to become a Distribution Lineworker.

Suitable candidates must;

z Be in good physical health

z Be disciplined and self-motivated

z Enjoy physical hands-on and outdoor work

z Have driving licence (minimum car)

z Not be afraid of heights!

Apply via Cover Letter and CV via email mro@centralpowervic.com.au

For

Defender is top Maroon

BACKMAN Tyler McLeod was won Newbridge Football Club’s best and fairest. McLeod crossed to Newbridge from Bendigo league club South Bendigo after the 2021 season.

He won the award by two votes, playing 12 games for the year and being named in the Maroons’ best in nine of those matches. He also drifted forward to kick one goal for the season.

McLeod has been re-signed for a third season with Newbridge.

Seniors - best and fairest: Tyler McLeod.

Runner-up: Dylan Lloyd. Terry O’Shea most determined: Will Daly. Most consistent: Jack Clarke. Linton Gleeson coach’s award: Ash Mayo. Hard as a Cats Head: Caleb Argus.

Reserves - best and fairest: Oli Gordon. Runnerup: Owen Friswell. Matt Baldock most determined:

Jirah Dawkins. Coach’s award: Tate Leggett. Most consistent: Rylan Hipworth. Gee he had a Crack: Cooper Hoye. Players’ player: Cam Grant

NETBALL

A Grade - best and fairest: Kym Childs. Runnerup: Georgie Hyett. Coach’s award: Emily Langley. Players’ player: Lauren Knight.

B Grade - best and fairest: Zoe Ferns. Runner-up: Acacia Shaw. Coach’s award: Georgia White. Players’ player: Tara Henkel. Best in finals: Tara Henkel.

C Grade - best and fairest: Rosie Jeffrey. Runnerup: Beth Cahill. Coach’s award: Megan Simons. Players’ player: Rosie Jeffrey. Best in finals: Rosie Jeffrey.

C Reserve - best and fairest: Mollie O’Connor. Runner-up: Skye Ferns. Coach’s award Courtney Siddle. Players’ player: Skye Ferns. Best in finals: Courtney Siddle.

Special awards - senior players: Tayte Frawley. Phil Hill memorial netball contributors award: Morgan Bibby. Pete and Kath Lakey Football contributors award: Andrew Frawley.

LODDON HERALD BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Capacity field enters opening tournament

THE local rink skippered by Shayne Morris took tournament season opening honours at Boort on Sunday.

The Boort club hosted 22 pairs for a capacity field in the fours event.

Players came from St Arnaud, Moama, Rushworth, Inglewood, Lockington, Wedderburn, Cohuna, Stanhope, Pyramid Hill, Kangaroo Flat and Charlton for the tournament.

The club brought its annual fours forward this year and new president Laurie Maxted said the response from bowlers across the region had been exceptional.

Winners: Shayne Morris (s) Tony Marley, Colleen Roberts, Selina Roberts (Boort) 113 points.

Runners-up: K. Gilbert (s) N. Lloyd, K. Cruz, N. Thompson (Rushworth) 107 points. Third J. Dinsdale’s team (Echuca) 87 points.

Highest winning margins: Game 1 L. Kelly (Inglewood)

INGLEWOOD TENNIS - 2023-2024 DRAW

OCTOBER 14

Fentons Creek v Loddon Eagles

Wedderburn Junction v Powlett

Korong Vale bye

OCTOBER 21

Wedderburn Junction v Fentons Creek

Korong Vale v Powlett

Loddon Eagles bye

OCTOBER 28

Powlett v Fentons Creek

Loddon Eagles v Korong Vale

Wedderburn Junction bye

NOVEMBER 4

Korong Vale v Wedderburn Junction

Loddon Eagles v Powlett

Fentons Creek bye

NOVEMBER 11

Fentons Creek v Korong Vale

Wedderburn Junction v Loddon Eagles Powlett bye

NOVEMBER 18

Loddon Eagles v Fentons Creek

Powlett v Wedderburn Junction

Korong Vale bye

NOVEMBER 25 Fentons Creek v

Wedderburn Junction

Powlett v Korong Vale

Loddon Eagles bye

DECEMBER 2

Fentons Creek v Powlett

Korong Vale v Loddon Eagles

Wedderburn Junction bye

DECEMBER 9

Wedderburn Junction v Korong Vale

Powlett v Loddon Eagles

Fentons Creek bye

DECEMBER 16

Korong Vale v Fentons Creek

Loddon Eagles v Wedderburn Junction

Powlett bye

JANUARY 20

Fentons Creek v Loddon Eagles

Powlett v Wedderburn Junction

Korong Vale bye

JANUARY 27

Wedderburn Junction v Fentons Creek

Korong Vale v Powlett

Loddon Eagles bye

FEBRUARY 3

Powlett v Fentons Creek

Loddon Eagles v Korong Vale

Wedderburn Junction bye

FEBRUARY 10

Korong Vale v Wedderburn Junction

Loddon Eagles v Powlett

Fentons Creek bye

FEBRUARY 17

Fentons Creek v Korong Vale

Wedderburn Junction v Loddon Eagles Powlett bye

FEBRUARY 24

Semi-finals

MARCH 2

Grand final at Inglewood

* Association championships date to be determined

UPPER LODDON CRICKET - 2023-2024 JUNIOR DRAW

OCTOBER 7 & 14

Boort Yando v Wedderburn

Kingower v Bridgewater

OCTOBER 21

Boort Yando v Kingower

Bridgewater v Wedderburn

OCTOBER 28

Bridgewater v Boort Yando

Wedderburn v Kingower

NOVEMBER 4

Boort Yando v Wedderburn

Kingower v Bridgewater

plus 8. Game 2: T. Young (Stanhope) plus 20. Game 3: P. Waters (Boort) plus 10. Game 4: I. Hicks (Echuca) plus 11.

INGLEWOOD

The Inglewood Bowling Club hosted the Geelong Friendship Bowls Tour group for lunch on its way to Barham.

This was the group’s second trip to Inglewood, with the last being in 2018.

When they got to Inglewood, they were in good spirits, hungry and very thirsty. Predict they weren’t so chirpy by the following Friday on their way home.

The Inglewood Bowls Ladies did a fantastic job of catering and by the time they got to the sweets, one person was heard to yell “Hey fellows there are trifles here”.

The Inglewood Bowling Club are having a practise match against Wedderburn this Sunday, midday start. Uniforms to

be worn please and there will be an afternoon tea break.

The club is holding a Black Pepper Fashion Parade on October 17.

There are a few Tournaments and opening days on at the moment and great to see our members spreading themselves around and representing the club.

David Whitehead, Daniel Garrett, Simon Laird, Robert Stranger, Arthur Harrison, Lindsay Kelly, Geoff Wilson, Robert Day, John Jackman and Bruce McClymont all went to Strathfieldsaye.

Pam Kelly, Chris McEwan, Daniel Garrett and Simon Laird went to Dingee’s Opening Day. Robert Day, Geoff Wilson, Lindsay Kelly and Bruce McClymont went to Boort’s tournament.

Vicky Tierney is spreading herself far and wide as Region President, and went to Stanhope who are a new member club to the region.

LODDON VALLEY TENNIS 2023-2024 DRAW

OCTOBER 14

Yarrawalla v Dingee

Mincha West v Raywood

Serpentine v Calivil North

Lake Meran bye

OCTOBER 21

Calivil North v Yarrawalla

Dingee v Mincha West

Lake Meran v Serpentine

Raywood bye

OCTOBER 28

Calivil North v Mincha West

Raywood v Dingee

Lake Meran v Yarrawalla

Serpentine bye

NOVEMBER 4

Calivil North v Raywood

Mincha West v Lake Meran

Yarrawalla v Serpentine

Dingee bye

NOVEMBER 11

Dingee v Calivil North

Lake Meran v Raywood

Serpentine v Mincha West

Yarrawalla Bye

NOVEMBER 18

Dingee v Lake Meran

Mincha West v Yarrawalla

Raywood v Serpentine

Calivil North bye

NOVEMBER 11 & 18

Bridgewater v Boort Yando

Kingower v Wedderburn

NOVEMBER 25 & DECEMBER 2

Wedderburn v Boort Yando

Bridgewater v Kingower

DECEMBER 9 & 16

Boort Yando v Kingower

Wedderburn v Bridgewater

JANUARY 20 & 27

Kingower v Boort Yando

Bridgewater v Wedderburn

FEBRUARY 3 & 10

Boort Yando v Bridgewater

Wedderburn v Kingower

FEBRUARY 17 & 18

Semi-finals

FEBRUARY 24 & 25

Grand final

NOVEMBER 25

Lake Meran v Calivil North

Raywood v Yarrawalla

Serpentine v Dingee

Mincha West bye

DECEMBER 2

Dingee v Yarrawalla

Raywood v Mincha West

Calivil North v Serpentine

Lake Meran bye

DECEMBER 9

Yarrawalla v Calivil North

Mincha West v Dingee

Serpentine v Lake Meran

Raywood bye

DECEMBER 16

Mincha West v Calivil North

Dingee v Raywood

Yarrawalla v Lake Meran

Serpentine bye

JANUARY 13

Raywood v Calivil North

Lake Meran v Mincha West

Serpentine v Yarrawalla

Dingee bye

JANUARY 20

Calivil North v Dingee

Raywood v Lake Meran

Mincha West v Serpentine

Yarrawalla bye

FEBRUARY 3

Lake Meran v Dingee

Yarrawalla v Mincha West

Serpentine v Raywood

Calivil North bye

FEBRUARY 10

Calivil North v Lake Meran

Yarrawalla v Raywood

Dingee v Serpentine

Mincha West bye

FEBRUARY 17

Yarrawalla v Dingee

Mincha West v Raywood

Serpentine v Calivil North

Lake Meran bye

FEBRUARY 24

Calivil North v Yarrawalla

Dingee v Mincha West

Lake Meran v Serpentine

Raywood bye

MARCH 2

Calivil North v Mincha West

Raywood v Dingee

Lake Meran v Yarrawalla

Serpentine bye

MARCH 9

Semi-finals

MARCH 16

Grand final

New Boort bowler Louise Newsome steps up on Sunday. LH PHOTO

Arnold has withdrawn from the Upper Loddon Cricket Association junior competition season after being unable to raise a team.

$5000 raised by club at annual golf day

WEDDERBURN Golf Club had a big field at its annual Fara Day on Friday to raise funds for the Friedreich Ataxia Research Association.

The winner of the men’s event was club champion Byron Bird who teamed with Alex Bird to finish with 49 points from Anthony Hargreaves and John Tormey on 46.

The women’s event was won by Charlton’s Wendy Laffin and Carmel Fitzpatrick 48 from Wedderburn’s Shirley Postle and Wendy Hargreaves 46.

Wood best in second senior season

PROMISING Bridgewater youngster Darcy Wood has taken out the Mean Machine’s 2023 best and fairest.

Wood was among Bridgewater’s best in 11 of his 18 senior games this season.

He debuted with the seniors last season while also still playing in the Mean Machine’s under 18s.

Wood finished with 121 votes, 19 ahead of Charles Hindle in last week’s Bridgewater vote count to claim the Collins Medal.

Under 18 - Best and fairest: Cale Woodhatch. Cooper Orton.

Coach’s award: Cooper Orton.

Most improved: Tarrant Pidoto.

Most consistent: Sam McMahon.

Reserves - Gary Walters

Medal best and fairest: Jackson Wild. Runner-up: Jake Higgins. Most improved: Eli Woodhatch.

Coach’s award: Daniel Valentini.

Voting: Jackson Wild– 79, Jake Higgins 76, Luke Harrison 70, Jack McKinley 66, Jeremy Campbell 53, Declan Maher 44, Oscar Horan 33, Toby Naughton 29.

Seniors - Collins Medal best and fairest: Darcy Wood, Runner-up: Charlton Hindle. Best

first year player: Ben Derrick.

Coach’s Award: Nic Naughton.

Goalkicking: Josh Martyn 46 goals. Top 10: Darcy Wood 121, Charlton Hindle 102, Jack Symons 87, Harry Donegan 86, Nic Naughton 63, Jimmy Naughton 48, Ben Derrick, Joshua Martyn 40, Lachlan Cohen 36, Tyler Estrada 29.

Russell Kent Memorial Trophy for best example to youth

on and off the field: Sam Harrison. Clubperson of the year: Nic Naughton.

NETBALL

A Grade - Pam Collins Medal: best and fairest: Kirsten Galea. Runners-Up: Dannielle Flood, Ashlee Bowen and Olivia Collicoat. Player’s player: Olivia Collicoat.

B Grade - Best and fairest: Keira Lane. Runner-up: Mia Burge.

Player’s player: Rachel Johnson.

C Grade - Best and fairest: Jaylen Hoskin. Rhiannon Dean.

Player’s player: Gabby Rusbridge

C Reserve - Best and fairest: Jessica Ford. Runner-up: Abbey Hosking. Player’s player: Jessica Ford.

17 and Under - Best and fairest: Natalie Flood. Runner-up: Milla

Finch. Player’s player: Evie Pay. 15 and Under - Best and fairest: Rachael Flood. Runner-up: Hannah O’Toole. Player’s player: Amber Anderson.

13 and Under - Best and fairest: Imogen Brown. Runner-up: Leah Nalder. Player’s player: Imogen Brown.

Senior awards - Leading goal Scorer: Dannielle Flood (478 goals). Best first year player: Julia Elkington. Most Consistent: Mackenzie Mamouney-Brown.

Most determined: Ashlee Bowen.

Rising star: Ava Wood.

Junior awards - Leading goal Scorer: Natalie Flood (419 goals). Best first year player: Lucy Collins. Most consistent: Milla Finch. Most determined: Araminta Wood. Rising star: Amber Anderson.

Mixed: Tim and Susie Lockhart on a countback from Carolyn and Peter McHugh 44.

With 37 pairs contesting honours for the day, well up on last year, the club raised $5000 and has taken its total over more than a decade to $88,000. The association does not receive government funding and relies on philanthropic and public donations for research into the disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system and may cause heart disease and diabetes

Austen adds Demons’ award to stellar year on court

LODDON Valley 15 and under netball best and fairest Lexie Austen has now taken out her club’s top award.

Austen capped off a stellar season with the Demons who only missed out on winning one game for the season - a draw against Bridgewater who they went on to defeat by five goals in the grand final.

Calivil has also announced that its football coaches Anthony Dennis (seniors) and Tom Wakefield (reserves) have been re-appointed for next season.

NETBALL

13 and under - Most valuable: Oscar Balic. Most disciplined: Teagen Vinnicombe. Coach’s award: Caitlin Ralphs. Best in finals: Elodie Sharman.

15 and under - best and fairest: Lexie Austen. Runner-up: Chloe

Tweed. Most disciplined: Jorja Lawry. Coach’s award: Ava Rudkins. Best in finals: Chloe Tweed

17 and under - best and fairest: Georgia Mangan. Runner-up: Ava Maxted. Most disciplined: Hollee Vinnicombe. Coach’s award: Imogen Anset.

C Reserve - best and fairest: Adelle Smith and Madalyn Lourie. Runner-up: Kellie Anset. Coach’s award: Gemma Maxted.

C Grade - best and fairest: Jenelle Foley. Runner-up: Jenna Whyte. Coach’s award: Georgia Hall.

B Grade - best and fairest:

Hollie Alford and Tegan Christian. Runner-up: Hannah Isley. Coach’s award: Jo Cartwright.

A Grade - best and fairest: Lily Buckingham. Runner-up: Michelle Balic. Coach’s award: Amy Murfitt.

Milestone - 150 games: Adelle Smith.

Bev Wild Perpetual Umpiring Trophy for most improved umpire: Zali Cullen.

FOOTBALL

Seniors - best and fairest: Jake Lawry. Runner-up: Jack Maher. Coach’s award: Evan Ritchie. Most consistent: Justin Hynes. Reserves - best and fairest: Stephen Fawcett. Runner-up: Jayden Manderson. Coach’s award: Corey Henson. Most disciplined: Mitch Wakefield.

Milestones - 150 games Jake Lawry, 100 games Anthony Dennis.

Richards Rookie of the Year (football or netball): Rhys Lourie. Club awards - Best clubperson: Daniel Howard. James Cartwright Memorial Award (for best clubperson aged 18 years or under): Zali Cullen.

Bridgewater best and fairest Darcy Wood. LH PHOTO

Women’s event winner Wendy Laffin. LH PHOTOS Jill Millie Shirley Postle

sport

MOUNTAIN QUEEN

CARLY Isaac is the queen of the world’s smallest mountain after lugging a 20kg bag fastest up the hill on Saturday.

The Boort A Grade netballer finished 49 seconds ahead of her rivals when Wycheproof’s King of the Mountain event made a return for the first time in 35 years. And there was a touch of revenge in the result. Among rivals unable to catch the’ vice-captain

were competitors from Nullawill who had snatched premiership honours against the hometown Magpies only a fortnight before.

Carly’s Queen of the Mountain victory was one of three for the day, also winning the 1km mountain dash and teaming with fellow Boort netballers Jo Isaac, Emma Darker and Georgia Haw to take out the women’s wheelbarrow relay.

She made it up the mountain carrying the bag filled with

weights and wool in five minutes and four seconds.

“I signed up for the race on grand final night,” said the Pies’ agile centre.

“We’d been training around the netball court and the trotting track with a bag for a couple of months and pushing a wheelbarrow around before to see how things went.

“The races were definitely a lot of fun and there was a big crowd from Boort at the top of

the mountain cheering us on at the race finish. That helped a lot after a tough start at the bottom of the hill ... they were yelling loudly.”

Carly had been aiming to finish the premier women’s race in under five minutes.

“That will be next year’s goal,” she said after finishing more than 200 metres clear of the other 26 competitors in the top women’s event.

Her time in the mountain dash

was three minutes and 43 seconds while the relay team, with Emma given the gruelling final 250-metre leg, finished in four minutes and two seconds.

Wycheproof Narraport Football Netball Club revived the King of the Mountain and estimates more than 3000 people attended the event. Melbourne’s Tom Rodgers won the men’s title. “We will definitely be going back next year and improving our times,” Carly said.

LH PHOTO

Jo Isaac, Emma Darker, Carly Isaac and Georgia Haw after winning top titles at the reborn Wycheproof King of the Mountain. INSET: Queen of the Mountain Carly Isaac.