BioGro says it is co-operating with the Environment Protection Authority after a fire at its Newbridge facility.
The fire that jumped Yorkshire Road and destroyed 85 hectares of farmland, including stored grain and fencing, triggered renewed community concern about litter and odour from the site.
The EPA last week said it intended to issue the company with notices an analysis of the fire and identification of the cause for the fire and actions required to prevent future occurrences, and a plan to process and remove the oversized material stockpiled at the site.
“As a family-owned company committed to responsible environmental management and sustainable organic waste processing, BioGro takes these matters very seriously,” managing director Stephen Van Schaik said.
“Our initial findings suggest that the origin of the fire was not in the composting process. We are reviewing the cause of the fire in accordance with industry best practise and all safety procedures to avoid further risks.
“It is important to clarify that BioGro adheres to strict industry standards and regulatory guidelines for organic waste processing.
“The recent State Government grant awarded to us has supported significant investment and upgrades to the Newbridge facility, which now allows increased processing capacity and ultimately supports government policy to divert 50 per cent of Victoria’s organic material from landfill by 2030.
“It is scientifically proven that organic waste entering landfills has a significant and detrimental impact to the environment and is not sustainable in the long term,” BioGro said.
Mr Van Shaik said continued strategic investment into the Newbridge facility ensured BioGro remained a leader in organic resource recovery, increasing circular economy initiatives, and allows our company to provide continued sustainable organic waste solutions.
“We are proudly committed to supporting the local Newbridge community and its surrounds. We employ over 35 staff (and growing), engage many local subcontractors and support many other local businesses,” he said.
“Our company also values our contribution to many of the local sporting and community clubs and understand that this commitment has a real positive impact on the overall fabric of regional communities.”
CONTINUED PAGE 6
IT’S been a champion week for Terrick West stud ... major awards at the Great Southern Supreme Merino Sheep Show in Bathurst and the long drive home for Friday’s annual Loddon Valley Merino Field Day and success winning the best pen of three rams for the second year.
At Bathurst, Terrick West claimed sashes for the junior champion August-shorn poll ewe, champion August-
Terrick West was one of 11 studs displaying Merinos at Serpentine Recreation Reserve and on-property for the field day held each year since 1981.
FULL COVERAGE - PAGE 11
Terrick West’s Claire McGauchie with the stud’s top ram from the Great Southern Show. LH PHOTO
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WEEKEND FORECAST
Lions clubs combine for cancer care
LIONS clubs in Wedderburn, Inglewood and Charlton have been recognised for helping raise $2.85 million to install cuttingedge cancer treatment technology at Bendigo’s St John of God Hospital.
Representatives from the three clubs joined Inglewood Community Bank directors and other donors to the hospital’s appeal when the da Vinci Xi surgical robot was unveiled on Friday. St John of God says the equipment marks a transformative milestone in healthcare for the
region and promises to enhance patient care.
The launch was celebrated with a special morning tea, bringing together key community leaders, major donors, and supporters to mark this significant achievement.
The da Vinci Xi will enable minimally invasive surgeries that were previously only accessible in metropolitan centres, improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery times.
The first surgery using the da Vinci Xi is scheduled for March 12
led by Associate Professor Janelle Brennan.
“Surgical robots are the future for many medical procedures, and it can’t come a moment too soon for our patients and community,” said hospital CEO Michael Hogan.
“For too long, patients in Bendigo and surrounding areas have had to travel to Melbourne for advanced cancer surgeries. “The da Vinci Xi will also serve as a vital tool in training the next generation of surgeons, making Bendigo a magnet for top surgical talent.”
IN
BRIEF
Truck rollover
NO ONE was injured in a truck rollover on the Pyramid Hill-Leitchville Road, 10km north of Pyramid Hill, on Tuesday. The truck was carrying 39 hay bales. Two heavy haulage vehicles were used to correct the truck. Police from Loddon stations directed traffic while the operation took place.
Good news Dyl
DYLAN Hatcher is in remission for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The Boort hospital administrative employee and footballer received the shock diagnosis in September but received the good news last month after chemotherapy. A relay run from Melbourne to Boort in December raised more than $30,000 to support Dylan.
Laanecoorie algae
GOULBURN Murray Water yesterday warned people to avoid direct contact with water in Laanecoorie Reservoir after monitoring detected high levels of bluegreen algae. Warning signs will be positioned at formal recreational areas around the lake and remain in place while high levels of bluegreen algae are present. Laanecoorie Reservoir will remain open to the public for any activities that do not involve direct contact with the water while the warning is in place.
Lions club members from across the Loddon and Inglewood Community Bank representatives at the unveiling of the da Vinci surigical robot.
Helmets for head sense
POLICE have launched a Loddon blitz on cyclists not wearing helmets.
Three warnings were issued in Wedderburn last week.
Sgt Ben Huisman said: “We have received numerous reports from the local community raising concerns that both adults and children are not wearing bicycle helmets whilst riding bicycles and scooters.”
He said police on Friday were in the community to raise awareness of the need for helmets to be worn.
“That presence saw three students being intercepted on their way to school without a helmet and warnings issued to educate students for their safety,” Sgt Huisman said.
“Word got around fast and sadly police noted that a parent advised students to hide their bikes showing a clear disregard for the safety of children within our community. Bicycle helmets save people from serious injuries and fatality.”
Sgt Huisman said cyclists and scooter users could be fined up to $250 for not wearing a helmet.
He said the fine for travelling on a scooter or bike while using a mobile phone was almost $500.
Helmets have been compulsory in Victoria since 1990 and were credited with a 23 per cent reduction in head injuries within two years.
Helmets must be worn correctly and meet national standards.
“Wedderburn police want everyone to be safe on the roads,” Sgt Huisman said.
Not all illegal rubbish dumping on council land, says director
THE extent of illegal dumping in the Loddon Shire may be under-reported.
Councillors last Tuesday questioned just one report during the December quarter with Cr Gavan Holt saying there were observations of a significant problem.
Mayor Dan Straub said: “There may be more that are not being reported.”
“If people have concerns they must be reported to have any action,” he said.
Chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said rubbish dumped on council property was automatically cleared by staff.
And operations director Steve Phillips said any recent spate of illegal dumping would not have been captured in the latest report.
He said the report only dealt with illegal
activity on council land and not that managed by government agencies.
Questions on illegal dumping came after community concern about rubbish in the Wedderburn State Forest, managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change.
The quarterly report to council from community compliance officer Jordan Fraser said council continued to pursue three reports of native vegetation removal without a permit and seven matters of contravening a planning permit or use of land without a permit.
Forty head of livestock were impounded for the December quarter - 14 returned to owners and 29 rehoused. There are 17 unsightly property cases still being pursued.
IN BRIEF
End March madness
VICTORIA Police will tomorrow launch Operation Arid, a state-wide road police effort targeting high-risk driving behaviour and non-compliance over the Labour Day long weekend in an effort to reduce road trauma. They say that historically, March has the highest average injury collision volume of any month of the year, almost ten per cent higher than any other month. Police will be patrolling local roads over the weekend.
Firewood season
FREE firewood for personal use from designated state can be collected from forest firewood collection after the autumn season opened last Saturday.
A golden weekend
WEDDERBURN stages its annual gold detector jamboree this weekend with hundreds of treasurer hunters expected in town. See our special feature on the event on Pages 12 and 13 in your local Loddon Herald today.
Sgt Andy Gibbs adjusts the helmet of Wedderburn College’s Luke Martin and shares tips for Will Baldwin, Logan Tucker, Brodie Turnbull and Wade Collins as police and the school encourage safe cycling. LH PHOTO
Scholars pour over old photos
FRIENDSHIPS forged in a country school more than 50 years ago were renewed when former students gathered in Newbridge last weekend.
More than 30 people returned for the first reunion in six years, tables at the Newbridge Hotel topped with scrapbooks and photo albums.
Organisers Elizabeth Lapidge Rayner and Gwen Ramm were classmates in the 1950s and have kept up their friendship.
They recalled starting at the school when it did not have flush toilets or drinking taps.
“And sporting equipment ... there was one cricket bat, a softball bat and tennis court but no net. The teacher made one out of baling twine,” they recalled.
Elizabeth said the school also had a Singer treadle sewing machine.
Newbridge Primary School opened in 1861 under head teacher, Antony Lester. One of the two classrooms were demolished in the 1960s to build a new room when workers discovered a bottle under the old building with newspaper clippings from 1867.
The school closed in 1993 due to declining enrolments and the building is now a private residence.
Elizabeth and Gwen said Saturday’s reunion luncheon had been a success.
New group to hit the road
EXPLORING on-farm sustainability practices will be an early focus of the Loddon’s newest Landcare group.
The Boort group was formed at a meeting last week and will be under the umbrella of Loddon Plains Landcare Network.
“There was great enthusiasm to learn and explore what farmers in the Boort district are doing,” said the network’s Andrew Perryman.
“We had a good rollup for the meeting where it was decided to organise a series of visits to member’s properties.
“The visits will be a way of engaging more people in the Boort district and expanding knowledge and understanding.”
Mr Perryman said the Boort initiative was being supported by the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal and Nutrien.
The first farm tour is planned for later this month.
First draft done
INGLEWOOD streetscape project community advisory committee had been shown the first draft of concept designs. Ward councillor Miki Wilson told last week’s shire council meeting of project progress.
Geoff and Ray Holland Jenny Holland, Marge Metelmann and Maree MetelmannDeidre Mansfield and Kerri Hilson
Gwen Ramm, Barb Ramsay, and Elizabeth Lapidge Rayner at the Newbridge reunion. LH PHOTOS
Making things spick and span
ROADSIDES and a recreation ground are looking tidier after Loddon residents signed up for Clean-up Australia Day.
Inglewood Primary School students headed to the town’s recreation reserve on Friday morning picking up rubbish and growing civic pride.
And on Sunday, the Ingleward Landcare Group had its first activity since being formed last month when volunteers filled more than a dozen bags with lit-
ter strewn on the roadside between Inglewood and Kingower.
Organiser Katie Gillett said enthusiasm of volunteers for having a clean environment would see a further clean-up morning in May.
Sunday’s effort saw a handful of volunteers and Katie said she hoped that foundation would continue to see group participation grow with future events in the Loddon Shire’s Inglewood ward.
Loddon Shire Council’s annual hard waste collection, timed for after the Clean-up Australia Day weekend, started on Monday. Around Loddon towns, residents have left everything from old furniture to white goods outside homes ready to be taken to rubbish tips.
Council’s operations director Steve Phillips said the hard waste collection was for properties in the mandatory kerbside waste - towns, low density residential
zone and rural living zones. “Residents in those zones may place items up to a total of one cubic metre out on the nature strip,” he said. “Outside of these zones, the kerbside bin collection service is optional and a kerbside hard waste collection is not provided.”
Clean-up Australia Day started 35 years ago and with its focus now on preventing rubbish entering the environment and removing what has already accumulated.
Buyback push ‘will strip security’
A FRESH push for another 100 gigalitres of water buybacks in the Southern Connect Basin further risked Loddon irrigation water security, according to Ken Pattison.
The veteran agripolitics campaigner from Fernihurst said last week’s “quiet announcement” by the Government was perpetuating its buyback disaster “that will destroy Goulburn Murray Water and its customers”.
“This latest bid to buy water from our region will empty out security for gravity irrigation areas of northern Victoria,” Mr Pattison said.
Last year, the Government announced a 70 gigalitre buyback from the southern Murray Darling Basin.
Southern Riverina Irrigators CEO Sophie Baldwin said: “Not only is (Water Minister) Plibersek stripping water away from communities, she is stripping away economic returns and increasing the cost of living, despite the Commonwealth Environment Water Holder already owning over 4600 gigalitres of water they can’t deliver.”
The latest water buyback comes as irrigators in Boort, Calivil and Dingee are hit with rationing from this week. Farmers are scrambling to have orders filled to water pasture crops.
Howard Rochester, Katie Gillett and Will Sanson and (inset) Natalia Daud were part of Inglewood’s Clean-up Australia Day efforts
Community members and landholders can catch up with the Transmission Company Victoria team in towns across the region through March and April, as the regional pop-ups program continues.
TCV is rotating between Charlton, Kerang, Boort, Donald and Stawell each week – hearing directly from community members, responding to questions and sharing the latest VNI West project updates.
Stop by for a casual chat, ask us about what matters to you and share your thoughts with our engagement team.
All welcome!
Boort
Date
Wednesday, March 5
Wednesday, March 12
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, March 26
Wednesday, April 2
TimeLocation
10am96 Godfrey St, Boort
Museum move held up by State Government
PLANS to move Wedderburn’s history records museum into the town’s old court house have been stalled by State Government red tape.
Loddon Shire Council has been trying to buy the High Street building for more than a year.
The push has seen property valuations obtained by council and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
But shire chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald told last week’s council meeting that council was “struggling to see ... progress in a timely fashion” from the Department of Treasury and Finance.
“We are now investigating alternative ways to get access to the building,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
He had been questioned by Wedderburn Ward councillor Gavan Holt who said the revised council infrastructure plan no longer included $100,000 for toilets at the Wedderburn Historic Records Museum’s current home in the original Korong Shire offices in High Street.
Mr Fitzgerald said there would be discussions to formulate a plan to have the historical society in the old court house as soon as possible.
The old shire offices were used by council from 1874 until 1962 with the society making the historic building its home in 1978, a decade after its formation.
Society secretary Alan Mulraney last year said the original shire offices lacked toilets and other facilities.
President Daryl Arnott said several other groups were likely to share the court house complex.
“We can make it a real community hub and encourage people to join the organisations,” he said.
“This will be a real positive for the community and groups in Wedderburn.”
Loddon Shire councillors in November 2023 voted to buy the old court house at valuation using money from its land and buildings reserve fund.
They also decided to instruct Mr Fitzgerald to dispose of the council-owned for Korong Shire offices after purchasing the old court house.
Audit committee’s new chair
MARG Allan has been appointed the new chair of Loddon Shire’s audit and risk committee. She had been a member of the committee since 2023 and is a current board member of the Victorian Local Government Grants Commission.
Loddon library agency loan activity, including physical loans, auto renewals, and eLibrary usage, increased almost 30 per cent in the December quarter despite fewer in-person visits compared to the same period last year. Chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said the decline in visits may be attributed to the growing popularity of the eLibrary and the imple-
COUNCIL BRIEFS
mentation of auto renewals in November. He said program attendance also increased, reflecting successful community engagement efforts and the alignment of programs with community needs and interests.
New building permits for work valued at $8.8 million dollars were issued by council in the December quarter, an increase on the previous two quarters. Twenty planning applications were listed as being processed during the quarter and a further 17 decided.
Dates and locations are subject to change, please visit the TCV website for the latest event information.
Visit www.transmissionvictoria.com.au/ landholders-community/community-events or scan the QR code to the right for more information about the regional pop-up events.
FINAL fitness sessions are being held at the Loddon Shire’s five swimming pools before the summer season ends on Monday. Aerobics classes have been part of the summer of activities with eight women attending in Mitiamo last week and preparing for one final dip tomorrow. Temperatures for the long weekend are predicted to be in the 30s, ideal for the final days of opening.
We’re working with EPA, says owner
FROM PAGE 1
Mr Van Shaik said: “We have enjoyed collaborating with and will continue to collaborate with the local farming sector through extensive trialling of our products to enhance crop growth and improve yields. Bio Gro is committed to the long term benefits it can provide to sustainable agriculture for the region.
“We welcome community engagement and remain committed to transparency and continual improvement in our practices.
“Bio Gro will continue to engage with authorities, emergency services, and residents to address concerns and understand the cause of the incident.”
Mr Van Shaik said BioGro acknowledged
the efforts of the CFA firefighters who responded to the incident.
“Their swift action and dedication were instrumental in helping our staff contain the fire,” he said.
More than 30 units and aerial support tackled the fire, including three brigades brought in as overnight relief as compost piles continued to smoulder.
Loddon Shire’s Tarnagulla Ward councillor Nick Angelo last week said he received a number of inquiries about various community concerns following the recent incident. While most community concerns related to EPA matters, Cr Angelo has requested council officers to consider if the site is compliant with the Planning and Environment Act
The old Wedderburn court house
THREE commissioners, 19 councillors and 19 executive group members have had time at the helm of Loddon Shire.
And on Friday night, many were at a function to mark the shire’s creation 30 years ago.
Formed after council amalgamations from former shires of Gordon, East Loddon, Korong and parts of the former shires of Marong, Bet Bet, Tullaroop and Maldon, the new Loddon Shire had commissioners for the first two years.
Charlton’s Peter Watts, who served with chief commissioner Goff Letts, said there was enormous consultation with communities in the early days.
He praised the influence of Mr Letts on then-premier Jeff Kennett for making the Loddon amalgamation workable and achieving support for sewerage connections to major towns.
Frank Maher, who would become the first mayor, said: “We had to make it (amalgamation) work.”
Mr Maher said he believed the original six councillors met that goal, one continued by future councillors and officers.
“We were very lucky with commissioner Letts,” Mr Maher said.
“The work has been carried on by later councillors, sensi-
ble people who have believed in putting shoulders to the wheel and helping communities.”
Mr Maher said that when on council, he knew the road between Serpentine and Wedderburn well. “It took 42 minutes.”
Challenges of council today had similarity with those of three decades ago, Mr Maher said, with water remaining a key for support of agriculture in the shire.
Mr Watts also highlighted that Loddon Shire from its inception had appointed young chief executive officers and directors who had provided good leadership and gone onto to make contributions to other councils.
Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh also attended the dinner.
The Railway Hotel BOORT
THE annual Pyramid Hill former residents’ reunion will have a new format after the success of a late venue change for last weekend’s annual gathering.
More than 40 former and current residents of Pyramid Hill met in Bendigo for a Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch.
Sunday’s gathering had traditionally been at the showgrounds but organisers Glenda Morrison and Theresa Herrick had to make a late change when the showgrounds became unavailable.
The success of the change saw a vote to keep the new format for 2026.
Former residents came from Melbourne, Shepparton, Kerang, Albury, Wedderburn and Boort and were joined by a group of current residents of the town.
Among them was Rita Hayes who had made a week of reunions, attending the previous weekend’s centenary of the Wedderburn reunion. Rita, of Werribee, had spent the week staying with family in Bendigo.
Current Loddon Mayor Dan Straub with former leaders Christine Brooke, Frank Maher, Cheryl McKinnon, John Brooke, Gavan Holt, Peter Watts and Neil Beattie. LH PHOTOS
John McLindon, Darren Fuzzard and Lincoln Fitzgerald
Rita Hayes, Yvonne Winfield and Lorna Fawcett at the reunion
Visitors pump $35m into shire economy
LODDON’S new visitor economy strategy will take a communitycentric approach to building a sustainable and thriving visitor economy.
Shire councillors last week ticked off the strategy after months of consultation with local industry stakeholders and communities.
Tourism and marketing coordinator Bradd Worrell said feedback had seen changes to the draft document to increase focus on shire’s existing strength and natural advantages such as food and beverage production and natural asset.
“The tourism sector in Loddon Shire contributes $35 million per year (direct and value-added) to the Loddon Shire economy and creates 110 FTE jobs,* he told councillors.
Mr Worrell said 59.8 per cent of business and consumer spending in Loddon Shire originated from people and businesses who live outside the shire.
“Anecdotally, tourism and visitor spending is critical to the viability of many local retail businesses,” he said.
“Retail viability underpins the function, performance and aesthetic of Loddon’s townships – as not only retail centres but social
and community hubs. The importance of tourism and support for the visitor economy is therefore critically important.
“In showcasing a location’s uniqueness to the Visitor, tourism gives local communities reason to reflect and value the place where they live. This civic pride is not only inherently healthy, it is attractive to visitors and promotes Loddon Shire as ‘a great place to live’.”
The strategy says there are long-term opportunities to grow and develop the experience offering across Loddon Shire to 2030 and beyond.
“Whilst the Experience Pillars identify experience pillar maturity, there are opportunities to grow and develop the emerging pillars,” it says.
PYRAMID HILL
“The future UNESCO Victorian Goldfields World Heritage designation will reinforce Loddon Shire’s important Goldfields heritage and contemporary gold prospecting experiences. It will provide the opportunity for trails and itineraries to leverage the broader region and encourage dispersal.
VICTORIA HOTEL
Great Scott! Bikes of the antiquity
EST. 1874
PYRAMID HILL
The strategy confirms pillars as nature outdoors and adventure, first nations, food and drink, arts and culture, history and heritage.
VICTORIA HOTEL
EST. 1874
THE oldest Scott motorcycle in Australia made its way to Inglewood on Sunday when Richard Blackburn joined the Antique Motorcycle Club rally.
Richard said the 1911 motorcycle, produced in his native Yorkshire, was among the oldest surviving pre-World War One bikes left in the world.
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Love our local!
Trading hours
Monday – Open 3.00pm Dinner from 6.00pm
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
“The company started in 1908 and I picked this one up eight years ago - two-stroke, twin-cylinder and water cooled ... it runs like a Swiss watch,” said the expat Brit now living in Ballarat.
“I restored the mechanics of the bike and made a few of the parts that were needed.”
Richard and other club mem-
bers stopped for photographs outside the town hall and had an extra taste of local history with a visit to Inglewood Emporium. Motorcycles owned by club members must be pre-1930.
Members based themselves at Llanelly last weekend and split into two groups for Sunday’s ride that also travelled to Bridgewater.
Lunch from 12.00pm
Trading hours
Dinner from 6.00pm
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Pot’n’Parma Night
Dinner from 6.00pm
Thursday – Open Midday
Social Darts Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Friday – Open Midday
Dinner from 6.00pm Trivia Night
Lunch from 12.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Pot’n’Parma Night
With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle
Thursday – Open Midday
Saturday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Friday – Open Midday
Lunch from
Sunday – Open Midday All Day Pizza Menu Close 11.00pm
If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government,
if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
Runs like a Swiss watch ... Richard Blackburn and his 1911 Scott motorcycle. LH PHOTO
Road cash by-passes country
COUNTRY people had been slapped down with the Federal Government’s $3.3 billion cash injection for Victoria broad and transport infrastructure projects, said Brett Hosking.
The Victorian Farmers’ Federation president said last week’s announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had given nothing to country Victoria.
“It’s a genuine slap in the face for those living outside of Melbourne. Both the Commonwealth and Victorian governments are proving they have no interest in
It’s elementary! Reunion lunch backs school
A REUNION lunch of former Inglewood Higher Elementary School students next month will raise funds for the town’s primary school.
Organiser Jill Hobbs said the luncheon was for “everyone who attended or taught at this school prior to changing to a primary school in 1982”.
“There are no formal activities planned except that lunch will be available for purchase and this will be a fundraiser for the parents club,” she said.
Jill said she expected the April 5 lunch to attract former students from across the region and interstate.
The organising team is also expecting several past students now overseas to return for the lunch reunion.
taking action to fix roads outside of marginal electorates,” he said.
“This funding announcement was billed as ‘Victoria’s fair share.’ It should be rebranded as ‘Melbourne’s fair share’, as there is little to smile about from a regional Victorian’s perspective.
“Country roads are crumbling and it’s not only costing tens of millions in lost productivity, tragically people are paying for it with their lives.
“Just recently I called on decision makers to urgently increase funding into our regional roads
in the wake of a soaring regional road toll. That’s clearly fallen on deaf ears and to be honest it’s a disgrace,” Mr Hosking said.
He said that for more than a decade, regional Victoria had been neglected and “we won’t accept it any longer. It’s not a matter of crying poor, just a matter of fairness and we’re clearly getting the rough end of the stick”.
“Regional Victoria’s population is roughly on par with a city the size of Adelaide and we are Australia’s agriculture economic powerhouse. We can’t grow
without investment and we’re not getting it.
“We’ll be asking for an urgent please explain from both levels of government regarding this announcement,”
Mr Hosking’s push for more rural road funding backs calls from councils across Victoria for a greater share of money to fix roads.
The state of Loddon Shire roads has been marked down heavily by residents in annual satisfaction surveys over the past three years.
Candidates? Barren fields of Mallee
WEEKS out from an expected federal election and sitting MP Anne Webster is the only declared candidate.
The Nationals’ member was early this week without a challenger from the Labor Party and the Greens for the seat she holds with a 19 per cent - the fourth safest seat in Australia.
Under the Coalition agreement, the Liberal Party will again not field a candidate against Dr Webster.
Dr Webster achieved a 3.31 swing at the 2022 election and 49 per cent of the primary vote.
Labor had 16.76 per cent of primary votes while independent Sophie Baldwin and United Australia Party’s Stuart King both outpolled the Greens.
Eight candidates contested Mallee at the 2022 election.
A redistribution last year saw Victoria lose one electorate in the next Parliament left the Mallee boundaries un changed.
Mallee includes Buloke, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Loddon, Mildura, Swan Hill, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack council area parts of the Northern Grampians Pyrenees Shires.
A federal election could be called as early as this weekend and is to be held before mid-May.
Cr
Senior students at Inglewood Higher Elementary School in 1956
Unlocking planning for future
FARM succession is often complex, emotional, and uncertain.
To help farming families tackle the issue, Birchip Cropping Group is hosting a succession planning workshop next Wednesday as part of Grains Research and Development Corporation’s RiskWi$e initiative.
The event will provide practical discussions and expert insights to support a smooth transition between generations.
Guiding succession with experts James Hamilton from Cultivate Advisory will lead the day, helping participants navigate the key challenges of succession planning.
With years of experience supporting farm businesses, Hamilton understands that successful succession is about maintaining both business viability and family harmony.
“At the end of the day, the goal is for everyone to turn up at Christmas and be happy,” Hamilton says. “Good communication, planning, and clear expectations are key.”
RiskWi$e is a five-year, $30 million national initiative aimed at helping Australian grain growers navigate increasing levels of risk from weather variability and price volatility.
SHEEP AND LAMBS
THERE was a big drop at Bendigo on Monday with in lamb numbers down to 11,400 head or 600 less, while sheep similar remained similar at 7866 head.
It was a stronger lamb market, led by rises of $10 to $20/head for some categories. The stand-out improvers were heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs which had been lacking consistent support at recent sales, while light MK processing lambs were the other grade to post notable price gains.
There wasn’t a lot of price change on the extra heavy export lambs, with some key processors still quiet.
Trade lambs fluctuated depending on quality and presentation. Late in the auction bidding for domestic lambs did intensify and some lines of Dorpers in the 22-24kg did sell strongly at up to $200/head.
Overall, the better presented processing lambs were averaging between 800c to 840c/kg cwt in this yarding and this included the pick of the light MK style runs. But the market still showed fluctuations and there were plainer lambs that remained in the range of 730c to 780c/kg, including Merinos.
Heavy export lambs sold from $235 to a top of $282/head to average a ballpark 810c/kg cwt.
The lift in the heavy lamb market was for 26-30kg cwt crossbreds which sold from $211 to $255/ head to gain nearly $20 at a cost of around 830c/kg cwt.
The lead of the heavy trade lambs $190 to $216/head, while the medium trades sold from $170 to $206/head as some pens returned over 850c/kg.
But there was still plainer trade lambs in the 740c to 780c/ kg range. The best of the tradeweight Merino lambs $170 to $190/head.
Where the market showed consistent strength was on light MK style lambs, 16-20kg cwt, the choice crossbred types from $130 to $169/head to average over 800c/kg cwt.
Processors did outbid restockers on some of these lambs today.
Plainer small lambs mostly $80 to $125/head. The sheep sale featured several good lines of Merino ewes offering some wool rebate.
Mutton prices were firm to $10/head dearer, the better quality sheep costing processors averages of 380c to 440c/kg cwt.
A pen of heavy Merino wethers in wool topped at $167/head. Big crossbred ewes $125 to $151/ head, and the lead Merino ewes with some skin from $115 to $145/head.
General run of trade and light sheep mostly $60 to $110/head.
DORPER LAMBS
K & D Dellar Yarrawalla (25) $198. S Brown Bridgewater (18) $150.
CROSSBRED LAMBS
DL & TM Jensen Diggora West (29) $284. RW & AL Baker Dingee (54) $277. DJ & ED Lees Rochester (121) $269. WJ
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
Whatley Goornong (14) $269. SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (60) $265. AB & KB Broom Neereman (72) $260. CA & TR Borger Colbinabbin (101) $255. RG Barnes Shelbourne (15) $240. R & B McKenzie Elmore (55) $227. Sharleena Nominees Tallarook (35) $224. Gredgport Holdings Boort (31) $220. Heath Cowell Tallarook (50) $215.
MERINO LAMBS
KJ & SA Canfield Salisbury West (104) $170. N & K Trigg Deniliquin (21)
$169. JR & LS Coffey Morton Plains (100) $166. A & B Bear Canary Island (33) $160. VP Byrne Axedale (51) $159. CJ & KM Holt Logan (39) $140.
SHORN LAMBS
GJ & DA Turnbull Dumosa (77)
$282. Aitkins & Martin Borung (21)
$270. Lislea Lodge Picola (120) $268. McRae Oaks Gre Gre North (117) $264.
BC & AM Martin Barham (170) $263. J.M. Hiscock and Sons Kilmore (59)
$262. Bennett & McElroy Moulamein (85) $262. N & M Miller Pyramid Hill (80) $259. Bathurst Downs Serpentine (49) $257. MI Hall Family Trust Wychitella (16) $255. BM Wootton Rushworth (88) $251. Slater Farming Corack East (60) $245. B Mountjoy Raywood (12) $233. B & J Tuohey Serpentine (14) $229. N Baldwin Farming St. Arnaud (32) $220. KJ & SA Canfield Salisbury West (41) $197.
MERINO WETHERS
O’Sullivan Trading Elmore (364) $114.
CROSSBRED EWES
ALB & R McIntosh Wanalta (77)
$145. RE & SL Pedersen Kamarooka (67) $145. RB & CJ Ham Moama (30)
$138. Condoulpe Balranald (135) $135. SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (38) $133. A & B Bear Canary Island (50) $125. M & D Donavan Bunnaloo (84) $125. D & D Kaylock Mallan (125) $124.
MERINO WITH LAMBS
ST & JJ Verley Boort (189) $190. EJ Warner & LJ Todd Quambatook (48) $180.
Order of sales next week: Nuttall, McKean McGregor, Elders, Nevins, Nutrien. SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS
Positive day on the back of a tough market last week with trade lambs the highlight. To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your
Collins - 0408 314 768
Stratton - 0414 576 371
Wool sealer in top ram title
LODDON Valley rams and ewes had presented well despite a tough season when they went under the judges’ eyes on Friday.
The annual stud merino breeders’ association field day saw Terrick West Poll Stud win the best pen of three rams for a second consecutive year.
Judge Luke Nicholls, of Macehill Merino in East Gippsland, shared judging duties with father Mal and studs presented good even pens in the ram and ewe competitions.
They gave the ram title - its fourth in the 22-year history of the competition - to Terrick West for a “very even pen ... nourished and nice wool”.
John Humbert’s Kedleston Park, Calivil was second and Forest Springs, Joel Joel, third.
In the ewe competition that the association promotes honouring former members, the top places were reversed with Kedleston Park claiming the 2025 title over Terrick West.
Mr Nicholls said Terrick West’s pen of three had very soft wool while it was the scrimping of Kedleston Park’s trio that caught his eye.
For a second year, the field day’s fleece competition attracted entries from association members and graziers using Loddon Valley genetics.
Prizes were shared between Norm Weir’s Kerrilyn stud, Dunluce, and Koole Vale, Costerfield
who won the overall champion award.
Koole Vale principal Alan Harris said he aimed for a combined stud fleece average of 19 microns.
Lamenting the continued low prices for fleeces, described them as terrible, Mr Harris said: “We need more to be viable”.
He said the current greasy fleece price of 1100 cents was similar to the mini-boom of the 1990s.
“But we persist and it suits our country,” he said. “Three to four years from now and it will change.”
Friday’s field day saw most studs with displays at Serpentine’s Janiember Park while onproperty displays were at Terrick West, Kedleston Park, Kamarooka Park and Willera Merinos.
For Willera stock hand Mitch A’Vard, it was the end of an era.
After three years at Willera, Mitch is having a slight career change as a stock agent with McKean McGregor.
Mitch A’Vard
Luke, Alex and Mal Nicholls during judging of the ewe and ram competitions. LH PHOTOS
Alan Harris celebrates his win in the field day fleece section
Kedleston Park’s John Humbert and Fraser Lourie with the winning pen of three ewes.
State Merino stud breeders’ association officials Keryn Hendry and Tegan Tingley with Loddon Valley secretary Robyn McGauchie
Ross Dohnt (Maldon) and Graham Morse (Bridgewater) discuss Merinos on Friday
Rex Bennett, Kerrilyn’s Norm Weir and Ross Smith at the Serpentine displays for the field day
Mark Dye and Bernie Lee were among hundreds of people to inspect Loddon Valley rams and ewes
Winning rams ... Terrick West’s Claire and Ross McGauchie
SPECIAL FEATURE
Wedderburn Detector
Jamboree Schedule
Saturday
8th March
6:45am Breakfast and Registration
7:45am Competitor Briefing
8am-3pm Senior Detector Token Hunt
9am-4pm The Monster Town Garage Sales
10am-2pm Coachhouse Gallery and Museum Open
10am-4pm Coiltek – Detector demonstrations for beginners. Run every two hours
1pm Registration for Junior Gold Panning Competition
1:30pm Junior Gold Panning Competition
4pm-6pm Senior Gold Panning Knockout
6pm Dinner
7:45pm Minor Draws for competitors in Detector Jamboree
8pm Entertainment
Sunday
9th March
6:45am Breakfast and Registration
7:45am Competitors Briefing
8am-1pm Senior Detector Token Hunt
8am Registration for Junior Detector Token Hunt
8:30am-1pm Junior Detector Token Hunt
10am-2pm Coachhouse Gallery and Museum Open
10am-2pm Coiltek – Detector demonstrations for beginners. Run every two hours
2pm-3pm Minelab Wedderburn Detector Jamboree Token Draws
Panning for gold ... the jamboree is an event for all the family
SPECIAL FEATURE
Old fashioned country fun at Hard Hill
HUNDREDS are expected to travel to Wedderburn over the long weekend for the annual Minelab Wedderburn Detectors Jamboree says Jamboree organiser Robyn Vella.
“It’s a weekend of good old fashioned country fun” Robyn said.
The Jamboree which takes place at the Hard Hill Tourist Reserve begins on Saturday with the senior detectors token hunt at 8am. Activities will run throughout the day with Coiltek offering detector demonstrations for those new to prospecting, senior and junior gold panning competitions and a monster town garage sale.
The gold panning competitions will be run by professional panners, “it’s a great way to teach
the youth the history and methods of gold panning,” Robyn said, “it’s a great way to foster interest in gold panning among younger generations.”
Saturday night’s entertainment will be provided by local youth Josh Lowe, who will be DJing hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Sunday’s agenda has the senior and junior token hunts with prize drawing happening in the afternoon to conclude the event. Organisers are expecting about 150 people to participate in the senior token hunt over the weekend.
The Coachhouse Gallery and Musuem will be open over the weekend as part of the Jamboree.
Saturday’s monster town garage sale will take place across the town from 9am and giving treasure hunters another option.
And working in the background is event organiser Karen Fazzani with one of the many volunteers Dedejo Williams.
VOLUNTEERS help make this weekend’s Wedderburn Detector Jamboree an annual success. This year the Wedderburn Tourism team has been helped with preparations at Hard Hill by Vocational Major students from Wedderburn College, pictured above this week.
Machinery flavour with sale bidders
FARM machinery created strong bidding as almost 200 registered buyers jostled for lots at last Friday’s clearing sale at the historic Longview property.
Auctioneer Luke Nevins, of FP Nevins and Co Inglewood, said there was strong interest in farm machinery that owner Rob Coutts described as “well-seasoned machinery”.
Rob and wife Colleen last year sold Longview, Fernihurst, ahead of retirement and Rob said some among Friday’s crowd of more than 300 people also wanted to have a final look at the historic property that has been in his family for 152 years.
Mr Nevins said bidding was
most active for tractors with some lots “making their value and more”
The auction also attracted interest from bidders chasing collectables including vintage scarifiers and blacksmith tools.
A scarifier by late 19th century agricultural implement maker William Barger was sold for $280. Barger has factories at Bridgewater and Boort.
Grain bins still with oats and barley were knocked down for up to $5000.
The historic 1305-acre Longview property at Fernihurst sold at auction last year for $5.1 million in what set a new benchmark price for farm land in the district.
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT 2012 Jeantil Eva 15-12 manure spreader, Leith spreader 8T, 2 X Cat 920 Artic F.E.L, 7’ X 8’ Buckets (1 working, 1 blown motor), 04 Holden Rodeo 4X4 Ute with 7’ X 6’ steel tray & 2 tool boxes, 77 Acco 1810A twin axel truck tray with 18’ X 7’ steel tray & hoist, old comer truck & tray frame, 52 Dodge tray truck (Parts), 18’ X 7’ grain bin, Tri- Axle plant trailer 25.5’ X 8’ with Hydraulic Ramps (Not Registered), Single axle plant trailer (21’ X 7’ Not Registered), Major 8’ X 5’ tandem trailer, Inter 711 Harvester with 16’ comb front, 18’ Inter Comb front, Inter 711 Header (parts only), 65 MF Tractor with F.E.L, Chamberlain C6100 tractor with Gason cab (not going), Hyd remotes & PTO, Class 630 4X4 Tractor with remotes/ PTO, Chamberlain 9G Tractor (Not running), 30Ft 13 Leaf harrow bar, Ryan 30’ folding cultivator bar, Chamberlain 24 & 28 row combines with SSB, Sunshine 10 plate offset disc, Hardi 2000 Lt 35’ boom spray, HB 25 spring tyne scarifier, Rear loading “Grainline” tipper Auger with 6.5 HP Honda motor (new), HB clover harvester, 6’ Howard slasher, 3PL Lely 328 disc mower, 3pl 7’ Grader Blade, 3PL 6 wheel hay rake, 2 X Sunbeam Shearing plants, Ajax wool press (2), Morton baker wool press, Quantity rear tractor tyres. SUNDRIES Quintex boat with 7 HP mercury motor, Murray’s double camper unit (Fits rodeo), Mobilco swing saw/ Tungsten Tip black & Wisconsin, 8HP motor, belt driver saw bench/ Tungsten tip black, concrete pipes 8’ (4), DH Fuel tank, 4-wheel Mulholland plough (Parts), dune buggy with VW motor, 6 X railway line sleepers, 2 X stone wheels, quantity steel wheels/ rims. “Silvan” Elec 400 Ltr fuel jack with new pump. Host sundries too numerous to particularize.
Terms Numbers system operating, ID required, cash / cheque/ EFTPOS if available. GST applies. No buyers premium
Directions Turn off Loddon Valley Highway into Chambers Road, first house on the right
Photos www.fpnevins.com.au
Further Particulars
Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166
Vendor: Mal Chambers 0427 375 263
The Australian wool market has recorded an overall increase last week, after two successive weeks of falls. The positive tone that was evident on the final selling day in the previous week, particularly in the West (which sold later in the day), has carried into last week. This positive tone has resulted in widespread spirited competition from buyers, which in turn has resulted in price increases across all merino fleece types and descriptions. The national quantity reduced slightly from last week, there was 39,972 bales available to the trade. Sydney held a designated Superfine sale. On the first day of selling the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) rose by between 1 and 25 cents, only the 17-micron MPG (unchanged) and the 16.5-micron MPG in the South (minus 11) resisting the trend. The benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) added 5 cents for the day. The second selling day was an almost carbon copy of the first. Further rises recorded across all merino types and descriptions. The MPG movements in the fleece sector across the country, ranged between unchanged and plus 28 cents. The EMI rose by 6 cents for the day. The EMI closed the week 11 cents higher at 1,195 cents. Minimal currency movement meant that the EMI also rose in US dollar terms, the EMI finished the series 2 US cents higher, closing at 756 US cents. The EMI has recorded three consecutive rises in both AUD and USD terms, the last time this occurred was back in October last year.
The skirting market had a volatile week, recording general losses on the first day, only to quickly bounce back, recovering the losses and finishing the week generally unchanged. The oddment sector had a solid week.
The prices on offer were all generally at or above those on offer in the previous series. This week the national offering is expected to fall. There are currently 34,697 bales on offer.
Source: AWEX
Rob Coutts ... the era ends at Longview with Friday’s clearing sale. LH PHOTOS
Rick Mountjoy and Johnno White were among 200 registered bidders Steve Tasker had his eye on collectablesRob Coutts with historic blacksmith equipment that was sold
Tireless, unselfish summer for firies
Brigades full of best people you can find, writes Martha Haylett
AS WE get closer to the end of the fire danger deriod, I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all our emergency service members across the Loddon Shire.
From the Wedderburn SES to CFA volunteers in Korong Vale, Fentons Creek, Murphy’s Creek, Rheola and beyond - all have worked tirelessly this summer to protect people, property, and livelihoods.
We have been fortunate not to experience major flooding again this year, but it has not been a quiet season. Volunteers have helped respond to the Grampians fire, as well as other fires locally – including at Newbridge and Mount Kooyoora.
In doing so, local volunteers have selflessly missed time with family and friends to support others, and we are all so grateful to them.
As the member for Ripon, one of my favourite parts of the job is visiting CFA brigades and SES units across the electorate. There are over 90 CFA brigades in Ripon, and each are full of the best people you can meet.
I supported many with their applications to the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program last year, and was proud to call Captain George Filev from the Tarnagulla Fire Brigade before Christmas to let him know the State Government was giving his brigade $40,000 to build a new storage shed. It will help accommodate their trailers, run-
Roads
HOW sad that Prime Minister Albanese last week opened the federal taxpayer wallet and dealt out billions of dollars for Victorian road works ... in Melbourne.
No apparent thought or support to the crumbling roads of country Victoria that transport food, produce and supplies into Melbourne every day.
Roads that have had more patch jobs than an old bicycle tyre and can resemble a lunar crater.
We know it’s election time and the needs of the electorally-sensitive marginal seats will probably be given higher billing by politi-
ning wheel, catering gear, and other items.
Around the same time, I was also rapt to let the Wedderburn SES know they will soon receive their very own $405,000 truck. Since starting up as a unit again after the 2023-2024 floods, members had been borrowing a truck from the Marong SES Unit.
This meant they didn’t have their own dedicated vehicle, which wasn’t okay. I worked with them to fix this issue and now they’ll have their own permanent truck to help better protect the community during emergencies.
Backing our local emergency service volunteers is the least the state government can do to say thank you to those who go above and beyond to protect our rural communities.
Another way we’re doing this is by making active CFA and VICSES volunteers and life members exempt from paying the Fire Services Levy on their principal place of residence from 1 July this year.
This is in recognition of their incredible contributions and will hopefully also act as an incentive for more locals to consider volunteering in their local brigade or unit.
I heard from many volunteers about the need for this exemption and advocated to the Treasurer of Victoria for it to happen, so am pleased we got it done.
The Government will consult with the CFA and SES to find the best way to implement this
exemption, and I will notify all brigades and units once we know more detail.
Another round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program will be here before we know it and I encourage local volunteers to reach out to me to support their applications.
Separately – I’d also like to thank all the farmers, butchers, and concerned locals from across the Loddon Shire who reached out to me about the recent decision by Hardwicks abattoir in Kyneton to close its doors to small-scale service kills.
The decision risks decimating small-scale livestock farming and access to local meat across our region.
Recently, I tabled a petition in parliament urging the state government to urgently work with industry to find solutions that ensure ongoing access to service kill facilities for small livestock producers.
The petition also called on our government to help enable the growth of mobile and micro abattoirs on farms.
These changes would support the survival of small-scale livestock farmers across our region and state and would mean we can all still have access to fresh locally produced meat.
I will keep readers updated as we await a response from the agriculture minister and her department.
Martha Haylett is the member for Ripon
1. “Through the Looking-Glass” is a sequel to which well-known novel?
2. Who invented the phonograph?
3. The Great Sphinx of Giza is missing which body part?
4. The Swiss Franc is the currency of which country?
5. Which fictional superhero team is the ‘Human Torch’ part of?
6. David Tennant, Tom Baker, and Peter Capaldi have all played which fictional character?
7. Scoliosis affects which body part?
8. What two ingredients make an affogato?
9. What sort of creature is an abalone?
10. What is a cairn?
11. The Galapagos Islands are part of which country?
12. According to Greek mythology, who was the brother of Zeus and Hades?
13. Where is the world’s largest desert?
WITH so much happening in the seasonal changeover, you perhaps understand a little confusion when it comes to orientation. Bumped into the infamous Ick at the Boort trots, making a day of it, who said: “Don’t know one end of the horse from the other ... I pick my bets based on the jockey.” Ahh, Ick, harness racing (the old red hots and pacers) have drivers!
14. XVI as Roman numerals represents what number?
15. Referring to time, what does PM stand for?
16. What is stored in a hangar?
17. What appears on the Jolly Roger flag?
18. The Romans knew which land as Hibernia?
19. How many months are in a decade?
20. Which car manufacturer makes the “Phantom”?
cians - although it is noted Mallee MP Anne Webster has been quick out of the blocks with a funding commitment from the Coalition for Boort - but that is no excuse for ignoring the bread and butter needs of all Victorians.
New Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking has been quick to rightly point out what he called a slap in the face to country people. There’s no doubt that the VFF has become
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
OPINION PIECES
more energised and in focus with the challenges of not only farmers, but all country people, since his rise to the leadership.
A few words of commonsense and reality would seem to resonate better than the citycentric announcement of the Prime Minister on roads. Better country roads is about having freight movement efficiency ... and better safety. That would be a good investment of our taxes.
G OTTA love all the reunions happening at the moment - heaps of tales true and tall. Helen bumped into OTF at the bowls to let us know about the upcoming Inglewood Elementary School edition. “We’re calling it the last chance,” she said. “Not sure if any of us will be able to organise the next one”. Looking at the spritely pair pulling it together, OTF reckons there’s every chance those old scholars are good for at least another two or three?
M UST give a mention to the optimistic Stinger, temporary Boy of the Borough. No need to grab a Calivil bowling team photo at the weekend, he told us. Such is the confidence ... if only!
buSHy TaLES BY IAN JONES
THE seasons officially changed on Saturday ... not the sporting versions but those of the meteorological variety. While “autumn” and “fall” are used in both variants, British English speakers prefer “autumn” — from the Latin “autumnus” — while Americans favour “fall,” derived from the 16th century British expression “fall of the leaf.”
T he earliest known name, we are told, for the season in English is harvest. It comes from the Old English word hærfest, of Germanic origin, perhaps with an underlying, ancient sense of “picking, plucking” (as in, picking fruits to harvest them).
I N the human sense, they say autumn represents adulthood and maturity.
CHRIS EARL speaks with three local CFA volunteers in the first of a series profiling women firefighters in Loddon communities
On the fire front
THEY drop what they’re doing when the pager sounds, don the yellow overalls and head off on the back of fire trucks across the Loddon.
Others stay back at the station, managing communications with crews at the fire front, helping co-ordinate other volunteers from local Country Fire Authority brigades.
They are the women who volunteer to be part of their communities, and in some Loddon brigades, now make up half the membership where they find camaraderie in serving with the common aim of keeping people safe.
Women from all walks of life, country people who see the CFA as a great way of belonging.
Kindergarten teacher Jodie Lock may not have been on the back of a truck for a while - she’s kept busy enough as secretary of the Powlett brigade.
But as a fresh young school teacher out of university, Jodie found herself in Salt Creek, a South Australian hamlet on the outskirts of the Coorong National Park, between Menindie and Kingston.
“I had grown up in Melbourne, teaching jobs were hard to find in Victoria at the time so I took a role at the P7 school in Salt Creek - a place with about 10 houses,” she recalls.
“The previous principal had been a member of the local Country Fire Service brigade and when I arrived, they signed me up pretty quickly.”
Jodie was soon back in Victoria and married husband Aaron, already a member of the Powlett brigade.
“Three of our four children became members and I did the training for CFA about 12 years ago ... we are a small brigade and we needed numbers.”
The family tradition had some influence on Inglewood’s Claire Maxwell joining the brigade.
Dad Shane’s involvement helped. “I saw what Dad gets out of being in the brigade and joined the moment I turned 16,” said Claire, who works in Bendigo as an apprentice plumber.
“I did the CFA cadet course for people aged between 16 and 18 and loved it. We were only a small group of people from across Victoria but we learnt not just about fighting fires but leadership too.”
Claire says becoming a CFA member has easily met expectations. “I wanted to be more involved in the community and forge new friendships,”
Work has also given Claire extra opportunities as a volunteer firefighter. Her boss David Jones is captain of the Strathfieldsaye brigade and the pair has been known to drop tools and attend a fire call.
Claire’s creative streak last year saw her design the Inglewood brigade’s new polo top that members have just been kitted out with.
And continuing a family tradition is sister Rebecca who has just turned 16the age youngsters can join a brigade.
“Guess she looks up to Dad and I,” said Claire.
For school teacher Elissa Wilson, almost 20 years have been notched up as a CFA volunteer, first at Newbridge and
since 2015 with the Inglewood brigade where she is now communication officer and holds the same position with the Loddon South group.
“I love attending our training sessions when I can - taking the vehicles out and going through scenarios we can face in the field,” she said.
“The CFA is something I do for myself, being able to help others. I can’t always go to calls, especially if I am teaching, but as volunteers we all go whenever we can.”
As communications officer, Elissa does a monthly check of radio communications in the region.
She is one of two women in leadership roles for the group. Deb Hancock is secretary as well as performing the same role with the Murphys Creek brigade.
The Loddon South group, that includes Inglewood, Powlett and Murphys Creek, currently has 418 members 269 are operational. But just 49 (18 per cent) are women.
Inglewood brigade is an exception. When Elissa joined there were not even a handful of women members, today the split is 50:50.
She said the arrival of women firefighters had meant changes at major events.
“We now need bathrooms for women ... before, we had to go behind a tree or the truck or find a toilet in the backyard. I started preparing sanitary bags to always have on fire trucks and other brigade vehicles,” she said.
The modern firefighting women are
being trained well. Besides being able to drive trucks, one of Elissa’s vital skills at the fire front is using a thermal imaging camera to probe heat.
Claire, too, is itching to being qualified to drive fire trucks.
The CFA says joining a local CFA is the most rewarding way people can give back to your local community.
CFA members are dedicated and skilled and each volunteer makes a valuable contribution through the roles they perform.
The Loddon South Group volunteers hope to see more women in their brigades. They are excited that the CFA is planning a general firefighter course for women in May.
Elissa, Claire and Jodie know that not all roles require volunteers in the yellow overalls heading off to a fire on the back of a truck.
“The are roles for operational and nonoperational volunteers ... everyone can play a role as a CFA volunteer,” they said.
For Elissa, the wow moment in almost 20 years with the CFA has not been on the fire front. “That was getting my 15year medal at our brigade’s 160th anniversary last year,” she said.
And Elissa has become the face of the brigade’s Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal efforts in Inglewood, stepping up as local co-ordinator.
The three are backing the campaign by CFA District 20 to recruit for women to local brigades. “We can do anything now and are welcomed as members of fire brigades,” said Elissa.
Jodie Lock
Elissa Wilson and Claire Maxwell. LH PHOTOS
GLEESON - HARGREAVES
Courtney, eldest child of Bill and Ange Gleeson, Watchem, will marry Jordan, third child of Bruce and Michelle Hargreaves, Wedderburn, at Watchem
Friday 7 March 2025,
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and good health filled will endless love.
Congratulations and love Bruce and Michelle, Chelsea, Luke, Arlo, Joss and Chet, Harry. Tahlia and Rosie, Bill, Ange, Jake, Sophie and Chloe
Yung Balug Keeping Place
The Museum is situated on the property of Paul & Cathie Haw.
Well worth a visit to see the amazing Artefacts collected from the Boort Region.
A recent addition is 34 photos taken by John Hunter Kerr in the 1850s. This was made possible by the State Library of Victoria.
Everyone is welcome. but please call or Email before visiting.
Phone - 0417 333 171
Email - paulcathiehaw@gmail.com
DECLARATION OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXEMPTION
Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for Loddon River (at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeneys Lane), makes the following declaration under section 203(3) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).
For the purposes of boating activity conducted by Bridgewater Water Ski Club Inc, persons and vessels involved in the 2025 Aussie Kiwi Challenge are exempt from the following requirements:
State Rules made under the Marine Act 1988
1. Clause 2(a) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of a person in the water
2. Clause 2(c) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of another vessel
Waterway Rules made under the Marine Safety Act 2010 / Marine Act 1988
3. Clause 62.2 of Schedule 62 – 5 knot speed restriction within waters not speci ed as
Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Areas between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeney’s Lane.
4. Clause 62.6(a) of Schedule 62 – Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Area for Slalom and Ski Jumping - modi ed to allow for trick skiing.
5. Clause 62.7(d) of Schedule 62 – operating times for the Exclusive Use and Special Purpose Area for ‘Water Skiing’.
Marine Safety Regulations 2023
6. Regulation 66(3) – person on vessels must wear a lifejacket of type speci ed at all times when underway on inland waters.
7. Regulation 69 – a person being towed must wear a lifejacket.
8. Regulation 70 – master of vessel must ensure occupants wear a lifejacket and must not allow the vessel to be operated unless persons onboard when underway or being towed wear a lifejacket.
Subject to the conditions detailed below:
Masters of towing and rescue vessels are only exempt from item 1-2 when undertaking a rescue operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety on shore, and must adhere to speed and distance rules at all other times.
Masters of towing vessels are only exempt from items 3 to 5 for the duration of the events.
‘Trick’ skiers being towed are only exempt from items 6 & 7 provided they wear a bright coloured top.
Masters of towing vessels are only exempt from item 8 when towing water skiers who are participating in trick events and when retrieving water skiers who are participating in trick events and exempt from wearing a lifejacket.
All persons on vessels and skiers associated with the event must wear a lifejacket (unless vessel over 4.8 meters or exempt from items 6 or 7 in accordance with these conditions), and vessels must have all prescribed safety equipment, including rescue vessels.
Should vessels or persons not involved in the event enter the exclusion zone, the event must be stopped until the unauthorised vessel or person has moved outside of the zone.
These exemptions apply from 8:00am to 5:00pm each day between 11-16 March 2025, to persons and vessels registered to participate in the 2025 Aussie Kiwi Challenge, within the exclusion zone waters – Loddon River, between the Calder Highway Bridge and the boat ramp at Sweeney’s Lane.
In the event of any injuries which result in hospitalisation, a fatality or an incident involving a person or vessel not involved in the event, these must be immediately reported to Victoria Police and Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic). In the case of all other incidents ST Vic requires incident reports within seven (7) days and a nalised report within 30 days.
The exemptions apply provided the stated safety controls and undertakings detailed in the application form and associated documentation are adhered to.
Loddon Shire Council
Dated: 24 February 2025
Marine Safety Act 2010
Section 208(2)
NOTICE OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXCLUSION ZONE
Loddon Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for Loddon River (at Bridgewater between Flour Mill Weir and Sweeneys Lane) hereby gives notice under section 208(2) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) that all persons and vessels not registered to take part in the 2025 Aussie Kiwi Challenge are prohibited from entering and remaining in the following waters
Waters of Loddon River at Bridgewater – between the Calder Hwy Bridge and Sweeneys Lane Boat Ramp. The exclusion zone will be in e ect from 8:00am - 5:00pm on Tuesday 11 - Sunday 16 March 2025.
Loddon Shire Council
Dated: 24/02/2025
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Manning double on day of drama
By LEN BAKER
AUSTRALIA’S oldest surviving trotting club, Boort established in 1891, held their annual Cup Day meeting last Sunday.
The exciting nine race program featuring the Neil Beattie Family Boort Pacing Cup over 2612 metres and the Hon. Peter Walsh Boort Trotters Cup over the same trip, each for a stake of $12,000.
The Pacing Cup went to Great Western trainer/driver Kerryn Manning’s Kiwi bred 5Y0 Bettors Delight-Ideal Belle gelding Lincoln River following a long review.
Raced by Merv and Meg Butterworth, Lincoln River lobbed one/ one from gate five as the poleline leader and favourite Collective Works went off stride on the first turn veering wide then shifting to the inside, but retaining the front running.
This caused interference to a number of runners in the first half dozen.
Moving to race exposed briefly, Lincoln River gained cover when Darby McGuigan sent Shadow Celt forward from the tail after starting from the extreme draw to face the open with two laps to travel giving Lincoln River one/ one cover once again.
Going three wide approaching the final bend, Lincoln River couldn’t catch Collective Works which safely held him at bay to
score by 4.1 metres, with Cee Cee In America third 12.8 metres back before being promoted to second. Angus Indiana (three pegs – one/ two last lap) was a metre back third after also being promoted, wth Collective Works disqualified from the race completely.
In quarters of 30.9, 30.4, 29.1 and 28.3 after a lead time of 77 seconds, Lincoln River was credited with a mile rate of 2-00.7.
The Trotters Cup was equally exciting – the victor being 6Y0 Creatine-Shining Sun gelding Sir Eros for Armstrong trainer Danny O’Brien and Kerryn Manning.
Earlier in the day they landed the D.W. (Bill) Foley Tribute Trotters Mobile over 2250 metres with 16 start Art Major-Russian Ball gelding The Ninth Wave giving both Danny and owner An-
FASHIONS ON THE FIELD
thony Lombardi a day they won’t forget.
In another incident packed affair, Yankee Lover (barrier three) began fast to lead defying a challenge from Double Helix from outside the front line with Sir Eros after stepping safely from barrier four in a sweet one/one position.
Alby Ashwood sent Midnight
Eagle (barrier five) forward with more than two laps to travel, joining the leader when both he and Yankee Lover about to enter the straight with two laps to travel galloped putting themselves out of business allowing Double Helix to stride clear.
Going forward to race exposed shortly after, Sir Eros trotted to perfection, accounting for Tripod
(one/one) from inside the second line which gained a split on turning, but couldn’t reel in the winner going down by a head, with 30 metre backmarker Berriesandcherries, winner of the cup race at Wedderburn, 1.6 metres away a great third after racing three wide solo for the last two laps. Sir Eros returned a mile rate of 2-06.5.
Ros and Daryl Poxon present the Coutts Tribute trophy
Boort Trotting Club president Tim Byrne, Sir Eros trainer Danny O’Brien and trotting cup sponsor Peter Walsh. LH PHOTO
Boort’s Jared Wilkinson won Gentleman of the Day. LH PHOTOS Zara McDonald (Bendigo) - under 16 Girl of the DayOwen Byrne (Boort) - under 16 Boy of the Day
Helen Roberts, of Horsam, won the Over 50s fashion event
Boort’s Kirsten Burgoyne was awarded the Milliner’s Delight prize
Local Lady of the Day was won by Wendy James
’Burn jumped by top side
WEDDERBURN’S brave bid for the North Central bowls title in Division 2 ended in defeat last Saturday to Wycheproof.
Two rinks lost to their opponents – one by six shots and the other convincingly, 45-16 – while the rink of Robert Ashley, Ruth Hall, Colin Mills and John Grant (skip) came away with a win, 2318.
Wycheproof won overall, 90 shots (10 points) to 60 (2 points).
The victors finished on top of the ladder and beat Wedderburn by 16 shots in their semi-final meeting.
Wedderburn had to come through the preliminary final, in which it beat St Arnaud Country Club by 30 shots, to get another crack at Wyche.
Club president Lance Standfield said” “They jumped out of the blocks pretty quickly. We’d have bowls with the shot and they just came in and trumped us every time.”
His own rink was down 34-0 at the break, and while the side narrowly won the second half, the 29-shot loss was decisive.
“We were kicking into the wind all day,” Standfield quipped.
“We’re disappointed we lost our grand final, but we came up against the best side in the comp. We had a good side, but it was their day.
“Still, we left with a smile on our faces.”
CALIVIL
The Demons remain the Loddon Shire’s last hope of a premiership in regional bowls this
season, despite losing their semifinal against Bendigo last Saturday.
After securing the doublechance for finishing second on the ladder in the Bendigo area weekend pennant Division 4, the Demons are through to the preliminary final against White Hills.
Bendigo, which finished three games ahead of Calivil on the ladder, was too good, winning 95 shots (16 points) to 66 shots (2 points).
One rink – Robert Boyd, Barry Meighan, Warren Miles and Alan Leech (skip) – managed a victory, 27 shots to 17, but the other three teams lost.
INGLEWOOD
South Bendigo proved too good for Inglewood in Monday’s midweek pennant Division 5 grand final.
It was a disappointing finish to the season for the Woodies, who finished on top of the ladder and lost only one match during the season.
They beat South Bendigo three times, including in the semi-final to reach the decider, but their opponents turned the tables, winning 58 shots (14 points) to 33 shots (0 points).
Both Inglewood rinks were defeated.
The team of David Whitehead, Dionne Roberts, Kathleen McNaught and Arthur Harrison (skip) lost 33-20, while the rink of Edna Patterson, Phyllis McEwan, Patsy Lyndon and Ian Bradley (skip) was beaten 25-13.
RESULTS
Bendigo - Division 1 Bendigo East 89-16 d Kangaroo Flat 72-2. Strathfieldsaye 85-16 d Castlemaine 65-2. Division 2 Bendigo 89-18 d Strathfieldsaye 51-0. South Bendigo 69-2 lost to Eaglehawk 79-16. Division 4 Bendigo 95-16 d Calivil 662. H. Rasmussen, B. Benbow, M. Bennet, R. Matthews (s) d W. Lourie, R. Lourie, M. Collett, G. Maxted (s) 23-21. R. Painter, D. Bennet, B. Murray, C. Runnalls (s) d K. Richards, A. Dennis, G. Ray, L. Gronow (s) 23-9. M. McQualter, G. McQualter, B. Greenwood,
R. Angove (s) d N. Dennis, P. Hercus, J. Pickles, M. Dennis (s) 32-9. B. Morley, V. Greenwood, J. Moore, D. Harvey (s) lost to R. Boyd, B. Meighan, W. Miles, A. Leech (s) 17-27. White Hills 71-44 d Harcourt 70-4. Division 5 Campbell’s Creek 78-4 lost to Golden Square 84-14. Strathfieldsaye 83-16 d Bendigo 70-2. Monday -Division 5 Inglewood 33-0 lost to South Bendigo 58-14. D. Whitehead, D. Roberts, K. McNaught, A. Harrison (s) lost to S. Howe, G. Pinniger, R. Poulter, K. Presley (s) 20-33. E. Patterson, P. McEwan, P. Lyndon, I. Bradley (s) lost to R. Challinor, S. Gill, B. Jennings, E. Bullow (s) 13-25. Division 6 Castlemaine 29-0 lost to South Bendigo 48-14. North Central Division 2 Wycheproof 90-10 d Wedderburn 60-2. D. Nicholls, S. Barratt, H. Grylls, P. Connolly (s) lost to R. Ashley, R. Hall, C. Mills, J. Grant (s) 18-23. S. Wellington, V. Grant, D. Denney, R. Grylls (s) d R. Tonkin, A. Benaim, L. Holt, L. Standfield (s) 45-16. P. Bagley, J. McLean, G. Coatsworth, M. Nicholls (s) d S. Lear, N. White, A. Noordennen, I. Hall (s) 27-21.
Traditional match-up kick starts final preparations
THE FOOTBALL season creeps ever closer, with two Loddon Shire heavyweights set to meet in a practice match on tonight.
The Loddon Valley league’s Inglewood will face North Central’s Wedderburn in a twilight fixture at Inglewood.
Both coaches said the game would be an informal affair, played over five or six quarters to give all players a hit out. With no reserves match being played,
there would be no limit on interchanges or squad numbers.
Wedderburn is expected to have about 36 players on the night, with Inglewood running about 27.
Inglewood’s coach Fergus Payne said a few of his players were still carrying niggles and would miss the game, but new recruits would feature.
“It’s good for everyone to have a hit out, especially for the depth guys to play
against a really good opposition,” he said.
The Woodies and the Redbacks have played pre-season matches for the past three years in what is being established as an annual event.
Wedderburn’s Tom Metherell said his side would feature most senior players for the first two quarters before giving the rest of the squad a run.
“Especially with new players coming in, it gives them a chance to get a bit of
a feel for their teammates,” he said. The match will be the first competitive game for rugby convert Mark Robinson, who Metherell hopes will help fill the hole left by star ruckman Jordan Hargreaves’ transfer to North Bendigo.
“He’s coming on in leaps and bounds, the big fella, and while we’ve done match simulation at training it will be good to see how he goes against outside opposition.”
North Central Division 2 runners-up Wedderburn. LH PHOTO
Bridgewater Bowling Club is preparing plans to reinstate its top green that has sat idle for more than four seasons.
Hamish Catto and greenkeeper Peter Short are pictured taking soil samples to send for testing. LH PHOTO
Powlett reclaims association title
POWLETT has triumphed in the grand final of the Inglewood District tennis competition with a big win over Wedderburn Junction last Saturday.
The strong Powlett team dominated the competition throughout the season, and won the final played at Inglewood,122-77.
The two sides had proven themselves clearly the strongest in the four-team association.
Captained by Tim Johns, Powlett won 12 of the contests to Wedderburn Junction’s six, dominating the men’s and ladies’ games, 4-2 and 5-1 respectively.
The teams split the mixed matches three all.
For Powlett, it was a case of reclaiming the flag after a surprise loss last season.
In the Marong and District competition, Derby and Marong are through to the grand final on March 15.
Derby had a nail-biting semifinal win over Newbridge, 9-74 to 9-72, while Lockwood lost to a resurgent Marong, 5-61 to 13-90.
Lockwood finished on top of
INGLEWOOD
the ladder, but was knocked out by a Marong team that only made the top four by thrashing Woodstock in the last round of home and away matches.
Marong leapt from sixth to fourth with that win and now finds itself in the season decider.
Mincha West, Dingee, Calivil North and Raywood have made the semi-finals of the Loddon Valley competition.
The last round of home and away tennis did not change the composition of the top four.
Top side Mincha West beat Serpentine 4-109 to 1-77, ending any hope of Serpentine making the finals.
Second-placed Dingee goes into the finals on the back of a loss to Calivil North, which ended the regular season in third spot on the ladder.
Calivil North won 4-108 to 1-85 in the clash played at Dingee.
Raywood tuned up for the finals with a big win away at Lake Meran, 5-113 to 0-70.
Lake Meran finished the season in last place.
TENNIS RESULTS
LODDON VALLEY
C Chamberlain L Boyd
to M Collins P Harris 1-7. A Chamberlain L Boyd d A Demeo P Harris 7-4. B Moresi R Fawcett
to R Haw N Marlow 0-7. B Moresi K Czuczman lost to R Haw R Demeo 0-7. R Fawcett K Czuczman lost to N Marlow R Demeo 2-7. Ladies: C Downs C Moresi lost to C Haw P Wall 1-7. C Downs V Moresi d C Haw B Zuidema 7-6. C Moresi V Moresi lost to P Wall B Zuidema 6-7. L Hosking I Hosking d S Demeo M Haw 7-5. L Hosking T Pickering lost to S Demeo M Ludeman 1-7. I Hosking T Pickering lost to M Haw M Ludeman 6-7.
Mixed: C Chamberlain C Downs lost to M Collins P Wall 6-7. A Chamberlain C Moresi lost to A Demeo C Haw 4-7. L Boyd V Moresi d P Harris B Zuidema 7-5. B Moresi L Hosking d R Haw M Haw 7-2. R Fawcett I Hosking lost to R Demeo S Demeo 2-7. K Czuczman T Pickering lost to N Marlow M Ludeman
Parkrun launch date confirmed
PYRAMID Hill parkrun is set to launch in early April. It will be the second event of the global walking and running phenomenon to take place in Loddon Shire, with Boort parkrun having begun more than two years ago.
Organiser Jason Deller said approval had been given by parkrun’s UK headquarters to operate the 5km weekly event, with final preparations under way, including a practice run in coming weeks.
The Pyramid Hill Golf Trail parkrun will comprise three laps of the trail around the base of Pyramid Hill, with the town’s golf course as a backdrop.
Deller said council support for the parkrun had been excellent, with mayor Cr Dan Straub to preside at the opening.
“We’re expecting a few people from Melbourne to come up for the opening,” he said, the date for which would be formally announced a week or two ahead of the inaugural event.
The launch was originally planned for January, but organisers realised the weather was potentially too hot at that time of year.
The hope now was for some rain this month “to have the track and hill looking a bit greener so it looks more presentable for guests”.
SPORTS NEWS AND RESULTS
Send your local sports news and results to the Loddon Herald by midday Mondays loddonherald@gmail.com
4-7. B Duncan M Hocking d T Smith A Lister 7-5. B Duncan D Condliffe d T Smith T Smith 7-5. M Hocking D Condliffe lost to A Lister T Smith 6-7. Ladies: C Whitfield B Baker lost to M
Calivil’s Ava Maxted serves her team into the finals. LH PHOTO
Inglewood and District Tennis Association premiers Powlett (and below) skipper Tim Johns with the shield. LH PHOTOS
The
ALL THE key statistics point to a comfortable Kingower win when the team meets Wedderburn Band in the Upper Loddon Cricket Association grand final at Arnold on Saturday.
But, as Mark Twain, wrote, quoting Benjamin Disraeli, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
Let’s examine the figures, and we’ll see on Saturday whether they lie.
The Gower has four of the top 10 run-scorers for the season, including the top two, Jayden Leach (483) and Matt Rowe (435).
Wedderburn’s top scorer is opener Brad Holt, with 186 runs ranked 11th in the competition.
Remarkably, Leach and Rowe are also top of the bowling charts, with 32 and 16 wickets respectively.
The grand finalists have nine of the 10 top wicket-takers for the season, with Kingower boast-
By GARY WALSH
ing five, including four of the top five, and the Band providing four.
It all suggests the grand final, to be played at Arnold, is Kingower’s to lose, but form is often thrown out of the window under the pressure of a decider.
What the figures do tell, however, is the importance of Kingower’s top-order batting, and the challenge Wedderburn’s bowlers have before them.
The Band brings a vastly experienced bowling group to the table, with Adam Postle, Will Holt and Danny Benaim among the top 10 bowlers for the season.
They face a monumental task against a batting lineup of Leach, Rowe, Will Deason, Kyle Simpson, Blake Pickles, Lachlan Dejong and Ben Rose, among others.
Wedderburn’s players will also need to bat above themselves against a Kingower attack head-
AT 1-85, with veteran Phil Scholes batting beautifully, Arnold’s hopes of reaching the Upper Loddon senior cricket grand final were soaring.
Cameron Dale was in form at the other end, stroking his way to 16 off 22 balls, and despite Kingower’s powerful attack and some exceptional fielding, a substantial Redbacks score looked on the cards.
Then, to his visible annoyance, Dale was given out LBW to Gower skipper Jayden Leach.
Incoming batsman Campbell Hancock survived a huge LBW shout first ball and settled in with Scholes.
However, as has happened numerous times this season, the introduction of spinner Blake Pickles to the attack for Kingower brought instant results.
He had Hancock caught by Lachlan Dejong, and then, immediately after a drinks break, saw Scholes well caught at mid-wicket by Matt Rowe.
Arnold’s innings went from flowing smoothly to a dreadful stuttering, with the last seven wickets falling for 45 runs, including a dire collapse of 4-6 after reaching 5-132.
Pickles took 3-15 from six overs, while Ben Rose’s left-arm medium pace brought him 3-32.
The Redbacks’ total of 152 was unlikely to be
ed by Leach, who has taken his wickets at eight runs apiece, and features spinner Pickles, who is averaging an amazing 4.5 with the ball and has been a regular partnership breaker.
Incidentally, Pickles has only batted three times but is averaging a competition-best 61 on top of his bowling exploits.
The teams have met three times this season, with Wedderburn inflicting Kingower’s only loss, way back in October in a T20 clash, when the Band skittled their opponents for 66.
Kingower got revenge in the final of the T20 series, winning the Loddon Herald Cup, and they also beat the Band in late January in a two-day match in which Leach took a stunning 7-26.
All three matches were played on the Market Square turf, with one other game scheduled to be played at Kingower abandoned due to rain.
AFTER SIX overs of its Upper Loddon semi-final clash with Wedderburn Band, Boort Yando was marooned on 2-1, with Adam Postle and Will Holt in total control with the ball.
The Magpies batsmen couldn’t hit the ball off the square, their unfamiliarity with the turf wicket at Market Square plain to see.
But James Byrne and Fergus Bear knuckled down to the task and added 26 runs, and then Jarrod Hodoras joined Byrne and put on another 32-run partnership.
At 3-61 off 23 overs a competitive total was in prospect, and even after Byrne fell for 30,
enough against the potent Kingower batting lineup, but in-form openers Rowe and Will Deason were out early, reducing the Gower to 2-21.
Enter captain Leach and vice-captain Kyle Simpson.
Less than 20 overs later, Kingower was into next Saturday’s grand final as the leadership duo smashed their way to an unbeaten 135-run partnership. Leach hit 65 off 63 balls, but Simpson went berserk, finishing on 75 not out from 50 balls. All of the Redback bowlers were put to the sword, with Michael and Cameron Dale each taking an early wicket but leaking runs.
Hodoras (33) and Harry Weaver nudged the score along to 84.
Then came an all-too-familiar collapse, with the Magpies losing 6-14 to be all out for 98.
Spinner Danny Benaim caused most of the late-order havoc, taking 4-11 from five overs, while Will Holt’s 3-15 from eight overs included five maidens.
Postle battled through back soreness to collect 2-13 from his eight overs.
Clearly, Boort Yando needed quick wickets – and plenty of them.
Opener Finn Turnbull made a duck, but remarkably he was half
of a 36-run opening partnership with Brad Holt, who went on to make 41 before he was out with the score on 69.
Isaac Holt (25 not out with five fours) and Will Holt (seven not out) took the Band past the Magpies’ total with 19 overs to spare.
Captain Will even tried a party trick with the last ball of the innings, unsuccessfully attempting a switch hit as the clash limped to its end.
Hodoras took 2-28 in a strong all-round performance, while skipper Brian Minogue captured the other wicket to fall.
- GARY WALSH
H. Lakey 1-0-14-0. Boort Yando lost to Wedderburn Boort Yando A. Cockerell c I. Holt b W. Holt 1 J. Smith c F. Turnbull b A. Postle 0 J. Byrne lbw A.
sport
OUT OF WORK
A WILD 30-metre gallop
has seen Collective Works stripped of success at Sunday’s Boort Pacing Cup.
The race favourite led from the start before making contact with marker pegs, breaking, apparently shifting into the sprint lane .
Collective Works galloped and interfered with other runners in a sensational 30 metres of the race.
But instead of dropping to the rear of the field, the Ewa Justicedriven Collective Works regained
By CHRIS EARL
stride and soon shot back into the lead and never faltered for the final laps of the Boort Park track.
Streeting past the post by more than four metres from Lincoln River, it seemed all clear was given. But the sensation continued when a protest was lodged minutes later and stewards began their inquiry. The final race on the card was delayed more than 30 minutes while the protest was heard.
Stewards gave the cup to second favourite Lincoln River, trained and driven by Great Western’s Kerryn Manning, and elevated Cee Cee in America and Angus Indiana to the minor placings.
Lincoln River had finished second behind Western Sonador in January’s Wedderburn Cup. Both pacers have just one win each this year.
Collective Works was ultimately disqualified by stewards for reentering the field after galloping and being inside the sprint lane
at approximately the 1600-metre mark.
Stewards ruled that that when Collective Works regained its correct gait whilst in the sprint lane, its driver Ewa Justice had than driven forward, gained an unfair advantage, and when rejoining the field near the 2100m, shifted out forcing Cee Cee In America wider.
They have adjourned the inquiry into Justice’s drive in the race.
Boort Trotting Club president Tim Byrne said he was pleased
with the attendance at Sunday’s meeting.
People began arriving at lunchtime and the crowd had swelled to several hundred by late afternoon when the feature events were raced and star local vocalist Elias Lanyon was in entertainment mode.
Boort club members hope Sunday’s meeting, the only event on its calendar after Harness Racing Victoria dropped its hugely successful New Year meeting, will be a springboard for discussions to increase meetings next year.
Director Bruce keeps greens running well
AS BOWLERS from all over the Bendigo region took to the impeccably maintained rinks at Inglewood last Saturday in their semi-final clashes, one local looked on like a proud parent.
Bruce McClymont is a legend of the Inglewood Bowls Club and a fine player in his own right, with state and national arm bowling titles in his trophy cabinet.
However, on Saturday Bruce was on site not to play, but in his critical role as greens director at the club.
It was his job to have the rinks at their best for a day on which they would be tested by some of the area’s finest players when Division 1 teams from Bendigo East, Kangaroo Flat, Strathfieldsaye and Castlemaine hit the greens.
Bruce is in his first season as greens direc-
tor on his own, having shared the role with the now retired Ian Chamberlain for at least 10 seasons.
He is responsible for the mowing, chemical spraying and watering of the grass, which hasn’t had a lot of help from Mother Nature recently, making the job considerably tougher.
And Bruce is getting some deserved praise:
“One of the best greenkeepers in the Bendigo area told me after the games that the greens were fabulous. And he’s a genius.”
For Bruce, it’s not over after the end of the pennant season, with Inglewood continuing with club competitions and tournaments until at least mid-April.
“It’s something that keeps me active,” Bruce said, “and it’s nice to provide a good service for the members.”
